Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What are you avoiding?

I'm mostly trying to stay awake. Probably should be reading, but Sparky has turned on "The Cape" on TV and there'll be no reading with it running.

2) When was the last time you were at a bus station?

Hmm...about a year and a half ago when my British niece & her husband were traveling the states. Before that--years, nay decades.

3) Describe your next-door neighbor (no names!).

Our next-door neighbors are Hispanic and super-nice. The mom speaks almost no English, but all three of her sons are polite and nice and funny; Sparky has played with them for years. The dad works long hours and is a good guy, too. We are fortunate to have some of the best neighbors here that we've ever had.

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

Yep, gonna snow tomorrow. Apparently this is news, being winter and all. The weather people are in a complete tizzy, trying to wind the rest of us up to their level of frantic. I just hope we get a 'snow day' out of it. Anyway, I haven't seen any cardinals this winter. Looks like they all made it further south this year.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Ace Meme, Part Two

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? Uhm, yeah. A few times. Yet another out-of-country trip coming up soon.

35. WEAKNESSES? I'm lazy, sugar-addicted, and tend to procrastinate. I also speak before thinking quite often.

37. FIRST JOB? I babysat for pay from about 12 or 13 on. I answered phones for my dad's home business and cleaned the house for free before that. First 'real' job was shelving at the public library.

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL? Of course.

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE? Nope. I think everyone out there has the potential for having some great friendships and awesome sex. Sometimes, if we're lucky, those are with the same person/people.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU DID STEALING? Jeez, what was I doing? Uhm, Facebook, maybe. I really am brain-dead today.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY? Yup. Not a party, no way.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST? Working hard, which is so fucking ironic.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES? Welcome to my middle school years. I still have my retainer upstairs somewhere. It doesn't fit in my mouth anymore....

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY? That's 9+ months from now. Who knows--by then I may be wishing for something that isn't even on the market yet!

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND WHAT DO YOU WANT THEIR NAMES TO BE? (OR IF YOU HAVE KIDS, TELL US ABOUT THEM.) Just the one; we call him Sparky. He has auburn hair like my dad's--which I never saw because Dad had gone grey by the time I was born. Let's see...he'll be 18 in a few days, but he's still my little baby boy. He's always been a winner and genuinely a joy to be with, even during the worst times.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Rumor has it my sisters 'borrowed' my name from one of their friends.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE SEX(ES) YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO? Bossiness, or to be more explicit know-it-all-itis.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL? Band. But mostly I really didn't mind high school at all.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE? Back to Basics Color Protection.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes. Generally. When I am writing carefully.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef.

52. ANY BAD HABITS? Isn't this the same as 35? I'll just add that I bite my nails.

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON? Not so much.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Depends on who I was. Maybe.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS? Not sure what this means--should people sleep with their friends? Only if they are prepared for the friendship to change either subtly or on a grand scale.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER? Yes. Should they? Not so sure about that one.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER? I yell and bang things around.

58. WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS? I need to lose some weight, so we'll go with that, though 58 lbs. is more than I was shooting for.

59. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE? Be a good person.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Cars, jumprope, jacks, dolls...I wasn't all that fussy.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE? Probably about 50. I've got something like 300 slots for numbers though, which is totally insane.

62. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID? I was born before Barney, which of course then makes me older than at least one dinosaur, doesn't it? Sparky watched, and liked, the show when he was 2-3 years old.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Nope. Never ever.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE? If I have to choose, I'd probably go with mac n cheese. But I'd rather have both.

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A LOVER? Presence. In ever possible sense of that word.

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Cat., Mom, Mrs. [Beast]

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER? Sleep.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name your seven favorite advertising slogans [from this list].
I'm going off-list on a couple of my answers. Those marked with * came to mind prior to looking at that link.

1. * "Have it your way...hold the pickles, hold the lettuce..." (though I like pickles and lettuce--it's the tomatoes that had/have to go)
2. * "Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun"
3. * "Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is"
4. * "Have a Coke and a smile", and the "I'd like to teach the world to sing" ad from Coke--were they the same thing? Or just the same era?
5. "He likes it...Hey Mikey!"
6. "Just do it"
7. "This is your brain on drugs"

And one for the I HATE IT pile from that list: "Think different" Really, you couldn't figure out a way to sell your product without using bad grammar?? This may be where my attitude toward Apple started heading south.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Agency :: Indian...
2. Ministrations :: Care
3. Charlie :: ...Baker
4. Bricks :: ...and Mortar
5. Contingencies :: Preparations
6. Dad :: Mom
7. Zoned :: ...Out
8. Direct :: ...Mail
9. Team :: Unit
10. Cave :: ...In

Sky lights

You Are the Moon

Some may find you to be a bit harsh, but if anything you are a realist. You are a loner and prefer to keep to yourself. You are shy, but you're also naturally introverted. Those who get to know you appreciate your practical, no-nonsense approach to life. You may not be warm and fuzzy, but you are extremely caring in your own way.

Are You the Moon or the Sun?

OK, well, I can live with that.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Which fast food restaurant have you visited most in the past year?

It's pretty close between Taco Bell and McD's; one's for lunch, one's (usually) for breakfast. Not every day of course!

2. What fast food creation do you most wish you could mimic in your own kitchen?

The whole point of eating out is so I don't have to cook. So ... none.

3. You don’t have time to cook, but you want to eat as healthy a meal as possible: which fast food restaurant are you most likely to choose?

Culver's has AWESOME salads. And soup.

4. Take the quiz: What Kind of French Fries Are You?

I was Belgian. Yes, honestly.

5. What do you like most on your french fries?

Salt.

6. When ordering a burger, do you prefer ordering it “all the way” and picking off what you don’t want, or do you prefer to order specifically what you want?

No, I don't like picking off food and throwing it away.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
What a Fool Believes
(Oh, dear God how I hated this song when it was popular!!!)

1. What celebrity do you think is the MOST foolish?

Well, let's start with Sarah Palin...

2. What are 5 things you don't care about?

Playing mind games, swimming, shopping, fashion, bodybuilding/ers (although I have two bodybuilder friends).

3. What 'issue' do you think your opinion is so right about that you end up trying to sway others to your point of view?

Being kind to others.

4. What personality do you like to listen to on the radio?

I . Do . Not. I don't like anyone on the radio, and I don't listen to the radio very often at all.

5. What culture are you fascinated by?

Those in this country are constantly interesting, and often amusing.

6. You are alone with your lover's diary. What do you do?

Flip through it briefly, and then quickly put it out of sight so I won't be tempted again.

7. What frustrates you?

Nearly everything in life. Mostly myself, though.

8. Do you remember the first time you were on the internet? What did you do first?

I was on Prodigy from for 4 or 5 years around 1990, then (briefly) on AOL. My early years involved a lot of ST:TNG message boards on Prodigy. On the internet, I think I started out stalking people I'd lost touch with. ;-)

9. What was the biggest fight you have ever had with someone?

Oh, for heaven's sake! Most of my relationships don't revolve around fights, and they have never ended that way. The most physical was Jeri & me fighting on the playground in 4th or 5th grade. Verbal jousting started before I can remember.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Unrelated

1. What’s your favorite kind of cracker?

Wheat Thins, I guess.

2. What part of your residence gets the best natural lighting?

The master bedroom and the office. They are perpendicular to each other; one faces southeast and the other faces southwest.

3. What song have you frequently listened to lately?

Today was a big Spandau Ballet day at work for some reason. Jango has days like that where it sorta gets stuck on a band some days.

4. What could you use a little break from?

Blowing my nose. Tired of being plugged up.

5. What’s going on in your town this weekend?

Big doin's surrounding a large rodent.

Friday's Fab Five

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

There were these little snacks made for us in China that looked like oddly-shaped Bugles. No one else was brave enough to try it, but I took one--pretty rude for NONE of us to sample!--and it turned out to be sweet. And soft. And not in a good way. I have absolutely no idea what it was, and I'd like to keep it that way, but I did, slowly, get it all down with my best attempt at a pokerface.

2. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?

Laura Ingalls. She was a fun kid, and smart woman.

3. What dead person would you least want to be haunted by?

Someone who blamed me for their death or a horrible life. I was going to say my mom and/or dad, but they pretty much already do: voices from childhood in my head.

4. If you had to be trapped in a book for a month, which book would you choose? (you can also pick what character you would want to be as well)

Probably a random romantic suspense potboiler. Nothing really ever happens in those except sex. Maybe a Jennifer Crusie book. Oh, and I stipulate that I'll be the female lead.

5. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose? (you can also pick what character you would want to be as well)

I know Amy would put me in NCIS, but I would kill Tony, so...no. I think I'll take Moonlighting as Maddie so I could kill Bruce Willis! Much better ending to that show that way.

RevGals Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Fave Verses
List your five favorite passages/verses from the Bible and tell us something about why you love them.

1. Well, of course, based on my email, you have to know Psalm 23 is going to show up. This part is my favorite: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (v.5)
2. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. (part of 1 Corinthians 15:51) It was on the nursery door in my childhood church.
3. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
4. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12) Because who wouldn't laugh?
5. There are many rooms in my Father's house. If this were not true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Up up and away in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon. One of the earliest songs I remember hearing wafting from my brother's room mixed with a lot of Blood, Sweat, and Tears songs.

2. There are a lot of versions of this cold going around.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: this is why winter means planning an extra 5-10 minutes of dressing time if you have kids.

4. There is nothing more enjoyable a nice back rub. OK, yes there is, but one thing might lead to another in some cases.

5. I'm thinking about going to work tomorrow.

6. Free to be you and me. My age is showing.

7. And as for the weekend, tonighttomorrow night I'm looking forward to hanging with my sweetie (yes, gag, I know), tomorrow Saturday my plans include possibly working to catch up for the last two days and Sunday, I want to go to church, I guess!

Fried

You Are Belgian Fries

You are an optimistic person who enjoys being in a crowd. You love the energy of a city. You are hard working, but you also play hard too. You are the type who often needs a midnight snack. You are open minded, and you do your best to just enjoy life. You are not easily annoyed. You feel like you've got it pretty good, and you're not going to do anything to rock the boat!

What Kind of French Fries Are You?

C'mon, really? Is there such a thing as "Belgian fries"?? Holy shit, there is! And OMG is that website (semi-unintentionally?) funny/weird. But the twice-fried part sounds great.

OK, as for the description...not so much.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Blondie

1. HANGING ON THE TELEPHONE : “You’ve got me hangin on the telephone…”
Have you ever fallen asleep while talking on the phone?

No, though I have come very close. Sorry, Briny. Not that he knew at the time.

2. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER : “One way or another, I’m gonna find ya. I’m gonna get ya , I’ll get ya…”
Where is the oddest place you agreed to meet someone?

Near an Underground station in a part of London I was (am) absolutely unfamiliar with.

3. PRETTY BABY : “Pretty baby, you look so heavenly. A neo nebula from under the sun…”
Post your baby picture here.

Nope. I was a cutie though. And I have a copy (finally), but it's in the office and I'm too lazy to faff about taking a picture of it and posting it here etc.

4. RIP HER TO SHREDS : “Check out those shoes. She looks like she stepped out of the middle of somebody’s blues. She looks like the Sunday comics, she thinks she’s Brenda Starr…”
Who did you last rip apart or gossip about?

Steve M. about his overly-football-fanboy-ish behavior on Facebook.

5. ATOMIC : “Oh, oh heart make it magnificent. Tonight , tonight….”
Do you believe in nuclear energy? If not, what type of power do you prefer?

Do I believe in it? Of course I do! I don't think it's a great solution; I'm more of a fan of solar energy, though if I depended on that around here in the winter I'd be fucking dead. So, maybe wind. In fact, Beast has discussed putting something like this on our roof--it's windy all the time around here.

6. PICTURE THIS : “All I want is a photo in my wallet. A small remembrance of something more solid. All I want is a picture of you.”
Are you into photography? What do you usually photograph?

I mostly take pictures on vacation or at special events, and they tend not to be fabulous except by accident.

7. DENIS : “Denis Denis I’m so in love with you. You’re my king. I’m in heaven every time I look at you…”
What is your favorite name that is used by both boys and girls (Example: Jean/Gene)?

Tony/i, though I'm fond of Sam as well.

8. UNION CITY BLUE : “Oh ho, oh ho, what are we gonna do? Union, union, union city blue. Tunnel to the other side. It becomes daylight.”
Are you in a union? Do you believe in them?

I'm not in one, and I have not been likely to join one or fight for one. They have a place, but I'm not that pissed off at my boss and the city. Not yet. Another few months and that could change radically, however. Not a day passes at work that I don't get annoyed/irritated/angry with my boss.

9. HEART OF GLASS : “Love is so confusing there’s no peace of mind. If I fear I’m losing you, it’s just no good. You teasing like you do…”
When was the last time you teased someone?

Beast and I tease each other all the time. I guess the latest would be his comments tonight on my computer use and my rejoinder re NASCAR.

10. DREAMING : “Dream, dream. Even fir a little while. Dream, dream. Filling up an idle hour. Fade away….radiate…”
What do you daydream about?

Cute boys, what else? ;-) Oh, yeah, and warm weather.

11. CALL ME : “Cover me with kisses baby, cover me with love. Roll me in designer sheets, I’ll never get enough…”
Should prostitution be legal? Why or why not?

I'm all for legalizing, regulating, and taxing the HELL out of it.

12. RAPTURE : “Fab Five Freddy told me everbody’s fly…”
Who is your favorite rap artist, or if you don’t like rap music, what about it do you dislike?

I like the Sugar Hill Gang, Eminem, and LLCoolJ. Does Kanye count? If so, then him too. And I like some individual songs by others, too.

13. EAT TO THE BEAT : “Hey you gotta tummy ache, and I remember sitting in the bathroom drinking up a seltzer. Eat to the beat…”
When was the last time you had a tummy ache and what caused it?

I was sick before Christmas with a stomach virus. I'd like to pass on the next few of those that come around, please. Not a fan.

Birthstone

Posted primarily for humor, especially the first line...

Your Birthstone Should Be the Pearl

The pearl represents innocence and purity, both words that could describe you. Like pearl wearers, you seem untouched by pain and suffering. You remain optimistic. You are loyal and true to everyone in your life, especially your romantic partner. You find commitment easy and natural. If you decide to love someone, you're able to love for life.

What Should Your Birthstone Really Be?

Better than topaz, for sure, but this so totally does NOT describe me in a recognizable way. Oh, well.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Things I've Accomplished Today (and Yesterday)*

1. Got dressed. Both days! OK, the same clothes, but...dressed. Both days!
2. Napped. That includes the sleep I was getting at night, btw.
3. Finished one book, am about a disc-and-a-half from the end of another, and read about 1/3 of another one.
4. Facebook games. They're sucking me in.
5. Answered a couple of emails.
6. Went to the grocery store.
7. Drank a lot of DDP and ginger ale.
8. Put on Chapstick by the ton. My lips are really messed up--dry, itchy, sore...yuck
9. Did the dishes (tonight).
10. Took most of my meds mostly on schedule at least once in the last two days.
11. Reported in to my boss and work both days.
12. Brushed my teeth. Both days! W00t-w00t.
13. Watched a lot of crappy TV.

_________
* Because when you have a cold, 13 things is a lot to ask for one day at home

Finish this

(swiped from Kwizgiver)

1. My ex is... in Colorado. Ironically, so is my husband today. ;-)

2. I should learn to... turn off the computer.

3. I love... my son.

4. People would say that I am... better than I know I am at some things I'm good at faking.

5. I don't understand... why the common cold is so freaking annoying.

6. When I wake up in the morning... I start thinking about things I need to do.

7. I lost... my mind years ago, and am still trying to find parts of it.

8. Life is... tedious this week.

9. My past taught me... everything I know. Duh. :-)

10. I get annoyed... far too often.

11. Parties are... not my thing, unless I know a few people at them.

12. I wish... I felt better.

13. Dogs and cats... both make me sick, which is unfortunate since I like animals.

14. My childhood pets... were more-or-less snuck into the house by Mom in spite of Dad, though he ended up being fond of them. Also, the whole 'You got a DOG and we didn't' thing from my siblings--fuckin' grow up, people.

15. Tomorrow is... going to be a long day at work.

16. I have a low tolerance for... idiocy.

17. If I won a million dollars... I'd probably give an awful lot of it away. No. not to people I know; put your hand away.

18. I'm terrified of... something bad happening to Sparky.

19. I've come to realize... that I'm not that important in the big wide world. But neither is anyone else.

20. I am listening to... commercials on daytime TV. It's my way of convincing myself that I have to go back to work if only to regain the IQ points I'm losing.

21. I talk... like the people around me, chameleon-like.

22. My best friend(s)... are amazing, strong people.

23. My first kiss... (from a boy (that I liked)) was under mistletoe.

24. I am thankful for... every day, even today.

25. Marriage is... complicated and not for sissies.

26. Some where, someone is... crying. And somewhere else (I hope), someone is laughing.

27. I'll always be... the youngest sibling. ...sigh

28. The last time I really cried was... months ago. I don't remember. I haven't had a full-out sob-fest for longer than I care to remember.

29. My cell phone is... in need of a charge.

30. Before I go to bed... I brush my teeth.

31. My middle name... is from the Bible. It just occurs to me that my brother and I are the only kids who got Bible names. That is...weird.

32. Right now, I am thinking... I need to go to the grocery store for something yummy to eat. We've got nothing healthful in the house.

33. Yesterday I... felt less bad than I do today. Surely this means this will break by tomorrow. (I know, I know, stop calling you Shirley.)

34. Tomorrow I will be... another day older.

35. I really want to... get my act together, but apparently not enough to actually do it.

36. The person most likely to re-post this is... someone who reads it. If you do, it would be nice to let me know, unless you're Amy. So, I guess, then Amy's the most likely. (See what I mean about my mind being lost?)

37. The person least likely to re-post this is... President Obama. Or maybe some guy living in a yurt without internet access.

38. My relationship with my grandparents... was pretty well over before I turned 6.

39. My most treasured possession is... whatever I think of in an emergency. Honestly? I can never think of anything when this question comes up.

40. My favorite pictures... are mostly in my memory.

41. I sing... the body electric.

42. If I were a crayon... I'd be melty, crumbed up with other colors, and missing my label.

43. Someday I want to travel to... Egypt.

44. I am wearing... jeans, comfy turtleneck, sox, and my regular jewelry and undies.

45. My favorite class... was Miss Fitz's classes.

46. My favorite language is.... English. Though I enjoy listening to people speaking Russian.

47. It hurts... for awhile, and then it stops. If it doesn't stop, you should see a doctor.

48. I’m amazed... at how resilient people can be.

49. My profile picture is... varies depending on the site and how often I visit and notice it.

50. I need... to get better. Soon.

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Steven Tyler

1. And the things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.
When was the last time that you wanted to do something, but it was all done before you got there?

Oh, probably something like getting the exact dessert I wanted at dinner at church.

2. As good as I am, I'm nothing without my band.
Do you feel there is anyone you could not do without?

This quote is so freakin' ironic for him to have said. And, yes, I'd be a completely different person without Sparky and Beast.

3. Back then it was nothing like today. So you'd go to the bowling alley. We bowled and you could be in the back and you could make out, you know? And you know how hot it was to make out.
When you were young and innocent, what place did you make out?

Cars. There's an overlook by the dinosaur bones west of Denver...

4. Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened.
Were you ever tempted by something that could "steal your soul"?

Too much of ANYthing can steal your soul: love, books, food, anything.

5. Every life has a measure of sorrow, and sometimes this is what awakens us.
How do you deal with sorrow?

The latest bout has bene squashed down inside. It'll come out eventually in some weirdorific way. I know it's not right to do that, but ...

6. Fake it until you make it.
Did you ever have dreams of making it in showbiz in some capacity?

Nope, but this is one of the things I say regularly in my head.

7. Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new.
What keeps you fresh and new?

Frequent showers and baths. And being cut off at the knee by others.

8. I don't mind being a grandfather.
If you are a grandparent, do you at first "mind it"? If you aren't, how do you think that you would feel about it?

I ... can't wait! Well, yes, I can wait about 10 years.

9. I grew up in New Hampshire. My closest neighbor was a mile away. The deer and the raccoons were my friends. So I would spend time walking through the woods, looking for the most beautiful tropical thing that can survive the winter in the woods in New Hampshire.
Do you enjoy winter where you live?

Hell no. Another month and I'll be officially climbing the walls, and I'm medicated, so imagine what I'd be like if I weren't!

10. I have to get inspired by something that touches my soul, or rocks my soul.
What rocks your soul?

"Getting" something for the first time--seeing how the inside of things work. Watching kids learn. Music. Sunshine. Giggles.

Hooray for...

You Should Be a Script Writer

You are verbal, witty, and expressive. You have probably always had a way with words. You are intellectual and brainy. You are well read, and you will read anything you can get your hands on. You have a vivid imagination. You can create a whole new world inside your mind. You love challenges, especially when they involve learning new things. You love to step outside your comfort zone.

What's Your Hollywood Job?

So...how does this make me a scriptwriter exactly.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Board Game Meme

1. Twister
Who would you like to get your arms and legs tangled up with?

Heh, OK, then...Gibbs.

2. Monopoly
You have just landed on Boardwalk and collected a nice sum in rent payments.
Which Monopoly token do you want to be when you grow up?

The little doggie.

3. Candyland
This game is based on The Legend of The Lost Candy Castle. Did you know that? The object of the game is to reach the Candy Castle. But in my game, the object is to avoid the dungeon that is in the Candy Castle. You must swim through the Ice Cream Sea to be victorious.
What is your flavor?

Peppermint.

4. Operation
You are the surgeon. You have the tweezers in your hand. It is time to remove the most irritating person or thing in your life.
What is the name of this organ?

The complainer-whiner gland.

5. Sorry!
I often say that success is the best revenge. Lucky for you! Sorry! is a game of sweet revenge.
What is your strategy for success today?

At this point in the day, it's pretty much finish up some memes and go to bed.

6. Wheel of Fortune!
It's your spin. You have just landed on a surprise vacation package.
It's yours if you can name the destination with 3 vowels and 2 consonants.

Syria? Wow, thanks.

7. Clue
Miss Scarlet (that's you) is in the library with the knife. Who did she kill and why?

The 548,000th person this month to ask where the tax forms are.

In Honor of Beast

You Are a Window Seat

You are a highly imaginative person. In fact, you are a visionary. {snerk} You are very curious about the world. You want to see as much of it as you possibly can. You are mentally alert. You like to daydream, but your dreams always have meaning.\ You come up with many profound and original thoughts. You find entirely new ways of doing things.

What Airplane Seat Are You?

I only want a window seat if I know the person next to me and plan to sleep. Otherwise, they are a pain in the ass. Climbing over Mt. Stranger to go to the 'lavatory' is not exactly my idea of a great time. And, oh, this isn't exactly accurate, to say the least.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
The Over-Rated

1. Name a restaurant that is over-rated?

Hooters. I don't like wings anyway, but...really?

2. What food is over-rated?

Well, wings, I guess. ;-)

3. Name an experience that you have had that is/was over-rated?

Childbirth. Fucking nightmare, also messy, embarrassing (though not at the time--at the time I didn't give one flying fuck), humiliating (due to the behavior of some of the health-care "professionals"), and ohyeah a LEETLE BIT painful.

4. What celebrity is over-rated?

99.98% of them. I can't actually think of one who isn't. By someone.

5. What movie is/was over-rated?

"Avatar" springs to mind for some reason, but really, see my answer to #4.

6. What famous person is over-rated?

What? Didn't we just do this? How is "fame" different from "celebrity"? Am I supposed to only think of Famous SERIOUS People this time? If so, then...uh...bin Laden.

7. Would you rather be over-rated or under-rated?

I'd totally rather not be rated at all. However, it's important that you don't underestimate me.

8. What or who is the most over-rated thing in the world?

Clean livin' takes all the joy out of life.

9. Is there something that your S.O. (spouse, etc.) likes a lot that you think is over-rated?

NASCAR, reading about science, arguing about sports, closing drawers and cupboard doors, keeping crap because "it might be worth something someday", pretzels.... :-)

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Look around you: list the first 5 things you see that bring back good memories.

My phone mostly brings back good memories. The pastel-rainbow TY beanie baby bear makes me smile, but only cuz TYs make me remember Sparky's collection. The picture above Sparky's head reminds me of my dad's cousin Bill who painted it and sent to for our wedding present (I met him once; Beast never met him at all). The catalog/table makes me miss card catalogs in the good ways (not the annoying ways). The bottle of DDP reminds me of all the other good-tasting DDP that I have had in my life.

2) Create a super-pet by combining any three animals.

Dog for intelligence, guinea pig for being non-allergic and for poo-production, and kangaroo. For fun.

3) How do you respond when someone says something unexpectedly kind to you?

Blush, stammer, thank them, and change the subject.

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

Cool: mahjong with money! :-)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Ace Meme, Part One

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?

Abdominal surgery. It's about 7" long and killed my bikini-wearing future. Ha ha ha (as if I had a bikini-wearing future at that point anyway).

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?

Hmmm, "room"?? Generally, there's paint on all the walls in the house. [baDUMbum--I'm here all week, folks]
In my bedroom there is (moving clockwise from the door) a painting of a lighthouse (by Beast's grandma), a framed greeting card returned to me by "Harkonnen" (Uncle Briny, RIP), a lighthouse calendar, a print of a broken-down boathouse and fence with a wooden boat in the foreground (wedding gift from my parents with the frame made by my dad), a framed photo taken by my brother-in-law of the houses along a canal in Copenhagen, and Beast's grandparents' mirror (which needs resilvering rather badly). Aren't you glad you asked?

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?

I've been known to do all of the above at different times. I wear a mouthguard now, having broken 2 teeth in the past couple of years. Thanks, Gene Pool, for the excellent dental background. I've been told I snore "gently" when I'm sick or really really tired, and we have a great story about me freaking Beast out one time in particular when I SHOUTED in my sleep.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

Y'know, really, it's easier to ask what I don't listen to. Here's my Jango; go peruse my "likes."

5. WHAT TIME WERE YOU BORN?

In the Cenozoic Era, at about 10 p.m., I think.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

To be caught up at work.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?

My dad. Having mentioned the picture frame above, I can't stop thinking about him.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?

Oh good heavens! Uhm, the "grandma paintings" (I think we have three in the house now), this laptop, my mom's china, family Bibles, stuff my dad built, the house in general....

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?

Somewhere around 170 cm, and shrinking.

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Not ... precisely. I don't like being 'squished' against other people or objects, though. Elevators, as a rule, are not a problem. Being in a crowd before the doors of a venue open is not fun. Neither are shopping malls at Christmas.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?

Nope. I like the dark. Trust me, I've been in D A R K--as in, underground, lights-off--that scares me a lot. Regular 'dark' in the modern world isn't scary at all. To me.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?

Mostly likely to be Beast or Sparky. It is the nature of life, no?

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?

Sparky's being hurt. It has been a horrible month or two for parents we know; lots and lots of bad news ranging from inoperable brain tumors to fatal car accidents to generally bad medical news. Without negating the feelings of those families, I'm actually afraid to talk to them out of fear. Yes, I'm aware it doesn't make sense.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON PEOPLE YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO?

Awwkk-warrrd (wording). I like people for their insides, in truth, but I tend to look longer at guys with dark hair and eyes.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?

"I propose that everybody show some sort of sympathy..." (Michael Penn). My proposing [marriage] days are over.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Can't stand coffee.

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?

Canadian bacon. Or just plain bacon.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Nachos with spicy cheese. Or a dozen doughnuts. Really--anything would be good; I haven't eaten yet today.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?

OOOH! Of ALL TIME?? {huh} Blue.

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?

Nope. Never have fallen for the "do something stupid to impress others" stuff.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

Life. And no, I'm not saying that lightly, not at all.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?

Nope. I'm crush-free at the mo.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?

I couldn't be less double-jointed! Well, ok, yes I could: I could be immobile, I guess.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?

"On sale." Also a fan of "comfortable."

25. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?

I really like the people who rarely or never show up in "Us" or "Star" even though I enjoy making fun of those who DO regularly appear there.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?

Just Ruka, the gpig. Have been thinking about getting him a friend to hang with. Shh, don't tell Beast!

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?

I think we've established the genus and species elsewhere, many times.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?

Probably not. Unless we're talking about a kid. I fall for babies and kids at the drop of a hat.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED?

87, though, to be honest, I only typed it; I didn't say it out loud. Beast already thinks I'm insane.

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?

See above, #14.

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?

"Confusion is always the most honest response." --Marty Indik

33. FAVORITE PLACE?

In bed, drifting off to sleep.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Girlfriend :: Boyfriend
2. Crushed :: Despondent
3. Source :: Beginning
4. Corner :: Edge
5. Gossip :: ...Girl
6. Encounter :: Meeting
7. Make an offer :: Bid
8. Stylish :: Fashionable
9. Profit :: Earnings
10. Waste :: Trash

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. So many of us don't spend enough time thinking about the important things, and too much time thinking about stupid stuff.

2. It's important to think about other people as well as yourself, even in hardship.

3. Those who are accepting of "in between" are a whole lot more fun than those who think in black and white.

4. The result of our own bad behavior is waiting quietly.

5. Light is in both the day and the night.

6. I don't mind being boring at all, in the name of all that is ordinary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed (soon), tomorrow my plans include meeting and seeing four of my favorite people outside my immediate household, and Sunday, I want to have a good time at work!

Doo-dee-doodly-oo

You Are Having a Distracted Day

You have a strong sense of humor, and that includes a tendency to make fun of yourself. You are a[n] very organized and even scientific person. You like figuring things out. You're trying to figure out what your next step is. You're feeling a little stuck right now. You are quiet and reserved. You feel most at ease when you are able to keep to yourself.

The Doodle Test

Pretty accurate. I do the same doodles now that I was doing in high school; nothing has changed. But I only do them when I'm terminally bored. So, yeah, if you see me doing it--it's not a good reflection on whoever's talking.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
Basic Music Theory Meme 101

1. What is the symbol above called?

It's a musical staff.

2. Imagine you are playing saxophone and suddenly see the symbol above in your music score. What do you do?

1-2-3-4, 2-2-3-4, 3-2-3-4, 4-2-3-4, 5-2-3-4...assuming there are 4 beats per bar.

3. And this ornate object is???

I have no earthly idea.

4. Are these two rests equal or unequal in value?

I believe the one on the left is 1 beat and the one on the right is 1/2 beat.

5. Name at least 2 things missing from the Treble and Bass clef show below that would be seen in an actual piece of music.

Key signature? Measures? Time signature? Note directionals (lines up/down)? You know what the best thing (for me)  about this is that I think this may be from a handbell chart.

6. Why is the treble clef above always getting in trouble? What is wrong with it?

It's frustrated because the 4 ran off with it's G-spot.

7. What is the name of this note?

It's a hemidemisemiquaver. Or possibly a semihemidemisemiquaver. I never remember precisely where one starts to count.

8. What is the key signature in the piece of music below?

Key of A. Wow, REALLY had to think about this! However, I can translate the title for you if you'd like....

9. What is the last note on a piano keyboard?

Which end? lol

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
The Color Green

1. What is your favorite green food?

Broccoli? Celery? Hey no: PISTACHIOS!!

2. What is your most hated green food?

Not real fond of avocados, or unripe apples.

3. What is green that grosses you out?

Creeping charlie.

4. What is green that you love?

Trees.

5. What is green that you never want to see again?

Sick-bird poo.

6. Have you ever seen a green person?

I've seen some people on the verge of vomiting, and they do tend to be a little greenish.

7. Have you ever been green?

See #6. Having thrown up a few times...yeah.

8. Do you try to be green?

Yeah. I don't knock myself out on it--I could certainly do more--but I do what I can.

9. What is the best green thing in the world?

Kermit the Frog.

10. What green thing should we avoid?

Mold, on bread.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Do you know any recipes by heart? If so, write one down off the top of your head.

I do. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt a stick of margarine and mix in a cup or so of graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13" dish. On top, layer a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a cup of butterscotch chips, a cup of chopped walnuts, a cup of shredded coconut, and pour a can of sweetened condensed milk over the top. Bake for 35 minutes or until everything is all melted together nicely.

2) Of the people you know, who has the best style?

My boss has a neverending closet.

3) If you could be any book character, who would it be?

The dormouse in Alice.

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

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Duomo and St. Peter's in a couple of months! Yay.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name seven books you’d like to read in 2011.

1. The Third Bear, by Jeff VanderMeer
2. Jane, by April Lindner
3. A Dead Man's Tale, by James D. Doss
4. Full Dark, No Stars, by Stephen King
5. The Darwin Awards Countdown to Extinction, by Wendy Northcutt
6. A Secret Gift, by Ted Gup
7. Jewels of the Romanovs : Family & Court, by Stefano Papi

These are just the first seven that I have currently checked out from work, and haven't started. I too am determined to read more this year.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Stupid Evil Bastard Meme

1. What time did you get up this morning? My alarm went off at 7:15ish, so probably 7:25?

2. How do you like your steak?Medium. I'm a medium kinda gal.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I have no memory of it. I'm sure it was outstanding (koff koff).

4. What is your favorite TV show? NCIS, of late.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Southern Colorado.

6. What did you have for breakfast? A few Wheat Things and a DDP

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican or Italian.

8. What foods do you dislike? Don't like raw tomatoes.

9. Favorite Place to Eat? I'll eat anywhere!

10. Favorite dressing? Blue cheese.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? 1998 Ford Ranger.

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans + comfy shirt (T shirt or sweater).

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? I'd love to see Egypt. And Kenya.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Yes. It's all the same.

15. Where would you want to retire? Near Sparky.

16. Favorite time of day? Early morning.

17. Where were you born? Denver, in the same hospital as all my siblings.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? FOOTBALL!

19. Who do you think will never call you again? Arlene. And I have no idea why not. Though the last words I said to her weren't likely to help.

20. Person you expect to call you next? Sparky.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to Stealing? Oh, just the usual suspects. :-P

22. Bird watcher? Not in any organized way. I like to watch them IF they're doing something.

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

24. Do you have any pets? Just the Ruka-ster.

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share? Nothing good. Lots of people going through a period of deep shittiness: cancer, death in the family, job loss, etc.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Grown up.

27. What is your best childhood memory? I loved jumping rope.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Definitely dog.

29. Are you married? Last time I checked, yep.

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes.

31. Been in a car accident? Yes, but nothing major. Knock wood.

32. Any pet peeves? Nope. Nothing bothers me, I'm impervious to annoyance, la la la la la...

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Canadian bacon, sausage and mushroom. I also like onions, but I tend to be the only one in the house who feels that way.

34. Favorite Flower? Heirloom roses.

35. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla. OK, or peppermint or bubblegum.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? TacoBell

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? Never. Not even.

38. Who did you get your last email from? Someone named marig0ld marz0 (I changed the o's)--it's a 'misdial.' Eventually I'll have enough from these characters to publish a book. I get about one a week from someone trying to reach "Richard" by using my email addy. So.Freakin.Annoying. Oh, wait, nevermind: I don't get annoyed, do I? Nope, I just get even by posting them to my (other) blog semi-regularly.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Amazon.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Left words out of sentences. I'm big into excitement, eh?

41. Like your job? Yup. Well, not so much yesterday, but when I'm allowed to catalog, I love it.

42. Broccoli? Cantaloupe?

43. What was your favorite vacation? I've been very fortunate to have had very positive vacation experiences.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? If eating at church Weds night counts, Sparky (and J#t).

45. What are you listening to right now? The Bears-Seahawks game. Or rather "game"--apparently the Seahawks forgot to practice this week.

46. What is your favorite color? Blue.

47. How many tattoos do you have? Same as I have had for every other time this question has been asked.

48. How many times have you tagged someone to do a meme? Not often. I don't tag, therefore I'm not disappointed if people don't do it.

49. What time did you finish this meme? Looks like it's going to be 2:57 p.m. The bad news is that I started it at about 12:25. My ADD-tendencies kicked it today in a big way; I even took an hour-long nap in the middle.

50. Coffee Drinker? I am not one, if that's what you're asking.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Bootie :: Baby... (spelled that way at least; if it had been spelled "Booty" my answer would change considerably  -- lol)
2. User :: End...
3. Child :: Adult
4. Scribe :: Secretary (OK, actually, I was going to write 'Amanuensis' but realized that I'm being too precious)
5. Manager :: Administrator
6. Upsetting :: Annoying
7. Puddles :: Splashing in...
8. Hopeful :: Faithful
9. Procrastination :: Putting off
10. Statistics :: Damned lies

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Wouldn't It Be Nice

1. What's the nicest thing a complete stranger ever did for you?

"I've always depended on the kindness of strangers." I live in a small town; people I don't know are always doing nice things. It's why small towns rock!

2. What one thing always speaks deeply to you, to your spirit, no matter your mood or what else is going on in your life?

Sunshine, blue sky, and a spirited wind.

3. How many jobs have you held in your life? How many of those were part of your chosen career field?

A quick count gets me to 11 paid gigs--I'm lumping the Summer of Temping into one job. None of those were 'career' jobs, and there are maybe 3 or four others.

4. Of those jobs, how many did you leave voluntarily?

All but one.

5. How did you discover Saturday 9? How long have you played? (Thank you for joining in!)

Almost 3 years, it looks like: spring of '08. Wow! (and thank YOU for doing the questions every week!)

6. What's the worst beverage you've ever tasted?

I'm not a fan of tomato juice. {{shudder}}

7. Is there anything in life you are "certain" about? Firm in your beliefs? Strong in your convictions?

People screw up sometimes. Bad things happen. Life is unpredictable in the extreme. You can't always get what you want. Love the one you're with...no, wait, not that one. ;-)

8. How did you come up with the title of your blog's posts?

The posts are simply named after the site I swiped them from, or the title of the meme in some cases.

9. Would you consider yourself a good cook?

No, I would not. I can cook. That's all I'll admit to.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Under which traditional zodiac sign does your birthday fall?

I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Scorpio.

2. Go to this page and click on the appropriate symbol: what does it say about your zodiac symbol that you feel is most accurate?

Just going off the keywords here, but these seem accurate: Loyal, Passionate (when not medicated, especially), Resourceful (binder clips rule the world!), Dynamic, Obsessive, Unyielding

3. What trait does it describe that you think least describes your personality?

I'm not that observant, and I don't think I "do" jealousy. This could be dangerous, no?

4. Now check out this schedule of zodiac signs from Time magazine. What does this adjusted lineup claim that your sign should be?

I'm now a Libra. Insert derisive laugh here.

5. If your sign changed, what is most accurate about your “new” zodiac sign’s personality traits?

I'll go with these: Idealistic, Hospitable, Indecisive. However, I think Superficial and Unreliable might apply at times, too.

6. Assuming your zodiac sign did change, would you be more likely to claim to be whichever sign you felt was more accurate, or just stick with the traditional zodiac sign that has always been associated with your birthdate?

I'm sticking with the old one, simply because I'm used to it AND it fits better.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Expiration

1. What was the most recent thing to go past its expiration date in your pantry?

Well, I just poured almost a full quart of milk down the sink about 45 minutes ago (dated 12/17), and I'm sure there's stuff in the door of the fridge that could go too. I could do that cleaning--I'm 3 yards from the fridge as I type--but I'm lazy.

2. When does your excitement about the new year usually expire?

12:02 January 2. If it even lasts that long.

3. What valued possession seems to be on the verge of expiration?

I think we need a new mattress on our bed. And I want new curtains in our room too. And a new vehicle.

4.When does your current driver’s license expire?

On my birthday in 2014. Sparky will be out of college by then...holy cats!

5. What subscription, membership, permit, policy, or other dated document are you most likely to allow to expire next without renewal?

I'm bailing on being a leader of our church's senior highs as of July 31. They know. No one is killing themselves to find replacements, but they know that come fall there will be one leader (who can't attend meetings due to his family's schedule).

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
The Beach Boys

1. SURFER GIRL : “I have watched you on the shore, standing by the ocean drawer, do you love me do you surfer girl”
Were you ever interested in someone (other than a celebrity) who did not return your interest?

This describes most of junior high and high school.

2. BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL : “So be true to your school now, just like you would for your girl or guy...”
Looking back, how do you feel about your high school days?

Looking back, they were awesome and easy and all, but at the time it was drama-drama-drama and not much fun.

3. FUN FUN FUN : “…and she’ll have fun fun fun till her daddy takes the T-Bird away…”
What was the worst punishment you received as a teenager?

Guilt, and yelling. Occasionally my mom got in my face, and when I was 18 she slapped me for sassing her (and without thinking I slapped her right back). I was a really easy kid, considering.

4. I GET AROUND : “Round round get around, I get around”
Where did you go on your last long trip?

The Midlands.

5. HELP ME RHONDA : “You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her off of my mind”
What do you do to cheer up after a personal tragedy such as a lost job, power outage or broken relationship?

Personal tragedy=power outage? Really? That happens monthly for me. I guess I didn't realize my life was so horrible! (lol) TO cheer up, I usually eat.

6. CALIFORNIA GIRLS : “I wish they all could be California girls. The west coast has the sunshine and the girls there get so tan, I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island dolls, by a palm tree in the sand”
Where are the best boys found?

I wouldn't know. I'm not in the market for boys; really never have been.
[Off-topic: when I was in high-school, in Colorado, we changed the lyric to "Colorado girls" and made some other adjustments; yeah we were red-iculous, but not lacking in self-aggrandizement.]

7. SLOOP JOHN B : “I wanna go home, please let me go home, ya ya. Well this is the worst trip, I’ve ever been on…”
What is the worst trip you’ve ever been on?

I did not enjoy the 'trip' on morphine during labor 18 years ago. As for travel, the trip in #4 was not great, and the trip home after my dad died was pretty awful. Flying with an under-two-year-old, stand-by, with a bitch-mom-from-hell in front of me...gah.

8. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE : “I guess the more we talk about it, it makes it harder just to live without it, but let’s talk about it…”
What is your biggest wish?

To stop living in other people's emotional space. In fact, that might be a good new year's resolution.

9. IN MY ROOM : “There’s a place where I can go and tell my secrets to. In my room. In my room”
What is your favorite thing about your own personal room or space in your home/office?

I love the colors, I love the windows, I love the artwork, prior to today's nap I loved my bed, I love the closets, I love the floor...

10. GOD ONLY KNOWS : “You never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it. God only knows what I feel about you”
When was the last time you told a significant other or close relative that you loved them?

I told Beast before I hung up a couple of hours ago. Not sure if he heard me over the plane noise at his end.

11. GOOD VIBRATIONS : “My baby has good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations…”
When do you get good vibrations?

heh...right...

12. KOKOMO : “We’ll go to Kokomo. We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow. That’s where I wanna go…”
What is your favorite warm weather destination?

"Warm" is enough for me. [Off-topic: I hate this song.]

13. DO IT AGAIN : “Let’s get back together and do it again…”
If you could go back in time and gather up your school friends, what would you do again?

I think I'd like to hit Gatti's for za and not get dramatic with everyone. Part of that would be a nice change.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
no more trials, no more tests

[01] What food are you unable to resist?

Lately, it seems EVERY kind of food is irresistible. However, in general, I gotta go with carbs, bread specifically.

[02] If you could support one charitable cause as a full-time career, what would it be and why?

Ooh, wow. Uhm, Heifer Project or Red Cross are the front-runners for sure. Maybe the Central Asia Institute.

[03] What famous person do you admire?

I admire anyone famous who makes more than a nodding effort to help others, whether that be financially or physically.

[04] How do you express yourself creatively?

Pretty much here. And possibly at work in some of my more random moments of cataloging.

[05] Who is one person from your past you wouldn't mind seeing, if only for an hour?

I have hope that I'll see everyone from my past again in the future, but I'd love to meet my mom's dad. he died 20+ years before I was born.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Right now I need to keep myself from eating until dinner time, seeing as how I've had two breakfasts.

2. Air is what's in my glass. (I'm drinking pop from a bottle today)

3. A copy of this letter shouldn't be made because it would be wasteful. Unless it's just copied onto another computer.

4. Store-bought mac-n-cheese is best with a spoon.

5. The best movie I've seen lately is ...{crickets}. I haven't seen a movie in over a year, not in a theater. And I can't remember the last one I watched on TV. I suppose I could watch "Metropolis" in it's most recent version, since I did bring it home from work this week....

6. Babies, I like; toddlers, I love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Beast for the first time since Monday morning, tomorrow my plans include working (look out, kids' nonfiction, I'm gunnin' for YOU), and Sunday, I want to ignore!

Rock Star Meme

(Swiped from the usual source)

1 - Go to Wikipedia and hit random. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to quotationspage.com and hit random. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”. Third picture no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop, picnik.com or picasa, etc. to put it all together.

5 - Post it with this text and tag the friends you want to join in.

Sounds like an electronica group but it's a fish. The quote is from Barbara Bush, which just about killed me when I saw it.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Jobs That I Would Hate to Do

1. Reporter
2. Sales--virtually ANY kind of sales
3. Cold calling for ANYthing
4. Collections
5. Fashion ANYthing
6. SAHM
7. Complaints
8. Dentist
9. Landscaping/yardwork
10. Public defender/Judge
11. Factory assembler
12. Accountant
13. Waitress (or really any other food-service job)

This is NOT to say I don't value these jobs! Quite the opposite: I value them, in many cases, because I couldn't do them without a lot of mental sacrifice or physical pain.

(Link in meme-roll)
Can't Find the Words
Either you have used sites such as Match.com or Yahoo Personals or you’ve read them. Weekly, we scour those on-line dating sites to respond either a person's profile or often their headlines as most of us would really like to do. We use only "lines" that are gender-neutral. So, your mission is to respond to ten we choose each week. Seriously or with humor is your choice! The spelling or grammar errors were in the original profiles.

1. Can't find words to describe myself. Just writing this because it was a requirement.

Hey, points up for spelling everything right, AND for honesty. Points down for telling me you don't like to talk.

2. I'm quirky, have a twisted sense of humor, I'm really boring and caffeine-addicted.

How can you be boring and over-caffeinated? I'd hate to see you UNDER-caffeinated! But again, points up for spelling.

3. I am submissive.. we!!!

What in the hell are you talking about? Yuck. Go away. Now! [at least in this case, I am confident that my directions will be followed]

4. You will need to be affectionate cos I am, and share my values and passions....I know its a big ask, but I know you are out there..wherever you are ... and I know you are not far away ...

Creepy, stalker-type. I'm putting on garlic; this person seems far too perky (not to mention pushy) for me. However, you might get along GREAT with #3.

5. I am spunky but simple.

Short, to-the-point, spelled right. I'm in. That is very rare.

6. Things have changed in the last week !!! so I'll add: No Drunks. No Liars. No Married peoples.

So if I'd been here last week, I'd've been all good? Wow, really? "Married peoples" omg--head-desk.

7. Do you have what it takes?

Yes. Why do you ask? Cuz, I don't share what I have.

8. Not, interested in someone who play games,who is tacky,lazy, sleeps with others,ARROGANT (usually a person who thinks they're too cute, and talks like a teenager about themself, too wacko for me) I prefer an mature,reserved,laid back, the caring kind any day.

So, your basic 16-year-old drama-queen wrote this. Seriously, except for the horrific typing skills, I could name someone who could have written this. And, can I just say, "sleeps with others" made me snort--s/he wants them to sleep with themselves??

9. Blessings I am not interested in dating at this time.

And you're on a dating site ... why? I wouldn't worry anyway because if you start a sentence with "Blessings" you're gonna be hard-pressed to find a date anyway.

10. I think the inner side of the person is what makes him/her be beautifull and wonderfull!

EUUUWWWWW...the 'inner side' of a person tends to be gunky, bloody and messy. Kind of like your spelling.

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Kurt Cobain

1. "A friend is nothing but a known enemy."
Have you ever had a "friend" that you discovered was really an enemy?

Have you ever seen middle school girls?? I was 13 once upon a time, so the answer is, by default, yes.
And, by the way, I think this thought is incomplete. How about "A friend is nothing but a known potential (or future) enemy."

2. "Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with with your self esteem."
What is the strongest drug (legal or otherwise) that you have taken?

Morphine count? Or the non-morphine derivatives that I'm not allergic to? Or, maybe, epinephrine.

3. "I had a really good childhood up until I was nine, then a classic case of divorce really affected me."
Has a divorce (yours or your parents) really impacted your life?

My brother is divorced, and remarried to someone else. That one, and a couple more recent divorces of friends, has impacted me, of course. It's complicated, but no matter how messed up it is for adults, for the kids it's an absolutely nightmare.

4. "I really haven't had that exciting of a life. There are a lot of things I wish I would have done, instead of just sitting around and complaining about having a boring life. So I pretty much like to make it up. I'd rather tell a story about somebody else."
What's the most exciting thing that you've ever done?

I believe I will keep that to myself, primarily because I've had a lot of exciting moments in my life. Some were even fun.

5. "I was looking for something a lot heavier, yet melodic at the same time. Something different from heavy metal, a different attitude."
Is there a heavy metal band that you are a fan of, or were a fan of at that time?

I'm not really into metal of any kind. I tend to like music to be, oh, I dunno ... MUSICAL. Having said that, I don't hate metal, I just don't need to listen to screaming to get the point of a song.

6. "I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not."
Do people generally like you?

Sure. I'm a lovable chick. Except when I'm doing my Regan MacNeil impersonation.

7. "I'm too busy acting like I'm not Naive. I've seen it all, I was here first."
Are you naïve at all?

Oh, hell yeah. I've bought the Brooklyn Bridge so many times I might as well just open a scrapyard.

8. "I've always had a problem with the average macho man - they've always been a threat to me."
Does a certain type of person scare you?

The crazy ones don't make me so very happy.

9. "If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask someone else first."
Do you mind a friend who asks for favors?

If that's all someone does when I'm around, then yeah, not so much friend, more like leech.

10. "The worst crime is faking it."
Do you ever "fake it" for approval?

There is a time and a place for white lies. In other words, yes.

~~aside~~

For Alison, who asked:

The scarf...

The bag can be seen here.

I'm sorry this has taken so long. Very complicated, this uploading thing...hahaha.

Alaskan women are strong-handed

(Found here)
My ford focus exploded I don't know what this has to do with the price of rice, but it made me laugh....

1. Can you cook? I can. It's not my favorite thing, though.
2. What was your dream growing up? Like most girls, I wanted to get married in a beautiful white dress with a veil. I used one of the handtowels in the downstairs bathroom as my veil, as I recall.
3. What talent do you wish you had? Perserverence.
4. Favorite place? My hidey-hole up the mountain in Ouray. Not that I could get to it anymore: too out-of-shape.
5. Favorite vegetable? Corn.
6. What was the last book you read? Rituals of the Season, by Margaret Maron (on CD).
7. What zodiac sign are you? Scorpio.
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Same as I have had every other time I've answered this question....
9. Worst Habit? Nail-biting.
10. What is one thing you need to do tomorrow? Make an appointment for a blood draw.
11. What is your favorite sport? Still football.
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? I try for positive, but am happy with realistic.
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? For how long? A ride, or is the car stuck between floors?
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Life.
15. Tell me one weird fact about you: I think it might be that there isn't anything overly weird about me at all.
16. Do you have any pets? We have a guinea pig. He's adorable, if mental.
17. Do you know how to do the Macarena? Not really.
18. What time is it where you are now? 8:22 pm.
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?I apparently terrify the shit out of some people.
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I'd lose a lot of weight.
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Depends entirely on what you've got in mind.
22. What colour eyes do you have? Hazel, mostly muddy brown.
23. Ever been arrested? Nope.
24. Bottle or Draft? Seeing as how I don't drink it, 'cheap' is the operative word.
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it? Give it away. It would only fuck up the FAFSA info.
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? I don't chew bubble gum anymore: too sweet and sticks to all my dental work.
27. What's your favorite bar to hang at? I haven't 'hung at' a bar in decades. If ever.
28. Do you believe in ghosts? Not as such, no.
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? This. Read. Do puzzles. Facebook.
30. Do you swear a lot? More than I ought to.
31. Biggest pet peeve? Intentional stupidity.
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Tired.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Questions

1. Are you through with all of the stress associated with the Holidays and the New Year?

I am so through with it! :-) Now gearing up for Sparky's birthday in 3 weeks or so.

2. What is the stupidest thing about New Year's resolutions?

Bothering to make them.

3. We hear that Michael Vick has been given the use of a car in return for promoting a car dealership. Would you ever buy a car from that dealership? (in case you don't know about Vick, check out Wikipedia- you may need to scroll down a bit)

Sure, but since I don't live ANYwhere near there it's unlikely to happen. Listen, the guy's served his time, apologized, seems sincere in his remorse, and isn't falling back into it. Yet. Can we move on?

4. Do you think that eating too many carrots turns the skin orange?

It does, but you have to eat them by the bucketful. Sparky has eaten 5 lbs./week for years and his skin remains reddish-white.

5. Have you ever witnessed someone stealing from a store?

Well, yeah: me, 35 years ago.

6. What is the worst thing you can say to a bus driver?

Oh, I can think of many things that would be bad to say to anyone driving, and a few things that one shouldn't say to ANYone. Several of these things overlap.

7. What grosses you out about feet?

Feet don't gross me out. Not any more than other parts of the body.

8. The highlight of your perfect day would be what?

Laughing a lot.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What one habit would you never, ever give up?

Wearing jeans. On the other hand, I make it a practice (almost a habit, you might say) to avoid saying "never" or "always."

2) Swear words: Are you pro or con?

I'm not con, for sure. I do think there is a time and a place, like other things in life.

3) How cold is “cold” for you? When do you put a sweater on in the house, or a heavier coat on outdoors?

Cold is below freezing outside and below 64ish indoors. I don't worry about zipping my coat till it's into single digits unless it's windy though.

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

Don't both kids look like boys? This makes me smile and hope for the best for them. In any case, the face the kid on the left is making is absolutely superb. I do think little boys are adorable.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Strange January Meme
There are some strange traditions associated with this month, many of them are British customs. Help me decipher the January mysteries of the Universe below. And I sincerely hope you remembered to bake a cake for the cow.

1. January usually has ample amounts of snowfall in parts of the world.
Did you ever make snow cream as a kid?

Nope, just ice cream in a hand-cranked bucket.

2. January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The name comes from the Latin word ianua meaning door and is named after the god of the doorway, Janus.
Is there a particular door you'd like to step through this year?

The doors to the Baptistery here.

3. January is one of the months with 31 days. What are you going to do with that extra day?

It's not extra: there's always 31 days in January. However, I did just schedule a massage for that day.

4. In medieval times superstition dictated that the 1st day of January was significant for prosperity, or lack of it, in a person's life. Farmers put a flat cake on the horns of a cow and they danced and sang songs around the cow until the cake was thrown to the ground. If it fell in front of the cow that meant good luck; it if fell behind the cow that meant bad luck for the rest of the year.
Do you have strange New Year customs in your household?

Watching the parade, watching college football, maybe doing a jigsaw...nope.

5. Did you know that it's unlucky to see the first new moon of the year through a window? You should, instead, look through a new silk handkerchief!
Did you remember to do this?

I'm not sure I've seen the moon yet, but in any case, what if I see it from my front porch with no window?

6. On January 14, 1986, motorists were required for the first time to wear seat belts?
Do you always buckle up? Why or why not?

Yes I do. I've known too many people who have had horrible car--and motorcycle--accidents.

7. If you are single and want to find a mate, legend has it that on January 20th you should walk backwards up the stairs to bed. If you don't have a staircase you should recite The Lord's Prayer while transferring pins from a pin cushion to your sleeve.
I couldn't find a male ritual to attract women. Make one up.

Shut up and stop trying to impress us.