Elemental

You Are Oxygen

You are highly observant. No detail slips past you. You follow the rules - even if you don't particularly like them. Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others. You push everyone you know to be a little better. You are polite and courteous. You always mind your manners.

What Periodic Element Are You?

I'm observant about some things and totally out-of-it about others. While I try to be polite and follow rules, I definitely prefer to be sensible, and honesty trumps manners a little to often for me to be considered truly courteous, I think.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Fifteen Movie Questions Meme

1. Movie you love with a passion. Heathers. Or Dr. Zhivago (with Omar Sharif). RHPS.

2. Movie you vow to never watch. At this point, I'm willing to forego the dubious pleasures of any involving Seth Rogan until eternity.

3. Movie that literally left you speechless. The Piano.

4. Movie you always recommend. Home Alone. Good for everyone in the family, always brings the laughing. But only the first one.

5. Actor/actress you always watch, no matter how crappy the movie. Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts. They are comfortable, comforting, friendly, not "starry."

6. Actor/actress you don’t get the appeal for. About 98% of them.

7. Actor/actress, living or dead, you’d love to meet. Lauren Bacall.

8. Sexiest actor/actress you’ve seen. (Picture required!) This changes on nearly an hourly basis. Depends on what's going on in my life, and theirs, and so forth. And, please, do not demand things of me; I tend to react badly when people get bossy. {scowl}

9. Dream cast. [I immediately went to the fishing meaning of 'cast.' I think that may be answer enough.]

10. Favorite actor pairing. Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. I don't know why, but they just make me laugh, even just the thought of them together.

11. Favorite movie setting. The final scene in Heathers.

12. Favorite decade for movies. Oh, hell, I dunno. NOT the current one, for sure.

13. Chick flick or action movie? Depends. I don't get to see much in the chick flick arena, but they sound so repetitious in reviews, as do the action movies. Perhaps this is why I don't go to the movies...?

14. Hero, villain or anti-hero? Hero, in the true "literary" sense of the word. Hard to explain. I don't like the whole "HERO" thing that movies usually have, but I want a perspective on the action, a point of view.

15. Black and white or color? Color.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Nag :: Pester
2. Smug :: Condescending
3. Barry :: ...Gibb [yes, I used to have a 'thing' for him, I'll admit it]
4. Righteous :: Right On!
5. Hairstylist :: Barber
6. Vibrate :: Quiver
7. Deal :: ...the cards
8. Communicate :: Converse
9. Telling :: Obvious
10. Andrew :: ...Clements [children's author]

Soul Eyed

Your Soul Has Green Eyes

You are easily excited and inspired. You are engaged with the world in many different ways. You won't let anyone intimidate you. You can pull out the big guns when you need to. Like everyone else, you have your fair share of self-doubts. You try to rise above questioning yourself too much. You are naturally graceful and charming. Your humility and natural honesty draws people toward you.

What Color Eyes Does Your Soul Have?

Well, this applies...at times. Sometimes, though, it's not quite right.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I'm Not in Love

1. Have you ever been in love but tried to deny it?

Well, yes. And no. Welcome to adolescence, eh?

2. Someone throws a party in your honor. The only guests are your past lovers. You're current spouse or significant other is cool with this. They ask you to speak and say something good about those assembled. Would there be someone there you could not say something good about?

Nope. All the guys I've dated have, to my knowledge, been pretty decent guys, at least up to the point when I last saw them. Who knows what's gone on in the past 26+ years, though. lol

3. How long can you go without your cell phone? Do you own a so-called “smart phone”?

What is the fascination this week with smart phones? No, I don't pay for internet access on my phone. I can access the internet if necessary, but I pay by the minute so I don't use it very often (like, only to email photos from my phone to myself). I lasted 2 weeks in Europe in April with no phone access. I could do it again, not that the first day or so wouldn't be weird.

4. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

Yes, but it isn't incumbent on me personally to give it to you.

5. Would you rather spend a whole day with your mom or your dad? (If either or both have passed, answer as if they're alive.)

Yes. Either would be great. Since this is la-la land anyway, I'd prefer to spend a day with them when they were teenagers.

6. Tell us one thing about your first boyfriend or girlfriend.

He was REALLY into cars. And blowing things up. Two things I'm not and never have been interested in. Wonder why that didn't work out....

7. Has an ex ever written something about you on facebook or their blog that was nasty about you?

Despite by best stalker behavior, I've only tracked down one of my exes, and we aren't Facebook friends. The others have fairly common names, and I'm not trawling through 8 dozen Facebook profiles to check all of them. No clue if any of them has a blog. And I have serious doubts about anyone mentioning me, though I suppose if they are doing these sorts of memes, they might be. Never thought of that.

8. What was the last thing you borrowed and never returned?

Probably some kind of office supply: pen, paper clip, etc. Other than that, I try very hard to return things to their proper owners.

9. Who is someone famous that you've met?

Stephen Tobolowsky. It was a brief introduction and all I can say is that he seemed perfectly normal, and a little bored; he was judging a contest or something at our library. Long story. Moving on....

Six-Word Saturday

(Link in meme-roll)

I wish I felt better today

I haven't been right all week, but it's nothing I'd go to the doctor for. I definitely need more sleep, and it would be nice if I could accomplish some things this weekend that are weighing on me. And I plan to eat nothing weird all weekend in hopes that everything settles down inside by next week. Fingers crossed.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Walking into a Febreze-scented '90s sitcom

1) Be totally honest... Could money buy you happiness (even if it's only for a little while)?

It could (does) buy the illustion of temporary happiness for sure.

2) Today (July 29) is "National Lasagna Day." What is your pasta dish of choice? If you like lasagna, are you a traditional lasagna type of person or are you into the vegetarian kind with eggplant instead of noodles?

I don't really care for eggplant, but I do love my brother's firehouse lasagna. It's a pain to construct, but ohmyGOD is it good.

3) How do you feel about people who get permanent makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow, etc. tattooed on the face so the person never has to actually put on makeup again)?

Seems reasonable to me. I'd do it if I cared enough about makeup to bother, and if I had shit-piles of extra money hanging around.

4) The Nickelodeon company has reintroduced its hit teen sitcoms from the '90s (like "All That," "Kenan & Kel," "Clarissa Explains It All," and "Doug") on its TeenNick channel and has broke[n] ratings records doing it. It has also sent the Twitter trending topics into a TeenNick frenzy. Is it too soon to be bringing back the '90s?

Weirdly, I just read about this in Entertainment Weekly about half an hour ago. I'm a week behind. Anyway, yes, WAY too soon to bring this all back, so I won't be watching. Again. Because I didn't watch them--except "Doug"--the first time.

5) Some women go totally insane for men in uniforms and vice versa. How do you feel about people in uniform?

Depends on the person in it, eh? If s/he is well kept up and clean and fit, they do look wonderful. Slobby is slobby, uniform or not, though. [Let me just tell you that alarm inspection day at the library is always a big hit because we get a large contingent of firefighters wandering the building....sigh.]

6) When you go to a movie theater, what food/drink items do you get from the concession stand?

Twizzlers, pop, and a small popcorn.

7) My entire refrigerator/freezer is covered in magnets. What kind of magnets are on yours?

OMFG, I thought this said "maggots" when I scanned it the first time!
I have a zillion magnets on mine too, mostly the freebie business-card-sized ones, but also some boring white magnets, and one from Greece. That one is Hercules, but the magnet is behind his feet, so he always flips upside down. Pretty funny. Anyway, we also have a dry-erase calendar on the fridge. Love that thing.

8) A recent report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest says Cheesecake Factory's Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake contains 1,540 calories and 59 grams of saturated fat, but Saturday (July 30) is "National Cheesecake Day." Are the calories and fat grams worth the tastiness of cheesecake?

Are you on crack? There are NO CALORIES OR FAT in cheesecake! None. It's a horrible urban myth!

9) Febreze has started a new ad campaign in which they blindfold people and take them into a dirty disgusting room which has been sprayed down with Febreze. When the blindfolds come off, the people are shocked at their surroundings. (Watch a commercial here [if you must]) Would you be mad if you signed up to star in a commercial only to find yourself sitting in a room of complete filth?

Yes. I would be horrified. And, by the way, this wouldn't work in a really dirty/dusty room if your victims were allergy-prone. In fact, people who are allergic to scent probably shouldn't be victimized this way either. I really don't like these ads.

10) Do you think hair shampoo and conditioner bottles really need to have directions?

The only decision or difference is whether the conditioner is supposed to be left in for awhile or not. Otherwise, yeah, it's pretty straightforward: wash, rinse, condition, rinse.

RevGal Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)

Check out the following pairs and tell which one of each appeals to you most:
1) Sunrise or Sunset

I prefer sunrise. Beast prefers sunset. That explains a great deal about our marriage, in one quick metaphor.

2) To the Mountains or To the Beach

If you've read ANYthing on this blog, surely you already know the answer: mountains FTW, forever. I like beaches ok, but I can't swim and I just love mountains.

3) Coffee or Tea

Tea. Don't like coffee a'tall.

4) Advent or Lent

Advent. Lent has its place, and I've come to like it, but I didn't grow up with it and it has such a bad reputation it's just hard to like. Advent...who doesn't like baby Jesus in the manger??

5) "Raindrops on Roses" or "Whiskers on Kittens"

Being as how I'm allergic to cats, we'll go with raindrops on roses. I like garden roses anyway, and they need the rain (though not around here this week!).

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Summer is hot and wonderful. I'm loving it this year.

2. My desk here at home is unchanged: it's still a complete mess.

3. Aargh! I'm completely out of sorts tonight.

4. Maybe I can sleep in in the morning.

5. Seven: the perfect number. Supposedly.

6. People are really strange, don't you think?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early (I hope), tomorrow my plans include cleaning our bedroom and bathroom, and Sunday, I want to go to church because it's Grace's last day! :-(

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Smurfs wearing ripped jeans

1) One of my favorite TV shows recently changed the actors who played two characters. Have you ever been bothered by a TV show or movie series changing actors who play a character you love?

Yeah, it's dumb, and usually a deal-breaker for me. It all started with "Bewitched" and the Great Darrin Swap...and I've never really gotten over it. Is it really that hard to just create a new character??

2) Who do you feel is the most influential person of your generation in terms of music?

"Of my generation"?? So, of all the 45-50 year olds out there? Sadly, it's probably someone like Jon Bon Jovi or Tommy Lee or something....

3) A coworker recently shared a link to a blog listing the "five things you should know before dating a journalist." As a journalist, I can honestly say the writer was spot-on. What are some things people should know before spending time with you?

I read a lot, I'm picky about details, I don't like to leave questions unanswered, and you won't want to play trivia games with me.

4) What is your opinion of denim jeans that are sold with pre-made rips and fading?

Ridiculous. Just...wow, stupid upon stupid. Jeez, go to Goodwill and save your money, people!

5) The United States Postal Service has announced a proposal to close many of its rural post offices. Are you someone who still goes to a post office? Would it upset you if your post office closed?

I do go to the post office: we have a p.o. box in town because our rural post office is incompetent and can't deliver mail on time. And I go in and buy stamps and ship assorted things too. We even have pretty friendly employees at our (town) p.o.!

6) What is something you often do without realizing that you're doing it?

Bite my nails. Roll my eyes. Drift off while listening to something boring (like my boss's speeches).

7) Go to Urban Dictionary (click here), type in your first name, and paste one or two of your favorite definitions. The funnier the better.

I quite like this one:

cat
A quite pleasant furry creature that vaguely resembles a meatloaf. Cats are the most intellectually superior creature on Earth. They are particularly adept at training human beings to do their bidding, and spend 18 hours a day on average apparently sleeping. What they are really doing is coming up with ways to take over the Earth while still retaining humans to make that yummy cat food for them. If cats had opposable thumbs, they, not us, would be the dominant force on this planet.

I don't agree with a lot of it, but I like the meatloaf part a lot.

8) The "Smurfs" movie hits U.S. theaters tomorrow, and I want to know ... if you were a Smurf, what would your name be?

I would kill myself if I were a Smurf. I hate the Smurfs. I hate the ads for the movie. I really really really don't get why we need to revisit this particular horror of 70s pop culture.

9) With temperatures running above 100 degrees every day in my area, this topic has come up several times for me lately. Would you consider getting Botox injections to your armpits to decrease sweating?

Uhm, really? I think I'd rather be a Smurf....

10) I spent a couple hours Wednesday night hiccuping. What is your remedy to cure the hiccups? Everyone always has a different solution and none of them work for me.

Fill a big glass with water. Hold your breath while leaning over the glass and drink out of the opposite side of the glass as much as you can before you run out of air. It does work, but I think the key here is to distract yourself from the hiccuping.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Recent fun in my life

1. Watching random crime shows on basic satellite channels: SVU, Bones, CSI, NCIS. It makes for some interesting thought patterns.


2. I dreamed last night that I was expecting triplets. Everything else about my life was the same except for this change. Sparky was heading to college, I was working at my library, Beast was doing his thing. Plus, triplets. WTF?


3. I miss our children's librarian. Her last day was last Friday and we are astoundingly poorer for having lost her. I'm pissed at the boss about it. I need to get over that, and be reasonable.


4. The joys of navigating hospice stuff has commenced (for FIL).... As ever, it moves at a glacial pace.


5. My niece's cat died yesterday. I think she and her husband are down to two now. Perhaps soon I'll be able to be in their house without having to wash my hands incessantly and taking double doses of allergy meds.


6. I dropped $350 on Sparky's college dorm supplies (Round One) Monday.


7. After spending about 2 hours on the phone over the past week, and another hour (at least) online, it appears that the Dell computer we ordered for Sparky two weeks ago is FINALLY SHIPPING TODAY. Yeesh.


8. Got a call from the credit card folks today: we've been hacked. Or, I bought $3000 worth of aluminum this week without realizing it. Sigh. New cards on the way, we aren't responsible for these charges. I will be interested to look at our recent charges to see what else we "bought."


9. The previous fun explains why Dell said my account was blocked last night in the midst of getting that damn laptop sorted out.


10. Cleaning up series in the catalog is really !)$*ing tedious. I finished the list from last OCTOBER today. Woo. Hoo.


11. Allergy season has commenced, along with Asian beetle season. Maybe I'm allergic to the beetles...?


12. I hate Facebook right now. I've been randomly selected as a guinea pig and for the past 3 weeks I have had the stupidest layout known to humankind on my main newsfeed page. On top of which, I can't actually see what people are posting without spending forever scrolling down my main page. I'm already on G+, but so far it's so minimalist that it's kind of hard to really know what to do with it.


13. One of my favorite families at church is moving back to the state to our east. I'm beyond sad. I'll miss the kids, the parents, and their just-graduated-from-high-school daughter who is going to school about 1200 miles away from here. Grrr.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Ehh, what's up with you?

1) CBS debuted a show titled "Same Name" over the weekend which has famous people (including David Hasselhoff, Kathy Griffin, and Reggie Bush) switch places with everyday people with the same name. Do you share the same name with some famous person?

I am a singularity. And I thank God for that every day that I think about it!

2) If you do have (or theoretically if you did have) the same name as a celebrity, would you trade places with the celebrity for a while for a television show?

Nope. I have no interest in being famous. In fact, I would probably change my name if this were to occur. Yuck.

3) Today (July 27) is Bugs Bunny's 71st birthday. What should he do to celebrate his birthday?

Have some carrot cake and ponder.

4) What has been your favorite movie so far this year?

Uhm, haven't seen a movie (in a theater) in well over a year. We borrowed Part 1 of the Harry Potter finale about a month ago, and I caught part of Catch Me If You Can recently. They were good.

5) If you were a tour guide for your city, what three places would you take visitors to see?

The "fleabag hotel" (which isn't either of those things), the famous puddle, and the "bed and breakfast" (which actually IS one now). It's the standard tour.

6) How often do you screen your phone calls?

Always. I never don't screen them!

7) 27-year-old Amy Winehouse died over the weekend. Were you a fan of hers, or were you like me and barely knew anything about her until after she died?

I thought she had an amazing voice and an albatross around her neck. I felt sorry for her, and wished that she'd sort her life out. I guess that didn't work out.

8) Who is another celebrity you feel died too young?

Heath Ledger springs to mind rather quickly.

9) If you had the power to decide people's fates, would you consider it a blessing or a curse and why?

Oh, hell, what a horrible job!! I don't want to have to judge people; I'm way to swayable and emotional about things.

10) Wanting to go to a taxidermist to get your dead dog/cat stuffed -- normal or creepy?

Well, by definition, not normal. I would be creeped out by it, but as long as I'm not having to see it every day, I'd be fine with it. Actually, even if I did, I probably would get used to it fairly easily, but I would also try hard not to touch it. {shudder}

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Rewrite the story of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" from the point of view of any one of the other reindeer.

I'm virtually certain that the other reindeer really got tired of hearing how stupid they were compared to Rudolph after he saved the day. I dunno, but I got the sense he'd be one of those guys who'd rub it in, even without meaning to.

2) Where do you fall in your family's birth order? How did your family position affect your development?

I'm last, ten years younger than my next-youngest sibling. Clearly, I was a surprise. Mom always emphasized that I was NOT a "mistake," so I never felt unwanted, and it wasn't so bad having so many 'old people' around, but it did make it hard to deal with my peers. I was a weird cross of Only Child and Youngest.

3) When was the last time you slept in until noon?

I think I did this sometime in the past year, but probably because of illness or jetlag. It definitely was NOT in the past 3 months!

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

This reminds me of that famous Escher print:

Except, of course, that it's actually three-dimensional. I wonder where this is; I'd like to visit it.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Were you a fan of Amy Winehouse? Were you surprised about her?

I am a fan of her music and voice. I'm never surprised when someone who seems intent on ingesting every drug known to humanity dies. It's a shame, but she had a shitload of demons.

2. What have you always wanted to do try doing during a heat wave? Have you done it? What's holding you back?

I try to stay inside and keep cool. Otherwise, I'm not interested in doing anything dramatic.

3. "Judd" from Sunday Stealing is having a party. Are you going? What are you planning to bring with you?

I'll bring fruit salad. OK?

4. Do you think other countries deserve a set of twins (kind of like the "French Twins")? Which country would you designate a twin country?

Let's go with Russia, da?

5. Would you ever trade your lifestyle for the lifestyle of someone rich and famous? Why or why not?

I have zero interest in being famous. Who wants to be stalked and followed and talked about and pointed at? Ugh. And I have enough money to keep me happy, so ... basically I'm good.

6. What's the stupidest thing you heard last week?

That Amy Winehouse's death isn't a tragedy, and isn't newsworthy compared to the events in Norway, and besides she deserved to die because of her stupid choices. Gimme a fuckin' break people: I'm sure the people who loved Amy are pretty devastated and no one "deserves" to die because of bad choices.

If this is what you want then fire at will

(from here)

If you have ever skipped school, what was the most fun you ever had when skipping school (as in going to Disneyland or something else besides sleeping in)? I don't believe I ever skipped school frivolously.

Have you ever had great exceptions [sic] of someone before meeting them, and when you finally did, they weren't who you think they would be? Of course. My current boss springs immediately to mind for some reason.

What was the last major change you made in your appearance? Well, I suppose gaining back a bunch of weight probably counts, eh?

Have you ever questioned your sexuality? If you have, was it hard for you to admit you weren't straight? Not really, so no.

Have you ever pushed a friend or someone out of your life because they were gay or has someone pushed you out of their life because you're gay? I hope not.

Did you ever hang out with the "tough" crowd at school? HELL no!!

Did you have sex or done other sexual activities without the other person saying they loved you? Sure.

Have you (or someone you know) ever cut yourself purposely? Are you (or they) still a cutter? Not to my knowledge.

Have you ever dated someone as a rebound from your old relationship? I don't think so.

Have you or anyone you've known been in an abusive relationship? How long did you or they take to get out of the relationship? Yes, I know a few people who are or were in this situation. Details not to be disclosed.

What was the most embarrassing moment involving a crush or an ex? Getting a friend to have The Cute Boy sign my yearbook in 8th grade was mortifying. He and I are, oddly, now friends on Facebook, though he has turned into a body-builder and isn't at all cute anymore.

Have you ever been the other girl in a relationship (the person was cheating on their current lover with you)? Have you ever been cheated on? Have you ever cheated on someone you were seeing? In hindsight, I think I was probably the other girl, or at least the rebound girl at one point. He changed schools and we never really talked after that.

Did your school offer driver's education? Did you actually get to go behind the wheel or was it all textbook learning? Real driver's ed, in class and behind the wheel. What's the point of textbook learning only??

Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? Did you (or girlfriend) take a pregnancy test or did you just end up having your period (your girlfriend got her period)? Yeah, and I was just late.

What was the biggest decision you ever had to make in your life? No clue. There've been a lot.

Have you ever had a Saturday detention/school? How was it? Was it anything like The Breakfast Club? No detentions in my history.

What was the worst reason you've ever been to the hospital for? Prescription drug reaction: yeah for epinephrine with no food in my system!

Does/Did your school have a talent show? Have you ever entered it and did you win? I actually have no memory of a talent show in high school, but a couple of friends and I tried out for a talent show in junior high. Somehow we were accepted. Mortifying!!

Have you ever been on TV before? Not alone.

How often do you or did you skip school because you weren't up to dealing with the daily dramas of school? See first question. OK, actually, I played sick for two days in grade school and have clear memory of the 'conversation' I had with my mom at the end of Day Two.

If your parents/whoever you lived with said they were moving, would you go on student welfare so you could stay in your town/close to friends/whatever? I'm 48 and my parents are dead. You do the math.

What was the most disastrous dance you've been to? Perhaps the one when Teri got her period in the middle of it....while wearing white pants.

***
Things We All Do (Pt.1)
Bold if you can relate.

That mini heart attack you get when you drop your phone.
That split second when you've rocked too far back on your chair's hind legs and you think you're about to die.
Looking all over for something, then realizing you had it in your hand.
I shrink in my seat or look away so my teacher won't call on me to answer the question.
I eat because I'm bored, not because I'm hungry.
Going to sleep with two socks on and only waking up with one.
My bed just seems so much more comfortable on days I have to wake up for school.
I'm putting on jeans with holes in them and my foot goes through the hole.
When I'm in the shower, I slowly turn the water temperature up higher and higher.
When I realize I overslept, I jump out of bed like a ninja.
I make up a dream in my head before I go to sleep.
Posing for ten seconds while taking a picture and then realizing it's a video.
I type out my whole sentence and then look at the computer screen and realize I wasn't typing.
After sending a risky text, one minute feels like an eternity.
My conditioner always runs out before my shampoo. [and vice-versa]
I text while I'm laying down and drop my phone on my face.
I wake up with a song stuck in my head and wonder how it got there.
When I'm not sure how to spell something, I add a bunch of letters to make it look like I meant to mess it up.
No mom...I don't need a jacket, I'm going from the house to the car.
I throw clean clothes in the hamper because I'm too lazy to fold them.
I do most of my thinking in the shower.
I have that one song on my iPod that I hope no one finds.
It's not so funny when I hit my funny bone.
My parents assume that every person I talk to is my boyfriend/girlfriend.
The awkward eye contact you make with your teacher when trying to cheat on a test.
I always take a peek out of my 3D glasses, just to see the difference.
I always seem to have to pee when I'm hiding.
I hate when I'm dreaming and I can only run in slow motion.
No scary little girl showed up in my room when I didn't reblog the post.
I'm scared to open my eyes in the shower because when I open them, I don't want a killer to be standing there.
I hate it when someone wakes me up in the middle of a good dream.
When I'm upset, I use one word answers.
When I highlight, I get a little too carried away.
When I was little, everyone's favorite color was blue.
I pretend to be asleep when someone walks into the room.
Sometimes, when I'm alone, I feel like a camera is watching me.
I have to keep reminding myself that if he wanted to talk to me, then he would.
I wouldn't know anyone's birthday if it wasn't for Facebook.
I still bite the life out of my straws.
When it's a new year, it takes me about six months to get used to writing the new date on my paper.
I never know what I should do when people are singing Happy Birthday to me.
Catching something in mid-air and feeling like a ninja.
Having a random spaz attack in bed while having a dream that you're falling.
Hearing your voice on video and asking yourself if you really sound like that.
When I'm sleeping at a friend's house and I wake up before them, I sit there staring at the ceiling for an hour.
When it gets awkward at someone's house, I pet their dog.
I hate wasting a cute outfit on what I think is going to be a good night.
The awkward eye contact with people at red lights in the car next to yours.
Laughing while telling a funny story to friends, but they just stand there with blank faces.
The awkward moment after you say goodbye to someone and you both walk in the same directions.
I can never find anything after I clean my room.
When someone takes the piece of food that you have mentally claimed.
I'm dying to talk to you, but I refuse to text you first.
I laugh at my own jokes, because I'm hilarious.
I swear all of my pens fall into a black hole at the bottom of my bookbag.
I wish music played during epic moments of my life, and not just in movies.
I walk a little faster when I see a creepy van.
I still struggle to open a bag even though it says Tear Here.
Laughing so hard with no sound coming out, then ending up clapping like a seal.
I climb into bed, snuggle up, then realize the light is still on.
Why do you continue to text me after I ignored the other ten messages?
I say nevermind because I'm just too lazy to repeat myself.
The 'Would You Still Be My Friend If I Looked Like This' game.
The most awkward feeling is watching a sex scene of a movie with your parents. [or your kid]
When I walk into a spider web, I immediately go psycho.
Sometimes, when I'm walking, I try to keep my feet in the little square tiles.
Missed calls: Dad(1) Sister(1) Mom(36) [I wish]
When people talk to me when I have headphones in, I pretend not to notice.

***
Things We All Do (Pt.2)
Bold if you can relate.

I purposely mismatch my socks.
I throw my phone out of anger, then go see if it's okay.
I look into the street lights to see if it's snowing.
When I have a sharpie in my hand, I write my name everywhere.
The only reason I check my voicemail is to get rid of the little icon on the screen.
I draw ridiculous conclusions out of nothing and think of the worst possible outcome.
I delete my whole password after typing one letter wrong.
When someone trips, instead of helping them up, I laugh.
When. I. Read. A. Sentence. Like. This, the voice in my head takes pauses.
I type out what I really want to say, then erase the whole thing.
I jump up every time my toast pops out of the toaster.
WHEN I READ A SENTENCE IN CAPITAL LETTERS, the voice in my head yells.
I get a mini heart attack when someone says 'Can I talk to you?'
Before I get into my car, I check the backseat to see if anyone's there.
I take about a million pictures of myself but wind up deleting all of them and only choosing one.
I tell my parents a funny story, and then it turns into a life lesson.
I open a pack of gum in class, and suddenly everyone is my best friend and wants a piece.
When I'm bored in class, I write my name in script about 100 times on the page.
I draw on fogged up windows.
I can never take my own advice.
I procrastinate....and I'm doing it right now.
I replay my favorite song over and over again until I get sick of it and don't like it anymore. [used to do this--not anymore]
Missing someone's call, calling them back a minute later, and they don't answer.
My relationship status is 'forever alone' instead of 'single.'
Thinking about someone, then wondering if they're thinking about you too.
Spelling 'Febuary' instead of 'February.'
I get so excited when I'm waiting for a text from my crush, but when my phone goes off, it's someone else.
I text someone in the same room as me, and stare at them until they get it.
I say I'm fine when I'm really not.
I still use my fingers to do simple math equations.
I make a goal to finish my chapstick before it falls off the face of the earth.
I say 'haha' after a text so it won't sound so serious.
I try to accomplish a task before the microwave hits 00:00.
I do my homework while watching tv, check it the next day, and everything's wrong.
Trying to catch something in my mouth, but instead it hits me in the eye.
I leave the bathroom door open when I'm home alone.
People think I'm being sarcastic, but I'm really being serious.
Becoming friends with the 'weird kid', now being stalked for life.
Pouring cereal into a bowl, then realizing there is no milk.
I'd rather "I love you." than "ily."
I check my phone every minute while waiting for a text.
When I blow my nose in a silent classroom, I'll do it quietly so people don't think it's gross.
I feel my phone vibrate when it doesn't.
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is pee.
I can't sleep without the tv on.
Thinking something weird/dirty, then hoping no one in the room is a mind reader.
When a website says 'We will be back shortly.' I refresh the page 1000 times.
When I'm home alone, I blast my music extremely loud.
I hate when people don't know the difference between their, there, and they're.
I put on more chapstick than necessary.
I didn't hear what you said, so I'll laugh and hope it wasn't a question.
While in class, one person coughs, and so does everyone else.
Smiling at a little kid, then feeling like a creep when they look away.
I yell at inanimate objects when I get mad.
Eating only the icing off the cupcake.
Meowing at cats until they meow back.
Finished my test...only to realize that there is a backside.
I'll zone out, only to realize that I'm staring at a person.
When I finish a test, I won't turn it in until someone else does.
When I'm in class, I won't cough until someone else does.
I hate when people ask me if they can ask me a question.
Every time I see the word 'explain' on a test, I die a little inside.
When I'm eating something, I'll save the best part for last.
When I get a new phone, I'll keep the plastic on the screen for days.
When I trip, I immediately look around to see if anyone noticed.
When I look at a picture of a group of people, I automatically find myself in the picture first.
When I go to sleep, I cover my feet in the blanket because I'm scared someone will grab them.

Coney

You Are a Wafer Cone

You know what you want, and you know how to go after it. You feel [semi-]equipped for whatever may happen. You are reliable and loyal. You choose friends carefully, but you stick with them through thick and thin. People can count on you. You take duties and responsibilities seriously. You feel different from everyone else, and that's okay. You actually like being different.

What Kind of Ice Cream Cone Are You?

Well, mostly true, but I'm not really a huge fan of any ice cream cones at all, much less waffle cones.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Twenty-Fiver Meme

1. Tell us about something that made you laugh last night.

We were watching Parking Wars. There are some crazy-ass people out there; you just have to laugh.

2. What were you doing at 8 PM last night?

Probably watching Parking Wars and playing on Facebook.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Driving back from FIL's.

4. What happened to you in 2006? (Feel free to republish an old post from '06.)

That was the year of the planned migration to S!rs!. It was also the year Katherine was pregnant. And we all remember how that ended.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

Something in response to something Beast is looking at on Failblog.

6. How many beverages did you have today?

I'm on my third can of DDP.

7. What color is your hairbrush?

One is silver and blue, the other is black. Yes, I have too. Long story.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

Gas. Woo, my life=exciting, eh?

9. Where were you last night?

We ate dinner with FIL and Beast's cousin D who is visiting for the weekend. Then we came home and sat around watching NASCAR and Parking Wars and playing online till I was so tired I could barely walk upstairs.

10. What color is your front door?

White.

11. Where do you keep your change?

Pennies in the car door, everything else in my wallet. The guys have receptacles in the kitchen for change.

12. What’s the weather like today?

Muggy, but thankfully cooler.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

Bubble gum.

14. What excites you?

Kids, good writing, beauty, animals, accomplishing something hard, pride.

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Thinking about doing that next summer. Cut, as in short, not a trim. I'm due for a trim/color in a few weeks.

16. Are you over the age of 35?

Yup. Guess I can run for President any ol' time now, eh?

17. Do you talk a lot?

Not really. More than I should, sometimes, for sure.

18. Do you watch Franklin and Bash?

Nope.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

I've known quite a few people named Steve, not too many of whom ever used their full name.

20. Do you make up your own words?

Not intentionally, or at least not often.

21. Are you a jealous person?

Nope.

22. What does the last text message you received say?

Shit, I dunno; my phone's the in the kitchen and I'm not getting up for it to answer a meme question. Sorry.

23. Where’s the next place you’re going to?

Uhm, sleep?

24. Who’s the rudest person in your life?

I suppose this is really about what my tolerance is. My brother is up high on the list. So is T., at work. I'd rather deal with her behavior, which is kindhearted at least, than his, which is just bitter.

25. Are you crushing on anyone that you shouldn't be?

Nope. I do not have time or energy for this right now.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven things you’re thankful for this week (that you didn’t list in last week’s challenge).

1. Technology.
2. Online friends.
3. Warm weather.
4. One person's non-appearance at a party on Friday.
5. Allergy meds.
6. Hard-won self-knowledge.
7. Beast's & my jobs.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Stewart :: [Rob.] an online friend of mine
2. Leafy :: Green
3. Ridiculous :: Silly
4. Constipated :: Plugged up
5. Bullied :: Teased
6. Permanent :: Forever
7. Surgery :: Operation
8. Mosquito :: ...Coast
9. Meat :: ...and veg
10. Stupefy :: Stun

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. At what age (if at all) did you learn to swim?

Haven't yet mastered it. Really, really do not like the feeling of not being able to touch the floor, and I don't like the feeling of water in my ears. Plus I can't see a bloody thing, and the chlorine stings my eyes terribly.

2. Some educators have proposed that swimming lessons be mandatory for children. Do you think this is a good idea?

Long story to get to my short-ish answer: When I was in junior high, our school district made swimming one length of the pool a requirement for graduation from high school. So, yeah, I was tied for second in class rank and they were going to keep me from graduating cuz I couldn't swim? No. But I spent 5 years in various stages of sheer terror at the thought of having to deal with this. Eventually, one of my best friends--who was on the swim team--coached me to learn enough to do some sort of face-float-flail-mashup the short way across the pool. Whew. Haven't tried swimming since then, 29 years ago.

ANYHOO: yeah, I think this is a ridiculous addition to the curriculum of any school district. I mean, really, neither of my parents could swim, at least two of my sisters rarely if ever swim (or swam)...and so far I don't miss it that much. How about we make sure kids can read and tell time when they graduate?

3. How often do you hang out with friends at a swimming pool?

Uhm, that would be precisely never.

4. Have you ever been thrown into a pool with your clothes on?

No. And should it ever happen, assuming I survive there will be some serious hell to pay. And should I NOT survive, you can bet your sweet ass I'll be doing some haunting of the people involved.

5. How often do you visit a beach?

About as often as I go to the pool. OK, actually, I've been to a couple of beaches more recently than I've been to a pool. I do like sand, and wading.

6. When were you last in a boat?

{{shudder}} I am really terrified of rowboats, canoes, etc. Like, totally white-knuckled in my life-vest. Beast has taken me rowing a couple of times in Maine, and it was sheer mind-over-matter that got me in that damn boat every time. I don't mind bigger boats, and I wouldn't have problems in a cruise I'm sure, but small boats scare me to death.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
White Wedding

1. Tell us about the most recent wedding you attended.

It was in England in April. A city-hall wedding followed by a really lovely reception in historical garden with lots of food. Lots and lots and lots of food. We kept getting more food, and we left before the cake was even served. Crazy. Good music. Fun.

2. Do you enjoy attending weddings, or do they bore you to tears?

I like weddings unless they are relentlessly self-indulgent. I'm also not a fan of having no one to talk to at the reception, or attending a wedding where you just know things are not going to work out.

3. Does marriage in general make you feel confident and good inside, or skeptical?

Depends on the couple. We have good friends who are a walking advertisement for how not to "do" marriage, but they've been together 23 years, dragging themselves, their children, and the rest of us down with them when we're around.

4. Do you have a photo blog? (If so, feel free to share the link with us.)

Nope.

5. Do you find yourself driving less due to the high gas prices?

Nope. I live 8 miles from work, mostly country miles. There are two or three buses into town per day and about the same coming back. Getting to the grocery store by public transportation is a huge pain in the ass. Yes I do, I live in America: land of personal vehicle ownership.

6. What's the high temperature today where you are?

Probably about 90, so relatively cool, but humid. OMG.

7. "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." Agree, or no?

I REALLY need to read ahead on these things! lol I do agree with this, statement. Up to a point. When it's 115, humidity or no, I need to be out of the heat.

8. What's the hottest you've ever been in your life?

Inside the supply tent in D'Iberville, June of 2006, when I went inside looking for something (a tarp?) that I couldn't find. I think I was in there for 5 minutes and I really thought I was going to stop breathing. Stepping out of the tent into 95-degree 95% humidity felt like stepping into a refrigerator.

9. Non-temperature related last question: In your opinion... who's hot?

People who don't necessary dwell on their relative hotness.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
A crime-fighting dog and talking cat

1) The Comic-Con International convention started Thursday in San Diego, featuring representatives from a variety of pop culture (sci-fi, horror, superhero comics, anime, etc.). Have you ever attended a convention (of any sort)? If so, what was it for?

I've been to work-related conventions several times. I've been to a couple churchy things too. Those are weird enough for me.

2) When you go to a movie theater with another person, which arm rest do you claim? The left or the right or do you need control of both of them?

I end up leaning toward the person I came with, but I don't think I hog the arm rest.

3) Recently a 10-pound chihuahua named Paco helped foil an armed store robbery in Altadena, California, (watch the surveillance video here). What breed of dog are you most scared of?

Any dog that's been docked or cocked or surgically altered is suspect. Yes, even the neutered ones. I mean, really: wouldn't you be short-tempered if people messed with your ears, dick, or tail??

4) When telemarketers call you, do they mispronounce your last name?

I don't answer the phone unless I know the number or suspect it's not a telemarketer.

5) The NBA and NFL lockout situations have been the talk of my office for weeks. Have you been following the lockout news? Are you concerned about how the negotiations will turn out?

I couldn't possibly care less about the NBA, buncha whiners all of 'em. I hope the NFL gets its poop together though. I'll miss the season if they don't play....{sniffle}

6) Sunday (July 24) is National Drive-Thru Day. What are your favorite restaurants to go through the drive-thru at? Are there any restaurants you wish had drive-thrus that don't?

I spend far too much time at McDonalds in the drive-through. Sigh. I wish Subway had a drive-thru, or Jimmy Johns.

7) In the book "It's Kind of a Funny Story" and the movie based on the book, the main character draws maps of people's brains. If a map was drawn of your brain, would would your map look like? Would it be like a city with well organized streets and big highways or would it be a rural area? Would there be rivers or mountains or parks?

There's definitely going to be big vacant spaces, like Wyoming, in my mind, but probably some organized streets and lovely parkways.

8) What would you do if a talking cat showed up at your front door?

Slam the door. I'm allergic to non-talking cats; imagine what my immune system would do with one that speaks!

9) A recent study showed that the baby boomer generation (ages 47-65) does not think that they're "old." What age do you consider "old?"

OK, if there is anyone more self-deluded than NBA players, it's baby boomers. Old is what you feel after a long day doing physical labor. Old is when you have to take more than 9 pills a day to stay alive. Old is when you have adult grandchildren. Old is when over half your high school class is in the cemetery.

10) If you could go back and change something about your teenage years, what would it be?

I wouldn't be so freakin' shy!

Friday Fill-In

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Life is complicated.

2. Any given public library is one of the best places to people watch EVER because they're air-conditioned and open to the public.

3. If I was going somewhere, the one thing I have to bring is my meds.

4. The future will come soon enough.

5. Next year, things are likely to be very weird.

6. I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning and I found myself unable to go back to sleep because of the climatological fireworks.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed, soon,, tomorrow my plans include attending Sparky's college preview day, and Sunday, I want to not think about the fact that we now have a Very Large Hole in our staff at work!

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Alligators eating junk food in the tub

1) When someone you know (or celebrities) get married, do you ever make bets on how long the marriage will last? It can be a real bet or just an unspoken thought to yourself.

Nope. Uhm, that really seems in poor taste and kind of begging for trouble. Wouldn't you feel guilty if the couple did break up on "your day"?

2) If you bought or were given a boat, what would you name it?

I dunno. I'd leave all that to Beast. I'm not a boat-person, not at ALL.

3) If you got a paint-by-number kit and made your own masterpiece would you claim it as your own work or admit it was a paint-by-number piece of artwork?

Oh, I'd tell everyone. I'm not likely to lie about something this weird. I didn't even know they still make paint-by-number kits!

4) Today (July 21) is "National Junk Food Day." What is your favorite junk food snack?

Sugar. Virtually anything sugary, though I'm not thrilled with chocolate.

5) I recently saw a late night TV commercial advertising pocket-size travel catheters. I found it quite disturbing and disgusting to see it in the middle of my late night TV watching. What commercial bothers you greatly?

Well, since we're already on that subject, I'm not fond of the ones that talk about reusing catheters. It makes me sad that people even consider doing this--it's REALLY unsafe.

6) It seems like almost every movie anymore is available in 3-D. How do you feel about watching 3-D movies? Do you watch movies in 3-D when it's possible?

I haven't yet seen a 3-D movie. Ever.

7) I just went two weeks without a day off from work. Do you work too much? How many days have you worked in a row without a day off?

I don't think I've ever done that, but I over-worked at my first 'real job' and that killed off any interest in putting in more hours than strictly required. And I'm only part-time at my job now anyway.

8) In Arkansas, it is illegal to keep alligators in bathtubs. What's the oddest law you ever heard of?

Oh, I used to have several books of these sorts of things. There was something about tying up mules in some towns, and having sex with geese in other towns. People are weird.

9) If you owned a retail store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?

Shotguns. All staff members will be trained in their use.

10) When someone you know is either getting married or having a baby and has created a store registry, do you buy them a gift straight off their registry, buy a gift card, or just go wild with your own gift ideas?

Depends on how useful their registry is. I have a 'standard' gift that I get couples and new moms, but sometimes the registries are useful if I'm shipping stuff.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

A Beautiful Day
via Bud

1. July 20th marks the anniversary of the first time man stood on the moon. Flash forward 42 years to July 8, 2011 which marked the start of the final Space Shuttle mission. Should we continue to explore space? Should nations devote more or fewer of their resources to exploring space? Would you want to go into space if the opportunity arose?

I think we could do worse things, but I think we should figure out some things here on Earth first. I wouldn't mind going into space.

2. What are three things in your freezer?

Freezer packs, frozen chopped onions, M&M ice cream cookies. And not much else, due to our 3-day power outage last week.

3. If you could see any band/artist perform live tonite who would it be? It has to be someone living--no Beatles, Elvis, etc.

I hear Paul McCartney is coming to town soon....

4. Ice-cubed or crushed? Or are you one of those people who don't like ice?

Cubed. Primarily because getting crushed ice from our freezer involves a great deal of noise and ice sprayed everywhere.

5. The owner of a small restaurant outside of Pittsburgh recently announced he was banning children under six, saying they regularly disrupted other customer's meals. You can read the story here in more detail but isn't this a perfect topic to discuss in our Wednesday Hodgepodge? Have at it friends...what are your thoughts?

I'm all for it. I love kids, I don't mind noisy kids in restaurants or anywhere else (church, or what-have-you), but there are some instances where people ought to know better than to bring in their kids. I suspect that this restaurant isn't the kind of place anyone sensible would bring their children, and yet some parents are incredibly stupid and self-centered.

6. What was your first car? How did it come to be yours?

The first car I drove more than anyone else was my mom's 1971 Toyota Corolla with a push-button starter (added because the shop didn't have the right starter in stock and it was cheaper to just install a button anyway). Y'know, it occurs to me that I have no idea what happened to that car....

7. If I had a nickel for every time I said "Sorry" in a week I'd be rich.8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm watching the ESPYs on DVR and I'm really shocked at how much Aaron Rodgers looks like our former IT guy, sometimes called Sleek, when he's (Aaron) dressed up and clean. Sleek would be unhappy at this comparison, really.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Eating ramen noodles and Starbursts while in witness protection

1) If you had to go into the witness protection program and were given the chance to chose your new name, what would you pick for your name?

I'll go with my porn name: Tippi Cherokee.

2) In many books there are random blank pages, sometimes right after the credits page or between chapters. Sometimes the pages say "This page is intentionally left blank." Why do you think they feel the need to say that, and is it really "blank" if that is printed on it?

We have to do this in session minutes at my church to show that nothing has been omitted or added to the record. There is a reason. So there ya go.

3) The makers of Starburst candies has based its current ad campaign around the idea of contradictions (They're solid but juicy like a liquid). In what way or ways is your life a contradiction?

In virtually every way possible. Sending a kid to college, preparing for the passing of our last parent. Whee.

4) July 20 is "Ugly Truck Day." Who seriously comes up with these things? What is the ugliest type of vehicle?

There are those square weird Honda things...not a fan.

5) People who drive pickup trucks and own dogs often drive around with their dogs roaming around loose in the bed of the truck. Do you think this practice is okay or is it wrong in a PETA type of way?

It's dangerous and people who do this are stupid, and/or don't really care about their animals.

6) Borders announced this week that it will close the rest of its 399 stores after a bankruptcy earlier this year and closing many stores already. With the invention of electronic book readers and e-books, do you think the print book industry is totally dying or do you think there will always be people who prefer to read books on paper?

I work in a library--let's not get me started on this topic, eh? I do own a Nook, and I do read paper books.

7) Have you ever thought you saw the face of the Virgin Mary or Jesus or some other religious figure in an inanimate object?

I don't look at my food that closely, thanks.

8) I heard a local radio talk show discuss ramen noodles in depth last week. A woman called in saying she made spaghetti with ramen noodles, tomato soup, and Italian seasoning. Do you have any good (or just interesting) recipes that use ramen noodles?

Gah, that just sounds horrid. And no: they are for heating in the microwave (or a hot pot) and slurping down at 2 a.m.

9) What do you think is the most repulsive form of music?

"REPULSIVE"?? I dislike a lot of music, but none of repulses me! Even the ones that rely on swearing and absolutely no advanced thought.

10) When I was a kid and all my classmates were at summer camps, I was always stuck at home because my parents couldn't afford to send me off to camp. Were you one of the lucky kids who got to go to a summer camp of some sort?

I never went to camp. Which is (and was) ok with me.

Smiley?

You Are a Nose Smiley

You are a very detailed oriented person. You feel happiest when all your ducks are in a row. You are conventional and orthodox. You are the most normal person you know. You like to work hard, but you also value your downtime. You seek balance in your life. You are smart to the point of being a genius. You are very learned.

What Smiley Are You?

OK, well then, except I never use this particular emoticon.

Conflicted

You Deal with Conflict Calmly

You don't know how to be anyone but yourself, and that's part of your charm. You are genuine. You are everything you seem to be. You keep it real, and you aren't too good to be true. You try not to make a big deal out of anything. You are good at keeping life's problems in perspective. You are self-assured and self-reliant. You have a lot of confidence in yourself.

How Do You Deal With Conflict?

Years of practice. Yup yup yup.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Okay, so we're back

1. What is the stupidest thing you heard this weekend?

Wow, that's hard. Uhm. Probably had something to do with babies, since all I did this weekend was stay home, and shop and attend a baby shower.

2. Who should know that it is time to move on...walk away....?

The list is long: Sarah Palin, Charlie Sheen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, my current boss....

3. What's your local forecast for the week?

Hotter than hell, 90s all week, not much rain, and 100% humidity. Welcome to summer.

4. Are you a Potter fan or are you glad to see it ending?

I'm a fan. I have been sad that it ended since I finished the last book. But, life goes on, eh?

5. If you had the opportunity to win a $250 shopping spree, where would it be to and what would you get?

Well, that would cover about 6 sets of underwear at VS. Let's do that.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Pretend that there is a gerbil operating the control system of your brain. Write about your day from its perspective. How does it feel about you?

It's probably really annoyed because I can't get my act together and I make it jump around a lot and retrace its steps. Not exactly a linear thinker.

2) Using what’s in your fridge right now, describe the meal you will make for the guests who are standing on your porch.

Looks like we'll be having takeout pizza. Otherwise, I've got lots of pop, some spaghetti sauce, a lot of leftover canned beans...and plenty of random stuff in the pantry too. You pick.

3) What store do you wish you had in your town?

I'd love a Kohl's, which is convenient as there is one on the verge of breaking ground this fall. Thank God--finally, someplace to buy clothes besides Wal-Mart!

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

This reminds me of going to Elitch's in Denver as a kid. I loved the Ferris wheel and the tram rides. Once I was old enough to ride the roller coasters I didn't mind those either. My favorite was the ride where you swung around in a circle in a car with a big sail and you whipped the sail and made yourself fly way out or way in. Hard to describe, probably not at all safe and it was gone before I was out of high school.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven things you’re thankful for this week.

1. My health.
2. Beast's (physical) health.
3. Electricity--nothing like losing it to remember how much I appreciate it.
4. Plumbing--ditto above.
5. Sparky. He has been absolutely awesome this summer--I'm not exactly sure what to think about that, but I'm grateful all the same.
6. Hospitals and (good) doctors.
7. Friends, family, and neighbors.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Honesty Meme
Complete the Sentences:

Right now I'm feeling... tired and headachy.

When I'm alone I feel... absolutely wonderful!

When I'm surrounded by people I feel... wary. If it's a mad crush of people, I actually feel a bit of fear.

One thing I hate is... my laziness.

One thing I really like about myself is ... that I've gotten better at some hard things over the years.

When I'm feeling sad I... cry.

When I daydream it's usually about... solving problems.

I'm afraid of... what can't be seen, what might happen.

I'm happiest when... I'm with kids.

One thing that really worries me is ... Beast's health. (you have no idea how long I stared at this one thinking, "I worry about EVERYthing!!")

If I could change one thing about myself it would be... I'd worry less about what I can't do anything about. See above.

If I could be with anyone right now I would be with... Sparky. I'm fortunate to be sitting next to him on the sofa right now, each of us tippy-tapping on our respective laptops. Sigh. I'll miss this when he's at college.

The family member I am closest to is... outside of this household, it's probably Elizabeth, my oldest niece.

If I was really honest with my father I would tell him... (too late--he's dead) But I wish I'd told him what a good example he was, and how much I appreciate all the things he 'lectured' on at the dinner table, and how he set the standard for Christian behavior for me.

One thing I regret about my life is ... all the things I didn't say to or hear from people who are gone now.

If I only had one more day to live I would... make a TON of phone calls to friends and family. Probably cry a lot, too.

If I was really honest with my mother i would tell her... (too late--she's dead, too) I wish I could have told her that I loved her more often. I wish I could have explained how important it has been for me to have had her as an example of a woman who stood on her own two feet and did the right thing when it was hard.

One thing about me that nobody knows is... that I'm crying right now.

I hope that someday in the future... we humans figure out how to stop being so mean to each other.

When I think about my family I feel... angsty.

Something I'm really embarrassed about is... the fact that I still haven't called Dean even though I promised James I would do it last week.

One thing about me I never want to change is... my laugh.

One thing I feel really proud of is... my son.

Blogsville has helped me to... kill time. lol OK, seriously, it's been a safe haven for venting when I couldn't say things IRL. It's also made me less liable to take what people say (online or face-to-face) at face value.

One thing I like about blogsville is... that I've made some really good friends, and learned so much from people, and had a lot of good laughs.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Puzzled :: Confused
2. Ordered :: Demanded
3. Unusual :: Rare
4. Speculation :: Gossip
5. Tutorial:: Lesson
6. Dangerous :: Perilous
7. Second :: ...chance
8. Evidence :: Proof
9. Course :: Class
10. Reason :: Thought

Currently

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)

1) listening: to the engines of yet another NASCAR race

2) eating: nothing since dinner (of which I ate too much)

3) drinking: Squirt (leftover from last week's party)

4) wearing: brown shorts, teal "Make Your Life Fuller" shirt, underwear, rings, and a blanket over my feet

5) feeling: blergh

6) weather: turning hotter, and I'm sure the humidity will ramp up in concert

7) wanting: Beast to feel better

8) needing: nothing (but wanting a lot, of course)

9) thinking: about the fact that I haven't purchased anything for the baby shower I'm going to tomorrow....

10) enjoying: the wonders of electricity: laptop, TV, lights, and A/C

Train Ride

You Are Smart and Stable

You love concrete information. You are definitely a just the facts type of person. You feel most comfortable when you understand what's expected of you. You appreciate structure. You enjoy reading, especially nonfiction. You can get lost in books and magazines. You are family oriented. Some of your best memories revolve around the family dinner table.

The Train Oracle

There is no better place to build memories than around the table, is there?

What this has to do with train travel is beyond me, however.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. What’s the last movie you waited in a long line to see?

Uhm? ... I don't generally wait for movies. I know I waited for Star Wars in 1977. Maybe one of the early Harry Potters, or the first Tolkien movie, but it wasn't a "long" line, for sure. I don't do lines unless compelled to.

2. What’s the biggest movie you’ve been excited about seeing before the premiere?

Well, it's gotta be a Harry Potter, probably 3 or 4. The current one I'm not too excited to see since it's the end, and that's sad. I'll probably go Monday.

3. Do you watch more movies in the theater or on DVD?

DVD. Hands-down, not even a close call. I probably see an average of 7 movies a decade in a theater.

4. Which do you prefer to do: watch a movie or read a book if both are based on the same story?

Depends on the author. I'd see a movie of a Russian author first, most of the time, and I think the Twilight series just HAS to be better on screen than on paper. But I'd rather read a Stephen King book than see a movie based on it.

5. How often have you found that the book really is better than the movie?

Nearly every time. In fact, I can't think of a movie that was definitively better.

6. Take the quiz: Are You a Book or a Movie?

You Are a Book

You are a deliberate thinker. You don't like to gloss over anything, and details matter to you. When times get tough, you get philosophical. You never forget the meaning of life. If you're facing a problem, getting away for a couple days always helps you clear your mind. You always consider the past, present, and future. You believe every little event shapes your life.

Are You a Book or a Movie?

Well, I think that about covers it--not! I'm not at all deliberate unless I'm forcing myself to be and I don't have to go anywhere to think and 'clear my mind.'

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Devil Went Down to Georgia (I actually have this song on a record somewhere....)

1. Do you believe in the concept of the devil?

OK, loaded question. I believe in Satan, the Great Adversary, the being that opposes freedom by promising more than we can possibly have, the Free Lunch Is Always An Option guy. I don't believe in anyone in a red suit with horns poking people into giant fires with a pitchfork.

2. What's your favorite nickname that you're called?

"Mom." Although I do find my most recent one rather amusing: "What Red Light?"

3. What would you do if someone cheated on you?

Cry, and possibly throw things.

4. Do you ever cry at a movie?

I always cry at movies, even happy ones.

5. Have you got “a ball & chain” or are you single? Are you happy with your status?

Married and generally ok with that.

6. Who do you got to for advice?

Depends on the situation. Primarily Beast and close friends, and God.

7. When was the last time someone yelled at you?

In anger? About a week.

8. When was the last time you spoke with someone that you met online?

"Spoke"? Verbally, face-to-face? It's been awhile. However, I tweeting a blog friend this week for the first time in ages.

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? OR Where would you like to go on your honeymoon?

We went to the nearest nice hotel for two nights when we got married. No money or time for a vacation at that point. I sort of consider the recent trip overseas our actual honeymoon.

Six Word Saturday

(Link in meme-roll)

Power is back; freezer is empty.

That's the big news: we lost power for two full days and most everything in the freezer started to defrost so I'm throwing a lot of it out. :-( I really feel for people who are still electricity-free, going into day 5. The upside for us is that we now have a generator, so we can plug in next time and have access to everything but A/C. Even the heat will work, since it's gas with an electric fan. And we'll be able to shower and flush toilets--being on a well has its drawbacks for sure.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Harry Potter ends while the media ignores other important topics

1) Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry?

I'd say it's a toss-up between Sparky and Beast. The particulars vary. Pouting and refusing to talk make regular appearances, though.

2) If you could mix three animals together, which ones would you choose to make the ultimate animal?

I think we have something like this going already in the platypus. And judging by that one, I think I'd sit this question out.

3) What is the last thing you regret buying?

The ice cream I forgot about during the party on Sunday. Now we have, like, 6 gallons of ice cream in the house. Sigh.

4) The final "Harry Potter" movie opened in theaters across the United States today. Did you attend a midnight showing overnight or do you plan to see the movie in a theater at some point in the future?

I probably will go sometime in the next week or so.

5) Some people have made the "Harry Potter" series a large part of their lives and are now depressed that the series is coming to its end. What is your take on the "Harry Potter" phenomenon overall? Are you a fan or do you not even care about the series at all?

I love the books. I like most of the movies. I think it's really cool, as I read elsewhere this week, that my son was fortunate enough to come of age during the craze. I still don't quite understand what is so (ahem, sorry) magical about these books. They really are pretty amazing.

6) What topic does not receive as much mainstream media coverage as it should?

Actual news. NOT gossip, not speculation, not screaming-at-each-other-talking-heads, not spin: actual NEWS. For instance, how many people in this country know that there's been a war going on in the Congo for ten years?

7) Did you ever keep a journal? What types of things did you write in your journal? Was it just written words or did you make drawings in it?

I did keep a diary off and on from age 10 through high school. I only wrote, and only sporadically. I'm not so good with follow-through.

8) What non-banking related card in your wallet/purse is the most valuable to you (library card, store loyalty card, business card, etc.)?

In theory, I would say my library card, even though I haven't actually used the card itself in years (I'm pretty sure the expiration date on it is 2007 or so), but I check stuff out at least 3 times a week on average.

9) Does your full name make any interesting anagrams (an anagram is a word, phrase, or sentence formed from another by rearranging its letters in case you didn't know)? You can use this link if you need help.

This one made me snort: "roach waltz thorns tutor."

10) Do you remember any of your recent dreams? Tell me about one (the weirder the better)

All I remember is that I'm having lots of dreams about college, have been for months. Don't remember anything specific from this week, though. I haven't been sleeping very well, but it's not the dreams keeping me awake.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [ahem] are created equal....

2. Beast is someone I like to travel with because he knows what he's doing and rarely gets rattled by things.

3. That day, I finally will get a decent night's sleep. [I'd sorta like to know when "that day" is scheduled to arrive.]

4. Everything related to weather has been weird this year.

5. Trust, but verify.

6. Dancing in the dark. [...or, as others who see me doing this say, "crashing into things in the dark"]

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed soon, tomorrow my plans include buying Sparky a laptop, and Sunday, I want to chillax!

Cinn's Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)

[01] What is your reaction to the results of the Casey Anthony trial?

Since I didn't pay a lot of attention to it, I guess I'm more interested in the reaction. I think it's pretty clear that most everyone thinks she knows more than she's willing to say about what happened, but jeez, I do not get the sheer FREAKOUT value the story has. We've all turned into a bunch of Nancy Graces, eh?

[02] Do you think the President and Congress will be able to resolve the current debt issues?

They pretty much have to do SOMEthing. God knows what it will be; I'm sure it'll cost us money, and they'll walk out with raises.

[03] What do you think of teaching "gay history" in public schools?

What-ever-the-fuck-ever. We should teach history. Period. All of it. If a focus like this gets kids interested in history, I'm all for it.

[04] Do you think a presidential candidate's religious affiliation should affect his/her ability to be a bi-partisan president?

I haven't seen a bipartisan president for awhile; what does that look like? The media doesn't really go for it. And religion should be on the list of issues, but neither at the top or the bottom.

[05] Will there be an NFL season this fall?

I hope so. Fingers crossed.

Interruption in Service

The Good News: We finally have (some) electricity.

The Not-So-Good News: We were knocked out Monday morning and are still officially off-the-grid, running on a generator. Which means my online time is pretty limited. It's been an adventure! I'll be back with the regular meming in a couple of days. I hope.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Plaid Hat Meme

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water?

I warm the water up first, then get in. I live in a cold climate and getting into the shower on a winter morning before having warm water is just stupid.

2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex?

Uhm, yeah? Cuz, see, been married for (officially now) 25 years?

3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings?

I'm ten years younger than my nearest sibling. So, no.

4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot?

Hell, yeah; it hurts. Worse is dropping a liter of shampoo on your instep. Damn, my foot hurts just thinking about it!

5. How old do people say you look?

I practice a strict Don't Ask Don't Tell policy on this issue, as do most women over the age of 40 I think.

6. How old do you act?

I certainly don't behave the way I picture someone within 30 months of turning 50 should act. Then again, do I give one shit about the way I should act? Nope.

7. What’s the last song you sang?

I was probably mindlessly humming something or other yesterday. I do that, occasionally, when I clean.

8. Have you recently become a member of anything?

The Silver Anniversary Club count? Random Facebook groups? Or Google+? Otherwise, no.

9. What are your plans for next weekend?

Blessedly, NOTHING! We may do our mission trip review at church on Sunday, but otherwise we're doing 100% of nothing, the opposite of this weekend!

10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed?

Generally closed. I think?

11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin?

I canNOT wait to see Bud's answer to this one! I don't find Sarah Palin sexy in the least, though she's at least better-looking than MANY other nutjob Republicans.

12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive?

I may not be the best person to ask this question, not being in the market for sexy women, but I do get the sense that Angelina Jolie exudes ... something for a lot of people.

13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive?

Oh, I dunno. Johnny Depp. George Clooney. Bono. It really depends on what sort of thing turns you on.

14. Does your family have a crazy uncle?

Sparky has a crazy uncle; he's MY brother-in-law. He'll be here today. I'm embarrassed already.

15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country?

Hmm. Well, I don't know. Not intentionally, but there were probably some things I brought to the Soviet Union that they wouldn't have appreciated me disseminating had I chosen to do so. One of the guys in our group brought in a few Bibles, which were definitely black market at the time.

16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team?

I live in a village of about 7,000 people (and that's being generous). The city in which I work has under 30,000 people. So, no. But the teams in the Big City to the East are pretty good, some of them. Not that I care, except about football--and I cheer strongly against the local NFL franchise.

17. What is the most unusual?

The most unusual sports team? Really? I don't even know how to answer this, so I'll just say that the city where I work is the home of the state champion high school women's cross-country runner this year. And last year she was in the top ten. And she's a lovely girl whom I've known since she was about 7.

18. How do feel about the Goth people?

I'm pretty sure you're talking about the whole black eyeliner and combat boots fashion thing, right? They don't bother me; done to the extreme, they make me laugh, sometimes uncontrollably, which probably annoys them. If, on the off chance you're talking about the historical Goths, then I really don't have any feelings about them one way or another.

19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car?

Garble much? I can change tires, and keep up with the fluids in my car. Beast can fix an awful lot of stuff: he changes the oil regularly, and keeps repairing Sparky's brakes...those sorts of things.

20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it?

Nope. I'm not really in the business of judgment or killing or retribution or whatever this question is about.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Ceremony :: Wedding
2. Thread :: Hanging by a...
3. Need :: Require
4. Sarcasm :: Chandler (and yet I rarely even watched that show)
5. Domain :: Home
6. Take :: Give
7. Cast :: Play
8. Zone :: Combat...
9. Lose control :: Flail
10. Gambling :: Addiction

Brainy

Your Mind is Speedy

Your thoughts don't slow you down. In fact, your mind seems to operate at lightening [sic] speed. You are quick to learn new things but also quick to forget them. You tend to move on. You notice everything that is happening. You are observant, even when you're distracted. You tend to act on impulse. You don't see much advantage to trying to think things through.

What Is Your Brain Good At?

I don't think things through? The woman who makes lists of restaurants in which to eat, places to stay, sites to see, etc., whenever she goes on a big vacation? Yeah, right.

Exciting!

You Crave Some Excitement

You are a confident and together person. You are sure of who you are. You like to have a little excitement in your life, but you don't go overboard. You stay grounded. You are a high achiever. You crave success, and you'll work hard to hit it out of the park. You are resourceful and capable. You have the uncanny ability to make it all work somehow.

Do You Crave Excitement?

Wow, pretty close! Nice job, Blogthings!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. How much attention did you pay to the Casey Anthony trial?

Not much. I barely was aware of it, although it was pretty hard to avoid whenever I turned on the TV and there was a newsbreak.

2. How justified do you think people are in their outrage at the jury’s verdict?

I hope the people that are really bent out of shape really watched and paid attention to the trial and understand what happened and think the verdict is wrong based on the evidence presented. However, I'm pretty sure most are upset about it because of the way the media reported it, and they are only outraged about what they've been TOLD to be outraged about. Ahem.

3. How often do you watch shows like Nancy Grace, who focuses a great deal of attention on cases like this?

I've never watched her. She is the Ann Coulter of CNN as far as I'm concerned.

4. If you had been a juror in that case, would you have talked to the media right after the verdict was delivered?

Nope. I wouldn't talk to the media about this kind of case, not for a long time; I'd go home and see my family and sleep in my own bed and try to get my life back together.

5. If you were a juror and you were later offered money for an interview, how likely would you be willing to accept payment to appear on television to discuss the case?

I would NEVER take money from the media just for being lucky (?) enough to serve on a jury. The mere thought makes my skin crawl.

6. Would you support a law that would prohibit a juror from profiting from being on a jury in this manner? Why or why not?

I would. But then I'm a crank--or at least someone trying to be ethical--too, so that's probably not a surprise.