Patrick's Weekender

(Link at left)
Saturday Six

1. How seriously have you considered a purchase of the new iPhone?

Huh? Whatever.... Not at all.

2. Have you ever camped out to purchase something?

Nope. Nothing is that important to me.

3. What is the most important piece of jewelry you have ever purchased?

I guess that would be Beast's wedding ring.

4. Take the quiz: What gem stone are you?

Just took it about fifteen minutes ago. I'm Topaz.

5. What is your birthstone?

Oddly, it's Topaz (November).

6. Are you more likely to own an article of jewelry with the quiz result, your birthstone, or neither?

I own a topaz in a necklace, and that's enough topazes for me.

Saturday Special

(Link at left)
~Creative Adventure~
Thought I'd try something new using a very old formula from the 1980's PC adventure text games. Come on, let's see how creative you are....Fill in the blanks ;-}

1. While in a forest, you see a cabin ahead; you walk up to the door and knock.
2. In the cabin you find a large chest; you open it with the key you found in the cave.
3. Suddenly you hear a noise coming from the outside; you quickly hide behind the open door.
4. The adventure over, you leave the cabin and continue through the forest.

Bombs away

You Are Most Like Liv Tyler

"I don't want to spend so much time obsessing about myself."

What Modern Bombshell Are You Most Like?

I like Liv. I like her dad better, though.

Gemmy

Your Gemstone is Topaz

Comforting, considerate, and stable. You are down to earth and grounded.font>

What Gemstone Are You?

My birthstone actually is Topaz. I'm not really excited about that, but the description fits.

Cheddar X

(Link at left)
Habitual

1. What is your best habit?

The tendency to give people the benefit of the doubt.

2. What is your worst habit?

To take it out on others when something unexpected occurs.

3. What habit in others annoys you the most?

Negativity.

4. What habit would you like to acquire?

Control of my tongue.

5. Why do they call a nun's headgear a habit?

Actually, the whole outfit is the habit. The headpiece is a veil; or a veil, wimple, and coif. "Habit" used to mean "condition" or "dress" (as a state), from Latin. Over the centuries, the main meaning has shifted, except when applied to what nuns (and monks) traditionally have worn.

Friday Fill-In

(Link at left)

1. Catching up at work is going to take a long time!
2. Occasionally, I am caught up, at work.
3. Unexpected plumbing problems can be interesting!
4. Shopping with Amy is great, too!
5. Where do you go when you want something healthy to eat .[?]
6. Oh my god, he just left without even checking to see why the rest of us were taking so long!
7. What are you doing this weekend? Tonight I'm looking forward to having dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include shopping, with Amy and Sunday, I want to go to church and get started on packing!

Tru lurve

It's 100% Love and 0% Lust

You and your guy are truly in love, even if that spark seems to be a little dimmer.

Are Your Feelings For Him Lust or Love?

Well, after 21 years, it's a good result.

Dessert-ed

You Are Tiramisu

Light and lovely, you pack a punch. You never overwhelm... but you always leave a lasting impression.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

I
LOVE
Tiramisu.

Engage!

Your Dream Engagement Ring Has a Round Diamond!

A round diamond is classic and timeless, just like your style Your diamond will always look with the times - and goes with everything Of all diamonds, round diamonds show the most sparkle They are often chosen by sweet, dependable women who make marriage their #1 priority.

What's Your Dream Engagement Ring?

...and oddly, that's just what my ring has: a round diamond. However, Beast chose it without any input from me.

Loaded Questions

19

Hypotheticals: If you had to run a marathon, how many miles do you think you could last?

About 50...yards. Depending on heat and humidity, of course. ;-)

Anything Goes: What is life's greatest mystery?

Why such a smart species of humans are so freakin' stupid, both as a group and individually.

No-Brainers: What is your favorite flower?

Roses from the garden, the ones that have a scent.

Personals: What do you generally sleep in at night?

Bed. Wearing jammies.

Spirit

found here, in the wild waves of blogsurfing.....

You are a Thinker
(I've italicized what I agree that I tend toward, and put my comments in blue below)

Thinkers are people who naturally connect with the Holy One through the use of their intellect. They want to clearly understand their faith and appreciate having logical explanations for what they are asked to believe. They will read and study, alone or with others, in order to better grasp the truth of their faith. They believe that God wants them to discover the order that may seem hidden in the more abstract aspects of religious faith. They seek to relate to the Holy One through thinking, study, and discussion. They tend to be more formal in their prayer. (Not me: a lot of my prayers are short and sweet, along the lines of "Oh dear God, help!") If they were to meet God face to face, they would want to discuss with God how they have come to understand their faith. ...er, I doubt I'd be so presumptuous as that...at least right off the bat...

A good Scriptural example of a thinker was Paul. ooh, don't like being compared to Paul, though. He irritates me sometimes. He had a keen and well-trained intellect and was able not only to understand the many layers of faith and spiritual development, but was able to skillfully teach them to others. He was fearless in confronting his enemies and persecutors because he was so confident that he could persuade others of the truth through well-reasoned thought.

If you are a thinker, you will ordinarily find your soul fed through spiritual practices that encourage faith through intellectual development. The Questions of Faith and Doubt and material written by Marcus Borg, Frederick Borsch, Phyllis Tickle and Bob Hansel may nourish your hungry soul. You may find Borg’s thoughts on The Heart of Christianity, Tickle’s observations about religion in America and Borsch’s interview relating to his book The Spirit Searches Everything of particular interest. Explorefaith.org’s Bookshelf section will also offer numerous resources for further reading and exploration. ...great, more books to read...but I do like reading Borg--not THAT Borg, this one!

Thinkers have more difficulty relating to the Holy One through their emotions and affections. Getting better at it, though, thanks to good modeling. And reading! The material on Mystics and Mysticism, Saints Prophets and Spiritual Guides and Getting from Sunday to Monday may provide insight and ideas on how to develop that less-used part of your soul. I actually find reading about mysticism very insightful and helpful. Yep, more reading!! Plus the Oasis sections for meditating using art and music and the insights of Kristen Johnson Ingram on Doing Prayer can help with non-verbal ways to connect with the Holy. Just don't tell me I have to learn to enjoy liturgical dance....!

Looks like I have another "add" to my blogroll in this site.

Oh, the irony!!

Your Heart is Feeling Open

You have no idea where your love path leads, but you're looking forward to the journey. For you, love as an adventure. While you may get hurt, that's the risk you have to take. You are receptive to any love or relationship that may come your way. You can't predict love! Deep down, your heart is susceptible to: Anything... both good and bad Your current outlook on love: Free spirited and flexible Your love life will improve if you: Protect yourself a little. You don't have to be open to every romantic experience. Watch out for: Treating love as a game

What Is Your Heart Feeling?

I think I took this in someone else's place. I'm totally not so open-hearted that I'm likely to ever have it fall out, not after the last couple of weeks of hearing about other people's dating nightmares. Actually, several years: my niece(s) alone could write a book, and I've 'proofed' a lot of it!

Miss Priss

You Are a Bit Prissy

From time to time you can be a princess, but these days, who isn't a little high maintenance? You know what you want, and you're definitely not afraid to ask for it.(Just refrain from having a temper tantrum if you don't get your way!) There's nothing wrong with having high standards... as long as they're occasionally low enough to allow spontaneity and fun!

How Prissy Are You?

OK, in spite of the commentary, I think this is fairly accurate. I'm probably differently prissy from when I was younger, however, based on the questions.

Body's worth

found at fracas

$5090.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth

Mingle² - Online Dating

Too bad I won't be around to spend it!

3x Thursday

(Link at left)
Your Busy Life

1. Are you one of those people who is constantly busy with projects, social outings, etc. or do you just like to lay low and stay home? Why/why not?

I stay home a lot, which is fine. I'd actually prefer to stay home more...not sure what that says about me. I am busy, however, which is probably one of the reasons I feel that way. I don't mind being busy, but I kinda wish it were spread evenly rather than being piled in heaps!

2. Weather you're busy all the time or like to just chill, have you always been that way? How so/how not?

Oh, yeah, always been a homebody. I like being in charge of my own time in the comfort of home.

3. Is there something you'd like to change about how you spend your time? If so, what is it? If not, why not? How are things manageable for you?

I wish I could make myself stick to what needs to get done rather than getting distracted by the fun stuff around the house.... I do wish Beast and I could coordinate our schedules and get to the movies, or live theater, or SOMETHING more often.

TMI Tuesday

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I haven't done one of these in a very long time, but I'm punchy tonight...

1. Does the carpet match the drapes?

What drapes?
Oh. Duh.
No, not exactly. And that's a good thing, in my book! :-)

2. Have you ever used personal information about someone to blackmail them?

I actually may have done this, but not in a particularly evil or sexual way. Part of being a parent involves blackmailing your kids sometimes....

3. What is your favorite thing to lick?

My favorite things to lick are lips.

4. Have you ever had sex in a place of worship? (i.e., church, temple, mosque, etc.)

Would a library count?

5. If you watch video porn, do you buy it in a store, from a catalog, online, or download it?

I am one of those bizarre (apparently) few whose imagination is a better aphrodisiac than porn.

Tuesday Twosome

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The Daily Grind

1. What two things influenced the choice of your present job?

The desire to do more cataloging, and Maniac who retired and somehow ensured I got her job.

2. What two things do you enjoy the most about your job?

Seeing the books first, and planning out my out day (usually, for the most part).

3. What two things do you dislike the most about your job?

The location of my work area (it can be VERY noisy and distracting in the room) and the lack of time I have to do it to the level I'd like to (I always feel rushed).

4. What two jobs/professions would you like to try out?

Author, and travel planner.

5. What two jobs would/could you "never" do?

Animal experimenter (I know someone who did this...that's another story...and no, I don't agree with PETA), and ditchdigger.

Monday Meme

found at Kwizgiver who found it here

1. Do you like hot weather? Does it get hot where you live? What is the best way to spend a hot, summer day?

It gets into the 90s regularly in August, and close to that in humidity. I love hot days. LOVE them! The best thing to do on hot days is to drive with the radio on and the windows down. With gas prices, I'll settle for sitting in the backyard, dozing.

My God, I'm getting old!!

2. Do you like spicy food? If so, what is your favorite dish? What is the spiciest food you've ever eaten?

I also like spicy food, but unfortunately with the big 4-0 came the inability for my stomach to handle anything too spicy. The hottest thing I ever ate was green chili burritos in a one-horse town in southern Colorado. Damn! They were outstanding. I've also had (and made) some pretty hot chili con carne in years past.

3. What do you find "hot" in a man/woman? What is the first thing you notice about someone who is hot? Do you ever think of yourself as hot?

First thing I notice is general body shape. I do seem to have a certain 'type' which involves a flat stomach, straight shoulders and general unawareness of hotness. Eyes are important. So are lips. Signs of a sense of humor and acceptance of the world's joy are key.

I no longer spend time on the issue of my own personal hotness. The person I want to think I'm hot assures me I am. That's good enough for me at this point.

4. List 3 hot trends that you secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy:

Ahem: "social networking" (buzzwords ahoy!)....can I just say that? Because I have no idea if anything else I'm into is hot or not.

I guess I could add Dinner by Design and listening to books as well as reading them (with my eyes), but I'm pretty sure those aren't exactly "hot."

5. Are you hot-headed or quick to anger? How do you react when you are angry or frustrated? What do you do to cool down?

Yes, I tend to be quick at least in the irritation arena. I don't really get ANGRY very quickly anymore, but there are times, oh yeah. How do I react? I mutter and that can escalate into talking and yelling. Actually, yeah, I do tend to do some noisemaking when I'm really fed up; ask Sparky or Beast! I do tend to have some anger management issues.... It can take me a long time to settle down after I get upset. At some point, there is likely to be crying. I cry a lot; have I mentioned that? Anyway, apologies, and a long walk or a bath help too.

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

Of all the people you know, who is the best at getting to the heart of things in serious discussions?

My oldest sister, she of "...but the point is...." Beast is pretty good too.

What is your favorite characteristic in boys/men?

It's tempting to say "their sheer bloody-mindedness." In fact, perhaps I'll just leave that, for lack of anything else. I don't really think they are bloody-minded (however you'd like to define that); maybe I should say, overall, "their trainability." (Except for Chris.) ;-) Oy, who's a sexist pig??

In your family, who is the least like the rest of you?

In my larger, "family of origin," the answer is solidly my brother-in-law Jan. He's ADHD and neurotic. In the Big Family (including in-laws), Beast's brother. He just quit his job, cold, three weeks ago. Then he flew off to Germany for two weeks to attend a wedding and sight-see. Whatever. His parents think he's nuts, but I know he'll be fine. He's very sensible, but they don't always see that.

Manic Monday

(Link at left)

Are you strict about wearing your sunscreen in the summer?

I'm pretty good about it, especially around my face and neck. I'm certainly better than I was at age 16: baby oil all over, and a squirt bottle full of water to hasten the tanning. Not that it worked (for me).

Do you frequently wear sandals in the summer? Any favorites you'd like to share?

I could do a whole post of shoes, and a decent-length one just on sandals. In spite of summer lasting only about four months here, I have about a dozen pairs of "summer footwear." This, compared with about four pairs of non-summery shoes and two pairs of boots.

What are a few great books that you've taken along to the beach or on vacation in years past? If you aren't a big reader, what do you do to while away the lazy hours?

I really can't read outside in bright sunlight. The sunlight gives me a headache, even with sunglasses on (in fact, sunglasses makes it worse). If I'm on the beach (rarity), I'll be playing Frisbee in the surf, or building a sand castle, or walking, or watching the other people. Since I haven't been on a proper beach in...a long time (over a decade, I'm pretty sure), I dunno if things have changed.

How do you feel about swimsuit shopping? Love it, hate it, indifferent? What's your color of choice?

Not my favorite thing to try on, but needs must. I have a black polka-dot one-piece, and a blue/green/mostly yellow tankini; both are several years old because I just don't really need a suit very often.

Monday Madness

(Link at left)

1. How many times a month/year do you see the sunrise?

If the question is how many times I notice the sun coming up, probably about 10 times a year. In the winter, I'm up before the sun almost every day. If/when I go to early bird Bible study, I do occasionally notice it rising--in the middle of the discussion. I do love to be awake and able to just watch the sun crest the trees that are between the house and the horizon. I should take the time to do it more often.

2. How many times a week/month do you see the sunset?

Possibly about twice that of the sunrise. Beast is a BIG sunset freak, though; he will sit out on the back porch and (ugh) smoke a cigar while watching the colors. I need mountains before I get impressed.

3. Do you go out at night and "gaze" at the stars?

I can probably count on both hands the number of times in my life I've intentionally gone outside and looked at the stars. Lights. In the sky. Okay. Orion, Big Dipper, North Star. Moving on.... Very dismaying to Beast.

4. Do you ever look for star clusters, such as the big dipper, etc?

I can find the two I named, and the north star. That's about it. Yawn.

5. Do you look for planets at night (with or without a telescope)?

Nope. Can't be bovvered.

6. Are you able to see the northern lights where you live? If so, about how often do they come around?

We've seen them a couple of times, I think. They are pretty amazing. Very eery.

7. Do you like going outside during a thunderstorm and watching the lightening?

I do like being out in storms, not so much for the lightning itself but for the electricity in the air and the ozone-y smell. I used to love walking in the rain, too, but glasses kind of ruined that.

8. Do you have any really neat weather pictures? PLEASE, feel free to share them!

I don't think I have any online. I have a lot of weird snow photos: Snow on Easter, Snowdrifts in the driveway, Unbroken Snow in the backyard, [Dog] buried in snow (it was THAT DEEP!), not so much anything else, and they are all non-digital. Sorry.

Patrick's Weekender

(Link at left)
Sunday Seven
Episode 93

Name seven favorite items on a Chinese buffet.

1. Fried rice (I prefer with shrimp)
2. Egg Drop Soup
3. Crab Rangoon
4. Egg rolls (our good Chinese restaurant only has spring rolls--not as good)
5. Chicken or Seafood Cashew
6. Chicken or Shrimp with Broccoli
7. Fortune cookies

_________________________________________

Episode 94

Name seven television shows you’re ready to see new episodes of.

1. CSI
2. Survivor
3. The Amazing Race
4. Big Love (I know, I know. It's Beast's fault)
5. Monday Night Football
6. Mythbusters (which, technically, they've already started to run)
7. I'm looking forward to Saving Grace; I like Holly Hunter

_________________________________________

Episode 95

Name seven of the most under-appreciated jobs in your community. (I'm going with where I work rather than where I live--there are, like, six jobs in the town where I live)

1. Teacher
2. Gravedigger
3. Anything related to a church (and even worse if you are Muslim, Jewish, or further outside the 'norm' in your religious beliefs)
4. Parent
5. Paper carriers
6. Mayor/city council/etc.
7. City government in general (librarians especially! hee)

Situation Sunday

(Link at left)
But first...Sunday Brunch

1} Which do you prefer in the am: Coffee or tea?

Neither. I hate the taste of coffee, and tea is way too much trouble for me. Give me Dr. Pepper (diet).

2} Work has been cancelled on the spur of the moment: Clean house and do errands, Or just fun things?

My work gets cancelled no more often than once every two or three years. On days that I've been working, we've closed precisely...uh...never. In theory, then, I'd be likely to be home, maybe cleaning, maybe (if we have electricity) computer, games, or TV. Otherwise...bed might be an option! {g}

3} Middle of the hot summer, vacation at: Mountains or beach?

Mountains. Hands down.

4}You have to travel at a leisure[ly] speed: Train, plane or car?

Car. Plane travel is FAR from leisurly, especially anymore.

5} To relax: movie or book?

Book.

6} What kind of pets? Dog, cat, bird or fish.

I have owned birds and dogs. Birds are way too high-maintenance for me nowadays and I'm allergic to dogs. And cats. Fish are boring (sorry, imho). So we have a guinea pig, which is just about perfect.

7} Dream home: Hard wood floors or carpeting?

REAL hardwood, not Pergo or whatever, and tile. With really good rugs.

8} A fun activity: cards, bingo or blogging?

Bingo? Uh, no. But the others, yes.

9} First date: Dinner, movie or a hike?

If I were in better shape, a hike. A walk would be fine too. A movie is safe, too, in case we end up having nothing to talk about.

10} The first kiss: peck on the cheek, or a long romantic one?

My first kiss? The first time I kiss someone? My track record in this department? Generally, if I'm ready to kiss, I'm ready to KISS.

The Situations:

Situation #1
A person you have known many years growing up and that you were close to at one time has moved away for like 20 years, and always kept in contact with your younger sibling. Last year you ran into them at a local store. They tell you that they are moving home and going [through] a divorce, and to please call and get together. You call and their mother answers and says they are not here, and you hear them in the background. Many months have passed and you are at your sibling's home and they show up, and act like nothing has happened. They ask for your number. Do you give it, and how do you act and feel now towards this person?

Well, sure I'd give it. Maybe Mom's a bitch and didn't pass along the message. Then again, maybe this person's never going to contact me. Whatever. I'd probably live, either way. Frankly, this situation is WAY close to a situation I'm in right now with a friend. I just can't get excited about it; she's the way she is, and at 40-plus, I am not going to try to change her.

Situation #2
You awake one day and for some strange reason, you now have memory loss, amnesia. Everyone around you tries to help, but clearly you do not know them or trust them. Your supposedly spouse is very supportive, but you think 'how the hell could I have married [him].....you have no children......What do you do?

The - ra - py.
LOTS of it. I'm fortunate that I have blogs (and yes, against all advice, I have written down the passwords for everything!) and diaries to help walk through something like this. Again, I know someone who had to reconstruct his life in a similar way. It's a concern.

Situation #3
You come home early from work one day, and you catch your spouse in your bed with the hired help. What do you do?

Fire 'em both (after taking several photos).

This is from the cat....{Trigger}Situation #4
How do I get rid of the dog?

Uhm, Trig...you're smarter than the dog. You don't need to get rid of the dog. The dog is your minion, just train the dog to follow your commands.

Situation Sunday

(Link at left)
from last week

Situation #1
You are back in the dating game, after 20 something years of being married. You are in your 40's. You meet some one you really like, and have been on a few dates....you really like this person. When do you tell him that you have a "problem"...A disease that affects you. It is not contagious...PKD: A kidney disease where you kidneys are enlarged and keep pushing forward, and cysts that keep recurring in four major organs? You feel healthy and all, but at times it is a major setback? When and how do you let them know about this "baggage"?

Wow. I'd probably let it ride while sussing out his feelings about health issues in general. The good thing is that if he's over about 45, he'll be likely to have some basic health things himself: bad knees, high cholesterol, whatever. However, at some point it would have to come up. I'm sure there are things that I would need to be doing the keep my health under control--meds, diet, checkups--as part of my regular life. The earlier everyone is on the same page, the better.

Situation #2
A couple that you have known, and dealt with, the past 15 years. Very nice people that have adopted a mentally challenged boy. They rented this house for the past 45 years {they now are in their late 80's}; their adopted son lives in a separate apartment. They have just been told that their landlord has died and a distant relative now owns the place and gives them a order to vacate. They have 2 months to find a place to live. They are heart broken. And cannot afford today's rent of $2000 a month. How do you help them?

I have to preface my answer by saying that, had I been involved in this scenario, I would have been campaigning all along for them to find a way to make home ownership work.
At this point, I'd bring in the troops and help them sort, purge, and pack while calling in some favors on finding them a new place to live, preferably a senior community nearby. The good thing about living in a smallish city for as long as I have is that there are plenty of people I know who could help.

The next situation....is just made up.
Situation #3
You have just been told by your doctor that you have a very rare disease, youf blood can only flow to one [set of] extremity[ies]: your arms or your legs. You have to choose which ones, the other shall get amputated....which do you choose?

I'd choose arms. I could get around in a wheelchair (though I'd have to move) but I need my hands for almost everything I do.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link at left)

1. Compulsion :: Need
2. Spiritual :: ...retreat
3. Spray :: ...starch
4. Compatibility :: Agreement
5. Pursuit :: Trivial...
6. Fake :: Phony
7. Mobile :: ...phone
8. Ceremony :: Wedding...
9. Ribbons :: Hair...
10. Mozart :: Wolfy!

Boom--Blogthings

Your Passion is Pink!

You're the type of woman that would never rarely get described as passionate... Oh but you can be passionate at times - you just don't let it show. Your passion most shows through in your sweet and optimistic attitude. And chances are, most people are very passionate about you!

What Type of Passionate Woman Are You?

Oh, but I do get called passionate at times....believe me. It isn't ALWAYS a compliment....
___________________________________________________________

You Are Catwoman

"Life's a bitch. Now so am I."

What Superheroine Are You?

Heh. OK. Funny. Not sure about the accuracy.
___________________________________________________________

Your True Sign Is Cancer

Cozy Moody Romantic Traditional Ultra-Sensitive Unable to Let Go The Most Loving Ever Intuitive and Imaginative

What Sign Woman Are You, Really?

MOODY!?! Me? This is about half-right.
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You are Barefoot!

You're a total free spirit, go with the flow girl You can't be restricted by shoes for very long And unsuprisingly, the same goes for men Your match is out there - and he's as carefree as you are

What Kind Of Women's Shoe Are You?

Well, the shoe part is spot-on. Everything else is as wrong as it's possible to be!!
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The PJ's You Are Most Like: Comfortable PJ's

You're a bit conservative, traditional, and tend to follow conventions You have an understated, easy sexiness that men love People instantly find comfort in you, and you're a "best friend" to many.

What Kind of PJ's Girl Are You?

Imagine if I would've said I wanted Beast to wear pinstripe PJs!! This is sorta accurate. I find it a little tricky to agree or disagree about my alleged sexiness.
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Your Fashion Style is Classic

You like what's stood the test of time... Simple, well styled clothes that don't scream trendy You stay updated and modern, but your clothes stay in style for a while You wouldn't be caught in animal prints, fake fur, or super bright colors.

What Kind of Fashionable Woman Are You?

Well, hmm, something's wrong here....
___________________________________________________________

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

Aside from that flavor -- yuck! -- this seems pretty accurate.
___________________________________________________________

You Are Not a Tease

You definitely know how to flirt, but you usually choose not to. You're not the type of girl who leads guys on - and men appreciate that. Your charms and sexiness are saved for the one guy you're into... And for that, he digs you even more!

Do Men Think You're You A Tease?

Finally, another one that's pretty accurate.

Trav'lin'

Swiped from Kwizgiver....

Cat.'s Reason for Travelling Back in Time: To become a monk in the 13th Century Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Ahem. I doubt they'd have me, even if there was enough money EVER PRINTED for me to do ANYTHING in the 13th century!!

Saturday 8

Link
Get Your Move on (June 9)

1. do you have an exercise routine currently?

Nope. I'm a total slacker.

2. what's the most amount of money per month that you would pay for a gym?

I pay about $30 (I think) now, and I don't use it, because ... see answer above.

3. have you ever been unable to exercise, for instance, due to an injury, lack of funds or time, etc.?

Time. That's my problem. I spend too much time with the laptop and not enough at anything that burns calories.

4. have you ever had a friend or family member that exercised TOO much, to the point that they were anorexic (or very, very close)?

No, but I worked with someone who was anorexic, and ran about 15 miles a day. She was well into her 30s at this stage.

5. have you ever exercised too much, to the point where it was unhealthy?

No, I'm happy to say that this is not an issue I will probably ever need to worry about.

6. have you ever had a negative experience at a gym (with other patrons, equipment, trainer) or with the gym themselves (billing, closings, etc.)?

Nothing personal, just the general over-testosteroned show-boys. NOT guys who work out, do their stuff and move along, but the ones who are only there for two reasons: 1) find a date, or 2) preen.

7. one form of exercise that seems bizarre to me is spinning as i cannot understand sitting on a stationary bike for an hour with some little skinny bitch screaming at you from HER stationary bike. what form of exercise do you not 'get' or would never try because it seems too weird to you?

Well, that one sounds fucking miserable! I won't attend any class during which I'm made to feel stupid. This, obviously then, excludes anything that requires coordination: Jazzercise, aerobics.... The last exercise class I took was primarily a Pilates/yoga stretching class but the teacher was way cool--in spite of being gorgeous, blond and thin--had wonderful music tapes and didn't care if we flopped around like beached whales laughing our asses off. We all talked throughout the class, too. It ruined me for 'real yoga', I'm afraid. I 'get' that yoga is not just exercise for the body, but also exercise for the mind and a tool for meditation. However, I prefer to have fun exercising; I like stretching better than sweating, though, so my choices are limited.

8. if you had two free, dedicated hours each day to do something athletic that would NOT take away from work, friends, or family time, and the unlimited funds to do it, what type of exercise would you do daily? lipo, by the way, does not count... ;)

Stretching, see above. I'd really love to learn to do some kind of cardio, but I really do live in fear of Skinny Bitch Teachers. A personal trainer would be wonderful!

____________________________________________________
Heartfelt Sentiments (June 16)

Del, I love you, but you really need to stop holding a grudge against Katherine without explaining it to her because it's childish and puts us the rest of us in a bad situation with her.

M.H., I don't know if I could ever thank you enough for your continued interest and knowledge about Katherine's health issues. It really means a lot to me because you are the only person who ever asks.

Cat., when are you going to finally pick a time to go shopping with Amy. You have been promising [her] for WEEKS and I think we should finally move forward with your promise and do just get it done!

Sparky, I am sorry that I come down on you so hard and so often. I only [do] it because I get frustrated with your apparent unwillingness to pay attention.

Laura, I think I want you to know that I'm really annoyed with you, more annoyed than I think I ever have been in 35 years. I would have told you before but couldn't because you bailed on me while I was in Colorado in March after promising to get together the day before.

Molly, you are my favorite almost-aunt because you say such sensible things.

Mom, I owe you multiple apologies because I haven't called in eons. (and for a lot of other reasons, too)

J.W., you probably have NO idea, but I really find you attractive! I really love your self-deprecating humor and the strength of your faith...and your shoulders, but I cannot tell you because we're both married and I'd have to kill you, or leave the community, our church, and my husband.

Patrick's Weekender

(Link at left)
Saturday Six--Episode 165

1. What do you consider more important to your long-term happiness: your relationships, your location, your career or your dreams?

Family. OK, I know that wasn't an option, so it sort of fits into relationships, and my friends are important, but really, if I mess up the family, I'm screwed for real, aren't I?

2. Other than a significant other, how many people do you feel you can truly turn to for advice?

I can turn to lots of people. I am likely to turn to only about five or six others, and outside of family, probably only a couple. And I suspect that they know who they are. Oh, and our pastor.

3. Of the people you think know you best, how surprised would you think they would be if they knew "everything" there is to know about you?

I doubt it would be anyone I 'know' online!! Ya'll know everything! ;-) My family--sisters, et al.--knows very little about my regular activities, and that is very intentional. My mom would be VERY surprised.

4. Take the quiz: Are you living the wrong life?

According to my result, I'm 32% off-track. I tend to agree.

5. What is the longest you’ve stayed in a job you weren’t happy in?

I liked my first full-time job for about six months. Then the bloom was WAAAAYYYYYYY off the rose and I loathed my boss, the organization, and several co-workers for the next five-and-a-half years. One of the things I promised myself at that point is that I would never, ever put myself through anything like that again. I'd rather deliver newspapers (done it).

6. What single factor made you stay the most?

After awhile, when I realized that it was not I who was clinically mental, but the boss, I determined to outstay her. I did indeed outlast (and outplay) her, but at the cost of many sleepless nights, a great deal of compromise, and thirty-plus pounds that I have yet to remove from my ass. Oh, the other reason was at the bottom of it all, I really did like my job: being a reference librarian.

__________________________________

Saturday Six--Episode 166

1. Have you ever talked to your doctor about stress levels in your life?

I have skirted the issue on a couple of occasions, but I have actually skipped passed the 'regular' doctor twice and hit the therapist's office. Once for job-related stress (see above), and once for life-related stress (moving to a new community, quitting my job, having to deal with a seriously reduced standard of living, and having two family members die, all within 8 months).

2. How likely are you to "let go" of something that stresses you out?

Uhm, all together now, you people who know me....

Yeah. Not.

3. Does your family or your work cause the most stress in your life? Do you think your family members or co-workers realize how much stress they generate?

I'd say right now, today, it's my family that's running things, not Sparky & Beast so much as the extended family: wedding, serious illness surrounding me, and a lot of sad stuff in general.

4. Take the quiz: Will You Live to 100?

My result is here: there's a 57% chance that I'll live that long.

5. When you think that you are at the breaking point, are you more likely to have an angry blow-up, a self-contained meltdown, or something in between? When was the last time you had such a moment?

I cry. A lot. And then I cry some more. And cry and cry and cry. Generally, it's self-contained, but I do flare (and flail) out at other people on occasion. Poor Beast, and Sparky: they bear the brunt of that. But I've flipped at work, too. And church.

The last time I really lost it? It's been awhile, actually. Just little lightning bolts. I did snarl at one of the other youth leaders at our mission site last week because she was completely negligent, clueless, and rude. IMHO.

6. When you’re stressed out, what is the first clue someone who knows you well is likely to pick up on?

Tone of voice, teary eyes....generally snarky attitude. I do NOT (cannot) hide it well.

_______________________________________

Saturday Six--Episode 167

1. How far from your home is your nearest fire station?

We are probably less than a quarter of a mile in linear distance from the station on our side of the lake. It is staffed every other day. The alternate day it's probably 3 miles away across the lake. Weird. Can you tell we live in rural-ish America??

2. Have you ever made a call to your local 911 service? If so, how long did it take for emergency personnel -- whatever type you needed -- to arrive?

As a matter of fact, we have. I called 911 for the first time EVER just about two years ago when Beast's back went out completely. The guys got here in probably five or six minutes, but I could hear them leave the firehouse, drive a quarter mile away, from us, then drive parallel to us, then come back toward us. There is no direct route to go the 3 blocks from the station to our house. {eyeroll}

3. If you had to choose one of the following, which emergency employee would you want to be: police officer, dispatcher, paramedic, firefighter; and why would you choose that one?

Paramedic. I don't deal well with panicking people on the phone, I definitely don't want to be a cop (no interest in carrying a gun for one thing), and firefighting is freakin' dangerous! I actually have considered volunteering for paramedic around here on occasion.

4. Take the quiz: What firefighter tool are you?

What Firefighter tool are you
New York Roof Hook you like overhall, checking for extensions, taking out ceilings and walls.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

It must be a firefighting thing with spelling. My brother can't spell basic words either. Should it be "overhaul" not "overhall"?

My but I'm picky tonight! And that is a sort of cool-looking tool, actually....

5. When you were little, did you ever dream of being a first responder?

Nope. I dreamed of being safe. My brother did though, and he did end up a cop (briefly), then an EMT/paramedic, and for the majority of his career, a firefighter. He now sells firetrucks. He's just a big ol' kid. ;-) Me, I have always liked life to be safe, controlled, and emergency-free.

6. What is your favorite first-responder-related movie or television show; and how realistically do you think it depicts what they really go through?

I would love to watch "Rescue Me" but I'm afraid I would find it a little too intense and too personal. I did like "Backdraft" which I watched with my brother who pointed out all the inconsistencies (relatively few) and stuff Ron Howard et al. got right (most everything). I loved "Emergency!" as a kid, too: in fact, I'm pretty sure that show was formative for my brother. I don't think it was at all accurate about the details, but also it was probably as close as it could be at the time.

Saturday Special

(Link at left)
~In Two Words~

1. Two words that describe you best:

Tired
Insomniac
(right now...no clue why...I'm not worrying about anything...for a change)

2. Two words that describe your personality:

Driven
Interested

3. Two words that describe your taste in clothes:

Comfortable
Inexpensive

4. Two words that describe your home:

Somewhat Untidy

Back To The Rack~


1. What's the oddest thing you've ever returned?:

Tweezers I bought in March. They were so cheap they didn't even meet at the tweezing edge! feh

2. Do you return things you don't like or just keep them?:

Depends on how far a drive it is to return it, versus the cost of the item and how busy I am. I try to find a use for everything; sometimes it's not the intended use, though.

3. What's the largest item you've ever returned?:

I really don't return very many things at all. Uhm, I've got a tri-fold school-display board I need to return that I just haven't remembered to pick up when I leave the house. I guess that counts.

4. Have you ever returned a dress/outfit you wore to a special occasion?:

If I've worn it, I don't return it.

Book Preferences

from Kwiz

Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror?

It is pretty dependent on the skill of the writer. I used to LOVE Stephen King's writing--well, technically, I still do--but now I find it way too creepy to be able to read. I like some fantasy, as long as it's not TOO fantastic. Ditto with scifi, as long as it's not too science-y.

Hardback or Trade paperback or Mass market paperback?

I don't really care, but they definitely have their places of importance. Paperbacks are de rigeur for traveling--I oce schlepped 13 hardcovers all over England for almost three weeks. I've learned from that. On the other hand, mass market books are awful for me to try to read in the bathtub or while curling my hair. There's virtually no way to brace them open, and the paper is unforgiving of moisture. Trade paperbacks are a little better, but only a little.

Amazon or Brick and Mortar?

If I know precisely what I want, I'll use Amazon, or if I need it to be shipped elsewhere. Otherwise, when I'm just browsing, or I need something today, I'll stop at Borders or the local indy store.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?

Honestly, I feel I should put in a plug for the Independent Bookstores here. However, I do shop at Borders just because they have a bigger selection than my little town's little bookstore. Now I feel really disloyal, because the owner is a good friend.

Hitchhiker or Discworld?

I've never read the Hitchhiker series, and I think I've only read one of the Discworld books. I've heard rave reviews of both, from people who have been reliable in other recommendations I have read. I keep thinking I should pick up the first in each series and read it...and then something else pops up instead.

Bookmark or Dog-ear?

I've talked before about my penchant for using anything at hand as a bookmark: hairbrushes, envelopes, pencils, the Thwacker (that's what we call 'em at work), and even the occasional, actual bookmark. I do dog-ear pages of books at times, if they are mine (not library books) and if there is simply no other way to manage to mark the page in a reasonable way. For example, we have one of those Uncle John's Bathroom Readers (in the bathroom) and after picking it up multiple times and just opening at random, I finally started bending the corners of the pages that I've read. Someone else in the family is now marking the pages he has read with tiny pieces of clean toilet paper. I'm amused.

Asimov’s Science Fiction or Fantasy & Science Fiction?

I actually prefer Asimov's mysteries and some of his science books, and if you consider time travel "fantasy" I'm all over that genre.

Alphabetize by author, Alphabetize by title, or Random?

Heh. This is a BAD question to ask a librarian! What about arranging them by binding? Size? Color? Dewey? Library of Congress? And are we talking about the books (stored) on the bookshelves, or the books waiting to be read, by the side of the bed?
My books are in absolutely no order at home, except the cookbooks, which are at least all together, and the Bibles, ditto. Everything else is sort of in the order of appearance in our lives. The books waiting to be read are on a separate shelf, and I try to read them in the order they are due back at the library. That's not always very successful, but I do try.

Keep, Throw away or Sell?

I buy very few books except reference books or gifts. Once I've read a book, generally, I'd prefer to get rid of it. Early library-use training shows. I have purchased copies of books I really love--LIW sets, Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander," signed Earl Emersons--but pretty damn few.

Keep dust-jacket or Toss it?

It drives me NUTSO that at my library, the children's books have no dust jackets. This has been annoying me for as long as I've lived in the area. How do you know what a book is about if you can't read the blurb?! Luckily, we do keep them on the adult books.

On my own books, I use the dust jacket as a bookmark quite often (on those rare occasions when I purchase a hardcover book!), and they do protect the book at little from the elements.

Read with dustjacket or Remove it?

Woops, I jumped ahead a bit. If it's a library book, of course I keep it on. If it's mine, and it's a long book, I usually set it aside...or use it as a dustjacket.

Short story or Novel?

I never knew that there were actually people out there who don't like short stories. I like novels, too, mind you, but I have taken up the short story as my cause (I work with someone who doesn't like them) since I really do like being able to skip around inside a book sometimes.

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?

OK, let's get this cleared up: you have to either ask "Harry Potter or the Baudelaires" or "J.K. Rowling or Lemony Snicket." Otherwise, it's clear you have no idea what you're talking about.
Though I've read a couple of the books about the Baudelaires, I have to say Harry Potter wins this handily. {chuckling at my own silliness here}

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?

When the book falls on my face and wakes me up.... This depends on where I'm reading. Truthfully, it's been a long time since I've been able to choose where I fall asl... er, stop reading. Usually, I just stop wherever.

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time?"

Hmmm, I like fairy tales, but I do read an awful lot of mysteries, which seems more "dark & stormy night"-like. (tho now I'm picturing the dark and stormy night with Brad & Janet and a "light, a light, in the darkness/Of everybody's life."

Buy or Borrow?

I only borrow from libraries, never from people. I know how hard it is to get books back to their proper owners in a timely manner. And of the hundreds of books I've read over the years, easily 85% or more have been library books.

Buying choice: Book Reviews, Recommendation or Browse?

Unfortunately, I have discovered very few people whose recommendations work for me. I rely on book reviews and browsing, and I'm fortunate to have access to a real glut of both methods.

Lewis or Tolkien?

I'm assuming this is C.S. Lewis... Having only read The Hobbit once, about three years ago, compared to umpty-seven times through the Narnia series, I think my answer's pretty obvious.

Collection (short stories by the same author) or Anthology (short stories by different authors)?

Both have their drawbacks and their benefits. I guess I lean slightly toward anthologies.

Tidy ending or Cliffhanger?

Depends on the rest of the book, and the author. Some authors you just know are going to leave you hanging with parts of the story. Some authors are tidy-uppers. Most mysteries are by default sort of tidied up, but I do like those occasional ones that just stop. There was a P.D. James book (was it "Devices & Desires"??) that, on the last page or two, completely turned the story upside down. It was a wonderfully convoluted twist to an enjoyably complex story.

Morning reading, Afternoon reading or Nighttime reading?

If there's a light in the room, I'm good. I have discovered that it's quite difficult for me to read outside in bright sunlight anymore, however. boo-hoo

Standalone or Series?

I've sort of gone off series lately, though I still read my regular SUPER favorites. I'm reading a lot of standalones, which is refreshing. I'm sure I'll go back to my series again eventually, though.

New or used?

Oddly, I don't like used books (from bookstores) even though library books don't bother me at all. Actually, it's not odd at all: libraries keep their books clean (i.e. mold-free), and I've been in too many used bookstores where everything smelled damp and mildewy. Yuck. I do not want my books to smell of anything but ink and paper. It really, really upsets me when we get a library book back that's infused with cigarette smoke. I just want to smack the borrower with a STINK charge!

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?

Picked at random from my reading blog: Glass Soup, by Jonathan Carroll. It's a bizarre book about what happens after death, and what is reality, is it the same for everyone? Great cover art, too.

Top 5 favorite genre books of all time?

Children's: Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter"
Religious/WWII: Corrie ten Boom's "The Hiding Place"
Serious Novel: Michael Ondaatje's "The English Patient"
Hysterically Funny: Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" (or maybe "Two for the Show")
Time Travel: Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" (oh, boy, would I love to meet Jamie!)

Favorite genre series?

Did you notice I didn't really do a Mystery Series one above?? OK, I can't. There's Robert Parker's Spenser books (and his new Jesse Stone series, too). There's Sara Paretsky, Sue Grafton, Marcia Muller. There's P.D. James, Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Peters, Nevada Barr. There's Bill Pronzini's "Nameless" series. There are TOO DAMN MANY!

Currently Reading?

Only one, right now: The Sudoku Murder, by Shelley Freydont. I need to check out the ones on my desk at work tomorrow (er, today) so I don't run completely out of reading material.

Five on Friday

(Link at left)
*Dies of Boredom*

1. What situations make you the most bored?

No book, no paper, no computer, nothing to listen to, no chance of getting any of the above in any reasonable time, and no people to watch or talk to.

2. What do you do to alleviate boredom?

Any of the above, and if desperate I will sing. :-)

3. On long car trips, what do you to to keep things fun?

Uhm, books on CD/tape, music, talking, sleeping, looking at the scenery.... There's also the Alphabet Game. And singing. :-)

4. On airplanes, what do you bring in your carryon to entertain yourself?

Writing utensils, crosswords, Sudokus, a magazine, a book... That usually covers it.

5. Are you the sort of person who complains when feeling bored?

No, not really. I learned early that the words "I'm bored" usually bring bad karma in the form of Too Much Work.

Multiple counts of theft

...from KwizGiver

Cat., you're a Type 3 - The Entertainer

Friends, family, and colleagues likely look up to you for this passion and drive. They're also apt to know that when they come to you with a problem, you can be counted on help them find the kind of solution that will lead to greater self-knowledge and personal growth. You often motivate and inspire others by your good example alone. As an Entertainer, you're also likely to be seen as a valuable and competent person who is worthy of admiration.

Being a member of this type puts you in good company. Oprah Winfrey, with her worldwide influence and recognition, and Michael Jordan, one of the most recognized sports figures of all time, are also Type 3s.

This means that compared to the eight other Enneagram types, you have a strong sense of self worth, which you're not afraid to show off in a public way. In fact, you're the kind of energetic, charming person who is often committed to being the very best that you can be.

Well, that's lovely: I'd love to think it's even partially true, but I'm not sure about the accuracy.

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

Cat., the brightest color in your aura is Orange

Contrary to popular myth, auras are actually multi-colored energy fields that can be divided into seven primary layers. Having Orange as your brightest color means that the second layer of your aura is the most vibrant. You have exceptional abilities to use your feelings as your mental, physical, and spiritual guides. Your keen awareness of your emotions allows your energy to move freely through the Emotional layer of your aura, where energy most often gets stuck for others. This can help you avoid a variety of emotional and physical ailments.

My response? HAH!

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

Cat., your perfect date is a Cultured Sophisticate

Sure, sweet dates are great, but you know a more refined mind trumps all. With your smarts and love of a quick wit, you should definitely date someone who can hold their own when it comes to worldly affairs. From spending time on Sunday morning with the NYT to talking about a newsworthy event, you're most stimulated by a mature date that can keep you on your toes.

Is there more to attraction? Of course! But while good looks aren't something to totally be ignored, it takes a beautiful mind to really make your pulse quicken. Now that's smart!

Yes, with the exception of focused discussion of anything "newsworthy" although I can generally do it. I just don't find most of what's in the newspaper very interesting, just depressing.

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

Cat., your vibe is Burgundy Chic

You're one class act — the perfect balance of a cool, casual attitude and an elegant, polished style. There's a certain grace in almost everything you do. It's true, you make things look easy — even when they're not.

And while there's nothing flashy about how you present yourself, you never fail to dazzle most people you meet. You tend to take life as it comes — and it's not easy to throw you off course. A strong sense of self and a hearty dose of confidence help you handle whatever comes your way. And usually, look good doing it.

I'm pretty sure I don't dazzle and I know I'm not graceful!

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

Cat., you are Balanced-brained

That means you are able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres of your brain, depending upon a given situation.

When you need to explain a complicated process to someone, or plan a detailed vacation, the left hemisphere of your brain, which is responsible for your ability to solve problems logically, might kick in. But if you were critiquing an art opening or coming up with an original way to file papers, the right side of your brain, which is responsible for noticing subtle details in things, might take over.

While many people have clearly dominant left- or right-brained tendencies, you are able to draw on skills from both hemispheres of your brain. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.

The down side to being balanced-brained is that you may sometimes feel paralyzed by indecision when the two hemispheres of your brain are competing to solve a problem in their own unique ways.

Well, that last part is sure accurate!!

Juggling Cats

(Link at left)
celebrity slasher edition (please include your reasons for choosing the people you choose)

name the singlemost godawful celebrity of all time :: someone you would like to share karma with just so you can see how bad they get it next time around

Unfortunately, I can't think of anyone worse than Our Illustrious President, but I'm not sure I'd want to waste my karma on him. So, ok, Manson. What is his deal, really?

name 2 intriguing celebrities :: people you would actually like to get to know as regular folk

Well, since I already named Meryl Streep (below) in this category, I guess I should go elsewhere for this one... So I'll go with Sandra Bullock and J.K. Rowling. The former just seems very down-to-earth and sensibly and FUN, and the latter I'd like to chat about writing with. And what is she going to do with all that money?!

name 3 creepy celebrities :: people you wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole

Seeing as how the author stole my gimme (again) in Paris Hilton...I'll go with Gary Busey (what happened, dude??), Marilyn Manson, and Billy Bob Thornton (admittedly, I sorta stole this one).

name 4 trainwreck celebrities :: people you find morbidly fascinating

Paris, Nicole Richie, Britney Spears, and Johnny Rotten (is he still alive?).

name 5 incurably cool celebrities :: people who were cool from day 1 and probably always will be

Samuel Jackson, Harrison Ford (but it's wearing thin, dude, it's wearing thin), Pierce Brosnan, Joanne Woodward and Debbie Reynolds.

name 6 waste-of-space celebrities :: people who would be doing us all a favor to just drop off the face

Sticking with the latter part of the theme above (and trying not to rename anyone else I've already listed)...
Elizabeth Taylor (your day has ended, please go away!)
Mick Jagger (ugh--unless I'm trying to lose weight, in which case a picture of him posted in my kitchen is wonderful; I've never liked this man)
Heather whateverthefuckyournameisnow-McCartney (go away, slimebucket; I don't care that much about The Paul, but really now, babe...)
Jessica Simpson AND her entire fuckedupbeyondbelief family
Michael Jackson and HIS entire fuckedupfamily EXCEPT Janet whom I can't help but like for some reason
And since I've managed to ignore sports until now...Terrell Owens (cuz he's a prick 100% of the time he's in public)

name 7 recently promoted has-beens :: people who were cool in the eighties but never since

("recently promoted?" I dunno, so I'm just listing people I remember from the 80s that were Really Big and then completely disappeared from the Coolness Channel--and I did mine before I read the original author's, by the way)
Number one has to be Andrew McCarthy
Debbie Gibson (yes, I know she's insisting on using her 'real' first name and doing Broadway now, but she's NOT cool) and Tiffany--because I actually wonder if they aren't the same person, REALLY
Molly Ringwald. Thank GOD she went away!!
Kirk Cameron
Bronson Pinchot
Billy Idol
Dan Ackroyd

Friday Fill-In

(Link at left)
Bloggers!
These fill-ins are all about bloggers I read, so I'll include links in the extended entry. In the meantime, feel free to fill in the blanks with whatever comes to mind, about whoever comes to mind!

1. She loves poetry, the darker the better!

2. He loves all types of political commentary.

3. This blogger misses nothing with her camera.

4. Unfortunately, she's been very sick lately!

5. Repressed emotions is are not her strong suit; in fact I do believe that's why she moved her blog,ho hum.

6. Her photos fascinates me; I love that her blog seems to almost smells (and tastes) of nature and dogs!

7. What are you doing this weekend? Tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out, maybe upoading the photos from last week and sending the link to various people, tomorrow my plans include working non-stop on cataloging, and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Friday's Feast

(Link at left)
June 15

Appetizer
Fill in the blank: The best thing about where I live is I have an excellent job, a fabulous house, and access to loads of cultural stuff within a couple of hours.

Soup
Create a new name for a deodorant (like “Flower Fresh” or “Shower Scent”).

Teenage Mutant Ninja Odor-Free

Salad
What was the last piece of software you installed onto your computer?

I believe I updated our Java this week. Otherwise, I have no idea. It may have been the link between the laptop and my MP3 player in February.

Main Course
If you were to receive a superlative award today beginning with the words "Most likely to…," what would the rest of the phrase say?

...work herself into an early grave, laughing all the way.

Dessert
What two colors do you like to wear together?

Blue and white. Old high school habits die hard!

June 22

Appetizer
Name a funny habit you have.

"I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?" OK, I've never seen that movie, but I love the quote.
Funny habit? Oh, who knows. I hate having ANYthing under my fingernails. It drives me nuts, and it's why I bite my nails.

Soup
If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick?

I can already sort of play piano, but if this were a matter of learning how to play well, then I'd say piano. Otherwise, it would pretty much have to be guitar, for portability if nothing else.

Salad
How long is your hair?

Just slightly past my shoulders.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it?

Uh-oh, this is hard for me. I have great difficulty with forgiveness. I can't think of any huge thing but I would guess it was probably Beast, over the weekend.

Dessert
What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

Fridge. Cold Dr. Pepper is so much better than warm. ;-)

Friday Fun

(Link at left)
Flip-Flop Friday

1. If, for one day, you could flip-flop lives with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I wouldn't mind living Meryl Streep's life for a day. She seems to be very normal, have a regular life outside of all the celebrity hoopla.

2. If, for one day, you could flip-flop your significant other with someone else, who would it be and why?

Not hap'nin'. Sorry.
For fun though, I'd love for him to be able to sing like Bono for a day. But everything else stays the same. I have no interest in being married to someone famous.

3. Is there anyone you would not want to flip-flop lives with for a day? Why?

Oh, just about every famous person under the age of 30. Thing Britney, Lindsay, et al. The main reason I wouldn't want to flip is the whole paparazzi thing. Gag.

4. What is one aspect of your life you would like to flip-flop?

I'd like to be less prone to flying off the handle when things aren't going well.

Friday Friends

1. Are you as close to your friends from school days now as you were then?

Seeing as how I just celebrated my 20th college reunion last year...uh, no. However, there are three or four friends I've had since school that I do keep in touch with and we are very close. However, the vast majority of friends I had in high school and college have regressed into acquaintances at best.

2. Do you tend to have a large group of friends or a small group of VERY close friends?

I have a lot of friends that are closer to acquaintances from my standpoint. There are VERY few people with whom I'm close, really open and honest about everything. Like, uh, five. Counting Beast.

3. Are there friends from days gone by that you wish were still in your life?

Yes. I was really looking forward to catching up with Laura, my longest-standing friend, at spring break. There's a story there I may blog about elsewhere. I'd like to see my college roommates, too. Technically, all these people are still in my life, but very peripherally (like Christmas card exchange only). OK, here's someone who fell off the planet that I'd love to see again: my "triplet" in band--three of us were born on the same day, and I am still in good contact with one of the others. However C-y-d Ch@rl!#r transferred to another school and I've wondered what happened to her. Here's another, but I'd rather just Google him than talk to him: J#rry P0w#rs.

4. How do you handle it when good friends move, or you move, away?

I don't handle it well. I really have a hard time keeping in touch the old-fashioned way. If everyone were online, it would be much easier! :-)

5. Do you tend to stay in touch with old friends or do they get lost in the shuffle of everyday life?

The latter. I'm very much an "out of sight, out of mind" person. See my answer to #4.

Four for Friday

(Link at left)
June 14

Q1 - Music: A friend of mine has just over 1,500 songs on his computer that he listens to throughout the workday. Over time, he has become of tired of hearing the same music over and over again. His question is this... how do you branch out and find new music that you'll like?

I use Launchcast. I get new stuff every day. Not all of it is good, but once in awhile a new gem appears and I fall in love. The other thing I do pretty consistently is enter all the reviewed albums in Entertainment Weekly into Launchcast with their ratings (tagged so I know the rating is from a review). That way I get to hear stuff someone else thought was good. I never would have bothered with the last Johnny Cash album if it hadn't gotten such high praise, or the last Loretta Lynn album (produced by Jack White of The White Stripes), if not for doing this, and that would have been sad.

Q2 - Church: The Church of England believes its Manchester Cathedral is no place for a gun battle, much less a gory one that can be viewed in any living room. Sony's PlayStation 3 release "Resistance: Fall of Man" features a battle among British and American soldiers and aliens inside the cathedral. The Anglicans are demanding an apology and a contribution to the Church's antiviolence education campaign using the game's profits. Sony maintains that it will not alter the game. Do you think the Church is owed an apology and payout?

Well, it does seem to me that if you make a movie using a 'real' place, you have to go with whatever restrictions that location places on you. I think it should be the same, and you should have to at least get permission if you're going to use a real place in a video game. Good heavens (ahem), people, you are video game designers! Your whole world is created from scratch. If you can't get permissions, create your own personal cathedral to shoot up!! Go, Anglicans! Just another reason I won't be buying any Sony game products. OK, that's a lie: it's another excuse I can use for not buying them!

Q3 - Take it With You: There's an old saying that goes something like this: You can't take it with you when you die! If you had to choose three items to be buried with, what would you choose?

My wedding dress (no one else will want it!), pictures of my husband and son together with me, and a set of Dewey Decimal books. Which, by the way, I don't own so I'd better get right on that!

Q4 - Hotels: When you stay at a hotel, do you take the free toiletries home at the end of your stay?

Of course! Most of the time, at least, especially if I haven't used them. I bring them back and put them in the donation for the homeless. Dude, whatever you say, I've paid for those: I didn't ask for them to be put in the room, and I NEVER ask for extras. I also never take towels or linens from the room, but I have snagged the kleenex for the car on occasion if we're having a problem with runny noses.

June 22 -- The Education Edition

Q1 - Hands Off: Hugging is now a punishable offense at a Fairfax County, Virginia, school. School children at Kilmer Middle School in suburban Washington, DC, are now under a zero-tolerance touching policy. They're banned from poking, prodding, hugging, and even high-fiving one another. In your opinion, is this a good or bad thing?

I have tried to keep to a no-hug policy at my job with the kids for close to 15 years. Anything can be (and frequently is) misinterpreted. However, I really do think this policy is a little asinine: no high-fives? I have to say that any school district who thinks that they can keep kids from running into each other in the halls is popping some serious drugs. Kids this age can barely control their actions, they're growing like weeds and changing in every dimension--they are going to touch. Have these school district people never seen those horrible monkey experiments from the 50s and 60s where the babies receive no hugs and become completely (truly) psychotic?? What are we teaching our kids? That ALL touch is bad? Oy. Get over yourselves, people!

Q2 - School Lunch: Did you bring a bag lunch to school or did you buy your lunch in the cafeteria? Did any of the schools you attended--excluding college or prep school--offer breakfast?

I was a lunchbox kid as a grade-schooler, but my mom relented in junior high and high school and I usually bought lunches from that point on. I don't remember if they offered breakfast when I was little. We sold donuts for fund-raisers in high school, and I do remember some kind of non-compete deal with the breakfasts served then. Not too many people that I knew ate breakfast at school, though.

Q3 - Paying for Performance: Starting this fall, New York City students and their families could earn as much as $1,000 a year for doing well on standardized tests and showing up for class. As part of the City's new Opportunity NYC program (a conditional cash transfer program aimed at helping New Yorkers break the cycle of poverty), families can earn $25 or $50 per month for 95 percent school attendance for elementary, middle, and high school students; $25 for attending parent-teacher conferences; and $50 for obtaining a library card. An improvement in scores or proficiency on standardized tests at the elementary and middle school levels can earn a family from $300 or $350 per test; while at the high school level, a student can earn $600 for each passing grade on individual Regents exams. Incentives of $25 will be earned for both parental review of the test and discussion with teachers; high school students can earn $50 for taking the PSAT exam, and will share $600 with their parents for annually accumulating 11 credits, and a $400 bonus for graduating. Again, in your opinion, is this a good or bad thing? Should we be offering cash incentives for academic participation and performance?

Parents have been paying their kids for good grades for years...decades. My husband got a 'reduced rate' for his car insurance (i.e. his parents paid it if his grades were good) twenty years ago. Still, we don't hand over cash for Sparky's good grades, nor will we start (tempting as it might be). I think I'd have less of a problem with this concept if, instead of handing over money, the school district would invest in a bond or a scholarship for the kid. I think there's some value there in accumulating and waiting for the payoff. I would prefer that the kid have to use the money for something besides video games and snack food. On the other hand, that $350 could probably buy groceries for his family for a week in some cases.... It's very complicated.

Q4 - High School Reunions: Have you ever been to a high school reunion (yours or someone else's)? If so, what was it like? If not, is it because you refuse to go to one? If so, why?

We went to both of our 20th high school reunions a few years ago. Mine was outstanding. Beast's...sucked. We'll go back for my 30th (well, I will for sure, and Beast will if he can). We won't bother with the horrible Spring (Texas) High School reunions. People were downright rude, beyond just simply ignoring people they didn't know, they were actually verbally barring Beast from talking to his buddies. Jerks. Not unexpected in Texas, but very disappointing. There were some people at my reunion who were still stuck at age 18, but they weren't the ones running the show. Instead, they huddled in clumps in the hall or in the hall, talking only to one another and ignoring the rest of us hoi polloi. Also very disappointing, but...whatever. At least I made an effort to say hi to some of them. Oh, the drama of being a teenager when your physical age is actually approaching 40!

Rated

Mingle² - Online Dating

Found at Heavy-Metal Librarian...

I moved from G to PG because at some point recently I used the word "sex." WTF?

Blogthings Splat

You've Been a Little Ruined by American Culture

Whether you live in the US or not, deep down you're a little American. And there's nothing wrong with loving American culture, but it may have negative effects on your life. Slow down and enjoy what you have. Reconnect with life's simple pleasures. You don't need to be in a consumerist rat race. Life's too short to overwork yourself!

Has American Culture Ruined You?

Not so very deep-down at all. Actually, pretty close to the surface!

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You Are Scissors

Sharp and brilliant, you can solve almost any problem with that big brain of yours. People fear your cutting comments - and your wit is famous for being both funny and cruel. Deep down, you tend to be in the middle of an emotional storm. Your own complexity disturbs you. You are too smart for your own good. Slow down a little - or you're likely to hurt yourself. You can cut a paper person down to pieces. The only person who can ruin you is a rock person. When you fight: You find your enemy's weak point and exploit it. If someone makes you mad: You'll do everything you can to destroy their life.

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Oh, my. Well, I'm not so bad as all that! But as for hurting myself, all I can say is...too late!

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You Don't Need Extra Attention

You're perfectly happy with who you are, and you don't need attention to feel good about yourself. You prefer to let your actions and accomplishments speak for themselves. Working hard to get people to like you is your idea of a nightmare. You've got a lot going on, and anyone with half a brain will notice that on their own! You come across as: Confident and serious People may wrongly think you're: Stuck up and shy

Are You An Attention Whore?

Yup.

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You Are 28% Weirdo

You're a little weird, but you'd be even weirder if you didn't have a few quirks. You are just strange enough to know it, but nobody else seems to notice your weirdness. That's because, deep down, everyone is a little freaky!

Are You A Weirdo?

Ain't that the truth!!?