2007 in review

from...myself, actually.... ;-)

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Said no, and consciously stood by it. And didn't feel too guilty about it, either!

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't really do resolutions. This year I was just trying to get through the year and grow a little. I did both.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Not, technically, in 2007. No. However, I have walked a whimpering baby in the past month, so that was a nice thing.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Not in 2007, no. I went to one funeral, though. There may be at least one funeral coming in '08. We'll see.

5. What countries did you visit? The U.S. Is "the South" a country? ;-)

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Accomplishment of tasks.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 1/13/07--the saddest funeral I've been to in a very long time, since Andrew's about 6 years ago. 7/7/07--My niece's wedding. 11/18/07--bad news about Beast's mom (13 years exactly after receiving worse news about my dad)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Coercing 8 directors to see sense and not trade to a crap database. I did NOT do this alone, and I wish we could have convinced more, but it still feels pretty damn good.

9. What was your biggest failure? Not knowing how to deal with my niece's and nephew's grief.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really. Lots of allergies, but nothing acute or awful.

11. What was the best thing you bought? New floors.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Sparky's improvement in virtually every arena.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Basically everyone in charge of anything everywhere, with a few minor exceptions, from government to corporations to schools.

14. Where did most of your money go? It ALWAYS mostly goes to paying the mortgage!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our trip to Minneapolis.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007? "Grace Kelly" by Mika.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
(a)Happier or Sadder? Happier (no contest!!)
(b)Thinner or Fatter? Today, definitely fatter.
(c)Richer or Poorer? Financially stable. Otherwise, I think I'm richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Getting together with friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Letting idiots dictate my mood and responses.

20. How will you be spending Christmas? Woops...uh, at home. Unless this means Christmas 08, in which case the answer is "I have no idea."

21. Did you fall in love in 2007? Not really. Not exactly. Kinda.

22. How many one-night stands? Hah. None.

23. What was your favorite TV program? I think I watched all the extant episodes of CSI and CSI: Miami this year, so we'll go with CSI in general, eh?

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? "Hate"--no. There are some people who could disappear that I'd be happy to see go.

25. What was the best book you read? The Years of Rice and Salt, by Kim Stanley Robinson.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Mika.

27. What did you want and get? Love, patience, and time with family and friends.

28. What did you want and not get? Healing for family and friends.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 44 this year and took several days off work since that was a long weekend for the school district. We didn't do much of anything, but that's ok.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A little more self-discipline.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Comfort at all costs!!

33. What kept you sane? Blogging.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? ...er, I actually can't think of anyone who made me drool this year... Except maybe this one guy who comes in the library all the time. Yeah, he's a cutie.

35. What political issue stirred you the most? I'm so freakin' TIRED of this war! On the other hand, I'm not sure that's political. It certainly ought not to be. Oh, well. That's my answer.

36. Who did you miss? Jenny.

37. Who was the best new person you met? I got to know P#ggy, a cataloger at a nearby library, better this year, though I've known her for a couple of years. And getting to know the high school youth group kids has continued to be eye-opening.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007: Don't count on anything! Things can change in, quite literally, a heartbeat. Be grateful for what is here, now.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: In looking over the past year, I have quoted the lyrics from "Desperado" at least three times. That seems to be the theme, quite unconsciously. I'm not sure what to make of it, so I'll just quote these lines:

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? You been out ridin' fences for so long now. Oh, you're a hard one; I know that you got your reasons. These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow.

Random

From Kwizgiver


1. Last thing you ate or drank Diet Dr. Pepper (just finished a can)

2. If you were reincarnated as a sea creature, what would you want to be? An octopus. Why not?

3. Who's your favorite redhead? Sparky.

4. What do you order when youre at IHOP? I haven't eating at IHOP for probably 5 years. I'd probably get pancakes (duh).

5. Last book you read? Sign of the Book, by John Dunning

6. Describe your mood. Cheerful and tired.

7. Describe the last time you were injured? Last Sunday (before Christmas), when I landed on all fours going down the back stairs. I somehow managed not to hit my head, or put it through the back window!

8. Of all your friends/relatives, who would you want to be stuck in a well with? I would prefer NOT to be stuck in a well with anyone, thanks! urk

9. Rock concert or symphony? Either. It's dependent on the music/band in question.

10. What is the wallpaper of your cell phone? Whatever stupid choice LG gave me. I think it's a cartoon of a kid in a field.

11. Favorite Soda? Sodapop? Diet Dr. Pepper. Ice cream soda? Yuck.

12. What type of shirt are you wearing? Long-sleeved T that says "Presbyterian Run for the Zoo" from the NM Zoo. It's a hand-me-down. I have no idea....

13. If you could only use one form of transportation: I'd want a five-speed jeep.

14. Most recent movie you have watched in theatres? Underdog. I really HAVE to get to a theatre so I can stop having to admit that!

15. Name an actor/actress/singer you have had the hots for: I used to LLLUUUUURRRRVVVE Tom Cruise. Not anymore.

16. What's your favorite kind of cake? Plain white wedding cake with lots of frosting.

17. What did you have for dinner last night? Mushroom, sausage, and Canadian bacon pizza from P@ulee's.

18. Look to your left, what do you see? Close by: two books, two catalogs and a calculator (??not sure where the calculator came from). Further away: the Xmas tree, with lights on.

19. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Depends. I rarely wear shoes that tie, actually.

20. Favorite toy as a child? Jacks.

21. Do you buy your own groceries? Er, yeah...?

22. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? I work with about 25 women. What do you think?

23. When's the last time you had gummy worms? Several years ago. The whole worm thing is not my favorite concept.

24. What's your favorite fruit? Freshly picked apples.

25. Do you have a picture of yourself doing a cartwheel? No. I've never been able to manage one of those. There is some 8 mm film of me hula-hooping though....

26. Do you like running long distances? I used to. Now I never run, unless chased.

27. Have you ever eaten snow? Of course.

28. What color are your bedsheets? Blue, sorta stripey. Very nice new tailored-looking ones. I love 'em.

29. What's your favorite flower? Roses, homegrown, not greenhouse.

30. Do you do ballet? er, not....

31. Do you listen to classical music? Occasionally.

32. What is the 1st TV Theme song that pops [into] your head? "Gilligan's Island"

33. Do you watch Spongebob? Once in awhile, if Sparky turns it on.

34. What temperature is it outside right now? 27 degrees.

35. Do people consider you smart? Some people do.

36. How many piercings do you have? One in each earlobe.

37. Are you signed on AIM? No, but I have Yahoo! Messenger and Gmail chat...and Meebo, so I can talk to you on AIM if required.

38. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together? Not for decades.

39. How do you feel about your family? I love 'em all. I like some more than others, though.

40. Do you have an iPod? I have a Zen MP3.

41. What time do you go to bed? Anytime between 9:30 and midnight.

42. What CD is currently in your CD player? No clue. I'm listening to a book in the car.

43. What movie do you know every line to? RHPS

44. What is your favorite salad dressing? REAL blue cheese.

45. What do you want for Christmas this year? Sleep. And good feeling.

46. What family member/friend lives the farthest from you? Where? My sister and bro-in-law are 3888 miles away (exactly). In England.

47. Do you like hugs? From the right people, of course.

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? There was a minor flurry when I hosted the catalog committee in November.

49. What's the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name? My actual name confuses EVERYone--not one part of it is 'normal.'

50. Last person you hugged? Sparky? Or Beast? I'm not sure.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) If there is someone in your life who has been your symbolic lighthouse, who would it be?

Overall, I have to say my dad.

2) What career would you like to try for a year? Why?

President of the U.S. I could hardly do worse!

3) If you could be more focused in one area of your life, what would it be?

Taking care of myself.

4) What was the best gift you ever gave to someone?

In material terms, I have no idea; you'd have to ask the recipients.
In other terms, I have to say time. Time for listening, playing, crying...whatever.

5) 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

Our tree will be coming down sometimes this week. I'll miss it a bit, I think. And this particular photo reminds of the mystery and deepness of possibility in the future. I know 2008 will be amazing; I just hope I handle life better.

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday Six

1. Compared to 2006, was 2007 better or worse for you?

I'd say they were about the same, with 2007 edging on 2006 emotionally.

2. Take the quiz: How did your year rate?

You Had a Fantastic Year!

Compared to most years, last year was definitely great. Overall, you're living a much better life than you were twelve months ago. And nothing is a better mark of a good year. Here's to hoping next year is even better!

How Did Your Year Rate?

OK, I guess that's relatively accurate.

3. What moment do you remember as being the most emotional for you of 2007?

It's either Nathanael's funeral (which I barely remember) or Elizabeth's wedding. I suppose I could throw in my meltdown over the dumping of responsibilities for two youth groups in our laps at the last second, too.

4. Do you feel that you accomplished any major goals during the year?

I didn't kill anyone, and I have a slightly less fraught relationship with my son. I'm slowly learning that just because I work closely with someone, I shouldn't hang around them if they are toxic.

5. Compared to your feelings last December, are you more or less optimistic going into 2008?

Personally, optimistic. On a worldwide plane, however, I'm much more pessimistic.

6. Take one more quiz: Will you keep your new year’s resolution?

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

I can only say that I hope this is correct!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday Seven

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
Name the seven stories of the year that resonated most with you. You may provide links to the stories if you wish or provide a brief summary of what happened.

1. Benazir Bhutto's assassination. It was quite odd seeing the headline this week--I have been sure for years she'd be killed while attempting to serve her country. It makes me very sad that I was right.

2. The Virginia Tech shooting. Stuff like this makes me nervous, since I have a 14-year-old son who faces public school every day, and will be headed off to college shortly. Anything can happen, any time.

3. The local stories about some of our our neighbors' criminal charges. I'm not going to get into it, but it does seem that our area has seen a real concentration of "icky" and deviant behavior.

4. The bridge collapse in Minneapolis. We had been about five blocks from the site about a month before it happened, crossed the bridge at least a couple of times... Very freaky.

5. Brett Favre's 25th season with the Packers. If you don't have a clue why this has been an amazing season...well, just crawl back in your ESPN-less hole.

6. Global warming has finally hit the mainstream. It's only been hanging around the background for fifteen years!! Hello?

7. The war, dammit. Why are we still fighting this thing? Why are we there? Can someone please just tell us what we're doing??

Cheddar X

(Link in blogroll)
2007 Retrospective

1. What single personal event in 2007 stands out?

My niece's wedding and the family togetherness it engendered.

2. What single news event in 2007 stands out to you?

In the U.S., either the VT shooting or the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis. Worldwide, Bhutto's assasination.

3. Who do you think the Person of the Year for 2007 should be?

J.K. Rowling.

4. What was the worst thing that happened to you in 2007?

I can't think of anything truly tragic or awful, but falling down the stairs last Sunday was not my favorite moment.

5. What was the worst thing that happened in 2007?

The war in Iraq continues into 2008.

6. What are you looking forward to in 2008?

The mission trip, Sparky's continuing success in high school, a non-family vacation, organizing our photos (assuming I find them!), getting together with people I love, wine-tastings....and all the surprises that life brings.

Holidays and Special Days

from Kwizgiver (of course)

New Year's
Where were you last New Year's Eve? At home. I'm not even sure I stayed awake till midnight; on the other hand, I probably didn't sleep. It was a sucky 12/31, the worst ever.
Who did you spend New Year's [Eve] with? Sparky, Beast, Marie, Jan, Alan, Katharine, Alan's dad, and lots of ER nurses.
How much did you drink? Nothing alcoholic.
Who did you kiss at midnight? No one.
What New Year's resolution did you make? "Survive, and thrive."
Have you kept that resolution? Pretty much, yeah.

Valentine's Day
How did you spend last Valentine's Day? With a sick husband, and trying hard to make it through the winter. I probably worked all day.
Do you feel bitter if you aren't in a relationship on Valentine's? I have no idea, frankly. It's been along time.
Do you believe that Valentine's is just a scam for Hallmark to make money? No. St. Valentine predated Hallmark by a millenia.
Did you have to give a card to all your classmates when you were little? Of course.
Have you ever had a secret admirer? ...er, perhaps...?
If so, who was it? ....J.T.A.rbuthn0t?
Have you ever been someone's secret admirer? Yes.
If so, whose? Blogger doesn't have enough bandwidth!
What's the most thoughtful thing someone could give you on Valentine's? Flowers and a hug.

St. Patrick's Day
Do you have any Irish in you? A bit.
If so, how much? Who knows? I'm pretty much a mutt. Maybe 10%.
If not, do you get drunk on St. Patty's anyway? Not as a rule. Like, actually, never.
Have you ever found a four-leafed clover? No.
If so, did it bring you good luck? I have good luck in spite of never finding one.
Is there a yearly St. Patty's parade in your city? Fat chance.
Do you eat green pancakes on St. Patty's? Yuck.
If not, what do you eat on St. Pat's? I've been known to make corned beef once in awhile. Otherwise, it's whatever-whatever.
Are you sure to wear green on St.Patrick's Day? Yes. Just green. No orange, no black.
Have you ever forgotten to wear green and gotten pinched? Not since I was a child. A very young child!

Easter
How long did you believe in the Easter Bunny? I stopped with that earlier than with Santa, maybe around age 5.
How did you feel when you found out the truth? No clue--too young to remember.
What did you do with the eggs you painted as a kid? Ate them, starting Easter morning.
What's your favourite Easter treat? Chocolate bunnies. And jelly beans.
Did you ever go on Easter Egg hunts? Once, and that was my sister's idea (in the house, before church, with my nieces).
Do your parents still make you baskets? I'm 44, my mom's in a nursing home over 1000 miles away...so, no.
What's your favourite Easter memory? The year we were in Colorado--maybe 10 years ago--and Sparky and Ham (my nephew) did an Easter egg hunt in my sister's yard.
What religious activities do you at Easter time? Well, church, of course. We do Tenebrae on Good Friday, usually, and Easter morning service.

Mother's Day
When was the last time you hugged your mom? Last March.
What's your best memory of your mom? Unfortunately...shopping.
You do love your mommy, don't you? Yes, I do.
Have you ever made your mom breakfast in bed? Hell no.
Are you a mom? Yes, in multiple ways.
If so, whats the best gift you have received on this day? Construction paper hearts and hugs.

Father's Day
When was the last time you hugged your dad? Late October, 1994.
What's your best memory of him? Handing him tools, (i.e., "helping") when I was little while he worked on projects.
You love your daddy too, right? Lots and lots.
Have you ever gone fishing with your dad? My dad and I share(d) the same opinion on fishing.

Halloween
What's the coolest Halloween costume you've ever had? Zombie at work in 1989.
At what age were you allowed to go trick-or-treating by yourself? Around 11, I guess.
What's your worst costume you have ever had? Almost all of them.
What's your best Halloween memory? Handing out candy to kids...maybe the year Sparky came home in a big hurry after eating too much candy and didn't quite make it to the bathroom.
What's your worst Halloween memory? It may be the same as the previous answer.
What was/is your favourite Halloween candy? SweetTarts
What was/is your least favorite Halloween candy? Black licorice. Or those horrible peanut butter things wrapped in orange wax paper.
Did you dress up last Halloween? Nope.

Christmas
How old were you when you found out the truth about Santa Claus? Around 7 or 8.
How did it make you feel? I don't remember being overly surprised.
What's the best Christmas present you've ever received? I can't think of anything outrageously wonderful...except maybe this laptop.
What's the best Christmas present you've ever given? I don't know. Ask the recipients.
Is Christmas still as much fun as it was when you were a kid? Sometimes. I'm feeling really good about this year so far.
Where were you last Christmas? In our living room, and we left for Ohio the next day.
What's your best Christmas memory? Waiting to get up at 7:00--no earlier!--on Christmas mornings.
What's your worst Christmas memory? I can't think of anything specific, but Christmas 1994 was pretty sucky.
Do you ever travel for Christmas? Sometimes.
If so, where? To family, various places.
Have you ever had a White Christmas (snow)? Almost every year.

Personality Rx

The Recipe For Cat.

3 parts Fun 2 parts Intensity 1 part Defiance Splash of Mania Shake vigorously

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

All I can say is: the more splashes of mania, the better!

Randomness

(Link in blogroll)
This is the last [Randomness] post for 2007!

1. What is your new year's resolution? I don't do 'em.
2. How do you celebrate new year's eve? I think I'll just go to bed early with serious earplugs in so I can be fresh and ready to go for the Rose Parade the next morning!

Random word association New Year's style:
I say...you think...
1. champagne Bubbly
2. kiss Casablanca
3. midnight Cinderella
4. party Noisy
5. dress Red
6. new york city Times Square
7. confetti Mess
8. sparkly Shiny
9. resolutions Promises
10. beginnings Outsets

Next, name your top 5 moments of 2007:
1. Hearing the news that we weren't swapping databases
2. Seeing the joy and determination on our high school kids' faces in Minnesota
3. Elizabeth and K's wedding day (even if I messed up)
4. Getting my work cart emptied off after 6 months of being behind
5. Realizing that Sparky is going to be fine in high school

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Memorable :: Important
2. Resolution :: Decisive
3. Goal :: Outcome
4. 2008 :: ALREADY?!
5. Sensational :: Outstanding
6. Popular demand :: Bestseller
7. Old :: Used
8. Music :: Harmony
9. Intense :: Strong
10. 2007 :: Over

2008

From Kwizgiver

1. Will you be looking for a new job? Oh, I totally hope not.

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? Not a romantic one, for sure! No!!

3. New house? No way!

4. What will you do different in '08? Less time on the computer, more time getting things accomplished!

5. New Year's resolution? I don't do resolutions.

6. What will you NOT be doing in '08? Inviting people I don't like to my house.

7. Any trips planned? We'll be doing a mission trip in June. I'm not sure what else. Depends on Beast's mom's health.

8. Wedding plans? Mine? Uh, no. I dunno--my nephews are up next and that could be awhile yet.

9. Major thing on your calendar? Beast and I turn 45, Sparky will be doing Driver's Ed.

10. What can't you wait for? I can wait.

11. What would you like to see happen differently? I'd like Alan and Katherine to be able to start parenting in some format or another.

12. What about yourself will you be changing? I'd like to lose the same 10 pounds I lost this year.

13. What happened in '07 that you didn't think would ever happen? I never, ever, expected that we would stay with Innovative at work.

14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about? I hope so, but probably not.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '07? I need to buy some new dress slacks, but in general my "style" won't be changing that much, no.

17. Will you better your relationship with your family? I will continue to develop the clarity I'm finding in my family relationships.

18. Will you do charity work? Yes.

19. Will you go to bars? Doubtful there will be a plural necessary here.

20. Will you be nice to people you don't know? Probably nicer to them than to those I know.

21. Do you expect '08 to be a good year for you? I hope so, yes.

22. How much did you change from this time last year til now? I'm definitely crankier right now, much more definite about my likes and dislikes, and willing to stand up for myself.

23. Will you plan on having a child? Not of my own!!

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? If they'll have me.

25. Major lifestyle changes? Not really, I don't think.

26. Will you be moving? Less than I should, but not my living situation.

27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '08 that happened in '07? Self-discipline. [I have no idea what that answer means. I think I meant "lack of self-discipline."]

28. What are your New Year's Eve plans? Hangin' out. Maybe staying up till midnight? Who knows.

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight? Yes. [if I'm awake]

30. One wish for 2008? The end of the war in Iraq.

Five on Friday

(Link in blogroll)
Reflections on 2007

1. List five happy memories of 2007.

Spring break in Colorado, the mission trip to Minneapolis, Elizabeth's wedding, not having to switch databases at work, and new floors.

2. Describe four things you've learned this year.

Babies die, I can drive fine in the mountains and snow, I like (really really like) little kids, I don't have to go to the ends of the earth for my relatives' relatives.

3. Which three relationships in your life have changed the most this year?

With Katherine, with Beast, with Amy.

4. Name two new places you went this year.

Kentucky and West Virginia.

5. What one thing you've done this year are you most proud of?

I've learned a little bit of tact. A little. Not a lot.

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Alphabet Soup

1. What is an acronym specific to your workplace or profession? (students who don’t work: What is an acronym specific to your campus or major?)

OMG--we have kabillions: ALA, OCLC (technically, no longer an acronym, but it did start as one), MARC, RDA, LCSH...

2. What is an acronym you use a lot in your personal life?

OMGWTFBBQ. Thanx, Aims.

3. Internet acronyms are unavoidable, but what’s one you particularly despise, and what’s one you particularly like?

I'm gradually becoming annoyed by LOL primarily based on an email I received a few weeks ago in which every sentence was followed by "lol". I just wanted to bang my head on a wall. One I like is WTF. It's kind of an inside joke.

4. What acronym could you create right now for some regular annoyance in your life?

CTPMOR (Complainer Tech Pisses Me Off Regularly)

5. What would be a memorable or appetizing acronym for your most recent meal? (if your most recent meal was a BLT or SOS or some similarly acronymed food, please choose the next-most recent meal, smart alecks!)

Q&C (Quesadillas and Cookies). I'm all about health food.

Friday Fill-In

(Link in blogroll)

1. "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, and toads and frogs hopping all over the place."

2. "Why is Beast always gone?"

3. "Harold, *everyone* has the right to make an angel food cake."

4. "Nine companions, so be it. You shall be an ennead."

5. "Nonsense, I have not yet begun to fight."

6. "Mama says they was magic shoes. They could make my feet look four sizes smaller."

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being proud of getting everything taken care of around the house, tomorrow my plans include finishing all the stuff I didn't do tonightand Sunday, I want to see the college kids!

[I clearly have no idea whatsoever about any of these quotes, so my apologies to the writers, and to Janet! :-)]

Friday Five

(Link in blogroll)

1. When did you "lose your innocence"?

Plead the Fifth.

2. Would you say you have an accent?

Yup. Ayup. Yeah. Shor' do... ;-)

3. Do you hope to be married (married again if divorced)?

I am currently married, and I don't foresee doing it again. Ever.

4. If you could take one technology to a desert island (the obvious satellite phone excluded), what would it be?

Cooking utensils...camp stove and so forth.

5. What is the last activity you bought a ticket for?

My nephew's band concert a couple of weeks ago.

Friday Fiver

(Link in blogroll)
I'll always be true

1. Tell us something you love:

Iced sugar cookies.

2. Tell us something you know to be true:

Beast loves me. "Why" is a mystery.

3. Tell us about someone new in your life:

I can't think of anyone particularly new. Some interesting new people (patrons) at work, but that doesn't really count, does it?

4. Who can you never please?

Let's all say it together: "My. Mother." Yup; and myself.

5. Friday fill-in: You know I can't stop blogging.

T.G.I.F.

(Link in blogroll)
100% Interesting

1. What is the one thing that you're most interested in right now?

Sleep. And SimCity4.

2. What is the one thing that you're least interested in right now?

Oh, everything else. heh

3. Who is the most interesting person you know?

Moi, of course. Oh, all right, probably our pastor. He was raised in India.

4. Who is the least interesting person you know?

Oh, me. Totally.

5. What is the most interesting thing about yourself?

Well, how ironic is that...maybe I should read ahead on these things a little more often. The most interesting thing about me? That I know how to lay out a septic field? Does that work for ya?

Friday Fun

(Link in blogroll)
New Year's Edition

1. Resolutions: Do you keep them or are they an exercise in futility?

I don't make them, because I've never kept them. I suck at personal commitments.

2. New Year’s Eve: Stay at home or go out and dance the night away? Any special traditions?

Stay home, always!

3. Let’s not call it a resolution, but what are 5 things (of any importance) you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year?

Get a more positive attitude (i.e. stop whining)
Work on Enhance privilege
Teach Sparky how to drive
Figure out family blog/wiki
FIND the damn photos!!!

Friday's Feast

(Link in blogroll)

Appetizer
Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.

1. Try for Enhance privileges in OCLC
2. Get family blog/wiki sorted out and moving

Soup
With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?

Road Runner (meepmeep)

Salad
What time of day (or night) were you born?

Just before midnight.

Main Course
Tell us something special about your hometown.

My hometown...nada. Simply nada. Where I live now...also nada. Where I work is a little tiny famous, but only for silly things: a rodent and a cartoon strip.

Dessert
If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?

...uh...? The lottery board? (quite a thing, since I never buy a ticket)

Stuff

from Lisa, for a change

What kind of soap is in your bathtub?
There are a bunch of choices: Dial Aloe, Oil of Olay face stuff, some stuff from Bath & Body Works... Good heavens! I'm a soap junkie.

Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
Not if I can help it, no.

What would you change about your living room?
I'd really, really like to figure out the TV placement. A new couch wouldn't be awful either. And the tree will be nice to disappear.

Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?
Dirty.

What is in your refrigerator?
A lot. I need to clean it. In my free time. Yeah, woo-hoo.

White or wheat bread?
Wheat, the crunchier the better. I really, really LOVE wheat bread.

What is on top of your refrigerator?
A banana hanger, a cup with 4 dry-erase markers. I think that's it. I try to keep it clear.

What color or design is on your shower curtain?
It has a lighthouse with a couple of dolphins in the foreground.

How many plants are in your home?
None. I've killed 'em all.

Is your bed made right now?
Yes. It's almost time to get back into it...yay!

Comet or Soft Scrub?
Here we go again. I've got both. Soft Scrub in the bathrooms, Comet in the kitchen, and I also have brass polisher and glass stovetop cleanser, and SOS pads. I'm also a cleanser freak, clearly.

Is your closet organized?
Organized-ish. The laundry baskets are in there, so I have to keep things fairly organized or it all becomes a nightmare on laundry day.

Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?
I usually use these cool blue plastic cups from Pottery Barn (??I think). Or I drink out of a pop can.

Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now?
Ugh, no. Not in winter!

Curtains or blinds?
Blinds on the main floor (except the office where there are curtains), curtains upstairs (though Sparky also has a blind for his window because the sun comes up right in his face otherwise).

How many pillows do you sleep with?
One for me, two for Beast, and I keep an extra one for reading before sleep, and for when I have a plugged-up head.

Do you sleep with any lights on at night?
Sometimes the hall light--which is on a timer--is still on when I crash. And sometimes Beast comes up well after I'm asleep and I leave the bed light on for him.

How often do you vacuum?
I rarely vacuum. I hate vacuuming. You know how some people are psycho about cleaning toilets or whatever? That's how I feel about vacuuming. Now that we have wood (or "wood") floors, I mop occasionally.

Standard toothbrush or electric?
Disposable electric.

What color is your toothbrush?
Blue and white.

Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch?
Nope. Not welcome, so go away. ;-)

What is in your oven right now?
Air, some ash, and racks.

Is there anything under your bed?
Nope, not anymore.

Chore you hate doing the most?
Er...see above re vacuuming. Not a fan of dusting, either.

What retro items are in your home?
Define 'retro.' I have some old dishes...you know this is weird, because I just was talking to Beast last night about something or other that we own being so out of it that it's about to turn back to being cool.

Do you have a separate room that you use as an office?
Yes. It's a nightmare in there!

How many mirrors are in your home?
One in each bathroom, one on each of the two medicine cabinets, a couple of hand mirrors in the bathrooms, one in the spare room, two in our bedroom...I think there are a couple more, too.

What color are your walls?
LOTS of colors, from sage green to pale lilac (not the same room!) to a deep russet to sand (also not the same room) and Packer Green and Gold (in Sparky's room). Also some Builder White in a couple of places....sigh.

Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home?
Just Beast. And the phone. And some vaguely defensive things...

What does your home smell like right now?
Just...home. I don't smell anything special.

Favorite candle scent?
Linen. And Cinnamon. Not together.

What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now?
Dill, if there are any. I loathe sweet pickles!

What color is your favorite Bible?
Presumably this means the cover not the whole book! I'm digging The Message, and my copy is sort of sunrise/earthy yellow and brown.

Ever been on your roof?
The angles on my roof would preclude that. They are terrifically steep.

Do you have a stereo?
Yes. Don't use it much, though.

How many TVs do you have?
Two functional. One that's going in the Salvation Army the next time they come around.

How many house phones?
Four, no five.

Do you have a housekeeper?
I have a cleaning woman who comes about twice a month, soon to be once a month.

What style do you decorate in?
Style? What's that?

Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?
I'm getting more acclimated to patterns, just to get some color.

Is there a smoke detector in your house?
All OVER the place!

In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you could make only one trip? Beast, Sparky, my cell phone, some warm clothes (especially right now), and my grandma's Bible.

Avatar

Yup.

MORE Christmas

Also from Kwizgiver

NAME 12 CHRISTMAS CAROLS

1. Silent Night
2. O Holy Night
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. Angels From the Realms of Glory
5. The First Noel
6. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
7. Joy to the World
8. Away in a Manger
9. We Three Kings
10. The Holly and the Ivy
11. Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
12. Good King Wenceslas

NAME 11 DECORATIONS YOU WILL PUT ON THE TREE

1. The one-footed elf
2. The porcelain baby
3. All the bird ornaments (well, most of them)
4. Stinky gingerbread men
5. The popcan Santa
6. Pokemon decorations
7. The squirrel on a string
8. The padded panda
9. Red Rocks Canyon ball
10. Three strings of lights
11. Gold tinsel

NAME 10 PRESENTS YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

1. Beast's mom's health
2. My mom's well-being
3. Safe travels for everyone I know who isn't at home right now, or who will be traveling this week
4. Eggnog
5. Frosted sugar cookies
6. Cheerful patrons at the library this week
7. Cheerful staff at the library this week
8. Time to watch all of My So-Called Life on DVD
9. Candles
10. Pizza alfredo

NAME 9 FOODS YOU LOVE EATING ON CHRISTMAS DAY

1. Sour-patch kids
2. Cookies
3. Hazelnuts
4. Cheese and crackers
5. 'Hard' eggnog (well, it's practically food)
6. Leftovers
7. Diet Dr. Pepper (I'm running out of things)
8. ...uh, water?
9. ...and...uh...meds....?

NAME 8 PEOPLE YOU WILL BUY GIFTS FOR

1. Beast
2. Sparky
3. Katherine
4. Alan
5. My mom
6. My mother- and father-in-law
7. DD
8. Amy

NAME 7 REASONS YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS

1. More smiling, from people you never expect
2. Warm, soft socks and sweaters
3. Gifts: wrapping and opening
4. Luke 1-2
5. John 1:1-4
6. Cookies
7. Happy children

NAME 6 THINGS YOU DO ON CHRISTMAS MORNING

1. Open presents
2. Play with presents
3. Watch TV
4. Don't get dressed till noon
5. Don't cook
6. Talk to everyone in the family

FINISH IT:

5 GOLDEN: rings
4. Calling: birds
3. French: hens
2. Turtle: doves
1. And a: partridge in a pear tree

NAME 4 GIFTS YOU HATE GETTING

1. Those I already own
2. Those that required no thought or planning and that are clearly for someone else
3. Those I've already read
4. I really hate getting sick, which is really an anti-gift

NAME 3 PLACES YOU HAVE TO SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS

1. Kohl's
2. The local bookshop
3. Amazon

NAME 2 CHRISTMAS WISHES

1. Joy
2. Understanding

NAME 1 PERSON YOU HOPE TO KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE

1. Beast
(but we have no mistletoe, so we just kissed anywhere)

Catching up on Christmas memes

from Kwizgiver

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper, usually.
2. Real tree or artificial? Fake. Fake, fake, fake.
3. When do you put up the tree? Just after Thanksgiving, or the first weekend in December.
4. When do you take the tree down? Normally, on New Year's Day, or the weekend after.
5. Do you like egg nog? Yum! I forgot: I have some for tonight.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie Dream House. Yes, it was PINK!
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, and Jesus is in it now (I painted all the figures).
8. Hardest person to buy for? Katherine
9. Easiest person to buy for? Amy or Sparky
10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Can't think of any today.
11. Mail or email Christmas card? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? ...yawn...
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to shop year-round, though I emphatically did NOT this year.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sour-patch kids.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Generally, I prefer staying home, but I don't mind traveling either.
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen & Rudolph
20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on the Eve, the rest on the morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crowds and incessant fucking Christmas music!!

Religion

The Religion Test

My Result: Christianity

Though there are over 1,000 denominations, all Christians are monotheists and most are Trinitarians — they believe in a single, almighty God who comes in three forms, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also believe it was the Son of God who walked the Earth in the form of Jesus Christ (both man and God at the same time) and that he died to save humankind from the original sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Salvation can be found, according to Christianity, by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

To keep their religion alive and their people connected, Christians pass these beliefs and others from generation to generation through sacred texts, primarily the New Testament.

Take this test >

So, like, yeah......?

Here's my actual scores:

Christianity 70%
Unitarian Universalism 68%
Baha'i 59%
Native American 52%
Buddhism 52%
Spiritualism 52%
Judaism 49%
Islam 47%
Neo-Paganism 47%
Hinduism 39%

Holidays

What's Your Holiday Wish?

My Result: Enjoy Time With Family and Friends

You'll be home for Christmas — that much is true. And while you love getting gifts and attending parties, the true meaning of the season for you is spending time with the people you love the most. While you may not be a total homebody, a caring soul like you can't wait to revel in the little details the season offers.


Whether you get a kick out of baking cookies with your favorite cousin or picking out a tree with the folks, you enjoy taking part in traditions and carrying them on. And whether you see it as sentimental or maybe a little sappy, it's as sweet as you are. So don't change a thing!

Take this test >

Bit sad that in the whole test, not once was religion mentioned.

Oh, Saaannnntaaaa......

You Were Nice This Year

You Were 30% Naughty, 70% Nice Okay, so you weren't *entirely* nice this year But Santa doesn't expect a modern girl to be perfect You were good enough - and you'll be rewarded for it

Were You a Naughty Girl or Nice Girl this Year?

Patrick's Place

(Link at left)
Sunday 7

Never was one to resist a challenge like this:
Name up to seven classic* pieces of artwork that you consider to be images that represent the spirit of Christmas.

1. The Annunciation, Fra Angelico

2. Visit Between Mary and Elizabeth, by Dias Tavares

3. Journey to Bethlehem, by Rich Varano, & Damon Farmer

4. The Nativity of Christ by Antonio da Correggio

5. unattributed

6. Adoration of Magi in triptych, by The Master of the Holy Blood

7. The Rest on the Flight into Egypt, attributed to Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino

* defined loosely

Doubling up

from Kwizgiver

EITHER/OR

1. Get kissed under the mistletoe or in the snow? Inside. Warm. Me no likey da cold.
2. Santa or Rudolph? Santa
3. Stocking or presents? ...each has been good to be in different years.
4. Egg nog or hot cider? Nog
5. Angel or star? Star
6. Decorating the tree, or putting lights on the outside? Tree. See my answer for #1
7. Warm cozy fires or sleigh rides? Sleigh ride, followed by a fire (inside).
8. Family time or friend time? Friends AND family!!
9. Expensive presents or presents that come from the heart? Heart
10. Snow ball fight or snowman? Snowman
11.Coal or present? Presents (derrrr)
12. Open presents quick or slow? Slow
13. Diamonds or rubies? Sapphires. (sorry)
14. Caroling or Christmas movies? Caroling
15. Snowy days or ice days? Snowy
16. Red or Green? Green

QUESTIONS

1. Best Christmas present received? Ever? Lots of 'em. Buddy, the laptop, Revereware,
2. What’s the number one thing you want for Christmas? Health and peace for both moms
3. If you were going out with someone, what would you want them to give/get you? "If I were...?" Uh, he'd better not get me anything from Home Depot, but otherwise, I'll be happy. He always does a good job.
4. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe? Yup.
5. Age you stopped believing in Santa Claus? Age when I realized that Santa was mom: 8. I love being Santa now though.
7. Do you wake your parents? Not anymore! We were never allowed to wake them before 7, and then we couldn't touch anything in the living room until they were downstairs and settled (and coffee was percolating).

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

1. What is guaranteed to make you smile over the holidays? Seeing happy faces around me.

2. What makes you weepy during the holidays? Christmas Eve service at church, talking to family on the phone, a really cool gift.

3. How will you spend Christmas Eve and Day? We'll do the Chinese dinner thing and then go to the late candlelight service. I need to sit with my confirmation mentee for that. Christmas morning we'll open presents and then my boys are leaving to see Beast's parents by noon or so. I have to work this week, so I'm staying home.

4. What was your most memorable Christmas and why? There are too many from which to choose.

5. Christmas form letters from friends -- pro or con? I enjoy most of them.

6. In your home is Christmas more of a religious or secular observance? Both, but leaning toward religious.

7. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Silent Night.

8. What is your deepest prayer for the world this Christmas? Shalom in all its meanings.

Patrick's Place

(Link at left)
Saturday 6

1. In another tab or window of your browser, open, but don’t answer, this quiz: Which of Santa’s Reindeer Are You? Of the songs listed as possible answers, which one is your absolute favorite?

I have to go with Rudolph, but stipulate that it be sung with all the additional commentary with kids.

2. Whether it is listed there or not, which Christmas song is your absolute favorite?

Silent Night sung on Christmas Eve holding candles at church.

3. Whose performance of that song do you most enjoy?

Surprisingly, Stevie Nicks' version is stellar.

4. Of the games listed as possible answers to question 3, how many have you honestly never heard of?

Reindeer bungee jumping, and combing Santa's beard...although the latter may not really have a hidden subtext. If it does, I don't get it. The mental picture of reindeer and bungees, though: pretty funny!

5. Which of them would you least be interested in playing?

The Mr. Hankey... one. I'm not a big South Park fan. To say the very least.

6. Now take the quiz: Which of Santa’s reindeer are you?

Last time I was Donner.
This time:

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy. Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

OK, then.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link at left)

1. Health :: Wealth
2. Tacky :: Sticky
3. Heels :: Head Over...
4. Yay! :: W00t!
5. Model :: Make and...
6. Gather :: Join
7. Best gift ever :: Jesus
8. Clients :: Customers
9. Stomp ::Savion
10. Clothing :: Warm...

Aminal

Your Score: The Horse

You scored 60% domestic, 51% gregarious, 21% trickster, and 55% intellect!

Domestic, Gregarious, Serious and Intellectual: you are the Horse! Emotional intelligence, freedom, wisdom. Horse people often find a happy balance between strong social and family ties and a fiercely independent streak. Horse medicine is full of gentle healing, nurturing care, and a sense of freedom of body and mind.

This test categorized you based on four different axes of personality, which were then associated with a different animal. The four axes, as well as all possible results are explained below.

Wild/Domestic: This first axis categorizes you based on how much you are drawn to the outdoors, versus how much you are drawn to civilized situations. Domesticity has many shapes and forms, and varies from the joy of dolphins leaping next to a ship to the steadfast loyalty of a family dog.

Gregarious/Solitary: This axis measures how solitary you are. If you scored high, it means that you enjoy the company of other people, while a low score indicates that you prefer a more solitary lifestyle.

Trickster/Serious: This axis measures how well you line up with conventional trickster archetypes. People who fall into this archetype have a sense of humor and an excitable, highly chaotic streak. Scoring low doesn't mean that you don't have a sense of humor; it just means that you probably don't think dynamite is very funny.

Intellectual/Emotional: This last axis determines whether you are more emotional -- acting based on feelings and instinct, or rational and intellectual -- acting more on thought than on your gut feelings.

Wild	Gregarious	Trickster	Intellectual	The Hyena
Wild	Gregarious	Trickster	Emotional	The Otter
Wild	Gregarious	Serious	Intellectual	The Antelope
Wild	Gregarious	Serious	Emotional	The Wolf
Wild	Solitary	Trickster	Intellectual	The Weasel
Wild	Solitary	Trickster	Emotional	The Coyote
Wild	Solitary	Serious	Intellectual	The Raven
Wild	Solitary	Serious	Emotional	The Frog
Domestic	Gregarious	Trickster	Intellectual	The Fox
Domestic	Gregarious	Trickster	Emotional	The Dolphin
Domestic	Gregarious	Serious	Intellectual	The Horse
Domestic	Gregarious	Serious	Emotional	The Dog
Domestic	Solitary	Trickster	Intellectual	The Rat
Domestic	Solitary	Trickster	Emotional	The Ferret
Domestic	Solitary	Serious	Intellectual	The Cat
Domestic	Solitary	Serious	Emotional	The Squirrel

Link: The Animal Archetype Test written by crumpetsfortea on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test View My Profile(crumpetsfortea)

Yeah, ok, I'm glad I'm not a hyena. Or a frog, for that matter.

But for reasons entirely unrelated to this quiz and actual horses, I'm a little squeamish about being classed as a horse. ;-)

Friday 5

(Link at left)
Here in My Car I Feel Safest of All

1. If money were no concern and LOOKS the only consideration, what car would get yourself? (pictures for questions like this are always nice!)

A soft-side jeep, similar to this one.

2. If money were no concern and YOUR LIFESTYLE the only consideration, what car would you get yourself?

A Prius or something similar would be good, though I doubt I'd get a white car.

3. What is the best thing about your current car? If you do not own a car, what is the best thing about the car you most often ride in?

No car payments is primary. The best thing about my truck is that it's a manual tranny and it has a good sound system...and it's a truck!

4. If cars could be skinned the way cell phones, laptop computers, and iPods can, what would be a really cool skin for your car?

It would probably involve something to do with books.

5. If you were going to decorate a friend’s car with a custom-made skin as a practical joke, whose car would you skin and what would it be?

I wouldn't do this. It just wouldn't be worth the hassle or the potential for disaster. Nor would I want it done to me.

Friday Fill-In

(Link at left)

1. Snow is a lot more fun to play in when you're a kid!
2. I'm looking forward to having all my presents wrapped (still looking for a couple of 'perfect' boxes).
3. Our new floors is are the best Christmas present ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Bewitched.
5. I'm done with mailing Christmas cards for this year.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is realizing what's important and what can easily be ignored.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making phone calls to the youth group kids, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to go see my niece and nephew, and call my mom!

Friday Fiver

(Link at left)
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

1. If you could change your name, what would it be? Rowena.

2. What is the worst name someone has called you? Oh, who knows. I get called names at work fairly regularly. Those don't always bother me much, because for the most part they are unimaginative and untrue. Sparky called me a lying hypocrite this week; that one hurt.

3. If you could meet someone famous, who would it be? Nelson Mandela.

4. How do you like to travel home? ...eh? By car? We don't have a landing strip in our backyard.

5. What kind of phone to you have? My mobile is an LG. The house phones are WhateverWasAvailableWhenTheLastPhoneBroke brand.

T.G.I.F.

(Link at left)
Promises, Promises

1. What was the most difficult promise you've ever had to keep?

To love, honor, and cherish, etc. That sucker is HARD work to implement some days!

2. What is the easiest promise you've kept to this day?

See #1. Very easy some days.

3. What promise do you keep on breaking?

"I'm NOT going to lose my temper with Sparky!"

4. What is the one most painful promise made to you that was broken?

I can't think of anything explicit. There are a few implicit, or maybe the word is 'assumed' or 'presumed' promises, that have fallen by the wayside. My high school best friend has been underwhelming in the promises-kept department over the years. So have some people at church that I thought were trustworthy.

5. Are promises made to be broken?

Thoughtless ones are, of course. However, as a rule, I really do tink promises are made to be kept.

3x Thursday

(Link at left)
New Toys & Gadgets

1. Have you gotten any new toys/gadgets lately? If so, what are they? If not, is there anything that you want?

I don't think I've gotten anything lately...but I feel like I might have. Maybe it's too early for me to remember! :-) Anyway, I can't think of anything in particular I'd like right now. There are too many gadgets in my life already. Unless, of course, one considered a Roomba to be a gadget. I'd like one of those! Oh, and TiVo/DVR.

2. Do you like learning how to use new toys/gadgets? Why/why not?

I do, as long as the payoff is there. For instance, I got an MP3 player last year for Christmas. I have never used it except to import several of my favorite CDs. It is completely NOT intuitive, the instruction manual BITES, and I just keep thinking, "It shouldn't be this hard!"

3. Pick an outrageous toy/gadget that you want (price is no issue!). What is it? Why do you want it?

I kind of think I covered this in #1, but otherwise the only things I can think of are new cars and ebook readers. I want one that WORKS, one that will stick around for awhile without being immediately replaced by something Newer And Better, and that I can use ANYWHERE. Y'know: like a book.

Thursday Threesome

(Link at left)
::Angels we have heard...::

Onesome: Angels-- as tree topppers? ...or spires? Stars? Bears? What do you like to use to set off that tree?

Stars. I don't like the discomfort angels tend to be having perched up there, and besides I always had a star on the tree as a kid.

Bears? WTF?

Twosome: we have-- heard you're getting something special this year! Do you have any idea what any of your Christmas presents are going to me?

No. Well, yeah: new floors, but they're already installed. Beast keeps saying, "But we said we weren't going to get each other a lot, right?!" huh

Threesome: ...heard-- the worst Christmas song ever this year? Which one is it for you? I mean that one that even if Aunt Martha is playing it on Christmas Eve puts you out on the porch!

I have intentionally not been listening to too many Christmas songs this year, but I'm deeply tired of "Sleigh Ride" and "The Bell Carol." Could I trade even one of them for "Do They Know It's Christmas?"?

Another survey

...from Kwizgiver

1) Who is the last person you high-fived? Sarah/Jenny.

2) If you were drafted into a war, would you serve? Kinda depends on the war, eh? The current one--no.

3) Do you sleep with the TV on? I have fallen asleep innumerable times while Beast watches TV. If it's something I really, really care about, no. And we do NOT have a television in our bedroom! Absolutely NOT.

4) Have you ever wheezed the juice? WTF?? I had to go look this up...no. Yuck.

5) Have you ever won a spelling bee? My school was too "progressive" for this sort of thing. I would have, though.

6) Have you ever been stung by a bee? Yes

7) How fast can you type? No clue. Over 60 wpm, but probably not as accurately as I used to be.

8) Are you afraid of the dark? No.

9) What color are your socks? I have socks of many colors. I'm currently barefoot inside my slippers, however.

10) Have you ever made out at a drive-in? No. I have only been to a drive-in to talk to the employee(s).

11) When is the last time you chose a bath over a shower? Night before last...I'll have one tonight again.

12) Do you knock on wood? Yes.

13) Do you floss daily? No. But I should.

14) Do you wanna Fanta? Not right now, no.

15) Can you hula hoop? My brother-in-law has me on film at about age 8 hula-ing my brains out in my backyard. I surely can't do it anymore, though.

16) Are you good at keeping secrets? Improving.

17) What do you want for Christmas? Peace and quiet, and a book to read.

18) Do you know the Muffin Man? I used to know a dog named Muffin; does that count?

19) Do you talk in your sleep? Occasionally.

20) Who wrote the book of love? God.

21) Have you ever flown a kite? Once, very briefly.

22) Do you wish on your fallen eyelashes? No

23) Do you whiten your teeth? Once in awhile, I buy a kit. I did 6 weeks of whitening before Elizabeth's wedding last summer.

24) Can you smell what the Rock is cooking? WTF redux. No clue about this one, and the only thing I smell is leftover dinner smells.

25) Have you ever asked for a pony? I'd rather have a horse.

26) Have you, or would you ever, donate sperm/eggs? I would if I could, but I can't so I won't.

27) Can you juggle? Not so muc.

29) If you could enact any new law, what would it be? Mind your own business!

30) Do the chickens have large talons? Get a life, dood. Find your own liger.

31) If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to? Sparky.

32) Are you ready to rumble? Doesn't take me long to get ready.

33) Can you count to Schfifty-Five? No.

34) Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school? No.

35) How do you spell relief? R E L I E F (even during the Rolaids commercials)

36) Have you ever crawled through a window? We broke into our house that way awhile back.

37) Have you ever eaten dog food? No intentionally, and not that I know of.

38) Can you handle the truth? Better than Tom Cruise can, that's for sure!

39) Do you like green eggs and ham? OMG--I loved Jesse Jackson's rendition of this. (but no, I'll pass on the green food)

40) Who is your daddy? and what does he do? My daddy isn't around anymore. He's resting.

50 Questions

Sleep with or without clothes on? With, especially this time of year!
Prefer black or blue pens? ...meh...long as they write, I don't care, either is fine
Dress up on Halloween? No, thanks.
Like to travel? Yes. Love it.
Like Someone [sic]? Yes.
Do they know? Yes.
Who sleeps with you every night? The Someone above.
Think you're attractive? Depends on the day. Today, yeah-ish.
Want to get married? Already am. Sorry.
Are you a good student? I was. As for the School of Life, I'm not so good.
Are you currently happy? Yeah.
Have you ever cheated?? Been cheated on? Have I? Not really. Has Beast? Not to my knowledge.
Birthplace? Denver, CO
Christmas or Halloween? Christmas
Colored or black-and-white photo? Color
Do long distance relationships work? Sometimes better than nearby ones.
Do you believe in astrology? No.
Do you believe in love at first sight? I believe people swear it happens.
Do you consider yourself the life of the party? Hah! No.
Do you drink? Yes.
Do you make fun of people? Sometimes. Those who deserve to be punctured.
Do you think dreams eventually come true? Some, if you work hard. Oh, those dreams...gawd I hope not!
Favorite fictional character? Ripley
Go to the movies or rent? Rent
Have you ever moved? Right. Uhm, yeah.
Have you ever stolen anything? Yes, but not for 30 years.
How's the weather right now? COLD!
Last time you cut your hair? 5 weeks ago--actually I didn't cut it. The last time I cut my hair was before I did the stealing to which I referred above.
Last person you talked to on the phone? Sparky.
Last time you showered? This morning
Loud or soft music? Depends. I like happy, boppy music, generally.
McDonalds or Burger King? BK, except for breakfasts, and french fries.
Night or day? Day
Number of pillows? I usually sleep with one, but I use two when I'm reading in bed.
Piano or guitar? Piano
Future job? Grandma
Current job? Cataloger/Reference Librarian/Mom/Wife
Current love? Sleep is my beeeesssssttttt friend
Current longing? See previous answer
Current disappointment? Not having found our old photo boxes yet
Current annoyance? My stupid, sore eyes.
Last thing you ate? Rice cake (plain).
Last thing you bought? Pop and a cookie on Sunday. That would be "lunch."
Most recent thing you are looking forward to? WTF? I don't know what this means. I am looking forward to Christmas, of course.
What are you hearing right now? Some dumb show that Beast is "watching" by leaving the room repeatedly. Grrrrr....
Plans for the weekend? Many and varied
What did you do today? Worked. Made dinner. Talked to Beast. Listened to music.
Pick a lyric, any lyric or song? "We're not gonna take it / No, we're not gonna take it / Anymore."
Pick a movie quote? "What is your damage, Heather?"

Spending

The Spending Style Test

My Result: Savvy Spender

People who are Savvy Spenders likely have a great deal of self-confidence around money. They trust in their ability to make good decisions, they're less prone to spend solely to make themselves feel good in the moment, and they're not overly swayed by bargains or by name brands. They're neither cheap nor extravagant, and they are good at maintaining a practical middle-ground.

Take this test >

Why thank you! :-)

Xmas Spirit

No, not Abraham....

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 50%

You have a lot of Christmas spirit, and it's evident to most people who know you. You love most things Christmas, and you do your best to make sure everyone has a great holiday. While you like the more commercial aspects of Christmas, you truly know what the spirit of Christmas is about. You're all about giving, being kind, and sharing the spirit of Christmas with everyone you know.

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

Yeah, except for the part I didn't italicize, this is right on, and that part is so completely wrong it almost negates the whole result.

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

1) Finish this sentence: "I hate myself when I fail to live up to my standards."

2) How much time do you spend on the phone or IMing with friends every day?

Phone: less than 10 minutes/day. IMing: probably averages about 15 minutes/day, but very sporadic; some days it's literally hours, and several people at once, but I can, literally, go a week without a single IM.

3) What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Well, some of the drugs need to just be legalized and dealt with more or less as we deal with alcohol. I'd actually be ok with legalizing and then slapping all sorts of taxes and so forth on the lot of 'em. Heroin? Sure: $100 for a hit, $150 for a needle and a hit...no bargaining, no sale prices, nothing like that. And then 80% of the money goes right back into education, without passing through the hands of the U.S. Government.
It'll never happen.

4) What thing about your family are you least proud of?

Our argumentativeness.

5) 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

There are days when I sort of feel like this is how other people picture me: which Cat. fits here to open this door or fix this problem. It's not always a bad feeling--I certainly feel useful and needed!
However, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed. Like when Mom needs to deal with Sparky's school situation, Wife is asked to run a couple of errands, Daughter should be visiting with her sick mom, Cataloger is called on to explain Meebo again to the boss, Youth Leader has to solve a "crisis" with the kids, Clerk of Session needs to decorate tables for a dinner she's coordinating, Daughter-in-Law should be doing SOMEthing useful, Reference Librarian must find "Guns, Germs & Steel" where it isn't on the shelf, Sister really should do some more research on MSA and treatments, and ... yeah. Xanax, please.
I actually don't feel this last thing right now, somehow, in spite of yesterday being sort of that way.