Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Monday's Morals

You have the opportunity to cast the deciding vote as to whether or not an additional tax will be placed on sugary soft drinks, knowing that the revenue will fund medical care that is designed to fight obesity. Would you vote for a tax hike on those higher-calorie soft drinks, or leave the price alone? Why or why not?

Yes, I'd vote for it, with the stipulation that the tax would not be on the diet sodas, or at least not as high.

I would go a GIANT step further and put a HUGE tax on fast food, and mega-processed food of all kinds. And I'd do a subsidy on the entire produce section so that those prices would come down.

Now I'd better run and hide.

[clearly, I'm a dirty commie]

Some of this stems from the diet that I started this week. It's hard to find healthy food that isn't outrageously expensive.

You Crave a Cultural Adventure

Life has gotten a bit routine for you lately, and you'd like to broaden your perspective. You want to learn and grow from your adventure. You want to know the place you visit as well as your home town. You are an open minded and curious traveler. You're all about immersing yourself in local customs, no matter how foreign they are. Whenever you're in a new place, you try to speak the language, eat the food, and meet the locals. After all, that's what traveling is all about!

What Kind of Adventure Do You Crave?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

OK, then.

Actually, right now I'd go almost anywhere at all for any purpose. I'm really freakin' desperate for a vacation!

manic

(Link in blogroll)

What is the longest time you've gone with your Internet not working in your home?

A couple of weeks, maybe? Not for awhile though. Anything more than a couple of days makes us freak out completely.

How many email addresses do you regularly use?

Three, pretty much daily. There's another one I check sometimes too. Oops, and yet another where I have access to Beast's online work calendar.

Are you able to access the Internet on your phone? If so, how frequently do you use it?

Yes, but I don't have a plan so it would cost an organ or two to do it. I'm probably better off without 'net access on my phone. I'd be seriously dangerous.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) Do you wear fur? Leather?

It's really not worthwhile here to wear fur. If it really got cold and I were outside a lot, you bet I'd wear fur. And I wear leather as often as it's appropriate.

2) What are your favorite museums, galleries, or theaters in your area?

The Art Institute is my favorite. And I love the 0pera House, and the local train museum because of good memories of times spent there.

3) Do you think it’s important to keep traditions?

Only the benign ones.
I think if you have small children, traditions become really critical; kids really thrive on them.

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

It reminds me of the books my father-in-law has for aircraft identification during WWII. He could tell you what kind of plane this was and probably when and where it might have been built. All planes look the same to me, really, though this is clearly a prop job, not a jet. From that standpoint, the picture also kind of reminds me of all the little planes that fly over our house every day.

Moody...Reds?

Your Primary Mood Color is Red

You are a very passionate and fiery person. You have strong emotions, and you don't hold back. You are bold and quick acting. You aren't afraid to take the first step or make the first move. You are an attention seeker, and you love to be the center of things. You've learned how to entertain people well. You are the type of person who the subject of speculation and gossip, and that's fine with you. You like to be talked about.

What's Your Primary Mood Color?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

About half of this might be sorta true, but that last paragraph is decidedly wrong. In every way.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. What pleases you? :: Sunshine and a book
2. Whatever :: Whenever
3. Chime :: Doorbell
4. Pleading :: Begging
5. Simulate :: Fake
6. Flashing :: Mardi Gras
7. Directional :: ...markings
8. Pink :: Yuck!
9. Access :: Open
10. Ugly :: Unpretty

Sunday Stealing

(Link in blogroll)
A Fall Meme

It’s not really fall in until...

the leaves are all turning colors, and falling down.

What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?

Sweat. It has been a very cool summer, which sucked.

A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was...

non-existent. I'm assuming "thought about" means more than just that, but also "wishing things were different." The relationships prior to Beast had served their purpose and waned by the time they officially ended. There was some angst over the Kens, though. Yes, I dated (or 'dated' in one case) two guys named Ken within a year. It was ... interesting, considering they also sorta looked alike. But futureless situations.

If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?

First of all, it would absolutely require a skybox and super-special transpo arrangements, but I'm going with a Super Bowl. However, it's really likely that, assuming we get the Olympics in a few years, that I will volunteer around that.

Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?

Well, it's physically-identifying, but I turn bright red whenever I drink even just a few sips of alcohol. Pale, thin skin. I also laugh, really loudly, and often. Otherwise, I suppose there aren't a lot of women drinking Stoli on the rocks with a twist, either.

Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?

I run the gamut, though mostly not particularly serious. I'm not sure there's anything I want to cover that I wouldn't or haven't.

If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?

"Do the right thing." (age 27) "Get over yourself." (age ...oh, virtually any time) "Don't sell yourself short. Ever." (age 12)

Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared?

Beast. Technically, he does have a blog, but he never writes on it.

If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least?

I've done 6 days recently. I could do a few weeks, once I got over the first couple of days of withdrawal from constant updating on Fb and Twitter.

On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts?

Oh, brother. Did you feel sad the last time there was a party scheduled on December 7, too? Or April 19? How about October 23? (If you don't know why I picked any of those dates, perhaps you should do some research, eh?) There has probably been something horrific happen on every date of the calendar. I think if you are connected personally with them--had a family member involved, for instance--it's worth setting time aside. Which is why I take time on November 5 and 19 and December 4, 5 and 27, and now June 30 to wallow a bit. I work with someone whose wedding anniversary is September 11 (in the 80s); is she supposed to stop celebrating??

How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?

Heh. Answering any of these questions would defeat the purpose of having walls in the first place. Move along; nothing to see here.

The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is:

...not going to be repeated here. See previous question.

Saturday 9

(Link in blogroll)
I Call Your Name

1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why?

Given the choices my sisters were saddled with, I'm really VERY good with my name as it is. I'd drop the second half of my last name, however.

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why?

Twenty was good.

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why?

I was going to say that I'd drop a certain librarian MUCH faster, but I have so many (former and no-longer-close-) friends of hers that are now central to my life today that I think perhaps I'm better off not picking anyone at all.

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why?

I'd've been more straightforward with Steve H. about whether we were dating or just hanging out talking about music. I'd have suggested that we proceed in the former direction rather than the latter.

5.If you could say one thing/idea/sentiment to someone in your past, what would it be, and why?

I'd tell my parents and my sisters I love them a lot more than I have done/did.

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country?

I am uninteresting in living in any Asian country, including those I've visited. I would, however, not mind living almost anywhere else I've visited: Russia, Greece, Italy, Scotland, even Switzerland...! I wouldn't necessarily want to live in any of them very long--maybe a year--but it would be such an interesting experience to really get to know another culture and another language (in most cases) really in-depth. I would rather come back to the U.S. at the end to stay, though. It's my home.

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why?

I actually pretty much have my dream job. Unless you can somehow gift me with the inspiration, life-skills, and motivation to write good fiction for the rest of my life.

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why?

I'd wish for world peace. If that's too grandiose, I'd want us to permanently lose the knowledge of nuclear weaponry.

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be?

I've already met Liz and Annie, so lets go with Robert and Molly for now.

Decade

You Are the 1980s

jYou are a larger than life, ambitious person. You believe that you should live big or go home. You appreciate the bold days of the 1980s, when no one ever toned it down. You believe in working hard and playing hard. You can't help but love money and nice things. You are a bit ruthless and power hungry. The one who dies with the most toys wins, right?

What Decade Are You?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Well, wow. The description couldn't be more wrong, at least as how I see myself! But I was formed as an adult by the 80s, so who knows--something may have rubbed off on me. Like wet paint, y'know? {shudder}

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday Six

From the original meme site: Forty years ago today, a silly little sitcom premiered on ABC. It was about a widower with three young sons who married a widow with three young daughters. And the rest, as they say, is television history! I figured, why not celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Brady Bunch here at the Saturday Six.

1. Were you alive when The Brady Bunch premiered?

I was alive, but I was not-quite-6 and not really watching sitcoms yet. We didn't even have a color TV till 2 years later!

2. When do you remember watching the show for the first time?

After school when I was 11 or 12, I guess. It may have been on the same night at The Partridge Family a few years later, which I did watch fairly religiously due to David Cassidy's presence. But if it was, I only watched because of the bleedover of show audiences. I don't remember much of it until I was older, for sure.

3. If you had been the seventh kid in the house, which sibling do you think you would have most likely gotten along with the best?

I expect that I would have hung out with Alice. All the kids were super-annoying, although I crushed on Peter for awhile when I was older. He really was the only fun one. And I always preferred the company of adults to children when I was a kid.

4. Same scenario: which sibling would you have least gotten along with?

Marsha or maybe Cindy. Marsha was way too bossy and pretty, and Cindy...it would have been a jealous-competition thing: I'm the youngest!!

5. Take the quiz: Which Brady Bunch character are you?

You are Jan. Without you, Marcia and Cindy would kill each other.

Pretty accurate, considering I'm actually the youngest in my family.
Full Disclosure: I have never once watched a full episode of Saved By the Bell. So, depending on the weight that question has, I could be borked with my answer.

6. Robert Reed, who played patriarch Mike Brady, sent a now-infamous memo to the show’s creator and writing team, (read it here if you haven’t seen it before) in which he lectured them about the differences between comedy and slapstick because he felt a script about Greg’s hair turning orange from a bottle of hair tonic Bobby sold him was so outrageous, he felt he couldn’t play his part in that show. What’s your opinion on that: was it an actor taking his role in a goofy sitcom a little too seriously, or an actor who felt strongly about something taking a reasonable stand?

I admire his knowledge, but yeah: this is NOT Shakespeare. It's a little like Steve lecturing writers on Blues' Clues about the humorous content of the show (not that I'm aware of him ever doing that). Still, the hair-tonic-is-seriously-dated point is valid if slightly condescending considering that a lot of dads still did used "a little dab" in their hair daily in the 70s. [The mere fact that I know to what this refers and can even 'replay' the ad in my head confirms that I'm right about this, anyway.]

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Breakfast
What is your favorite part of FALL?

The smells and the colors are astounding this time of year.

Lunch
If you could go anywhere this weekend, where would you go?

Mountains, anywhere. Alone.

Dinner
What are you currently addicted to?

Sugar. In virtually any form.

Midnight Snack
Have you already begun your Christmas shopping?

Are you on crack? No. I loathe Christmas shopping. I have bought one thing for my niece's baby, due in early December.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?>

Fake it till you make it.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. One week ago I was working Friday. I almost never have worked two Fridays in a row, and now I seem to be doing it regularly. Not sure I like it.

2. The world was scary and big when I was young.

3. Mama told me to behave.

4. That's just between you and me.

5. Take your time and things will work out.

6. Kidney stones will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the Homecoming game, tomorrow my plans include going to a meeting and then finding some music for Sparky to play at Mom's funeral, and Sunday, I want to go.to.church for a change!

Leaf-ing

You Are Caring and Cautious

You are a responsible, likable person. You can be counted on to be consistent. You believe it's important to do the right thing in life. You are a loyal friend and family member. It's fairly easy for you to develop strong social and emotional bonds with others. You can be counted on. You are deeply ethical and the furthest thing from superficial. It bothers you when people are too flakey.

The Autumn Leaf Test

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

Oh! And you were doing so well until that last bit!

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Getting to Know You

Background story: [from the creator of the meme] Some friends and I were talking one night about smalltalk and how what most of us want is to get past it and to find out what people really care about. We figured that if you could come up with the kinds of questions that don’t violate social conventions (taboo subjects, for example, or questions that are too personal) but give you an idea of what really matters to the other person, you could jump past smalltalk and get right to the good stuff. Here are five that we thought might work! One of the questions is very similar to a question posted in October three years ago, but that’s okay!

1. What are the titles of the last three books you read all of?

Do Hard Things : A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, by Alex & Brett Harris - Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Late, Lamented Molly Marx, by Sally Koslow - Thursday, September 10, 2009
School Days, by Robert Parker (on CD) - Tuesday, September 01, 2009
...and if that one doesn't count: A Prairie Tale, by Melissa Gilbert - Saturday, August 22, 2009

2. What are the titles of between three and five magazines you subscribe to or used to subscribe to?

Current: Ms., Bookmarks, and EW.
Formerly: Guideposts, and Real Simple.

3. What’s on your night table? (we figured this one was borderline, since it involves the bedroom, but if the vibe is right and you preface the question with the background story I told above, you could make it work)

I don't think this is that big of a deal in terms of privacy...
Bose clock radio, box of Kleenex, mechanical pencil

4. What are the three best things that happened to you in the past seven days?

Getting two spreadsheets closer to finished at work, survived Sunday afternoon at work, and bell choir last night.

5. What was your senior yearbook quote, and what would your yearbook quote be this year if there were such a thing?

We didn't do senior quotes at my school. Ever.
My current one would be something boring and inane, possibly a song quote.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in blogroll)
Lather Up, Laugh It Up, And Have A Colorful Day!

1. Does soap or shampoo have to really lather up for you to feel that it cleaned throughly? [sic]

Yes. Well, shampoo anyway. No, actually, all soap.

2. Do you have a long standing joke with someone that you still laugh about every time you talk to that person?

Yup. And, like most long-standing jokes, it's stupid so I'm not going to even try to explain it.

3. Share something that happened to you this past week that was unusual.

Dreaming about my college roommate and then finding her on Skype the next day when I uploaded my Gmail contacts. I haven't talked to her in several years.

4. If you dropped a purple crayon and a green crayon off a roof, which would melt faster in the sun?

Jello.

5. You are standing in line (grocery store, bank, etc.), and someone gets in line behind you that who stinks. The stink is so bad that people in line in front of you turn around and look to see if you are the one causing the stink. Do you cover your nose, hold your breath, breathe through your mouth or just get out of line altogether?

If it were really that bad, I'd be out of the line. I would definitely be mouth-breathing for the duration if I didn't leave.

6. If you dropped your cell phone in the toilet, would you fish it out? If so, how much soap would you use to wash your hands afterwards?

Yes. If it were my own house, I have rubber gloves near all toilets and the toilets are rarely that gross and besides the lids are down whenever we aren't actually using them. If this were in public...wow, uh, yeah, DEFINITELY would be using a lot of soap and boiling hot water! And Lysol.

7. Sydney Australia dust storm (link). How long do you think it would take you to clean your house after that sort of dust storm?

Probably about the same amount of time as everyone else, but we almost always have our windows closed, so it wouldn't be horrible, just annoying. And I grew up in a dusty, dry area so this doesn't bother me.

8. Do you think you can dance?

No.

9. You are out to eat and someone across the room is staring at you. Do you get paranoid, try to ignore them, or go find out why they are staring at you?

I figure they recognize me from work, or I'm wearing food on my clothes or face.

10. Come up with a crazy, wacky Thursday Thunk question.

Who let the dogs out?

Rock and ROLL!

You Are Classic Rock

You are a pretty average American guy or gal, even if you don't live in the US. You like music that's basic, honest, and real. The best songs don't have a lot to them. You consider yourself to be pretty normal. You work for a living and put your pants on one leg at a time. You love songs that stand the test of time. You don't fall victim to musical trends.

What Kind of Rock Are You?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Well, sorta, but this is pretty vague, really. And I do like all kinds of rock, except the really hard & heavy stuff.

ggggggggg

(Found here)

9/7

Would you rather be a hobbit, elf, dwarf, vampire, werewolf, mermaid, magician or unicorn? I'd really rather be human, thanks.

What's your favorite pattern/print? I'm partial to stripes. Can't really manage polka dots or paisley, though.

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would the introduction look like? "Get over yourself!" [that's the whole letter, in fact]

If you have a best friend, tell us a little about them: Yes, I do, and they are most excellent in every way.

Think back on a time when you were really really happy: can you describe your exact feelings? No. Some things can't be explained in words.

What is your favorite musical instrument? Bagpipes. Or, if I have to go with orchestral "normal" instruments, cello.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Ruth, in The Book of Ruth.

Why do people watch so much TV? Inertia and our craving for stories.

Why are there so many unsuccessful book-to-movie translations? My version of the book is going to be different from anyone else's, and you just can't explain in pictures everything that is written (or vice versa, to be fair).

Are you afraid of the dark? Nope.

If you could, would you become immortal? I guess I'm betting on being just that.

What do you like most about yourself? My wit(s).

What does it take for you to be happy? Being left to my own devices.

If it was a choice between saving a thousand people you don't know or saving your three best friends, what would you do? Gotta be the friends.

What do you hate more than anything? People's inability to do their jobs.

Would you rather never have to: sleep, eat, or breathe? Of those three, breathe.

What is a talent you'd dearly like to have? I'd like to have more 'push' in things I care about.

Compare the love you have (or would like to have) to a famous romance: There are no film crews or paparazzi in my life, thank God!

What do you think will happen to you when you die? See above. I'm betting on heaven.

Do you hate it when you think that someone's calling for your boyfriend/girlfriend across the way when it's really somebody else? What? No clue what this means.

What was the farthest place you had to travel by foot recently? Probably shopping yesterday, I dunno.

Who were the last three people of the opposite sex you hugged? Sparky, Beast, and...John? Justin? I can't remember.

Have you ever looked for something that was in your hand/nearby? Hello, welcome to my reality.

Do you remember the last thing you "aww'd" at? Baby clothes. I ended up buying something, impulse buy, for my almost-great-nephew.

Why are you feeling the way that you are feeling right now? I have no idea why I'm tired. Boredom.

When was the last time you prank called somebody? Several decades.

Have you gotten gum stuck in your hair before? Yeah. Oh boy. Never store gum behind your ear, unless you're bald.

Did you have anything to eat for lunch today? I...did. Uhm, what was it? Probably a ham salad sandwich.

What was the last movie you watched with talking animals? I hate movies like this as a rule, so it has definitely been awhile. Sparky's way past those kinds of movies.

Can you handle a relationship without amazing sex? Most of my relationships have no sex involved at all.

Have you run into a pole before? Not fully, but pretty close.

On this same month one year ago, were you single? No.

Is there anyone that you like at the moment? Yes.

Was the last animal you touched/pet a household pet? I haven't touched an animal in awhile, but I'm sure it was a pet.

What holiday do you always dread the most every year? I don't really dread any, except maybe Valentine's Day.

Who was the last person to put their arm around your shoulder? Probably Sparky.

Have you ever cried from missing somebody so badly? On a very regular basis.

What "minor problem" do you have that's been bothering you for a while? Laziness compels me to say nailbiting.

Ever walked into the opposite sex's restroom by accident? Nope. I've done it on purpose, though.

Do you have a "thing" for a celebrity? Yup.

When was the last time someone said you "looked cute with someone" while near someone? Gaaahhhggg!

Have you kissed anybody today? I kissed Sparky on the cheek at bedtime.

Is your best friend still a virgin? Uh, negatory on that, good buddy.

Where did you last order Chinese food/take-out? Wow, it's been several months.

What was your dream last night? Don't remember.

During this time right now about 24 hours ago, what were you doing? This.

Can you recite the alphabet backwards perfectly? Yup. Can even sing it.

Who is the last person you high-fived? I've moved on to terrorist fist bumping, and Sparky got one today.

What do you feel about "PDA"? There was a couple necking outside the restaurant at which I ate yesterday, very ostentatiously. Move outta the way, people!

Have you ever tried to push open a door that said pull? Occasionally.

Be honest, who do you miss at this very moment and would love to see? My sister Ellen.

---

Do you get skanky when you drink? Nope. I haven't had enough to drink to do that for eons.

What are your plans for the day? If I ever finish this, I'll go to bed. Actually, looking at the length, I may call it right here and finish this another day.

9/8

When was the last time you put gas in a car? Sometime about 10 days ago, or more recently. Whoever did it didn't reset the odometer, so I think it wasn't me.

Do you like the smell of paint? Some paint, yes.

Is there something you should be doing besides this survey? Always. Thanks for the mini guilt-trip.

Do you know anyone who is an amazing dancer? Uh, haven't seen too many dancers lately...so, no.

What's the worst thing to happen to you in the last week? Multiple stupid arguments.

Could you date someone who used poor grammar? If that were his one and only flaw, I'd probably get over it.

How important is a sense of humor in a significant other? The lack of one IS a deal-breaker.

What did you last get in the mail? My Social Security earnings. If I stopped earning money today and retired at 62, I couldn't even cover rent. sigh... I will, seriously, never be able to retire.

Where will you next go? Kitchen for dinner.

It's Mardi Gras. Have you ever flashed someone for beads? Mardi Gras is emphatically NOT in September! And no. Nor would I. My price is considerably higher than cheap plastic beads.

How much would someone have to pay to see you naked? (one person, no pictures, no touching, complete stranger) A FUCK of a lot!

What station is your local rock station? I listen to Jack.

Do you prefer grape or orange soda? I haven't had grape in eons, and orange in almost as long. I like 'em both ok, but not enough to buy 'em, clearly.

Name three purple objects in the room you're in? There is probably a little purple in the papyrus paint, maybe in the fake Tiffany candle holder, and ... uh, on the TV right now.

How many people know you have a survey site blog? IRL, probably less than 10. But you all know I do...though you may not know me.

Who gave you your last hickey? Pretty much has to be my husband, innit?

Where was it? No real clue, as if I'd tell anyway.

What was the last party you went to? Does a shower for a coworker count? If so, 9 days ago.

How many TVs are in your house? Two that work. One that doesn't.

Do you like picture surveys? What are they?

Do you immediately notice when your nipples get hard? Uhm, yeah? I think?

Have you ever met a stripper? Yup. Not what you think, and I'll only say it was at a library but it was not a library employee.

Have you ever stolen produce? Er? Not so's I remember.

Have you ever shoplifted at all? When I was young, yes.

---

Are you strong enough for this survey? I'm beginning to wonder...

Have you ever taken a picture of yourself kissing someone? I'm not coordinated enough for that.

Do you want to be in a relationship with someone? I have a lot of relationships, so I guess yes? Or no, I'm good with what I've got? I dunno....

Are you someone who's an asshole because you're so honest? Quite likely. I can live with that.

Have you ever said you loved someone when you didn't mean it? I'm pretty sure I've said it meaning something quite different from what the other person thought I meant.

What is your opinion on no sex before marriage? It's not the easiest thing to accomplish, but it's doable.

Was your last kiss perfect? It was a 6 on a 10-point scale.

Have you ever wanted to never give up on someone? I think it's biologically impossible for me to truly ever give up on Sparky.

Would you push someone off a cliff if you had the chance? Can I pick whom?

Have you ever broken someone's heart? I hurt a couple of people very deeply. I'm sure they've recovered just fine, though.

Have you ever liked someone who didn't like you back? Well, duh, yeah! (kind of the way parenting feels sometimes, too)

Have you ever thought something would work out but they used you? I've been aware that I was being used, yes.

Is this survey hard for you? It's fucking LONG!

Would you ever want to be a supermodel? Not.

Do you tell white lies? Yup.

Do you scratch when and where you want to scratch? Depends on a large number of things, primarily "location."

How do you handle a break up? About as well as anyone else, I'm sure.

What was the last thing you ate? Cherry Pop-Tarts.

Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect? I've had a few fly into my mouth at inopportune moments.

Do daddy long legs freak you out? Nope. Think of all the bugs they eat!!

Have you ever cleaned up someone else's vomit? Yes. I am, after all, a mom.

Do you kiss your pets on the mouth? Dogs, yes. Guinea pigs, not so much. Birds, NO.

Would you ever work in a retirement home? Sure.

Have you ever had to dial 911 before? Yes.

When was the last time you had ice cream? Last wek.

Do you honestly hate anyone? Not for any extended period.

Do you prefer morning or night? Morning.

Do you swear a lot? More and more every damn day!

9/19

Can you whistle? Yes. Melodically even.

Could you ever picture yourself on a reality television show? It would be a shoddy Photoshop job.

What was the last movie you watched? Harry Potter #5

Do you drink more apple or orange juice? Uh, neither? Possibly more orange than apple by a factor of .02%.

Have you spoken to your Father today? Well, when you capitalize it that way, yes. I haven't spoken to my dad in 15 years, nearly.

What is bothering you right now? The usual. Not gonna get into it.

Have you ever kissed someone with braces? Not romantically, no.

When was the last time you cried? Yesterday. Bawled, wept, sobbed at my desk at work.

Where did you last go out to eat? 6 Balls.

What time did you go to sleep last night? 12:30 a.m.-ish.

Do you regret anything you've done this year so far? As we are 3/4 of the way through the year...uh, yeah of course!

What is the most fun that you've had in the past week? I enjoyed Monday's JV game. Last night's home opener wasn't so much fun. I, apparently, am a GIANT BITCH for asking the kids in front of me to sit (the fuck) down so I could see! No, of course, I didn't swear at them, and I did say please, but some woman informed me that because other people were standing, that having the kids sit down wouldn't make a difference. They did, and it did. Fuckhead.
So yeah, the JV game.

Are you waiting on anything? As I've said before when asked this question, I'm just waiting on a friend.

9/22

Do you think that you will be married within ten years? Wellllll...I'm married now, and I don't foresee a change tonight/this week/within the next month...so yeah.

Do you like waking up to new texts in the morning? I'd rather see them in the morning than be awakened by them in the night.

Are you currently angry about anything? I'm annoyed by a few things, but I think the anger is at bay.

What was your last phone conversation about and who was it with? Uh...Beast called to tell me he was on the way home about 5 tonight.

Do you feel like anyone's taking you for granted? I.am.a.mom. Of course I'm taken for granted!! And that's the tip of the iceberg.

Do you regret anything you've done this week? Yup.

Will you be up before 7am tomorrow? I will have been awake for 90 minutes by then, and out of the house for almost an hour.

Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing right now? WallyWorld. Pathetic.

Would you ever tattoo your significant other's name on yourself? Nope.

---

What is on your bed right now? Two mattress pads (one electric, one plain), two sheets, four pillows in cases, and quilt.

When was the last time you threw up? I don't actually remember, so probably over a year ago. I nearly did a couple of weeks ago but it was an extremely close false alarm.

What's your favorite word or phrase? "Actually" or "Really"--take your pick.

Name 3 people who made you smile today? Beth, Beast, and ironically someone I can't stand...Gus.

What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Running around trying to make sure I was taking what I needed at work with me. I failed on that.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Relearning how to use my MP3, cleaning up from dinner, and checking my RSS feeds. Yes, all at once.

What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

Have you ever been to another country? Yup.

What is the last thing you said aloud? "OK." We're discussing "dress like the opposite sex day" for Sparky's school tomorrow. Uh, no--he's doing a ponytail and calling it done.

What is the best ice cream flavor? The most versatile is vanilla. But I love peppermint.

What was the last thing you had to drink? Leftover diet Pepsi from lunch.

What are you wearing right now? Shirt, clamdiggers, etc.

What was the last thing you ate? Chicken, sauce, etc.

Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Nope. Thought about it. Didn't.

When was the last time you ran? Uhhh....not recently.

What's the last sporting event you watched? Football last night, of course.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Right now, I'd probably choose Australia.

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on myspace? No clue. I haven't done anything at all on MySpace for a couple of years.

Ever go camping? Yes.

Do you have a tan? I have a decent crop of freckles.

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? Not that I'm aware of.

What is your guilty pleasure? This.

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot? Yes, I do. Gotta problem with that??

Do you drink your soda from a straw? In a restaurant cup, yes. Usually I drink out of a bottle or can.

What did your last text message say? "Just leaving. C ya soon."

Are you someone's best friend? I think so.

What are you doing tomorrow? Bible Study, work, Study Group, dinner, bell choir...collapsing.

Where is your mom right now? Actually, I'm not sure. I'd bet on her being in a mortuary, unless my sister already picked up her ashes.

Look to your left, what do you see? The table with a lot of stuff on it: cup, watch, clippers, lip balm (2), eraser, pencil led, school planner, paper, Stabilo pack, prom picture folder, coasters....

What color is your watch? Silver.

What do you think of when you think of Australia? Red dirt and kangaroos.

Ever ridden on a roller coaster? Yes.

What is your birthstone? Topaz. Not my favorite at all. So I have earrings (from my parents), and NOTHING else.

Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? I usually drive through.

Do you have any friends on MySpace that you actually hate? I don't think I actually have any friends at all on MySpace.

Do you have a dog? No. {sniffle}

Last person you talked to on the phone? Beast.

Any plans today? NCIS: LA (oooooh, LL Cool J!!), bath, bed, sleep.

Are you happy? I'm not unhappy. I'd call it content.

Where are you right now? On the sofa, of course.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Work is bashing it out with my health. It's pretty even.

Last song listened to? "Start Wearing Purple," by Gogol Bordello. This afternoon, at work. I *heart* that song.

Last movie you saw? Still HP5.

Are you allergic to anything? It's possible I'm allergic to myself along with the other suspects: animals, pollen, mold, etc.

Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I love my sparkly shoes.

Are you jealous of anyone? A little envious of my boss's shoe supply.

Are you married? So far....

Is anyone jealous of you? Who knows. Maybe?

Do any of your friends have children? I'd eyeball it as 1/3 of my Fb friends have kids. But many of my Fb friends are kids, so....

Do you eat healthy? I'm about to start focusing on it a little more.

What do you usually do during the day? Breathe. Work. Lose a little more of my eyesight.

Do you hate anyone right now? No.

Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.

How many kids do you want when you're older? Just the one, unless we're counting grandchildren. ;-)

How did you get one of your scars? Let's go with surgery.

Inkblot

You Are Driven and Focused

You view people with optimism. You have many meaningful relationships in your life. You had more conflict with your father than your mother. Your relationship with him was healthy but challenging. You deal with stress in a fairly normal way. Stress presents a struggle for you, but you're usually able to neutralize your emotions. You are the type of person who knows how to get a lot done. However, sometimes you can't help but get overwhelmed by life.

The Inkblot Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

More conflict with DAD?! Feh--not even CLOSE! And that calls the whole result into question, really.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares every night for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?

Nope. Not a fact of disrupted sleep, and a year of it would probably kill me.

What was the most recent movie that made you cry?

I cried during Harry Potter #5. Of course I did.

Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate?

ALONE!I'm on the same page as Jean-Paul Sartre on this. I'd rather be alone than with alone with someone hateful.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What time do you usually go to bed? And what time do you usually get up?

I'm almost always in bed by 11 or so. I'm usually up by 6 or 6:30 at the latest.

2) List 5 people you know. Then describe each of them in 5 words.

1. Beast: strong, smart, overwhelmed, soft-hearted, hard-headed
2. Sparky: kind, smart, self-contained, helpful, stubborn
3. L: self-absorbed, kind, egocentric, smarmy, musical
4. FIL: humorous, extroverted, linear, patriotic, Democrat
5. V: welcoming, cheerful, helpful, smart, educator

3) What was one of your life-changing moments?

Helping the hospice nurse with MIL a year ago.

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

Public Domain Photo

It's clearly a caduceus, updated a bit. I like the staff and orb, but the rest of it doesn't really match. The snakes are wrong-ish.

Name/Color

My real name:

Your Name is Red

Your name tells people that you are powerful and intense. Your name makes people take you seriously. You stand out in a crowd and command attention. You can't blend in - and you would never try to or want to. People see you as a bit of a wild card. You're well known for being passionate, and you can be a bit dangerous at times. You inspire strong feelings in others. People either totally love you or totally despise you. There usually isn't much in between.

What Color Is Your Name?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

My online name:

Your Name is Orange

Your name tells people that your [sic] are flamboyant and vibrant. The amount of energy that you have is simply amazing. You are enthusiastic about everything that comes your way. You love having new experiences and trying new things. People see you as bold and even a little wild. You can be an overwhelming force. You tend to get noticed a lot, and to be honest, you feel a bit sad when people aren't paying attention to you.

What Color Is Your Name?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Neither is particularly close to the truth.

Give Me 5 Monday

(Link in blogroll)
Give Me Five of your favorite drinks.

1. Diet Dr. Pepper
2. Stolichnaya straight up, or on ice (sometimes) with a lime
3. Gewürztraminer
4. Cranberry juice
5. Long Island Iced Tea
   

Chairy

You Are Calm and Comforting

You're the type of person who can sit all day in order to keep someone in need company. You are kind and giving. Helping other people is your one, true person [sic] in life. You give a first impression of blending in. And it's somewhat true - you need to be drawn out. You are an armchair spiritual leader. You can bring peace to those who can't usually be comforted.

The Chair Test

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

There is a LOT to be said for coherence. But most of it wouldn't be sadid about this particular result.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in blogroll)
One Long Meme (Part Two)

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? Sleep.

28. Do you look like your mom or dad? Dad.

29. How long does it take you in the shower? 5-10 minutes. [Note: all snarky comments/answers have been omitted, and I've got SEVERAL, believe me!!}

30. Can you do the splits? Not if I don't want to go to the hospital.

31. What movie do you want to see right now? None of them. I'm not even sure what my choices are.

32. What did you do for New Year’s? No clue--that was over 9 months ago! Probably nothing much.

33. Do you think The Grudge was scary? Carrying a grudge is never a healthy idea. [I'm assuming this is/was a movie--not that I care.]

34. Do you own a camera phone? YESSSSS!

35. Was your mom a cheerleader? Not in a million years, not even metaphorically.

36. What’s the last letter of your middle name? H.

37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 5-7.

38. Do you like Care Bears? I'm not a fan of "cute."

39. What do you buy at the movies? A ticket, and whatever cheap thing they have. If there is unlikely to be cheap food, I usually smuggle in my own.

40. Do you know how to play poker? Yes. And I know how to win, too.

41. Do you wear your seat belt? Only in planes and cars.

42. What do you wear to sleep? Pajamas.

43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? Nope.

44. How many meals do you eat a day? Three.

45. Is your tongue pierced? Ugh, no.

46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins? I haven't visited MySpace in close to a year.

47. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny.

48. Ever been to L.A.? Yes, but not for 30 years.

49. Did you eat a cookie today? Nope. But now I'm hungry for one. Thanks for that!

50. Do you use cuss words in other languages? Sometimes.

51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? I have never downloaded music.

52. Do you hate chocolate? I don't hate it.

53. What do you and your parents fight about the most? We don't fight. Hard to fight with dead people.

54. Are you a gullible person? I have my moments.

55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy? No. I need friends. Gender is less critical than true friendship.

56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be? Novelist. I'd like to be Nora Roberts or Joyce Carol Oates.

57. Are you easy to get along with? Sometimes. And sometimes eminently not.

58. What is your favorite time of day? Right around sunrise.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Disconnect :: Unplug
2. Contribute :: Donate
3. Dismay :: Sadden
4. Constant :: Permanent
5. Nails :: Claws
6. Vibrate :: Waver
7. Therapy :: Exercise
8. Stupid :: Idiotic
9. Poo :: Mike Rowe (he uses that term constantly!)
10. Commune :: Meditate

Ideals

You Should Be With an Earth Sign

Your best match is a Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn. You like your sweetie to pamper, wine, and dine you. You enjoy the finer things. An earth sign will go all out to woo you - and never complain about doing it. Your earth sign knows how to make you feel wanted. And you'll never meet anyone so devoted to you.

What Sign Should You Be With?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

First of all, this is dead wrong.
Secondly, that's ok, since my husband of 23 years is a water sign, and we are well-suited.

So, nevermind.

Birfday Color

Your Birthday is Purple

You are the independent type. It's hard for people to peg, label, or stereotype you. You enjoy people and things from all walks of life. You're incredibly open minded. You tend to be a bit fickle and even moody. You can end up hating what you love and vice versa. Your preferences and actions can be a bit mysterious at times. It's hard to predict what you'll do.

What Color Is Your Birthday?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

NAILED IT!!!

This...is not a shock

You Are Carbs

You are a very energetic and seductive person. You tend to be driven by your impulses, and people often find you tempting. Often your energy is brief and almost manic. You have a lot of ups and downs if you're not careful. When you take care of yourself, you feel alert, balanced, and satisfied. You can live a very balanced life if you play your cards right. When you don't take care of yourself, your life is a nightmare. You can be moody, cranky, and unpredictable.

Are You Protein, Carbs, or Fat?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Especially lately. I'm livin' the slo-mo crash.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in blogroll)
One Long Meme (Part One)

1. The phone rings. Who will it to be? Er, it's mostly like a telemarketer if it's the landline. Who do I want it to be? Anyone but Katherine or a telemarketer.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? To the corral, usually; almost never to the store, and sometimes I just leave it parked in between cars at the head of the lane (when it's bitter cold outside and there is a snowbank there, usually).

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Yes. I'd give the edge to 'talker' but I've been known to listen as well.

4. Do you take compliments well? "Why thank you, yes I do."

5. Do you play Sudoku? Yes.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? For a day, perhaps.

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Nope.

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? Jacks. Or maybe jumping rope.

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew she was married, would you? Would I what? First of all, what is the question, precisely? Second of all, I'm straight, so I wouldn't 'do' anything.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I think my husband would frown on me dating anyone at all. (and probably, as long as they weren't fundamentalist-whatever)

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? In the broad sense, I don't like the paradigm. I'm more likely NOT to instigate things though.

12. Use three words to describe yourself? Tactless, uncoordinated, sappy.

13. Do any songs make you cry? About 75% of the songs I like make me think hard and about 50% of those make me tear up a bit.

14. Are you continuing your education? Every day, baby!

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? No, but I'm going to talk my nephew into taking me to a gun range in the next year or so and teach me.

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? Yes. Once.

17. How often do you read books? Every day, baby!

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? I worry about the immediate future (as in, how is this schedule going to work, what do I need to do at work tomorrow, etc.), but I think I think more about the past.

19. What is your favorite children’s book? Too many to name. Small children: probably "So Much." Middle children: "Little House in the Big Woods." Big children: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

20. What color are your eyes? Hazel.

21. How tall are you? Tall enough and not too tall (170 cm.)

22. Where is your dream house located? Right'yeer.

23. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? The phone to call 911.

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? Thursday night. Just munched down a leftover breadstick about 10 minutes ago, too.

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? Uhm...I guess the pantry? [I've only been awake 2 hours, and no one else was up until about 10 minutes ago.]

26. Do you like mustard? Yup, in reasonably doses.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Omelette :: Eggs
2. Classic :: Old, but Cool
3. Thrifty :: Economizing
4. Search :: Look
5. Fan :: Doter
6. Fussy :: Picky [though my first response was the name of a family member whom I'm willing to kneecap today if there's a payoff for me beyond the joy of doing it]
7. I am not :: ...likely to kneecap anyone IRL
8. Indulge :: Tolerate [which I'm very tired of doing for this family member--can you tell?]
9. Poor :: Lacking
10. Manicure :: Pedicure

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. A friend of yours goes grocery shopping with you and goes to the meat department and buys a small pack of fresh ground chuck. You ask what she’s going to cook for dinner and she explains that the chuck is for her dog. How would you react?

Long as she's payin' I'm fine with it. I try very hard not to question other people's purchases, unless it's something that I know they'll regret and they've specifically asked me to "monitor and censor." Besides, I buy a giant stash of greens every week for our guinea pig, so it's not like I can say much, right?

2. Another friend dares you to eat a dog biscuit: would you give it a try?

Nope. This part of my life is over, the part when my friends dare me to eat/drink things on a whim.

3. Vets usually recommend more expensive brands of food for pets. How much of a difference do you think there would really be between a brand you could pick up in a store or a specialty brand?

Not much. The vet I know best doest NOT suggest the expensive brands. She's honest, a pennypincher...and related to me.

4. Take the quiz: Who’s Happier: You or Your Pet?

You Are Happier Than Your Pet

Unless you've got a highly unhappy pet, you've uncovered the secrets to living a good life. You are light hearted and frisky... but never too hyperactive for a long nap. You know how to let life's problems roll off your back, while still managing to take great care of yourself. You're happier than most creatures in the world - both human and non-human!

Who's Happier: You or Your Pet?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

I'm not annotating this with italics, but I would just say that there's no way the animal in this house is more mentally healthy than me, so this result is not unexpected. Ruka is a neurotic twitchfest.

5. Who has more toys: your pets or you?

Me. Totally.

6. Whose bed do you think is more comfortable to sleep on, yours or your pet’s?

Mine. Totally.

Alternate Saturday 6

(Link in blogroll)
It's Random Time!

1. How do you feel when something is scraped down a chalk board?

Unpleased. It's sorta like chewing on aluminum foil.

2. If you won a big amount on a lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

An honest accountant.

3. Cheese or Pineapple?

In general, I like both but not together. On pizza, cheese. Pineapple on pizza=Major yuckage.

4. Elephant or Mouse?

I like both, though I'd want neither roaming around my house.

5. What’s the first object you see in your room that is yellow?

Not a lot of yellow in my life...so, I guess the tube of LipSyl on the table will have to do.

6. Early riser or late sleeper?

I would have LOVED to sleep in today. Long day yesterday, longer day today...and I was awake at 6:30. Stupid stupid stupid. But, typical.

Saturday 9

(Link in blogroll)
You Like Me Too Much

1. If everyone liked each other, what would we complain about?

The weather, of course!

2. If you were most powerful person in the world, how would you use that power?

Extremely carefully, and not often.

3. If had exactly one year to live, what are the three things you'd want to do before you died?

Travel the country by motorcycle, get all my photo albums sorted out, and write loads of letters to my loved ones.

4. If you could change one thing about the world, what would that one thing be?

That we all figure out a way to deal with disagreements without being such jerks to one another. (see question #1)

5. If you could take one thing back, what would that one thing be?

I would like to have not shouted at Sparky so much when he was little.

6. If you were stuck on an island forever but had all the water, food and shelter you needed. What would be the three other things you'd bring with you?

Medical supplies (including a doctor), a penknife, and a solid internet connection.

7. If the internet didn't exist, would the quality of life go up or down?

The internet itself doesn't really affect my quality of life. Before the internet was widespread, I had the same general quality of life as I do now. I'm not sure it's possible to quantify something that doesn't exist. Now, if we knew about the internet, but couldn't have access to it...that would adversely affect quality of life, I'm sure.

8. If a million dollars fell off a back of a truck, would you keep it?

Well, no, because surely someone would notice it was missing and come looking for it. It's a bit hard to hide that much money--and keep quiet about it.

9. What is something you said, something you stole, something you did wrong?

All three at once? Or separately? I'm gonna do separately I guess:

--"But there's no quarterback on the field to sack, girls!" [during their "Sack That Quarter-Back" cheer, at last night's game, during a kickoff]
--Tic-Tacs [when I was about 10]
--Choosing a restaurant last night [it was very noisy and the sun was blinding]

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. That's a lovely place to be.

2. Hey you; I'm over here!

3. The possibilities include: going forward, going backward, standing still (though that's really not an option because eventually you'll have to move).

4. A fire in the fireplace is one of my favorite cool day recipes.

5. How will you know what you will do in any given situation until you experience it? I don't think you really do.

6. I'm not fond of green sunlight and a stormy sky.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending Sparky's football game with two nieces and their husbands, tomorrow my plans include the U2 concert!!!!, and Sunday, I want to sleep in but I will probably be awake at the buttcrack of dawn to make breakfast!

Honeymoon

You Should Honeymoon in Mexico!

After planning your wedding, all you want to do is relax. Your honeymoon should be as laid back as possible. You don't need much to make you and your sweetie happy. You'll take a sandy beach and a cool cocktail, for starters. There's little better than warm sunshine, clear water, and all inclusive hotels... Except for maybe a pool with a built in bar. And huge margaritas!

Where Should You Go on Your Honeymoon?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Believe me, I'm working on this with Beast. The problem is twofold: time and Sparky.

[we still have not had a honeymoon, technically, after 23 years]

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Bottles

1. When did you last drink something out of a glass bottle?

At Borders a couple of weeks ago.

2. Whose energy would you like to bottle for those future listless days?

V's, my co-worker who just passed away last month at age 96. One thing she never was (in public) was listless.

3. How many plastic bottles are there in your shower, and what’s in them?

From memory, I count five: two shampoos, one contioner, one face wash, one shower gel. There is a basket just outside the tub with several other things in it, but we're pretty minimalist in the shower itself.

4. Who in your life could be described as lightning in a bottle?

The first person that springs to mind is T, another coworker who I don't think EVER sleeps!

5. You’re playing Spin-the-Bottle with your sixth-grade classmates. When it’s your turn, to whom do you want the bottle pointing?

6th grade was a rough year. All the cute boys were gone to middle school along with all my close friends (I had been mainstreamed a grade up to keep me from being bored for 5 years). I'm sure I had a mild crush on someone, but looking back now I can't imagine who it would have been. Wait: there was this guy named--I kid you not--Lance who was pretty cute. Wonder what happened to him....

RevGal Friday Five

(Link in blogroll)
PJs

1. What was your favorite sleeping attire as a child? And did you call them pjs, pajamas (to rhyme with llamas), pajamas (to sort of rhyme with bananas), jammies, or ???

I almost always had nightgowns, so mostly I called them "nightgowns" or "nighties." Sometimes we used the term "PJs" and when I use[d] "pajamas" it's always with the flat midwestern 'a' not the pretty "llama"-rhyming 'a'.

2. Favorite sleepwear put on your own little ones, or perhaps those you babysat? (Bonus points if you made it).

I loved those little onesie kind of pajamas that are sort of felty terrycloth. There are loads of memories of Sparky running around in his red zip-down-to-the-leg jams--what we call 'em, when we don't use "jammies."

3. How about today-do you prefer nightgown, pajamas, undies, or au naturel?

I hate long nightgowns; they always get twisted around me. I really prefer big T-shirts and undies, but with a teen in the house I've moved toward regular pajamas for the duration of his time here.

4. Silky smooth or flannel-y cozy?

Flannel-y, because I hate sliding around in bed.

5. Socks or bare feet?

Generally, bare feet, but I really can't handle having cold feet, so I frequently start the night with sox and toe them off when my feet reach stasis.

Bonus: Funny story regarding sleepwear (or the lack thereof).

I can't think of anything all that funny, except that when I started college I arrived with two ankle-length flannel, Laura Ashley-esque print nightgowns. Yeah. Doy. Switched to T shirts by midyear, though I think I still have one of those nightgowns stored away somewhere, seeing as how I made it.

Hook 'em

...betcha thought I'd go another direction with that title, eh?

You Believe That You're Wise

You may not be the most successful person, but you have a lot of knowledge. You like to be competent, and you're continually building up your skill set. You respect people who spend a lot of time learning and thinking. You think it's very important to exercise your mind. You have no respect for anyone who is ignorant or lazy. You don't want to be anyone's teacher.

The Horns Test

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

No I'm not anyone's teacher, I'm freakin-EVERYone's teacher whenever I'm at the Reference Desk at work.

Other than that last sentence, this is perfect.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in blogroll)
Dying, Buying, Eating, & More

1. A 90 year old man's dying wish in South Carolina was to be buried in his car. Link If you were told tomorrow you have 3 weeks to live, would you have any dying wishes or something special done before you died?

It would emphatically NOT involve my burial. I'm totally getting cremated. But the last three weeks would involve a lot of phone calls, letter-writing, talking...

2. Do you pay for more stuff using a credit/debit card or cold hard cash?

Cashhhh.

3. What's cuter- a baby lizard or a baby snake?

Lizard.

4. You go out to eat by yourself at a restaurant. While waiting for your food, do you people watch & easedrop [sic] on others conversations, read a book, use a laptop or chat with people around you?

Eavesdrop or read. I don't really take my laptop out that often, and unless I'm here in town I'm unlikely to engage in conversation.

5. If you see someone walking around with toilet paper stuck to their shoe, do you tell them or just laugh?

Tell 'em.

6. You are talking to someone you just met but you can't understand them at all because of their accent. Do you tell them you can't understand them or just smile and nod?

Oh, I tell 'em. Great story there, but suffice to say that I'm no longer shy about saying, "I didn't understand you; can you repeat that please?"

7. Mudfest! Park filled with pools of mud and an obstacle course of mud. Do you go and play in the mud?

Hell no. Yuck. I have a healthy fear of losing or ruining my glasses, which is a major consideration.

8. Have you ever had a headache so bad it eaffected your vision?

Yup. Fairly regularly.

9. Would you fit in more with the circus, Hollywood, Broadway, or comedy circuit types?

Unfortunately, I'm gonna be on the comedy circuit, I think.

Nothin's Gonna Change....

You Are "Across the Universe"

You are spiritual, deep, and at peace. You try to keep life in perspective. You can't help but realize how small you are in the universe. You're just thankful you exist. You tend to be a stream of consciousness thinker. You just let your thoughts flow, even when they don't make sense initially. You trust your intuition to guide you. You know that whatever is in your heart is right and true.

What Beatles Song Are You?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

So this makes me...George??! Wow, random. Could be worse though! ;-)

Om mani padme hum

Eyes Eyes Baby

Your Hazel Eyes Say You're Understanding and Insightful

You are seen as friendly and approachable. It's easy for you to relate to people. You don't let other people see you irritated. You try to keep any negativity to yourself. You enjoy the company of others. You are always happier when you're with friends. Other people inspire you and enrich your life. You are a true extrovert.

What Does Your Eye Color Say About You?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

This is unusual: the italicized parts are pretty close to accurate, and the plain parts are pretty much 100% WRONG! Which isn't to say I don't enjoy my friends, but "always" is a big word.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in blogroll)
The Who, What, When, Where, Why Would You Meme

Who ....
is easy to love? giggling children
do you just wanna smack? whiny parents
do you trust? Beast
do you talk to when you're alone? God. Or myself, I suppose, depending on your religious feeling

What ....
dangerous things do you do while driving? Sometimes getting behind the wheel is pretty dangerous for me. However, I've been known to talk, text, grope around behind my seat, grab stuff off the floor on the passenger side....
are you allergic to? Everydamnthing: cats, dogs, corn pollen, June grass, perfumes, hair products....
is Satan's last name? Listen, if Cher and Bono don't need last names, I really think Satan doesn't.
is the last thing that moved you? My legs.
is the freakiest thing in your house? Uh...me? Sparky? I think I have some really freakin' ugly furniture and doodads from family in the basement storage.

When ....
is it time to turn over a new leaf? I would start when the current leaf starts strangling you.
will you be all that you can be? About the time I die.
is enough enough? When it's time to turn over a new leaf.
do you go to the dark side? When I'm tired and cranky.

Where ....
are your pants? The ones I'm wearing are on my legs.
is your last will and testament? In the safe. [I presume]
is your junk food stash? In the junk food drawer, with some outliers in the fridge.
is Carmen Sandiego? Home at last!

Why ....
was the Lone Ranger alone? Hello? He wasn't. He had Tonto, who was WAYYYYY cooler.
was "The Scarlet Letter" scarlet? Because red is the devil's color.
are musicians sexy and plumbers not? I dunno, I've seen some DAMNED FINE plumbers over the years, and some fugly musicians. I suppose the general sense is that musicians are artistic, and plumbers get dirty for a living.
are there no seat belts on school buses? There are on many of them, and the driver always has a belt.

Would you ....
swim the English Channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not that, what? I can't swim. This challenge would, therefore, kill me. ;-)
forgive someone who deliberately hurt you? I have done. There are a couple of people I am still holding out on however. Some things are hard to let go, y'know?
rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth? Oh, quite regularly. Until the truth rears up and smacks me upside the head, usually painfully.
you still be alive if you were sucked out of an airplane window? Would you just float around in space for while? I would start falling towards earth immediately and probably freeze to death fairly quickly thereafter.

Movies

(Found here)

General
What was the first movie you ever saw in theaters? Either "Tora! Tora! Tora!" or "Paint Your Wagon"
What was the last movie you saw in theaters? "Harry Potter" #5
What was the best movie you saw in theaters? "Shoah"
What was the worst movie you saw in theaters? "Snow Dogs" ranks right up (or down) there
Who do you like to watch movies with? Sparky
When was the last time you went with someone to the movies? Two weeks ago? I think
What type of movies do you like? Ones with at least a nod towards humor
What movie do you most want to see right now? Nothing really
Do you like horror movies? Not at all!
What was the last movie you bought?: Umm…I honestly can’t remember.
What's one movie you can watch over and over again and not get tired of it? "Heathers" "RHPS" "The Matrix" among others

List Your Top 5 Movies (in any order)
1. Heathers
2. RHPS
3. The Matrix
4. Groundhog Day
5. Shoah

About #1
Is this by chance your favorite movie? Yes
When was the last time you watched it? It's been years, at least 4 or 5.
Who stars in it? Winona Ryder, Christian Slater...I think Shannon Doherty's in it too.
Would you recommend it to others? Only to people who weren't The Popular Kids in high school, or people who can't set aside the post-Columbine real world.
Why is it in your top 5? The first time I saw it, we had flipped past it on cable, and then came back because of the croquet game and the line "What is your DAMage, Heather?!" It's dark, dark comedy.

About #2
Do you own this movie? On VHS, yes. I should buy it on DVD, I"m sure there are some cosmic extras!
Where did you first see this movie? My college freshman roommate and her high school friends took me.
Could you possibly count how many times you've watched it? Not really that many--it's one of those that you have to have very specific situations to watch.
Who stars in it? Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Tim Curry and Meat Loaf are probably the only names people would recognize.
What kind of movie is it? Based on a London musical, it's really categorizable outside the concept of Cult Film.

About #3
Did you go to theaters to see this movie? Nope.
Who did you first watch it with? Beast.
When was the last time you watched it? It was on some channel or another within the last couple of months.
Who stars in it? Keanu Reeves, Samuel Jackson...and a lot of other people whose names I can't recall.
Can you watch it over and over again? Yes.

About #4
Who stars in it? Bill Murray and Andie McDowell are the main actors.
What year was it released? Very soon after Sparky was born, so early 1993.
What makes you want to watch it? Good memories about seeing it the first time, and the fact that I know the town in which it was filmed VERY well.

About #5
Did you go to theaters to see this movie? I did the first time, yes.
Where did you first see this movie? 1985ish.
Why is it in your top 5? It is crucial primary-source information about the Holocaust, done with depth and without mawkishness.
Who did you last watch it with? I watched it by myself. It's too much for most people to sit through (9 hours!).
Who stars in it? It's a documentary that focuses on Holocaust survivors and a few former Nazis.

A Few More Questions About Your Top 5
Which movie did you see most recently #3 or #2? #3
Which movie have you watched more #4 or #1? #4
Which movie is older #3 or #5? #5
Which has better cinematography #1 or #2? #1
Which movie did you see first, #5 or #4? #5

Out of All Your Top 5
Which one did you see first? RHPS
Which ones do you own? Hmm, all but "Shoah" I think
Which ones did you go to theater to see? "Heathers" and "The Matrix" are the only ones I didn't see at a theater.
Which is the oldest of them? RHPS
Which is the newest? "The Matrix"
Which one do you think has the best cinematography? "The Matrix"
Which one do you think has the best overall cast? "Shoah" duh
Which one did you watch most recently? "The Matrix"

In Case Some Did Quite Make It, List The Next 10 Runner-ups [these are in no order]
1. Fiddler on the Roof
2. Working Girl(s?)
3. Singin' in the Rain
4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
5. Caddyshack
6. The Piano
7. Modern Times
8. Citizen Kane
9. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
10. Dr. Zhivago