you can't be missed if you never go away

(Found here)

Which state do you consider to be the most boring state? Well, there's boring to drive in, and there's boring to BE in. I wasn't thrilled with what Kansas had to offer me in terms of roads last summer. Wyoming is horrible. So is Nevada. And of course, Illinois.

If any chef from the Food Network could cater your wedding, who would it be? I don't watch the Food Network. Honestly, I'd rather just go to a good bar with friends.

What's the last thing you ate that was red? I had ketchup on my brat. Heresy, I know. I know.

Have you ever questioned your sexuality? Not for a few decades. lol

Have you ever lost a best friend after a fight? Well, yeah. However, over the years I've discovered that most friendships end from inertia and lack of cultivation.

Have you ever washed an iPod or mp3 player in the washing machine? Nope. Which is probably only an indication of how little I use it.

Have you ever screamed / yelled angrily at a teacher? Not out loud, though I did some straight talk in class with a grad school prof.

Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Crying doesn't make me tired in the least. However, I'd be surprised if this didn't happen a few times when I was a baby.

Have you ever regretted being in a relationship with someone? This is another one of those surveys written by a 15-year-old, isn't it? Yes. Anyone over the age of, oh, 15 has to answer this yes if they're being truthful. At least in the sense of "what was I thinking?!" about a relationship.

Have you ever acted like you understood something when you didn't? Not as much now as I did when I was younger.

Have you ever thought someone must have been insane? I work in public service. I think about 35% of the population is insane at least some of the time.

Have you ever pretended to be older than what you are? Not anymore. Not for almost 30 years, in fact.

Have you ever cried because you were turned down? Nothing feels like rejection, eh? So, yeah. But again, not for a long time. Mostly now I just don't care.

Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? As in "oh my God, could I be pregnant??"--yes. As in "oh my God, is something wrong with the baby??--yes. (there wasn't)

Have you ever pretended to like someone when you didn't? Of course. It's called politics at work.

Have you ever stolen money from one of your parents? "Stolen" is such an ugly word. And no. I feared that my mom would have used the Hammurabi code on me.

When did you last see a movie in theaters? I'm pretty sure the last one was the latest Star Trek.

When was the last time you kissed someone on the lips? About an hour ago.

When was the last time you baked / cooked something? Does reheating that brat count? Or heating up a breakfast sandwich yesterday morning? Otherwise, it was Thursday night when I made spaghetti and meatballs.

When was the last time you danced like a crazy person? Possibly today, if car dancing counts. If not, sometime earlier this week. It involved being at home after being gone.

When was the last time you just wanted to be invisible? Most of the time I want to be invisible. Could've used this for most of the day yesterday at work, honestly.

When was the last time you got a gift you absolutely hated? I don't 'hate' gifts too often. I'm grateful I was gifted, even if it's something I'd never use in a million years.

When was the last time you got into a physical fight? Approximately 36 years. Unless you want to count some of the scuffles with Sparky during his worst teenage angsty moments.

When was the last time you had to sleep with a nightlight? I leave the light on for Beast every time I go to bed while he's still downstairs. And there's always a light on in the upstairs hall and in the dining room (and over the stove) at night. It's dark out here in the country, and I don't want to fall over furniture if I get up. No nightlights in my bedroom, not per se.

When was the last time you were under some serious stress? Yesterday. Work. Crying. Hasn't happened in months and months, despite the stress of the winter months, holidays and the death of my sister last summer.

When was the last time you watched your favorite movie? It's been years. I should buy it on DVD, in fact.

When was the last time you downloaded a song? Uhm, like.....NEVER! Dinosaur much?

What would you say is your favorite hobby? This. Or reading.

What is your favorite thing to do when you hang out with friends? Talk. Eat. Both at once. Laugh a lot. Drinking is ok too.

What would you rather do: shower or bath? I'd almost always rather take a bath, but the hair thing is more complicated then.

What is your absolute favorite dessert? The orgasmic tiramisu in Florence. Indescribable.

What can someone do to make you smile, no matter what? Giggle. REALLY giggle, not just laugh or chuckle. Giggling, in adults, is quite rare.

What do the majority of people think of you? I don't have a clue, but I suspect they're all slightly wrong. At least one person thinks I talk to her too much while she's working.

What was the last gift you bought someone for an occasion? Ellen and Spence got money. Before that...what DID we get Sparky for his birthday in February??

What is your favorite class in school? "IS??" There weren't too many classes that I didn't like, and most of those were 'required' courses in undergrad and grad school: English 101, Advertising, Reference, "Information Science" and Library Management were not exactly my cup of tea for varying reasons.

What is the color if your cell phone, if you have one? Red (and black).

What would you say was the most embarrassing moment of your life? Oh hell, there have been so many. Can't think of one that stands out, just the memory of horror.

Would you ever donate money to charity? I do, regularly.

Would you ever think about doing porn? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...that is not a giggle, it's a full on belly laugh.

Would you ever dump the person you're with for someone cuter? Nope.

Would you ever disown one of your relatives? If I could pick the person, absolutely. In a heartbeat, except it would break at least one person's heart.

Would you ever cheat on someone if they cheated on you? No. I'd divorce him first.

Would you ever consider becoming a teacher? Yes. I have been a teacher, unpaid, over the years, but I wouldn't do it as a profession because of the dual specters of administrators and parents.

Would you ever give a hitch-hiker a ride somewhere? Nope.

Would you ever try fasting for a whole week? I think that would be ill-advised in the extreme for health reasons.

Would you ever try to quit one of your addictions? I would. I have tried, in fact.

Would you ever die your hair purple? "Ever" is awhile. I might.

Would you ever try being with a member of the same sex? As having sex with another woman? Jeez, could you be more retarded about wording? And no.

Would you ever kill yourself to save someone else? I might.

Would you ever spend $100 for the best tasting hamburger in the world? Hmmm, no. I'm pretty sure I can get it for MUCH cheaper.

Would you ever consider becoming a nun? I wouldn't mind doing a meditative retreat at a convent, but there's no way I'd convert and leave Beast.

Would you rather break up with someone or have them dump you? Break up.

Would you rather chew gum off the ground or kill a squirrel? Kill a squirrel. I hear they are quite tasty.

Would you rather eat chocolate or fruity candies? Wholly dependent on specifics here.

Would you rather listen to one CD forever or become deaf? Deaf. Oh yeah, one album forever is like hell.

Would you rather be deaf or blind? Deaf. See, this isn't all that frightening, since deafness runs in my family.

Would you rather have a turtle or a frog for a pet? Turtle. I think they're vaguely adorable.

Would you rather dye your hair green or blue? Blue is the more likely of the two.

Would you rather move schools [or] become home-schooled? I'm 47. Give me a fuckin' break here.

Would you rather text or talk on the phone? Text.

Would you rather spend a day with Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus? Miley. Gaga sorta scares me.

Would you rather learn to play piano or guitar? I already sorta know how to play piano, so guitar.

Would you rather have a stomach-ache or headache? Headache. Even though I already do have one.

Would you rather be overly interesting or overly dull? Overly DULL!

Would you rather be too loud or too quiet? Too loud. Apparently, though, I already am according to some.

Do you remember the first time you ever went into the ocean? Yup. Pacific Ocean in San Diego, age 14.

What Asian country would you like to visit the most? Why? Two months ago I would have grudgingly said Japan. I don't really want to go anywhere in Asia, and not Japan for sure right now, so...Singapore?

Have you ever thought that a passer-by was the one? Nope.

Ever told someone that your fake jewelery was really real? I'm much more likely to do the exact opposite.

Did you ever watch The Adventures of Alex Mack? Nope. Nickelodeon, right? I think Sparky might have watched it...or watched something on either side of it.

Who has the worst public restrooms? Stadiums tend to be horribly dirty and cavernous, though usually warm in the winter. Some gas station bathrooms just SUCK. The Frankfurt airport, though--wow, amazingly foul for a supposed First World country.

What did you use gel pens for? ...wriiii-tingggg...?

On what pages of the yearbook are you on? Really? No, REALLY? I'm in...let's see...11 yearbooks. Go to hell.

What country music star should be honored in the Hall of Fame? I don't know who is already in, but NOT TAYLOR SWIFT!!

Would you eat cat food for $500? Uhm. Well. I'd prefer not to. I think you'd have to pay me more than that.

Who is the last person you smelled? Beast. lol Thank GOD I'm married; how else would I answer this without sounding like a real perv.

Do you like going to the dentist? Well, I don't mind, except for the harassment over flossing and those times when I'm having major work done. I can totally think of way worse things. Ever been to the gynecologist?

Have you ever smelled a dairy farm? I've fuckin' BEEN ON A DAIRY FARM! Lived on one, briefly (very briefly). Wow, the person who wrote this is a moron.

Name a song that got overplayed really fast. Anything Top-40. Well, maybe more like anything Top-20.

Have you ever had an ultrasound? Uh, yeah. It's pretty hard to hit 47, having had a child and other life events, in this country without at least one. Guess what: I've had (gasp!) X-RAYS too. {eyeroll}

Do you shop at Payless? Not so much. We did when Sparky was little--he went through shoes like he went through carrots.

What Friends character are you most like? If I'm EVER very much like ANY of them, please shoot me. I just watched a couple of episodes on the flight last week and after two, I had to stop. The ONLY one who doesn't annoy me is Phoebe.

When's the last time you had a popsicle? Wow. A few years, at least.

Outside myself

You See the Outside World as Fascinating

You are simply brilliant. You are bright, intelligent, and creative. You can't describe your feelings easily - even to yourself. Your emotions are a mystery. You are a truth seeker. You are willing to accept the real truth, no matter how difficult it is. You are not prone to compromise. You're set in your ways and proudly so.

How Do You View the Outside World?

This is lovely to read, but I'm not sure how true, except that last bit, eh?

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Which room of your home tends to be the messiest?

They're all a little trashed right now because we still have vacation stuff lying around, as well as things to handle that happened while we were gone. I'd say the worst room would either be the kitchen (the island is heaped) or the office (which, frankly, is no worse than usual).

2. Which room of your home tends to be the neatest?

The rooms we don't use stay fairly tidy. Actually, it's probably the living room, since we notice the crap laying around more quickly.

3. If you decided you needed to get rid of everything that you no longer want, would you need a bathroom-sized trash can, a kitchen-sized trash can, a yard-sized trash can, or a dumpster?

Dumpster. We live in a three-bedroom house with a cram-jammed basement. I'll just start with the fact that Beast still has his college textbooks....

4. If you could get any room spotless and keep it that way for a year, which room would you choose?

The kitchen. For hygiene reasons alone.

5. Have you ever had a maid? Would you consider hiring one to help you get your clutter under control?

We had a cleaning lady for a few years, but she really ONLY did cleaning*: mopping, dusting, etc. The clutter remained in our purview, so we spent an hour every week maniacally tidying the house so she could clean. That actually helped keep things under control, though. She took a full-time office job several years ago and things have gotten a little less tidy around here (ahem).

6. Which desk is messier: your desk at the office or your desk at home?

My desk at home is an unceasing paper magnet. It doesn't help that it's right next to Beast's 'home office' and he tends to smoodge over onto my desk for the extra space. Once Sparky's gone, we'll be having some discussions about reworking that so he can just USE my desk and I'll put my crap elsewhere.

___
*I want to clarify something here: there's untidy, and then there's DIRTY. I think it's worth making this distinction because I spent years killing myself trying to live up to my mom's standards in cleanliness before I noticed that my house growing up was always cluttered and untidy in certain areas. My house isn't DIRTY, for the most part--though my mother would be horrified at how little time I spend cleaning (as in 'washing things' like windows, floors, counters, walls...). We have a clutter problem, things are untidy and somethings never get 'put away' (because, really, they don't have an 'away' location), but the biggest danger in our house has nothing to do with hygiene or things falling on us because they are stacked so high.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

1. Have you ever been in a situation with a lover wher[e] you did not know what tomorrow would bring?

Of course. At this point in our marriage, if we hadn't had a few of those, there would be something seriously wrong. And the not-knowing thing hasn't always been a bad-news situation either.

2. What worries you most today?

That I won't accomplish what needs doing. I'm likely to get distracted by "fun."

3. Could I tell if you were lying to me?

Depends on how good you are at picking up my tells. I think it's possible you wouldn't know; I'm an excellent liar ... not something I'm proud of, but there ya go.

4. What do you miss most about the 80s?

College. And music videos.

5. What's going on that you can't understand?

Most things in a geopolitical sense. Teenagers don't always make a lot of sense to me. Hell, I don't even make sense to me some days.

6. How would I know if you liked me?

I'd talk to you a lot and seek you out. It isn't rocket science.

7. If you ever won an award, what would you want it to be for?

Something I'd earned, not something I felt like was a sham. I'm not fussy otherwise.

8. What would we be surprised to know that you've done?

Heh. Maybe you'd be surprised to know what I haven't done?

9. What’s the most exotic mixed drink you remember trying? Did you enjoy it?

"Exotic"? Not sure. I had two vodka gimlets over the course of 3 hours on this recent trip, along with a lot of food, and ended up wrecked in the worst way.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)


1. I love to read. Newsflash, eh?

2. Beast is practically doing backflips tonight to get me to lighten up and give him a wink and a smile. Unfortunately, I'm really crabby.

3. It's how you modulate your voice that matters more than anything.

4. If you watched the wedding this morning, don't tell me! I DVR'd it and will watch it tomorrow.

5. Well, would you mind if I did some laundry tonight (in the new machine)?

6. What the heck are spring peepers?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed and being unconscious ALL BLOODY NIGHT, tomorrow my plans include watching the wedding and picking up my car with a functional CD player in it, and Sunday, I want to get Youth Sunday figured out!

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
The "Happy Together Tour" Bands

1. THE TURTLES… Happy Together …”Imagine me and you, I do, I think about you day and night, it’s only right…”
Who was the last person you thought about day and night?

Unfortunately, probably someone to do with work. I really have no life, do I?

2. THE TURTLES… Eleanor … “They’ll turn the lights down way low and maybe we won’t watch the show…”
What was the last movie you made out to?

Good Lord, I've been married nearly 25 years. I can't remember that far back! I'm not even sure I ever did this!

3. THE TURTLES… She’d Rather Be With Me… Me oh my, lucky guy is what I am, tell you why you’ll understand, she don’t lie although she can”
Has someone ever left another person to be with you?

Well, to hear L!inda Schm!d, Beast dumped her to date me. News to Beast--he didn't know anything about it, since he couldn't stand her.

4. THE BUCKINGHAMS… Hey Baby They’re Playin Our Song… “Hey baby they’re playin our song, the one we used to hear when we used to get along”
What song did you love to hear in your most recent relationship?

I refuse to answer this question on the grounds...well, on so many different grounds. Be assured though, I wouldn't be picking a Styx or Boston song.

5. THE BUCKINGHAMS… Susan … “Susan, do ya have to be confusin’, I’m losin my mind….”
Who is the most perplexing celebrity to you?

ALL of them. [Also, I'm almost sure I've never heard this song in my life.]

6. THE BUCKINGHAMS… Kind Of A Drag… “Kind of a drag, when your baby don’t love you, kind of a drag when you know she’s been untrue…”
What’s been kind of a drag for you lately?

Work. She has been an unbelievable bitch this week.

7. THE ASSOCIATION… Never My Love… How can you think love will end when I’ve asked you to spend your whole life, with me…”
How do you react to a break up?

I have no idea. I'm sure there is weeping in the mix.

8. THE ASSOCIATION… Windy… “and Windy has stormy eyes that laugh at the sun up high and Windy has wings to fly above the stars…”
What is the worst downwind you have ever been in?

Greeley, Colorado. The city is surrounded by feed lots. I think if the wind blows from the northeast, the air is clear. Otherwise--unbearable.

9. THE ASSOCIATION… Goodbye Columbus … “It’s a lucky day just for changing leavin the old world behind, lucky day for walkin a new road, just to clear your mind…”
What do you do when you’re overly happy?

Dance around and act like a total moron. I'm sure I'm just as annoying as everyone else is when THEY are overly happy and I'm not.

10. THE GRASS ROOTS… Let’s Live For Today… “I think of all the worries people seem to find, and how they’re in a hurry to complicate their mind, By chasing after money and dreams that can’t come true, I’m glad that we are different, we’ve better things to do…”
How are you different from your significant other?

Well, he's male and I'm not. He's analytical, I'm emotional. He's garrulous, I'm chatty (they ARE different). He's serious, I'm flaky.

11. THE GRASS ROOTS… Midnight Confession… “In my midnight confession when I tell all the world that I love you…”
What is your confession this week?

I don't want to be here. I want to be on vacation. And this afternoon it was a squeak of a decision to come back from my lunch break. Haven't cried about work in months...till this morning. I work with a couple of real fucktards.

12. MARK LINDSAY (Paul Revere & The Raiders)… Miss America … “Do you miss America, miss America, miss America, I know I do…”
Do you believe we should still have Miss America pageants?

I could not possibly care less. And what a retarded-sounding song, another one I don't believe I've ever heard. I actually prefer Styx' version of "Miss America."

13. MARK LINDSAY Arizona … “Arizona, cut off your Indian braids, Arizona, hey won’t you go my way…”
Have you ever cut your hair or shaved a mustache/beard for someone else?

Kind of. When Sparky was young, I had my hair cut VERY short because I got tired of him pulling on it, and I didn't have the energy for dealing with 'real hair.'

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
What I've Learned in the Last Two Weeks

1. I don't need to fly Alitalia again, no matter how gorgeous the flight attendants (male) are.
2. I also don't ever need to try to drive in Italy.
3. Aaaand ... I don't really need to see video of a pig slaughterhouse again, especially not while sitting in the sun and being harangued at through a megaphone by a 4-year-old.
4. Italian gameshows are wack. Really. Possibly better than American ones but still wack.
5. Italian Abby, Ziva and Tony...wrong.
6. English weddings can be fun.
7. Washington Dulles airport's name fits its personality: dull.
8. No matter how well you plan, what you forget to think about is going to be the crisis that occurs.
9. Every town in every country has a Village Idiot.
10. When the washing machine starts thumping, loudly, go buy a new one. Don't wait till your clothes come out drippy.
11. Don't schedule vacations in the last month of the budget year.
12. Bidets are awesome. Why have they NOT caught on here?
13. Bulkhead seats. Get them. Pay extra.

Traveling

You Are a Cultural Traveler

You love cultural experiences of all sorts. You appreciate all the creations in this world. You explore all the art and food a city has to offer, and you especially love local delights. You can sense a tourist trap from miles away. You gravitate toward more authentic experiences. You tend to discover unknown gems everywhere you go. You don't need a guidebook to show you what to do!

What Type of Traveler Are You?

Well. Sorta.

gonna get ready for gradation [sic] then party!

(Found here)
Once again, I have no clue about the title; it certainly doesn't mean anything to me!

01. What is the most perverted thing someone has ever said to you? I've worked in public libraries for over 20 years. I've heard everything, including being told fairly recently by a guy who was supposedly boinking one of my coworkers that I have a nice butt. Nice, eh?


02. When was the last time you were touched emotionally? I don't know, perhaps at the wedding on Saturday, or at the burial ground Sunday, but it's really hard to tell sometimes through the Zoloft fog.


03. What was the last magazine you read? I guess that would be E Weekly from two weeks ago.


04. Do you like cocker spaniels? Sure. Dogs are cool, though cockers aren't my favorite. Kinda barky, very dandery.


05. Do you like being out in the rain? Nope. I've worn glasses for almost 40 years and I remember as a child I loved being in the rain. Glasses ruin that.


06. Do you have a secret crush on anyone? Not today.


07. Do you suffer from eczema? Not often. I've had it, but my sister really does suffer from it.


08. What period do you find most interesting, Victorian or medieval? Medieval. So foreign, so similar to today. The Victorians just annoy the hell outta me with their hypocrisy.


09. If you were going to a fancy dress party tomorrow, what would you wear? Something I bought tomorrow.


010. Who do you email the most? Beast. Or possibly M. @ work.


011. Don't you think that lemon flavoured toothpaste sounds disgusting? Heh. I could get used to it, as long as it isn't SWEET lemon.


012. Who was the last person who cooked for you? I made dinner tonight: pork chops and Rice-a-Roni.


013. Do you like bad boys? Nope. They irritate me.


014. Have you ever worn a crown or a tiara? Probably threw on a tiara as a joke at some point, and I've had BK crowns on occasionally over the years.


015. If not, would you like to? ...meh


016. What's your favourite flavour of Pringles? I have always LOATHED Pringles. They taste awful regardless of the 'flavor.'


017. Who was the last person you couldn't stop thinking about? My sister Jean.


018. Do you bite your fingernails? Yes. Sorta.


019. What is something you do when you're alone? Sleep. Read. Blog. Facebook. Not much different than when I'm not alone.


020. How many drinks does it usually take for you to get drunk? Well, I found out that 2 vodka gimlets over a couple of hours puts me out.


021. What were you doing at 4 PM yesterday? What time zone? At 4 this time zone, I was eating breakfast. At 4 that time zone I was boarding the plane for last leg of our trip home.


022. Have you ever tried to climb something but fell off? I grew up in the mountains. Falling is bad. Having said that, I have fallen up stairs so many times in my life it's not even funny.


023. Have you ever tripped in public whilst alone? Is there really anyone who hasn't?


024. If so what did you do? Blushed, kept walking.


025. Do you resemble anyone famous? Not that I'm aware of.


026. What brand is your hairdryer? Conair? I don't know, actually.


027. Would you date a guy shorter than you? Probably. Though I suspect Beast would disapprove.


028. Could you live without sex? Yep.


029. Do you like babies? Yes, I do. In case anyone hadn't noticed.


030. Do you dog-ear pages of a book or use a bookmark? I don't very often dog-ear, because I usually have library books. If they're my own, I will dog-ear the book to death.


031. Name three things that are on your bedroom floor: three rugs, a pair of sox, a plastic box of puzzle books, etc.


032. What was the last thing you dreamed about? Don't remember. Pretty sure I didn't dream the last time I slept.


033. Who makes you laugh the most? In general, kids make me laugh.


034. Are you stubborn? Yes. It's genetic.


035. Would you rather be a Goddess or a Princess? Goddess. I loathe Princesses.


036. What scent is your deodorant? No scent; it's a mineral thing I'm trying to use up.


037. Name three people you dislike: There really aren't three specific people that I dislike. I dislike, in general, blowhards, dickheads, and selfish people.


038. Do you believe in past lives? Not really.


039. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Wouldn't.


040. What was the last thing you watched on YouTube? I watched an amazing dance video (NOT on YouTube though) today.


041. Do you actually pass on chain letters? Nope.


042. Can you wiggle your ears? Nope. My dad could, though.


043. Do you like your voice? Yeah. Not always thrilled with my accent, though.


044. Can you do any good impressions/voices? I can do some accents, but not anyone famous.


045. Are you scared of horses? Uh, well...kinda. They are a little, y'know, large.


046. What is your favourite weekday? Monday.


047. What two specific colours best reflect your personality? Blue and white, I guess.


048. Does it annoy you that some people don't like others because they are vegetarians? I wasn't aware that this is an issue. Vegetarians are just hard (for me) to cook for. Otherwise, I don't care.


049. What do you think you take for granted? Beast.


050. Do you think sex is an important part of a relationship? I think it's important if it's a sexual relationship. I don't have sex with everyone with whom I have relationships, though.


051. Are you taller than your mum? I am at least 5 inches taller than she was at her tallest.


052. Who is the youngest person in your family? My niece's baby is only 17 months.


053. Do you have a close relationship with your Dad? I do.


054. Do you know anyone who is dying? Aren't we all? But yes, I do. Several people, actually, are on the short track, it seems.


055. What do you think you look like without make up? I never wear makeup, so....


056. What was the last newspaper you read? The Observer.


057. Who was your most memorable teacher? Good-memorable: Miss Fitz. Horrible-memorable: D!ck Blue.


058. Would you ever experiment with an Ouija board? I did. One memorable time, I was spending the night at a friend's house, we were sleeping in the family's camper doing the Ouija when her older brother and a few friends started rocking the camper.


059. Who was the last person you hung up on? I don't know anyone I've been hung up on lately.


060. What physical feature do you get complimented on? ...can't think of anything.

***

01. Are there any songs on your iPod that you don't like anymore, but don't want to delete because of the memories attached to them? This concept is extremely foreign to me.


02. Who's your favorite character on the last TV show you watched? I like the Hillstrand brothers on Deadliest Catch (we're watching it now).


03. What's the most adorable thing you've seen recently? Been some pretty cute kids around lately. Also, the speeches at the wedding Saturday were kind of cute.


04. Black and white or sepia? REAL sepia.


05. How do you feel about the song "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer? Now that I don't hear it every 10 minutes, I like it.


06. Are your subscriptions ordered by the date you subscribed to them, by the date they last updated, or alphabetically? My subscriptions to ... what? If I knew what this was referring to, I'd tell you. Generally, though, I work toward alphabetizing.


07. Tell me something silly you believed when you were a little kid: The whole baby-making thing was weird.


08. When you have to solve an algebraic equation, do you use X, N, or some other letter? Whatever.


09. Assuming you know what The Game is, who taught you the rules? Presumably my friends. My parents were clueless.


10. Have you ever had a guitar solo stuck in your head? Probably.


11. Do you know anybody who owns a grandfather clock? Yup.


12. What was the last thing you drew on MS Paint? I haven't used MS Paint in at least a decade.


13. How old were you when you joined your first social networking site? Mid-20s (Prodigy), so about 1990.


14. Do you ever save any of your AIM or MSN chats? The site saves them; I don't make a point of copying them, though I used to.


15. What's your favorite vowel? I sorta like I and A.


16. When was the last time you had a headache? Sunday.


17. Are mashed potatoes better lumpy or smooth? A wee bit lumpy is fine, but not big lumps.


18. Have you ever been to FailBlog.org? What did you think of it? Yup. Addicting.


19. Does it bother you when survey makers separate questions that could've been combined? A bit.


20. Have you ever eaten a chocolate covered coffee bean? Yaaack. No.

***

1. Last time you had sex? ...Recently.


2. How do you keep your hair "down there"? I keep it clean.


3. Ever have sex outside of a relationship? By definition, no.


4. Most embarrassing period story you have to tell? I haven't had a period in 14 years, thank God, and I've forgotten most of the horror of that, except for the first few.


5. Favorite sexual act (ex. blowjobs, fingering, etc.)? Entirely dependent on so many things...


6. Ever taken naked pictures of yourself? Nope.


7. Do you like/love anyone right now? Yup.


8. Spit or swallow? Again, this is rather dependent on a lot of factors.


9. If someone paid you to have sex with them, would you do it? What if it was for a million dollars? Probably not.


10. Ever did something sexual while under the influence? Of course.


13. If a taken person pursued you and you were interested, would you do anything with them? Nope.


14. Have you ever cheated or been cheated on? Nope.


15. What's your cup size? B


16. Do you have any self-esteem issues? Who doesn't? But again, dependent on the incident.


17. Last time you cried, and why? Saying goodbye to Sparky a couple of weeks ago.


18. Are you on any medications? What kind? Zoloft and Levoxyl, and an OTC allergy pill.


19. What method of birth control do you use? Don't. Use anything, I mean. That's the joy of a hysterectomy + monogamy.


20. Ever tried drugs or alcohol? ?? Yes ??


21. Ever drove drunk? Nope.


22. Ever did anything sexual at work? Well, I've kissed my husband goodbye at work....


23. Ever met someone from the internet? How did it go? Yes, but only friends. It went fine.


24. Ever have an online significant other? Actually, yes. Totally not real, just fun.


25. Is there a secret you're hiding from everyone? Of course.


26. Ever been to a therapist? A few times.


27. Worst break-up you ever had? PLOCK


28. Are there any friends you have that you secretly despise? Wouldn't this make them, um, NOT friends?


29. Ever gave someone a lapdance? Nope.


30. Ever liked two people at one time? Welcome to adolescence.


31. Is there someone you're lying to at the moment? Nope.


32. Would you sleep with your boss to get a raise or a promotion? My boss doesn't swing that way, and no.


33. Do you plan on going to college? Not any more.


34. How many kids do you want in the future? We have one. That's enough.


35. What age do you want to get married at, if at all? Got married at 22.7 years.


36. Will you take your partner’s last name, have them take yours, or just both keep your last names? Maybe combine them? I added Beast's last name to mine.


37. Would you use an online dating site to find a partner? I might, though again Beast wouldn't be happy.


38. Ever been engaged? Yup.


39. Ever been called a bad kisser? No.


40. What color eyes did the last person you kissed have? Pretty sure they're still hazel.


41. Would you ever pierce your genitals or nipples? Nope.


42. Is waiting for marriage to have sex a good idea to you? Yup.


43. Do you masturbate? Not too often.


44. Ever masturbated with something really weird (ex. a Sharpie or a hairbrush or whatever)? Well, I think this definition of 'weird' is weird, plus it reminds me of Billy Idol, so now I'm just giggling. Moving on...


45. Ever dropped someone's toothbrush in the toilet and didn't tell them? Yuck. No.


46. Ever heard/walked in on your parents having sex? No. Thank God.


47. If you had a hot cousin, would you have sexual relations with them? Probably not.


48. Ever fall for someone who was only supposed to be your friend with benefits? When I was dating, "friends with benefits" wasn't really a done thing. Or at least we didn't call it that. And no.


49. Ever had a friend with benefits? Yup. He's called my husband.


50. Opinion on casual sex? I'm generally agin it.

~~Blog News~~

I'm on an extended Time-Out; in fact as this post goes live, I'm in my Time-Out Chair in the Sky. There will be more pressing, less electronic things for me to do in the next couple of weeks that involve attendance at a family wedding, standing in line to gape at Renaissance art in situ, and eating lots of gelato. Also faffing about in various airports. Yuck.

Have a great couple of weeks, see ya around the 27th.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name seven items around the home that you hate to run completely out of.

1. Toilet paper/Kleenex
2. Dr. Pepper
3. Bread
4. Cheese
5. Pasta
6. Soap/Shampoo
7. Prescription meds

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Analytical :: Thoughtful
2. Production :: ...Number
3. Softball :: 9-inch...
4. Uniform :: Even
5. Intangible :: Virtual
6. Grill :: Burgers
7. Second base :: Making out
8. Citizen :: ...Kane
9. Celery :: Carrots
10. Opera :: Wagner

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 5000 Question Meme, The Final Part

76. Do you prefer Disney or Warner Brothers? Warner Bros, simply because I am not a fan of The Mouse.

77. What is the first animal you would run to see if you went to the zoo? The zoo I prefer has the penguins in the front, so I'd go there. Then the apes. Then probably Africa.

78. Would you consider yourself to be romantic? Not particularly, no.

79. If the earth stopped rotating would we all fly off? Eventually. A lot of us would be dead first, I suspect.

80. What is the one thing that you love to do so much that you would make sacrifices to be able to do it? Travel.

81. If you (and everyone) had to lose one right or freedom, but you could pick which one everyone had to lose, what would you pick? Freedom to mouth off with no repercussions. Oh, wait, that isn't actually a right, is it?

82. If you had to choose would you live on the equator or at the North Pole? Closer to the equator than the North Pole, that's for sure.

83. Would you rather give up listening to music or watching television? Watching TV, hands down. No contest at all.

84. What do you think makes someone a hero? Doing terrifying things in spite of the fear.

85. What cartoon would you like to be a character in? I wouldn't mind being Road Runner.

86. Name one thing that turns your stomach: The smell of liver cooking. I might be able to eat it if it didn't smell so horrendous.

87. What was the last thing you paid for? Breakfast this morning.

88. Are you a coupon clipper? Heh, no.

89. Get anything good in the mail recently? My login for traffic school. Woo. Hoo.

90. Which would you rather take as a gym class...dancing, sailing, karate, or bowling? Bowling.

91. In Star Trek people 'beam' back and forth between different places. What this means is they stand in a little tube and their molecules are deconstructed and sent to another tube somewhere else where they are reassembled. Only problem is when the molecules are deconstructed the person is dead. When they are put back together it is only a clone that has all the dead person's memories. Is the person who gets beamed the same person on both ends? Yes. Otherwise the whole universe built around Star Trek falls apart.

92. What insects are you afraid of? Fire ants and wasps. Oh, and those nasty "killer bee"-esque honeybees.

93. If you could print any phrase on a T-shirt, what would it say? "No." Just that.

94. What's the most eccentric thing you have ever worn? What I wore to the hospital on Monday was pretty weird: leopard spotted pajama bottoms and a long-sleeve T-shirt that says "Property of The Library." They didn't match in color or concept, but I didn't fucking care when I got dressed.

95. If you could pick one food that you could eat all you wanted but it would have no effect on how much you weigh, what food would it be? Wedding cake, or frosted sugar cookies.

96. What are your parents interested in? I wouldn't even want to guess, seeing as how they are both dead.

97. Have you ever caught an insect and kept it as a pet? Used to collect army worms (caterpillars) and feed them leaves.

Have you ever caught and tamed a wild animal? Oh, yeah, right. Just Beast.

98. What is more helpful to you, wishes or plans? Plans.

99. When do you feel your life energy the strongest? When I have finished working on something hard.

100. You are spending the night alone in the woods and may bring only 3 items with you. A house, a sleeping bag, and food.

Wait, so this is the last part? This meme is supposed to have 5,000 questions!! I feel cheated. ;-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sweet Soul Music

1. Do you listen to music at work, and if so, do you use a mp3 player, play it through your office computer, or do you listen to it collectively via a separate radio you keep nearby?

I usually use Jango, sometimes Pandora, very rarely individual CDs.

2. Tell us something about people that you absolutely hate.

They annoy me when they are blatantly and intentionally idiotic.

3. What is something someone has done that you'd like the world to know about?

I will brag on ANY of our youth group kids at any time at all given the opportunity (even my son).

4. Where is your favorite place to sit when at home?

On the left end of the couch (in the living room); or in bed, but that's more reclining that sitting.

5. How did you come up with the title of your blog?

The first blog I did was my reading list and I don't remember the original title; the url is my initials. The next one was called Sweet Dreams, which made naming this one pretty obvious when I created it.

6. Tell us about the one who got away.

Can't. He got away. Not that he was ever really hooked, so to speak.

7. Have you ever had a big birthday party?

Just a couple of times, and not recently. Maybe in 3 years...2.5 years....

8. What was the biggest bash you've ever attended?

Probably one of the weddings we went to immediately following college. One of them was beyond fancy and VERY well-attended.

9. With my kids and an always changing life, I find myself sometimes unable to focus! Do you have that problem, too?

Oh, yeah. I call it Adult-Onset-ADHD.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. In the near darkness I tend to trip over things, unless I just close my eyes.

2. I'm giving up on sanity til further notice.

3. But this could be just the vacation I need to relax.

4. I can't look at the bridge without remember Sparky playing Pooh-Sticks in the stream.

5. It's always nice to see old friends.

6. What goes together is good food and pleasant company.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to more cleaning, planning, organizing ... and seeing Beast, tomorrow my plans include work-ing (sigh) and then more organizing and cleaning, and Sunday, I want to not embarrass myself at bell choir and have a clue about packing!

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Grocery Store Meme

1. Do you make a list when you go grocery shopping?

Yes. Always. Otherwise I get overwhelmed and forget what I need. Even WITH a list, I forget stuff.

2. Do you buy more groceries when you're hungry?

I buy more groceries when I'm not paying attention to what I'm buying. Doesn't seem to matter if I'm hungry or not.

3. Coupons. Use 'em?

Nope. Waste of my time; I noticed years ago that most items that have coupons are for things I probably shouldn't be buying anyway--junk food, etc.--or things I get at Sam's Club--laundry detergent, etc.

4. Have you ever complained to the manager of your grocery store?

Yes. I was really angry about something many years ago. I have no idea what.

5. Do you like to buy groceries at huge chain stores like WalMart? Or do you shop exclusively at food stores?

WalMart is definitely cheaper; I don't mind shopping there though they stock weirdly: 700 kinds of pizza, and one brand of cheese. And the checkers make me crazy; do they HAVE to hire the strangest people available to work as . slowly . as . possible ? If I'm in a hurry and need something fairly normal, I go to the little locally-owned store for it; much faster to get around inside and the checkers come with brain cells.

6. How much time do you spend reading labels in the grocery store?

Not much.

7. Do you push your own grocery cart to the car and return it?

I feel like a total loser asking someone else to load my groceries; I haven't done that in all my adult life. And I'm about 50% on returning the cart to the 'corrals.' Sometimes I'm just too damn lazy or cold to be bothered and I park it between parking lanes.

8. What is the one food item you always buy at the grocery store that you can't live without?

We'd be hurtin' puppies without cheese. And/Or pop.

Humor

You Have a Good Sense of Humor

You love to make other people laugh, and you're pretty darn good at it to. You are downright hilarious. You never let life get you down. When things go wrong, you can find at least one thing to laugh at. You are a positive and upbeat person. You have a sunny disposition and smile for everyone you meet. Even though you're funny, you still take your responsibilities seriously. You just take yourself lightly.

Do You Have a Good Sense of Humor?

I do, definitely, try to take myself lightly. Not sure about that "sunny disposition" thing, though.

~~more time-killing, teenage version~~

(Found here)
Things I like
Bold what/who you like.
Italicize what you want to see/read.
Strikeout what/who you don't like.

Movies I Own
The Prestige.
Garden State.
The Jacket.
Jennifer's Body.
The Reader.
Elizabethtown.
Disturbia.
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist.
Secretary.
Seven Pounds.
William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996).
The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Inglourious Basterds.
Interview With The Vampire.
Meet Joe Black.
A Walk To Remember.
Superbad.
The Notebook.
Factory Girl.
Donnie Darko.
Fight Club.
Unfaithful.
The Hitcher (2006).
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire.
Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince.
Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone.
Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban.
The Holiday.
Edward Scissorhands.
Awake.
The Invisible.

Celebrities I Enjoy
Ralph Fiennes.
Paul Giamatti.
Jim Carrey.
Amanda Seyfried.
Angelina Jolie.
Brad Pitt.
Anthony Hopkins.
Kevin Spacey.
Michael C. Hall.
Jennifer Carpenter.
Shia LaBeouf.
Edward Norton.
Kate Winslet.
Adriana Lima.
Graham Norton.
RuPaul.
David Bowie.

Television Shows I Enjoy
Melrose Place.
One Tree Hill.
Dexter.
True Life.
16 & Pregnant.
Deadliest Warrior.  [I'm forced to watch this by my son ... ok, well, perhaps it's not force, but he watches with me in the room--ick]
The Graham Norton Show.

Books I Enjoy
Burned by Ellen Hopkins.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard.
The Summer Boys series by Hailey Abbott.
[I added:
The Book of Ruth, by Jane Hamilton.
What the Dog Saw, by Malcolm Gladwell.
Paradise Lost, by John Milton.
The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield.
Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.
Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy.
King Lear, by William Shakespeare.
Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger.
The Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins.
Moby Dick, by Herman Melville.]

Extra Curricular Activities
Jogging.
Running.
Biking.
Reading.
Texting.
Blogging.
Taking surveys.
Making surveys.
Shopping.
Spending time with loved ones.
Sex.
Drinking coffee and/or tea.
Downloading songs.

Stores I Enjoy
A'Gaci.
Wet Seal.
Forever 21.
Victoria's Secret.
Ulta.
TJ Maxx.
Old Navy.
Border's.
Books-A-Million.
Starbucks.
Charming Charlie.
Target.
Rue 21.

Singers/Bands I Enjoy
TV On The Radio.
David Bowie.
Nine Inch Nails.
Arcade Fire.
Green Day.
Radiohead.
Death Cab For Cutie.

~~totally wiped out~~

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)

Time: 8:08 p.m.

In my mug: Water. Shocking, eh?

Outside my window: Night.

In my belly: We had pizza for dinner. And I have a weird stomach ache that I'd like to be done with.

Beside me: All of our hotel & flight information for our upcoming trip.

In the fridge: Honestly, I haven't looked in it at all today. I know we have some box wine for FIL that's been in there since Christmas, and a door full of various bottles. And pop. And margarine. And eggs. And leftover pizza.

In my ears: the billionth replaying of the commercial touting the new season of Mythbusters.

On me: Pajamas, sox, the corner of a blanket, and my laptop.

Looking forward to: feeling better.

Grateful for: not feeling like I felt at 7 a.m. today.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 5000 Question Meme, Part Three

51. Make up a definition for the following silly words...
Fruitgoogle:

A new cereal with dried bananas and strawberries in it.

Ambytime:

Time to take the Ambien.

Asscactus:

A really bad case of hemorrhoids.

52. What was the last thing you made with your own hands?

The butter sandwich I'm currently eating.

53. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Books, dolls, cars, jumprope, jacks...take your pick.

54. How many TVs are in your house?

Two.

55. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Walk.

56. How do you feel when you see a rainbow?

I still get excited. OK, not excited, exactly, but I like them.

57. Have you ever dreamt a dream that came true?

Yes. My dreams, generally, tend toward a sort of mythic realism. With that being the case, sometimes reality turns out to be the truth.

58. Have you ever been to a psychic/tarot reader?

Nope. Pass.

59. What is your idea of paradise?

Plenty of sleep, plenty of good reading material, plenty of sun, nothing much to do but plan where and what to eat next, no sunburn, no health problems.

60. Do you believe in God and if so what is he/she/it like?

I do, and as we are created in God's image, God is pretty darn multi-faceted.

61. Do you believe in Hell?

Yup. Been there. It's not pleasant.

62. What one thing have you done that most people haven't?

I visited Russia, including Siberia, Outer Mongolia, China, Switzerland and Italy in a six week time period.

63. What is the kindest thing you have ever done?

Oh, I don't know. Sat with sick people, ran errands for elderly people, didn't say "I told you so" when it would've been fitting, a few other things.

64. Have you gone to WTIT's facebook page and hit "like" yet? If not, why not? (No pressure.)

Yes, I have. Jeez, lighten up, folks. ;-)

65. What holiday should exist but doesn't?

I can't think of anything to celebrate that we don't already. ... Having now answered the next question, let's go with something that honors the original inhabitants of this continent?

66. What holiday shouldn't exist but does?

I never really understood Casimir Pulaski Day in this state, but it's no longer really celebrated, so let's move on to Columbus Day.

67. What's the best joke you ever heard?

It involved fishing wire, a firehouse, and some very silly people.

68. Where is the most fun place you have EVER been?

Anyplace can be fun. I had a good time in Greece. I always had fun at Elitch's. Church can be weirdly fun. Triennium last summer was a blast.

69. Is your hair natural or dyed?

It has dye in it.

70. Do you have any deep dark secrets or are you pretty much up front?

Doesn't everyone have deep, dark secrets? For the most part, I'm fairly up front, though.

71. What is under your bed right now?

A lot of dust.

72. If you were in the Land of Oz would you want to live there or go home?

Go home. I'm not a big fan of flying monkeys or green people.

73. If you drive do you frequently speed?

I almost never go more than 3-4 miles over the speed limit, but I regularly do that.

74. What is the world's best song to dance to?

"Sweet Child o' Mine."

75. What song was on the last time you danced with someone?

I have no idea. I'm sure it was a wedding, but can't remember what it was.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Limited :: Boundaries
2. Zombie :: Voodoo
3. Energy :: Vigor
4. Proof :: Test
5. Hassle :: Pester
6. Peep :: Tweet
7. Jogger :: Runner
8. Hunt :: ...Club
9. Career :: Job
10. Plants :: Animals

Baah bahh bahh bahh.

(Found here)

1 Are you a born leader? No, but I do know how to lead in a pinch. Or, rather, in a pinch I can lead.

2 Have you had a "nasty break up"? Not really.

3 Is being a paparazzi cool job? Not in my universe.

4 Do you know where to look when someone says "2 o'clock", "9 o'clock", etc.? I know what they mean, but I don't always figure it out very quickly. Easier to just point, isn't it?

5 Do you like writing random stuff on your hand when school's getting boring? I used to. Now I just use my hand as a notepad for reminders.

6 Have you watched a hentai before? Do you even know what that is? I have not, but I do know what they are.

7 What's your favorite color combination? Blue and white.

8 Do you memorize both of your parents' phone numbers? Not necessary anymore.

9 Ever experienced sleep walking? Yes, I've done it.

10 How do you handle it when your significant other does/ says something awkward? Mostly, I guess I laugh and change the direction of the conversation.

11 Name one flick that made you cry. I cry at lots of movies, probably most movies even.

12 Do you like sleeping just wearing your underwear and a top? If it's warm enough, yes.

13 Is Megan Fox hot? I wouldn't know.

14 If someone tells you you're childish, do you get offended? Nope. I'd, perhaps, punch them in the face depending on who said it, but offended, no.

15 Is there any difference between a novel and a book? Well, yeah. SOME books are actually FACTUAL.

16 Give one significant date in your life. 2/17/1997.

17 Why is it significant? Life-changing surgery.

18 "Nobody puts baby in the corner."--do you know which movie this line came from? Yes. That line reminds me of a VERY BAD meeting several years ago. During the worst part of the meeting, this line ran through my head repeatedly and intentionally, keeping me from crying.

19 Do you see the point in purity rings? Nope.

20 Do you know how to stalk without being creepy? Yup.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. How many times have you forwarded an email only to discover the information in it was false?

In the past ten years, none. I check Snopes religiously, and in fact subscribe to their Urban Legend of the Day feed.

2. Did you get any jokes played on you this April Fools’ Day?

No. Thank you, God, for protecting me from all the mental 10-year-olds!

3. What’s the worst joke you recall being played on you?

My brother, who is a decade older than me, used to tease me unmercifully year round. They were all bad. No April Fool's thing could touch those, and I'm afraid they scarred me for life.

4. Take the quiz: Are You Easily Fooled?

When I took this earlier, my result was that I'm not. But they asked the wrong questions: I'm truly a sucker about some things, just not the 5 they asked about.

5. At your workplace, are you more likely to be the victim of a prank or the instigator?

Victim. Or neither. Preferably the latter. Interested observer, perhaps.

6. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the greatest, how would you rate your boss’s sense of humor?

Ugh. Maybe a 5. It's nothing like mine, and frankly she's only getting the 5 because of the plastic rats and spiders she puts in our Halloween goody bags every year. I love 'em.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Hey Nineteen

1. What was the best thing about being 19?

Let's see: I turned 19 when I was a freshman in college, near the end of my first semester which was full of homesickness. By January, I was over that and fully engaged in the drama of college. The state raised the drinking age (to 19) about a month before my birthday, so I was still allowed to drink. Which I did, though not to excess--that didn't commence till sophomore year, as I recall. I think that was a pretty good year, all the way round.

2. Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity?

Someplace noisy and bustling, and public. If I'm home alone and it is quiet, I just want to read or sleep.

3. Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when...

...I realize how much weight I've gained this year.

4. Name 3 fads from your teenage years.

Feathered bangs, disco dancing, and pop rocks.

5. What's the best birthday present you've ever had?

I got a cowboy hat and boots for my 17th birthday (I think, maybe 16?). Loved those things. When I went to college, I brought the boots--they were 100% out of fashion so I got rid of them. I've wanted them back for decades.

6. What's your oldest possession?

The thing I've owned the longest is my little pink furry mouse, purchased at Denver Union Station when I was 5 or so. The oldest THING I own...is...probably some of the pictures from my grandparents. There may be some old knick-knacks in those boxes too; I haven't checked. And actually, there may be some old stuff from Beast's parents' house I don't even know about.

7. Do you have any phobias?

I don't think so, not really. I don't like big crowds or bugs, but I'm not phobic about them.

8. This is pretty much the start of Spring (regardless of the snow in the east this week!); what's on your to-do list for the next few weeks to transition away from this long Winter we've been having?

I have GOT to weed the garden before the stupid things take over! And the windows need washing. I don't know when I'm going to DO this, since we'll be gone for two weeks this month, but...

9. Which of the 50 states in the U.S. would you rather die than live in?

I'm not much of a fan of Wyoming--yes, I've been there, multiple times. Or Utah. Wyoming is the landscape and near-constant wind and the sheer lack of culture; Utah is the people in Salt Lake who are beyond rude, and the whole Mormon thing. Sorry, showing my prejudice, eh?

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I can't believe I'm still awake.

2. Being a parent is not for everyone.

3. How can I figure out how to finish what I need to do before vacation? I think I need to not worry; I wish I could do that.

4. Turkey burgers was were the last thing I cooked.

5. Six of one, half dozen of another.

6. UGH! Baseball season started today; nonono!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to accomplishing something for a change (which I did), tomorrow my plans include meeting, clothes shopping, grocery shopping, and a surprise dinner for a Twitter-friend, and Sunday, I want to get a handle on the next few months' of youth group planning!

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Henry Ford

[01] Do you carry any sort of weapon on your person?

Just my tongue and vocal cords.

[02] In what situations are you most aware of your surroundings?

Anytime I'm in public I'm aware.

[03] Do you know how to defend yourself?

Not physically to any degree.

[04] Do you alter your route depending on the time of day?

I don't go anyplace scary because really there is NOT ONE PLACE within 10 miles of here that scares me, night or day.

[05] Do you think this is an issue that varies by gender?

Probably, but I think it also, and maybe more importantly, it's got to do with self-confidence.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Buffalo Springfield

1. Do I Have to Come Right Out and Say It - Do I have to come right out and say it
Tell you that you look so fine
Do I have to come right out and ask you to be mine
Have you ever struggled to tell someone how you really felt about them?

Welcome to adolescence. Please take a seat near your anxiety closet for the next 7 years.

2. Mr. Soul - I was down on a frown when the messenger brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise of a fan who said I upset her
Any girl in the world could have easily known me better
She said, You're strange, but don't change, and I let her.
Have you ever been told that you are strange?

Welcome to parenthood. Check your ego at the door.

3. A Child's Claim to Fame - Well there goes another day
Now I wonder why
You and I
Keep telling lies
Have you ever been lied to on a regular basis by someone that you loved?

Just my son.

4. Sit Down, I Think I Love You - So if you want someone to love you
Pretty babe I'm your guy
It's not much I'm asking of you
Just please give me a try
Have you ever told someone how you felt and been rejected completely?

I don't think so. I dunno. [context: Beast is beating his head, literally, against the wall right now because Sparky is being a total retard]

5. Broken Arrow - The streets were lined for the wedding parade,
The Queen wore the white gloves, the county of song,
The black covered caisson her horses had drawn
Protected her King from the sun rays of dawn.
They married for peace and were gone.
How do you feel about Kings and Queens of a country like Great Britain?

Not my country, so I don't care. Certainly entertaining for the rest of us. And William is a cutie.

6. For What It's Worth - There's battle lines bein' drawn.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong.
Young people speakin' their minds
A-gettin' so much resistance from behind.
Have you ever taken part in a demonstration? If yes, do tell.

I don't think so. No. I tend not to.

7. Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing - To singing in the meaning of what's in my mind
Before I can take home what's rightfully mine
Joinin' and listenin' and talkin' in rhymes
Stoppin' the feeling to wait for the times
Have you ever written a poem? If yes, would you share it with us?

I have. And no. However, since it's Poetry Month, I'm posting one a day by other authors elsewhere.

8. Bluebird - Listen to my bluebird laugh.
She can't tell you why.
Deep within her heart, you see,
She knows only crying.
Just crying.
Have you ever had to deal with someone suffering from depression?

Yup. Every waking day for many years. Mostly in the winter. And I strongly suspect my mom suffered from it, too.

9. On the Way Home - When the dream came
I held my breath with my eyes closed
I went insane
Like a smoke ring day when the wind blows
Have you ever smoked? If you've quit, how did you do it?

Never started. Thank God I had the foresight never to start.

10. Burned - Been burned and with both feet on the ground
I've learned that it's painful comin' down
No use runnin' away, and there's no time left to stay
Now I'm finding out that it's so confusin'
No time left and I know I'm losin'
Tell us about a time when you realized that you were losing but could not change the outcome.

I tend to go into a big Denial Box and start dealing with details rather than the big picture stuff. It's not until much later that I suddenly realize that I've lost. And what I've lost.

11. Flying On the Ground (Is Wrong) - Is my world not falling down
I'm in pieces on the ground
And my eyes aren't open
And I'm standing on my knees
But if crying and holding on
And flying on the ground is wrong
Then I'm sorry to let you down
But you're from my side of town
And I miss you
Who are you missing today?

Well, especially after the prior question, my sisters.

12. It's So Hard to Wait - You are a man, you understand
You pick me up and you lay me down again
You make the rules, you say what's fair
It's lots of fun to have you there
Who makes the rules in your home?

Beast says I do. I say he does. It might actually be Ruka.

13. Questions - With the questions of a thousand dreams,
What you do and what you see.
Come on lover, talk to me.
Have you ever had to ask someone to explain how they felt because of mixed signals?

And that is part of being married. At least for me.