Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

Best Things to Talk About 

1. What is the craziest, most outrageous thing you want to achieve? 

I'd like to survive the current era so I can see things improve, so that I can have a sense of pride about something in my country again.

2. Have your parents influenced what goals you have? 

Of course they have. How could they not have done so? One way or another, we're all trying to live up to, or improve on, our parents. I think mine instilled some pretty decent values in us kids.

3. What is a fashion trend you’re glad went away. 

Super low-cut, tight jeans. Corsets. Having to wear high heels and a dress in public.

4. What word or saying from the past do you think should come back? 

"Oh for crying in the RAIN!" my dad said this all the time and I've begun using it instead of swearing out loud at work.

5. What do you bring with you everywhere you go? 

Chapstick. Some things never ever change. And also, more modern-like, my phone.

6. Is there such a thing as a soul? 

Yup. Having met a few people over the years without one, it's pretty fuckin' obvious when it's missing.

7. Is there life after death? 

Depends on your definition of "life." I think so, even if "life" is a matter of memories of those who knew you.

8. Do you think there will ever be a third world war? 

Of course. It will be different from anything seen heretofore, probably.

9. What smell brings back great memories? 

Pine tree bark. Did you know there are chocolate pines and vanilla pines?

10. How would you like to be remembered? 

Fondly. It would be nice if people just DID remember me, to be honest.

11. What kind of music are you into? 

I'll listen to anything. Right now I have The Long Winters cued up on Spotify. But I like everything from bagpipes to rap.

12. What is the biggest surprise of your life? 

How long it feels. How it can suck and be absurdly hilarious at the same time.

13. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Lately, it seems like peanuts is all I eat. But if I could choose, it would probably be sweets, since they are severely limited these days.

14. Where is the most awe inspiring place you have been? 

Samarqand. Hard not to feel minuscule while surrounded by these ancient buildings:

15. Describe your life in six words.

Chaotic, quiet, untidy, frustrating, online, waiting.

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Johnny Angel (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a girl sings that she'd rather spend a quiet evening at home than go out on a date. How about you? Do you enjoy quiet time? Or do you prefer keeping a busy calendar?

I would always prefer to stay home, which doesn't preclude a busy calendar by any means. I seriously feel like I have no time for anything much fun lately. Exhibit A: being 3 weekends behind on all the memes!

2) She dreams of how her life with Johnny would be. What did you most recently daydream about?

Being in the mountains far away from adulthood and winter.

3) Shelley never considered herself a singer and is more comfortable acting. A costar on The Donna Reed Show, she was pressured to make this record by the show's producer, who wanted extra exposure for the show by having this song on the radio. Tell us about a time you ventured outside your comfort zone.

I went to the Soviet Union on a dare in college. I was terrified the the whole flight overseas--I'd been overseas, it was the destination--but I can't tell you how glad I am now that I forced myself.

4) Elvis said she was his favorite leading lady, and she appeared with him in three films. What qualities do you appreciate in a coworker?

Humor, hard work / attention to detail, kindness.

5) She met her close friend and fellow teen star Annette Funicello when they were 12 and attended the same Catechism class. What do you recall from your middle-school years?

Being embarrassed every day about ridiculous things. I do remember my math teacher making me keep my hand up in the air for like 10 minutes after I colored the whole palm black with a Magic Marker. The other sort of timely thing is that I had a crush on a guy named Larry when I was in 8th grade (he was a year ahead). I am friends on Facebook with him--really barely acquaintances IRL--and he posted for the first time in months today. Because he just got released from jail. So ... dodged a bullet there maybe?

6) After The Donna Reed Show, Shelly went on to a recurring role on One Day at a Time and was twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on Coach. Her husband is Mike Farrell, who played BJ on M*A*S*H. Which of those four sitcoms would you enjoy binge watching?

I don't really like binging--I get bored after a couple of shows because really they're all the same (with some notable exceptions). Having said that, I'd sit through a few hours of ODAAT or MASH any time!

7) In 1962, the year this song was popular, is also the year Jack Nicklaus began his successful pro golf career. Do you enjoy playing golf? Watching it on TV?

We watch golf, because Beast loves it. I wouldn't ever choose it for myself. I think I'd enjoy playing golf if I were any good, but I'm too competitive to deal with all the randomness and luck of the game.

TWO Random Questions (especially for Harriet):
8) A 2013 study said most Americans will have 12 romantic relationships in their lifetime. Does this mean you've had more or less than your share?

Less. Although how does one define a "romantic relationship" anyway?

9) It's closing time at the mall and you find yourself accidentally locked in a toy store. You call the police and they say someone will be there in about half an hour to rescue you. While you wait, will you play with any toys? (If so, which ones?)

Of course, but seriously: a half hour? Why call? I'll just play all night, sleep with some of the teddies, play with the Lego and board games, and hang out in the bathroom around opening time till it's safe to leave. I promise; I wouldn't even steal anything!!

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I'll Be There (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Mariah pledges to "have faith in all you do." Have you recently given someone support or a pep talk?

I do this regularly at work: "You can do this; it's not as hard as it sounds." is a common refrain with people online for the first time. Yes, there are still people who don't 'do' computers! Coworkers, same, though the topic is usually more along the lines of "stand up for yourself!" since I work with a lot of people like me who are terminally co-dependent. And of course Beast needs lots of validation post-surgery; he can't use his left arm for much, and his back is still FUBAR, as is his shoulder. He feels like a drain on resources (his view, not mine), but he's really doing pretty well considering the level of pain he's experiencing all day.

2) Mariah was at the center of a controversy in Times Square on New Year's Eve when she had audio problems and claimed she could not perform. Times Square is at the busy intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. If we went to the busy intersection nearest your home, what would we find? (A store? A church? McDonald's?)

The nearest actually busy intersection to my house is just 2 farm fields, a house and a horse farm. The busiest intersection in the city where I work is probably the one with Walgreen's, McD's, a gas station and a strip mall on the corners.

3) Her nickname in high school was Mirage because she cut school so often. Did you ever play hookey?

I can literally remember every single time I ditched out of school. Both were in college.

4) Mariah doesn't apologize for spoiling her dogs, who have been known to travel by limo. Do you know anyone who treats his/her pets like people?

I try to assume that all my pet-loving friends are perfectly normal. But there is one friend that I'm pretty sure is clinically insane about her dog. ;-)

5) Mariah has something to fall back on. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hair sweeper in a salon. When you get your hair cut, do you socialize with the stylist?

A "hair sweeper" is an actual job title? Wow, I have skills I had no idea I had! My hair person is a friend, so yeah. She and I have been discussing for years life as wives of alcoholics. Her husband died--at 45ish--last year from that. Mine is still around, so far.

6) When married to her first husband, Mariah went vegetarian. Tell us about last night's dinner. Would it qualify as a vegetarian meal?

Nope. I had leftover KFC chicken and biscuits.

7) This week's song was introduced by The Jackson 5. Think of your favorite Michael Jackson song. Did he record it solo or with his brothers?

My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror" so alone. However, I also really enjoy "ABC" with the whole gang.

8) In 1992, when this song was popular, The Mall of America opened. Located in Minnesota, it's the biggest mall in the nation, with more than 400 stores. Think about the last thing you purchased. Were you shopping out of necessity, or for fun?

Necessity at Aldi's Thursday after work. I don't shop for fun. {{shudder}} Unless you count Amazon Subscribe and Save which I did this morning, but again that was things like laundry detergent and toilet paper.

9) Have you ever shoplifted? (Don't worry. We won't tell.)

Yes, but the statute of limitations has expired at least 5 times since then.

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Magic (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

Yes. I actually love that place because it's just full of Teh Weeeirrrrd! I go for the "show" along the sidewalks of the Strip. It's free and way more entertaining the anything in a theater!

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

And I love this place most of all. We try to get there every time we are in Vegas because it reminds me so much of home. If I could live anywhere, that would be on the top 10 list. To answer the actual question: I find nature beautiful in small and large ways almost daily.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

Medium to medium-rare.

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

I've had a lot of people, including Beast, tell me they don't know how I deal with "home life" right now over the past year or so. Is that praise? I don't really live for praise, though it's nice when it happens.

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

Kangaroos. I haven't ever been there, so what can I say in my defense?

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

OMG--I have am a totally office-supply whore! Pens! Paper! Calendars! It's an out-of-body experience for me in those stores.

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are trying to learn more about us?

I think there is intelligent life besides us in the universe. I don't think they have the slightest interest in us.

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

Intelligence.

Sunday Stealing

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The 2015 Year End Meme

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Drove an RV!!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My resolutions mostly applied to work, and I did OK with them; not perfect, but better. Next year, more of the same, only turbo-charged: Silent Cordiality.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My niece Katharine had a son in October. My niece Rosellen is hoping to pop out twins any second.

4. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2015?

I need to choose who I trust more carefully, and trust myself.

5. What was your favorite new TV program?

CSI: Cyber

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

I need to lose weight and generally take better care of myself.

7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Sparky's graduation from college, our long stint in the ER in St. Louis, J's birth, Beast's surgery, the disaster/flood in February, my surgery.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Honestly, improving my relationships with Sparky and Beast while saying to hell with most everyone at work probably ranks up there.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting "outed" (doxxed) by crazy people wasn't my best moment. My handling of it with my boss could have been better.

10. What was the best thing you bought?

I have a new laptop I'm using to type this. It's lovely, but there are some major changes I'm having to get used to. The other best thing I 'bought' was weekly therapy.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Beast's for the most part. He's had a very hard year emotionally AND physically, and he's finally learning to listen to his body when it tells him to cease and desist. Also, so many people who have supported him (us), and kept us sane. Also, Sparky, for getting through college and beginning to make his own life choices.

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?

The leadership of the Republican party. ISIS. People with more guns and bullets than sense.

13. What song will always remind you of 2015?

"Uptown Funk"

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Emptying our varying storage areas and getting rid of stuff.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eat junk.

16. What was the best book you read?

Ready Player One (Cline), Joseph Anton (Rushdie), Our Souls at Night (Haruf) are among the ones that will stick with me.

17. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?

Keeping my mouth shut and walking away.

18. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Do you get a little kick out of being slow-minded?
You want to be like your father
It's approval you're after
Well that's not how you find it

Do you really enjoy living a life that's so hateful?
'Cause there's a hole where your soul should be
You're losing control of it and it's really distasteful"

NSFW

Saturday 9

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Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" video begins with the gentlemen of Green Day dealing with car trouble. If your car overheated, what's the first thing you would do to remedy the situation?

Pull over and turn off the engine. And then wait. And then add water to the radiator. Most likely, I'd be calling either Beast (if it was local) or AAA.

2) Thinking of cars, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has had his share of trouble behind the wheel and was busted for driving well beyond the speed limit. Was your last ticket for parking, or was it a moving violation?

Moving violation. I can't remember exactly but it was either for plowing into my neighbor's work truck due to inattentiveness or for going 46 in a 40 zone in a nearby community known for ticketing for EVERYTHING. Those two things happened fairly close together.

3) Billie Joe says "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was inspired by the Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." Tell us about a piece of artwork that you enjoy. (Yes, the macaroni picture frame created for you by your nephew counts.)

My dad's cousin Bill's career was in advertising, doing the artwork and design, but did a lot of painting and drawing on the side for fun. He drew all his own Christmas cards every year--we still have those--and for our wedding present he presented us with a framed watercolor painting he did of Canyon de Chelly which continues to hang in a place of prominence in our house nearly 30 years later. It's absolutely delightful, and it reminds me regularly that a) I need to go to Canyon de Chelly someday, and b) the weird things that connect families together. I only met him once, when my parents were taking me off to college orientation. We drove through Des Moines and stopped for the afternoon and evening at Bill's home and then some random restaurant for dinner. My memories of the visit consist of sitting in his living room and then bathroom in an agony of anxiety-induced GI distress, and then having a similar problem at the restaurant. Apparently, however, I impressed him with my ... something. Dad & Mom said he raved about what a great kid I was whenever they spoke after that. And then he painted a picture for me. You never know, do you?

4) Let's go back to childhood. Was the home where you grew up located on a boulevard, an avenue, a street, a lane or a road?

Street. I was in the Indian Tribe range of names. Denver does (did, historically, anyway) this awesome thing where all the streets are alphabetized by theme. So there are the Indian Tribes, the Trees, the Flowers, the Universities, etc, etc. Sometimes, it's doubled, so A-word, A-word, B-word, B-word, and so on. I grew up in the list of Acoma, Bannock, Cherokee, Delaware, Elati, Fox, Galapago, Huron, Inca, Jason, Kalamath, Lipan, Mariposa, Navajo ... run. And yes, as a matter of fact I do still have them all memorized. :-)

5) This song won Green Day a Grammy for Record of the Year. What positive feedback have you received recently?

My therapist is adamant that the switch of medications has changed my entire affect. I can't tell, but I'll take it as a compliment.

6) Green Day uses their Facebook page to let more than 32 millions know what the group is doing. What's the last thing you posted to social media?

The last thing I wrote myself on Facebook was last night's (daily) Gun Violence posting about the previous day's toll: 75 total incidents involving gunfire, 28 of which did not result in injury or death, but in the others, 25 people were killed and 37 more were injured. I've been doing those posts for about two months now, and in that time there've been nearly 4,000 gun incidents, nearly 1,100 people killed, and over 2,500 people injured. Call me crazy, but that seems ... high.

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Ken Jennings had a still unbeaten string of 74 wins on Jeopardy! What game show do you think you'd do well on?

I'd do ok on Jeopardy! Actually, I watched enough game shows as a child that I'd probably do well on most of them, except perhaps The Price is Right. I'm not hyper enough or price-conscious enough to do that one.

8) Also in 2004, Lance Armstrong was in the midst of his own Tour de France winning streak. Now we know he cheated. Tell us about a time you broke the rules.

The times I've broken the rules have been comparatively minor. I break rules semi-regularly at work in terms of cataloging, but again not the big rules. I'm just not that kind of person.

9) 2004 is when Morgan Spurlock released Super Size Me, his documentary about eating nothing but McDonald's for a month. What's the last fast food restaurant you visited?

Heh, that would be Mickey D's yesterday for breakfast. I literally ate all my meals out yesterday though only one fast-food stop.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random XV

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

I have a pair of these

that are probably about 15 years old. Perhaps older, even. I should dig them out and see if my feet still like them....

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

I bought a couple of boxes of Samoas and maybe the chocolate-peanut butter things (?) from a coworker's daughter.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance?

No, much to my shame.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

I was über responsible and well-behaved. In other words, kind of a pain in the ass.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

Zero.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

I don't watch needles go in, but the rest of medicine doesn't bother me. As long as I have good pain meds, I think I'd be fine watching my own surgery.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Hmmm. I like the Fridays I have off since it feels--even after 25+ years--like I'm playing hooky from work. And for some reason I really am partial to Thursdays.

8. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received??

Sparky often said, when he was much younger, "You're a good mommy" while he patted my head. Can't beat that, eh?

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Nope.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?

Right now, probably a garden center, or Lowe's/Home Depot.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

Sometimes. I always buy the same toilet paper, for instance. And pop. But pasta or processed stuff...whatever. I'm all over the map on pasta sauce, for instance.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

The former. I'm really bad at looking at people while I'm talking.

13. What’s one thing you’re deeply proud of — but would never put on your résumé?

My son. About myself...hmm, staying married for 28 years, maybe?

14. What’s the most out-of-character choice you’ve ever made?

Given some of my other personality quirks, the staying married might qualify...lol Certainly the person I married was out of character in some ways compared to "the usual type" I was (am) attracted to.

15. What’s your personal anthem or theme song?

"I Will Survive" comes to mind. So does "Amazing Grace" and not because I carry myself gracefully, either.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. G is for GENDER: To which gender does the majority of your friends belong?

Probably female. I work in a library, after all, which is a hotbed of female staffing. And generally I've always had more female friends than male friends, though the balance has shifted a lot in the past few years.

2. G is for GENEOLOGY: How far back have you traced your family line?

I haven't done a whit. My mom got back into the 18th century on one side of her family.

3. G is for GENERIC: For prescription medication, how often do you use a generic versus a name brand?

As often as I can, unless I've had a negative reaction to the generic.

4. G is for GOURMET: Which dish do you make that you think would most closely resemble what others might call a "gourmet" dish?

I made a really excellent coq au vin a year or so ago. Should probably whip that puppy out again.

5. G is for GOVERN: If you were forced to run for office, local, state or federal, which position would you choose and why?

I would choose the crash position. There is not one political office I have ever had any interest in doing. Not one.

6. G is for GRADUATION: What do you think was your biggest accomplishment prior to graduating from high school or college?

Tournament of Roses Parade and all that went with it, when I was a sophomore in high school.

Blogthings

You Have Balanced Boundaries

You are a kind hearted soul, and you never want to do anyone harm... and that includes yourself. For the things that don't matter, you are very live and let live. But you do have your breaking point. Of all the types, you struggle the most with what to do in any complicated situation. You weigh your options carefully. And while you may make mistakes occasionally, you do a good job sticking up for yourself without going overboard. You are an active and engaged person who is very concerned with doing the correct thing. You try to take the high road. While you may be forceful when it's time to stand up for what's right, you always do so with respect and dignity. [well, I try, and even succeed sometimes!]

Are You a Doormat?

Spot on.

Six Word Saturday

(Link in meme-roll)

Today's two biggest chores are done!!

We have family coming to stay with us a couple of nights this week, so the push is on to get the house tidied up. Since one of those people is under 5, it means some major renegotiation of space so everyone has a comfortable place to sleep. One of the things I've put off (for several years) is getting the upstairs storage area cleaned out of all the old clothes. I scheduled a pickup from Purple Heart for this Tuesday, so this morning I sealed the Already Packed Boxes and loaded the Rest of the Stuff into garbage bags--their preferred containers apparently nowadays. They all need to be brought downstairs and left on the front porch, but after a little extra reorganization that storage space looks the best it has in several years. Plus, I found my parents' slides from when I marched in the Tournament of Roses parade; Beast is going to convert them so I can post them on our high school reunion and high school band Facebook pages.

Then I came downstairs with my lingerie and hand-wash-only clothing and started that load.

Next up: moving shit around in the pantry. That room has become an absolute nightmare: literally no place to stand but in the space the door opens. Since it's actually meant to be a laundry room, that means there is a LOT of junk piled higgledy-piggledy on the floor. But no more! The cases of pop are now lined up out of the way, the giant Bag of Plastic Bags is on the back steps to go for recycling when I hit the grocery store tonight, the ancient golf clubs that kept falling down are now back in a corner where they are less likely to get knocked down, the step stool, distilled water, First Floor Laundry Basket, and cleaning supplies are pushed back and stacked so there's room to maneuver, and all the paper bags are together inside the biggest. I also threw out some liquor bottles that were empty, tossed some very old food gifts, rearranged our drinking water containers, 409'd the liquor shelf to get rid of the sticky spots, and swept guinea pig fluff out of the corners (the downside of having them living near the pantry is that their stuff goes in there: yuck. Also, I took the bag of scarves, gloves and assorted other paraphernalia from my mother-in-law's front closet--she died 4 years ago--and added it to the pile for Purple Heart.

Once that was done, I moved the laundry around the next cycle and came back upstairs where I emptied the dishwasher, reloaded it with what can be cleaned in there setting aside a couple of things that didn't get completely degunked in the last load, and ran water to wash pots and pans. Beast spent 10 minutes levering out the Spiced Tea that had solidified in a mason jar in the pantry over the past 4-5 years since my sister gave it to me, and I washed up all the stuff on the counter.

All accomplished between 10:30 and 12:30 when my needs suddenly went weak and I started to feel sick--oh, yeah, maybe I should eat something besides bread today! Somewhere in the midst of all of this I had a Very Necessary Conversation with Katherine, my niece, who is hosting another contingent of family starting tonight. She's wanted to get all their activities absolutely nailed to the wall before they arrive--that's what my family tends to do--and has been freaking out about this all spring, culminating this week. She seems fine now. I dunno, relaxation is not her thing at all. That was actually the worst part of the morning, to be honest.

The stuff in the dryer hadn't completely dried when I checked, so that's still hanging fire.

What's left?

1. Guinea pig cage cleaning. Maybe tomorrow. Then I don't have to do it again till next Sunday after Wayne and Elizabeth (and Justin) leave.
2. Grocery shopping for us this week. Tonight. When Sparky can go with me; it's good to have him from a pragmatic point of view--he helps load while I scan at the self-check--and also it's good quality time to talk about stuff without him feeling like I'm grilling him. Which, of course, I am!
3. Clean out the fridge. It's really not nice in there: lots of dried lettuce and so forth in the cooler bins, spilled baking soda, agéd food, and assorted stains. I really should also be checking the age of some of the food in the pantry, but I can do that later in the week.
4. Find the sippy cups and lids. Technically, I know exactly where the lids are, but I can't remember where I put the cups.

Sparky is off doing his thing all day (7-7) at his "summer job" which is nothing we really want him involved in but are letting him try it out until he figures out why these things are called Pyramid Schemes (he's into it only $100 so far, which is a cheap lesson).

Beast is paying bills in the office. I may go in there and do some more work on my Goodreads shelves pretty soon. All in all I feel pretty good about today!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 99'er Meme: Part 2

26) Are you happy with the person you've become?

Mostly, when I haven't done something completely idiotic, which is becoming slightly less common.

27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love?

I don't like whining; I love giggling.

28) What's your biggest "what if"?

What if I'd gone to my first-choice college?

29) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

I believe there are things in the universe we have yet to explain, and it wouldn't be a complete shock to me if spirits and/or aliens were involved. Then again, I wouldn't be overly shocked if they were not involved.

30) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.

I'm sitting on the left end of the couch, so my right hand pretty much touches nothing unless I touch the surface of the couch. Left side, I've got an end-table with all sorts of stuff on it: gum, pop can, germ-x (no clue, actually, why that's here), nail file, CDs, etc., etc.

31) Smell the air. What do you smell?

Mostly I smell the microwave heat pack I have on my shoulder; it's not pleasant. It smells like hot dampness.

32) What's the worst place you have ever been to?

Hmmm. I can't think of any one place where I've spent a long time in hell, but Beast's high school reunion wasn't much fun, and neither were the airports in the former Soviet Union when our flights were delayed. The former was just really uncomfortable because it was abundantly obvious that we were not welcome (especially me). The latter...ugh, I remember a 5-6 hour delay in some airport (Tashkent? Samarkand? Omsk?) that was, essentially, closed: no food (or drink), nothing at all to do, conference chair seating, just enough heat to keep us from freezing, no suitcases....this was before anyone had handheld video game access 24/7, and the only things around to read (in English)were books and papers on how wonderful Soviet culture had been for Russia. And we were the only people around at the point in our trip when we really didn't want to see each other anymore. It was awful.

33) Choose: East Coast or West Coast?

Of North America, West.

34) Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?

Glerg. What a horribly-worded question! I think this depends on individual taste. Pitbull isn't hideous. Bruno Mars is cute. Enrique Iglesias is also not unattractive. I think Cee-Lo Green is cute, for that matter. However, I think I have to give this one to Larry Mullen, in the all-around.

35) To you, what is the meaning of life?

...Do what is right, and love mercy, and walk without pride with God....

36) Define: Art.

The guy hanging on the wall.

37) Do you believe in luck?

How else to explain a whole helluva a lot of my life?

38) Patriots or Giants? Or, who gives a rat's ass?

Choice 3. I really really do not want the Pats to win; I can't stand Belichick, nor Brady.

39) Will you watch the game? If yes, with who?

Yeah, watching it alone with Beast for the first time in a decade or more.

40) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

I am definitely old enough to drive, and I've been in a couple of accidents and quite a few near-accidents.

41) What was the last book you read?

Finished The Evolution of Faith last week; haven't blogged it yet.

42) Do you like the smell of gasoline?

I do.

43) Do you have any nicknames?

Just "Cat." Well, and "Mom" of course.

44) What was the last movie you saw?

No clue. Not my thing to track this.

45) What's the worst injury you've ever had?

I don't think I've really ever been 'injured' badly, just life and illness.

46) Have you ever caught a butterfly?

Nope.

47) Do you have any obsessions right now?

Yes, but I'm not going into them here. They're a little too close to the surface to deal with right now.

48) What's your sexual orientation?

Straight.

49) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

Yes, remember, I was a teenage girl.

50) Do you believe in magic?

I believe, as mentioned above, that there are things that are unexplained, that I can't explain, but no I do not believe in Harry Potter World.

Soul Questions

(Swiped from Kwizgiver....)


1. What is your dream job? My stock answer for this has been, for eight years now, that my current job is my dream job. It still is, but I wish now to add that I would like to be left alone to do it.

2. What fulfills you? Smiling kids, relationships with unexpected people, accomplishing something difficult and useful.

3. What's your greatest fear? Loss of dignity.

4. What do you want more of in life? Experiences.

5. What is your greatest accomplishment? Sparky. And myself.

6. What are you ashamed of? Just the usual: Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, Sloth.

7. What makes you sad? Mean-spiritedness.

8. What's the hardest thing you’ve experienced? Parenting.

9. What's great about you? My brain.

10. Who are you? I am a work in progress, but further along towards self-acceptance and self-awareness than ever.

11. What/Who inspires you? I am always inspired by people who face life against great odds every day with a positive attitude and a realistic but kind outlook.

Follow Friday Four *

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Lately, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed. For reasons that are unbloggable (here), and because I'm starting to realize that there is an actual difference between being at work ~32 hours/week and 40 hours/week. It doesn't sound like much, but on top of some other stuff...yeah, 'overwhelmed' about covers it.

2. I am usually a bit of a Pollyanna, but I've fallen into some bad habits this year. Maybe that should be my New Year's resolution: stop being bitter and cynical, and be more trusting and optimistic. That's going to take some time to work on.

3. Having gotten everything on the To-Do list done is always the best feeling at the end of the day. It doesn't happen often, which is probably why I appreciate it when it does. (notice the Passive Voice employed throughout this one...lol)

4. Take out my earplugs and put on my glasses is the first thing I do in the morning. Definitely a little Mr. Rogers routine.



*a.k.a. Post #6000 on this blog....holy shit, now I actually know where my time has gone for the past 7 years!

Friday Fill-In

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Old me would blurt out what I want to say; new me would wait for a good moment before blurting out what I want to say.

2. A sign of maturity is taking responsibility. [for things that are your problem]

3. So...in a way I'm saying "Grow up".

4. I know, right?

5. The big difference between boys and girls has nothing to do with plumbing.

6. Getting stuff accomplished makes me happy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed since I doubt there will be a good moment for blurting, tomorrow my plans include going to the grocery store, talking to Sparky, and hitting the annual chili cookoff in the evening, and Sunday, I want to survive Noisy Offering at church!

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Accomplishments This Week

1. Cleaned our bathroom for the first time in ... awhile.
2. Got Beast to agree to go to the doctor. OK, I had to threaten him, but he went. OK?
3. Sparky's laptop finally arrived.
4. Signed up for two parenting webinars for parents of college freshmen: one in October, one in November. I know, I know: I am a party animal.
5. Put in some hours at work on Tuesday and Wednesday in between hospital time.
6. Brought home a husband yesterday in much better condition than he was when he left the house Monday.
7. Functioned on ~6 hours' of sleep for 4 nights straight now.
8. Cataloged 50 atlases, some from scratch. Yay, OCLC credits!
9. Caught up on collection development stuff for my sections. I can order next week. W00t.
10. Rescheduled the haircut I screwed up on yesterday.
11. Coordinated some stuff with FIL's social worker at Hospice for Beast.
12. Made a doctor's appointment for myself so I can continue my meds. I'm sure he's going to demand I go on something for my high cholesterol. ...sigh... But it's high because the "Good" stuff is through the ceiling; the "Bad" stuff isn't all that high, just the total number. {whine whine}
13. Finished 1.5 books.

This is post #5800 on this blog. Wow.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
5 on 5

1. What are 5 things that you hope to accomplish this week?

• Vacuum pretty much the entire house
• Mop the floors I've vacuumed
• Catch up on cataloging
• Send a sympathy card
• Get a haircut.

2. Name 5 reasons to sleep in.

• Illness
• Catching up on missed sleep
• Nothing major to do, might as well sleep in
• Not wanting to face the day
• "It's cold out there and warm in here!"

3. Name 5 of the 'interesting' things you've heard lately.

• There really are a lot of people trying to cheat on their spouses/SOs
• Change your pin on your debit card, NOW!
• Never assume, never expect, never predict, never explain
• People who feel obligated to take at least partial blame in a situation usually aren't the people who are likely to be the biggest problem
• My son's an idjit (sometimes)

4. Name and link to 5 bloggers.

• See my sidebar? Go nuts. I long ago stopped direct-linking to (most) blogs. I'm not a publicity machine for other people. Sorry. [ok, not really]

5. What are the 5 items that are always on your grocery list.

• Bagels
• Bread
• Pop
• Cheese
• Guinea Pig Food (i.e. lettuce, spinach, carrots, fruit, something Ruka can eat)

Give Me 5 Monday

(Link in blogroll)

Give Me Five memorable things you have done before.

1. Had a baby (although I remember very little of the birth itself).
2. Gave up on a toxic relationship.
3. Helped insert a catheter.
4. Helped dig a septic tank and lay out a septic field.
5. Not read someone the riot act when I wanted to very badly.

Give Me 5 Monday

(Link in blogroll)

Give Me Five random things you've never done before.

1. Punched anyone in the face.
2. Climbed Mt. Everest.
3. Attended a worship service at a mosque.
4. Made pottery.
5. Written a novel.