Saturday 9

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Waiting for Tonight (1999) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

 1) In this song, Jennifer Lopez anticipates a night of unbridled passion with the love of her life. What are you waiting for tonight? (No pressure; it doesn't have to be as thrilling as hers.) 

Whew, well, I can't compete with that: I'm having a couple of Moscow Mules and then taking a bath and getting in bed. It's buh-luddy cold here and I plan to spend as much time as possible under blankets tomorrow.

 2) She sings that she's glad she's beyond those nights that found her tossing and turning alone in her bed. Did you enjoy restful sleep last night? 

I did. I slept 9 hours, according to my CPAP. I love my CBD gummies at bedtime.

 3) Whatever Jennifer has planned for tonight, it won't include alcohol. She never drinks liquor. What's the last adult beverage you enjoyed? 

Ahem, currently sipping a (very strong) MM as mentioned in the first answer.

 4) Ms. Lopez performed "Waiting for Tonight" during last year's Super Bowl halftime show. Will you be watching The Big Game this weekend? 

I'll probably tune in, if only for the ads. Definitely cheering for KC.

 5) Speaking of this weekend, The Weeknd will headline the Super Bowl 2021 halftime show. Are you a fan of his? 

I know nothing much about him, and only know one song which I can't even name right now. 

 6) Super Bowl Sunday is the #1 day for guacamole consumption in the US. When did you most recently eat something with avocado in it? 

Last week. Ahem. See below.

 7) Chicken wings are a popular Super Bowl dish, too. When did you most recently eat chicken? How was it prepared? 

I had a chicken burrito bowl from Chipotle last week. They accidently gave me ALL the sides, rather than the cheese and lettuce I requested. This includes guac. Fortunately, I like guac.

 8) This year, fast food chain Chipotle will run their first-ever Super Bowl ad. Do you pay closer attention to commercials during the Super Bowl? 

I definitely pay more attention to the ads than the game. And I'm a football fan, so I don't know what that says about me.

 9) Random question: Are you more likely to pretend to be more naive than you really are, or more sophisticated?

I don't pretend much anymore. Sometimes, though, it's just easier to let people explain something I already know about than tell them they're getting things wrong. 😎

Saturday 9

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Danny Boy (1956)
"Danny Boy" was selected in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This is a sad song of farewell. Who is the last person you said "goodbye" or "so long" to?

Well, Beast earlier today when I left.

2) According to the 2000 Census, Massachusetts is the state with the largest percentage of residents of Irish descent. Have you ever been to The Bay State?

I have. I was absolutely STUNNED by the number of Dunkin Donuts outlets. Seems like there's one for each Irish family in the area!

3) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?

I am wearing a sort of tennis ball green shirt. I couldn't find anything properly green this morning when I got dressed. Besides, I went to the nursing home with two drive-thru fast-food stops on the way, so it's NBD.

4) What color makes you look best?

I've been told teal/turquoise is a good look for me.

5) Will you drink something green in honor of the day (like a Shamrock shake or a green beer)?

I don't drink green things ever. Yuck. I don't even like green tea that much.

6) A four-leaf clover is considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?

I don't really believe in lucky charms. I have some objects that make me feel happy when I'm around them: some earrings, some clothes, random rocks (I'm weird, ok) that sort of thing.

7) Though she's singing an Irish ballad, this week's featured artist, Joni James, is of Italian heritage. Can you think of a song as identified with Italy as "Danny Boy" is with Ireland?

Anything sung by Dean Martin, apparently, specifically "That's Amore." And "O Sole Mio."

8) Soda bread and potato bread are popular in Ireland. Are there any rolls or bread in your kitchen right now?

There's tortillas, bread and, bagels in the kitchen. I haven't had bagels in the house for weeks, which is totally weird for me. There's always bagels in my house!

9) Ireland is known for its whiskey. Do you enjoy Irish coffee (black coffee, whiskey and whipped cream)?

I don't like coffee, so...no. I'll take my whiskey straight, thanks.

Friday 5 x 2

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Groundhog Day

1. What’s your favorite Bill Murray performance?

   I mean, it's kind of hard to NOT say Groundhog Day because of local ties, but I was reciting stuff from Caddyshack the other day, so... Really, I just love the man.

2. What’s been a highlight of your winter so far?

   I hate winter. Even Christmas this year didn't alleviate that.

3. What’s there to look forward to in the next six weeks?

   I can't think of a thing. Lent is starting this week, so that's the next six weeks. Oh, wait: paczkis on Tuesday.

4. Too early for flapjacks?

   Today? Well, honestly, it's never EVER too early or late for flapjacks. Hmm, maybe that's lunch tomorrow....

5. If someone in a bar asks to buy you a drink (and let’s just say for the sake of the question you are amenable), what do you order?

   Stoli tonic with a lime twist.

Rockit

1. What’s your favorite instrumental hit song?

   Well, let's start with Bach.

2. What’s a good movie with rockets in in it?

   Uhm? This is really not a way I tend to categorize movies. So, er, Toy Story?

3. In 1977, Voyager I took off on its very long journey, loaded with two golden records containing sounds meant “to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth, and are intended for any intelligent extraterrestrial life form, or for future humans, who may find them,” according to Wikipedia. The contents were chosen by a committee chaired by Carl Sagan, but if Dr. Sagan called you today (you know, from beyond) and said there was room for ten more minutes of music and he was letting you choose it, what would you fill the ten minutes with?

   Bruno Mars.

4. What’s something you know about constellations?

   I can usually spot Orion's Belt (thanks, Beast, one of our early "dates") and that's about it.

5. When did you last spend time in a rocking chair?

   Our rocking chair is full of pillows and lap rugs, so it's been awhile here. Elsewhere? I can't think of anything recent.

Oh rly?!

Your Wine is Cabernet

You are a resilient and successful person. You have a lot of willpower, and you are more resistant to stress than most people. You truly appreciate the finer things in life. You are always on a hunt for the best; second place is a disappointment. You have a strong sense of self, but it's not off putting. You are well-mannered and can engage anyone. You could have been very successful taking the traditional route in life, but instead you've chosen to forge your own path.

What's Your Glass of Wine?

It isn't very often I don't get to italicize SOMEthing that I agree with, but this answer is dead wrong in every way, moreso right now. I'd like a gallon of good chardonnay or pinot grigio. Cabernet = yuck!

Saturday 9

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I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
From the archives

1) This week's song was performed by James Cagney in the famous movie of the same name. Do you plan on going to the movies this holiday weekend?

Nope. There's nothing on I want to see. We've hit the midsummer drought of Anything With a Brain.

2) Though known for his larger-than-life screen presence, Cagney was only 5'5". How tall are you?

At my tallest, I was 5'8". I've shrunk some in the intervening decades, at least in height.

3) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits this holiday weekend?

This is unlikely. Beast already partook last week, leading up to yet another fall (second this week) and yet another ambo ride to ER where they pronounced him uninjured and drunk. But only kinda drunk, not blotto and blacked out. So yay for that. {that's sarcasm font}

4) American history was one of Crazy Sam's best subjects in school. Science was her worst. In which class did you earn your worst grades?

Gym.

5) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?

In the rare event that I know I'm going to be outside for awhile, I try to remember, but I'm so rarely outside that it's not much of an issue.

6) Mosquito bites can be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?

Nope. See #4. (although I haven't noticed them being a problem yet around here, so maybe we just haven't hit the hatching period yet)

7) Emergency rooms report an increase in wrist injuries in summer, with people falling off bikes and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching hard-hit softballs. Have you recently been to the ER or Urgent Care?

Oops, jumped the gun in my answer to #3. Yeah, Friday night (technically, Sat. early a.m.). And last month. And sometime in March (?), and.... I practically know all the staff by name.

8) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?

I don't think so. I don't have any in the house that I know of.

9) Atlanta hosts a 10K Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July. Are you a runner?

No. I doubt I could run to the end of our driveway without dropping to the ground. I used to love to run, but that was in a place of low humidity and I was fit.

Saturday 9

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A New Day Has Come (2002)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2017!

1) This song is about a new day. Here we are celebrating a new year. What do you hope for in 2017?

I hope for our leadership to start acting like leaders, but I'm not optimistic. I hope that Beast will find a job, or at least an income stream so we stop the monthly hemorrhage of money that's been happening. I hope women's rights and the access to insurance won't be decimated, but that's not looking too likely either. I hope for fewer shooting victims and hate crimes, but I know that's not going to happen. Realistically, I hope I can make a positive difference in some people's lives, and maybe do some growing up this year.

2) Ms. Dion has said this song was influenced by the events of 9/11, and how a new day dawned after tragedy. Looking back on 2016, did something happen that you're glad to leave behind and move away from?

Only everything relating to Beast's health. But again, I'm pretty sure that some of the consequences of last year's illness(es) will be with us for a long time to come.

3) In the video, Celine serenades us from billowy white clouds. Describe the sky where you are as you answer these 9 questions.

BRIGHT sunny blue. Not a cloud anywhere in sight. The current air temperature is 15.7 degrees on our porch. I'm sure it's breezy enough to bring that down to feeling like a frigid single-digit temp. I'm in for the day.

4) This video was shot in West Palm Beach, FL. When settlers arrived in the late 1870s, the town was called Lake Worth County. OK, your turn. Tell us something about your hometown.

The place where I currently make my home is a "village" mixed in with a conglomeration of unincorporated stand-alone subdivisions, each with their own associations and rules, that somehow connect to each other through an organized grid of roads so that it looks like a proper town. It is the most insane arrangement for local government I've ever heard of!

5) Celine Dion's native tongue is French. Dites-nous quelque chose en Français.

I don't do French. Though I get the general idea of what you want me to do, the best I can give you is "Frère Jacques, dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines: din din don." I know a few other songs in French, and "Où est le WC?"

6) Celine's mother, Therese, is known in her Quebec neighborhood as a terrific cook. Think about your own domestic talents. Where do you excel? (Food prep, house cleaning, laundry, scheduling, etc.)

Uhm. Looking around the house right now, you would probably say "none of the above" but in general I do OK with all of it at this point in life. I don't excel at any of it, however.

7) Growing up, Celine and her siblings often performed in her family's piano bar. Where did you most recently enjoy an adult beverage?

The last drink I had was while Beast was away last month: blueberry vodka with Sprite over ice. Here at home. Or maybe I skipped the Sprite and ice and finished the bottle neat.

8) In 2002, when this song was popular, Kmart was in the news because the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. What department store to you shop at most often?

I spread my money around. I hit Meijer for some things, F&F for some things, and Kohl's for most of the remainder. And smaller stores, quite often locals.

9) Random question: It's time for a midnight snack and you have your choice of one of these three -- a slice of sausage pizza, a bagel with lox and cream cheese, or a piece of carrot cake. Which will you have? And what shall we bring you to drink?

Of those three, the only thing I'll be eating is the pizza and with pizza I gotta have some pop, so diet whatever'll work. Given my own choice, I'm more likely to snag a couple of crackers and wash them down with water in the middle of the night however. Pizza at midnight means I'll be awake at least once before the alarm goes off.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
O, Holy Night (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This beloved carol takes its lyrics from a French poem. What else can we thank the French for?

My understanding is that they were somewhat helpful during our Revolutionary War. I'm not much of a Francophile so I can't really think of much else. I don't like their food, or their people. Or much else. I would like to see Versailles someday, though.

2) How well do you know "O, Holy Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Ella?

Yup. I could. It's one of my favorites to listen to, but I would never try to sing it. You need a stupendous voice, which I don't have.

3) In order to get this record into stores in time for Christmas 1967, Ella had to record this in late July. So let's reverse that. Now that it's Christmastime, what do you miss most about summer?

HEAT! Though, not missing it tremendously yet. It really only got cold in the last couple of weeks.

4) Sam is crazy about the open toed pumps she'll be wearing to holiday parties, but that means she needs to get a pedi. Will you be at a salon between now and year-end?

Nope. I don't pedi between mid-October until mid-April.

5) Will you be consuming any egg nog this holiday season? And if you do, will it be spiked?

I have some in the fridge, but I doubt I'll be spiking it. I actually prefer it plain.

6) Thinking of holiday cuisine, what's your favorite Christmas cookie?

I like 7-Layer Bars and home-made fudge.

7) Sam knows she will get a bottle of red wine from her boss, because that's what he gives his staff every year. Is there a gift you can count on receiving?

Beast received his booze from a former client yesterday. The bottle is empty. I was at work all day. I just posted on Facebook that it's just a shitty idea to send people booze. Give 'em a free meal at a nice restaurant instead. No one needs booze. Me, I'd better get my Sour Patch Kids in my stocking.

8) What one gift would you most like to receive this year? Do you think anyone will get it for you?

The outlook is distinctly not good for getting what I really want this year. It looked far more likely last Wednesday.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Just help someone besides yourself. That's all I ask.

Saturday 9

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Hotel California (1977)
... Because Country Dew suggested it. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Composer Don Henley says this song is about the "journey from innocence to experience." Where do find yourself on that journey? Are you more innocent, or experienced?

I'm not innocent, though most of what I know hasn't been from experiencing it myself but from watching, reading, or hearing about it.

2) The lyrics refers to the "warm smell of colitas." Do you know what it is that the Eagles noticed in the air?

I remember having no clue WTF they were saying at this point in the song until at some point I found the song lyrics and looked up "colitas" in the dictionary. Having never seen them, I have no idea what the scent is, still.

3) The girl in the song had her head turned by luxury, including jewelry from Tiffany's and Mercedes Benz autos. Do you consider yourself materialistic?

Not as bad as many, but still I have my "stuff" that is hard to walk away from.

4) This recording has been lauded by music publications for for its long guitar solo. Are you good on the guitar?

Hah! I played for, oh, maybe 4 hours over the course of 3 years in my teens. I listen to guitar pretty well though.... :)

5) There's an error in the lyrics and Don Henley can get a bit testy when interviewers bring it to his attention. Here's the lyric: "So I called up the captain and said, 'Please bring me your wine.' He said, 'We haven't had that spirit here since 1969.'" Do you know what's wrong with it?

I'd guess it's that wine isn't a spirit, because only liquor is spirits. Something to do with distillation. But jeez that is fussy. I never noticed it before. 

6) Known as the Eagles' drummer, Henley now spends less time at his drum kit. Sitting at that angle for an extended period of time hurts his back. Sam believes this proves all those warnings she heard from her parents about good posture are true. Do you pay attention to your posture?

I do. I try to walk like I was taught to march in Band: shoulders straight ("back") and stomach tight with a round, open chest. My dad didn't countenance slouching: "Be PROUD of your height!!" All us girls were tall and he hated tall girls who tried to make themselves shorter. However, most of the time when I'm sitting I'm slouching, and modern technology does nothing but encourage shoulders-forward sitting. Be honest: where are your shoulders when you're typing on a keyboard? My massage therapist yells at me regularly, and now I try to even SLEEP with my shoulders back!

7) Joe Walsh is considered the wild man of the Eagles. Think of your circle of friends. Who is the most unpredictable?

...I think that might be me. Or Beast, but to be fair, that's mostly his addiction being crazy not him. When he's straight, he's perfectly predictable. And that's frankly why I married him!! Among my workplace friends, it's definite Librarian B.

8) In 1977, Star Wars premiered. How many Star Wars movies have you seen?

All. Of. Them. Multiple. Times. Beast is a bit of a fan. /sarcasm

9) Random question: "Nosocomephobia" is the fear of hospitals. Are you nosocomephobic?

Nope. Actually, this is weird: I was visiting a friend in the hospital just before I started this. I've hung out in hospitals since before I can remember because my sister was so ill when I was a tot. While I was too young to visit her on the floor very often, I hung out in public areas a lot, I'm sure, and I was a candy-striper in junior high/high school so I got to see behind the scenes a little. And then my dad ended up in that same hospital after his second heart attack when my mom was out of town and I was in high school, so it paid off knowing how things worked. Nah, hospitals don't scare me, except when the bill comes...

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Controversial Questions Meme

1. Would you do a recreation[al] drug if all were legalized? (Not a “for or against” question…)

If it were prescribed and controlled, then yes. What I fear about recreational drugs is the non-standardization more than anything else. God knows what's been put in that baggie with the weed!

2. Are you happy that the U.S. Supreme Court once again upheld a woman’s right to abortion?

Yes. And to be clear: they affirmed that it is MY RIGHT to decide what happens in my body, and no one else's. I don't need anyone's permission to make medical decisions. AND to be clearer: this doesn't mean that I'd actually GET an abortion. Well, I wouldn't now, for sure, because I can't get pregnant, but yeah....even way back.

3. Would our country cope any differently with a woman president?

Probably about as well as we've "coped with" a non-white president. YMMV

4. Do you believe in the death penalty?

Not really. It's never been proven to be a deterrent and it is so unevenly applied to mostly minority and poor defendants that I think it's dangerous.

5. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

There are "already" places it has been, duh. And yeah. See question #1 above. Regulate it, tax it, and make it boring.

6. Do you believe in God?

Yup. Mostly. Except when I'm being combative.

7. How do you feel now that same-sex marriage is legalized?

Who people marry doesn't actually affect my health or well-being; does that happen to others? I'm very happy that people who love each other can announce their relationship to the world and share the benefits that legally are attendant to that. Mostly because I have enough issues of my own to deal with: I do not need to solve other people's perceived problems as well. Happier people make for a better society, anyway.

8. Do you think it’s wrong that so many Hispanics are moving to the USA?

Oh jeebus pete, hell, for crying out loud. No. I think too many STUPID people have already taken up residence, so I'm quite happy in thinking maybe that ignorance will be diluted by good, hard-working people who WANT to be here!

9. A 12-year-old girl has a baby… should she keep it?

Is she in any way related to me? ... No? Well, then it's none of my business at all, is it? [If she were my daughter et al., we'd have to have some serious discussions of what her life was going to entail if she brought a baby into the house--it would suck balls, frankly, for everyone--but more importantly...how the HELL did she get pregnant?! And why?!]

10. Should the alcohol age be lowered to 18?

I'd be ok with that. It was when I turned 18 and (most of) my friends survived, as did I. When it went up to 19 a year later, it was right after I turned 19. And then in two years I was grandfathered in when it rose to 21. It's ridiculous, frankly, to think that 18-year-olds aren't drinking.

11. Should the wars in Middle East be called off?

I don't see how you can "call off" a war. It's not like a soccer game, is it? It would be nice if the people in the area could be left alone for a decade or two in order to sort their shit out amongst themselves. In my lifetime, there has never been peace there. That's sad.

No 12.

13. Do you believe in spanking your children?

I have spanked my son. Surprisingly, it does hurt the spanker as well as the spankee! So I didn't do it much, and I didn't do it for good reasons most of the time, so it was pretty futile.

14. A mother is declared innocent after murdering her 5 children in a temporary insanity case… what do you think?

I think we can all agree that a parent who kills their children is insane and needs help. Whether we agree that that excludes them from prison is really the issue. I don't know. I just feel so very sad for EVERYONE in situations like this, including the offending parent--while also being very angry, of course. There are no winners, no matter what the legal outcome is.

15. Would you want to prosecute someone for burning their country’s flag as a method of protest?

Nope. This is such a dorky thing to get worked up about. I mean, it's FABRIC for crying out loud. We do far more damage to our country every day we ignore the Constitution. The flag is beside the point.

16. It’s between you and a person who is being kept alive (with NO hope) by life support machines… one has to die? Who?

Dude on life support has got to go, sorry. Easy choice. If it were ME in that situation, I would hope it would be just as easy a decision. Pull the plug.

17. Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

I have no doubt that these questions will provoke some interesting answers. I'm eager to see what people say. Will I judge people for their replies? Probably. Do I expect others to have opinions on my opinions? Sure. But I'm not going to fret.
Or argue in the comments. So I will be attentive with the delete button if necessary. Pretend you're in my living room having the discussion.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight Up (1988)

1) In this song, Paula sings about being in a dream. Did you dream last night?

Yeah, I dreamed that Beast had made a bad decision about how he spends his time, taking him backwards a couple of years. Thankfully it was just a dream.

2) When Paula enrolled at California State University, she planned on studying broadcasting and becoming a reporter. Think about your career aspirations when you were 19. Did you follow through and stay on track or, like Paula, did you veer off and find success elsewhere?

I had no clue what to do post-college. All the things I enjoyed in school led mostly to teaching or business, neither of which interested me (teaching because of issues external to the actual teaching part of the job, business because yuck). I was in a program called something like Independent Study so I had fewer requirements than most college students, so I ended up getting a double major and a double minor and skipping a lot of the must-take classes (like calculus). So I'm degreed to the gills and unemployable. Brill. Hello, grad school!

3) For a while she was a "Laker Girl" and performed at L.A. Laker games. Do you have a favorite NBA team?

I . Do . Not . Basketball looks to me like organized rioting with random breaks where everyone goes retro and gentlemanly.

4) Paula was once married to Brad Beckerman of Stillhouse Spirits, a company that specializes in whiskey. What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Stoli. Not that I've had any in probably 6 months....

5) Paula has been dancing since age 8 and, as you can see from the video, Paula moves very well in heels. Tell us about your most comfy shoes.

I have come to really love Sketchers because they are so comfortable to work in. I've got a couple of pairs and I need to go stock up on fall/winter footwear so there may be more in my future.

6) Paula admits it was her passion for jewelry and that inspired her to design her own line for QVC and Avon. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for?

Shoes. Not even close. Seriously, I could easily buy 20 pairs of shoes every time I walk into a store. It's ridiculous.

7) She advises young girls to "keep the faith and don't lose your gut instinct." How about you? Are you more logical or instinctive?

I'm both. I think I tend toward logical over time, but I've made a lot of big "gut" decisions that have worked out all right as well.

8) In May, Paula traveled to Austria for The Life Ball, a fundraiser to help those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. When is the last time you left the country?

This makes me sad. I haven't been overseas since 2011 when we went to Italy and then to England for Rosellen and Spence's wedding. They are expecting twins this year so maybe we need to head over to see them and the rest of the family, including the other two babies born since 2011.

9) Paula Abdul is a spokeswoman for Avon's "Go Check Yourself" campaign for breast health awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know anyone who has been touched by this disease?

I work with two people who have dealt with this. A church and P.E.O. friend is in remission, and another P.E.O. is in treatment right now. My mom had a brief scare towards the end of her life, but it turned out OK. I also had a sister die of a different 'brand' of cancer.
But the real scary thing in my circle is heart disease. My dad, my mother-in-law, my sister, and innumerable friends have dealt with this. It's far FAR more important to me to get a handle on heart-related diseases. Sorry, pink people.
I also loathe the color pink, so that might be part of my 'problem.'

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Time for Me to Fly (1978)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How often have you flown so far this year?

Just once, back from California in January. That's really really sad, that I haven't been on vacation in over 9 months.

2) Think back to your last flight. Was it pleasant, stressful, or just uneventful?

It was lovely. We flew first class. Free booze--not that I had any--free food, comfy seats, actual legroom. Plus, Beast flies often enough that he has access to the airline club area, so we could be comfortable prior to the flight as well with more free food and soft drinks.

3) According to the Airports Council International, the world’s busiest airport is Atlanta's Hartsfield. Have you ever been to Atlanta?

Nope. I live an hour away from another of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, so I use that as my hub. I've no desire to go to Georgia, except to be able to say I've been there.

4) This week’s featured band, REO Speedwagon, took their name from a truck. Have you ever driven a truck?

I used to drive a (small) truck every day. Way back when, I thought being a long-haul trucker would be a fun job. Now that I could probably manage the driving of a truck, I'm no longer quite as in love with the concept of being on the road 40+ hours/week. I have a nephew, Don, who has done that for nearly 20 years. The bloom is off that rose.

5) REO Speedwagon got their start in Champaign, Illinois, which is home to the U of I campus and, consequently, many bars. One of the most popular is the Blind Pig on Walnut Street. Give us the name of the bar, club or restaurant where you met up with friends in your younger days.

Then and now the campus bar for my college is named "The Club," sometimes appended with a number which I believe is the street address*, "The Club 330" for instance (not it's actual name). I'm pretty sure the only thing holding that building together is inertia and accumulated stickiness from spilled booze. Nothing has changed there in 30+ years.

6) Recently, lead singer Kevin Cronin appeared on an infomercial, hawking TimeLife’s two CD set of Ultimate Rock Ballads. Have you ever purchased anything from TV?

I have not. Somehow I've outgrown the urge; however, I have purchased things "As Seen on TV" from brick-and-mortar stores.

7) This song is from the CD, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tunafish. Is there a can of tuna in your kitchen right now?

I believe I have some tuna in the pantry, yes.

8) You Can Tuna Piano, but You Can’t Tunafish is available on eBay on vinyl, CD, cassette and 8 track. Did you have an 8 track player?

Nope. I was too young for that fad! That's kind of nice to say, that I was once too young for something. ;-) I used to play the title song from this album (as in LP record) on the radio when I was in college, however.

9) In 1978, when this song was popular, the first Susan B. Anthony Dollar was minted. How much do you have in coins in your wallet right now?

My wallet's in the car, and I'm not running to the garage to check. I'd guess about $1.35. And 5 or 6 pennies in the cupholder of the car. Oh, and the M&Ms tube about 3/4 full of quarters. ...long story, nothing to do with laundry...

____________

*I just checked their website: the number comes from a train of that number which used to come through town at that time of day. It was a haunt of a famous guitarist before he was known; in fact his parents owned the place and operated it as a bar/club. The building itself is 100 years older than me and started life as a hotel; it was a cigar store, a boarding house, and a liquor store prior to becoming a bar. It's on the National Registry of Historical Places. I had no idea! Their "welcome back" to college special shots of the month (i.e. Sept/Oct) are Jagerbombs ($2.75) and straight Jager shots ($2.25). When I was buying shots in college, I seem to remember we got 3 for a dollar.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
American Pie (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the lyrics, Don McLean refers to having once been a paper boy. When you were a kid, what job or household chores did you do for spending money?

My family didn't work this way. Everyone did chores as requested/assigned because we were part of the household. This meant we always had to ask for money from Mom & Dad. Yes, it pretty much sucked. I started babysitting at 12 for other people's kids for money.

2) Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye. What's the last drink you ordered?

It's been months since I've had a drink of any kind. I would assume the last time I got one at a bar/restaurant was a Stoli tonic, lime twist. It's my usual. I may snag a glass of wine at a meeting this Tuesday night, but it always makes me overheat and turn bright red, and it takes about this much booze to get me tipsy anymore so maybe not.

3) He drove to the levee but it was dry. When is the last time it rained where you are?

Yesterday/overnight. It's "unseasonably cool" today and they can't decide what the weather is going to do for the weekend. Even within the same forecast online there are multiple answers.

4) When McLean was working on the song, he wrote the lyrics out in long hand. It took him 16 pages of lined notebook paper. Today it's a laptop/smartphone/tablet world, and Sam can't remember the last time she hand wrote anything longer than a sign on her front door that read, "Bell broken. Plz knock." What about you? What's the last thing you wrote with pen or pencil?

I take notes regularly at meetings which serves the benefit of keeping my mind occupied so I don't fall asleep AND keeps my mouth shut. I write, in pencil, in books daily at work. I write notes to people on scratch paper, take reserve requests and spell words for people to copy and write people's login information down.... I hand-write a lot. Not in big chunks anymore, but a lot. And still practice my penmanship. I'm such a throwback!

5) McLean's most recent CD is called "Addicted to Black," in reference to Olivia in The Twelfth Night. Quick! Without looking it up, name another character from Shakespeare.

Polonius.

6) Don was born in New Rochelle, New York, which was named one of The Best Walking Cities in America by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). What about your neighborhood? Is it easily walkable?

There are no sidewalks in my neighborhood, but also minimal traffic. We're one of those island subdivisions that you wouldn't drive through unless you're visiting someone or live here. And our house is at the very back, so there's literally NO reason to drive on our street unless you live on it or are visiting (or lost--quite likely). It's walkable. People here walk it, with and without dogs. I've walked it. But it doesn't go anywhere, just circles. On the other hand, we have two parks in the subdivision and people drive kids to them.  smh

7) In 1971, the year this song was popular, Walt Disney World officially opened. Have you ever been to DisneyLand or Disney World?

Been to both. Would like to return to Epcot and Animal Kingdom since the latter was brand-new when we were there and not quite finished, and the day we went to Epcot I felt very ill and we bailed at lunchtime after "Germany." Zero, or less, interest in seeing anything else.

8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie. This doll was a "sun-loving California girl" and had a distinct tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed?

Well that's not where I thought this question would go! I had a Malibu Barbie as a child, but I will never, ever use a tanning bed. I have stark white northern European skin and have done enough damage to it with the, yknow, actual sun.

9) American Pie is also the name of a 1999 movie. Have you seen it?

Yuck. No.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Papa Loved Mama (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Then try this. It's not very good quality, and it may have been pulled by the time you get over to it, because Garth doesn't like YouTube videos. Sorry.

1) This song is about a trucking "accident" that was covered extensively in the local paper. What's the big news story in your neighborhood?

Right now, for some reason everyone's talking about the fact that we're scheduled for a major snow dump over the next 30 hours or so. Hello? It's winter in the upper midwestern U.S.--we're supposed to get snow this time of year! Also on deck is the annual rodent tribute party. Whee.

2) The action centers around a motel. When is the last time you stayed in a hotel or motel?

When we were in Pasadena at the beginning of the year. I'm hotel-bound Tuesday night too, so I can arrive at the hospital at 6 without having to get up at 3 a.m.

3) In the song, Papa wants to surprise Mama with a bottle of wine. Do you prefer white or red?

Red gives me a headache so I mostly drink white these days on the rare occasions when I drink anything.

4) This week's featured artist, Garth Brooks, has said that the late Chris LeDoux -- singer, sculptor and rodeo champion -- is his hero. If you had to single out someone this morning as your hero, who would it be?

My grandparents, who homesteaded (unsuccessfully) 100 years ago. They went through hell trying to prove their claim, losing all their money and a daughter in the process.

5) Before he was able to support himself as a singer, Brooks was a bouncer at a bar. Have you ever had an encounter with a bouncer (either that he threw you out or came to your aid)?

I have. Back in the day, a group of people we were out with were not allowed in a dive-bar because Beast and I were wearing Harley gear. In Milwaukee, where H-D makes their engines. Uhm, that was rather silly.

6) According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), Garth surpassed The Beatles as the top selling artist of the last 25 years. Whose music do you listen to more -- Garth Brooks or the The Beatles?

I'd say it's about equal, and fairly infrequent. I'm tired of the Liverpool Four (sorry, Bud), and it just never occurs to me to dig out Garth.

7) While 1992 was a banner year for Garth Brooks, it was a bad one for another country legend, Willie Nelson. Willie ended up paying the IRS more than $9,000,000. When you file your taxes, will you qualify for a refund? Or will you owe money?

I think we'll probably get a refund. We usually do. I think. Really, Beast does all the work, so I do not know for sure.

8) When this song was popular in 1992, Sarah Ferguson, then the Duchess of York, was in all the papers and magazines for her controversial conduct -- including being photographed sunbathing topless with a man not her husband. Today no one seems to care much about what Sarah Ferguson does. Can you think of someone else whose fame was fleeting?

Sarah was on the Today show just last week!! I don't think she's exactly unfamous, especially now that her ex, Prince Andrew, is back in the news for some bad behavior of a similar sort of his own. And my gosh, does he look OLD! Anyway, let's see....who else from that era has fallen off the regular news cycle? Hmmm, hey! Remember Bryan Adams??

9) This is Super Bowl weekend. Where will you be watching The Big Game?

We'll be watching the ads in our living room, probably a little later than "live." We want both teams to lose because of their coaches (and some of the players too). I loathe--loathe!!--Belichick and Beast can't stand Pete Carroll. So, we may DVR the game and fast-forward through the sports in order to see the new ads.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Margaritaville (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song Jimmy sings of "booze in the blender." What do you prepare in your blender?

Milkshakes and fondue dips. Not at the same time.

2) As the song opens, Jimmy is sitting on his front porch swing. Describe the front porch of the building you're in right now.

We have a wonderful porch! Right now there's just a couple of (stacked) chairs and a small table on it--summer never really arrived for sitting out there; it was either too hot or too cold (mostly the latter). It's about 5 feet deep and runs the whole front of the house. Surrounded by bushes, recently trimmed.

3) Jimmy sings of being able to smell boiling shrimp. Do you prefer your shrimp boiled, glazed or breaded?

Not glazed. I like shrimp almost any way, including cold.

4) During the song, he mentions his flip flops. Have you put your flip flops and sandals away till spring? Or is it still warm enough to wear them?

I just did this morning. They may be retrieved, but most of the summer shoes are put away. Now I need to go get some new non-summer shoes.

5) Jimmy Buffett had hoped this song would be recorded by Elvis Presley, but The King died before he could perform it. What's the first Elvis song that comes to mind?

"Love Me Tender" [Ironically, perhaps: I'm watching "Flipping Las Vegas" right now...lol]

6) Buffett fans are known as Parrotheads. Concert attire for a well-dressed Parrothead often includes a Hawaiian shirt and a foam fin hat. What will you be wearing tonight?

The black capris and navy T I'm currently wearing. We're not going anywhere, and even if we did hit the store, this would be acceptable. My hair is kind of an issue however.

7) Loyal Parrotheads paid between $500 and $5000 to see Mr. Buffet at a fundraiser for Barack Obama's 2012 Presidential campaign. What's the most you would pay for a concert ticket?

I think my limit is probably $100 or so. And they'd better be good seats!

8) Jimmy is an outspoken environmentalist and supports causes like ocean conservation, saving the manatees and expanding the Dallas Zoo. What steps do you take to help save the planet?

We've been recycling paper/plastic/glass for our entire marriage. I try to reuse and upcycle most everything I buy, and I really REALLY don't like shopping, so buying loads of extra shit is not my thing. And I try to plan my driving to burn less gas but that's not always possible here.

9) Uh-oh. When Jimmy and the Coral Reefers played in Wisconsin this past August, more than two dozen concertgoers got tickets for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Do you believe pot should be legalized?

Yes, for cryin' out loud. They're talking about licensing a dispensary in my town though, so that's good. Though pot isn't legal without a prescription in this state, I'm hoping things change soon.

Blogthings

You Are a Dry Martini

You are a laid back cat, and it takes a lot to get you rattled. You stay composed and together. You are subtle and sophisticated. You never try to impress anyone, and you are naturally cool. You are drawn to whatever is simple and classic. You don't need flash - you go for quality instead. You are witty and smart, but not necessarily laugh out loud funny. People may have to think about your humor for a bit to actually get it.

What Kind of Martini Are You?

Since I don't like martinis at all, it's not a big surprise that this isn't all that close to my reality.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party in order to have a good time?

Nope. In fact, that often makes the whole situation less fun.

2) Who is the one person you hope isn’t reading your blog? Why?

Pretty much anyone I share a blood tie with...except Sparky. And most of my co-irkers.

3) If you had to, what part of your body--currently hole-free--would you get pierced?

I'd probably be terribly boring and do a hole in my (ear) cartilage. But I really have no interest in other piercings. It's kind of passé.

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

Public Domain Photo

It looks like a disaster area, where people just drove a ways out of town and dumped whatever they had lying around in their garage--or factory. God alone knows what was/is in those barrels and how poisonous the contents was. Plus, it's just fugly.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mine Would Be You
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) The lyrics mention his respect for "90 proof and Marlboro Red." What was your most recent drink? When was your last cigarette?

I've never even tried smoking. There is nothing about it that has ever appealed to me in any way. Yuck. (sorry, smokers.... My favorite sister smoked, so it's not like it's a deal-breaker for liking people)
The last drink I had was probably a couple weeks ago: I have a bottle of Stoli stashed (hidden) so that I can have a pop once in awhile when Beast isn't around. If it were out in plain sight, it would be gone before I got more than two drinks, which is about what I had two weeks ago. Welcome to my world. I'll probably have a glass of wine at P.E.O. next Tuesday, God willing.

2) They also reference "singing like crazy fools." What's the last song you sang?

Out loud, it was probably the closing hymn last Sunday. In my head, well, I have had all kinds of stuff running around this week, from Michael Franti to Mozart to Miley Cyrus.

3) Blake Shelton won a Grammy for his performance of this song. Crazy Sam won the award for "most improved bowler" when she was in third grade, and it's now in a closet somewhere. Do you have any trophies? If so, where are they?

I have no trophies. I think I still have the prize certificate for winning the Best Political Cartoon in 9th grade Social Studies, and I won a turkey for Thanksgiving when I was 10 or so. Those are my claims to fame.

4) Blake is currently on tour. The merchandise sold at concerts brings in big money for the artist. Do you have any tour memorabilia (like a poster or t-shirt)?

I have a few T-shirts, most of which are too small for me these days. And we've bought CDs at concerts, too, from the opening acts especially, but not exclusively.

5) In addition to The Voice, Shelton is on TV a lot with his Pizza Hut commercials. What chain restaurant is nearest your home? Do you eat there?

Nearest my home, according to Google, is Subway and the pizza place that just brought us dinner (local, so that doesn't count). I haven't stopped at that Subway since before Sparky graduated from high school, so at least 3.5 years. Next closest chain is the McD's in the city I don't work in; our village (hah) is smack in between two bigger towns. I have indeed eaten food from that particular McDonald's.

6) Shelton has a million-seller CD called Cheers! It's Christmas! What's the first Christmas carol to pop into your head this hot summer Saturday?

"Silent Night" of course.

7) Shelton and Miranda Lambert were married in front of 550 guests. Do you enjoy weddings?

Generally, yes. I don't like over-the-top weddings, where people have obviously tried too hard. My three oldest nieces have had lovely, comfortable, friendly, fun weddings with nobody getting plastered and acting stupid.

8) The wedding took place on a big Texas ranch. Have you spent much time on a farm or a [r]anch?

Nope. No farmers in my immediate circle, though there are several at my church now. While both my parents had green thumbs, they were not interested in working on a farm EVer. Dad especially knew that farms were really REALLY hard work.

9) In 2013 he helped organize a relief benefit concert for victims of the Oklahoma tornado[e]s. Tell us about a charity you support.

Part of our money donated to our church supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and we support it in person as often as we can by visiting PDA sites to help out. Beast was part of a group doing cleanup about a month ago in a town not to far from us that was badly damaged by a tornado recently. The year after Katrina, several people from our church were in the Gulf doing cleanup there (in Mississippi, which was heavily damaged and flooded, but got considerably less attention than New Orleans). PDA works with Red Cross and other grass-roots organizations providing support and funds to people who are already doing the work, like their partnership with churches and organizations in the southwest right now dealing with all the Central American kids flooding the area.
And every year our church produces a simply humongous pile of boxes for Christmas Child. In just over a decade we have packed the equivalent of about 10 boxes per member.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

1) This week's song was performed by James Cagney in the famous movie of the same name. Do you plan on going to the movies this holiday weekend?

No. I've been noodling around going to the drive-in this summer at some point, though.

2) Though known for his larger-than-life screen presence, Cagney was only 5'5". How tall are you?

Between 171 and 172 cm.

3) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits this holiday weekend?

We're a dry household these days when Beast is around.

4) American history was one of Crazy Sam's best subjects in school. In which class did you earn your best grades?

History and English were my favorites, but I did ok in Science and Math for the most part as well. And music and art. The only class I didn't get solid As in was gym.

5) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?

Yes. But I'm also not outside much this time of year.

6) Mosquito bites can be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?

Nope. See above re outside time. I did have a couple long-life bites in May.

7) Emergency rooms report an increase in wrist injuries in summer, with people falling off bikes and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching hard-hit softballs. Have you ever had a sports-related injury?

One of my middle fingers is crooked from jamming it into a basketball during practice in 7th grade. That was my only basketball season. I also got hit the face with a baseball in gym class in junior high, but all it damaged was my glasses. Good excuse to sit out the rest of baseball rotation!

8) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?

Yeah. I usually eat them right out of the package, cold. Or I cut them up into mac 'n cheese.

9) Atlanta hosts a 10K Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July. Are you a runner?

Only if someone with a machete is chasing me.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Twenty

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I get butterflies (a.k.a. anxiety) quite often when I'm heading home from work. It's a long bummer of a story.

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage?

I think I had a drink at a P.E.O. meeting a few months ago.

3. Who can you trust?

God. And to a lesser extent, Beast, Amy, Jenny, myself, and a surprisingly large number of people who generally are hiding in the woodwork around me.

4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other?

Uh, wow, it was towards the end of our freshman year in college. So, 31 years ago this month.

5. Favorite band?

U2.

6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently?

That I'm very bad at making changes in my life for myself when I'm not being held accountable.

7. Do you like anyone?

Nope. Everyone sucks. [Did you not see my answer to #3?]

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged?

Hmmm, no I don't believe I do. I know of some engagements, but I don't know the people myself.

9. What's your favorite number?

Gut-favorite: 16. Chosen favorite: 3.

10. Who was the last person to make you cry?

I teared up at church this morning while we honored our retiring financial secretary. We're honoring her--and she's retiring--because she has fully metastasized cancer that means she'll probably be gone by Father's Day.

11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Nope. Went on a couple of weekend church retreats when I was a teenager, but that's all.

12. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. Really, if you're going to ask, listen to my answers, k?

13. What is one thing you miss about your past?

I miss the mountains. Pretty much daily. After 28 years of living in the flat middle of the country, the mountain-ache isn't quite as strong, but not a day passes that I don't think about the smell, the sky, the weather, the lack of humidity, the vastness .... SOMEthing.

14. What is one thing you've learned about life?

It goes on, with or without my attention.

15. Are you jealous of anyone?

Somehow, for the most part, that emotion has mostly died off over the years.

16. Is anyone jealous of you?

You'd really have to ask them.

17. Has a friend ever used you?

Of course. Depending on the usage, it either ruined the friendship, put it on hold for awhile, or barely registered.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend?

Most people say that--if they say anything of the sort at all--which is fine since I'm always hunting for new friends.

19. Who was the last person you drove with?

Sparky went with me to the grocery store after lunch.

20. What are you looking forward to?

... I got nothin'. This should probably worry me, eh?

RevGal Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Moments of Triumph Edition
List five triumphs – they can be professional or they can be personal.

1. I cataloged about 30 books pretty much from scratch today, 98% of which were in Spanish. Two were completely from scratch--no one else has purchased them and cataloged them into OCLC--and the rest had lousy vendor records in OCLC that I had to clean up. Five of them were individual books about the members of One Direction. Yes, in Spanish. Shoot.Me.
2. I didn't completely embarrass my son when we Skyped last weekend with his new girlfriend. She seems nice. He says she thinks we seem "pretty awesome."
3. I'm back into dealing with teenagers, helping out with the middle school Sunday School class. So far I haven't actually shrieked at anyone, though it's becoming more likely every week. The best part though is that I'm NOT dealing with any passive-aggressiveness. Gawd, the last few months of (elementary) Sunday School last year were awful. Grown-ups suuuuckkkkk!!
4. I understand* RDA!!! Monday's workshop was really good, and then next day someone posted another really good manual on Autocat, so I feel like a pig in shit with all the newly-understood and -exampled materials I've got.
5. I started going to Al-Anon. There's one tonight--it will be my fourth meeting if I go. I'm tired. And this group isn't the one I prefer, but...well, seriously, after one meeting it's hardly fair to bail already. The other group lost a member last week, a guy who was at the first meeting I was at; he committed suicide less than 48 hours after that meeting. There is plenty of pain in the world.

* That is, I know how to create and/or spot a good RDA record. I still think a lot of the changes are pure BS.