Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Since U Been Gone (2005)

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

 

1) In this song, Kelly Clarkson is dissatisfied with her relationship and she's moving on. What's something you've moved on from lately? It could be anything from a romance to the laundry detergent you've been using for years.

I stopped being so concerned with tidying up the house before the cleaning crew arrives. Eventually, I'll have things sorted more completely, but right now there are boxes and stacks of Beast's things everywhere that I can't face.

2) She sings that she can now breathe. Studies have shown that July can be a good month for allergy sufferers because trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. How are your eyes, ears, nose and throat this morning?

I'm allergic to corn pollen so as soon as the spring BS settles down, the corn starts its thing and I'm miserable pretty much till the first hard freeze. I live in the world's largest corn field. 

3) Kelly complains that their romance reminds her of a "stupid love song." Let's be more positive: what love song do you associate with positive memories?

I heard Walking on Sunshine for the first time in eons this week and it reminded me of Beasty and I in college when we spent our summers writing writing writing letters to each other.

4) While Kelly's first love is music, she's established herself as a TV personality. In addition to her daytime talk show, she's been a judge on The Voice and hosted an awards show. Have you ever been on TV?

Yes, as a member of a marching band in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1980.
And never again.
Which is more than fine with me.

5) She has confessed a weakness for Doritos. Would we find salty snacks in your kitchen right now?

I've got a partially-emptied bag of popcorn chips right next to me right now, and a barrel of pretzel rods nearby (thanks, Beast for getting me addicted to these!), and I think there's another bag of something in the snack drawer in the kitchen. I really need to clean that out... [the drawer, not the 'bag of something']

6) Kelly has found her weight the source of public debate. Are you like Kelly, whose weight fluctuates? Or does it stay stable?

I used to be the skinniest kid in the universe. Then I got pregnant at 29 and now weigh 60 lbs. more than just before Sparky was born. Oh well. 

7) In 2005, when this song was popular, a motorist made news in Texas when he was ticketed for driving over 200 mph in a 75 mph zone. Have you ever been pulled over by the police?

Of course I have, but nothing like this. There's a village nearby that used to be a notorious speed trap and they got me once for doing 50 in a 40 zone.
Within the last year a cop pulled me for not fully stopping at the stop sign by the train station on my way home. Warning.
Then there was the time just after Beast moved into Nursing Home from Hell that I got stopped because my license plate was expired. I was within the month and the cop told me to just go get it fixed after I told him where I had just been.
Oh, and back in my young-and-dumb days I was accosted outside my mom's workplace for blowing through a four-way stop by a daycare. The cop read me out, asked why I was parked where I was and when I told him I was picking up my mom he demanded her name, after which he shooed me away with a stern warning. Oh, did I mention my mom worked at the County Courthouse? And he was very familiar with her? He followed me into the building to check my story.
After Beast got popped for a DUI, I was stopped because the car's license was on the state's auto-reader alert. Once he realized I was not Beast, he let me carry on. I offered him an Arby's curly fry in thanks.

8) Also in 2005, Tom Cruise had a pop culture moment when he famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this?

I did not see it live, but it was on Oprah. Probably a moment he wishes he could delete from his memory banks... He's a ridiculous man.

9) Random question: Tell us about a photo you wish you'd taken, but didn't.

I have a terrible photo of my dad with Sparky as a baby about a month before Dad passed away. It was the only time they were together and he was doing his patented "soda pop" trick to Sparky's glee. Unfortunately, the sun was behind him and so it's completely washed out. I wish I'd've taken more pics with the two of them, since Sparky is the first kid (5 kids, 9th grandchild) in his lineage to get the auburn hair he had as a young man. 

Well shit now I'm all weepy over my dad...30 years later.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Place for Pumpkin Questions

1. If "happiness" was the global currency, what kind of work would make you a gazillionaire?

My current job would probably have me be rolling in dough. I really do enjoy myself at work, and love my job. Except, when, you know, politics happens.

2. Would you break the law to save someone you loved? And, if so, how far would you be willing to take it?

Depends on the law. If it's a stupid law, or a morally wrong one, I wouldn't really have compunction about sacrificing it before a loved one. I would, of course, always pick someone I like to survive in a head-to-head battle over someone I didn't know/like.

3. Is it possible to really know the truth without questioning it first?

Not about most things. We really aren't born "knowing things" too often. And the stuff we are is pounded out of us well before we turn 5.

4. Do you remember that one time . . . oh, about 5 years ago or so . . . when you were really, really upset? Does it really matter now? If not now, then when?

Five years ago I was pretty much mad and panicky about everything. And yeah, it was a tempest in a teapot for the most part. Why? What have you heard?

5. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

In some areas, yes. Pretty much anything that causes children to suffer is evil. Cancer is evil. Some things are much harder to determine. Should Hitler have been assassinated in the 30s before he could inflict the war and the Holocaust on people?

6. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I've reached the happy age where the confluence of tiredness and lack of caring have put a stop to anything that's likely to get me in trouble. I really don't care if I'm judged. I'm going to be judged regardless of what I do.

7. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I would prefer to never have to do any housework ever again. Otherwise, I'm in a good place.

8. Would you rather be an anxious genius, or a tranquil fool?

Right now, Tranquil Fool sounds like a very peaceful way to die.

9. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

My job is very much about the former; that's where the payoff is. However, over the last 3 or so years, I've really become far more interested in doing the latter. The real payoff is there, but it's approximately 800 times harder.

10. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

I definitely feel like my age today. Lovely spring day means hello allergies and sore eyes. And the fact that I had two cookies with dinner has made me queasy. Two cookies = too much sugar?? WTF....oh well.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Very Forceful Questions

1. Do you have/have you had any pets?

When I was a wee tot, we had a parakeet named Peppy who lived in a cage in the dining room. I barely remember Peppy, so I was probably under 6 when he died. When I was 10, I started coming home to an empty house after school, so my parents got a dog to "protect" me. Tippi was also fabulously patient--till he got old--and willing to dress up in my clothes and bark like a crazy rabid dog whenever the doorbell rang. We had to have him put down when I was about 24 because he had started biting people when they touched him. My 2-year-old nephew was spending a lot of time with Grandpa & Grandma and there were little kids next door--plus the little doggy had horrible arthritis and was blind as well. That was a rough day. We had finches for awhile after we got married, which was fun but when they had babies, and then more babies, it got massively out of control. Then when we bought our first house, Beast and I hit the pound and picked out our little angel-dog Shady. OK, she was a Shepherd-lab-something mutt, but she really was the most adorable, loving, kind-hearted, joyful dog I've ever known. Also a little fraidy-cat, but that's ok. It was about 5 years later when I finally had to face reality: I'm allergic to dogs. By then, we also had a child who loved that puppy, so she stayed and I sniffled. We went on vacation when she was about 14 and she stayed with a friend/coworker--where she died! OMG this is not a good plan, people. Coworker couldn't reach us for like 10 hours, when Sparky found out he imploded, and it sorta killed the remaining vacation. OK, so no more dogs because Mom sux, but Sparky got two guinea pigs that Christmas and we've had succeeding guineas since then. We're on our last one now. Poor little guy--I don't see him lasting much past winter. Then we're done. No more pets. Except pet rocks. Although, honestly, if I end up alone in the future, I will be getting a little rat-dog of some kind.

2. Do you play video games? If so, do you have a favorite video game series?

Not really. I used to love playing The Sims and Sim Civilization, but I can't operate the controllers on video games to make those games work if I'm not using a computer keyboard. And the new PC versions don't work right either.

3. Any unpopular opinions on anything?

Heh. Well, considering I got yelled at Monday by a patron with a program beef (I have nothing to do with programming), called an ambulance 3 hours after that for a patron who was struggling to breathe, and then had to deal with full-bore Crazy in all its various incarnations for the rest of the week, topped off by a call to the police today to help us eject one of the Crazies (who turned it into a totally horse-and-pony show by refusing to cooperate and having to be practically dragged out)...I don't really care if I'm popular in my opinions. I'm just trying to survive each day with my dignity and sanity intact.
But I do hate Trump if that counts.

4. Do you have a favorite gem? If yes, has anyone ever bought you jewelry with that gem?

I have several sapphires, which I like: two rings, some earrings, and at least one necklace.

5. Favorite story genres?

I really like mysteries and good thrillers that aren't all car chases and technology.

6. What was once a secret that you can now share? (The original question was "What kind of fruit do you hate" which is type of question that I think "who cares?" so I just change them.)

I'm married to a wonderful man who is struggling with alcoholism.

7. Do you like reading?

Uh, yeah, a bit ...?

8. What time is it for you now[;] what are you usually doing at this time of the day?

It's currently 6:10 p.m. During the week I'm just leaving work. Weekends are variable. Right now we're watching our DVR'd Packer game. I expect the actual life game is pretty close to over, so I've turned off Facebook.

9. What character on TV or in film is most similar to you? You can go with looks or personality. Or you can make a quip and go to the next question.

Sandra Bullock's character in "Miss Congeniality." (I wish)

He's a featured player!

10. What's something weird you wanna do? It cannot be weirder than Mr. Watermelonhead.

Is taking classes at a seminary weird? Kinda? If not, then going on an archaeological dig?

11. Have you ever accomplished a New Years Resolution?

Nope. I haven't made one in decades, either.

12. Is there any music artist you look up to?

I have a great deal of respect for Bruce Springsteen, and not just for his career either. I think he's a genuinely good person with some personal demons.

13. Are you allergic to anything? If yes, what?

As mentioned above, dogs. Also, and worse, cats. Pine trees, some grasses, corn pollen. Nothing too tragic. Unless I live in the middle of the world's Corn Belt with 76 cats. [I don't have cats at least, but I do live in the middle of a lot of cornfields.]

14. When was the last time you took a swim? Who else was with you?

I don't swim. I do make sure that if I'm near deep water, there is someone nearby who CAN swim.

15. Would you rather have the ability to sleep for as long as you want, or have the ability to never have to sleep?

Nope, I'll be hibernating all winter, given even the slightest encouragement. I love sleep!

Saturday 9 x3

(Link in meme-roll)
Mr. Boombastic (1995)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a rather shameless come-on by an accomplished ladies' man. Do you enjoy flirting?

Flirting is fun. Yes, I enjoy it, though it's almost entirely "window shopping" these days, except when I'm flirting with Beast.

2) Shaggy sings that he's like a turtle coming out of his shell. Do you think turtles, snakes and lizards make good pets? Or would you prefer a companion animal that has fur or feathers?

I'd prefer a furry pet, but since I'm allergic to almost all furry things, it looks like any future pets will not have any. I have a friend who owns a tortoise that she adores. Kind of thinking about that. Or nothing.

3) He also sings that if you don't feel like driving, you should hand him the keys. Are you comfortable letting others drive your car?

Last week, I would've probably said no, but as we are down to one car now, Beast is driving mine and ... yeah, it's bugging me a little.

4) He tries to woo the girl with the promise of a bubble bath. Do you enjoy relaxing in the tub? Or do you view baths and showers as simply part of your hygiene routine, like brushing your teeth?

I love baths, but I don't get time to soak very often anymore. Showers, though, are strictly business. Clean and out.

5) Born Orville Burrell, Shaggy took his stage name from his shaggy hair. Using your hair as inspiration, what would your stage name be?

Lately, the best adjective would be "sweaty."

6) Sam admits she hadn't thought about this 20+ year old song in years, until she heard it on a Chase Bank commercial. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, checkwriting dropped more than 50% between 2000 and 2010. Who received the last check you wrote?

It was our last (as in final) cleaning service appointment a few weeks ago. I don't pay most of the bills, and I never carry the checkbook.

7) Which would you prefer to receive in a birthday card: a $25 check or a $20 Target gift card?

Check. There's no longer a Target very nearby.

8) Sam's mother refuses to pay bills online. All the news stories about data breaches scare her. Have you ever been hacked? If so, did it take long to get the situation resolved?

Yes, we've had our credit card hacked a couple of times, but nothing worse than that. Fortunately, the bank caught it immediately. Yay, for credit security checks.

9) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you made that you wish you could undo.

Some incredibly stupid things I've said to people over the years would be nice to "take back."

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September in the Rain (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song refers to "leaves of brown." Can you see any leaves outside your window? What color are they?

We're still rockin' the green in our yard. There are trees down the road from us that are turning, though. One is almost completely red.

2) It also mentions whispered words of love. What did you say last time you lowered your voice?

Pretty sure I told Beast I love him quietly a few minutes ago. He's got a very upset stomach today and is feeling yucky.

3) Clearly this song is about a treasured romantic memory that took place in autumn. Think about your favorite romantic memory. In what season did it take place?

We've had some very good vacations in the fall over the years. Probably something to do with our birthdays both being in November... 😏

4) This week's featured artist, Julie London, was famous as a singer and actress. Less prominent in her bio is her appearance as a "pin up girl" in Esquire magazine when she was just 17. What's in your resume that you'd prefer to de-emphasize or gloss over?

About the only thing I'd leave off would be my stint as a paper carrier when I was a SAHM with Sparky when he was little.

5) Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was named "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956. If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose?

Of all time? It would be fascinating to watch Elvis perform c. 1957-58.

6) She became well-known to another generation when she appeared in the 1970s TV show Emergency! The younger actors credited her for keeping everything calm on the set. Who has a calming influence on you?

Beast.
Yeah, I know. Too easy.

7) Her Emergency! costar was her husband, Bobby Troup, and the show was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb. Do you have an ex that you're on very good terms with?

Nope. My exes have been out of my life for over 30 years. It would be really awkward to talk to most of them.

8) Julie was a chain-smoker since she was a teenager and in the 1950s recorded a jingle for Marlboro cigarettes. Yet in the 1970s, when she saw Bobby Troup's health negatively effected by smoking, she pressed him to quit. Tell us about a time you found yourself in a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.

I'm currently trying get Beast to understand that he needs to schedule his glucose his checks and do them, but I'm not doing mine. OTOH, my situation is way less dire than his. So far.

9) Random question: You have won an all-expenses paid trip to an exclusive resort in the Hawaii. When you get there, you discover that the private beach is bathing suit optional. Do you swim nude?

I don't swim. At all. So, no.

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One Night in Bangkok (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is from the play Chess. It's been said that the most successful players are fluid in their thinking. Do you consider yourself flexible or set in your ways?

Depends. In some ways, I'm super flexible about things. In other ways, I'm very much not. I'm trying to work through why some changes irk me when others are practically unnoticed.

2) Nigel Short, a real-life chess grandmaster, used to wear a t-shirt that said, "He who cares, wins." Do you always play to win? Or do you play board/card games or sports for the fun of it?

I want to win! I try to keep myself from being horrible--some other family members are far worse about winning than I am!--but sometimes I just get angry about bad luck.

3) The singer is in Bangkok for an important tournament. He maintains that he doesn't mind missing the sights and dismisses Bangkok is just another "crowded, polluted stinking town." Do you find big cities exciting? Or do you think of them as noisy and dirty?

I like visiting cities. I love London, and San Diego, and even parts of Chicago and Athens and Rome. But I would never want to live in one all the time.

4) Air pollution has reached serious levels Bangkok. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma or another condition that could be aggravated by pollution?

Yup. Thank goodness I'm not interested in Thailand!

5) To reduce traffic, commuters travel through Bangkok on ferries that make regularly scheduled trips up and down the Chao Phraya River. When was your last boat ride?

Hmm. It's been awhile. With the lack of swimming ability comes what I consider to be a healthy fear of falling out of a boat. So I rarely get onboard.

6) Round trip airfare between ATL and BKK is $1750. If we gave you a travel voucher for that dollar amount, how would you spend it?

Well, I wouldn't go to Bangkok, that's for sure! It's tempting to consider Tierra del Fuego.

7) The Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok has a McDonald's onsite. When you go somewhere new, do you find it comforting to be surrounded by what's familiar? Or would you prefer to try new things?

We did eat in McDonald's near Heathrow earlier this month when we first got to England, but after that we stayed strictly away from American 'cuisine.' Generally, I'll try local favorites; it doesn't always work out but I often discover things I subsequently love!

8) One of Bangkok's most popular restaurants is DID, which stands for Dine in Dark. The dining room at DID is 100% light free -- cell phones must be stored in the lobby to avoid distracting from the experience -- so customers eat their four course meal without seeing it. This heightens the diner's sense of taste and smell. When you prepare a meal, do you put a great deal of care into its presentation?

Nope. And I am not at all interested in eating in the dark, either.

9) Random question: Think about your last professionally prepared meal. Did you dine in, carry out, or have it delivered?

We ate lunch out on Thursday. At Taco Bell. 👍

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Mac'n Cheese Meme

Can you ever get enough of mac ‘n’ cheese?


Actually yes I can. We have it--homemade--often. I get tired of it.

Are you allergic to nuts or diary products?


Heh, no, nor dairy products even. I was told once that I might be on the verge of developing a peanut allergy but it never blossomed.

Do you think age matters in relationships?

Sure, it matters if it matters.

Has anyone ever called the cops on you?

Not...yet. That I know of.

Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?

That hasn't happened in a very very long time.

What’s the connection between the last person you texted?

We're married.

Are you in a good mood?

No, actually, I'm in the middle of an anxiety attack and feeling very put-upon and crabby.

Excited for anything?

This weekend to be over? I do get to play with a two-year-old this week, so that could be fun. And his mom, my niece.

Do you have a hard time controlling your emotions?

Yes, and this is why I'm feeling anxious and crabby.

Do you like your height?

Yes. I like being tallish.

How long have you lived in your current home?

It'll be 12 years next month.

Could you go a week without brushing your teeth?

No. Yuck. I mean I could, but yuck.

Have you ever given any amount of money to the homeless?

Yup.

Own anything from Bath & Body Works?

...yeah, a few things. OK, a few dozen things. ;-)

Have you ever had your nails so long that they curved down at the ends?


I rarely have very long nails at all (hello, nail-biter here), but I have one nail that does curve down as soon as it gets past the nail bed.

Have you ever swallowed a bunch of salt water by accident?

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a good idea though.

Does it take you over an hour to go to sleep sometimes?

Quite often. And if/when I do drop off quickly, I generally wake up within an hour and then I'm awake forever. Welcome to my very interesting night-time hours.

When you get home from school/work do you change into your pjs right away?

Not usually, though I often change into more comfortable clothes.

Have you ever stayed up all night and the whole next day without any sleep?

Multiple times. Isn't this more-or-less part of being a grown-up? I mean in the last year alone, I've done that because my house flooded in the middle of the night, and because I had to take Beast to the ER at bedtime and stay with him and bring him home. And for other reasons in the past.

Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty feet?

I have no idea. Not recently. I think my feet are ok, though, which is, perhaps, more important.

What is the temperature currently in the town you live in?

Officially, it's 66. Perfect fall evening.

Do you ever actually drink milk alone?

I don't drink milk, period. About 10 years ago I decided that, at age 40+ and never liking the stuff, I was totally DONE with it.

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Scene

Living room. Watching Ghost Whisperer. Enjoying the relative silence of morning. Beast just got out of bed.

He looks SO much like his mommy,
Katherine, at the same age!

Today's plan:

I need to figure out how to wrap a bulky present, and I need to make a fruit salad in something transportable. We're going to a birthday party for my (almost) two-year-old great-nephew this afternoon!

Listening to:

I've just muted GW so Beast and I can talk while he wakes up all the way. So, mostly, I hear him talking and walking around, and the clock ticking.

Drinking:

Finishing last night's leftover DDP and Beast just brought me a new can when that's gone.

Thinking about:

I'm not really thinking yet. Just some general thoughts about what needs doing this morning, allergies (outdoor party today means I'll probably be feeling like crap the next two days), and timing of my shower.

Giving thanks for:

birthdays, babies (Katherine's pregnant too), cake, warm weather, and a healthy husband and son.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Best Thing About Me Is You (2010)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) What would you say is your best quality?

Well, normally I would say something like 'focus' or 'attention to detail.' Lately, however, I'd go with "Trying Very Hard to Keep Up."

2) In this song, Ricky sings that he's "allergic to tragedy." Do you suffer from any allergies?

I'm allergic to a ton of things. Nothing that will kill me on contact, thank God, but being around cats, dogs, corn pollen, dust, mold, morphine, June grass, and random other stuff. Essentially, in August I'm allergic to everything.

3) Benadryl, the popular allergy medication, is sometimes used to treat insomnia. What do you do when you can't sleep?

I take melatonin every night at dinnertime. That helps. I also use Tylenol PM whenever necessary. Benadryl alone doesn't have much effect on me after so many years of taking it for allergies. On the occasions when I wake up in the night, I read, do a crossword, or get up and try sleeping in the spare room or on the sofa in the living room.

4) The lyrics to this week's song encourage us, "Don't wait until mañana." Are you a procrastinator?

I am very much a procrastinator. Sigh....

5) Ricky Martin is a judge on The Voice ... Mexico, aired on Mexican television. When you watch competition shows like The Voice, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol, do you usually agree with the judges? Or do you think you could do a better job?

I don't want any of these shows. They generally piss me off. especially when it comes to the judging.

6) Ricky tells interviewers that when he was very young, he'd sing in the family kitchen, pretending a wooden spoon was his microphone. Crazy Sam admits to lip synching into a black Magic Marker. When you gave imaginary concerts, what did you use as a microphone?

I don't think I ever needed a mic. I was usually 'starring' in musicals.

7) Ricky began working at the tender age of 9, performing in commercials. How old were you when you received your first paycheck?

First paycheck was about February of 1980. I was just over 16.

8) Ricky does yoga to stay in shape. Have you ever tried yoga?

I have tried modified yoga. I would love to do it for real, but there just isn't anywhere local that fits my schedule.

9) Ricky is of primarily Spanish descent, with a little French mixed in. When you think of French cuisine, what comes to mind?

Frogs' legs. Sauces. Snootiness. I'm not interested in it, really. I prefer Spanish and Mediterranean food in general. ;-)

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

My perception is that we're less racist, less homophobic, slightly less sexist, and more open about the existence of bad things (abuse, disease, etc.).

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Two words: "helicopter parents."

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

"Star light, star bright/First star I see tonight/I wish I may, I wish I might/Have the wish I wish tonight."

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

I don't listen to the radio, so if a song is overplayed it would be because I'm listening to it over and over. The one that comes to mind immediately is Pink's "Fuckin' Perfect" (not the edited version).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Not since I lived at home in my teens. It's just way too much work when DQ is right around the corner and is actually less horrific from a nutritional standpoint than homemade is.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

Encourage them and then let them take ownership. Generally. Of course, there will always be a few who just need to be pushed because they don't really want to work for whatever reason. I find the carrot approach tends to work better than the stick, though the stick is way more tempting to use, and easier in the short run.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Sometime in the last six weeks. I know we lost power at least briefly overnight once this summer, and we were out for a couple of hours another time. We lose power all the damn time, so it's hardly noteworthy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really hate allergy season. I really totally completely loathe corn pollen. And I don't feel good. And my eyes are completely fubar.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Weird Question Meme, Part One

Do you wear slippers?

I do when my feet are cold, in the winter. Occasionally in the summer, too; Beast and I don't always agree on what the a/c should be doing.

How many pictures are in your living room?

On the wall there are four framed pieces. On the shelves, there are two (maybe three--there are things stacked in the way of some of the stuff). Actually right now there are 3 others in here waiting to be hung in the stairwell.

Do you ever watch Brady Bunch reruns?

Not often, but I did watch one recently for the first time in eons. It involved the Bradys getting a color TV.

Are you allergic to anything?

Harrumph. This time of year it tends to feel like I'm allergic to everything!

When was the last time you called in sick?

Several months. I went home sick last month one day, just achy-sore, and only about 3 hours early.

Have you ever been in a car accident?

I've been in two in the last 4 years. That's enough for me, especially since neither was at high speed.

What is your favorite snack food?

Iced sugar cookies. I haven't had one in over two months!

Have you ever seen a tornado?

Not up close, but I've seen the clouds do the tornado thing, and we had some very scary weather here about 10 years ago at night that constituted a microburst (mini-tornado, essentially).

If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first?

A CPA and attorney.

What time is it right now?

13.48 in British terms.

Do you think it's cool for men to wear flip-flops?

Uhm not from an aesthetic point of view. I think most mens' feet are ugly as sin--a lot of women's feet are as well. However, it's probably cooler for them than wearing heavy shoes. Ultimately, though, I'm not overly fussed.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

At least two dozen. Maybe even close to 30. I'm a shoe whore.

Do you think you are a hypochondriac?

Today I do. Everything from my sternum up hurts today.

Do you own a dictionary?

Well, actually yes, we own at least 4, but I haven't used one (at home) in eons.

Where was the last place you went on vacation?

I guess that would be Vegas last winter.

Do you talk about your friends behind their back?

I talk about my friends, occasionally, when they aren't around, yes.

Are you actually fat but in complete denial about it?

I am actually fat. There's no denying it.

What color is your mouse pad?

I use a laptop at home, so I don't use a mouse. At work, my mouse in on a floating black pad similar to this (only mine is round, and black) next to my under-desk keyboard.

Does your kitchen have a theme?

The theme is "food + stuff we set down and forgot to move."

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

(Link in meme-roll)

1. When it's time to cut the grass (mow the lawn), who does it?

Not me. I don't even know how to start the mowers. I'm allergic to grass(es) and Beast actually enjoys the process.

2. If someone gave you $500 dollars and you could not spend it on yourself, who would you spend it on?

It would either go to our church or to PDA.

3. Have you ever taken a blogging break or considered one?

Yes. I blog much less than I used to. I just don't have the urge like I did 5 years ago.

4. Are you bothered by spring allergies or hay fever? If not spring, any other time of the year?
   

   Yup, as mentioned above. I'm allergic to everything in the environment from spring through fall.

5. What's new with you?

Not much of import. My class ended yesterday, not that I did anything the last two weeks. Sparky's finals start tomorrow, so he'll be home next Wednesday for a few weeks before his summer classes start. My new boss rocks. The new children's librarian seems like she's fitting in well too.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Ain't No Other Man

1) Do you believe there's only one person (and there ain't no other) for you? Or do you think we can truly love several partners over the course of our lives?

I think the word "love" encompasses a lot of different relationships. So, yeah I think we can love more than one person in a lifetime. How boring life would be if we couldn't. However, I really do think that there are different kinds of commitments and promises, and if you promise to stick it out with one person forever, then you should do your best to honor that promise, unless there are damn good reasons for both parties.

2) Do you have this, or any other, Christina song on your iPod/mp3 player?

I don't actually use one, but if I did, I would have this song for sure. It's in my Pandora and my Spotify playlists.

3) Christina Aguilera won a Grammy for her performance of this song. What do you deserve an award for? And who would you thank in your acceptance speech?

I deserve an award for not screaming my lungs out at stupid behavior on a daily basis.

4) Christina Aguilera has her own brand of perfume. Do you have a fragrance or scent you regularly wear?

I use VS or really old Cindy Adams Gossip.

5) Do you have any allergies?

What am I not allergic to?? This has been another bad couple of days, and I have no idea what I got into that's making me so miserable.

6) There's an older lady who proclaims during a TV commercial, "I will give up beer, bread, wine or soda but I won't give up Life Alert!" No, we're not going to debate her diet. Instead the question is: What are some of the staples that are always on your grocery list?

Bagels, bread, pop, sliced cheese, greens (for the guinea pigs). Those are "every time I shop" purchases.

7) What's your favorite sitcom of all time?

Bewitched.

8) When it comes to your socks, do you prefer solids, stripes or prints?

I mostly own solids but rather oddly today I'm wearing stripes. I think it's the only pair of striped socks I own, too.

9) At what age do you consider a person "middle aged?" And when do they transition to "old?"

Age is a matter of mind, really, but I think by the time someone hits 40 they are almost certainly in the middle third of their life for sure. Old, as I told my dad when he turned it, is 70 (until I get there of course).

Friday Five(s)

(Link in meme-roll)
Success

1. What means success to you?

Leaving aside grammar, I think success is about how you feel about how you have lived and are living your life. It's tied to contentment, for me, which I wish I could find again.

2. When did you feel most successful in your life thus far?

Once I got my feet under me as a parent, even with all the bumps in the road. Also, attending business meetings and not making a giant fool of myself is wonderful.

3. What was your biggest success others helped you to achieve?

Others helped in each success. I can't take credit for doing any of it alone!

4. What was your biggest self-made success?

I can't honestly claim any of these, I don't think.

5. What can you learn about success from failing?

How to stand back up afterwards. That's the hardest part, for me, but also the one thing that has to be done.

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Allergies

1. Do you have any sort of allergy? If so, what are you allergic to?

I'm allergic to several kinds of pollen, especially corn, and cats. Those are the big two. But I have problems with dogs, down, hay, smoke, strong perfumes/colognes, mold, dust, and either almond oil or olive oil (topical). Oh, and morphine and, apparently, synthroid.

2. What kinds of symptoms do you experience during an allergic reaction? Are they mild, moderate, severe?

Moderate, these days: throat tickles, runny nose, itchy eyes, swollen glands and massive headaches. I used to use stronger meds, and need an inhaler at times, but I'm more careful about things now. One epinephrine shot in the ER taught me the importance of NOT DOING THAT again!

3. How do you manage your allergies?

I try hard to stay away from the things I'm allergic to--which means staying inside all summer as much as possible, especially in August-September, making sure I wash up if I do come in contact with anything (cats/dogs), avoid the meds I shouldn't have, and keep Benadryl and other drugs on hand at all times.

4. Do you have (or know someone with) an unusual or rare allergy?

My sister is allergic to corn as food. Try dealing with that once, yo. It's, unfortunately, becoming a lot less rare; I just met a kid this summer who is also allergic to it.
In other news, both my parents were allergic to different meds: Dad couldn't have aspirin, and some antibiotics messed him up. Mom was allergic to sulfa-based drugs.

5. If you are allergic to pet dander, yet choose to keep a furry pet, what influenced your choice?

I didn't find out I was allergic to dogs till I was an adult after we bought a German Shephard mix dog. Once she was integrated into our home, I just couldn't part with her. Such an idiot. We had a dog when I was a kid, though, and I never had trouble then. Anyway, she died about 9 years ago, and (so far) we haven't gotten another dog. Much as I love them. It's horrible.

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Heat

1. Would you rather be too hot or too cold? Why?

I really adore being warm. However, too hot is sick-making, so I'm gradually moving to preferring chilly weather since at least then I can add layers and warm up. However, I still like standing in the sun on a hot day on a mountain. Just lose the humidity.

2. What's your favorite way to stay cool?

Air-conditioning, of course!

3. What's your favorite way to stay warm?

Curling up under a blanket and sleeping. Are we actually warmer while sleeping, or is that just some kind of thing that goes with being under blankets?

4. When you see or hear the word "summer", what comes to mind?

Hot days, running through the hose, crunchy grass, popsicles, road trips...relaxing.

5. Any major summer plans this year?

Nope. We're busy trying to get the other person make the decision about whether we're going anywhere, trying really hard not to be pushy.

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Crushes!

1. Do you remember your first crush? Did you tell them?

Well, seeing as my first crush was David Cassidy, uhm, no. My first person-I-knew-crush was Jim Phillips in 6th grade. No, I didn't tell him, but he was a 12-year-old boy, so really it was probably better that way!

2. Did you have a crush on a teacher? Which one?

There was one male teacher in my 5th-6th grade "pod" and he was mysterious and kinda cute for an old guy. But really, no, I never really crushed on teachers. They all reminded me of my siblings, since they were at least as old as the some of the teachers. ;-)

3. Do you still have crushes? Do you ever tell them?

I do, and no. It's more like mini-obsessions or mini-addictions. I'm over them fairly quickly.

4. What is your opinion of someone telling your crush object you have a crush?

Well, clearly I don't do it, but if it works out for others, good on 'em. Not my day to jury that particular behavior.

5. What does "having a crush" mean to you?

See #3 above. It's wrapped up in constantly thinking about whoever it is, to the exclusion (sometimes) of thinking about things that are actually GOOD for you, like eating, sleeping, and paying attention to work or your driving. In the worst cases, it can lead to sort of pre-stalking behavior.