Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

American Soldier (2003)

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

My dad served in WWII stateside. FIL was in the Army during the Korean War (or is it still a "conflict"?) but he was in Germany for the duration. Neither saw combat, for which I remain very grateful. My former lawn-mowing neighbor kid is in the Marines. Otherwise, I don't seem to run the same gang with a lot of soldier/sailor/flyer folks. 

Oh! My sister WORKED on an army base in Germany as the daycare supervisor for several years in the 90s. Not in the army, just at the army. 

2) In this song, Toby Keith reminds us soldiers "work straight through holidays," even this one, and we are grateful for that, too. Have you ever had to work on a federal holiday? If yes, did it make you sad to be on the job when everyone else was celebrating?

I have traditionally worked on a lot of federal holidays. The 'only' official days off we are closed are Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4 and Thanksgiving. All others the library is open for business, although we do occasionally close early on Xmas Eve or NY Eve.

It's not hard or sad to be at work when everyone else is partying anymore. I'm used to it after 35 years and we always adjusted to having whatever party it was on a day when I don't work, or Beast and Sparky went without me, which is  fine with me.

3) The video for this song was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. This site was chosen to make it easier for off-duty soldiers, reservists and their families to appear. Have you ever visited a military base?

See above re sister working in Germany. That's it. We aren't big Armed Forces folks. My dad was not thrilled about life in the Army, and my brother was 'of age' during Vietnam so he did whatever he could to not be drafted.

4) Toby Keith never served in the military but often performed for the USO. While the USO is best known for providing entertainment to our troops, they also have a "Canine Comfort Crew." Local USO centers make dogs available to troops who long to see a wagging tail. Are you a dog lover?

I love dogs. Almost all my immediate neighbors have dogs, big 'uns, and I know them better than the people living in the houses. I've owned a couple of dogs over the years (one at a time) and would have loved to have more, but it turned out that I'm allergic. And now I'm just too lazy to have a dog; I'd be in better shape if I had to entertain and walk a furball.

5) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

Today, I would pretty much murder someone for my mom's potato salad. None better! But I'm also up for whatever you're serving at a picnic.

6) Let's welcome summer with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

I do not like chocolate ice cream. Vanilla with some chocolate syrup or sprinkles is fine, but I really prefer peppermint. Or birthday cake. OK, well, honestly, I'd eat any gelato you put in front of me because GELATO! In a cup. Always.

7) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?

I simply do not go outside long enough to need this in years. Much as I love summer, I'm allergic to everything else alive out there, so I run from building to building, car to car, etc. with only very occasional forays onto the front porch or middle of the street to chat with a neighbor.

8) Or swam?

I don't can't swim. There is a (man-made) lake for which my town is named, but it is ill-advised to get in the water without a lot of precautions, even if I had access to it, which I don't. 

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? 

The house fan is on because my brother cleaned out all his water containers from his RV this morning so I'm moving the air around to make sure the smell doesn't permeate. I could turn it off, but I forgot to after he left earlier. Otherwise, it's too cold outside for cooling on the inside. As I sit here, I'm wearing a fleece over a T-shirt, all-weather pants, and my bare feet have lost all feeling in them due to cold (and poor circulation). In fact, I was considering going up to take a shower after I finish this so I can warm up.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Let's compare this May to last May. What's changed? What remains very much the same? 

Well, I don't remember anything specific about last May beyond being happy to have survived another winter and planning my first summer vacation in 6+ years. I'm currently planning a trip for September to scatter Beast's ashes and I'm very glad to have survived this most recent winter. It was a rough one, emotionally, not weather-wise. 

2. What's something you may do this month? 

I have an appointment for a follow-up EKG later on, my brother's coming for a visit around that time, and Sparky and I are meeting Larry the Lawyer next week to start getting this estate stuff figured out. While Del is here, we'll probably go try to visit my nephews about an hour northeast of here. Oh, and Mother's Day. I also need to get my new glasses made.

3. Mother's Day is approaching (in the US of A)...in what way(s) are you like your mother? 

In far too many ways, which was problematic when I was a kid. Luckily, I figured this out fairly young and came to terms with it years ago. We are both stubborn, prone to arguing, with a lot of suppressed anger. I like to think these days that I've mellowed. I know she did, but it took several strokes which I'd prefer to skip if possible.

4. Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it and why was it a favorite. 

I read and reread the Little House books like my personal Bible. I also loved Encyclopedia Brown. My favorite early childhood book was shaped like a barn and had a half dozen mini-books inside about the animals that live in barns, all with covers shaped like stall or pen doors. It would be weird to see that again.

5. Are you more of a tortoise or a hare? Explain. 

These days I'm full-tilt tortoise physically. Emotionally, I'm still pretty much haring around though.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had raccoons, or maybe baby skunks, on my porch roof this morning around 2:30 a.m. They woke me up banging around playing about 4 feet from my head. I eventually opened a window and one of them came over, spotted me, froze, and then I saw that one and one other scootle past the window and back down the tree they climbed to get up there. I wasn't mad, but I also wanted to go back to sleep. 

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Here Comes Peter Cottontail (from the archives)

1) Which do you prefer: colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate marshmallow eggs, or plastic eggs with coins inside?

I'd like some of that sweet cash right now. I don't love marshmallow candies.

2) What's your favorite color of Peeps (yellow, purple, or pink)?

See above re marshmallow candies. I have, now, at least tried one, and it was as expected: far too sweet and icky.

3) All this talk of sweets is making Sam hungry. What's for lunch?

I think I had a couple of pretzel sticks to tide me over for the big meal tonight.

4) This song was introduced by country singer Gene Autry and it's still a favorite. Please share some of the lyrics. (And you're on your own; Sam didn't include a link to the song this week.)

This is from memory: "Here comes Peter Cottontail/Hopping down the bunny trail..."

5) Gene Autry was so popular that a town in Oklahoma named itself for him. Have you ever been to Oklahoma?

I have, indeed driven through OK. My main memory is a large lake and the multitudes of signs telling us not to "drive into smoke."

6) He and his horse Champion also had a TV show. Can you name another famous horse?

Seabiscuit. 

7) Gene Autry also recorded "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," and it was, of course, wildly popular, too. Who is your favorite recording artist?

This changes with the wind. I really like Pink. I love Melissa Etheridge. I like Corinne Bailey Rae. Nina Simone is divine.

8) In 1950, the year Autry recorded this song, Diner's Club issued the first credit card. Think of the last thing you purchased. Did you use cash, a credit card, a debit card, an e-wallet service (Visa Checkout, Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay ...) or a check?

I can't remember. I think the last thing I paid for was some prescriptions and they have my credit card (VISA fwiw) on file to use.

9) Easter is recognized as the start of the spring season. What are you looking forward to this spring?

As always this time of year, I'm just glad to have survived the winter. I had to have extra meds on board this year. And this spring has been just a huge bitch so far. Next year during Lent is going to be all the Bad Memories of the stuff happening this year.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)

The full spectrum of human experience

A regular feature on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a fun set of questions called the Colbert Questionert, the answers to which, the host claims, reveal who a person truly is. Search YouTube for “colbert questionert” and you’ll find a bunch of fun interviews, like this one with Jennifer Lawrence.

Although many of the questions have appeared multiple times in memes through the years, it’ll be fun to answer them in this arrangement. Conveniently, there are (supposedly) fifteen questions, so they break up evenly for our purposes. Here are the first 5!

1. What is the best sandwich?

I'm very partial to American cheese on white bread with butter on both slices of bread. Add a few potato chips and I'm in heaven. (I'm a very cheap date)

2. What’s the one thing you own that you really should throw out?

Everything in the storage space behind the spare room, barring ... no, just toss it all. It literally hasn't been touched in 5 years.

3. What’s the scariest animal?

For me, that would be a grizzly. I had a spate of reading a bunch of books about bears awhile back and it put the fear of god into me about pissing about in the woods near a grizzly bear, especially a mom or any hungry one. 

4. Apples or oranges?

I prefer fresh apples. If they aren't fresh (like now, for instance) I prefer an orange.

5. What’s your favorite smell?

"Clean." Or baking bread. Or clean babies. Or dogs' paws. I'm just glad to still have a sense of smell that works right.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

Animals

1. What is your favorite animal and why? 

My favorite is the wolf, but I'm mostly just into anything canine, so coyotes and dogs and so forth. I just like dogs. They calm me.

2. Are people animals? What separates humans from animals? 

Well this is the big question, isn't it? Yes, we are animals, but we have different brain function that makes us able to do things most animals can't do.

3. Which animal is the most dangerous? 

Running off that last question, the answer has to be humans.

4. What should you do if a bear approaches you? 

My understanding is that the best thing to do is LOOK BIG AND SCARY. Wave your arms around, look aggressive, that sort of thing. I'm fairly certain I would be frozen and peeing my pants IRL though.

5. Do you like dogs? Why do people call the dog, man’s best friend? 

I love dogs. Seriously, I could easily turn into a crazy dog lady if I weren't so allergic to them. They are the most adoring and understanding and patient creatures. And smart enough to do things we ask them to.

6. Do you enjoy going to the zoo? Some people consider zoos to be cruel environments for animals. What do you think? 

I don't like zoos on a philosophical level in terms of keeping animals in cages. However, I think we need to have a place that's safe for animals to at least continue to exist. I know the zookeepers are generally in the field because they are passionately in love with the animal kingdom.

7. Where is the best place to see animals in your country? In the world? 

Go outside where there aren't so many humans, and just be still for awhile. 

8. Are you a vegetarian? What makes some people give up eating meat? 

I'm really not interested in giving up meat. I have family that has done the veggie thing and they are perfectly healthy and fine, but I like me some steak sometimes.

9. Which animal is most helpful to humans? 

Dogs, overall. But also cattle and chickens and horses and sheep and goats and pigs and....

10 If you could be any animal (besides human), which animal would you like to be? 

Totally coming back as a family dog if I can.

11. Who would win in a fight between a tiger and a lion? 

Male tiger. Male lions are lazy SOBs.

12. What do you think about hunting animals? Would you like to try it? 

I can't see any purpose to my killing an animal when there is plenty of food in stores. If I were starving, the answer would undoubtedly change in a hot minute. 

13. Books like “Watership Down” and “Animal Farm” give animals human characteristics like human thoughts or language. Is this how you think animals really are? Or are those really just stories about people? 

These are metaphorical stories. I mean, I think animals do have a sense of tribalism as a rule, but I doubt very much that they think anything like we do.

14. Some animals are endangered due to illegal poaching. How do you feel about this issue? 

I think people who kill endangered animals ought to be a lot more endangered themselves, especially those who pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to do it. I'm looking at the former First Son and his ilk. It's disgusting and heartless and should mean prison for the instigators.

15. If we can bring an extinct animal from the past back with genetic engineering, should we do it? Which animals should we bring back?

I'm with Jasper Fforde on this: bring back the dodos!!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Money for Nothing (1985)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.1) Sweatbands are prominent in this very 1980s video. What's the last thing you wore on your head?

I almost always have a ponytail or braid or something like that, so rubber bands and hairpins are involved every day.

2) The lyrics are from the point of view of a man who delivers and installs appliances. What's the biggest purchase you've made lately? Was it big in size or expense?

I been spending $10,000/month on nursing care for awhile. Does that count? [Not lately--I'm cashed out.]

3) The delivery man of the song imagines the worst thing that happens to a musician is a blister on his little finger or thumb. Do you have any minor aches or pains bedeviling you as you answer these questions?

I have a skin tag on my thigh that is driving me ever-so-slowly into insanity. I am using a home kit, but if it doesn't kill it in the next couple of days, I guess I'll have to have a doctor remove it.

4) The term "dire straits" describes a troubling situation that's difficult to extricate oneself from. When's the last time you found yourself in dire straits?

If I look at the big picture of my life, every damn fucking day.
Fortunately, I'm a pretty good ostrich.

5) There's a dinosaur called masiakasaurus knopfleri. It's a prehistoric, predatory lizard, and the paleontologists who discovered it were big Dire Straits fans, so they named it after lead singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler. Do you find dinosaurs fascinating, terrifying, or both?

I think they are a amazing, like all other living things. I don't send a lot of time thinking about them, though.

6) Prior to his music career, Knopfler was a junior reporter, covering the entertainment beat for the Yorkshire Evening Post. Do you believe you would make a better musician or journalist?

I like regular paychecks, so I'll go with journalist, at least old-school journalist. So many journalism people are un- or under=employed these days though, and a lot of them are working freelance, which isn't very steady.

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, rib eye steak was $3.89/pound. Today it's more than twice that. Do you have any beef in your freezer right now?

I might have some ground beef. I'm not sure. I've been using BlueApron* for about a year and they don't use a lot of beef--or at least I haven't been choosing a lot of beef dishes.

8) In 1985, Michael Jordan won the NBA Rookie of the Year award after his first season with the Chicago Bulls. It was the beginning of a career that made him a hero and a household name. Who do you think today's young people look up to?

Hopefully, people like the MSHS survivors, Malala, and LeBron but I really don't know. Even my kid doesn't tell me this stuff anymore. He's been reading Goethe, which is great and worrisome.

9) Random question: Friends take you to dinner for your birthday. The menu you're handed doesn't have any prices on it. Do you try to estimate the costs and choose what you guess is the least expensive entree? Or do you figure that since your friends want you to have a good time, you should order whatever you want?

I probably wouldn't get lobster, but I also wouldn't be aiming at soup or hamburgers either.

_______
*If you want to try it out, hit me up: I have a bunch of "free to a friend" things. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ORDER EVERY WEEK!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
On and On (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) This song describes the plight of "poor ol' Jimmy," who caught his girlfriend kissing someone else. Have you ever spied on a romantic partner?

Not really. I mean, what's the point? If a guy's gonna cheat, I don't need to watch. If he's not going to cheat there's no point in getting myself all worked up over nothing.

2) In this song, Stephen Bishop sings that he "smiles when he feels like dying." When did you recently put on a happy face, even though you really weren't all that happy?

Oh jeez. That describes my normal minute-by-minute life in public. Specifically, I guess it would be talking to Beast earlier this afternoon. It was a good conversation, but he was quite befuddled if more resigned than he normally is.

3) Stephen Bishop always wanted to be a musician, and as a child he began playing the clarinet. Did you take lessons -- dance, art, music -- as a child? If yes, did you take them because you enjoyed them, or because your parents made you take them?

I took piano as a kid, elementary-school age. I took up flute in 7th grade. Piano was Mom's idea; flute was mine, influenced by my friend who also played flute. I would have loved to take dance, but it just wasn't in the family "plan."

4) When he was 12, inspired by The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, he switched to the guitar and began writing songs. Tell us about someone or something that influenced your career path.

My older sister Jean was a librarian. She and my brother and I all worked as pages at our local public library as teens, and once I realized college wasn't going to last forever, I turned to the option of grad school and thus a career was born. Since then, one of my college roommates and my oldest niece have followed me into the field. I've occasionally nudged Sparky toward it too, but I think he's just heard too many stories from me.

5) Stephen Bishop attended Will C. Crawford High School in San Diego. This school requires students complete 20 hours of community service every year. Tell us about an organization, cause or campaign you volunteered for, either as a student or an adult.

I have worked with Habitat for Humanity, several urban renewal organizations (in several cities) and PDA. There's also P.E.O. and I guess I should include YouthWorks. Does my library count? lol

6) In 1977, when this song was popular, Seattle Slew won racing's Triple Crown. Sam's mother has always been afraid of horses. Is there an animal you're uncomfortable with?

I am a bit in awe of horses simply because they're so much bigger than me and have simply enormous teeth. I'm not afraid of them, just wary. And also bulls. I have no desire to piss off anything with horns.

7) Also in 1977, moviegoers waited in line for hours to see Star Wars. What's the longest line you waited in recently?

I was at the local SSA office yesterday. I gave up; those around me had been waiting over an hour and I was on my lunch break at work. Not a real line, just a room full of soullessness.

8) The mini-series Roots first aired in 1977. Today Americans are spending more time and money than ever to research ancestry. How far back can you trace your family tree?

My mom got back to the 18th century on her side. My dad always joked that we shouldn't look too close at his side for fear of finding horse thieves or murderers.

9) Random question: It's often said that nobody's perfect. How about you? What quality keeps you from being perfect?

Laziness kind of sums it up. It's the root of all the evil in my life.

I can't tell you how hearing this song took me right back to junior high! So weird...

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Dog
Darn it! I totally forgot to post these! It’s 5:41 PM here in Honolulu, which means it’s barely still Friday on the U.S. East Coast, and it’s already Saturday in the next time zone east. Sorry!

1. What doglike traits do you possess?

   Loyalty. Entirely too trusting. Forgiving. Distracted. Forgetful. Non-conniving.

2. What’s your favorite dog movie?

   Underdog? Benji? I don't go for the sappy stuff, except maybe Where the Red Fern Grows, but that's all on the book being outstanding.

3. When did you last have a hot dog?

   Hmm. Within the last few months, for sure. They're good comfort food, which is what I've been subsisting on for lo these several months.

4. Who is (or was) a good celebrity dog?

   I kinda liked Spuds McKenzie and the Taco Bell dog, but then again I pretty much like any dog I see. LASSIE?! OMG, I love collies.

5. What are you doing for chow this weekend?

   I have Extra People in the house for the weekend, so we'll see how it all works out. We need to stop at the grocery store for healthy food for at least one of them--and bread!--and we'll probably go out to eat tonight or tomorrow. Otherwise, it's pretty much excavate for food; there's plenty in the pantry.

Friday 5 x5

(Link in meme-roll)
More (and more) Questions About Buildings and Food

1. What’s the best layered food?

   Dirt cake is right up there....

2. What’s the best rolled food?

   I like those little salami/cheese/tortilla things.

3. What’s the most recent cuisine you’ve tried for the first time from an ethnicity not your own?

   Uhm...I can't think of any new ethnic food I've eaten. I've been pretty narrowly focused on fast- or cheap food.

4. What’s a food that scares you?

   Live octopus, still moving. Thank you, "Amazing Race."

5. What’s something you eat solely because it’s good for you?

   Yogurt.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + October 6 through 10
Yeah. Another set of questions about my least favorite month!

1. The first week of October is National Customer Service Week in the United States and Kenya. Where have you received especially good customer service?

   My health insurance company has been so amazing and helpful though the past couple of months. So have all the medical people, but that's technically not customer service I guess.

2. The second Saturday in October was National Tree-Planting Day in Mongolia. When did you last do anything resembling tree-planting?

   I watered plants sometime recently....

3. October 4 was World Animal Day (the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals). What’s an obscure animal you know a thing or two about?

   Echidnas are cool.

4. October 6 was National Poetry Day in Ireland and the United Kingdom. What’s a line of poetry that springs to mind now that you’re thinking about poetry?

   "When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom'd..."

5. What’s in your pocket?

   Chapstick.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Functions

1. What are you holding your breath in anticipation of?

   I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, probably a little bit more than I should by rights.

2. What most recently gave you goosebumps?

   Something on the way to see Beast the other day made chills go up my spine. I can't remember what it was, just where I was.

3. What’s giving you that pain in the neck?

   Sleeping in chairs.

4. What’s making your heart ache?

   Everything is hard right now.

5. What are you yawning at?

   Life. I'm exhausted, and the news I got yesterday about Beast returning home needing 24/7 attention didn't exactly help.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Space

1. Of all the spaces in your residence, which is most powerfully your space?

   This corner of the couch, and the bathtub. The latter of which is calling to me rather stridently.

2. What’s the most spacious space in your everyday life?

   Sleep.

3. What’s a good song about space?

   The only one I can think of is "Major Tom."

4. What’s under your bed?

   Dust. Lots of it. I was down there a couple of nights ago picking up something that rolled under: yuck!

5. What are your thoughts on typing one or two spaces after sentences?

   I've been retrained to use just one space, but it's been hard.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Makin’ It

1. What skill seems like it would be really fun to learn?

   I bought a kit for making friendship bracelets today. That's about my level of fun and skill right now.

2. Which of the winter Olympic sports would you love to compete in?

   I'm pretty sure my only skill here is curling, and only if I don't have to have skates on.

3. What fun craft did you make when you were a kid, in school or at camp or somewhere else?

   I loved making plaster molds and painting them.

4. If everyone in the world is the best in the world at some very specific thing, what are you most likely the best at?

   Procrastinating important things and then running around like a crazy person to get them done at the last minute.

5. What’s something you own that was handmade by someone you know?

   The knitted blanket I took a nap under this afternoon was made by one of my college roommates.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Creepy Crawlies

1. You are walking down the road and you look down. There is a bug. Do you step on it?

Probably not, at least not intentionally. Unless it's an earwig; those things are (shudder) nasty. Yes, I did just shudder for real.

2. What is one fantasy that you want to come true more than any other?

World peace.

3. Someone knocks on your door. Do you look out the window to see who it is before you open it? Do you open it regardless of who it is?

No, I look. And because they can look back in the sidelights, I have to open it once I've looked. If I'm upstairs or generally away from where they can see me, I have been known to pretend I'm not here at all.

4. Have you ever eaten Play Doh?

I think so, probably, as a kid. Smells better than it tastes.

5. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child and why?

I wasn't allowed to watch Saturday morning TV. That was the time reserved for cleaning the house. Mom did the main part, I was only responsible for my room, and when lunchtime rolled around, regardless of how much (or little) I'd done in my room to actually clean, I was free!

6. Are you a “people watcher”?

The older I get, the more fascinating I find people. Except the annoying ones....

7. I have a bowl of fruit. There are apples, oranges & pears. You help yourself to one - which one do you choose?

Assuming they are all at peak ripeness, I'll have a pear, thank you.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve in the blogging world?

Wow. I don't really get peeved very often with blogs anymore. Horrific spelling and lack of coherence is a definite kill for me, though.

9. What is one religion that you could just never see yourself joining?

I think I'd be a terrible Hindu. All those gods to keep track of....

10. What word do you use far too often?

It used to be "actually" but these days it might be pretty close to "probably."

11. How long do you spend in the shower?

Ten minutes? Long enough to wash my hair, scrub my face, and soap up and rinse the bod.

12. If you were to write a personal ad about yourself, what would it say?

I wouldn't. I promise you that no matter what happens in my future, I am extraordinarily unlikely to ever date again.

13. Your favorite flavor of soup is….?

I love a good split pea with ham. It's getting to be that time of year when it tastes best, too!

14. You are sitting on a bench in the park and a bug walks in front of your feet…. do you squash him? (I am assuming this is a different bug from question #1)

My answer is the same. I don't go out of my way to kill things on purpose as a rule.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Let's Pretend

1. What is your middle name?

Well, according to the Social Security database, it's in the top 40 names of the last century, but it hasn't been in the top 200 list since the 1950s when it was only in the top 70 or so names. I don't think I've met anyone my age or younger with that name, but you all certainly would recognize it as a "real name" if you heard it.

2. What is your favorite color?

Blue. And I'm not really fussy about what blue: teal, baby, navy, denim... Blue.

3. What’s your lucky number?

I don't think I have one. I don't "play the numbers" as a rule so it's not much of an issue. I have some "favorite" numbers, but not because they're "lucky."
However, there are some weird coincidences in our family in terms of birthdays: lots of people born on the 27th or 25th of various months and we have a pretty good record of having kids born in years ending in 3 since 1933, except we missed 2003 because my nieces missed the program.

4. Do you have any pets?

Just our little guinea pig, Pinto.

5. Where are you from?

This pretty little planet between Mars and Venus. It's lovely. You should visit. Maybe not during hurricane season, though.

6. How tall are you?

At my tallest, I was around 1.73 meters. I've shrunk some since then though.

7. What shoe size are you?

I'm running at about 10 these days. Somehow, it feels like they just keep growing, but I think it's just that my arches keep falling more and more.

8. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Ha ha ha ha. I'm not quite Imelda-level, but my mom kind of was...it's a goal. We all need goals, right?

9. What was your last dream about?

I have had a bunch of super-weird dreams this week. Lots of traveling, packing, and cleaning. Yeah. Go nuts with all that interpretation.

10. What talents do you have?

Ugh. Right now, it seems my talent involves headaches and irritated GI tracts. Not feeling the joy today.

11. Are you psychic in any way?

I don't even know if I buy psychic powers, to be honest. Sometimes things happen that are creepily coincidental, but I don't think it's psychic.

12. Favorite song?

"Amazing Grace" either the traditional version (sung fairly straight) or Chris Tomlin's version. Though a good gospel version will rock me too.

13. Favorite movie?

Shoah.

14. Are you religious?

Yes.

15. Have you ever been to the hospital?

Of course. I was a candystriper for cryin' out loud. I spent time in hospitals from about age 2 as a visitor (very sick sister). I take Beast to the hospital again this Thursday for another nerve treatment. I spend a lot of time in hospitals. I've only been a patient IN the hospital twice though, thank God!

16. Have you ever been in trouble with the law?

I've gotten one ticket in my life. And I got pulled over last spring because my car came up as suspended, according to the cop; he was really sweet, and it was because Beast's license is suspended, not the car.

17. Have you ever met any celebrities?

Not really. It's not my thing to search them out.

17. What color socks are you wearing?

I have naked feet. It's still summer in my house!

18. Have you ever been famous?

Noooo....I've been in the paper a couple of times when I was interviewed at work. I don't really think that counts, though; both times were local papers.

20. Would you like to be a big celebrity?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

21. What type of music do you like?

I like almost every kind of music, especially if I understand it. Like, I don't really get Asian music but that's probably because I have no conception of how it works, what it's supposed to sound like.

22. How many pillows do you sleep with?

Just one. I have an extra for reading in bed, but it puts my neck at a weird angle for sleeping.

23. What position do you usually sleep in?

Always on my side. Would love to sleep on my stomach sometimes, but not with a CPAP on my face. The only time I ever sleep on my back is if I have an upset stomach. I know, don't ask.

24. How big is your house?

It's about 2100 sq. feet plus basement. FAR too large for two people, but it's full of cra ...er, furniture and uh, stuff, that one or the other of us refuses to get rid of: "we might need it someday."

25. What do you typically have for breakfast?

Usually a bagel with some kind of (sliced) cheese on it.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Angel (1998)
... because Bev recommended it
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Sarah McLachlan wrote this song about someone she barely knew. She read the obit of Jonathan Melvoin, keyboard player for the Smashing Pumpkins, who died of a heroin overdose. What's the most recent news story that touched you deeply?

I have actively and methodically spent the last 7 months trying to disengage my emotions from the news because otherwise I would be locked in a small padded room screaming. However, Dumpster's pronouncement re transgender people this week got my attention, and I'm so gratified to see so many people telling him to fuck right off about that. 

2) Ms. McLachlan performed this in tribute to Linda McCartney at the 1999 Concert for Linda. She was expressing her hope that, in death, Linda found relief and peace after a long and painful battle with cancer. What do you think happens to us when we die?

I'm pretty sure our souls do whatever souls do and move on and don't care about what stupid things we're up to back here. At least I really hope so. I think after death, we all deserve some fun and joy no matter what our lives were like.

3) Daytime dramas General Hospital and As the World Turns used this song on-air after a major character died. Do you follow any "soap operas?"

I used to watch GH when I was in high school, back just after the whole Luke and Laura storyline. And I worked with some DOOL fans who insisted on watching at lunch in the library workroom back in the 80s/90s. Since then, no.

4) In 2007, Sarah donated her recording of this song to the ASPCA. Do you have a pet? If yes, how did you get it (shelter, pet store, etc.)?

We've gotten all our guinea pigs at a pet store, except the three that were born here after our "two males" turned out to be a boy and a (pregnant) girl.

5) She admits she can't watch those ASPCA commercials, where her recording of "Angel" plays over sad photos of animals. Is there a TV commercial that really gets to you (in either a good or a bad way)?

Yeah, I don't even try to watch those or the "kids need help" ads. I leave the room, fast forward past them, or mute them. I do not need more guilt in my life.

6) In 1994, Sarah was stalked by an obsessed fan. Tell us about a time you were really frightened. In retrospect, was your fear commensurate with the threat?

Usually, I react with a little more drama that necessary. However, sometimes I'm fairly calm in the face of crisis. Fear? I'm usually not afraid till later.

7) Sarah was adopted by Jack and Dorice McLachlan. Though she has a friendly relationship with her birth mother, she always considered Dorice her mother and sees herself behaving with her son the way Dorice did with her. Is there anyone in your family that you feel you resemble, either physically or by behavior?

My mother and I were too similar in personality to ever get along well. I'm trying to develop more of my dad's traits as an adult, although he certainly had plenty of less-than-admirable habits. I got my temper from both of them; this is pretty much awful. I look just like my dad's mom, apparently, whom he also resembled.

8) McLachlan is one of the founders of Lilith Fair, a summer concert series designed to showcase talented female performers. Do/did your summer plans include an outdoor concert?

Nope. I don't do crowds, I rarely do concerts, and I really don't like outdoor concerts like this at all.

9) Random question: Which of these men would you most like to be seated with at dinner -- Clint Eastwood, Prince William or Jimmy Fallon?

Jimmy Fallon. I'd probably not be able to eat a bite from laughing, but what a hoot. Prince William...well, that would be mortifying, thanks! And Clint? Uhm. Maybe 30 or so years ago....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Put Your Questions in the Box Questions

1. Where were you three hours ago?

Right here, trying to figure out my day. It's been a weird weekend of just feeling slightly ...off most of the time: headache, GI stuff, overheated (inside with A/C).

2. Make a confession.

I went to a memorial service for a former co-worker yesterday. I didn't speak to one of her sons because he caused her so much grief when she was alive that I just couldn't. Judging by his comments during the service, he hasn't really changed. I escaped afterwards ASAP, skipping the church luncheon, because I'm still very conflicted about the co-worker; she was a difficult person but also smart, kind in her own way, and a wonderful baker. And I was instrumental in getting her fired 5 years ago.

3. Bad habits?

Laziness is winning this race handily.

4. Favorite color?

Blue. Almost every shade of blue: robin's-egg, sky, navy, teal, midnight, turquoise, milky, denim. Bring on the blue! My top is in the lighter range (baby boy or pale sky), but I'm not overly fussy.

5. Can you drive?

Yes. I am the only person in the house doing that these days, so it's a good thing. Beast lost his license last fall, and he shouldn't be driving anyway as he can't actually feel or control his feet very well. Hence the advance to cane and now walker to get around. I live with an 90-year-old (he's actually 53).

6. 3 pet peeves.

Intentional stupidity.
People who are just mean-spirited and nasty toward others.
Humidity.

7. Last person you hugged.

Beast. Of course.

8. Something you miss.

I miss my dad right now.

9. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?

I seem to be song-free right now, which is fine. Something will come along. In fact, if I go read everyone's answers, I'll end up with one of those for sure.

10. Favorite quote.

"It is not your job to complete the task of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to desst from it." [Mishnah]

11. Favorite band.

Probably U2. It cycles.

12. Something you're excited for.

I had to take in a ring for repair and resetting a couple of weeks ago. It's ready--I should go get it. The payoff is even better due to the jeweler being next to Olive Garden, so we'll probably pick up some OGtogo.

13. Favorite movie.

Shoah

14. What type of phone do you have?

Samsung. It's about 3 years old now--but it still works so why change it? Works fine.

15. Favorite animal.

Wolf. Or if we need a specific entity, then Pintobean our cavy.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
MVP

1. What’s the most important single ingredient in trail mix?

   I am not a fan of trail mix. Too many flavors and textures mixed up. I'm not a fan. So, once I've got it all separated, I probably start with the peanuts.

2. What’s the most important single topping in a taco?

   Cheese.

3. What’s the coolest instrument in an orchestra?

   Well, I played flute, but I really think the coolest is harp.

4. What’s your favorite animal at the zoo?

   I head to the wolf exhibit early. And penguins and seals.

5. Which are the best pieces in a sampler box of chocolates?

   The caramels.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Q & A Questions

1. where is your significant other?

About 10 feet away from me in his recliner eating M&Ms, watching golf, and reading the news. Probably throwing heat into his back as well. He's quite the multitasker, my Beastie.

2. your favorite thing?

WHERE is it? I'm not even sure I HAVE a favorite thing that can be located. OK, I kind of OD'd on my mom's day gift Friday: The Hamilton Mixtape. I've got all the songs buzzing around my head in confusion this weekend. The actual CD is currently in the car.

3. your dream last night?

I don't remember anything from last night. Of late, Beast is the one having all the weird dreams. Mine have been unmemorable, literally.

4. your goal?

I don't "do" goals.

5. your hobby?

Reading. Although of late, I've been doing more napping and noodling on the Internet.

6. where do you want to be in 6 years?

I'd like to be right here. I have a feeling, however, that we'll need to move to a flat house (i.e. a ranch) in that time frame because of Beast's health issues. We'll see. It's not something I want to do, certainly.

7. where were you last night?

I was here on the sofa till about 8:30 when we went to bed.

8. what you're not?

I'm not a lot of things: short, stupid, male, African... In fact, I'm probably more NOT than AM.

9. one of your wish list items?

I had to go look at my wish list on Amazon. I'll go with this: Cartier Zeste de Soleil Eau de Toilette Spray

10. your pet?

Pinto Bean the guinea pig is what we have left. How will I answer this question when he's gone??

11. missing someone?

I was seriously missing Dad this morning at church. We sang a song that never fails to remind me of him.

12. your car?

Is blue.

13. something you're not wearing?

Sox.

14. love someone?

Do I? Yes.

15. when is the last time you laughed?

About 5 minutes ago when our neighbor kid came to the door and peered in. He was finishing up mowing and he'd already come to the door about 4 times today, so I laughed and told him, "Just come in; you basically live here now."

16. last time you cried?

Friday? Definitely Thursday. No Kleenex in the ER, either--I was handed a stack of gauze pads.

17. favorite past time?

Sleep.

18. are you a hater or a lover?

I'm working hard on removing hate from the equation, so the default is lover. Truthfully, I'm aiming more at "don't care, don't matter."

19. any vices?

Yeah, I'm not mastering this "eating healthy" thing at all.

20. favorite questions blog other than Sunday Stealing?

Saturday 9, Friday 5, Unconscious Mutterings. There are some weekday ones I'd like to do, but I just do not have the energy/time for them. Many of my favorites are listed in the Memeroll to the right.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Unknown Author Questions

1. if someone wanted to really understand you, what would they read, watch, and listen to?

You'd have to read a lot of history, mysteries (everything but cozies) and "good" lit. You'd have to watch lots of (true and fictional) crime shows, and medical docs. I listen to almost everything. That one's pretty easy.

2. have you ever found a blogger who thinks just like you? if so, who?

Kwizgiver and I seem to be on the same wavelength fairly often. Except on football teams and coffee. ;-)

3. list your fandoms and one character from each that you identify with.

I don't really do fandoms. I like ST and my favorite characters of those series I've seriously watched are Bones, Picard, Kira, and Janeway.

4. do you like your name? is there another name you think would fit you better?

My name is good. At this point, having to switch to listening for another one would be difficult.

5. do you think of yourself as a human being or a human doing? do you identify yourself by the things you do?

Hah. I'm a human. I don't worry about doing and being unless it's a Frank Sinatra tune (do-be-do-be-do).

6. are you religious/spiritual?

I'm churchy. I think we're all spiritual beings, but not everyone connects with that part of them often.

7. do you care about your ethnicity?

Do I care?? I'm aware of it. I don't spend a lot of time dwelling on changing it.

8. what musical artists have you most felt connected to over your lifetime?

U2, Melissa Etheridge, Howard Jones, Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet....

9. are you an artist?

I can do a mean stick figure, and lots of abstract stuff. I don't think I'm overly artistic in the traditional sense, however.

10. do you have a creed?

Lately, it's "don't be a dick."

11. describe your ideal day.

I started to write some stuff, but really I've found that good days are what you make of them, and being open to surprises is key.

12. dog person or cat person?

I'm definitely a dog person. But since I'm allergic to both cats and dogs, it's not in the cards.

13. inside or outdoors?

I've become mostly an indoor person. Allergies.

14. are you a musician?

Amateur only.

15. five most influential books over your lifetime.

In no particular order: The Bible. Traveling Mercies (Anne Lamott). A Marginal Jew, v. 1 (John Meier). The Laura books. Nicholas & Alexandra (Robert Massie). There are dozens of others.

16. if you’d grown up in a different environment, do you think you’d have turned out the same?

No I do not think so. Everything that has happened in my life has made me who I am. Change one thing and the whole Jenga collapses.

17. would you say your tumblr is a fair representation of the “real you”?

I don't do Tumblr--though, come to think of it, I guess I have one that I seriously have never used--but this blog gives you a decent idea of what goes on in my head.

18. what’s your patronus?

I think J.K. Rowling's site told me it was a rodent of some kind. Squirrel maybe? Or ferret? Seems fitting.

19. which Harry Potter house would you be in? or are you a muggle?

Being an American, I'd be a no-maj not a muggle, but I'm more or less solidly Hufflepuff.

20. would you rather be in Middle Earth, Narnia, Hogwarts, or somewhere else?

It would be fun to visit Hogwarts, but overall, I like here best.

21. do you love easily?

I don't even know for sure what this means. I probably do, but it doesn't seem "easy" to me. Or hard. It just seems like me.

22. list the top five things you spend the most time doing, in order.

Sleeping. Worrying/Feeling guilty. Working. Doing online stuff (Facebook, this, email, etc.). Reading.

23. how often would you want to see your family every year?

I see some family member or other 4-6 times a year, usually in packs, like coyotes. LOL There have been years of my life when no one lived nearby when I only saw family once or twice a year. It's not that I don't like them, but short visits go a long way for me. And there isn't anyone less than an hour away, and some are an 8-hour plane trip and 4-hour drive away.

24. have you ever felt like you had a “mind-meld” with someone?

Beast and I occasionally feel that way. We've known each other for 35 years, so we have but to look at each other sometimes to know what the other person is thinking.

25. could you live as a hermit?

Not permanently. There are days, even a few weeks, when it sounds positively heavenly, but I need people to talk to at some point.

26. how would you describe your gender/sexuality?

I'm cis-gendered female.

27. do you feel like your outside appearance is a fair representation of the “real you”?

Nope. I'm absolutely not this old, nor is the real me this fat.

28. on a scale from 1 to 10, how hard is it for someone to get under your skin?

Depends on who and what they're trying on. I'm probably an 8 in public/with the public, and maybe a 5 with people I know and care about.

29. three songs that you connect with right now.

These are the three that popped into my mind first: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" (Stevie Wonder)--no clue why, today, when it's cold, windy and cloudy outside. "Short People" (Randy Newman)--because one of the drivers in the race is named Newman. "Amazing Grace"--because it's always floating near the top.

30. pick one of your favorite quotes.

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ―James Baldwin

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Nor Any Drop to Drink

1. What’s a memory you have of a nearby stream?

   There's a little creek near us that feeds a man-made lake. In going to see Sparky, the roads cross it at least 3 times. It's a little twisty to say the least. It's also weirdly tiny.

2. What’s a good film scene or song lyric involving a river?

   So many religious songs about the Jordan. I'm going with "Take Me to the River." Apparently there's a movie with that title, which I've only just discovered.

3. What fond memory do you have of a lake?

   I didn't really grow up around lakes. In fact, I was quickly informed when a college friend visited me in Colorado that the Soda Lakes outside Denver are simply ponds. So yeah.

4. What’s the most fascinating sea creature?

   I think octopus are amazing.

5. What’s something that caused you to cry tears of laughter?

   This isn't a great weekend to ask me that. I do, however, tend to laugh hard at kids being silly and owning it.

I am....

You Are a Cat

You are a highly independent person. You enjoy exploring the world on your own, and you really treasure your alone time. You have a deep connection with yourself, and you are most relaxed when you fly solo. You enjoy family and friends, but you are a loner at heart. You are a true adventurer, and you have a ton of courage. You are very curious about the world, and you love to explore the unknown as much as you can. You are a very intuitive creature, and you tend to help others heal. You have a good sense of what someone needs, even if there are many mysteries involved.

What Domesticated Animal Are You?

SO MUCH IRONY here! Some truth. A little stuff that I just don't see. But this is pretty much why I'd rather have a dog of my own--there's a enough cat in my life already!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Racquet Questions

01 What is the worst nickname that anyone has ever called you?

I haven't really ever had a good nickname. My parents deliberately chose names for all of us that are hard (or impossible) to shorten, and the only thing my mom ever called me besides my name was "Grace" when I tripped or something.

02 Have you got a favorite flower?

I like heirloom roses, fresh from the garden.

03 Do you add a sauce, ketchup or other artificial flavorings to your food?

Sometimes. Depends on what I'm eating. I use steak sauce sometimes. We don't go through a lot of ketchup, though.

04 Describe yourself using only words that begin with the letter 'T'.

Tall, tired, temperamental.

05 What is/was your lover's pet name for you?

Yeah, well, we'll be moving on...

06 What is your least favorite color?

Mustard yellow-brown.

07 Who did you vote for in the last election, and did they win?

I voted for HRC. Because I have, yknow, a flippin' brain in my head and no trust in my heart at all.

08 What is/was your grandfathers’ names?

One shared a name with a blue monster on Sesame Street, and the other was the Latinized version of Hitler's first name. Guess what: we didn't give Sparky EITHER of their names!

09 What is the best present you ever received?

Sparky of course.

10 What is 17 1/2% of 97 + 42 x (6 / 2) – 137 ? [Editor's note: Holy shit!]

5.975. You asked, right?

11 What would be the best possible way you could die?

In my sleep when I'm old but still compos mentis.

12 Given the choice of absolutely anything, what would be your dream job?

I love my current job. Really, I do. If I could travel more that would be the best.

13 What position do you sleep in at night?

Usually on my side, and I rarely move. Seriously, I usually roll over once only all night.

14 What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Sooo ... many ... things. If embarrassment killed, I'd be so death so many times.

15 Who is your favorite fictional character?

Thursday Next.

16 What food do you hate most in the world?

Brussels sprouts.

17 When was the last time you were ill?

Knock wood, it's been awhile.

18 If you were transformed into a wild creature, what would it be?

I'd like to be a wolf. I'd probably end up as a cockroach. Or a dung beetle.

19 What was your favorite toy as a child, and whatever happened to it?

I don't remember one specific toy that lasted the whole childhood. My eldest niece got my Barbie doll and that pissed me off; I wasn't consulted. I still have my Raggedy Anne doll. Several stuffed animals have disappeared somewhere. And my jacks. And my jumpropes.

20 What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen?

I have been very fortunate to see a lot of pretty amazing things. Perhaps the best memory I have is looking at the stars while lying on my car outside our mountain cabin with my best friend. Pretty epic.

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!