Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

January, Part 2 (Misc Questions) 

            

 1. Can you eat with chopsticks? 

I can, but not well and I'd likely starve to death if I tried.

 2. Could you tell real money from counterfeit? 

Probably. I don't see a lot of money anymore. Plastic and EFTs are my best friends.

 3. What do you think about school uniforms? 

I see both sides of the question. I would've hated hated hated them, but I think that's the default student setting.

 4. What ancient civilization would you most like to visit? 

I would like to know about the Incan Empire.

 5. What would make a great new Crayola color? 

There are never enough choices for blue. 💙

 6. If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? 

Nope.

 7. What do you get in trouble for the most? 

Saying things. I have (yet another) post-it reminder on my monitor at work that just says STFU.

 8. Do you blow your nose in public? 

I mean, if necessary. ??  These days, it's a hassle, though so I have to find a closed room.

 9. If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go? 

Quick note to all: money isn't real. Our imaginations make it worth things.

 10. Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child? 

Probably. I don't recall being a particularly "happy" child, although I had a wonderful childhood.

 11. Who knows more ... you, or your parents? 

My parents are dead these many long years hence. So, me, by default, which is frightening.

 12. What instrument would you like to be famous for playing? 

Bagpipes.

 13. Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars? 

Nope. Add a B to the amount and I'd totally consider some very vanilla sex. No weird shit.

 14. Are you completely in control of your body? 

Hah! Not even close.

 15. What is the coolest web site you know of?

I'm enjoying Blogger again.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll) 

Why Did I Choose You? (1965) 

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

1) In this song, Barbra Streisand reassures her lover that, if she had it all to do again, she would still choose him. Tell us about a decision you've made that you never, ever regretted. 

Despite weeks of homesickness freshman year, I never actually regretted going to college so far from home. It was the only decision I could make to save myself from stagnation.

2) The music was composed by Michael Leonard, who studied classical music at Julliard and the Handel Conservatory of Music in Munich. Do you often listen to classical music? 

Not much. It tends to make me sleep, or else I fall too deeply into listening to parts and replaying and crawling inside it. 

3) The lyrics were written by Herbert Martin. He taught music in the NYC public school system and during the summer worked in summer stock. That's how he met and began collaborating with Michael Leonard. Tell us how you met someone important in your life. 

See question #1. Some of the best relationships, long-lasting ones, of my life started at college, including meeting my now-husband. Almost all of them were distinctly driven by chance and being aware in the moment of the goodness of people.

4) Ms. Streisand was a very good student, graduating fourth in her class at Erasmus Hall High School when she was only 16. One of Barbra's classmates was Neil Diamond. Do you have a favorite Neil Diamond song?

"America" is meaningful to me. Aside: I saw on Facebook this week that he is now 80! Unreal. 

5) While she didn't go on to college, she continued her education by attending two different acting schools simultaneously. Did you enjoy being a student? 

I was an excellent student: attentive, a sponge for info and meaning, good at tests, quiet, well-behaved. None of these things have been particularly useful as a functioning adult except maybe the attentiveness and understanding meaning (rather than surface information).

6) Barbra and her first husband, Elliott Gould, shared a New York apartment over a 5th Avenue restaurant called Oscar's Salt of the Sea. Elliott originated the role of Trapper John in the movie M*A*S*H. On TV, the role of Trapper was played by Wayne Rogers. Can you think of another role that's been played by more than one actor? 

Aunt Viv. Darren Stevens.

7) Oscar's Salt of the Sea has ties to Sesame Street. Jim Henson loved their food and was amused by how inhospitable the owner, Oscar, could be. That's how Oscar the Grouch got his name. Which is your favorite Muppet?

I am developing a deep understanding of Oscar, but I feel mostly like Grover, which is an old family (first) name too. 

8) Back to Barbra ... She is a successful recording artist (nominated for 45 Grammy awards, winning 8) and an Oscar-winning actress, but she's suffered career disappointments, too. In 2010, she read the book Hidden Figures and tried to buy the rights so she could direct the film version. She lost out to fellow Brooklynite, director Theodore Melfi. In 2016, his movie of Hidden Figures was released. Did you see the movie or read the book? 

I saw the movie: stunning! The book was reputed to be deadly dull so I skipped it.

9) Random question: Your best friend takes up painting and proudly presents her first framed work to you. You think it's atrocious. Would you hang it in your home anyway? 

I would, for awhile, and maybe not in an obvious place where I'll see it that often.

 

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Art Historic

Classical: If you were an Olympian god, what would you be known for?

Laughter in the face of Tragedy.

Byzantine: Do you prefer gold or silver accessories?

Silver.

Medieval: Are you religious?

Yes, as a matter of fact.

Gothic: What is your favourite historic building?

I absolutely adore Durham Cathedral. It's just ... comforting? Calming? Homey? It's also, somewhat unintentionally ironically, very Gothic in a particularly medieval way.

Renaissance: Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt enlightened or changed?

The day after Sparky was born, I remember the clear thought that "life will never be the same."

Baroque: Do you enjoy the finer things in life?

Some of them. I like food. I'm not so much about other so-called "fine things."

Rococo: Is your bedroom full of trinkets and pictures? If so, which pictures adorn your walls?

It's definitely not FULL of them! I have the print we got from my parents for a wedding present (in the frame Dad made), a painting by Beast's grandma, a photo of Copenhagen that my brother-in-law took, and some other odds and ends. Not a lot of decor, just dust and things that don't have 'real homes.'

Neoclassicism: If something came back into fashion, what do you hope it would be?

I would like to see more round-toed dressy shoes. I hate pointy toes on shoes.

Romanticism: Do you often see things in a positive light?

I try very hard to do that so I don't spiral into catatonia.

Pre-Raphaelite: Which book would you like to see turned into a film?

I'd prefer if movies would find their own writers for awhile, ones that don't need super-heroes or war.

Impressionism: Do you look for details or take everything in at once?

I think I'm more of a Big Picture person right now.

Art Nouveau: When were you last at the theatre?

Live theatre has been a very long time. Movie theater...coupla months.

Surrealism: Why does the porcupine think it's a duck?

Because it's delusional.

Pop Art: Do you enjoy pop culture?

I do, to a point. I find people endlessly interesting and weird.

Contemporary: What did you do today?

Got up (trust me, it was not easy today), got dressed, went to see Beast, came home, cried, ate lunch, took a nap, avoided thinking about the 7 million things I need to do, this, read out of a couple of books....

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
My Funny Valentine (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Ms. Kitt sings that her lover is her favorite work of art. Tell us about a piece of artwork you can see from where you're sitting now. (Yes, that crayon drawing created by your 5-year-old nephew counts.)

It's actually super-dark in the corners of the room right night, so I can only barely see the papyrus my college roommate brought back from Egypt 34 years ago. I'm sure she paid approximately one dime for it, but we had it and a matching one my inlaws had matted & framed a few years ago.

2) She asks him to not change his hair. When will you next find yourself in the stylist's chair?

I haven't had a haircut since early September, so I should probably get that remedied. My stylist is going to want to cut my hair shorter though, so there'll be an argument. "Argument" is too harsh; there'll be a discussion.

3) Ms. Kitt always wanted to be a performer and attended the New York School of Performing Arts (aka the "Fame" school). Think back to your high school self. In what ways would you be surprised by how your life turned out?

I had no specific expectations for what my adult life would look like. I think it's turned out more or less the way I assumed it would.

4) Ms. Kitt took over the role of Catwoman on TV's Batman. Name another Batman villain.

Gotta go with The Penguin.

5) Ms. Kitt enjoyed tremendous success performing in Parisian nightclubs. Have you ever been to Paris?

Nope. Not really all that interested.

This is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for next Wednesday?

Oh, you're funny as hell. No. I work 5-9 that day, so no fun meals for me that day. And very likely there will be no Valentines either.

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?

Beast, of course.

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. What's the last greeting card you received?

I got a couple of cards ("Hi, we love you!" non-Valentines) yesterday...so don't feel so bad for me regarding the lack of cards next week. ;-)

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

Heirloom roses, from the year. This year, I might just go buy myself some flowers. I'm in need of a reminder than winter will end eventually.

Modernity

You Are Determined

You are a self-starter, and you don't need much to get motivated. You set goals and stick to them. You are very ambitious, and you can be quite impatient when things aren't moving along. You don't like anyone standing in your way. You take your interest in art as seriously as the rest of your endeavors. You tend to know more about art than most people. You appreciate human accomplishment in all its forms. You hope to leave your mark as well as others have.

The Modern Art Test

One of my favorite "fun" classes in college was Art Appreciation. I learned so much in that class and have tried to keep up on reading since then, but I do not get modern art. The options for this quiz were so similar they could be a set, so I don't think they're too telling, and I picked this one because it was mostly blue. It's not very accurate in describing me!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Art History

1. Do you look forward to the spring?

I live in the upper Midwest; the promise of spring is what keeps us all alive from Christmas Day on every winter. "Oh, I saw a bird today!" "Hey, we got two days of sun in a row!" "Are those tree limbs faintly green?"

2. Which area of the sciences do you enjoy the most?

I love physiology. Not so much biology, but the function of systems together. How things are built to work as a unit.

3. If you could own a classical statue in the form of any figure from myth, religion, or even modern fiction, who would you choose?

Athena. I would love to have a copy of the Athena that stood in the Acropolis when it was in its heyday. Of course, we don't know for sure what that statue looked like--I'd want a miniature of it, not full-size, for the record--despite the fake in Nashville. Why Athena? The goddess of wisdom and war.

4. Do you have a good relationship with your mother?

Probably the best I've ever had with her. I mean, we never argue anymore ... (sad face) ... she died 8 years ago.

5. What is your favorite mythological story?

Hmmm. Trying to do this without looking at anything to prompt me. I kind of love the story of Apollo driving the sun across the sky every day. And the story of Prometheus bringing fire to humans, and the punishment he suffered for it. Pretty brutal.

6. If you put on a big feast, what would you serve?

Chicken, burgers, brats, lots of salads, cake, pie. Basically summer cookout fare. However, my usual feast "style" is Thanksgiving-based, so turkey, potatoes, stuffing, veggies, bread, pie pie pie.

7. How do you have fun? (What is your favorite 'Earthly Delight'?)

Reading? Traveling for sure. Laughing for sure.

8. Do you often look for hidden messages and meanings?

Most of the time. Usually not in the moment, but later. However, I'm also very prone to reminding myself that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

9. Have you ever received an award or special position?

Yup.

10. If a revolution was about to happen in your country, would you be part of it?

Oh, this is the part that's timely! hee Well, let's put it this way: I visited the Soviet Union at the end of its life as a country. When the U.S. starts to feel like that, I'll be fighting. My dad fought in WW2, I have read extensively about the Holocaust, and when I see that happening here I'll be fighting. I'll let you decide if either of those (or both) scenarios have any application today.

11. Have you ever planned an act of revenge?

Oh, I've done a LOT of planning!! The question is whether I've ever carried any plans out, though, isn't it?
A former boss told me once that the best way to get through a fraught situation is to quietly plan the demise of the person causing trouble. This has stood me in good stead through many meetings since.

12. What is the most dramatic thing you have ever done?

I don't generally DO dramatic. Maybe throwing the bag of trash back at the people who flung it one night decades ago at the lakefront on July 4. All the boys in our group were like, "Sit DOWN, what are you DOING!?!" I've done some really shocking, scary things over the years, but I wouldn't call them dramatic per se.

13. Do you care about your weight?

I care, but it's clear that I don't care enough to deal with it responsibly.

14. Is your life moving too slowly or too fast?

It's really moving at a pretty reasonable speed right now. Parts could go faster. Parts could slow down some.

15. Do you prefer to stay in the shade?

Yes. I'm a pale-skinned, easily-burned person. And, metaphorically, yes.

16. If you could have any mural on your ceiling, what would it look like?

I wouldn't. These have always made me wonder about the people living in the house. Do you WANT people to be staring up while you're talking to them? Or do you expect people to be so bored that they need something to look at while they're visiting?

17. Do you enjoy the countryside?

heh ... Yeah, I do.

18. Are you a romantic?

Nope.

19. What is your favorite historic subject?

Early Church history, c. A.D. 30 to 200. I also like WW2 stuff, as mentioned above. And the Middle Ages. I just like history, can you tell?

20. Do you prefer landscape paintings?

Nope. I've always needed to have some people in the frame to interest me. I have memories of ENDLESS slide shows of landscapes/scenery as a child. "Didn't you take any pictures of PEOPLE, Dad???"

21. Are you interested in social issues?

Uh, yeah. You could probably say that. Those (few) of you on my Facebook feed are probably rolling your eyes and going, "Nonstop, man, nonstop."

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Five of Whatever

1. How tidy are your kitchen cabinets?

   The insides are pretty tidy. We don't tend to throw stuff in them willy-nilly. Everything has it's approved place and things tend to stay put. My spices are alphabetized if that gives you any ideas...

2. What’s an art project you did in school that you remember fondly?

   We did wood-burning one year, burning designs into wood with a hot iron.
   We were, like 8 or 9. No eye or hand protection. I don't even remember anyone having issues with either the plan or the tools. It would never happen today.

3. What’s the best thing you ate on your most recent trip?

   My most recent trip was a weekend getaway about 60 miles from here, alone. I don't remember any fabulous food. I mostly slept and read and did puzzles in the hotel room.

4. What’s the dumbest non-political thing you’ve seen lately?

   I love that you have to make this stipulation! I see stupid, or at least super-strange, stuff pretty much every day at work. I'm trying to think of the latest thing that made me actually take notice....maybe the continued appearance of people checking significant others' phones for reasons to get pissed off. Why do people do this? Why are you looking for anything? I mean, if you already don't trust the girl, why are you still dating? Focus should stay on what YOU are going to do with information you already have.

5. What’s something in your home that’s lasted longer than you expected?

   I have a table I "appropriated" from the house I stayed in between junior and senior year of college. It's got lovely lines and minimal damage (although the addition of a lower shelf kind of throws things off). It's been refinished but otherwise continues to be a nice piece in our upstairs hallway holding a lamp and a phone.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Make a difference today

1. What is the favorite piece of art you own.

My favorite is the watercolor of Canyon de Chelly that my dad's cousin painted for my wedding gift. Beast likes his Terry Redlin print best, but we still need to get it hung on the freakin' wall. It's only been a year!

2. The most expensive bill you paid last month.

Probably either a medical bill or the mortgage. Or, I suppose, credit card, which we pay off monthly.

3. What’s the last thing you apologized for?

Leaving today's baseball game early, I think.

4. If you could do today over, would you change anything?

I would definitely NOT have had the spicy dish at brunch. It was yummy, but omg heartburn sux!

5. What is the largest TV screen in your house?

It's the Sony in the living room. I think it's 48". Or 52". Sparky told us his roomie wants to get a 70" for their apartment. smh

6. What did you buy today?

Baseball tickets, pop, candy, nachos, brunch. I think that's it. We broke $100 easily.

7. I wish I had ____

...another day of weekend tomorrow.

8. How many photos did you take today?

I only took one. I think Beast took a dozen or so.

9. Last thing you wanted and didn’t get.

More energy.

10. What was the last new thing you tried?

Today's Chilaquiles, similar to these. Super-good!

11. Who is your hero?

My hero (foreground)

12. Today I feel really secure knowing ____

...that I have no impact on the world stage.

13. Whose life did you make a difference in today?

Probably my niece and nephew whose kids I wandered around the ballpark with.

14. What would have made today perfect?

No allergies, fewer people, and seats right behind home plate.

15. Did you thank anybody today?

I thanked my nephew Don who took care of getting tickets. And I thanked E for dancing the polka with me at the 7th inning stretch.

Bonus: If you were a Muppet, which would you be?

Gonzo.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Wouldn't It Be Nice? (1966)
... because Nonnie recommended the Beach Boys
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the video for this song, the Beach Boys dive into the pool with all their clothes on. Have you ever ended up in the water while fully clothed? If yes, were you pushed?

If I've been pushed into a pool, I've blocked it--I get downright panicky when people start horsing around on the pool deck. I have, however, walked in the rain to the point of being soaked to the skin at least twice, probably more. Yes, it's true, I'm too dumb to come in out of the weather. ;-)

2) In this song, Mike Love sings he wishes "every kiss could be neverending." Where did you receive your first kiss? Was it wonderful, or awkward?

My first boyfriend kiss was awkward, but not so bad as to stop. My first kiss-from-a-cute-boy was indescribably embarrassing and wonderful.

3) Brian Wilson was the creative force behind the Beach Boys. It's possible that the group's legendary and unique sound came from an incident of bad parenting. Brian's father hit him so hard with a wooden plank that he is deaf in his right ear. Which of your senses is sharpest -- sight, hearing, smell or taste?

Probably smell. Beast jokes around that I'm the family canary--I can smell everything from a pretty great distance. This is a curse as well as a blessing, believe me.

4) Brian's brother Dennis was the cutest member of the group, and also the only one who could surf. Have you been to the beach yet this summer?

Nope. Not my thing, honestly.

5) Dennis was also the Beach Boys' most colorful member. In 1968, he struck up an unfortunate and dangerous friendship with Charles Manson. Is there anyone in your life that you worry has bad taste in friends/lovers?

I have several friends with lousy taste in men. However, overall, most of my friends are quite sensibly aware of how strange people can be. I worry more about Sparky and people his age because most of them (thankfully) just don't have experience.

6) Lead singer Mike Love is the grumpiest Beach Boy. He refuses to perform if the concert promotional materials refer to the group or their songs as "oldies." Does it bother you to hear the songs, TV shows and movies of your youth described as "classics" or "oldies?"

Nah. I'm old, and I'm the first to admit it. Also, some of those songs and shows were simply horrible either in retrospect or even in my memory.

7) This song has appeared on soundtracks for movies as diverse as Shampoo (1975), The Big Chill (1983), 50 First Dates (2004) and It's Complicated (2009). Do you own any movie soundtracks?

Very few. I'm more into stage soundtracks.

8) In 1966, the year this song was popular, the Miranda Warning became law. Without looking it up, can you recite any of the Miranda Warning?

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed free of charge. Do you understand your rights?" I went and looked and I missed some important points.
Interestingly, I have heard that British police--who don't have a history of making this statement when a subject is arrested--have come up with something similar because of all the criminals watching U.S. movies and TV shows who demand their "rights" not be waived. I'm tellin' ya, the field of crime is not full of Mensa members....

9) Random question: The local college is pleading for models of all ages and sizes to pose for the life drawing class. Would you help the kids by volunteering to pose in the nude?

Hell no, I've no interest in this. Nor in posing fully-clothed, for that matter. Also, they aren't kids. [I saw the last sentence as I copypasta'd and almost dropped my computer on the floor--WTH!!]

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Stars and Stripes Forever by The Muppets
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. Though our song choice is humorous, we honor their sacrifice in our hearts.

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

Nope. There are a lot of flags flying though. Ours will be out tomorrow and Monday.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial Day (then called Decoration Day) was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents?

No. And I kind of hope I never have to at this point. I'd love (LOVE!) to meet Michelle Obama, though.

3) According to the AAA, 36 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend?

Not at all. We have church tomorrow, maybe a movie, probably dinner out, then just hanging out on Monday then 1100 miles of racing. Monday we'll do the movie and dinner out.

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

I love my mom's potato salad. Can't buy it anywhere. She used red potatoes, onions, mustard, mayo and some other stuff that I can't quite figure out.

5) Have you packed away your winter clothes? Or is the weather still so changeable that you still may need something warm?

In this state you don't really pack them away so much as push them back where they are retrievable when the temperatures hit 40 in July. Last summer, August felt like October. ETA: I have put away my winter shoes: No More Boots! Hello Toesies!!

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

Nope. It's only about 65 degrees out. Front door is open. I need to go up and open some windows and do some cleaning/dusting before Sparky arrives.

7) This week, we are featuring the Muppets. Jim Henson made the first Muppet out of an old coat, and he used ping pong balls for the eyes. Do you have a talent for do-it-yourself/arts and crafts projects?

I do NOT. I am reasonably good at "finagling" to make things work but not at creativity.

8) Random question: Think of the last thing you bought. Did you get a good deal?

The last thing I bought was gas. And, it being Memorial Day weekend, the price was higher than usual. Oh well.... I was down to 20 miles on the tank, so needs must.

9) Crazy Sam needs your help: What song or a performer would you like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer? You'll begin seeing your suggestions as Saturday 9 themes in mid-June. Thanks!

I think some Ariana Grande would be nice. Haim's "Want You Back" is good. "Something Just Like This" (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay) is good. Harry Styles' "Sign Of The Times" is pretty good. Imagine Dragons' "Believe" is great. ANYTHING from the Hamilton soundtrack would be a blast!!

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Doodley-Do Meme

Do you keep notes, drawings or letters that people give you?

I do. There's a coloring book page on our fridge that's at least 4 years old. My eldest great-nephew's artwork is also there, from about 2014. And cards and letters and everything. They aren't in a good order, and I randomly have a mad CLEAN EVERYTHING DAY and swaths of my life get pitched rather chaotically.

How many true best friends are present in your life?

There are three people I consider my besties.

Do you currently have a significant other?

I currently appear to have just that.

Would you be able to stand being in the same room as someone you hate?

I do it often enough....

Do you depend on people at all, in any way?

Of course I do! We ALL do. Do you drive on public roads, rely on calling police or fire in emergencies, shop at ANY store for ANYthing.... Yeah, folks, we all depend on each other. Deal with it.

Have you ever lost a close friend?

Yes I have.

Has anybody ever held a grudge against you for a dumb reason?

My boss seems to have taken more than two years to get over a seriously major glare he got when he came up behind me and touched my head while I was wearing headphones.

Have you ever stayed up late talking to someone you like on the phone or online?

Yes, but not for years. These days, I have no doubt that I'd fall asleep if I did this.

Have you ever felt backstabbed by a close friend?

Yeah, this year has been rough that way. There are a bunch of people I thought I could trust at work that I no longer feel that way about. Essentially, no one at work can see about 1/2 of what I post on Facebook anymore because I seem to have walked into 7th grade without noticing it.

Have you ever regretted ignoring anybody?

I regret a lot of stuff I did in high school, and this is one of the things I regret the most. I was pretty nasty to one of the girls in all my honors classes all the way through.

Has a friend of yours ever confessed their love to you?

Aside from Beast? Well, and a couple of other guys before him....

Have you written or drawn anything for somebody else?

Yes.

Do you tend to hide your emotions from certain people? How do you hide them?

Yep. As I said, this year has been a period of relearning how to interact with pretty much everyone in my life. There are damned few people who see "me" much anymore.

Do your friends know how to make you smile in tough times?

Yeah, pretty much.

Could you picture yourself on a reality TV show?

NO WAY! There were some moments watching The Amazing Race that it looked fun, but then....nope.

Are you better at drawing or coloring?

Coloring.

Do you prefer meat or seafood?

In my book, seafood IS meat.

Have you ever read the Bill of Rights / Declaration of Independence?

Of course I have. Please. Are there people in this country who actually have made it through at least 10 years of education without doing this?

Would you rather become a police officer or a firefighter?

I'd rather not do either, and trust me so would you. I would be dangerously bad at either.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Puzzler Meme

What time is it?

11:27 a.m.

Quick. What’s the first green thing you see?

The Airborne bottle on the table next to me has some green on it. Also the bass player on the Daytona warm-up band (Florida Georgia Line) is playing a nifty dark green instrument.

Do you like those Sudoku puzzles?

I do at least one a day, in bed at night, on my Nook. So, yeah.

Do you own a plaid shirt?

I do. It's technically my dad's and no longer has sleeves because he'd almost worn through them when I inherited it after he died.

What’s your favorite kind of pie?

Yes. mmmmm, pie. Pie is good. Not much of a fan of pumpkin, but otherwise....nom nom nom.

Have you read a book today?

Yes. And I will read more, I hope.

Do you like going to museums?

Yes. Up to a point.

Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? Or your nation's capital?

Yes. I need to go back. It's been over 25 years!

Have you ever been to the state of Washington?

Nope. Nor is it high on my list.

Do you like apple juice?

Sure. I don't go out of my way for it usually, but it's nice.

How cold is it outside?

38 right now with a little breeze, and cloudy. So about 20 degrees cooler and crummier than yesterday. :(

Have you ever taken a course in Chemistry?

Yes, I took basic chem in high school and biochem for dummies in college. And then I gave up, threw in the towel, and just married a chemist so he could do all the scientific thinking for me.

Do you like to draw?

I'm not good at representational art, but I scribble good.

What do you put on your french fries?

Salt.

Do you like everything to match?

I prefer matching to clashing, but I'm also wary of being too matchy-matchy.

Do you like mustard?

Yes.

Would you ever work at a movie theater?

Would I? Sure, although probably not long-term.

Do you have a phone charger in your car?

Yup.

Have you ever slept through an alarm?

More than once.

Do you like pineapple on pizza?

Hell no! That is just so much wrong! I'd rather do the bizarre British sweetcorn on pizza.

Do you like to hold hands?

Yes I very much do.

Do you want a tattoo?

Not particularly.

When is the last time you ordered from a catalog?

Good Lord! Eons. I do order online, but rarely have the catalog at hand.

Do you know anyone who has a collection of old records?

...besides me, you mean?

What’s the name of the gas station you last stopped at?

I think it was one of the Mobils in town. I don't remember, actually.

What was the first song you heard today?

I have no idea. The first one I remember is the Doxology, being sung in church during our Sunday School hour. There was surely music before then, at least one hymn, but I don't remember clocking any of them.

Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift?

Yes. My mom bought Guideposts for me for several years before her death.

What was the last video you watched on YouTube?

The last one I watched all the way through was a Nina Conti set. If ventriloquism is your thing, check her out.

Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love?

I am a) a wife, b) a mother, c) a daughter, d) human. So yeah. Comes with the territory.

Have you ever had your picture in the newspaper?

Yup. Not for many many years (thank God) though!

And, just for closure, it's now 11:59.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part four

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I probably wasn't listening to the absolute best that was given, but "Trust yourself" is pretty close to the top of what I remember.

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

Much easier to forget. SOOOOOoooo much easier!

78. First mobile phone?

I didn't get one till about 10-12 years ago. Maybe 2002?

79. Strangest dream?

I have strange dreams nearly every night. No, actually, I'm sure have have strange dreams EVERY night, but I remember only the ones in which I'm enmeshed when the alarm wakes me.

80. Best dream?

See above. I have some really awesomely funny weird dreams....

81. Who is the smartest person you know?

Depends on what we're measuring. Book-smart? Experience-smart? Emotional-smart? I know an awful lot of very smart people, for whom and for which I'm ever-thankful.

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?

It's rare for me to run across someone I can't find some sort of beauty in. There are very few truly ugly people out there, even the ones whose exterior isn't easy on the eyes.

83. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes. Always. It ebbs and flows and right now the tap is WIIIIIDE open.

84. Who do you love? Why?

I'm trying to work on loving everyone. It's not easy.

85. Do you like sharing?

I'm the Queen of Sharing, which is also something I'm working on, and also not easy to change.

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

I posted this to Facebook last Wednesday. Yes I'm a little behind on the origami calendar.....

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?

Sure. Or at the very least a teachable moment.

88. Favorite genre of music?

"Good"--I like lots of genres, including classic rock, heavy metal, rap, R&B, country, folk, indie, Christian, Middle-Eastern, funk, old pop (like Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, Lee), Afro-pop, reggae, ska, house, what my dad called "long-hair music" (a.k.a. "Classical)....

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

"Unfinished."

90. Describe your life in 5 words.

"I don't have a clue."

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Crazy from whose standpoint? Mine when I did it, or looking back on it? Craziest thing I can think of that turned out great and that I never have regretted is going to college 1000 miles from home. In so many ways, that's when my real life started.

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?

The first three I added to my starred list on Spotify are "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel, "Fadeaway" by Da Bodeans, and "Black, White, Tan" by Nicole Mullen. Alphabetically by author (and omitting bands starting with numbers), it's "Wake Up" by Aaradhna, "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust, and "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Alpha by title (and omitting numbered song titles): "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, "ABC" by the Jackson 5, and "Ackee 1-2-3" by The English Beat. That gives you a fair approximation of what my headphones sounds like at work.

93. Are you more creative or logical?

I'm more logical most of the time.

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?

I'm too honest by far about answering people's questions, though I have learned a tiny bit of tact over the years.

95. What are you most proud of?

The growth I've accomplished over the past few years in delineating boundaries, in forgiving myself and others for being human, and for standing my ground.

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?

Joy.

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?

Sleeping. hah OK, or playing with kids. Or reading in the sun.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?

"Hi" usually works for me. Not real creative (see #93), is it? Often I open a conversation with a question: "Can you help me?" "What's your name?" "How do you know [the host or whoever got me there]?" Simple is better.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...a long distance out of the way...

(Swiped from Amy)

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

A version of "not my circus, not my monkeys" that involved snakes about 10 years ago. I have to re-hear it regularly as I'm prone in sticking my nose into things it would be better off out of. [Grammar is my friend...]

If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing?

Whatever song they'd like. However, I must stipulate that they can at least bring a bucket in which to carry a tune in. Beast can't sing at all, and Sparky isn't quite there yet either.

Would you ever let your parents pick out a partner for you?

Nope, and it's too late now. And they wouldn't've anyway. I'm more likely to listen to their advice as I get older, however, which is somewhat ironic now that I can't.

Michelangelo's David...masterpiece or filth?

"Filth" because he's naked? Please, get over your penis-phobia! And it's an amazing work of art. I will never forget my first sight of it in the Accademia in 1985. Astounding, jaw-dropping, un-fucking-believable.

Do you like other people buying you clothes?

Depends on the article of clothing. Sometimes its spot on, something I love and will wear. More often it's weird or the wrong size. My mom, funnily enough, chose good things for me even after multiple strokes until she stopped shopping because ... stuff got hard. No one else has matched her prowess. :'(

What one device would you want to see added to a mobile phone?

I just got a new phone and I can't think of a thing it doesn't have, except a "louder" (i.e., more noticeable) vibrate feature. I guess I'll just have to turn up the volume and annoy my coworkers with sounds.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

I'll be nearly 62. Probably still at least 5 years from full-benefits retirement, as they've raised the age for state employment vestment to 67. I hope I can make it that long. Honestly, I don't know what I'll do if/when I retire. Maybe I'll have grandkids, or at least a daughter-in-law, by then? I'm not holding my break. I love Sparky to death, but right now he's a bit of a know-it-all/spaz.

Do your dreams ever tell you to do anything?

Not really in the sense of ordering me around. My dreams often 'reinterpret' what's been going on in my waking life and help me sort out the important stuff. Or just point out the Tragically Weird. And often I wake up thinking, "Why in hell was I obsessing all night about (this week) making sure Sparky gets a checking account??" Which we did this morning.

Have you ever been to an Art gallery?

Uhm, yes. Of course. There was one on my college campus, right by the dining room. Many libraries I've been in have had small galleries attached. Mine does, now, for instance. Starbucks even has gallery space to rent! And of course museums too. Endless hallways inside the Vatican come to mind, full of so much art it seems almost obscene that what we're seeing is "just the good stuff." And some Native galleries in various locales...Vegas, Arizona, Minnesota.

Do you shout out the answers at the TV whilst watching quiz shows?

I've been known to mutter. And occasionally, when contestants are ridiculously dumb, I have shouted. I don't watch too many of them anymore, though.

Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?

Probably, but since I don't hang out in pubs, or anyplace where there's regular trivia contests it's not been a thing. No one I know is willing to play Trivial Pursuit with me anymore, though, even the smarty-smart people of my acquaintance. Sad face.

If you could bankrupt one person or company who would it be?

Weapons manufacturers and dealers. This song is a bit extreme, but the gist of it works for me.

If you could steal one thing without consequence what would it be?

Babies for snuggles. Until they start doing the stinky-screamy thing and then they go right back to their parents.
Something I'd steal and keep? Maybe all the handguns in the world...and throw them into an active volcano.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1980)
... because Diana suggested Queen
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this video, Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury is wearing a leather jacket. Do you have a leather jacket?

I do, but it doesn't fit anymore. It's a real Harley jacket from the mid-80s. I love it, but it's very form-fitting for a form that's half my current size.

2) There's a statue of Freddie in Switzerland. There's another statue of him above the Dominion Theater in London. Tell us about a statue or memorial in your town.

We only have war-memorial statuary. Oh, yeah, there's a little statue of a mom and her kid(s?) sitting on a bench. It's about 3/4 real-life and right outside our City Hall. Not a big arts place, unfortunately. In fact, there's a free-form one on someone's personal property that was installed about 12 years ago that raised a huge fuss at the time.

3) Mercury said this song was inspired by Elvis Presley. What's your favorite Elvis song?

I like "Love Me Tender", "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog."

4) This song was covered by the animated Alvin and the Chipmunks. Do you still watch cartoons?

Nope.

5) The members of Queen met while attending Ealing Art College in London. Are you still in touch with the friends you had in your late teens and early 20s?

Some of them, yes. I've connected with about 15 high school (and prior schools) friends, and probably 10 college friends. My first job(s)....not so much (at all), though I do Facebook stalk one person regularly to make sure she's far away from me.

6) During Queen's hey day in the 1980s, Mercury stayed in shape with tennis and swimming. Are you more accomplished on the court or in the pool?

Tennis. I used to play--badly--semi-regularly. But I couldn't do it now, not anymore.

7) In 1980, when this song was popular, Brooke Shields made a jeans commercial where she said, "Nothing comes between me and Calvins." It actually only aired for a short time because so many viewers called and complained about it. Have you ever called or emailed to protest something you saw on TV?

I don't think so. Not anytime recently. I'm unlikely to bother--there's a mute button and I use it regularly.

8) 1980 is also the year the Post-It note was introduced. What's the last Post-It you wrote?

I use them every day at work. I think the last one I used was to let me know what grade level the kids' books were. The last one I wrote was probably something along the lines of "new spine pls--fixed in [catalog]" or something thrilling like that.

9) Random question: Do you blush easily?

Yes, very much so. I have pale skin that flushes easily. I can't drink without it 'showing' either.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Mash Up Meme

1. What’s overdue for a good cleaning?

My desk and the immediate area surrounding it. The one at home is always a little untidy at best, and the one at work is a nightmare. I haven't properly cleaned it since my new boss started over 2 years ago. All those bloody slips of paper, notes to myself, tags so I don't forget, projects.... At home it's magazines, mail, and things to file.

2. What’s overdue for some kind of professional examination, service, maintenance, or upkeep?

Sparky's car needs to have new brakes. Beast is getting a new riding mower tomorrow. And we're discussing new kitchen countertops. We also need new flooring out there.

3. Who’s overdue for a phone call or letter to you?

To me? I never expect cards/letters/phone calls. From me? Just about everyone.

4. What’s overdue for an appearance in your neighborhood?

QUIET! It's bloody noisy around here for the weeks leading up to and following Independence Day.

5. Who’s overdue for a good comeuppance?

The entire Bush (II) administration.

6. What’s a gross food you like anyway?

Well, if I thought it was gross, really, would I like it? lol But there was a thing on someone's Facebook wall yesterday about hot dogs being the equivalent of food garbage, and I like them just fine.

7. Who’s an unlikeable person you like anyway?

I find it hard to dislike on a deep level most of the homeless people who use our library. They are, some of them, really fookin' annoying, but they're sort of family at this point.

8. What’s an unpleasant task you enjoy performing anyway?

I don't mind cleaning toilets.

9. What’s a dumb song you enjoy anyway?

Oh, pretty much every pop song I know the lyrics to. Most of the early Jackson 5 oeuvre, for instance.

10. What’s a lousy restaurant you frequent anyway?

McDonalds counts?

11. What's your favourite Sci-fi film/program etc?

Favorite film is probably The Matrix, and TV show has to be Star Trek: The Next Generation.

12. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading?

No. Nor even an improper one.

13. Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you?

Of course I have. It's a prerogative that is required once you hit 50, not to mention for all parents!

14. Have you ever done something really unbelievable, only to have no one around to see it?

All the time. Quiet fist pumps in the air at my desk happen pretty regularly. I don't always feel the need to brag.

15. If you were famous would you want a statue or a building named after you?

Neither really, but if I had to, it would be either modern-art version of me, or a building, like maybe a library? lol

Blogthings Bloodbath

You Have Been to 59% of America

You are quite well traveled when it comes to the USA. You've made it a point to get out there and experience this vast country. Even though you've seen a lot of the United States, there's probably more you're dying to see - both in the states and internationally.

How Much of America Have You Been To?

Spot on! Yay--I love traveling and seeing new places.

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Your Glow is Green

You exude hope and change. You have a glow about you that is dynamic and proactive. You believe in the power of personal growth and healing. We can all be better off than we are today. You are a big proponent of intuition and doing what comes naturally. You think we should listen to ourselves for the answers. You are happy to help anyone in need, but you are not dogmatic about it. You are more of a guide than a guru.

What Color is Your Glow?

I dunno about that "exuding" business, but I definitely agree with the italicized bits.

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You Should Learn Gothic

You are not necessarily a goth, but you are drawn to the more mysterious side of life, especially if ancient texts are involved. You are the type of person who likes to delve deep into history and research. An extinct, little known language appeals to you, just for the discovery factor alone. You may not be able to speak Gothic with anyone, and you're okay with that. You're more excited by the possibility of helping reconstruct this very old language. You are always eager to learn more about the context of the world, and for you, this means going way back in time.

What Germanic Language Should You Learn?

Yes, well, ok. But I fear this means I have to learn to read Fraktur, which doesn't thrill me.....

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You Are Artsy Bohemian

You are drawn towards the artistic side of life, and what you consider art can stray pretty far outside the norm. For you, art can be anything from personal expression to a political act. You see art everywhere, sometimes in the most unlikely places. You sometimes find beauty in ugliness, or at least what others consider ugly. You are drawn to strong contrasts. You also can find ugliness in beauty, especially when it's over-manufactured or too contrived. You think art should be unpredictable and challenging.

What Kind of Bohemian Are You?

I'm really not very Boho at all. And the whole concept of "bohemian" sorta annoys me since I have a good friend who is actually Bohemian. Y'know, his family emigrated from Bohemia.

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You Are Silicon Valley

You are a creative and productive person. You have some pretty innovative ideas, and you're the type to put them into action. You reject the notion of "work hard, play hard". In your view, work should always feel like play if you're doing it right. You are big on pushing boundaries and doing the impossible. If someone says you can't do something, you just want to do it even more. You are technologically inclined, but you would never consider yourself just a geek. You are so much more than that!

Which of the Six Californias Should You Live In?

OK then. I do have a bit of an attitude about being told (not) to do things. This is very true.

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You Are a Blue Ice Cream Cone

You are your own brand of cool, and you often get a kick out of being a little funky. You are blissfully abnormal, and you do your best to stay that way. You find the mainstream to be pretty darn boring. You swim so hard against the tide that you practically get your own tide going. Your own current is that strong! Some good ice cream flavors for you include: blueberry, black currant, cotton candy, and blue raspberry.

What Color Ice Cream Cone Are You?

I actually did have blue ice cream last January in Pasadena. So there you go. I think it was blue raspberry, if I'm recalling correctly.

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You Should Look for a Rainbow

You are cheerful and have a sunny spirit on even the rainiest days. You refuse to let life get you down. You understand that all storms pass - both literal and figurative ones. All you need is a little patience and optimism. You are resilient and adventurous. You know when to ride out a storm, but you also know when the worst has past. You're the first person out the door once the worst has subsided, which means you have the best chances of spotting that elusive rainbow.

What Should You Do On a Rainy Day?

Nope, the last part is wrong. I prefer to stay in and make VERY sure the storm has definitely passed, both literally and metaphorically.

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Your Motto is Wise

Your motto is: "Make it simple but significant." You think that the key to living a good life involves not over-complicating things. Chaos leads to drama. The less you have to keep track of, the better you can do at it. You never have a problem saying "no" when you need to. You have your priorities in check, and you always know who and what matters most. You would rather do a few things well than many things poorly.

What's Your Motto?

Fairly accurate, though I'm often rather chaotic and I often find myself agreeing to do things I wish I hadn't.

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You Are a Taco

You have many dimensions to your personality, and you're always surprising people with your next move. Sometimes you are very old-fashioned and tradition oriented. You never forget your roots, and you honor them. At other times, you are extremely modern and on the cutting edge. You're not one to trap yourself in a box. No matter which persona you are rocking, you are always on the go. Life never stops for you.

Are You a Taco, Burrito, or Tostada?

OK, I'm a taco. Interesting. I guess that's ok: crunchy on the outside, spicy on the inside.

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You Should Visit London

You're the type of person who has an insane amount of interests, and only a world class city like London can capture them all. You may enjoy high quality theater one night and a rousing soccer match the next. You contain multitudes. You are a people person and a great conversationalist. You would never want to be slowed down by not knowing the language of the country you're traveling in. You are often on the movie [sic], and you like to be around people and places that light a spark for you. And London is just the city to do that!

Should You Visit London, Paris, or Moscow?

I wouldn't mind getting back to Moscow, but I really do A D O R E London.

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You Are Stable

You are a pretty relaxed person overall, and you bring a lot of peace and calm to almost any situation. You have done a lot of work in your life to get where you are, and you wouldn't change it. At this point, you consider stability your secret weapon. You live a good life, and you wouldn't trade it for anyone else's life.You're [generally] happy with where you are right now. You don't need to mix things up much - your everyday routine suits you. That being said, you rarely turn down a little treat or break.

The Chocolate Fondue Test

I'm not sure I'm the one bringing peace and calm anywhere!

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You Are a Discoverer

You may travel far, near, or not at all... but you've always got your eyes and ears open for new discoveries. You are more in tune with the world around you than most people. You tend to pick out the underrated things that others ignore. You get a kick out of novelty, and you don't have to go far to find it. (Although going halfway around the world sounds fun to you!) You approach every day with an explorer's mentality - even if you're just buying a new thing at the grocery store.

What Kind of Explorer Are You?

Zing! 100%!!! I do like finding little, unnoticed, secret things.

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You Are Confident

You are not afraid to rock a distinctive style, and you know how to always turn heads without crossing over to gaudy. You project a vibe that is feminine and strong. You know who you are and love yourself ... and your look reflects it! Your 1950s Anthem: I Walk the Line Your 1950s Style Icon: Bettie Page

The 50s Dress Test

Well, there's nothing at all right about this one. Clearly my mind was still on exploring and not on answering the questions for this test.

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Your Heart is Projecting Independence

When it comes to love, you make your own rules. And for you that means loving people others would never expect you to love. Your heart is very flexible and open. If things go badly, you're more likely to erase that part of your heart than let it break. You can love for a long time, but you don't have to. You believe in letting each relationship run its natural course. You respect that others have their own ideas on love. You know you can't force anyone to love you, and you are good at letting go.

What Is Your Heart Projecting?

Nailed it. Back on track.

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You Are the 1950s

You are easygoing, friendly, and quite content in life. You don't want for much. You know that the world isn't perfect - and that it can even be downright scary. Still, you find your happiness where you can. You are likely a bit of a pop culture buff, and you know a lot about popular music, television, and movies. And you love all things American ... whether it's musical acts, car models, fashion trends, or home cooked food.

What Mid-Century Decade Are You?

Well, I don't really love everything American, but the rest of this is pretty true.

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Generosity Makes You Happy

You have found that the key to your own happiness is spending very little time thinking about how happy you are or aren't. Instead, you look around the world and try to see who could use more happiness. And you do your best to help make that happen. You get that being generous is more than just giving away money. You are generous with your time... and with giving others the benefit of the doubt. You are never one for keeping an eye on the score, and you're not looking to see what you get back from your giving. You just give what feels good.

What Makes You Happy?

The parts that are italicized are very accurate. The others are not quite right enough to be italicized.

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Your Donut Personality is Funky

You are an independent and unique person. You have your own little groove going on in life without seeming too weird about it. You're pretty easygoing, but if people look carefully, you're usually bending the rules in one way or another. You're never one to totally, completely conform. You refuse to let yourself get bored, even if it seems like the situation is conspiring against you. You can figure out a way to punch things up a little. You are constantly turning things on their head just to see what they look like from a different perspective. You're not a person who takes things at face value.

What's Your Donut Personality?

Uh, yeah.

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You Give Detailed Feedback

You think that most feedback can be more damaging than helpful, especially if it's of the vague variety. When you give feedback you stick to the facts - lots of them. You try to be as objective as possible. You believe that advice or criticism should never be too personal. You are not trying to offend with your feedback. You are more concerned with what works than with what is correct. You give suggestions not commands.

What Kind of Feedback Do You Give?

I try to do this. Not always real successful with it.

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You Should Play Folk Rock

You are easygoing and accepting. You are very open to the world and its influences. While you are quite sophisticated and savvy, you prefer to keep things simple. You let your true self and expression shine through. You are a natural storyteller, even if you're a bit of a shy one. You spin a good story and see the narrative in everyday life. You don't have the typical rocker personality, but for the right audience, you're more than happy to rock out.

What Kind of Rock Should You Play?

Yes! Totally.

Amy, my usual supplier

She calls it it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you

• Are you a good dancer?

  Hah. No. I always wanted to take dance lessons but it wasn't happening for several reasons when I was a kid.

• Are you a good singer?

  My voice has been weird lately. Normally, yes, I'm ok. Lately, I sound like my vocal cords went through a cheese grater. It's frustrating.

• Are you a good cook?

  Meh, I know my way around the kitchen but I don't like it.

• Are you a good artist?

  No. I can't draw.

• Are you a good listener?

  Sometimes.

• What's your favourite clean word?

  Today it's "calm." Because I really would like some.

• What's your favourite swear word?

  "Fuck." Go big or go home.

• What's your least favourite word?

  "Sorry" because it often isn't meant to be taken seriously.

• What was the last film you saw?

  I have no memory.

• What football team do you support?

  Must you really ask? Go, Pack, Go.

• Have you ever been bobbing for apples?

  I have! It's HARD!

• What's your most expensive piece of clothing?

  I can't think of anything in my closet that's very expensive, or out of line with the rest of the clothes. My bras are pricey, I guess. And I have some expensive jewelry. I'm considering getting a really GOOD new winter coat next year. I'm tired of parkas.

• What's the last thing you took a picture of?

  The origami I made at work today.

  

• What's the last thing you drew a picture of?

  Something shaped like LETTERS BECAUSE I DON'T DRAW. But I do write.

• Have you ever bought anything from eBay?

  Nope.

• Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink?

  I used to mix together different flavors of Shasta as a kid. And I regularly 'invent' in the kitchen because I can't be bothered to follow directions exactly.

• Do you have any secret family recipes?

  Mom's mac n cheese.