Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sign of the Times (2017)
... because Cat. [me!!] recommended Harry Styles [I did?]
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here

1) In this song, Harry sings, "We don't talk enough, we should open up before it's all too much." When you have something serious on your mind, who do you share it with?

Beast, you-all here online, God.

2) As a kid, Harry wanted to be a lawyer because he can see "both sides." Are you good at seeing both sides of an argument?

Yes, to my own loss quite often.

3) He can't decide which is favorite color -- orange or blue. Help Harry out: which of those colors do you prefer?

What a combination ... especially around here, he'd be fine wearing both. I prefer blue. Orange is not a favorite.

4) Harry says he prefers older women, but would never go out with someone older than his mother. Do you think age disparity matters in romance?

Not once both parties are out of their teens. There's something decidedly skeevy about an adult dating a teen, by which I mean 10+ years age difference.

5) He admits to a big crush on Adele, who is six years older than he is. Who are you crushing on right now? (It doesn't have to be a celebrity.)

My heart belongs to Beast, but my eyes can't help but notice well-spoken guys of any age with a good sense of humor and lack of entitlement.

6) It makes Harry's skin crawl when he sees people use their teeth to open bottles. What creeps you out?

Butt cracks. I have seen far FAR too many of them at work. Doesn't matter the gender, the age, the relative cleanliness of the rest of the person, I do NOT need to see your but while you're using a library computer!!

7) When he's on the road, his go-to food is tacos. Do you like Mexican food?

I do. I actually really love real Mexican food. It's kind of one of my comfort foods.

8) Harry has never smoked. Have you ever been a smoker? If you quit, how did you successfully kick the habit?

Thank the Good Lord from keeping me away from this particular addiction! I don't remember anyone smoking that was in my life during those formative years when you're trying to impress people. My sister Ellen smoked, as did (does?) her husband, but otherwise I had a remarkably smoke-free adolescence. Unless you count those of my friends who smoked pot, of course....

9) Random Question: As she pulls out of her parking space, an elderly woman in an old car scrapes an expensive car. Then she drives away. You witness the whole thing. Do you make a note of her license plate and leave it for the owner of the expensive car? Or do you just mind your own business?

Hmm, that's a great ethical conundrum. In my town, it's quite likely that I know one or the other of these people, so that is going to color my decision a bit. Generally, though, I'm more likely to pretend I saw nothing. We have a pocket of horrible, entitled jerks living in the area; it's always nice to see them get theirs.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight No Chaser

1. What keeps you on the straight and narrow?

   My conscience generally reminds me that I don't want to go to jail. Or be a jerk.

2. Who in your life is a real straight shooter?

   Most everyone in my family, and a couple of coworkers.

3. How straight are your teeth and hair?

   My hair is randomly curly/wavy, but not kinky-curly. My teeth are 40 years out from braces: still pretty straight, all things considered.

4. What’s a good song with the word straight in its lyrics or title?

   "Straight From the Heart" jumped immediately to mind. I'm not a huge Bryan Adams fan, but that song was pretty unavoidable when it first came out.

5. What’s something that needs straightening?

   A lot of people's attitudes seem to be ruffled of late. Including mine.

Tiny Gestures

1. What might you put in a small, pretty glass bottle as a romantic gift to someone?

   Well, I wouldn't put it in the bottle, but I might give someone perfume/cologne.

2. Someone you care very much for is leaving for a long time but will be back. What small object (not a photo) might you give him or her to remember you by?

   If pressed, I might just give them a small stone, nothing special, just to keep in their pocket to remember me by.

3. If you were to leave a small mark in your current residence, as lasting evidence that you lived there, what would you leave, and where would you leave it?

   Before the builders put up the sheetrock I ran around and Sharpie'd a cross on most of the door jambs of the house I'm currently in. When things are dire, it can help knowing that God's around.

4. What would you like to toss into the fires of Mount Doom?

   The Trump family.

5. Those adopt-a-star things are gimmicky rip-offs, but if they weren’t, and someone gave you one as a gift, what would you name it?

   I wouldn't name it. I let the astrophysicists of my acquaintance get on with things.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Some Guys Have All the Luck (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Do you consider yourself lucky?

Oh for sure! No doubt. I should be dead a few times over--the fact that I'm not is, if not luck, a miracle.

2) When did you last risk money in a game of chance (lottery, raffle ticket, slot machine, etc.)? How did you do?

I don't play the lottery. I don't play slots around here. When I'm in Vegas, I through some money away, but never more than $100 or so. I only do raffles to support the cause the raffle is raising money for.

3) There's a major football game this weekend. Will you be watching? Do you have any money riding on the outcome?

No money on it, but I'm really hoping Atlanta can whup those Pats. I'll be watching the ads.

4) The composer of this song, Jeff Fortgang, is an interesting guy who's had two disparate careers: first pop musician, then Yale-educated clinical psychologist. It's possible that many of the patients who see him for help with anxiety or depression have no idea that he wrote this song. What's something your coworkers (or, if you're not working, casual friends) would be surprised to know about you?

I've worked with several of the same people for over 21 years. I'm not real sure there's anything that would be surprising to them. At this point, perhaps the mere fact that I used to be skinny (and I was VERY skinny as a kid).

5) Similarly, fans are often surprised to learn that this week's featured artist, Rod Stewart, is a history buff who loves reading about WWII. Is there a period of time or historic event that has captured your interest?

I have read an awful lot (pun intended) about the Holocaust, both the 'mechanics' of it and the human cost of it.
I've also read a lot of stuff about 'the historical Jesus' and the very early years of people believing he was ... something.

6) Rod met his current wife as the result of a dare. Penny Lancaster, then in her 20s, spotted the decades-older celebrity in a bar and only approached him because her friends bet her she didn't have the guts to talk to him. Are you, like Penny, vulnerable to peer pressure? Can your friends talk you into doing things you might not otherwise do?

I'm vulnerable to dares like this, though less-so than when I was young. However, I'm also really stubborn and if I don't want to do something I can be a total "party pooper." If it doesn't fit in my ethos (or if I just don't wanna for whatever reason, tbh), I'm not going to be dared into it!

7) Rod vividly recalls being 11 years old and going to see Little Richard perform in a film comedy called The Girl Can't Help It. When you were a kid, did you enjoy going to the movies? What do you recall seeing?

We didn't go to movies too often. I can only think of about 5 that I saw: "Tora, Tora, Tora!" (I thought it was a bullfighting movie--uh, no), "Paint Your Wagon", "The Apple Dumpling Gang", "Herbie the Love Bug", "The Lady and the Tramp".... There may have been more, but I sure doubt it.

8) The lyrics tell of when Rod's car overheats and he calls a friend, who doesn't come through. Tell us about a time recently when you were there and helped a buddy out.

Uhm. I do this often enough that it's not really memorable. Sorry. I don't keep score on this. The only thing I can think of is that a coworker nearly passed out at lunch Thursday, and a couple of us sat her down and fussed over her till she felt ok--and extracted a promise to get to the doctor ASAP.

9) The lyrics mention that "some guys do nothing but complain." Who do you know who is like that? Do you have a friend, relative or coworker who just always seems to find fault?

OMG. One of my former coworkers was the WORST! Just awful. I feel kind of bad because we have been told that since retiring, she has developed serious dementia, so now we're all wondering if the earlier behavior was a cover. It was, however, a nightmare to deal with day to day.

'Splosion

You Are a Purple Smoothie

You are a very deep and even mysterious person. You have so much going on that people can't really figure you out. You live a very full life, but it's still an orderly one. You pull off a very delicate balancing act with grace. You are zanier than you seem, and it's because you dabble in a little of everything. You are someone different to everyone. You are big on nuance, and you don't get caught up in labels. You would always rather dissect than debate.

What Color Smoothie Are You?

Since I'm not sure I've ever had an actual smoothie, I can't speak to the flavor here, but some of this is pretty accurate. And some is not so much.

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You Are the Optimist

You are a friendly and vivacious person. You know how to turn on the charm and be the life of the party. As an optimist, you're wiling to give most anything and most anyone a shot. You believe that great things are coming your way. You love people, and you make friends easily. You are quick to complement others, and you rarely hold a grudge. You are creative and colorful. You are constantly thinking of new activities and ideas... both at work and play!

The Strengths and Weaknesses Test

I like to be optimistic, and mostly I do feel that way. When I hit bottom though, I'm very much not cheerful and positive. But I do aim toward Pollyanna-ness.

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You Are a Maximizer

When it comes to managing your time, you have it down. You know what you need to get done at any one moment. You are good at breaking your time into chunks. You are good at multitasking and making progress on tedious tasks. At times, you may take on what seems to be too much. However, you are good at getting it all done - even when you are overwhelmed. You are not the type of person who is happy being idle. Even when you're not actively doing anything, your mind is going full speed ahead.

What's Your Productivity Style?

This is pretty much on target, except when I get overwhelmed anymore I go completely mental. So I'm gradually learning to back off before I get there.

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Your Beauty is Classic

You like to enhance your natural beauty - and your look can range from dramatic to fresh faced. When it comes to makeup and style, you know what works for you. Because of this, you let most trends pass you by. You are drawn to glamour, and while you can't always leave the house looking your best, you come close. You may gravitate toward time tested looks, but in this day and age your beauty is original. Your polished look stands out in the crowd.

What's Your Beauty Personality?

100% bullshit.

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You Are a Balanced Pleaser

You know that you can't please everyone all the time, so you try to strike a balance. You know what your limits are. You often try to make sure that your needs are taken care of first. It's not that you're selfish - you just help others more this way. You are compassionate and aware. You monitor your energy levels carefully as well as those around you. You know when you have a lot to give and when you need to rest. And you never demand more of others than what they are capable of.

Are You a People Pleaser?

Again, this is something I'm trying very hard to stop being over-pleasing. It's getting easier.

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You Are Hedonistic

You love to live the good life, and while this means totally indulging sometimes, you enjoy the small things too. You dig treats and little luxuries. You aren't one to deny yourself now, because you're not sure you will have the same opportunity in the future. You love to feel good, and it doesn't take much for you to get there. Just feeling a nice breeze on you skin can be enough. You can turn ordinary things into extraordinary experiences. It's all about what you choose to pay attention to.

The Hammock Test 

What I wouldn't give for a hammock on a beach!! Or, really, almost anywhere.

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You Should Have Macarons

You are a fun, colorful, and whimsical person. You love all the sweetness that each day has to offer. You aren't really one to plan your life - or even the next hour. You're happy to follow your inspiration. You are very far from a perfectionist, but you love to do things well. You turn your mistakes into something beautiful. You are the type of person who really appreciates a classic, but you like a good deal of funkiness as well!

What Parisian Treat Should You Have?

I'm not really so much into Paris, or macarons, but the description is ok-ish.

Blogthings

You Are 'Walking on Sunshine'

Your happiness is bubbly, fun, and contagious. Your attitude makes others happy. You [try to] put a positive spin on whatever is going on in your life. You focus on what is going and could go right. You don't have time to get down in the dumps. If you don't like your life, you change it. The sun will come up tomorrow. And even if it doesn't, you'll still survive.

What's Your Happy Song?

I adore this song! And, for the most part, this is pretty accurate in general. I am a bit Pollyanna-esque at times.

Blogthings

You Are Fun

You are a hoot to be around, even if you don't think of yourself as entertaining. You encourage people to let loose. You are very authentic, and you do whatever you feel like. And you usually feel like having a good time! You are optimistic and spontaneous. You don't take much convincing when it comes to trying something new. You are often joyful and in awe of the world. You bask in the simple wonders of life.

The Crepe Test

On my good days....

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Back to Black

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 29, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

I never shop on Black Friday. The only thing I spent money on yesterday was food and gas for the car. The latter was purchased at 9 p.m. because earlier the pumps were jammed. I read an interesting take on the whole Black Friday madness yesterday though.

2) Legend has it that Black Friday began as a neighborhood phenomenon among storeowners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. What else comes to mind when you think of Philly?

Cheese-steak! Sports! My sister-in-law was raised there, and she has a fun accent (to these midwestern ears, anyway). And the audiobook I just finished took place partially in Philly.

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

We watched all three games on Thursday--not one of which turned out the way we wanted. BOOO! Today we're having our Big Meal since that's when the rellies could be here.

4) At Thanksgiving dinners, Crazy Sam's homemade gravy is always a hit. (Probably because she's so generous with the cognac, which gives the gravy a nutty taste.) Do you have a signature dish?

I do not. I make it all the easiest way possible--except I do actually peel and boil and mash the potatoes from scratch--and don't sweat the details.

5) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose?

Probably Target. I haven't shopped there in awhile, but $100 won't buy much at Best Buy or Macy's (from which I have never purchased anything), and I got a gift card from Kohl's for my birthday. The box of goodies I ordered online is sitting right here, in fact. So, Target. Sadly, I'd probably buy "sensible things" there....

6) You're in a public restroom that offers both paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which one do you choose?

Towels. After watching the Mythbusters episode on this, I actually shudder when presented with only air dryers.

7) While Back to Black is the best-selling Amy Winehouse CD, her first was called Frank, named for her hero, Frank Sinatra. Tell us about someone you inspires you.

People who get up and face life with a positive attitude every day while suffering from chronic illness, depression, or addiction recovery inspire me. Those who maintain a wicked-funny view of life even when they keep getting shat on, they are just the best.

8) Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist?

I've always seen myself more as an optimist, but over the last few years, I fear I've become somewhat cynical with low expectations. I'm not sure if that's age, experience, or things in my life, but it kind of sucks.

9) Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone (a verbal conversation -- not an exchange of texts)?

I returned my niece's call last night about whether she can bake her contribution to the meal here. And we discussed timing and people who will be around the table. I'm still not entirely sure if we'll be 7 or 8 (adults), but I'd lay odds of about 9:1 on the lower number. But there'll be a baby! Yay!

Blogthings (still catching up)

You Would Not Survive an apocalypse

Like 99% of people, you're so not prepared for an end of the world scenario. Guess that's why they call it 'the end of the world'! You'll take your chances on that not happening. While you may not need to be set for crazy times, you may want a burrito or two in your freezer for a rainy day. And look on the bright side. If the zombie apocalypse really happens, maybe you'll get to be a zombie!

Could You Survive an Apocalypse?

I'm totally banking on becoming a zombie, and quickly!

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You Should Go On a Cooking Class Date

You're an energetic person who has trouble sitting still for anything, including at date. You are more of a doer. You rather be on a date where you're busy with an activity. And it would be fun to see how well you work together. While a cooking date is unusual, it's still romantic and domestic. If things go well, you may be cooking for each other for a long time. And if the date doesn't go well, then at least you've picked up a handy, new cooking skill to use on someone else!

Uhm, yeah, so I hate cooking--I maybe have mentioned that--but ironically I have actually been considering taking a cooking class with Beast. Weird.

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You Are Idealistic

You're an optimist who can't help but root for the best in everyone. You are naturally happy. And while you may be starry eyed, there's nothing simple about you. You are a complex and deep person. You intuitively understand people, and you do your best to help them. You are very service-oriented. You are quiet and often thinking. You are a visionary who seeks meaning and purpose in all aspects of life.

The Retro Dress Test

Yeah, that's me.  I'm not fond of the dress, though it's the best of the options I was given from which to choose.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What specific thing have you done that impressed yourself?

Well, so far I haven't killed anyone. I am learning patience, which is startling. I've raised a pretty cool son who shows no likelihood towards a life of crime or otherwise doing anything stupid with far-reaching negative consequences. I've been married for 27 years... That enough?

2) Tell about a family saying that no one outside your family knows? Where did it come from?

There is that whole story around the naming of (simplified) our house in the mountains. The whole family was sitting in my parents' living room tossing out ideas. At some point someone got a dictionary and eventually everyone got punchy; someone tossed out "Minotaur: half man, half bull" and the room erupted in laughter. I thought it was awesome that an off-color joke got that kind of reaction in front of my parents (I was 11 or 12), my mom put on her I Very Much Disapprove Face, and the name stuck. You absolutely had to be there to get why this was epic; it sounds ridiculous.
Then there's my nephew's teenaged comment from the back seat of the car a couple of decades ago: "This family is so pathetic." This was said in such a tone of deep dismay and heartfelt disgust that it's still trotted out whenever someone does something really stupid. Pretty sure he still feels this way about his family now at times, too, even when he's participating in the stupid.

3) Is the glass half empty or half full? And by the way, what is in the glass?

Tonight, right now, it's half empty. Generally, however, I'm a half-full kind of person. If there's anything in the glass right now, though, I'm pretty sure it's shit.

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

Photo © Cat. 2012

I took this on Pier 39 in San Francisco last fall. It cracked me up and reminded me of a friend who is an RPG-er.

Blogthings

You Are Relaxed

You're not just patient, you are on 'island time' no matter what you happen to be doing. You refuse to be in a rush or anyone or anything. It's not worth the stress. You'll get there when you get there. Despite your seemingly lackadaisical attitude about rushing, you often get to places early. You leave with enough time. You take everything that happens in stride. As far as you're concerned, very little is worth getting worked up about. If you were a TV channel, you would be Discovery, BBC, or PBS. If you were a cheese, you'd be mozzarella. If you were a store, you'd be Brooks Brothers or Banana Republic. If you were a wine, you'd be Shiraz.

The Elevator Test

Well, ok, this is a little off-kilter. I'd like to be like this, but I'm not that laid back usually. But I like the "if you were..." results overall.

Follow Friday Four *

(Link in meme-roll)

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

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

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

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



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

Christmas Meme 9 8

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)
True Or False

1. You prefer to stay inside where it’s warm? True.


2. You’ve given something (or $) to charity? Heh, yeah, definitely true.


3. You spent more than what people spent on you? True.


4. You like to take your time opening presents? True. Drives people nuts.


5. The thing you want most this year costs $100+? True. It's actually a bunch of things together, though, not one thing.


6. You expect to get more than 10 presents this year? If we count stocking stuffers, true.


7. You’re a Scrooge/Grinch? False, usually.


8. Christmas = snow? True, but I can live without.


9. You know the lyrics to more than 25 Christmas songs? True, for sure!

Thumbs

You Are a Thumbs Up

You have an upbeat and positive attitude. You really see the beauty in life. You'll say yes to any opportunity that seems even slightly interesting.  You are in love with the world, and you really savor an adventure. You inspire others to be more fun loving. Your happiness is unstoppable.

Are You a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down?

My happiness is NOT unstoppable. OMG, the mere thought...!

Halfway

You See the Glass as Half Full

No matter what's going on in your life, you can always find something to be thankful for. You try to remain positive and focus on the good. It's not as easy as it seems, but it's always rewarding. Your optimism and joy inspire the people around you. You make the world a happier place. By seeing the glass as half full, you're sure to have more peace and contentment in your life. You might life longer too!

Do You See the Glass as Half Full or Half Empty?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

I'm not really sure how accurate this is...but, ok.