Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Dream of Jeannie Theme (1965)
... Because Harriet requested it. If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

Perk of my job--the complete series package

1) Jeannie was memorably discovered on the beach in an ornate bottle. Have you ever brought a souvenir home from the beach? (It doesn't have to be a genie. A shell or a stone will do.)

Lots of sand, mostly accidental. Some shells and stones. Lots of photos.

2) Major Anthony Nelson, the man who released Jeannie from her bottle, was an astronaut. When you were a kid, did you dream of being an astronaut when you grew up?

I'm was a proper little girl: of course not! Besides, astronauts weren't all that big of a deal when I was a little kid; the moon landing happened when I was not quite 6.

3) Upon discovering Jeannie, Major Nelson's first wish was that she could speak/understand English so they could communicate. If you found a genie, what would your first wish be?

That seems like a sensible wish, actually, right in character for Major Nelson. Let's go with that, since the likelihood of me actually coming across a genie is pretty low.

4) Major Nelson's best friend was fellow astronaut Major Healey. Where did you meet your best friend?

Of my top 3 best friends....My college bestie, Jenny, was in band with me; both of us played flute. I met Beast later that same year, though we didn't get to be actual friends till quite late in the school year. And I met Amy at one of our (old) library system's interminable cataloging meetings and we ended up on a committee together about 12 years ago.

5) This theme song was written by Hugo Montenegro, who is better known for the music he wrote for a pair of Clint Eastwood movies (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars). Do you have a favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

I have fond memories of Bronco Billy. And of course Paint Your Wagon because it's hysterical on every possible level.

6) The last episode of the series was titled, "My Master, The Chili King." What ingredients make up your favorite chili recipe?

Ground beef (or steak if I'm feeling fancy), a couple of cans of beans (random) and/or chickpeas, refried beans, some garlic, maybe chopped onions, tomato sauce, tomato paste, some seasoning...all in a crockpot for the day. Cheese and onions on top at the end.
Do not START with me about how chili should (or should NOT) contain any or all of those ingredients!

7) Jeannie was played by Barbara Eden, who was born in Tuscon, Arizona. Summer in Tuscon can get very hot, with the mercury often reaching 100º. What's your favorite season?

I like Tuscon-style heat. I really like autumn where I live now.

8) Anthony Nelson was played by Larry Hagman, who went on to play the villainous JR on the popular Dallas. Can you think of anything else Dallas is known for?

Was that the first time a character from a soap opera made the cover of Time magazine?

9) In the autumn of 1965, just weeks after I Dream of Jeannie premiered, St. Louis' famous Gateway Arch was completed. An estimated 4 million tourists visit the Arch every year. Do you have any summer vacation plans?

Nope. There's a family wedding in September we are hoping to get to.
I was at the Arch for the first time last fall on the same day I later spent 10 hours in an ER with Beast about 2 miles away. I really liked the Arch. Amazing engineering loved the ride up and seeing out over the whole of southern Illinois and St. Louis.

Saturday 9 18

(Link in meme-roll)
Cheerleader (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Homecoming and football make this an important time of year for cheerleaders. Were you a cheerleader, or did you date one?

Nope and nope. ...and moving on...

2) Beyond cheerleaders and the big game, homecoming is a time for parades. Have you ever ridden on a float?

Actually, I don't think I have. I was usually in the band. The one time I was in a parade and not marching was when Sparky was in Little League and marched in the local Memorial Day parade.

3) OMI sings that his girl is always there when he needs her. Who do you know you can always count on?

"Always"? No one is "always" reliable or available. Beast is pretty good. I have several friends I can go to with my drama or needs. The only "always" for me is God.

4) This video features a sandy beach, a rocky shore and palm trees. What do you see outside your window right now?

Blue sky, the house next door, part of a tree. The sun is blazing through the front window but I can make out the shadow of our blue spruce in front of the porch and some birds flying around.

5) In the lyrics we hear that his cheerleader girlfriend is "like a genie in a bottle." Who would rather hang around with? Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie or Samantha from Bewitched?

Well, Samantha wasn't a genie, but I'd really rather hang with her. Jeannie was a little flaky, though I did rather like the decor in her bottle.

6) OMI is from Jamaica. Have you ever visited that island country?

Nope. Aside from the music, I've never really wanted to.

7) Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494. Columbus Day will soon be upon us (October 12). Is it a big deal in your community?

Nope. And I wish it weren't called that. The only reason it's even recognized around here is for the long fall break from school that usually surrounds it.

8) Queen Elizabeth is Jamaica's head of state. Her Majesty is now 89 years old and a great grandmother. Who is the oldest person in your life?

Hmm. I don't know ages for sure, but there are some folks at church in their late 80s and early 90s. And some of our library patrons. One guy who is 82 and looks about 70 and was in a pretty major motorcycle accident recently...and walked away.

9) Her Majesty was named Elizabeth Alexandra Mary after three of her relatives, who also were queens. Were you named after anyone?

My middle name may be. I don't know. My sisters named me, supposedly after a friend of one of theirs. Or anyway they liked that name. Whatever.

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Beyond the Sea (1959)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song mentions golden sands. When do you think you'll next visit the beach?

At this point, it'll be next summer. I don't see much of a reason to go beachside during the winter. Though there is a resort town on a lake not too far from here that we might visit over the winter and our usual haunt is right across from the beach.

2) Shortly after "Beyond the Sea" hit the charts, Bobby Darin met and married movie sweetheart Sandra Dee. Her squeaky-clean image is spoofed in the song, "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," from Grease. Can you name another song from Grease?

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" is the only one that's coming into focus this morning.

3) Years earlier, Bobby had an ill-fated romance with singer Connie Francis. According to Ms. Francis, Darin wanted to marry her, but her father forbade it. Have you ever had a relationship that your parents disapproved of?

Sure. They weren't enamored with me getting married right out of college, I'm fairly certain, but being the youngest in my family paid off in that they knew better than to forbid anything. It only makes it more attractive.

4) Bobby was a Renaissance man: Grammy-winning singer, Oscar-nominated actor, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and an excellent chess player. Are you good at chess?

No. I've played, but I'm not good at it at all.

5) A car buff, he drove a 1960 custom car that was so unique and spectacular it's now in a Detroit museum. The bright red paint was mixed with ground diamonds to ensure that it sparkled in the sun. Each of the four bucket seats had its own ac/heat control and radio speaker. The steering wheel was slightly squared for easier handling. What features would your dream car have?

Heated seats. 4WD. Big tires. Big engine. Convertible top/sides.

6) Beyond the Sea is also the name of the 2004 screen biography in which Kevin Spacey played Bobby Darin. Who would you choose to play you in the story of your life?

Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock. They both have the right laugh.

7) When he was just 8 years old, Bobby Darin was stricken with rheumatic fever, and the disease left him with a dangerously weakened heart. Did you spend much time in the hospital when you were a kid?

I spent time visiting my sister Ellen in the hospital when I was very young--she was quite ill and nearly died. As a teenager, I was a candystriper. Otherwise, not so much time in the hospital, definitely not as a patient for which I'm grateful.

8) In 1959, when "Beyond the Sea" was popular, Alaska became our 49th state. What comes to mind when you think of Alaska?

Cold. Dark. Snow. Crazy people. Glaciers. And, naturally, crab fishing.

9) In 1959, Conair introduced the first hair dryer developed for home use. Is there a hair dryer in your bathroom right now?

There is!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Bubbly (2007)
... because Jodi suggested Colbie Caillat
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Singer Colbie Caillat says this song was inspired by a trip to "the beach and having a wonderful day with a person you like." Have you been to the beach yet this summer?

Nope. And I probably won't be. Beaches are not my thing, though I don't really have anything against them either.

2) Are you careful about applying sunscreen?

Yes, although I'm outside so rarely in the summer because of allergies that it's kind of a non-issue. I don't even think we have any in the house at this point. Beast never puts any on. smh

3) Colbie made her TV debut in a 2009 episode of Saturday Night Live. Are you a big SNL fan?

I'm not a "big" fan, but I watch it semi-regularly.

4) "Bubbly" is often a synonym for champagne. When's the last time you enjoyed a glass of bubbly?

Good gosh, probably my 20th wedding anniversary. We had a bottle of Dom. That was 9 years ago, and we won't be having any alcohol next year.

5) Colbie sang the National Anthem at the third game of the Red Sox/Cardinals World Series in 2013. How is your favorite baseball team doing so far this season?

What is this "baseball" of which you speak? I haven't watched a game in two years, live or on TV. Baseball is really not my thing.

6) In 2005, Ms. Caillat tried out for Season 4 of American Idol but was eliminated very early in the process, before she could even audition for Simon, Paula and Randy. The winner that year was Carrie Underwood. Are you a Carrie Underwood fan?

She's ok. Better than some of the other folks that show has produced.

7) In 2007, when "Bubbly" was popular, actress Yvonne deCarlo died. She was best known as Lily on The Munsters. If you had to choose (and yes, this Saturday you have to), would you rather hang out with Lily Munster or Morticia Addams?

Morticia. Of course. There's no contest.

8) In 2007, MySpace was faced with a serious challenge from Facebook, and it's obvious which social network won. Did you have a MySpace account? If so, do you still post to it?

I ... think I did have one, though I rarely used it.

9) Random question: Which have you had longer, your ironing board or your plunger?

Ironing board. Once you have one, short of natural disaster or losing it in a move, you really never need another one. Plungers...they do wear out, or rather, age out.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) If I were the teacher, I would...

...have a blast. The teaching has never been the problem. Dealing with administrators and parents....that is the problem.

2) If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would you struggle?

Hmmm, I think I'd do ok in general, although "successful" might be overstating. I'd have enough to eat and a place to stay.

3) What is one thing that you constantly think (not worry) about?

I spend a LOT of time thinking about people. Hours and hours of down time noodling over relationships--old ones and current ones--wondering how the person is, why we haven't spoken in years, remembering stupid things that made us laugh (or cry), solving problems. This is definitely not (always) worry, just thinking.

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

Summer's over here. This past week went from temperatures in the high 70s at the beginning to highs in the low 50s this weekend. Still, walking in sand sounds delightful to me. It's not the sand I don't like at the beach....

Blogthings Explosion

You Should Throw a Barbecue

You love a party that's a casual and easygoing affair, with as many people attending as possible. Unlike most people, you do well with mingling and small talk. You love the vibe of a chatty party. In your opinion, parties are a great way to get to know friends and acquaintances better. When in doubt, you invite someone. You don't think it takes much to make a good party, and you don't stress about it. All it takes is some good food and company. If you could, you'd throw a party every weekend. You're a people person, and being around others helps you relax. Of all the types, you are the best host. Entertaining others is just something you do easily and well.

What Kind of Party Should You Throw?

Well, we were all good till those last couple of paragraphs. I couldn't possibly do a party every week, and I don't know about me being "the best host" though I strive to make people comfy.

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You Prioritize People

When making a big decision, you put others first - both those you know and those you don't know. You believe that every life is important. You aren't going to do something to advance some if it harms others. When it comes to what's right, every person counts. You firmly believe in treating others how you'd like to be treated. And while being self-centered may work out in the short run, it's not good for anyone long term - including the selfish person. Those who don't know you well may be jealous of your kind and compassionate heart. It's not easy for people to be as giving as you are. And while some people may not understand why you're so altruistic, they certainly don't mind being the recipients of your generosity.

What Do You Prioritize?

OK, really , people get jealous of kind people? What is that about?? Oh, and by the way, I can be pretty jealous too.

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Your Ideal Beach Vacation Is Cozy

Your idea of a day at the beach is one that feels as natural and as homey as possible. You dream of living at the beach, and even if you can't live there permanently, you'd like to be there a while. Your dream beach getaway would place you right on the beach with your own private quarters. You'd love to wake up to a beach sunrise and wind down with a beach sunset. And listen to the ocean crashing as you sleep. For you, the beach is a place to get warm and sleepy. Once you get comfortable, you never want to leave. More than any type, you belong on the coast permanently. If it isn't already, then it should be your home.

The Beach Postcard Test

Uhm, no, I've no interest in living near a large body of water. Don't mind visiting, though. I really do love to hear water hitting the shore right outside my bedroom, but I would NOT like it in the winter or during a storm.

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You Are an Online Diary

You like documenting your daily life - the ups, downs, and little things that make it special. You also love to share what's going on in your life with friends, family, and maybe even a stranger or two. An online diary is the perfect way for a more social person like yourself to log the day's events. Just writing things down in a little book seems a bit lonely to you. You like to discuss your life. You may even be the type who resists having a 'diary' or 'journal'. It seems a bit angsty to you. But when you consider it as more of a daily log, then it becomes a lot more appealing.

Are You a Diary or a Journal Quiz?

Well, good to have some confirmation of what I've been doing on Blogger for 9.5 years!

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You Are Strawberry Sorbet

On the surface, you seem shy and mild mannered. You aren't one to really make waves. Deep down, however, you are very robust and confident. You are sure of yourself and who you are. You are refreshing because you are constantly questioning the status quo. You are a natural skeptic. You don't like to make waves unless you have to, but you are also able to stand up to the strongest personalities. You are no-nonsense and very opinionated in your approach to life. You try to see the best in everything, but you don't let your view get crowded by idealism.

What Flavor Sorbet Are You?

Except I really can't stand strawberries unless I'm eating them plain, or with (a little) whipped cream.

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Your Style is Classic

Your everyday wardrobe is timeless, well tailored, and appropriate. You pick clothes well. You make sure to buy items that will last a long time, both in terms of style and quality. You don't like trendy clothes. When you dress up, you go for a tried and true formal look. You don't find formal occasions to be the time to experiment. Because you have a well curated closet of clothes, you tend to have something for every event... at long as you dig deeply enough. When you dress down, you go for a more preppy or basic look. You like your casual attire to be streamlined. Just because everyone is is wearing gym clothes, it doesn't mean you're going to. You save those for the gym.

The Hat Test

Well...no. I am Ms. T-shirt and Jeans. Every day. Even at work.

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You Are a Secondary Color

You blend in and adapt well. You are quite flexible - you can change with the times. You are an adept communicator, especially with difficult people. You know how to smooth things over. You are more of a generalist than a specialist. You do many things well and can wear many hats. You fit in well with any crowd. You immediately take the vibe of every room and adjust appropriately. The secondary colors are: orange, green, and purple. They are made [b]y mixing two secondary colors. Like a secondary color, you are good at handling multiple strong personalities. You mediate well.

Are You A Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary Color?

I chalk this up to my childhood: youngest child in a family of people with Very Strong Opinions. So, basically, I never get to have an opinion, I just have to shut up and [try to] keep the peace.

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You Are Monday

Believe it or not, some people actually like Mondays. And you're one of them. You are in a good place right now, productivity wise, and you can't wait to get back to work each week. You have an amazing amount of drive and focus. You aren't going to give up until you reach your goal. On Mondays, you have a spring in your step. You're ready to get back to making things happen. Traditional success is important to you, and there's a lot that you want to accomplish in your life. And it's likely that you're ahead of the game already. You're willing to work hard to get what you want.

What's Your Day of the Week?

Well, lots of people like to work hard at stuff they like. This week has been bad in terms of motivation. But I do really like Mondays.

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You Are Cheerful

You have a sunny attitude and rarely feel down. You approach the world with wonder and optimism. You know that it's one hundred times easier to find something to be sad about than happy about. But you think happiness is worth the extra effort. At night, you are usually relaxed and content. You're equally happy to be at home or out and about. Unlike most people, you have a good deal of energy left at night. You're great at pacing yourself during the day. For you, solitude is an important part of balance. You don't like too much or too little of it. Of all the types, you need the least amount of solitude. Being around others makes you light up.

The Owl Test

That last line about not needing solitude is soooooo very wrong. And I'm often down, but I'm a whole lot better these days at pulling myself together, and moving forward.

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You Are a White Pizza

You are a[n] calm and easygoing person. You live a well organized and almost chaos[-]free life. You are a very positive person. You are content with your life as is, and you feel like you have a lot. You have simple tastes, and you tend to notice quality above all else. You appreciate a job done right. You are not picky or judgmental though. You have your preferences, but there is nothing snobby about you. You take your commitments and responsibilities seriously. You [try to] always follow through on your promises. Of all the types, you are the most accepting. You see everyone as on their own paths, and you're good with that.

What California Pizza Are You?

I LOVE white pizza!!! And this is somewhat accurate.

See what happens when Beast goes to bed really early?

You Think Jetsetting is Luxurious

For you, luxury is all about seeing the world in style. You'd like all the benefits of travel without the fuss. You are curious about this planet, especially when it comes to bucket list experiences. You want to do it all. If you had all the money in the world, you'd travel the world. Preferably in your own private plane, boat, and car. Even if you can't travel in the way you'd like to be accustomed to, you try to get out there and see as much as you can. You love adventure and novelty. Travel tickles your brain and inspires your heart in a way nothing else can. One day you may be able to travel the world full time, even if just for a while. You are dedicated to finding a way to make it happen.

The Luxury Test

Pretty accurate, though I don't really 'do' bucket lists and I don't need things to be luxurious. I don't want to be uncomfortable, though.

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Your Irish First Name is Quinn

You are an even tempered, thoughtful, and wise person. You make good decisions and give good advice. You are never one to get caught up in the moment. You have a lot of perspective on every issue. You are often the person to play devil's advocate. It's not that you like to argue - you just want people to consider every argument carefully. You take ethics seriously. You want to do the right thing no matter what, even if it's not popular. You are true to yourself. Quinn, meaning counsel, intelligence, and wisdom is the perfect name for you. You embody all of those things. You may not feel like you have a lot of wisdom in your life yet, but those around you would disagree. You are the wisest person most people know.

What's Your Irish First Name?

Huh. I'm not sure about the wisdom stuff, but I do have a good deal of perspective and believe that ethics are worth thinking about. And I like the name "Quinn."

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You Are Balanced

Your approach to money is pretty average. You spend a little and save a little. Of course, you enjoy getting a great deal, but you also give into a fair amount of impulse purchases. A frugal lifestyle seems depressing to you, and you can't imagine going without just to sock away a lot of money. You love to go out and have fun. The things you buy make you happy. And there's nothing wrong with that. It seems like you have a healthy approach to spending money, as long as you're staying within your means. If you're not sure if you're spending too much (or too little) consider trying a budget for a few months.

Are You Cheap?

I'm not a spendthrift, but I've been known to be wasteful. I do go without things though. I'm really kind of a train-wreck about money, I think.

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You Show Yourself Some Compassion

Whenever possible, you try to be easy on yourself. You aren't always compassionate, but you try. You believe it's important to cut yourself a break, because no one else might. And you're doing the best you can. You live a hectic life, and sometimes it's hard to find the time or energy for self-care. You are still looking for the right balance. And when you're having a hard day, it may be difficult to not beat up on yourself a bit when you're feeling worn down. No worries if you're not as self-compassionate as you'd like to be. You're getting there, and that's the important thing. Remember to be easy on yourself in every way. Even when you make mistakes, it doesn't mean that you're broken.

Are You Compassionate Toward Yourself?

I've been known to be ridiculously hard on myself. I'm better than I used to be, and I'm not a masochist at all.

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You Are Quiet

You are the silent type, but that doesn't mean you're not engaged. You are always listening. You just feel less social than most people, and you're okay with that. You don't push yourself into being something you're not. Your style is very personal and even a bit plain to the outside eye. You don't need to have showy things. Each object you own is beloved and special. You tend to own things for their comfort or nostalgia value. You find alone time comforting. You don't feel quite like yourself unless you are able to retreat. You have created your own world and safe space. You are at peace every time you come back to it.

The Sofa Test

Wow, this is quite accurate!

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You Are a Rule Taker

You are not a big fan of rules, but you know they serve their purpose... at least following them does. You'll grit your teeth and play by the book, but that doesn't mean you like it. You just prefer following the rules to getting in trouble. Whenever possible, you don't like to set up too many rules in your own life. There's enough rules you already have to follow. You try to be as free form and unscheduled as possible. You don't like having any extra obligations. You tend to believe that things go more smoothly if people follow the rules. Rules aren't fun. That's why they're rules. If the rules are already in place, you will follow them. You just don't impose new rules on yourself or others.

Are You a Rule Breaker or a Rule Maker?

Again, pretty accurate. I like rules, as long as they make sense.

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Your Heaven on Earth is a Sandy Beach

When you travel, you're not just looking to relax - you're looking to check out completely. And nothing takes you away from your normal life more than a sandy beach, with the ocean crashing around you. You love the feeling of the sun on your skin, and you're always up for a little bit of swimming or splashing. Bonus points if you can stay at an all inclusive resort where your every whim and desire is catered to. Consider a classic beach destination like Hawaii or the Greek islands for your next vacation. And of course, a luxury hotel. Or if you want to mix things up a bit, pick a smaller island or a remote part of Asia. Then you'll get a beach to yourself!

What's Your Heaven on Earth?

Aside from sun and the Greek islands, this is pretty wrong. I like sand, but since I can't swim beaches are a little wasted on me. Give me mountains any day of the week.

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Little Things Capture Your Heart

You are moved by the smaller things in life. Even the tiniest detail, when done right, can delight you. You don't like huge gestures, and in fact, you shy away from them. You prefer to make each day a little special. You cherish peace, thoughtfulness, and completeness. Nothing goes unnoticed or unappreciated in your world. You think ordinary life is wonderful as is. No need to make big sweeping changes or statements. You are exhausted by too many dramatics, even if they're in the name of romance or fun. You prefer to keep things simple. It's not that hard to put a smile on your face. Just knowing that someone is trying is often enough for you.

What Captures Your Heart?

OK, this is a fairly good fit, though the occasional grand gesture isn't unwelcome.

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Your Energy Makes You Funky

You're the type of person who's always on the move. You've lived several lives in less time than [some?] people live one. You don't wear down easily, and even when you do, it's easy to find a way to energize yourself. You don't stay still for long. Novelty energizes you, and because you like new things, you've seen and experienced a lot. And you feel like there is much more to see. You think boredom is a choice, and you refuse to choose it. Whenever you're feeling the tiniest bit bored, you just get up and do something... anything! You inspire those around you to be more and do more. You have a proactive attitude, and you think it's important to keep going. You aren't exactly an optimist, but you are a fixer. If there's a problem in your life, you get out there and take it on!

What Makes You Funky?

Yup, definitely a fixer, and this week at work has been rather awful: have spent it finding things to do because my main job is at a standstill due to cascading technological and personnel issues.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Playing in the sand and tattooing your body

1) My coworker who sits at the next desk often texts me during work to communicate with me without anyone else knowing what she's saying. Do you ever text someone who is in the same room as you?

Yup. Text, and IM; both are almost as good as speaking a foreign language in front of those who don't speak it.

2) How do you feel about people naming their pets with people names (like Maddox, Luke, and Sarah) instead of more pet-type names (like Paws, Spot, Boots, etc.)?

What is this obsession with animals this week? I don't really care what people name their animals. My niece named her pets Symphony, Rhapsody, Melody, and Harmony; isn't that weird?

3) Do you have a "junk" drawer in your home? What types of items are stuffed in there? (Feel free to share a photo of the contents if you want.)

No pics of that, perish the thought. Let's see, from memory...at least three screwdrivers, wall hooks (the stick-on kind), wall putty, exacto knife, shoelaces, mower key, electrical tape, hammer, small light bulbs, multi-tool, extra house keys, other random keys...I'm sure there's more, but I'm too lazy to go look.

4) Would you ever buy a neon pink car?

I'm not sure I'd ever even ride in a pink car, regardless of the shade. Pink is the devil's color.

5) If you could come up with a slogan for the welcome sign that welcomes visitors to your city, what would the slogan be?

"Welcome. Feel free to shop here wherever you can find a place to spend your money. Consider that your challenge!"

6) What's the most exciting thing about your life right now?

Sparky's headed to college in 15 days. Beast just got out of the hospital last week. FIL is on hospice watch, though not in any urgent way. Take your pick.

7) Today (Aug. 11) is “National Play in the Sand Day.” If you were at a beach right now building a sandcastle, what would it look like?

I would be sleeping if I were on the beach right now, not building sandcastles.

8) If a company offered to pay you $100,000 to get an advertisement for its product tattooed on your body, would you do it?

Nope. I wouldn't pay to get a tat, why would I take money for it?

9) You're a kid again at a party with a pinata. What type of candy do you hope pops out of the pinata after you hit it?

American Smarties.

10) If someone wanted to win your heart, what would he/she need to do?

Be supportive, be self-motivated be smart, have a good sense of humor, keep me honest, be humble.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
....more random questions

1. Are you concerned at all with the possibility that radiation leaks could head your way?

From Japan? Not so much; I'm pretty sure it will dissipate before it makes it to the mainland US. Mostly. Honestly, we live within 100 miles of at least 2 reactors. I worry more about those.

2. What is the one thing that you will always go cheap on?

Gas. As if "cheap" applies....

3. What would you buy that price would have no limit?

Medical care for my son, should he ever need it (God forbid).

4. Name a TV show that could be about the stupidest thing ever.

Anything with a laugh-track. Well, almost anything. M*A*S*H was ok.

5. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

Uh, well, yeah. Some of the food I ate in Greece was nameless, so who knows what it actually was. It was tasty, though. Same goes for Russia and China.

6. If it were really hot out and you were at the beach, would you go in the water even if it was dirty or full of jellyfish?

No. No no nononono. Probably wouldn't even be at the beach if it were this bad.

7. Can you teach old dogs new tricks or is it just not worth the effort?

Of course you can, if you're a good teacher.

8.What makes comfort foods taste so good?

Fat. And salt. Or sugar.

9. How do you like your steak cooked?

Medium rare.

10. Have you ever stepped on something and had it stuck in your foot?

Yep. A bee. Glass. Thorns. Beast fell off a step in a production facility 20 years ago and impaled his foot (in a shoe) on a 1/2" bolt in the floor. That was awesome.

11. We're looking for viral video theme ideas. What's your best idea for a viral video day?

I don't really know. What I find funny is unexpected and unusual, so I wouldn't be all that excited about something I scripted.

12. What is your twitter handle? Can we follow you?

If I told you, I might as well tell you my name and address. And that ain't hapnin.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) How do you go about making a sandcastle?

My sandcastles are pretty babyish. I use water, sand and buckets. Frankly, I don't make too many sandcastles, not being the beach type.

2) Are you a tidy person?

I'm fairly tidy, maybe a 7 on a 10-point scale. It seems to be sporadic though. I can't work well at a messy desk, and at home that means, generally, that I don't do much work at my desk. ;-) My work desk is DRIVING ME NUTS because it's so messy. Must clean it this week....

3) How is the traffic where you live?

Where I live it's lovely--we're at the back of the subdivision. The traffic within 10 miles is pretty decent, to be honest. Once you get to the Big City, it's ridiculously stupid.

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

He's very cute, isn't he? Sorta looks like he's flirting...hey, maybe it's a girl! I like the little crest on his/her head.

Saturday 9

(Link in blogroll)
Hot Fun in the Summertime

1. Is summer your favorite season? Why?

I love summer if there is low or nonexistent humidity. If it's humid, I'll hold out for fall.

2. Do you exercise more in the summer because you wear less clothing?

I probably exercise less because of the heat.

3. Do you enjoy tanning or are you more concerned about the dangers of basking in the sun?

I don't have any interest in tanning anymore, and one of the reasons is that I spent way too many years baking and burning. It's just not my thing, not with my whale white skin and tendency toward freckling.

4. You are on the beach when a waiter appears for your drink order. What do you ask for?

If I'm on the beach and there are waiters taking orders, I'll have a TQ Sunrise.

5. Do you camp in the summertime?

I do NOT camp. Perish the thought!

6. What was your favorite summer vacation as a kid?

It pretty much has to be the default one: when I was 14 I went with my parents to England for three weeks. That's the only lengthy vacation I remember, and really it was a visit to see family, which is what all our vacations were growing up.

Actually, my very favorite time was the first time my parents went to England, and I went to stay with another sister for 5 weeks. She was 4ish months pregnant and had a 2-year-old son, so I sorta 'babysat' but mostly read Hardy Boys mysteries, drank diet Pepsi, and wandered through the cemetary near their house. The summer was delightful and slow and I had a wonderful time.

7. Do you enjoy sleeping outdoors?

Am not a fan of bugs. And I require a good mattress. In short, no.

8. Do you throw a summer barbecue every year?

I almost never throw food. ;-) We're tentatively planning a Big Do this year, but mostly we have smaller ones throughout the warm weather for whoever is around.

9. Have you ever been to a nude beach? If yes, what did you think?

No. And frankly, I'd rather camp outside all summer than have that experience.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

If you could choose only two movies to watch ever again, what would they be?

Fiddler on the Roof and Shoah were the first two to pop into my head. That's weird, and not-so-random.

What have you found to be the best way to relieve tension?

Exercise or sleep.

If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude?

Hell no. First of all, I can't swim, so using the water as a cover-up wouldn't work for me. Second of all, nude beaches are definitely out of my life permanently at this point. Third: aaahhhhh, my eyes!!!! :-)

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

What's your favorite beach in the world?

I really loved, Puerto Vallarta's beaches, but San Diego is pretty nice too. And the one's on Ydra...actually those were great (except for the jellyfish).

What's the next country you want to visit?

I'd like to get back to Italy.

What one thing are you craving today?

Actually, I'm pretty good today. Someone else can have my portion of craving.