Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Baby Love (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their elaborate hairstyles, make up and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?

A VERY long time. Over a year, probably. I wasn't even really all that dressed up for the wedding I went to, as I recall, but it wasn't a super-fancy wedding with required formal wear anyway.

2) "The girls," as they were known to the engineers and executives at Motown Records, were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. They began singing together when they were high school classmates. Are you still in touch with any friends from your high school days?

I am. I have probably a dozen from my high school that I'm friends with. Some of them were not friends per se at the time, but are wonderful to know now.

3) Mary Wilson was born in Mississippi and her family moved a great deal before settling in Detroit, where she fatefully met Florence and Diana. Were you uprooted often when you were a child? Or did you spend your school years in the same neighborhood?

My parents lived in the same house from 1946ish until 1994. The only one of us who ever lived anywhere else was my oldest sister who was born in 1943 and with my mom followed my dad around the U.S. a bit during WWII.

4) The Supremes began as a quartet called the Primettes. In addition to Mary, Flo and Diana, there was Betty McGlown. In 1960, Betty left the group to get married and was replaced by Barbara Martin. In 1962, Barbara left the group to have a baby. They quit trying to replace the fourth voice, soldiered on as a trio, and made pop history. Have you ever found yourself in a position similar to Betty's or Barbara's, where you had to make a difficult decision and choose between your personal life and your career?

Of course. I was a mom in late-20th-century America.

5) Thinking of babies and "baby love," is anyone in your life expecting a baby in 2018?

Not that I'm aware of at this point. Actually, someone at church just had her second child last week. I don't think I know anyone else who is currently pregnant, however.

6) With twelve #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, The Supremes remain America's most commercially successfully recording group, and this song (along with "Stop! In the Name of Love") is one of the most popular karaoke songs. If we handed you the mic this morning and absolutely insisted you perform, what song would you choose (any song, any genre)?

I can rock out to any mid-century Sunday School song you name.

7) Original group member Florence Ballard left the group in 1967. She died of cardiac arrest in 1976 at the age of 32. Since February is National Heart Month, it seems appropriate to ask: Is anyone in your life battling heart disease?

Yes. My sister has some heart issues, and one of my favorite people at work had a heart attack last year, out of nowhere. She's over 70, though. Thirty-two? That's really young. I'm waiting for my turn, since I'm sure I'm headed that way.

8) Florence Ballard's brother, Hank, wrote Chubby Checker's famous dance song, "The Twist." When did you last dance?

I dance around sometimes while I'm cleaning or cooking, and I car-dance semi-regularly. Really dance? A long time. OK, I "danced" with my baby-nephew at that wedding mentioned above, mostly to keep him from screaming and generally happy.

9) Random question: Close your eyes and visualize the most beautiful place you've ever been. Now describe it to us.

I've been to loads of different places that I found beautiful. My favorite is a certain little town in Colorado:

Obv not my photo

The Love Club (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) Lorde has said this song is about a time when she fell into "a bad crowd." Her high-maintenance new friends were all about their romantic dramas and it overwhelmed her. Have you ever had a friend who was just too much work?

Yes, though once I got done with education, I became a lot more discerning in my selection of friends.

2) She sings that she longs to be alone. Where do you go when you want peace and quiet?

My corner of the couch. Or bed.

3) Lorde credits her mother for encouraging her verbal skills. "Mum" let her join a theater class when she was just 5 and was always giving her books. Tell us about an encouraging, understanding adult who assisted you when you were growing up.

I had good teachers all over the place and a couple of my sisters were good cheerleaders for me.

4) Lorde is not the only celebrity from her class at Belmont School in Auckland, New Zealand. Olympian Eliza McCartney was a classmate who went on to win a bronze medal in Rio for the pole vault. Did you participate in any sports in high school?

I did not.

6) Lorde wrote music for one of the Hunger Games soundtracks. Have you seen any of the Hunger Games movies, or read any of the books?

I've seen the first two. I didn't like the last book in the series, so I just bailed on the movie.

7) Her favorite candy is Peanut M&Ms. Do you prefer Milk Chocolate, Peanut, Almond, Mint or Cripsy M&Ms?

Plain or Crispy. I'm not a fan of chocolate with nuts, and I loathe chocolate mint.

8) When Lorde was on stage at Lollapalooza, a sudden storm interrupted her set. The music festival was evacuated and her performance was cancelled. Can you think of a time when the weather had a major impact on your plans?

I'm a bit British this way, in that sometimes it doesn't matter what the weather is doing; life goes on. However, there've been some storms in my life that have caused everything to come to a halt.

9) Random question: Please complete this sentence -- Before I leave the house, I always _________________.

...check to be sure I have a way to get back inside.

Saturday 9 x 4

(Link in meme-roll)
Monster Mash (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

1) In your younger days, did you ever trick or treat while dressed as a monster or ghoul?

I don't think so. I don't remember most of my costumes, but I can't see my parents doing anything scarier with me than basic black-hatted witch.

2) Do you enjoy being frightened by celluloid boys-gone-bad, like Michael Myers (Halloween) or Jason (Friday the 13th)?

Not at all. Have not seen any of these movies, ever.

3) When you were a kid, did you ever TP a neighbor's house or indulge in any other Halloween acts of vandalism? (Don't worry, the statute of limitations is up.)

Absolutely not.

4) Will you be attending any Halloween parties this year? If so, will you dress up?

Oops, uh, no. I wasn't home at all on Halloween: worked 7 a.m to 6 p.m., met my sponsor for dinner, then went to a meeting, arrived back home around 9:30.

5) Can you see any Halloween decorations as you answer these 9 questions?

Nope. Then again, next week is Thanksgiving, so I wouldn't be likely to see much at this point, even if I could see outside.

6) While Halloween is most popular in the United States and Canada, and isn't really celebrated at all in Japan or South Korea. How would you explain our Halloween customs to a visitor from another land?

Kids run around in costume begging for candy. It's a bit weird.

7) "Monster Mash" is one of Halloween's most played songs. Are you happy to hear it every year? Or does it set your teeth on edge?

I actually never heard it this year.

8) This week's featured artist, Bobby "Boris" Pickett, started as a stand-up comedian who incorporated his imitations of Boris Karlof and Bela Lugosi into his act. Can you impersonate anyone?

I don't think so.

9) Dick Clark was an impossibly young looking 33 in this week's featured clip. Are you often told you look good for your age?

Well, last week someone asked if Beast is my son. He's literally 6 days younger than me. Yeah, that was a suuuper-good day.

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Suddenly I See (2005)Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a tribute to Patti Smith, the rocker who inspired KT Tunstall. What woman who has inspired you?

My mom and grandmothers. Gloria Steinem. Margaret Sanger. Sandra Day O'Connor. People from my church(es).

2) In this video, you can see a turntable and an LP. When is the last time you played a record?

Oh boy. Decades. I mean, our stereo is set up and ready to go, but it's too much hassle to get out the records themselves. Oh. Wait. I played a 78 on our Crosley to put it onto a CD for work last year.

3) Growing up, Ms. Tunstall seldom sang at home because her father is severely hearing impaired and music interfered with his sensitive hearing aid. Do you, or does anyone in your family, wear a hearing aid?

My dad did. No one here does now though. The day is probably coming.

4) In high school, she got experience performing on street corners. Have you ever tipped a street musician?

Ayup.

5) When this song was popular, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 to North America. Are you into gaming?

Not really. Sparky very happily presented something on our Skype call today, "See what I just got?!" It's a game. "It's the NEW Pokemon game; it just came out." Oh.

6) In 2005, Prince Charles married his long-time love, Camilla Parker Bowles. At the time of their wedding, 73% of Brits said they disapproved of her. Today, her popularity has increased somewhat and her disapproval has dropped to 55%. Do you know anyone who married someone you didn't like? Did their spouse grow on you with time?

Yes. And no.

7) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was popular in theaters. Who is your favorite "Harry Potter" character?

Hermione of course!! ...though I have a soft spot for Ron, too.

8) In 2005, YouTube was introduced by three young men who met while working at PayPal. What's the last thing you paid for using PayPal?

I have never used PayPal. That's rather shocking, I guess.

9) Random Question: After a long, exhausting day of travel, you check into a motel. The room is not at all to your liking. It's next to the ice machine, so you can hear cubes dropping noisily into metal buckets. Your view is of the parking lot. The bathtowels and thin and tiny. In short, you feel like you're being ripped off. Do you grab your bag, turn on your heel and check out, hoping there are better accommodations nearby? Or do you say, "What the hell, it's only one night," and climb into bed?

Depends on how tired I am and if the bathroom is clean. If I'm beat...I'll probably just crash and then leave a rude note online. If the bathroom is scummy though, I'm definitely out. Dirty bathroom, buggy bed, bye-bye.

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Get Down Tonight (1975)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Tonight, KC has three things on his "to-do" list: do a little dance, make a little love and get down. Tell us three things you'd like to accomplish this weekend.

Update the checkbook and balance it. Take a bath. Make a list of all the calls and errands I need to do Monday.

2) This week's song is considered emblematic of disco, a genre that had as many detractors as fans. Is there a kind of music you simply cannot stand?

I don't like experimental weirdness that is clearly just pompous self-aggrandizement.

3) Before becoming a musician, KC, aka Harry Casey, worked in a record store. In those days, record stores were very popular. Peaches, Coconuts, Sam Goody and Tower Records are four store chains that once dotted the landscape but now are gone. Today, if you wanted to purchase a CD, where would you turn?

Amazon.

4) One of his duties at the record store was unloading the big corrugated shippers filled with LPs. What's the heaviest thing you've lifted lately?

I've been humping stuff in and out of various medical facilities pretty much daily--this last one, I'm bringing in clothes and schlepping them back home to wash every day. Thank God our water is free.

5) KC is proud that he's lived his entire life in Miami-Dade County. Do you expect to change your address in the next year or so?

It is eminently possible if Beast can't figure out stairs but is otherwise able to come home.

6) In 1975, the year this song was popular, former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, never to be seen again. Many theories flourish about what may have happened to him. Is there a famous criminal case that has a hold on your attention?

I've been addicted to Jack the Ripper since sophomore/junior year of high school. I've done two term papers on him and that era/place in history.

7) Jaws was the most popular movie of 1975. Are you afraid of sharks?

Not particularly. I can't swim, so....

8) Actress Angelina Jolie was born in 1975. People magazine once named her "most beautiful." Who is the most beautiful woman you can think of?

That I know personally? I work with a couple of striking women. I can't think of anyone I think who stops traffic or anything...

9) Random question: A wizard offers you a choice -- would you like your life to stay as it is right now (in terms of your health, your career, your relationships and your finances) for the next 5 years, or would you like to take a chance that the future will be brighter?

Oh, hell, the future has to be better than the present! Right?

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Son of a Preacher Man (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down. What's the most recent thing that you said "no" to?

Helping Beast in the bathroom this afternoon. This is what the nurses are paid for. Most of the rest of the stuff that goes on there, I'm willing to help with. Not that, though.

2) Two years later, Aretha recorded "Son of a Preacher Man." What's something you changed your mind about?

I've been doing a lot of back-and-forth about Beast coming home.

3) This song tells the tale of Billy Ray, a young man who could be very persuasive. If we wanted to change your mind about something, would you be more easily swayed by an emotional argument, or with verifiable facts?

I would be unlikely to be swayed by someone trying to change my mind at all. I don't do well with being told what to do.

4) If you ordered a "Son of a Preacher Man" in a bar, you'd get a cocktail made with peppermint schnapps, gin and lemonade. When did you last have lemonade? Was it just lemonade, or was it spiked with alcohol?

Good gawd that sounds AWFUL! I can't even think of a time I've had lemonade in the past 6 months. It's not really my thing, but it would have been just lemonade.

5) Dusty had a thing for maps. She admired them artistically and enjoyed using them to take long car trips. Do you use printed maps? Or do you rely on technology, like GPS or Google Maps?

I almost exclusively use the GPS in my car, and look at Google Maps ahead of time.

6) As a girl, she attended convent school. There, one of the nuns discouraged Dusty from performing, telling her that if she would do better to be a mother or a librarian. When you were growing up, did the adults in your world encourage your dreams?

Nope. Which is ridiculous, actually, considering that I come from a long line of women who worked for pay.

7) That nun inspired Dusty's first major act of rebellion. In an attempt to make herself look less like a future librarian or housewife, she bleached her hair platinum blonde. In school, were you much of a rebel? Or did you conform to the expectations adults had of you?

Oh, I was quiet and relatively well-behaved in school. But remember those striking-looking women? One of them has several tats, wears 6" heels and short skirts, dyes her hair in random colorful streaks....and is a librarian. So, hey nun, fuck right off.

8) Early in her career, Dusty provided the entertainment at a family summer camp. She appeared on the bill with a clown, a fire-eater and a hypnotist. Have you ever been hypnotized?

Nope. Hell to the no, not in public for sure!!

9) Random question: Have you ever played matchmaker to your friends? If yes, did your efforts lead to romance?

I have, to spectacularly zero effect. Setting up two non-communicative people is just stupid.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Homecoming
A few questions inspired by Spider-Man: Homecoming. As always, I tried to write the questions so that you needn’t have seen the movie to answer the questions however you wish.

1. What’s the crime like in your neighborhood?

We are pretty much limited to (illegal-in-this-state) fireworks and kids taking money out of unlocked cars. Some speeding, some loud partying. Our county has a map of sex offenders, and we are surrounded, but not directly in this neighborhood. Three hundred yards away, the houses are tiny and cheap and far from schools.

2. If you could have attended one of those high schools with a specific academic focus, such as performing arts, studio arts, sustainability, science and technology, international languages and diplomacy, or some option you thought of yourself, which would you have chosen when you were thirteen?

I wouldn't have. My parents, rather, wouldn't have. We're big believers in well-rounded education in my family.

3. What was memorable about a party you remember from high school?

I can count on one hand the number of parties I went to in high school. They were all memorable for different reasons, but none of them were mad raves or crazy drink-fests.

4. Which of your older relatives is (or was) the handsomest or prettiest?

My crazy brother-in-law (Jan) was startlingly good-looking till he hit about 50, and since then has dropped right off that chart 100%. My second nephew Don used to look a lot like Brando did in his youth. The rest of us just look like people you see everywhere. I was accosted at the baseball game last weekend by someone asking how things were going with me, etc., who then realized I wasn't "Lauren" or whoever from St. John's Lutheran Church in [town in a state where I don't currently live]. It's quite weird when this happens.

5. What was homecoming like at your high school? How did you feel about it?

I didn't go. I wasn't dating anyone at that time, I felt (feel) strongly that holding onto--or getting into--a relationship just for Homecoming is not the person I want(ed) to be.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Around the House

Bedroom: what’s your sleep schedule?

I sleep whenever I can. I'm usually in bed by 9 or 10 and reading or puzzling for awhile. Wake-up time varies between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on the day--although yesterday I slept past noon!!--and I try to get a nap on weekends. Not yesterday, though.

Kitchen: favorite comfort food?

Sweets. I'm not fussy, but I'm also on the verge of being told to totally cut them out.

Washroom: showers or baths? bubbles? bath bombs?

My daily schedule involves a shower upon waking up most mornings, but I like to get a bath periodically just because they are relaxing and I can shave my legs easier. And I use either bubbles or bath salts, whatever I grab first.

Closet: sum up your style in a few words.

"Is it comfortable? Does it have pockets?"

Parlor: favorite party or board game?

I really do like the game of Life. And I've loved every single game I've played of Cards Against Humanity, including the one we played at a staff meeting at work. THAT was super-eye-opening.

Living room: what do you like to do with your family?

Talk. We're heavily into talking, mostly over each other, all at the same time, and getting irritated because no one is listening. Otherwise, we do well wherever you put us, to be honest. We're nothing if not adaptable.* Oh, and we like to eat.

Dining room: favorite special occasion food?

I make a good Thanksgiving spread.

Garden: favorite tree? flower?

My favorite tree...hmm, either aspen or blue spruce, I guess. My favorite flower is heirloom roses, the kind that smell.

Attic: what’s one thing you have a sentimental attachment to and you will never throw away?

I would assume the obvious wedding ring answer, but otherwise there are just too many "favorite things" and while I would hate to do it, I know it's quite likely I will have to do so someday.

Library: favorite book genre?

Mysteries. I used to turn up my nose at romances, but I'm about to start on a tear of those having had just about enough bad news on my plate for far too long.

Office: if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

The one I have is pretty damned excellent!

Guest room: have you been to a sleepover? if so, when was your first? do you like them?

I'm female: of course I had slumber parties as a child and teen. My first? I was probably 10 or so, but don't remember details. They were just part of weekends and vacations and so forth, a 'thing' that has continued well into my adulthood. My last one was at Amy's over a year ago; I spent the weekend at her house. Lovely!

Foyer: do you like small gatherings, large parties, or one-on-one meetings?

I hate large crowds. Smaller groups or one-on-one is far preferred.

Pantry: favorite meal to make?

Mac n cheese, I guess. I really don't enjoy cooking that much.

Laundry: favorite and least favorite chore?

I don't mind cleaning bathrooms or doing dishes or general cleanup, but I absolutely LOATHE floors! Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming--I hate it all. And guess what's on my schedule today? Yep, all three.

Garage: favorite mode of transportation? favorite car?

I love riding trains. I'm not a train nut, but there's something about going slow enough to see people's backyards and farm fields but fast enough to move along and NOT have to do the driving.... I'm acutely envious that Beast gets to take the commuter train into the Big City on Wednesday without me. Closer to home, I'd love a Jeep Cherokee, but my Ford Edge is fine too.

Panic room: what was the most nerve-wracking experience you’ve had?

Parenting. You don't know for sure you've done things right until at least 20 years after the fact.

Powder room: do you wear makeup? if so, what one item can’t you live without? what’s your favorite look?

The only "make up" I wear is Chapstick. I can't have stuff around my eyes because of allergies, and my rosacea means putting stuff on my cheeks and nose is just begging for a giant breakout. Also, I'm lazy, and usually don't want to take the time to futz in the morning.

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*The first is more true of my extended family of origin, and much less true of Beast and Sparky and me. The latter part is all of us.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
A Summer Place (1960)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song highlights the soundtrack from the movie A Summer Place, which is about two teenage lovers named Molly and Johnny. Did you ever have a youthful summer romance? If so, what was his/her name?

Not ... exactly. I had a Christmas Break romance, sort of, one year in college, for which I should probably have been arrested; he was younger than me and I was 18. Otherwise, no.

2) The "summer place" of the song/movie is a resort along the Maine coast. What "summer place" are you day dreaming about this winter morning?

Anyplace where the sun in shining! I don't even care what the temperature is at this point--I just need some sunshine.

3) In the movie, Johnny was played by Troy Donahue, who is remembered as nice looking but not terribly talented. Can you think of one of today's actors who you could describe as "nice looking but not terribly talented?"

So ... many ... choices ....

4) Molly is played by Sandra Dee, a perky blonde who was one of 1960's bankable movie stars. Two other blondes -- Doris Day and Debbie Reynolds -- joined Sandra Dee in the Top 10. The only brunette to sell a lot of movie tickets that year was Elizabeth Taylor. Do you believe men find blondes more attractive than brunettes or redheads?

I don't know. I think in commercial terms, yes, but I'm not sure about actual attraction. From my perspective, blond hair (in a guy) is "pretty" but I prefer darker-haired guys in terms of sex appeal or whatever.

5) "A Summer Place" was by far the best-selling record of 1960. Also in 1960, two brothers in Ypsilanti, Michigan, opened a pizza place called Dominick's. That was the beginning of a chain now known as Domino's. What's the last food you had delivered to your front door?

Pizza, but not Domino's! Never, ever. Partially because they don't deliver out here in the boonies, and partially because of the owners' politics. But they do have pretty good breadstick thingies... (people at work order from them for work-related stuff)

6) In 1965, one of the brothers sold his share of the business to his brother for cash so he could buy a VW Beetle. Tell us about a time you had buyer's remorse.

Almost every time I buy clothes these days. Nothing is comfortable, because it either pinches all the fatty parts of my or makes me look (shock!) fat.

7) In 1960, novelist Ernest Hemingway returned to the United States from Spain and settled in Ketchum, Idaho. Tell us about the last book you read. Was it a novel or non-fiction?

The literal last book I read from is Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin. Rebus had just wakened up with a killer hangover and no member of his return to his hotel. The last book I finished is Nothing Short of Dying by Erik Storey. Good, a bit more violent than I normally appreciate, but set in some places I know fairly well.

8) In December, 1960, John F. Kennedy, Jr. was baptized in the Georgetown University Chapel. His godparents were Charles and Martha Bartlett, the couple who originally introduced young John's famous parents. Do you have godparents?

Not that I know of. I wasn't baptized till I was confirmed so I doubt that was a thing my dad was willing to do.

9) Random question: You're at dinner with a married couple who begins to fight. Would you intercede and try to make peace? Or would you just sit back stay out of it?

Depends on the topic of the argument and how much alcohol they've each put away. I've done both options. My instinct is to intervene, and I totally would if it looked like things were going towards violence, but often it's hard to know how to intervene without taking sides. Or appearing to take sides. I just know, either way, I'm going to feel icky the next day. We had friends do this while playing cards on vacation one night 10 or so years ago. He stormed off to bed. She stayed up and we continued playing for another half hour or so. In terms of who was right: he was. Too weird. I still feel icky about that one.

Sunday Stealing x3

(Link in meme-roll)
The Alice Through the Looking Glass Meme

If your life was a book, what would be its title?

Plot? What Plot? seems about right.

Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

I see weird people DAILY. You want weird coworkers, weird family members, weird members of the public, weird neighbors? I have someone--at least one person--in each category. Mostly, I enjoy Teh Weeerd. Sometimes, it makes me want to punch walls. Today was about half and half.

What is a special thing that someone once did for you?

I think the trick here is to notice the special things more than it is to expect big gestures of love from people. Possibly the nicest thing someone's done for me this week is driving me from work to pick up Beast after he had a diabetic situation Friday night. But the flight attendants on the plane, the car driver, and others I don't even know about were spectacularly on-point last Monday on our trip home from vacation.

If you could erase someone off the planet, who would it be?

My first reaction was political. Instead I'll just say that I'm not going to be sad when Crazy Cat Woman retires from my workplace in less than a month.

What’s a big goal that you have?

I have never been a Big Goal person. I'd like to retire someday. That's looking more and more like it will be some fairy-tale distance away.

If you could time travel and meet yourself at 16, what would you tell yourself?

Like I would listen to someone my age at 16?? I'd probably just pat myself on the back and suggest being a little more careful around booze and people who love it.

If it were the last day of your life, how would you spend it?

With kids. It would be wonderful to just sit around and play with some toddlers or babies, read them some books, get some sticky hugs and kisses...what a way to go.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I would kind of like to meet Tammy Duckworth. She seems like the kind of straight shooter in person that I like in public office. I'd like to tell her that not only do I appreciate her service in the military, but I appreciate her service to our country since she came back home.

What is one thing that you would never do that others you know have done?

I'm pretty sure that I'll never drive drunk.

What is one romance depicted in film that you’d love to experience?

Wow. Uhm. I'm not much of a romance-watcher. The Tracy-Hepburn dynamic, though, that is fun.

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

"O.M.G." (and not in any theological sense)

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

Really, any random newborn is pretty awesome. It may be the last time we are every fully ourselves, right after birth, before we start wearing other peoples' expectations.

What was the best experience in your life?

I've had a lot of good experiences. One of the best was getting my mom giggling during church in the middle of quiet prayer and then both of us giggling through the Lord's Prayer. It was strange, epic, and 100% unlikely.

If you could rule the world, what would you change?

So . Many . Things. Certain famous people who talk bullshit will be wearing a lot of duct tape over their mouths until they learn how to STFU when they have nothing productive to say.

Where were you when you heard the news of 9/11?

At church. Beast called while I was doing some volunteer work. I got in the car and turned on the radio while I headed home, turned on the TV when I got there and got a call from our brand-new pastor who had no TV service. So I watched the second tower fall with him and his wife, who was totes panicking: "I need to go to the grocery store! We need to stock up on food!"

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The Martial Arts Meme

Who was the last person that you held hands with?

Beast. Yesterday, I think.

Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yup. All of the above on varying occasions.

Who are you looking forward to see[ing]?

I can't think of anyone I'm desperate to see. I just finally met all but one of my great-nephews and -nieces, so it would be nice to see the only remaining unmet one. I'm not sure about going to Texas anytime soon though, and my understanding is that his parents are perhaps not together anymore. This makes me sad, but I'm treating it as rumor till I hear from someone definitively.

Are you easy to get along with?

Usually. Unless you're an idiot. Then I might be a little hard on you.

Have you ever given up on someone, only to let them back into your lives? Why?

Yes. Once. I shoulda stuck to my guns, but fortunately it wasn't a huge waste of time.

If you were ill, which TV doctor or nurse would you want to take care of you?

Honestly, if I were terrifically and suddenly ill, Johnny Gage's presence at my side in the ambulance could probably manage to put me back on the road to health before even arriving at the ER.

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Yes, it does. I'm so my parents' kid. Having admitted that, I tried very hard to keep my personal ooshiness out of sight whenever Sparky was in need of straight talk. The need to be honest definitely trumped the prude in me.

Who was the last person that you had serious conversation with?

Beast, after I got home from work today. Life is fraught right now and sometimes emotions boil over.

What was the last text message you received about?

Last Fbook PM: "Fair. :P I've just started throwing 'yins' into casual conversation."
Last text: "Yea. She makes a good date."
Last Google Hangout: "Almost got a ticket for not using hands free"
WhatsApp: "Haha! Guess that's a nice sort of problem to have?"
Not one is from the same person and they are all completely unrelated issues, but there is some sense of continuity there.

Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

I completely believe in miracles! My life is full of them. Luck too, mostly of the good variety. I have to say, though, that this is another case of seeing what you look for and getting back from life what you put out into the world.

What good thing happened this summer?

Uhm. It was not exactly a stellar summer. I found some serenity and some freedom. Sparky got out of a lousy roommate situation and into a new apartment of his own. And then a EEEUUUGGGE implosion for Beast at the end of summer from which we'll be recovering for quite awhile. We still haven't seen all the final ramifications as yet. So I'm learning some more about patience, too.

Convince us why we should or should not believe in life on other planets?

You can believe whatever you want, as far as I'm concerned. Until we actually find life in space, you have that option. I find it hard to believe that we're alone, as big as the universe is, but I also doubt extraterrestrial life will look anything like us, should we ever run into it.

Who was your first crush on?

David Cassidy. I was 9. Or maybe 8.

Favorite part of daily routine?

Washing my face, brushing my teeth, putting on pajamas, and climbing into bed with my Nook to read or puzzle.

Do you like your neighbors?

Of the ones I know, all but one are good people. We have some new people we haven't met yet. And the neighborhood Dirty Old Man is (YAY!) moving. Or at least the house is for sale.

What’s your worst feature?

My teeth. They are really getting yellow as I age. :(

Have you ever had trust issues?

Huh. Not until the last few years. I'm still horribly gullible, though.

+ + + + + + + + +

The "Doing Questions Like It's 2003" Meme

Tell us about your pets. If you don’t have one, share why you don’t.

We have one lazy little guinea pig named Pinto. He's a cutie, but he will be the last. I'm retiring my zoological chores when he dies.

Name three things that are close to you.

Physically close? I'm surrounded by heaps of stuff that have accrued as I unpacked last week. There are three things here I need to mail tomorrow, a book about the discovery of Richard III (brought home from vacation), and a half a liter of Diet Coke that I've been working on all afternoon.

How was the weather for your summer?

It was good. Too muggy here at the end, but I can't complain about the temperatures: they never got wildly out-of-control hot.

What was the last film you saw? Did you like it?

We went and saw the last Star Trek movie when it came out. It was ok. I like the original timeline better.

Tell us about the last trip that you took.

We just got back last Monday from visiting my English family and attending the wedding of my nephew there. He was married in Bristol in probably the weirdest and yet the most fun wedding I've ever attended. Then we spent about a week driving to my nieces' homes in northern and central England and meeting and getting to know their kids. The weather was wonderful, and the kids were great, and it was good to see people I haven't been able to spend time with in 5 years.

Where do you buy groceries? Why?

Meijer, mostly, and increasingly Aldi. And a local standalone grocery. And a local chain that's only in the immediate metropolitan area in which I live. Mostly in that order.

Tell us something that you did today. Or will do if you haven’t had your morning coffee yet.

I worked. Today was Crazy Cat Woman's and Supplies' last Sunday to work before they retire. I'm sad that Supplies is going--in spite of her politics being 180 from mine, I've really come to like and admire her--but CCW can't leave soon enough. Anyway, I found the provenance of an unusual photo of JFK and Jackie for a patron. That was fun.

Have you pulled an all-nighter?

Kinda did that a couple of weeks ago on the flight to England. I might've gotten an hour of sorta-sleep on the plane. Maybe. At most. Before that was probably the last overseas flight, or staying up with family emergencies.

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi & Coke?

Yep.

Tell us about your siblings. How many and what do they do?

Tell ya what. Here's my family. Go read. It's current. This is not a question I love answering.

What’s the oldest thing that you own?

Several pieces of furniture. My grandparents' china (boxed in the basement). Some books that are well over 100 years old--nothing fancy or worth money, I hasten to add!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Beach Boys' Meme

1. SURFER GIRL : “I have watched you on the shore, standing by the ocean drawer roar, do you love me do you surfer girl.” Were you ever interested in someone (other than a celebrity) who did not return your interest?

Isn't that really pretty much what early adolescence is all about? I had multiple crushes then and in high school--and into college!--on entirely unsuitable guys. It's very girlishly romantic...and pretty pathetic from my perspective now.

2. BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL : “So be true to your school now, just like you would for your girl or guy…” Looking back, how do you feel about your high school days?

I had a blast in high school, when I wasn't having the most miserable time of my life. Academically, I was scaling to the heights. Musically, I was at my peak. Socially, I was getting things figured out. Romantically, I was excluding possibilities maniacally. It was a good time. And it was absolutely awful.

3. FUN FUN FUN : “…and she’ll have fun fun fun till her daddy takes the T-Bird away…” What was the worst punishment you received as a teenager?

I never did much to get in trouble. The worst punishment I remember was lying in bed the night I got in an accident in my mom's car--insert long story--and realizing that my only chance of perhaps not getting destroyed by my parents was confessing before they found the damage in the morning. So I went and stood in their doorway and woke Mom up by saying, "There's something I need to tell you and Dad." "Right now!?" "....yes." So Dad got his hearing aid back on and they came down and heard me out. I had to pay for the replacement body parts that Dad found at the dump and he did all the work (it was pretty much cosmetic, thank God). And I don't remember any yelling or further punishment. Lesson learned: confession is better than discovery.

4. I GET AROUND : “Round round get around, I get around.” Where did you go on your last long trip?

We were in the Southern Caribbean and Puerto Rico in April. In September we're going to a wedding in England. I sound like a freaking jet-setter, but last year's big trip was only about 500 miles from here, and blew up rather spectacularly when Beast ended up in the hospital.

5. HELP ME RHONDA : “You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her off of my mind.” What do you do to cheer up after a personal tragedy such as a lost job, power outage or broken relationship?

Power outage?? Really? We lose power almost weekly every summer. This is not a tragedy. Plus we have a generator now so if things get dire, we just fire it up like the rest of the neighbors.

For real tragedies, my usual mode is without planning, my diet changes. First I stop eating, then I eat everything that isn't nailed down. And I cry, on and on and endlessly. There's usually a layer of anger (and fear) in there too. And my sleep patterns get all fubar.

6. CALIFORNIA GIRLS : “I wish they all could be California girls. The west coast has the sunshine and the girls there get so tan, I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island dolls, by a palm tree in the sand.” Where are the best boys found?

The Midwest. And Italy. :)

7. SLOOP JOHN B : “I wanna go home, please let me go home, ya ya. Well this is the worst trip, I’ve ever been on…” What is the worst trip you’ve ever been on?

Our vacations in the past 12 months have not gone to plan in some pretty bad ways. I'm hoping that string of badness breaks on our trip to England. Because if not, I may be done traveling with Beast.

So, either ending up in the ER waiting room for 7 hours and Beast in the hospital for a couple of nights, or arriving in a new-to-me place and not being able to find Beast either in person or by phone/text/IM for almost 3 hours after my plane touched down. Take your pick.

8. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE : “I guess the more we talk about it, it makes it harder just to live without it, but let’s talk about it…” What is your biggest wish?

I hate to sound like a beauty pageant contestant but ... World Peace. Or at least World Sanity.

9. IN MY ROOM : “There’s a place where I can go and tell my secrets to. In my room. In my room.” What is your favorite thing about your own personal room or space in your home/office?

Sleep. Noodle around on the computer. Read. OK, of the three? Sleep.

10. GOD ONLY KNOWS : “You never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it. God only knows what I feel about you.” When was the last time you told a significant other or close relative that you loved them?

I tell Beast every day. I tell Sparky--especially the last 10 days or so--every time I talk to him (or IM/PM/text). I try to get it out of my mouth with extended family too, but we aren't particularly mushy, so it seems to always sort of shock them when I do say it.

11. GOOD VIBRATIONS : “My baby has good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations…” When do you get good vibrations?

Actually, lately, I've been getting weird nerve things going on in my arms and legs almost daily. Sort of that tingly, tickly, excited/nervous sensation that runs down arms/legs? No clue why. It comes out of nowhere. I'm beginning to wonder if my nervous system is breaking.

In the broader sense, I had a good time at work on Friday. No details, just fun events and silly behavior and everyone meshing together with no bitching.

12. KOKOMO : “We’ll go to Kokomo. We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow. That’s where I wanna go…” What is your favorite warm weather destination?

The mountains. Honestly, I'm not fussed anymore about which mountains, seeing as there are NONE around here, but I crave mountains in the summer: they're cooler, breezier, and nearer the sun.

13. DO IT AGAIN : “Let’s get back together and do it again…” If you could go back in time and gather up your school friends, what would you do again?

Since this can't possibly really happen for several reasons, let's just make it crazy: midday meal at Mr. Gatti's (closed decades ago) and then a field show that we win, then goofing in the hallways with no fear of getting teachers pissed off. In college, it would involve a schlag. :-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
As Long As You Love Me (1997)
... Because Bookstraveller suggested The Backstreet Boys. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This video shows the boys in the band nervously await an audition. When were you last nervous?

I'm not sure if it was nerves, but I was having a hard time all week getting a deep breath. And last night I was mega-worried about Beast when he went off to "find out about where to park" and didn't come back for over half an hour. [and because he parked in a hurry without checking carefully, the car was towed overnight]

2) BSB Brian Littrell was born with a congenital heart problem and had open heart surgery the year this song was released. Who is the last person you visited in the hospital?

Beast, about 11 days ago....

3) Littrell had different health trouble in 2009. While working in Japan, he contracted swine flu, which caused the band to cancel several events. Have you battled a cold or flu this summer?

Not yet. But my allergies have kicked in hard today. Seriously, massive doses of Benadryl. I'm so foggy from it, but my throat still itches.

4) When you feel a cold coming on, what's your favorite remedy?

Massive doses of Vitamin C as soon I start feeling crummy. And I sleep and drink lots of water.

5) Brian and his cousin, fellow BSB member Kevin Richardson, are both from Kentucky and have been inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. According to their website, if you tour the Hall of Fame you'll see exhibits that celebrate Kentucky's contribution to American music. Do you enjoy museums? Or do you think they're a snooze?

I love museums! We toured the historical museum on St. Kitt's while cruising--it's three rooms. Fascinating. And in Athens 15 years ago we took Sparky to the children's museum one day, and had a blast, despite no one speaking each other's language.

about 4 years ago

6) BSB Nick Carter was named one of People magazine's "Most Beautiful People in the World." Who is someone you think is especially gorgeous?

One of the girls in our former high school church group was (is) possibly the most attractive women I have ever met in my life. Tall--like 6'+--long blonde hair, thin, athletic .... AND SHE'S SUPER NICE! Great smile--yes, her tongue is sticking out here. Geez, I miss seeing her! It's good that her grandma--whom I see every week at church--looks like her. ;-)

7) This spring Nick became a father for the first time. Is anyone in your life expecting a baby this year?

No one in the family. I don't actually know if anyone I know well is pregnant.

8) The band has been involved in ongoing litigation with their first manager, saying he had been dishonest with them about how much they had earned. Tell us about someone you trusted, but shouldn't have.

Pretty much every single person at my workplace, at least from how my boss has spun it. All but one of my co-workers has been moved to "Acquaintances" in Facebook. It sucks because there are a couple of people there I really like and thought were friends first. Once I've been burned a few times, I do eventually learn.

9) The band's record-breaking 1999 tour was sponsored by the Sears department store chain. Sam remembers the twice-a-year shopping trips to Sears -- spring and fall -- with her mother to update Sam's school wardrobe. What's the last article of clothing you bought?

Hmm. Oh, I some underwear last month from VS. Nothing fun, don't get excited. Just the usual everyday equipment one needs to get through life.

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.

The past is what makes up who we are. Don't let it become your burden

(Swiped from Amy, the Source of All Goodness)

How tall are you?

171 cm or so.

Do you have a hidden talent and if so, what?

The speed at which I can alphabetize paper slips is astounding. Then there's my rapid-fire updating of OCLC records. But my best talent is sleeping, even when in a situation that would find most people with eyes uncloseable.

What is your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

I guess it's those people who think that because they can post something up on a website it endows them with the same skills as someone who has studied journalism and made a career of it. I have a specific site in mind (they call themselves "County Watchdogs" but really they're just mean-spirited gossips), but I'm not limiting myself to them. "Citizen Journalism" is unreliable at best.

What is your biggest non-blog-related pet peeve?

Meanness. Why we gotta be so bloody MEAN to each other all the time??

What’s your favorite song?

Depends on the day. Of late, "St. Teresa" (Joan Osborne) has been popping up with some regularity.

What’s your favorite Etsy shop?

I don't think I've ever bought anything from anyone on Etsy, but I follow the Tumblr of the woman who does this shop and she (and her work) cracks me up.

What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

Reading, puzzling (as in Sudoku and crosswords), Facebooking. Mostly in that order.

What’s your favorite junk food?

Those damned Lofthouse iced sugar cookies.

Do you have a pet or pets?

We are down to just Pintobean the guinea pig. Unless you count the dust dinosaurs....

What are your number one favorite non-fiction and fiction books?

Overall, the Kent Haruf novels are my favorites. I mean as the story of the town of Holt. Nonfiction....hmmm, the one that's keeping my sanity the best is probably someone Al-Anon related. A lot of the stuff is inane and insipid, but there's almost always a little nugget of thought-provoking stuff to chew on.

What’s your favorite beauty product?

Burt's Bees lip balm. Not the mango, but the peppermint stuff is wonderful!

When were you last embarrassed and what happened?

I'm mortified that I've been incredibly credible. Again. Why do I believe what people tell me rather than believing the evidence my senses are screaming at me?!

If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Diet Dr. Pepper.

What’s your favorite movie?

The ones that make me laugh the hardest--for obviously different reasons--are Paint Your Wagon, RHPS, and Heathers. The best one EVER is Shoah, but you best bring a truck of Kleenex, some ulcer meds, and something to chew on to keep from screaming, and do NOT watch it if at all depressed.

What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep etc.?

I was co-valedictorian--six of us were within 1/100th in GPA so they weenied out and refused to pick one (I was probably 3 or 4 out of about 300 in my class)--and a huge band-nerd-slash-brainiac.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Right now, that house on Tierra del Fuego, or in the middle of the Mojave, sounds fabulous.

PC or Mac?

PC, because I haven't use an Apple product since approximately 1987. I don't hate them, but it's just easier to use the same basic product at home and at work. This minimizes the hassle in sending files back and forth--though I think nowadays that's less of a problem. It used to be a huge hassle.

Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boyfriend/girlfriend?

Hah! First of all, I'm married, nearly 30 years in at this point. Secondly, Beast is not exactly Mr. Romantic. However, he did surprise me with those damned sugar cookies recently. ;-)

Favorite celeb?

I don't really like "celebs." There are a lot of famous people that I like because they are doing good and admirable things: Jimmy Carter, Meredith Vieiera, Michelle Obama, even Prince Charles. I don't tend to care too much about people who are famous for being famous (I'm looking at you, Housewives and Kardashians and Survivor has-beens, et al.).

Which blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?

I am friends with several of the bloggers I follow. One of my besties IRL and several who've crossed into Facebook-friendships. Now that is some weird shit there. If we're talking Big Famous People....Lynne Murphy from this blog is my idol. Funny and smart, and clever, and real.

Sunday Stealing

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

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself.

Everything I keep thinking of I think of a reason that it wouldn't be bad with others. Seriously, the only thing I can think of is going to the bathroom, which--if you've ever had a toddler in your life 24/7--is actually something worth looking forward to. Anyway, other options I came up with and discarded are napping, reading, etc.

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)

Mountains. No contest.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning?

I don't. There's no good way, there are only less-annoying ways.

28. How was your day? What did you do?

It's only 2:50! OK, granted it looks like it's nearly sunset because it's so stinkin' foggy again today... I was at church by 7, taught Sunday School, went to the worship service, came home, started laundry--I think we need a new washer, yay, not--ran to the mini-mart for milk for mac-n-cheese tonight...this. I'm going to be napping sometime soon. And there's a memorial service for the mom of a friend tonight that I should go to, but I really feel lousy. We'll see.

29. What did your last text message say?

The last PM I sent Sparky was "np" last night. The last text message was probably to Chris yesterday telling her I would be late for our meetup. And the last GChat was "In case ur awake....omw home" to Beast yesterday afternoon.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

Sometimes. Not always.

31. Who was the last person you called?

Pepper. Yes, that's her real name--well, I mean, that's the name she goes by not something I made up.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list.

A personal chef. A personal trainer. A personal pilot and plane. And washer that empties and spins the water out.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for?

I shudder to think...!

34. Winter or summer?

Autumn. If it's summer in the mountains, then summer. If it's humid...shoot me.

35. What is a quality that all people should have?

Oh, no. Uh-uh, you are NOT going to get me telling people what everyone should be like. All people should be who they were created to be, which may (and does) end up being irritating and inconvenient an awful lot of the time.

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be?

I have an awful lot of books, and slightly fewer S&Ps. I'd like a large collection of chores completed, but that's not likely.

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

Beast's shoulder/spine. How much and how badly I need to lose a lot of weight. How absolutely exhausted I am all the time--I'm sure this is due to a medication swap a couple of weeks ago. How we are the only house in our neighborhood with no holiday decor in sight. A friend's son who nearly died last weekend. You know, the usual stuff.

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

Lowered expectations of others, reasonable expectations of yourself, and chocolate.

39. What are some phrases you say often?

"Really?" "Hey..." "...just..." "I'm sorry, what?"

40. Favorite food?

Iced sugar cookies.

41. What is your wish for the world?

That we could all just get over our egos and accept ourselves and others as they are, not how we think they should be.

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

Something horrible happening to Sparky. Large, unruly crowds. Active shooters in the workplace. A long lingering death.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

A picture of a local landmark? No, actually, I think it was probably the gun violence chart for last night's Facebook post. Last week's stats: 455 incidents, 122 of which had 0 injuries. 130 people died. 284 were injured.

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)?

Babies. Love lighting up faces. Ouray.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

I like it. My stomach, however, no longer tolerates it well.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Dislike gore. Suspense is ok.

47. Do you like to travel?

YES!! I wish I could do it all the time!!

48. Any regrets?

What's my time frame? I think I'm regret-free for the last 15 or so minutes.

49. Do you like rain?

I like rain that starts and ends in reasonable time frames. So this multi-day drizzle thing that's been going on for the weekend is not my thing at all.

I don't understand a single word

(Courtesy of Die Gerb)

• Would you rather trade some intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?

  I'd rather be intelligent. Looks fade, and to a point intelligence does too, over time. But you CAN fix lack of intelligence, while lost looks are just gone. Better not to depend on them.

• Have you ever tie-dyed your own clothes?

  I have! I've tie-dyed Sparky's clothes. I think Beast even has tie-dyed stuff buried somewhere. I actually like tie-dye, within reason. It reminds me of BIL and has lots of other pleasant associations. But I do recognize that it is DEEPLY uncool at this point.

• How often do you buy new clothes?

  I have a big blowout shopping trip a couple of times a year, but I fill in odds & ends piecemeal semi-regularly. I really need to do some shopping; my winter clothes don't fit. Again.

• Do you buy from charity shops?

  Actually, I've been thinking about hitting up Goodwill (and equivalents) for some new-to-me sweatshirts and/or sweaters. I don't want to drop a ton of cash, but I'm really bored with what I've got, and see previous answer. I also got a set of luncheon dishes that I've always wanted at a resale shop. What a buy!And lots and lots and lots of S&Ps.

• Have you ever sold your services?

  Sure. Pretty much, if you have a job, you're selling yourself at some level. Of course, my services are legal to sell, so I'm not all that worried about letting everyone know.

• Have you ever raised money for charity?

  Not directly, but I've certainly given to charity, and I've participated in fundraising events.

• Have you ever wielded a sword?

  Only the wooden toy variety. Don't think I could actually pick up a metal sword and swing it at all.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Q & A Meme

1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again?

I'd probably take more religion classes and fewer communication courses.

2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an indepth conversation?

Are the President or the First Lady celebrities? If not then I guess I'll go with Bono or Rachel Maddow.

3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be?

Sitting in my living room, desultorily scanning the internet, reading books, and eating sugar cookies. Maybe doing some authority control work or cataloging. Nothing that involves a lot of people F2F most of the time, that's for sure!

4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert?

Tiramisu.

5. How many pairs of jeans do you own?

I only 3 pairs of blue jeans but only one pair fits me. I have three pairs of non-blue jeans that I wear for work.

6. What is your favorite flower, and why?

Heirloom roses, the big floribunda type. With scent.

7. What book has most changed your life?

I don't remember life before the Bible or the Little House series, so I don't know if it changed my life. The books that have changed my worldview are legion though: The Book of Ruth, Atticus, Plainsong, From Here to Eternity, The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Nicholas & Alexandra. Actually, perhaps that last one is the most telling, as it really ignited my interest in Russian history 30 years ago, which I still enjoy today.

8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it?

I do not like raw (or plain stewed) tomatoes alone. I will eat them in salsa because they're unrecognizable, but I really can't stand the taste, the scent, or the texture of them. {{shudder}}

9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land?

It would be whatever the longest flight from the west coast towards Australia/New Zealand would be....

10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo?

Hell. No. It's not happening.

11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth?

I'd love to know where Gloria (college) ended up, and Teri (high school).

12. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?

Taos.

13. Name three of your guilty pleasures.

Sugar cookies, blogging, naps.

14. The best kind of cookie is:

Heh. Lofthouse iced sugar cookies. And my mom's oatmeal raisin cookies from when I was a child.

15. What do you value most in other people?

Tactful honesty.

16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?

Most everything in my life has had a silver lining. I'm still trying to figure out how the death of my niece's first baby (and her near-death) can be a positive though. Everything else....I wouldn't be who I am now without those things happening.

17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?

Ouray. Ydra. Moosehead.

18. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler?

I think I'm a good mixture of both, but I'm virtually certain that most people think I'm more of a feeler.

19. Name three things you are thankful for right now.

Football (though not the game we're slogging through now--Jets v. Dolphins at Wembley), autumn weather, diet Dr. Pepper.

20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?

....wowwwWWWW! Yes, about 40 years ago!

21. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

I think so? I know I always sing along if they aren't trying to be all cute with the tune.

'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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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.

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
CAPS LOCK Meme

1. YOU HAVE 10 BUCKS AND NEED TO BUY SNACKS AT A GAS STATION. WHAT DO YOU GET?

Just for myself? A liter of Diet Dr. Pepper. Cheetos. Butterfinger. And a banana. Usually, I'm buying for the whole car, so if that were the case...the Dr. Pepper, a liter of Pepsi Max, a liter of water or Sprite, and whatever the others wanted to eat.

2. IF YOU WERE REINCARNATED, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE?

The way things are going, I don't think I'll be advancing much. I'd prefer not to fall down the ladder into invertebrate-land, but it would be awesome to come back as a wolf.

3. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE REDHEAD?

Sparky of course.

OLD photo--at least 5 years ago--his hair is MUCH shorter now!

4. WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU’RE AT AN I.H.O.P. OR BREAKFAST PLACE?

Sometimes I get a skillet (mix of ingredients with potatoes and eggs on top). Sometimes I get an omelet. Sometimes I get pancakes. It really depends on my mood.

5. LAST BOOK YOU READ?

The last book I was reading (this morning, because it's an ebook that expires in 3 days!) was We Others : New and Selected Stories (Steven Millhauser). The last one I finished was Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World (Mark Miodownik). I've currently got six other books going, though.

6. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

I have no idea.

7. DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF UNDERWEAR.

Uhm....? I don't really play favorites in this part of my life. I have a couple of UNfavorites that I should just toss for various reasons.

8. DESCRIBE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE INJURED.

I'm usually walking wounded, being disastrously klutzy, but the latest pain situation has been sciatica in my right leg from hip to calf. All day yesterday. Yuck.

9. IF YOU COULD INVENT ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A Motivationer, for when I just "don' wanna!"

10. ROCK CONCERT OR SYMPHONY?

I prefer the crowds at Symphony Hall these days.

11. WHAT IS THE WALLPAPER ON YOUR CELLPHONE?

It's a photo I took on vacation last year of our tabletop in a restaurant:

12. FAVORITE SODA?

Surely you know this by now....

13. FLAVOR OF PUDDING?

Butterscotch.

14. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A PEDICURE OR A MANICURE?

Pedicure. My hands are ugly and I'm not at all interested in fake nails.

15. ANY BUTTONS OR BLINKIES IN YOUR SIDEBAR?

I dunno; you tell me?

16. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR BLOGROLL?

I have 136 open feeds in my Inoreader list. Not all of them are 'live' anymore, but most of them publish 2-3 hits a day. Right now I have 666 posts to read. Yeah, not gonna happen.

17. WHAT’S THE LAST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU BOUGHT?

It's a bit coincidental that I did buy underwear yesterday in light of question #7.

RaNdOm Meme

1. If you were to attend a costume party tonight, what or whom would you go as?

I'd probably just go as myself. Not overly creative these days in the costuming department. But why am

2. What are your choice of toppings on a hamburger?

Cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce and a few onions.

3. You are chosen to have lunch with the President. The condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask?

"Will you hire me as the full-time permanent cataloger in your library?"

4. It’s your first day of vacation, what are you doing?

Sleeping!

5. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies?

I usually bring my own food, but I'll get a drink. A small if there are free refills, a large if not.

6. Which do you dislike most: pop-up ads or spam email?

Pop-ups. Gmail's spam filter is quite good.

7. What do you think Captain Hook’s name was before he had a hook for a hand?

It would be pretty funny if that were his name since birth, eh? Otherwise, we can call him Mr. Hand.

8. Rock, paper, or scissors?

Spock.

9. Let's say a brick fell on your foot, and your kid is standing right next to you, what is your 'cleaned up’ swear word?

My 'kid' is 22 so I hardly think he'll mind if I drop a few F-bombs or worse. My go-to non-swear swear word is "carp" though.

10. Which is worse, being in a place that is too loud, or too quiet?

Too loud. I love love love love love quiet.

11. What is one quality that you really appreciate in a person?

Wit. Not necessarily humor, just quick-mindedness.

12. At the good old general store, what particular kind of candy would you expect to be in the big jar at the counter?

Long hoarhound sticks. We have a general store right around the corner, actually. They don't have candy on the counter, though, just made-to-order deli sandwiches. Times have changed in the land of general stores!

13. What is the most distinguishing landmark in your city?

The one in which I live has a lake. The one in which I work has a really lovely central business area.

14. Everyone hears discussions that they consider boring. What topic can put you to sleep quicker than any other?

"Me me me me. Ignorance. Me me me me me me. Stupid. Me." I really hate listening to stupid self-centered people. Adults. Kids like that are normal and just make me laugh.

15. How many times did it take you to pass your driver's test?

First-timer! Only time I've ever taken the written OR the driving tests, too. That was 35 years ago, for God's sake!

16. If you had to have the same topping on your vanilla ice cream for the rest of your life, what topping would you choose?

Butterscotch.

17. What food item would need to be removed from the market altogether in order for you to live a healthier, longer life?

Sugar.

18. You are offered an envelope that you know contains $50. You are then told that you may either keep it or exchange it for another envelope that may contain $500 or may be empty. Do you keep the first envelope, or do you take your chances with the second?

I'm standing firm with the $50.

19. If you had to choose, which would you give up: cable TV, or DSL/cable internet?

Bye-bye TV. Actually, I got rid of cable almost 15 year ago and have been a satellite-only gal since then.

20. What is your highest level of education?

I have a Master's degree in Library & Information Science, thankyouverymuch. {snort}

21. How much is a gallon of gas in your city? What was the highest it’s been?

The cheapest nearby is $2.80. Highest ever was over $4 last summer. Gasbuddy is indeed by buddy for telling me all this.

22. What kind of lunch box did you have as a kid?

I went through one a year. Let's see, there was a Partridge Family one...I don't honestly remember any others.

23. What would you rather have, a nanny, a housekeeper, a cook, or a chauffeur?

A cook.

24. Would you rather be trapped in an elevator, or stuck in traffic?

Traffic.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Anyday Meme

1. What is your dream career, and what path do you plan to take to get there?

I'm in it, and I take the same path to it every morning. Unless I detour past McD's for a large diet Coke.

2. Who do you aspire most to be like?

Do I sound like a lunatic if my answer is "Jesus"?

3. What do you like in a best friend?

Someone who likes me, who has a sense of humor and a sense of boundaries.

4. Do you currently have any squishes (people you really want to be best friends with)?

There are some people I'd like to get to know better, but as much as I like the concept of 'squishes' I don't think I have any right now.

5. What is your ideal platonic relationship?

Hanging out laughing, doing nothing much, talking about books and people and Important Things.

6. Best late night IM/phone conversation story.

I don't really do late-night stuff--too busy sleeping. Unless you count the call I made to neighbors last month at 3 a.m. because my house was flooding and Beast was bleeding.

7. List one person you’d like to wear the sweater of, one person you’d like to bake cookies with, and one person you’d like to drive around and get lost with. (can be celebrities or fictional characters, has to be three different people and not all the same person)

I would love to still have one of my dad's sweaters, unwashed, that smelled of him. I'll bake cookies--or just eat cookie dough!!--with Amy and/or Jenny. Getting lost would be fun on my own, or with Sparky if I'm feeling mean--he HATES being lost!

8. Describe your current best friend(s).

If you do a search on the blog for "best friends" you'll find many descriptions of them. I'm rather fiercely loyal to my besties; the list hasn't changed.

9. What is a strange, little-known fact about you?

I do my own pedicures. Only had about three "professional" ones in my life.

10. What is a career you wanted to have when you were younger, and still kind of want to have now?

Does "Grandma" count?

11. If you could have tea and pleasant conversation with one person, who would it be?

Dorothy Parker.

12. If you had a time machine, what era would you go to?

I'd like to go whenever it meant that I'd have a) absolutely equal rights with men, and b) meds that would make my dog allergies moot.

13. What celebrity or historical figure would you love to have as your best friend and why?

I think Jennifer Garner would be fun to hang out with.

14. What fictional character would you love to have as your best friend and why?

Laura Ingalls and I are already best buds.

15. If you could have one wish, what would it be (cannot be related to romance or sex)?

World peace and justice. I know, but really....can't we just stop fighting for awhile??

16. If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only take one item, what would it be?

A rescue flare.

17. If you could pick one career other than the one you are pursuing/plan to pursue, what would it be?

Professional sleeper.

[and with that answer, I keeled over on the sofa and slept for an hour]

18. What is your best memory you have with a friend?

Awkward-wording much? I have a lot of great friend memories. Let's go with my best friend in junior high/high school walking to my house after school one day and rolling around in hysterics shouting my middle name. ... I have no idea.

19. Do you have any peculiar interests that most people don’t know about?

I love reading about early church history, the history of the era of Jesus, and how Christianity got started.

20. What were your favorite childhood toys? Do you still have them?

I have one little stuffed pink mouse from my childhood, and my Raggedy Anne doll. Neither is in good shape. RI shouldn't be doused in perfume, for one thing.

21. Favorite baked good?

Oh, no, I'm not playing favorites here! I love them all.

22. If your best friend were here right now, what would you do with them (cannot list best friend as your romantic/sexual partner) ?

There would be giggling. That's all I'm saying.

23. Who would you love to play video games with?

Someone who sucks only slightly less than I do at them. Which excludes almost everyone I know under 40 (and a few over 40).

24. If you could visit any country, which one would it be?

I would like to see Egypt before I die.

25. Are there any friends you miss having around?

All of them.