Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

It All Depends On You (1959)

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

1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad?

I'm ok. I don't feel great today, but mood stabilizers are fully engaged, so no tears and no maniacal laughter or shouting.

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget?

I pay the bills and buy what I need to get by. Everything else is gravy. I just don't like to spend money.

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125?

Bold of you to expect society not to implode in the next 100 years... 
I'd guess the religious books will continue on: Torah/Talmud, Christian scriptures, Qu'ran, Bhagavad Gita. They've made it this far after all.

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it?

First permanent full-time job was when I was 24. I worked full-time during summers in college, and part-time pretty much starting at 16 till 24. That job was my first job as a librarian. It was 1988 and I was stoked to be earning a cool $20,000/year. 

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key?

Low key. It's going to be a rough one this year. Possibly permanently going forward. No Beasty to celebrate joint Birthday Week for the first time in 40+ years.

6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy?

I think they are creepy, thought I've never visited one in person.

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now?

Naked feet! I can't stand stuff on my feet anymore; incipient neuropathy is weird.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal?

It fully depends on how far away I'm going and how much I'm spending on travel. If I'm going to the Big City nearby, a few days is plenty. If I'm going over an ocean, book me for a few weeks please. 

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? 

Of those two options, I'd rather watch (some) old sitcoms. Movies do not interest me much.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Mama Liked the Roses (1970)

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

1) In this song, Elvis tells us his mother loved tending the roses in the garden. Do you have a green thumb?

I do not. I have been entrusted with four five thriving containers of plants recently and so far I seem to have only managed to destroy one plant in one of them. There's another that's not looking real healthy but I think that's just temporary. 
My mother, however, could make lumber sprout green shoots just about. We had a jungle of plants in our living room and, yes, dozens of rosebushes in the yard. To this day, the scent of roses reminds me of my childhood yard and Mom (she didn't wear perfume). 

2) Mama would put the roses in a vase in the living room. Do you have cut flowers in your home right now?

Nope. They all got tossed last week. I have a bunch of empty vases I don't know what to do with. I mean, actually, I need to take them back to the florist that's on my way to work, possibly along with several others from previous floral tributes.

3) Elvis sings that he found Mama's rose petals pressed in the family Bible. Have you ever pressed petals in a book? If yes, what occasion were you commemorating?

I have! I pressed my high school graduation corsage in my diary! I should dig that out and see how they're doing 45 years on.

4) OK, so now we know Mama liked roses. What about you? Would you prefer white, pink, yellow or red roses?

I do not care about the color. I do care if they actually smell good. No smell-less roses allowed, so (ergo) none from flower shops. It's hard to find roses with scent these days....

5) Elvis' own mother, Gladys Presley, had a major impact on pop culture. When her son was 11, he asked for either a rifle or a bicycle for his birthday. She deemed the rifle too dangerous and the bike too expensive, and so he chose a guitar instead. The rest is history. Tell us about a special birthday gift from your youth.

I don't remember any specific birthday gift. My parents were ultra-practical, so it was mostly clothes or office supplies (stationery, books, etc.). I think I got a necklace one year?  

6) Abraham Lincoln credited his stepmother, Sarah, for her lasting influence on his life, saying she ignited his love of reading and learning. Tell us about a woman -- mother, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, teacher, neighbor -- who changed your life for the better.

Good Lord there are dozens from with to choose! So many good teachers, and so many older-than-me relatives, several younger-than-me relatives, and friends.... I'm going to talk about Venus--yes, her real name--who was in her 60s when I met her and VERY non-Venus-like. She was a smart, no-nonsense, loving Texas native here in the upper Midwest who never met a stranger. I once asked her when she was going to retire from all her post-retirement activities; she basically told me she'd retire when the people she was feeding, helping, "doing for," no longer needed to be fed or helped. Shut me right up. She was fearless, kind, blunt. She always seemed to fill up the room while probably being only about 5'2" tall.

7) Mother's Day is almost upon us. According to the National Restaurant Association, we like to eat out on this holiday, with revenue up more than 80% on Mother's Day weekend. When did you last dine at a restaurant? Was it a special occasion?

I eat breakfast at Wendy's fairly often (drive-thru), but the last sit-down place I think I ate was the new tenant in the City's Last Boondoggle--a lengthy story I'll maybe talk about someday--which was delicious. Sparky's feeding me tomorrow too, at a (pseudo) Irish Pub.

8) Candles are a big seller for Mother's Day, too. What's your favorite candle scent?

I like clean smells, less perfume-y. Pine is good. Sandalwood is good. Gardenia is very much not good.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds?

I'm not that fussy, but I really don't care for dark chocolate. Actually, I am a little fussy: I like European chocolate over American. I got a big nasty mouthful of something American recently that really did a strong vomit taste, which kinda killed that brand for me.

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Love Me Some Questions
These are from Love Me Some Surveys.

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?

Of course: I like disco, and people crap on that all the time.

2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?

Today is my brother and his wife's birthdays, and their wedding anniversary. They celebrated by moving into a brand-new house. My sister's is Tuesday. Four of my friends had birthdays today, another four tomorrow and in the following ten days there are 11 more, not counting my sister. See why I no longer send cards??

3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight?

I have a notebook somewhere with this in it. I think that year it was Larry C. and Ron M. I'm Facebook friends with both of them now. The world is weird.

4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?

It's been awhile since I had a kitchen accident. Having said that, I will undoubtedly do something stupid this week. I haven't even had a sunburn this year.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?

Ten bucks? I'd probably buy lunch for a friend. What I need right now, today, is about $30,000 to pay the nursing home for the last three months.

6. What are you most excited about right now?

I'm a little excited about the prospect of moving, but mostly I'm dreading all the work. Otherwise, I honestly have nothing big to look forward to as far ahead as I look.

7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military?

My dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, stationed in Lake Charles, LA, because he had hearing loss and wasn't allowed to go overseas, thank God!

8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?

I struggle daily against this, and I'm much better about leaving things undone, or badly done, these days. I do not have time (or energy) for perfection.

9. Do you like sour candy?

I love sour candy!!

10. Are all-nighters something you have grown used to?

I haven't done an all-nighter in a long time, at least not in the sense of staying up partying. I've stayed up at hospitals all night, and I've stayed up with insomnia for hours. I'm tired all the time, whether or not I sleep 8 hours or 10 or 4.

11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving?

My glasses darken when I'm in the sun, so yesss...?

12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?

Nope. My mother never was able to train me to do this.

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?

T-shirts and loose pants/shorts (elastic waist). I've given in to the expanding waist 100%.

14. Are you good at painting nails?

I'm ok at it. I'm probably better at doing other people's, and my toes, than my own fingers.

15. Smoothies or slushies?

Slushies. I loathe thick, chunky drinks, unless it's a malt!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Procrastination Tool Questions

1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Of the chain variety, it's Olive Garden. Of the local or one-off places, there are just too many. Some are good because they know what I'm going to order when I walk through the door, some are just unremittingly excellent in terms of quality food, some I like because of the location/view/memories. And some don't exist anymore. :'(

2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?

Pasta in all it's varieties.

3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

Heh. Yeah, I've had a couple of rather major surgeries. And then there's childbirth, which was not C-section, but the kid pretty much had to be yanked out forcefully.

4. What is the last heavy item you lifted?

Uhm. I hauled in 5 bags of groceries this morning in one trip. Before that, it was probably something at work last week.

5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Nope. Thanks, I can pass on that. [Unless you mean anesthetic, of course]

6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

Nope.

7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I'd probably dump the last part. I wish I'd never added it. And no, it's not because I don't love my husband; I just don't like his last name.

8. What’s your goal for the year?

Survival. Get Beast fixed.

9. Last person you hugged?

Sparky when he arrived this morning.

10. First place you went this morning?

Uhm, the bathroom?

11. Do you always answer your phone?

I rarely answer my phone. I have ringtones set for people I want to talk to and otherwise just ignore the ring.

12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

I'll let you know when I wake up in a couple of hours.

13. If you could change your eye color what would it be?

I like my eye color, actually.

14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday?

I will be needing some winter clothes at that point.

15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Is "terrified" an option?

16. Do you have any saved texts?

I don't really delete texts too often. Maybe I should do some of that during the race today.

17. Ever been in a car wreck?

Yup. Nothing huge, no injuries, thank God.

18. Do you have an accent?

Of course I do. Everyone does.

19. What was the last song to make you cry?

I almost had to pull off the road listening to Kelly Clarkson's version of "It's Quiet Uptown" the other day. I was majorly ugly-crying.

20. What did you do last night?

Ordered pizza, noodled around online, not much.

21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

Yeah. Yeah, I have.

22. Current hate right now?

Need I actually say it? I'm more than disappointed in our political representation these days.

23. Met someone who changed your life?

So MANY people!!

24. How did you bring in the New Year?

I have no idea. It's usually pretty boring around here. We just go to bed. The neighbors tend to set off fireworks, of course. Because fireworks go off all the time around here. "Look the sun came out!" "Look someone got a promotion!" "Look we have things to blow up for no reason!"

25. What song represents you?

I'll go with "Georgy Girl" because [insert long family story here].

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Cool Guy Questions

1.) When was the first time you ever swore or said something profane?

I was probably 10 or so. I can't remember precisely, though I know it wasn't at home. I'm sure it was showing off for someone at school.

2.) Have you ever had unrequited feelings for someone? Have you ever been friendzoned?

Well of course. And yes. (and in most cases thank God)

3.) What's a false assumption a lot of people have about you?

That I'm quiet. Hah. So MUCH hah!

4.) Have you ever questioned your sexuality?

Not exactly, no.

5.) If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

Nope. Next....

6.) What did you do on December 12th last year?

I have no idea for sure. Nothing on Facebook or the calendar, so I'm going with "work, meeting chauffeur."

7.) When was the last time you truthfully told someone you hated them?

I don't think I have said that since I was very young. I don't really mean it when I say it, and I only say those words to people I love. ... Yes, I'm weird.

8.) What is your opinion on this song? What about this song?

I can't open the first one, but I generally like Linkin Park.

9.) In less than four sentences, describe the entire plot of the last book you read.

Scottish detective goes to London as an "expert" in serial killers. He has no idea what he's doing really, but ends up solving the case, bedding a comely woman, and breaking up his daughter's budding romance with a crook. Oh and the killer is nuts. Good enough?

10.) Describe the appearance of the most untrustworthy person you can think of (they can be a person you've met or a made up person). Are they male or female or neither? What about their appearance makes them untrustworthy?

Probably nothing about their appearance makes them untrustworthy because they probably look like a perfectly normal person. They are the most scary people out there.

11.) What is the most cringe-worthy thing you've ever seen?

The last week in politics.

12.) What is your biggest regret?

Not one of my big things. It doesn't do any good to regret except to swear not to do it again.

13.) Do you have any cousins? When was the last time you saw them?

I have two on my mom's side and four(?) on my dad's. I haven't seen them in over 30 years.

14.) Describe the worst birthday you've ever had.

Well this last one wasn't great: I worked, came home to an empty house. No card no gift no call.

15.) When was the last time someone provoked you to the point of violence?

I don't hit people, except I suppose in self-defense. And I haven't been violently angry in a physical sense in awhile.

16.) OH NOES!!!! Someone has gotten you to drink a truth potion and now you have to truthfully answer every question you are asked!!! What's the worst possible question someone could ask you?

Like, no. Just no.

17.) Describe, in detail, your first serious relationship. Describe how it ended.

We were in high school, a year apart. I was good friends with his brother. They didn't get along well at all. I realized early on that I wasn't as into him as he was into me. I broke up with him. Twice. Because, yes, we got back together briefly. Then he got angry and started trying to piss me off by attempting to date my friends. smh High school is so much fun.

18.) Introduce your best friend. Tell the story of how you met.

I think it's safe to say in every case it was happenstance.

19.) To the introduced friend, has our interviewee lied in any of these questions? Are you surprised by any of these answers?

I don't lie in my answers to memes. If I feel I might need to do so, I skip the question or otherwise avoid answering. ;-)

20.) To finish up, what is your biggest irrational fear and how did you get it?

I don't like big crowds. I don't think this is irrational at all, honestly, but it does keep me from doing some things, like attending concerts and going to rallies.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Ballad of Gilligan's Island (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is about the fateful cruise of the S.S. Minnow. If you had a boat, what would christen it?

The "S.S. Please Don't Sink."

2) "No phone! No lights! No motorcar! Not a single luxury!" To Sam, those sound more like everyday essentials than luxuries. If you were shipwrecked with the gang, what standard amenity would you miss the most?

I would have a lot of issues with no lights and (more important) no plumbing or medical treatment.

3) The uncharted isle was in the Pacific, near Hawaii. Have you ever been to our 50th state?

Nope. Someday. Sparky's been there so if I can talk him into being a tour guide that would be fun.

4) Natalie Schafer, who played Mrs. Howell, refused to divulge her age. Are you honest about how old you are? Or do you fudge it?

I turn 53 (officially) in about two hours. Don't care who knows it.

5) Gilligan's Island featured many dream sequences. (Like the one where Gilligan dozes off and dreams that he's Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.) Have you had any vivid dreams lately?

I've had some of my usual weirdola dreams. Nothing that linear in terms of storyline, but lots of back and forth with what seems like every person I've ever met: college friends, middle school teachers, patrons from my first job, coworkers from now...and my son being multiple different ages at once. It's truly weird.

6) The pilot was filmed in November, 1963, in Honolulu. The cast and crew were actually onset when they learned of President Kennedy's assassination.* Because on location filming was so expensive, they couldn't afford to take any time off. Tell us about a time when you had to work, even though your heart and head weren't in it.

THIS WHOLE WEEK FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING ON. What a nightmare.

7) During the show's run, Mary Ann (Dawn Wells) was the clear fan favorite, receiving twice as many love letters as Ginger (Tina Louise). Have you ever written a fan letter (or posted a fan tweet or Facebook post)?

I have written two fan letters, one by myself and one with a friend, both of them to musical acts. I don't even remember if I got answers. I sure as hell hope the recipients shredded the letters!!

8) Sam chose this week's song because it was going through her head, over and over again! Tell us a song that burrows into your head and stays there.

Pretty much every song by P!nk has had it's day/week on permanent repeat. Today it's been Christmas songs. Because it's November (she says drily).

9) Random question: You went to a discount store and got an amazing bargain -- a pair of dress shoes for just $4.99. You go to a formal event and someone compliments you on those great shoes and asks where you got them. Do you tell the truth?

Of course. I'm from the Midwest; one does not NOT mention bargains when one has scored something like this!! [If I didn't like the person, I'd probably lie like a rug, though...lol]

*That's why, in the credits for the black and white seasons, the flags are at half-staff when The Minnow leaves the harbor.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Two Thousand Zero Zero Party Over Oops Out of Time

1. What’s your favorite song from 1999?

It's kind of a toss-up between "Unpretty" and "Livin' La Vida Loca." I had no idea it's been 17 years since Ricky-Mania started! I've got the Shania CD too, and it got played A LOT!!

2. What are some of your favorite films from 1999?

I can recall seeing precisely three of the movies on that list: Phantom Menace, Matrix, and Toy Story 2, and I think only one of those in a theater. One was a giant yawn, one was pretty funny, and the third was deeper than I ever thought that kind of movie could be.

3. What’s something interesting that happened on your birthday in 1999?

u>On my birthday, not much. Beast's birthday is soon after mine, and there was all kinds of stuff on his: collapsing people-killing bonfires, non-fatal plane crashes, and an international call for peace in Chechnya. Between our two birthdays, Neopets were introduced!!

4. How did you ring in the new year as 1999 became 2000?

We stayed home, of course, and Sparky tried his hardest to last till midnight. He did ok for an almost-seven-year-old and lasted till about 11 before crashing in the papa-san chair in the living room. I have an awesome photo of him somewhere in his Winnie-the-Pooh slippers and jammies, comatose at the beginning of the new year.

5. What’s something that’s gotten better since 1999?

Internet speed.

I miss Prince so much....sigh....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Survey 212 Meme

Is your birth year an odd or even number?

It's only fitting that it's an odd year, no?

Which one of your friends is the most outgoing?

Probably Beast. No wait, T., at work, talks to E V E R Y O N E!

Have you eaten any of your favorite foods today?

Yup. Bacon. And donuts. And pancakes.

When did you last find yourself in an awkward situation?

Well, this morning when I realized 5 minutes into Sunday School that I was "the" teacher not the backup. So, punt: "What's Easter about?"

When was the last time you ignored, or went against, someone’s advice?

I can't think of a specific time lately, but I'm frequently the recipient of "suggestions" either from my older family members or from random patrons at work. I mostly ignore ALL of it these days and do my own thing.

What happened?

Since I can't remember any horrific outcomes, I'm assuming nothing at all.

How many different towns/cities have you lived in?

I have received mail in six towns, seven zip codes, and eight home addresses. Plus work, and post office boxes.

When was the last time you had Nutella?

Been awhile. I have some, but I have to be in the right mood for it.

Who is your favorite character in“The Big Bang Theory”?

I have never watched the show. On principle, though, I like Mayim Bialik a lot.

What are your parents’ middle names?

One was the first name of the narrator of a famous book by Louisa May Alcott. The other was the first name of the last--not the current--Prince Consort of England.

Name someone with a sexy sounding voice.

The guy who is reading my current book on CD is pretty awesome--I never, ever thought the Cajun accent was all that, but holy Joe...he's changing my mind. Also, Kathleen Turner.

Are your eyes the same color as your sibling’s?

I think my sister Marie and I have the same color eyes: hazel. My brother has blue eyes.

How many pets do you have? Would you like any more?

I have one guinea pig. I'd love a dog. But once this piggy is going, were done. I'm allergic to EVERYTHING furry, apparently.

Is there a song you can’t stop listening to atm?

I heard one this morning in the car called "Pacing the Cage" that I'm kind of obsessing about--never heard it before but the lyrics were interesting. Need to find it on Spotify.

Is there a song that you’re fed up of hearing?

Just about anything from the 80s that hit top 10. I listened to the radio (and watched MTV) a little too much back then....

Did you have a strange or interesting dream last night?

I didn't sleep all that well. I know I dreamed, but I don't remember anything.

Name 3 things that are in your refrigerator atm.

Leftovers, cheese, pop.

Which friend do you confide in most?

These days, Vickie.

What was your most recent reason for smiling?

Something silly that Beast just read me from his daily page calendar about beggars and cruisers.

Saturday 9:

(Link in meme-roll)
FortyFive Seconds (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The very bad day described in this song began promisingly enough. The lyrics tells us, "Woke up an optimist, sun was shining, I'm positive." How did your day begin?

As usual, my bladder woke me up. Once I took care of that, I went back to bed and read for a short while and then went back to sleep for an hour.

2) This song refers to Monday morning. What's on your plate for Monday?

Work. Nothing special.

3) The lyrics request, "promise you'll pay my bail." Have you ever had to bail anyone out of jail? (Or have you been bailed out?)

Weirdly, I was talking to Beast about this earlier, sorta. My mom subbed for a bail-bondsperson once in awhile when I was a kid. [insert long story here] At least once, she had to take me with her to the jail to bond someone out. It made jail look less than inviting. But no, I've never been inside a cell, or at any jail as an adult.

4) Rihanna gets top billing in this all-star trio. She says that when she was a little girl, she used to walk around singing "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin. What's your favorite song from a Disney movie?

"Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious" is a favorite. I like most of the songs from that movie. And almost all the songs from The Lion King as well.

5) Rihanna dated outfielder Matt Kemp when he was with the LA Dodgers. Opening Day is less than a month away. Are you a baseball fan?

Not particularly. Maybe we can find a game that the whole family can attend this summer. We did that a couple of years ago and it was a riot, plus I got a great photo of my nephew with his [second cousin?]...anyway, his cousin's baby.

6) Kanye West also sings on this week's song. When he was a little boy, he spent a year in China with his mother. Have you ever lived overseas (as opposed to just visiting on vacation)?

Nope. Always kind of wanted to, but my sister lived in England all her adult life and I know the whole expat gig isn't flowers and sunshine.

7) Mr. West is part owner of the Fatburger chain. Do you like grilled onions on your burger?

Hmm. I think I'd rather have raw onion, if onion is to be had.

8) This week's third artist, Paul McCartney, is a vegetarian. Think about your most recent meal. Did it include chicken, pork, or beef? Eggs or dairy?

My most recent actual 'meal' was brunch this morning with my P.E.O. officers--out-going and in-coming. It was danish & cut fresh fruit followed by frittata and salad and then handmade local chocolates. It was less than 1/3 of what I would consider a fill-up, but perfectly delicious as far as it went.

9) Paul was born at 2:00 PM on a Thursday. Do you know what day of the week you were born? Do you know the exact time?

I know I was born on a Tuesday--because I've looked it up. I have no real idea what time. At one point, I convinced myself it was late in the day, almost the next day, because it would have been cool to have had a Friday the 13th birthday periodically. But I don't know if it's true, and it's too late to find out. Unless it's actually written on my birth certificate...which I don't think it is.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Feisty Twenty-five

Do you like to see it snowing outside?

If I don't have to go outside and drive anywhere for a few days, I do like to watch snow falling. If there will be driving, I just start worrying about that.

Do you tell your family you love them enough?

I tell them whenever I see them. I mean Beast and Sparky. My family of origin doesn't do the "love" thing unless things are in dire straits. Beast's family is better at that, but we don't see them often anymore.

Do you like getting jewelry or do you not wear any?

I like earrings; I wear them pretty much every day, and I have TONS. I'm not really into expensive jewelry, but I have a couple of pricey rings and necklaces. I don't wear a lot of necklaces--I tend to forget to grab one.

Do you watch a lot of NFL football?

I do. It's on right now, in fact, as I write this, gearing up for the Pats/Broncos game.

Have you ever used the word ‘lame’?

I don't use it much. The way people feel about the word 'retarded' is kind of the way I feel about 'lame.' Maybe I've just known more people with physical disabilities than mental disabilities? I don't know, but 'lame' feels rude.

Are you/Were you in a band? If so, what was your band name?

I was in marching band. There's just not a great big push for flute players in rock bands, Jethro Tull and Chicago excluded.

When is the last time you went to the doctor?

Nag nag nag! Jeez! I'm going Wednesday, OK? Jeez. lol

Do you own any shirts with a peace symbol on it?

Hmm. I don't think so, not anymore. I certainly used to! Might have to remedy that one of these days.

Would you ever go to Japan?

If you paid for it, and I could fly first class, then I would.

What was the last thing you went to Walmart for?

I don't remember. Maybe pillows, and then a random-grab lunch from the deli and pop cooler.

Ever gotten in a car accident?

Uh, yeah. Probably 5 or 6. Thankfully, nothing very exciting or dangerous.

Have you ever been in a choir?

Yes.

Do you like the color of your eyes? If not, what color would you want them?

I have hazel eyes. I've always wished they were more green, or at least green more often. But I'm not fussed enough to spend time on it these days.

When was the last time you went ice skating?

I believe I was approximately 13. That makes it pretty close to 4 decades.

Do you like to brush your teeth?

Do I like to? Well, I don't hate it...it doesn't hurt or anything, and it's necessary. This is a little like asking whether I like brushing my hair....

Have you ever had a surgery?

Yup. Couple of times. Anesthesia is weird.

Do you look older or younger than you actually are?

I think I look pretty much my actual age. I might not act like it, though. ;-)

When is the next time you’ll be up on stage?

I think I'm liturgist next weekend. Does that count?

Where did you spend your last birthday?

I think I worked. If not I was right here on the couch probably doing something like this, or reading.

What is the last show that you watched a full episode of?

We watched Property Brothers all afternoon and evening yesterday. No breaks. It was ... weird and not what I would have preferred but I didn't have the remote.

Do you know anyone who lives in Utah?

Wow. Random. I don't think so? My sister lives about 90 miles from Utah for half of the year, but I don't think anyone else I know is there. If so, they're keeping shtum.

Is there anything you need to work on doing soon?

There are plenty of things I need to deal with, including laundry, serious house-cleaning, and figuring out vacations. And losing weight. Always.

Do your feelings get hurt easily?

It depends. Sometimes, with some people, I seem primed to take things all wrong. Most of the time, shit runs right off me.

Do you, or do you know someone who has taken karate lessons?

Sparky took tai kwon do for a year or so when he was a kid. He wasn't great, but he liked watching himself in the mirrors. ;-)

Were you ever a boy or girl scout?

I was a Girl Scout for a couple of years in grade school. It was fun, but I never did any of the camping or whatever. And I sucked at selling cookies.

Friday 5, belated

(Link in meme-roll)
Holding

1. When did you recently experience a pleasantly delayed gratification?

   Birthday presents are a bit of that, aren't they? I got the starter set for Cards Against Humanity, which Sparky and I worked through last night. ;-)

2. What’s something you’d like to just fast-forward through in the next few weeks?

   Beast's pain, and probably his recovery. I'd like a memory-block too, since he's a total shithead when he's in pain in the evenings. Yes, I know it's the pain talking but the words are coming out of Beast's mouth.

3. What’s something in the next few weeks you’ll wish you could slow down so you can savor the experience?

   My days off this coming month. They go by TOO FAST.

4. What’s something that takes you a lot longer than it used to?

   Recovering from being on my feet all day on Thanksgiving!

5. What’s something you saved for later, but when later came, you decided you didn’t really want it?

   A lot of the stuff on my Amazon wishlist rotates off fairly regularly. Also random coupons and store discounts that lay around forever and eventually get thrown out.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?

Both Beast and I have birthdays this month. Mine is next week, and his is the following week. Hopefully we'll be able to do something fun to celebrate them. We'll each achieve a full deck of years this time 'round.

2. If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?

The people at work who have been more than understanding about my recent adventures in medical hassle with Beast.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

Oh, dear.... I'm a real bread-aholic. I'm not a fan of cinnamon bread and banana bread doesn't do much for me, but I with stuff my face FULL of any of the other options.

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

I have S&Ps in abundance. There are currently two shelving units that Beast has purchased in the past year that he needs to refinish and then I can fill them with currently-packed-away S&Ps. yay

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

h.s. physics with Jesus-freak hair

My son has the same color hair as my dad did. By the time I was born, however, Dad's auburn had turned white, so I have to rely on others' memories. Sparky's hair is to die for (it's also MUCH shorter now!).
My sister Ellen had red hair too. Same shade.

6. The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

Are you kidding me?! Both my home state and my current state are baseball stadiums! FFS, that's just sad. Flat and dull as this place is, there's definitely more to see here that *@!)#ing baseball. And in Colorado, you take pictures of baseball? Really? I don't think so. And no, I haven't ever been to either stadium.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question: What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

I now know that I should have more faith in my skills than I currently have. I had no intention to drive the RV we rented last month, but I ended up driving it 400 miles home, driving it in city traffic and through a major construction zone, and setting it up alone.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's very sad when you've lived in an area long enough, and visited the hospital so many times that you know EXACTLY where the best parking spots are, where the cafeteria is, where the restrooms are in radiology, and how to get out of the hospital (legally) without going all the way back to the front door.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It Don't Come Easy (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This was Ringo's first big hit as a solo artist. Who is your favorite member of his old, very famous group, The Beatles?

I always liked George the best, from the cuteness perspective. John was fascinating and complicated and irritating. Paul pissed me off; he has always seemed like a Teacher's Pet sort of guy. Ringo...well, I never really had strong feelings in any direction about him. He is sort of the Scooby Doo of the quartet, the mascot, the one that's there to amuse and distract.

2) In this song, Ringo sings that you have to pay your dues. Do you belong to any organizations that require you to pay dues?

Yes, I do. I belong to P.E.O. (which I highly recommend to other women). I occasionally join ALA or my state library association when I'm going to a conference that year.

3) He also sings, "you don't have to shout." When did you last raise your voice?

Beast and I had a long drawn-out shouting match last weekend. I think that was the last time. But when I get excited, I do tend to up the volume a bit....

4) Ringo has two piercings on each ear and one tattoo on each arm. Do you have more piercings or body art?

I have two pierced-once ears. That's all. Do scars count as body art?

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra made a recording of "The Lady Is a Tramp" personalized to her. Tell us about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations.

We don't do much for our birthdays anymore, Beast and I--they are six days apart and mostly we just go out to dinner somewhere. So all my memorable birthdays are in days very much past. We spent the weekend in a resort-ish area west of us for our 40th birthdays, about 12 years ago. The problem is that our birthdays are in a weird month to celebrate: it's too cold to do too much outside, and it's not really winter yet most of the time, and everyone is gearing up for holidays.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.

In the past week, I've babysat Beast, been his chauffeur as needed, updated subject headings in our consortial catalog to catch them up to fall 2014 (sigh), bought a lot of prescriptions and pop, and watched a lot of TV.

7) Ringo also did the narration for Ladybird children's books. Do you like audiobooks?

I do. I pretty much always have one going in the car.

8) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. His passion for the genre is reflected in the outfit he's wearing on the sleeve for "It Don't Come Easy." Do you like cowboy movies/shows?

They aren't my go-to favorite. I liked The Lone Ranger and Big Valley and How the West Was Won as a kid, and enjoy the reruns occasionally, but I never got into them as a movie thing. They were pretty much over by the time I was into movies, and honestly ... I grew up "out west" so they didn't really sit well with me. Kind of whitewashed, very racist, not historically-accurate, and bad production values in general. I did enjoy the mini-series for Lonesome Dove but that's because a) I loved the book, and b) the filmed version stuck pretty close to the book.

9) You know what else don't come easy? Nine questions every week. Crazy Sam has heard it all: this meme asks too many movie questions, too many questions about sports, too many questions that sound familiar ... OK, now it's your turn. Help a tired meme mistress out. Contribute a random question that is not about movies or sports (pro or collegiate) and has never been asked before on this meme. Sam will compile these for an all-random Saturday 9 in November. That way she'll get a much-appreciated week off. Thanks for your help!

I've got a few for you:

• When was the last time you rode a school bus?
• Who is your favorite author?
• Describe your dream workplace (office decor, coworkers, whatever).
• Why do you do these surveys/memes?
• How organized are your clean clothes? Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?
• What do you think the Toy of the Year will be this Christmas?
• Where were living the first time you accessed the Internet?

I know it's hard to come up with 'fun' questions every week. I cheat like heck on my site! But you do an excellent job and I have zero complaints. Thank you thank you thank you!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Really Random Meme

Do you believe that Walt Disney is really frozen?

I do not, because it's an urban legend.

Do you believe its easy to forgive and forget?

It is definitely not easy to forgive. I don't even try to forget.

When you feel like running away from it all who do you call?

Amy. We're going bowling in Canada.

Is there anyone who knows your entire life story?

Nope. Beast probably knows the most of everyone besides me.

Have you had to have stitches at all in the last year?

Yup, I had surgery in February. Seven stitches in my neck.

Which is coming next: Christmas or your birthday?

Birthday.

Have you ever been a clown for Halloween?

Yes. I believe that's the last costume my mom ever made for me.

What time did you go to bed last night?

I was in bed by 11:15. Asleep by midnight. Awake again at 1. And 4. And 7.

When did you get up this morning?

I gotout of bedat about 7:25 when Beast was finished in the shower and headed downstairs.

When was the last time it rained?

Overnight, I think. It was damp out this morning.

Are your finger nails painted at the moment?

My fingernails are never painted but my toenails are bright orange right now.

Do you ever go hunting/fishing?

Yuck. No, thanks.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child?

Yes I did. I wonder how B.B. has fared in the intervening 45ish years....

Which parent do you look most like?

My dad's gene pool is deep and strong. We all look[ed] like him, except perhaps my brother. Even my son looks like him! And several other grandchildren are clearly "his" as well.

Do you have any friends who are famous?

Nope. Thank you to all of you, my friends, for staying under the radar. ;-)

Do you use eBay to buy or sell?

I use eBay for photos, when I use it for anything at all, which is rarely.

Is music a daily part of your life?

Yes. I listen to music pretty much every day. I haven't tracked it but I'm fairly certain that my shittiest days tend to be music-free. I'm not sure which one leads to the other, but I suspect the two facts are interconnected.

Is your self esteem high or low?

I'd call it healthy. Not too high, not too low. Probably a little lower than optimal right now. It's been a really rough week.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Birds Are Chirping Meme

Name a product you buy mostly because it has a cool package.

I wish I could say that I didn't do this, but I'm pretty sure I've been sucked into this. Unfortunately, the only thing I can think of right now is that I can now buy prepackaged baggies of fresh mini-peppers at the grocery store. That's a bit sad.

What flavor cake do you like for your birthday?

Vanilla with buttercream frosting. I'm not agin lemon cake, but tone down the chocolate and NO FRUIT! In a city where I used to live, and where we have good friends who serve cake regularly, every cake seems to have a layer of jam--it ruins a perfectly delicious cake!

Have you ever been in love with someone much older or younger than you?

I'm assuming this means romantic love. So, no. I've loved a lot of people of many different ages non-romantically.

Have you ever had a job you loved?

I have one now. I love it when it's not making me incredibly angry.

Have you ever been in a building that was on fire?

Thank God, no!

Are you in an argument with anyone right now?

Not really. I'm past my limit of patience with one person at work, though, which is difficult. She's a friend but also I'm her supervisor, so that makes things complicated, and she's ... challenging ... right now.

not my coworker

Would you change your hair color to something outrageous if you would get paid to?

Honestly, I'd probably do it for free if I could be assured it wasn't going to be tragically high-maintenance. One of my co-workers died her hair blue about two weeks ago and it's still washing out and staining her (very pale) skin. She looks like skim milk. I want dye that goes on, stays in my hair (only) for a good long time, and washed out when I'm done.

Have you ever written a poem for someone?

I've written poems about situations. I don't think I've ever written for a person, though, no.

What is a place you’ve vacationed at and would like to go back to?

Ydra.

Do you eat samples at the grocery store?

Occasionally.

What do you absolutely have to have to make your birthday feel special?

Acknowledgement from someone I love that it's my birthday: a card, an email, a gift, a cake, SOMEthing. Sparky, are you listening??

What’s the last tourist area you visited?

The main part of the downtown of the city in which I work is supposedly a "tourist attraction." Whatever. I shop there, I eat lunch there and not because it's touristy, though it is pretty attractive.

Where do you go out to eat for a special occasion?

Probably the resort town north of us, or a really yummy chicken place on the way to said resort.

When was the last time you went to a post office?

I stopped at our P.O. box a couple of weeks ago. Beast usually goes. Otherwise, I pretty much never deal with the USPS.

Is there an item you are saving up to buy right now?

We're thinking about new kitchen countertops. Not really saving up, just deciding how to spend the money we already have saved.

Are you psychic in any way?

That's assuming I believe in psychics in the first place. :-) No. But I think Beast is. And I definitely have had some weird precognitive dreams.

Do you prefer a laptop or desktop? Which are you on now?

They each have their good points. I prefer my laptop, but I like my work desktop a lot too. For different reasons.

Have you ever received a gift and truly did not know what it was?

Yes. And I've received gifts that I recognized but couldn't understand anyone would think I'd need/want them.

What’s your homepage?

I don't have my own site. My browser is set to open my work internal homepage, Gmail and work email automatically in one page and OCLC Connexion in another window. At home, I've always got Inoreader, Blogger, Gmail, Facebook, Goodreads and Random.org open, in two browser windows.

Is there a thing you enjoy doing, but quit because you are not good at it?

Not exactly. I quit bell choir at church because I couldn't deal with the non-music stress of it. Too many chiefs, too many different levels of musical knowledge, general bitchiness....no thanks. I'm pretty good at the music but not at ignoring all the rest of it. I do not enjoy drama!

Friday 5 x2

(Link in meme-roll)
August 7: La La La La La La La
Long-time (and even short-time) participants in the Friday 5 pretty much know that my two favorite topics to ask questions about are food and music. And I’ve had a pretty good music-filled week, so here are five questions inspired by that.

1. What’s your favorite song about a specific city?

   Wow. Hmmm. "It's a Long Way to Tipperary"?

2. What’s your favorite song about a real, historical figure?

   I'm a bit partial to "Pride (In the Name of Love)"

3. What are your favorite song and favorite group (or solo artist) from the classic Motown era?

   The group pretty much has to be The Supremes, and I'll go with "Reflections" by them.

4. What’s your favorite song by a musician (or band) you really dislike?

   That one Rush instrumental that Amy put on a mix CD for me. I can't remember the name, but she did it because I just can't stand Geddy Lee's voice.

5. What’s your favorite song with the word “song” in its title?

   "This Is the Song That Never Ends"
   You're welcome. hee hee hee

August 14: You Say It’s Your Birthday

1. Happy 75th birthday to actor/comedian/musician Steve Martin! He played a sadistic dentist in Little Shop of Horrors (1986). What’s your relationship with your dentist like?

   We get along great. He resembles a young George Hamilton (in the good way, minus the bad suntan). And he's a good dentist.

2. Happy 65th birthday to comic strip artist Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side! One classic The Far Side strip illustrates literally the Platonic allegory of the Ship of Fools, followed by an illustration of his own concept of the Car of Idiots. When have you been a passenger in a car of idiots?

   Pretty much every time I rode with anyone in my age group in high school.

3. Happy 55th birthday to basketball player Ervin “Magic” Johnson, who spent his whole career as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers! What are your memories or impressions of Los Angeles?

   Warm, palm trees, smog, Disneyland, freeways and horrible traffic, the ocean, marching in the ToR parade, and then watching the same parade decades later.

4. Happy 50th birthday to actress Halle Berry, who plays Storm (a woman who can control the weather) in the X-Men movies! What’s the weather like right now, and if you could adjust one aspect of it for the weekend, what would it be?

   It's sunny, warm, and humid. It was supposed to be cloudy and maybe rainy all day. Another stellar prediction. I work tomorrow, so I'm hoping it stays beautiful outside to keep everyone home.

5. Happy 32nd birthday to actress Mila Kunis! Which of these Mila films have you seen? Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Extract (2009), The Book of Eli (2010), Date Night (2010), Black Swan (2010), Friends with Benefits (2011), Ted (2012), Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), Annie (2014), Jupiter Ascending (2015)

I haven't see a single one of these movies. Sad, but true.

Happy birthday also to Doc Holliday, Paul “Daffy” Dean, Earl Weaver, David Crosby, Susan St. James, Danielle Steel, James Horner, Rusty Wallace, Marcia Gay Harden, Sarah Brightman, Susan Olsen, and Tim Tebow.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Miss You (1997)
... because Smellyann suggested it
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Bjork knows what she's looking for in a mate, she just hasn't met him yet. If you are/were still looking for The One, what two qualities would you hope he/she possessed?

I'm not. But the things about Beast that I appreciate the most are his quick-wittedness (not just sense of humor, but intelligence), and his loyalty.

2) The lyrics ask if you believe "that a dream can come true." Do you believe that dreams come true if you wish hard enough?

"Wish"? No. Sometimes hard work can make them happen, but sometimes only good luck will make a difference.

3) Bjork turns 50 this year. Do you treat "milestone" birthdays differently? Or to you, is your age just a number?

I turned 50 a couple of years ago and that was a sorta-big deal. Generally though, it's just a number. I judge my age more on what happened to those in my family at that age; ages 47-55 haven't been kind.

4) Bjork was always highly musical. At the tender age of 6 she began studying classical piano and flute. Sam is impressed because at the age of 6, she was still trying to master tying her shoes. Do you consider yourself musical?

Yes. I took piano lessons as a youngster, played flute and piccolo from junior high into college, and love to sing. Music is really important to me.

5) She was born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland. While the city is known for its bar scene, beer was banned there until 1995. How often do drink beer?

Never. Yuck. I've had, perhaps, the equivalent of one bottle of beer total in my lifetime. When I was on the train from Irkutsk to Beijing they ran out of everything to drink but Chinese beer, so I gagged some of that down till the train stopped and I could buy a bottle of fruit juice from someone on the platform.

6) 66ºNORTH is one of Iceland's biggest employers. This clothier makes quality outdoor wear and this time of year they sell a lot of durable rainwear. Do you have a raincoat?

I have a windbreaker. I used to have a London Fog raincoat that I loved. Then it got caught in a car door. And it was, fashion-wise, very dated, but I adored the color (sort of a shimmery copper).

7) In 1997, when this song was popular in clubs, Titanic was popular in theaters. Sam saw it and yes, she cried. How about you? Have you seen the saga of Jack and Rose? Did you enjoy it?

I believe I have seen all of the movie, though perhaps not in one sitting, and not until about 10 years after everyone else saw it 20 times each in theaters. I'm way more interested in the true stories of the tragedy than fiction.

8) Also in 1997, singer John Denver died. Name a John Denver song.

It's been that long?! Oh dear. "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Grandma's Feather Bed", "Calypso"....so many.... I loved that man; he meant my childhood.

9) Random question: If you had the opportunity to sky dive, would you take it?

Hmm. Had you asked me 10 years ago, the answer would have been an unqualified YES! Now, though...I'm not sure. More age=more fear.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
You're No Good (1974)
... because Harriet suggested Linda Ronstadt
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artist, Linda Ronstadt, turns 69 next month. Will you be celebrating any family/friend birthdays this summer?

We'll probably do something on the 4th of July. Otherwise, nope, no summer birthdays.

2) Linda sings that she's learned her lesson and it's left a scar. Tell us how you got one of your scars.

I fell, as a child, when I tripped over a snagged string of carpet that lay over the threshold of the back door. When I landed, it was on the screw holding the threshold to the jamb and the top of the screw tore a 1/4" slice of skin off my knee and left it flapping by a small bit of skin. This was in the days when you slapped a bandaid on and kept moving, so no stitches, though it hurt like an actual bitch.

3) This song is about a lover who is, obviously, no good. Let's be more positive. Who is the nicest person you know?

There are some people at my church who are what I call "pathologically nice." I mean, they really ARE nice people, not faking it, but they're ALWAYS nice. It's lovely, and weird. ;-)

4) Linda says that she grew up on Mexican music, which was sung by her entire family. Do you speak any Spanish?

Sí, hablo un poco de español. Estudié español en la universidad, pero las clases que tomé eran principalmente literatura. En consecuencia, puedo leer y escribir español mejor que me siento poder hablarlo.

5) She toured often throughout her career and is quoted as saying, "they haven't invented a word for that loneliness that everybody goes through on the road." Are you missing someone right now?

I'm ok, I think. My brother's visiting, and we've been talking a lot about Mom & Dad and others who are no longer with us.

6) Ms. Ronstadt was once involved with George Lucas of Star Wars fame. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

I like C3P0.

7) In 1974, when this song was a hit, The Magic 8 Ball was still a top-seller at toy stores. It retailed for just $1.99, and promised that all you had to do was gaze at it, concentrate, and wait to learn your fate ... "if you dare!" If you could get an answer to one question about the future, what would you ask?

I don't want to know. It's better that way.

8)1974 is the year when Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to the United States. Have you ever been to the ballet?

Yes, ironically enough, in Russia (and China).

9) Random question: What's your shoe size?

I'm a 9 or 9.5 or occasionally a 10.

Blogthings

You Are Adventurous

You wake up every day with an intensity very few can match. You're ready to take on the world. You aren't happy be complacent and play by the rules. You like to shake things up... revel even! You are fearless and strong. You have so much energy to throw at things, and you do so with abandon. You are never afraid of speaking your mind, even if there are consequences. You have to be allowed to speak and act freely.

What Does Your Birth Month Say About You?

The italicized bits are pretty accurate, but everything else not so much.

You Are Playful

In many ways, you are still like a kid - especially when it comes to the joy you get out of life. You are impulsive when the time is right. And you never mind making a bit of a mess with your food. You try not to take life too seriously, and you always build in a little room for fun. Or a lot of room, if possible. You know that you can't be nice without being a little naughty, so you make sure to give your indulgent side what it wants sometimes.

The Red Velvet Test

Gosh I do like Red Velvet....and this is more accurate than the first one for sure!

You Are 70% Chill

You are quite calm, and you're always looking for new ways to chill out. You are big on stress management. People may complement you on how together you are, and while it's true, they don't see what it took to get here!

How Chill Are You?

"Quite calm"?? WTF?! No. Everything else is good though, mostly that last part.

You Should Use a Pen

You are elegant, thoughtful, and expressive. You know how to make the pen mightier than the sword. You are very eloquent, and you can move and persuade others with your words... especially when they are written down. While you appreciate art, you tend to be more of the verbal sort. There's a lot you have to say on almost every topic. You think the exchange of ideas and stories is fascinating. And you're happy to participate as much as you can.

What Should You Make Your Mark With?

Well yeah.