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.

Saturday 9 x3

(Link in meme-roll)
Mr. Boombastic (1995)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a rather shameless come-on by an accomplished ladies' man. Do you enjoy flirting?

Flirting is fun. Yes, I enjoy it, though it's almost entirely "window shopping" these days, except when I'm flirting with Beast.

2) Shaggy sings that he's like a turtle coming out of his shell. Do you think turtles, snakes and lizards make good pets? Or would you prefer a companion animal that has fur or feathers?

I'd prefer a furry pet, but since I'm allergic to almost all furry things, it looks like any future pets will not have any. I have a friend who owns a tortoise that she adores. Kind of thinking about that. Or nothing.

3) He also sings that if you don't feel like driving, you should hand him the keys. Are you comfortable letting others drive your car?

Last week, I would've probably said no, but as we are down to one car now, Beast is driving mine and ... yeah, it's bugging me a little.

4) He tries to woo the girl with the promise of a bubble bath. Do you enjoy relaxing in the tub? Or do you view baths and showers as simply part of your hygiene routine, like brushing your teeth?

I love baths, but I don't get time to soak very often anymore. Showers, though, are strictly business. Clean and out.

5) Born Orville Burrell, Shaggy took his stage name from his shaggy hair. Using your hair as inspiration, what would your stage name be?

Lately, the best adjective would be "sweaty."

6) Sam admits she hadn't thought about this 20+ year old song in years, until she heard it on a Chase Bank commercial. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, checkwriting dropped more than 50% between 2000 and 2010. Who received the last check you wrote?

It was our last (as in final) cleaning service appointment a few weeks ago. I don't pay most of the bills, and I never carry the checkbook.

7) Which would you prefer to receive in a birthday card: a $25 check or a $20 Target gift card?

Check. There's no longer a Target very nearby.

8) Sam's mother refuses to pay bills online. All the news stories about data breaches scare her. Have you ever been hacked? If so, did it take long to get the situation resolved?

Yes, we've had our credit card hacked a couple of times, but nothing worse than that. Fortunately, the bank caught it immediately. Yay, for credit security checks.

9) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you made that you wish you could undo.

Some incredibly stupid things I've said to people over the years would be nice to "take back."

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September in the Rain (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song refers to "leaves of brown." Can you see any leaves outside your window? What color are they?

We're still rockin' the green in our yard. There are trees down the road from us that are turning, though. One is almost completely red.

2) It also mentions whispered words of love. What did you say last time you lowered your voice?

Pretty sure I told Beast I love him quietly a few minutes ago. He's got a very upset stomach today and is feeling yucky.

3) Clearly this song is about a treasured romantic memory that took place in autumn. Think about your favorite romantic memory. In what season did it take place?

We've had some very good vacations in the fall over the years. Probably something to do with our birthdays both being in November... 😏

4) This week's featured artist, Julie London, was famous as a singer and actress. Less prominent in her bio is her appearance as a "pin up girl" in Esquire magazine when she was just 17. What's in your resume that you'd prefer to de-emphasize or gloss over?

About the only thing I'd leave off would be my stint as a paper carrier when I was a SAHM with Sparky when he was little.

5) Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was named "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956. If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose?

Of all time? It would be fascinating to watch Elvis perform c. 1957-58.

6) She became well-known to another generation when she appeared in the 1970s TV show Emergency! The younger actors credited her for keeping everything calm on the set. Who has a calming influence on you?

Beast.
Yeah, I know. Too easy.

7) Her Emergency! costar was her husband, Bobby Troup, and the show was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb. Do you have an ex that you're on very good terms with?

Nope. My exes have been out of my life for over 30 years. It would be really awkward to talk to most of them.

8) Julie was a chain-smoker since she was a teenager and in the 1950s recorded a jingle for Marlboro cigarettes. Yet in the 1970s, when she saw Bobby Troup's health negatively effected by smoking, she pressed him to quit. Tell us about a time you found yourself in a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.

I'm currently trying get Beast to understand that he needs to schedule his glucose his checks and do them, but I'm not doing mine. OTOH, my situation is way less dire than his. So far.

9) Random question: You have won an all-expenses paid trip to an exclusive resort in the Hawaii. When you get there, you discover that the private beach is bathing suit optional. Do you swim nude?

I don't swim. At all. So, no.

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One Night in Bangkok (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is from the play Chess. It's been said that the most successful players are fluid in their thinking. Do you consider yourself flexible or set in your ways?

Depends. In some ways, I'm super flexible about things. In other ways, I'm very much not. I'm trying to work through why some changes irk me when others are practically unnoticed.

2) Nigel Short, a real-life chess grandmaster, used to wear a t-shirt that said, "He who cares, wins." Do you always play to win? Or do you play board/card games or sports for the fun of it?

I want to win! I try to keep myself from being horrible--some other family members are far worse about winning than I am!--but sometimes I just get angry about bad luck.

3) The singer is in Bangkok for an important tournament. He maintains that he doesn't mind missing the sights and dismisses Bangkok is just another "crowded, polluted stinking town." Do you find big cities exciting? Or do you think of them as noisy and dirty?

I like visiting cities. I love London, and San Diego, and even parts of Chicago and Athens and Rome. But I would never want to live in one all the time.

4) Air pollution has reached serious levels Bangkok. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma or another condition that could be aggravated by pollution?

Yup. Thank goodness I'm not interested in Thailand!

5) To reduce traffic, commuters travel through Bangkok on ferries that make regularly scheduled trips up and down the Chao Phraya River. When was your last boat ride?

Hmm. It's been awhile. With the lack of swimming ability comes what I consider to be a healthy fear of falling out of a boat. So I rarely get onboard.

6) Round trip airfare between ATL and BKK is $1750. If we gave you a travel voucher for that dollar amount, how would you spend it?

Well, I wouldn't go to Bangkok, that's for sure! It's tempting to consider Tierra del Fuego.

7) The Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok has a McDonald's onsite. When you go somewhere new, do you find it comforting to be surrounded by what's familiar? Or would you prefer to try new things?

We did eat in McDonald's near Heathrow earlier this month when we first got to England, but after that we stayed strictly away from American 'cuisine.' Generally, I'll try local favorites; it doesn't always work out but I often discover things I subsequently love!

8) One of Bangkok's most popular restaurants is DID, which stands for Dine in Dark. The dining room at DID is 100% light free -- cell phones must be stored in the lobby to avoid distracting from the experience -- so customers eat their four course meal without seeing it. This heightens the diner's sense of taste and smell. When you prepare a meal, do you put a great deal of care into its presentation?

Nope. And I am not at all interested in eating in the dark, either.

9) Random question: Think about your last professionally prepared meal. Did you dine in, carry out, or have it delivered?

We ate lunch out on Thursday. At Taco Bell. 👍

when a true genius appears in the world...

(Stolen from Amy)

What would be your biggest achievement to date?

It's not job-related, though I've done well there, for sure. I would say the big achievements of my life have been extremely personal: raising a child to adulthood who shows promise of being a Very Good Person, staying married for 29 years through a fair number of bumps and stumbles, maintaining my faith, discovering that I'm OK and Good Enough.

Do you prefer baths or showers?

Baths. I love a good soak with a good book and bubbles.

Are you a good liar?

I was always amazed as a child at the bald-faced lies my mom (seemed to) believe. Later, I have wondered if she was content to let me stew in my guilt and bad judgment. I've certainly done that with Sparky at times. As an adult, I lie -- white lies, mostly -- almost daily: answers to questions such as "How do I look?" and "Aren't you glad to see me?" and my most common response "It's great to see you!"

Are you a good judge of character?

Eventually. Sometimes I try to hard too see the good side of things when I really should just let the situation be what it actually is.

Are you any good at charades?

I think so, but this is really more of a function of how well your teammates know you, or rather, how well you connect with them. I also haven't played charades in many decades.

How long could you go without talking?

Seeing as how I regularly talk to myself, not long. How long could I go without speaking to another person? DAAAAAYYYYSSSS (and it sounds like heaven!).

Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?

I didn't win it; Beast did. I'm pretty sure all those prizes have been relegated to the garbage long since.

Why does it always rain on me?

Because you're too stupid (or pathetic) to remember to bring your umbrella.

Why doesn't it ever seem to rain on me?

And we have achieved some level of incompatibility here....

Have you ever sailed a boat?

I've been on probably 10 boats total in my entire life, ranging from rowboat to large lake-vessel. I'm not a fan of being out in the middle of big water because of the whole (not) swimming thing. Big boats I'm ok with. I white-knuckle the rowboat and canoe options.

Do you have a lawyer?

Do I need one? What have you heard?!
I have one very good friend who is a (non-practicing) attorney, I work with a woman whose husband is a good criminal attorney, and I know a couple of other attorneys who mostly practice family law and do wills and that sort of thing. One works for the nearest Judicial District. So, I think actually I'm set, should I need legal advice.

Do you buy people presents to bring back when you go on holiday?

As a rule, when you become a parent and take trips without the child(ren), it's a good idea to bring back something for your offspring. So in that respect, yes. I also try to bring something back to snack on for people at work. And if I see stuff for my friends, I'll snag it too. But I'm not always on the lookout, I fear.

Are you the sort to step in and try to break up a fight?

Only to shift it to somewhere I don't have to deal with it. My go-to when people start posturing is, "Don't get blood on the carpet! If you're going to fight, take it outside." And that's if I'm in a position of authority at work or somewhere. If I'm out in public, I would be most likely to call 911 on adults or older teens, and maybe start hollering at kids. I stay completely out of anything involving an animal fighting. Always.

Have you ever been in a fight?

Have you met my family?! We have been known to fight over the stupidest things, verbally. There's not a lot of hitting, though. The last time I hauled off and smacked someone was 12 years ago when Sparky did something asshatted and I spanked him, which was also the ONLY time I spanked him. It hurt my hands and wrists, so yeah. I've been in one fight per se on the playground in 5th (?) grade with Jeri J.

Have you ever started a rumour?

I don't think I've done it intentionally or maliciously, but I'm sure I have been involved in untoward speculation that has gotten out of hand. I'm not proud of that.

Have you ever heard any outstanding rumours about yourself?

No. I kind of wish I would. As far as I know for sure, no one talks about me. Which, in all seriousness, is probably just fine.

Do you own a paddling pool?

I don't even know WTF this is!

What potential talents do you think you might have if you worked at them?

Writing, organizing, copy-editing, teaching.

Survey says!

(Stolen from Amy...)

Are you a good cleaner?

In the strictly literal sense, yes, though it's not my favorite thing to do. Rather, I don't mind cleaning, but I'm awful and tidiness. In the metaphorical sense, I prefer tidy and clean, but that may be because life is rarely either of those.

Are you a good actor?

Fuckin' Oscar-worthy.

Are you a good writer?

I'm able to construct coherent thoughts with words, sometimes. People tell me I 'write good' and in one memorable case, I was told that I should "do something" with my "writing talent" rather than "wasting" it. So, there's that.

Have you ever been bungee jumping?

I think that ship sailed without me. I wouldn't mind, but I'm not sure my body would handle it anymore.

Have you ever been canoeing/kayaking?

Yes. It's far from my favorite thing, since I fear drowning.

What types of holidays do you prefer?

I like family/friend time and food. It doesn't HAVE to be a holiday, but it ABSOLUTELY HAS to be relaxed. Kids make it a billion times better, even if they are 'grown-up kids.'

What's the furthest you've ever been on holiday?

Greece? I'm not sure China was a holiday/vacation. It was supposed to be education.

What was your favourite holiday?

Duh, I just realized this is all about Britishisms. So my favorite HOLIDAY was probably one of the Thanksgivings with All The People here. My favorite VACATION...wow, Greece? So many good ones. I need another one.

Where would your dream holiday be?

I'd really like to go somewhere alone, somewhere quiet where I could walk the countryside allergy-free, somewhere with blue skies and small shops to buy fresh food, where people are kind but not pushy, and where there are lots of dogs to meet and greet. A comfy bed, in a bedroom with a view. And flowers.

Can you tap dance?

Only in my head. And in a metaphorical sense when feeling threatened.

What's your favourite zoo animal?

Because they are really ONLY zoo animals for me, giraffes and penguins. I like wolves too, but prefer they be free.

What's your favourite sport?

Football. To watch. The only 'sport' I'm up for these days is bocce or "catch" and barely the latter.

What's your favourite pizza topping?

Our standard order is Canadian bacon, sausage and mushroom. I would like to see onions a little more often than we do. And California Pizza Kitchen's White Pizza with chicken and spinach.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Come Monday

1) What will you be doing come Monday (Labor Day)?

We're meeting two of my nephews and my niece's family for a baseball game. It's little E.'s first professional game, just over a month after his birth! We do not waste time with sports in this family. ;-)

2) This song is about a performer who is "heading up to San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend show." When you think of San Francisco, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

The bridge. And then the clam chowder. And then of course, the hilly streets, the scenery around the Bay, earthquakes, flower children, Harvey Milk, fog... I really love that area of the country!

3) As he sings, Buffett tells us he's wearing Hush Puppies casual shoes. What's on your feet as you answer these nine questions?

I have a silver ring on one toe. And there's nail polish, of course.

4) So many Jimmy Buffett songs take place on or around the water. When was the last time you were on a boat?

It's been a very long time. I'm not a huge fan of small boats. I honestly think it might be 8 or more years since I was on a boat!

5) Everyone knows Jimmy Buffett can write music, but he also has more than half a dozen books to his credit. What's the last book you read?

The last one I finished was Dan Brown's The Inferno on CD. I will go out on a limb here and say that you can all safely miss it. The last book I finished with my eyeballs was Emily the Strange : Piece of Mind. It was a fun kids' book.

6) Jimmy's persona is that of a simple beach bum, but in reality he's a conglomerate, with his own beverage company, more than a dozen restaurants and a couple hotels. He's so successful he has several homes, including a luxury mansion in the Hamptons! If you, like Buffett, could just take off and spend Labor Day weekend anywhere, where would you go? Who would you take along?

I'll stay close to home this year--except for our excursion Monday. I had to leave work early today because of ominous silence at home.

7) This weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?

My husband says I have a "ladylike little snore" sometimes.

8) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. Yet this Recession has taken its toll on many of us laborers. Sam's brother, a movie projectionist, hasn't worked full-time in his chosen profession in more than a year. Is anyone close to you struggling with unemployment or underemployment? (If so, they are in our thoughts this weekend, too.)

I think my brother would probably say he's 'underemployed' but he's started his own consultant business, which he's wanted to do for awhile anyway. Otherwise, everyone else seems to have managed to find employment or keep their jobs.

9) Onto something happier ... Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the new school year. When she was a kid, Samantha was crazy for her brand new box of 96 Crayola Crayons. It even had a sharpener in the back! What do you remember about preparing to go back to school? If you're a parent with school-age kids, are they ready?

I remember that my mom was not only too cheap to buy me the massive box of crayons (which we couldn't afford, I get it now), she didn't even buy Crayolas. I had such a deprived childhood. {waah waah waah}The big thing I remember every August was shopping for new school clothes, usually a couple of pairs of pants and several new tops. Once I was out on my own, working, it was a huge shock not to have that shopping trip (and the Easter outfit trip) all paid for by someone else!

Curious as a Cat x4 (sigh)

(Link in meme-roll)
#345
1) Share five things you're thankful for.

I'm happy that I survived the past year. I'm thankful for my church family. I'm thankful for the people around me who either love me or are masochists. I'm thankful that this last week's cold wasn't any worse. And I'm thankful this will be a short week at work.

2) What companies provide the worst customer service?

I was never too excited about calling the cable company when I had to do that. Not thrilled with our local-ish chain grocery store which seems to have zero customer service training. The worst, though, has to be anything to do with the medical industry and insurance. Yuck.

3) About how much storage space is in your current home? Is it enough?

I've found that no matter the space you have, you always have more shit than fits comfortably. We have a shit-ton of storage space in this house, and up until about 5 years ago we were holding our own, but we are now "officially full." Ugh.

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

Public Domain Photo

This makes me giggle. I love the paisley drawing on the keys, and then the green dry-erase (?) D so you can figure out where your fingers belong...crack me up!

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#346
1) Have you ever been arrested?

I've had two tickets written on me, which, technically, means I've been arrested twice. But never in the tradition handcuffs-and-back-of-the-car kind of thing. whew

2) Turkey (not the country, the Thanksgiving bird) -- love it or leave it?

Love it, but it's not exactly easy to cook!

3) Do you judge couples by how they met?

No. For the most part, I don't even know how people met. Three members of my family met their spouses online, and they've been married a total of 20 years between them so who am I to judge?

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

Public Domain Photo

Well, this was meant has a Halloween photo, so you can see how far behind I really am now--yay me! This picture reminds me of stories of the catacombs under Paris where there are supposedly stacks and stacks of bones that have been removed from cemeteries over the centuries. Cool. Sorta creepy.

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1) You were just given a yacht. What would you name it?

"For Sale"

2) America's game: baseball or football? Or something else?

Football, at least for me. I haven't watched a full professional baseball game in at least six years.

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

There were too many and they changed over time. I always liked "Little House..." and "Apple's Way." Later, it was "Dukes of Hazzard" and "CHiPs" that I remember. And all the 60s sitcoms that aired in the afternoons. And M*A*S*H of course.

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

Public Domain Photo

Kinda looks like a snow angel made by a turkey, no? I can't remember the last time I made a snow angel. Hmmm, may have to remedy that this winter. We haven't seen any snow to speak of this year (just some floating flakes). I'm sure we'll get our share, however. I'm perfectly all right with that since I can't expect Sparky to dig me out when Beast is out of town. :-)

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1) Which is worse: freezing cold feet or hot, sweaty feet?

What's really the pits is cold sweaty feet.... I'm not a fan of either extreme, but I'm much more familiar with cold feet, especially in bed.

2) What is your most non-traditional holiday tradition?

I suppose it's the refusal to make a big dinner on Christmas Day. No, we just do a fend-for-yourself sandwich thing instead.

3) What makes you nervous?

The possibility of something dangerous occurring. I tend to overthink all the things that could go wrong in any given situation. I've been known to get so wrapped up in this that I practically cease to function. It's a little OCD-ish.

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

b>Public Domain Photo

Dog!!! Or, as Sparky would say: "doggyyyyy!!!" Kind of an odd-faced little face, and I'm not sure what's going on with the house (?) in the background. Are those telephone poles stacked in front? Still.... Dog!!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. At what age (if at all) did you learn to swim?

Haven't yet mastered it. Really, really do not like the feeling of not being able to touch the floor, and I don't like the feeling of water in my ears. Plus I can't see a bloody thing, and the chlorine stings my eyes terribly.

2. Some educators have proposed that swimming lessons be mandatory for children. Do you think this is a good idea?

Long story to get to my short-ish answer: When I was in junior high, our school district made swimming one length of the pool a requirement for graduation from high school. So, yeah, I was tied for second in class rank and they were going to keep me from graduating cuz I couldn't swim? No. But I spent 5 years in various stages of sheer terror at the thought of having to deal with this. Eventually, one of my best friends--who was on the swim team--coached me to learn enough to do some sort of face-float-flail-mashup the short way across the pool. Whew. Haven't tried swimming since then, 29 years ago.

ANYHOO: yeah, I think this is a ridiculous addition to the curriculum of any school district. I mean, really, neither of my parents could swim, at least two of my sisters rarely if ever swim (or swam)...and so far I don't miss it that much. How about we make sure kids can read and tell time when they graduate?

3. How often do you hang out with friends at a swimming pool?

Uhm, that would be precisely never.

4. Have you ever been thrown into a pool with your clothes on?

No. And should it ever happen, assuming I survive there will be some serious hell to pay. And should I NOT survive, you can bet your sweet ass I'll be doing some haunting of the people involved.

5. How often do you visit a beach?

About as often as I go to the pool. OK, actually, I've been to a couple of beaches more recently than I've been to a pool. I do like sand, and wading.

6. When were you last in a boat?

{{shudder}} I am really terrified of rowboats, canoes, etc. Like, totally white-knuckled in my life-vest. Beast has taken me rowing a couple of times in Maine, and it was sheer mind-over-matter that got me in that damn boat every time. I don't mind bigger boats, and I wouldn't have problems in a cruise I'm sure, but small boats scare me to death.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Alligators eating junk food in the tub

1) When someone you know (or celebrities) get married, do you ever make bets on how long the marriage will last? It can be a real bet or just an unspoken thought to yourself.

Nope. Uhm, that really seems in poor taste and kind of begging for trouble. Wouldn't you feel guilty if the couple did break up on "your day"?

2) If you bought or were given a boat, what would you name it?

I dunno. I'd leave all that to Beast. I'm not a boat-person, not at ALL.

3) If you got a paint-by-number kit and made your own masterpiece would you claim it as your own work or admit it was a paint-by-number piece of artwork?

Oh, I'd tell everyone. I'm not likely to lie about something this weird. I didn't even know they still make paint-by-number kits!

4) Today (July 21) is "National Junk Food Day." What is your favorite junk food snack?

Sugar. Virtually anything sugary, though I'm not thrilled with chocolate.

5) I recently saw a late night TV commercial advertising pocket-size travel catheters. I found it quite disturbing and disgusting to see it in the middle of my late night TV watching. What commercial bothers you greatly?

Well, since we're already on that subject, I'm not fond of the ones that talk about reusing catheters. It makes me sad that people even consider doing this--it's REALLY unsafe.

6) It seems like almost every movie anymore is available in 3-D. How do you feel about watching 3-D movies? Do you watch movies in 3-D when it's possible?

I haven't yet seen a 3-D movie. Ever.

7) I just went two weeks without a day off from work. Do you work too much? How many days have you worked in a row without a day off?

I don't think I've ever done that, but I over-worked at my first 'real job' and that killed off any interest in putting in more hours than strictly required. And I'm only part-time at my job now anyway.

8) In Arkansas, it is illegal to keep alligators in bathtubs. What's the oddest law you ever heard of?

Oh, I used to have several books of these sorts of things. There was something about tying up mules in some towns, and having sex with geese in other towns. People are weird.

9) If you owned a retail store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?

Shotguns. All staff members will be trained in their use.

10) When someone you know is either getting married or having a baby and has created a store registry, do you buy them a gift straight off their registry, buy a gift card, or just go wild with your own gift ideas?

Depends on how useful their registry is. I have a 'standard' gift that I get couples and new moms, but sometimes the registries are useful if I'm shipping stuff.

Christopher Cross is not my friend

You Are Having a Good Day

You feel a bit overwhelmed by the changes doing on in your life right now. You don't have a good anchor. You are a peaceful person. You have the ability to deal with life's problems as they unfold. You are prioritizing love right now. Whether you've just fallen for someone or are renewing a spark, you are all about the romance. Deep down you crave comfort. You want what's familiar and guaranteed to sooth you.

The Sailboat Test

Well, not too far off, but the whole "looking for love" business--not so much.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What is the most hideous scent you can think of?

I can't stand the smell of creeping charlie. And skunk...omg...just, omg...especially up close.

2) If you were a character in any spy novel, who would you be?

Well, of course, I'd be the strong, silent, heroic type. Ever notice that this character is always male? Yeah, that's why I don't read many spy novels. If we expand this a little to include mysteries, I want to be V.I. Warshawski (not the Kathleen Turner incarnation).

3) Whose smile can most easily persuade or seduce you?

Oh, I'm really pretty easy: a joy-filled kid can get me to do anything. Fortunately, most of 'em don't realize it or my life would be hell.

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

For some reason, this first reminded me of the refugees after our departure from Vietnam. Then I wondered if it was a Somalian pirate launch. Whatever it is, it gives me the willies--I'd never get on that boat willingly.

Monday's a Bitch

(Link in blogroll)
Float My Boat

1. Have you ever been on a cruise?

NO, dammit! And I get the sense that Beast thinks it's a big joke whenever I mention the idea to him of taking one. Grrrr.....

2. Do you own a gravy boat?

Yes, I do.

3. You've become the proud owner of a brand new boat. What do you name your vessel?

Why name what I'm going to turn around and sell ASAP?! Boats are not my thing, seeing as how I can't swim.

4. What is your favourite movie about boats?

Er...? Monty Python & the Holy Grail has a boat in it....

5. Do you get sea sick easily?

Probably. I get carsick easily, so it wouldn't surprise me a bit if I was also prone to seasickness.