Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)

In the can

1. What was the most recent meat product you consumed from a can?

I can't even remember! Maybe vienna sausages but it was months ago.

2. What was the most recent vegetable product you consumed from a can?

It had to be some kind of beans. It's the only canned veg I buy. But I can't remember how long ago that was.

3. What was the most recent fruit product you consumed from a can?

OK, so what I'm learning here is that I don't buy much in cans... I did have some fruit out of a plastic cup recently, but nothing from a can.

4. What was the most recent beverage you consumed from a can?

Oops, well, I do drink plenty of diet Dr. Pepper from cans, including yesterday.

5. What are you approaching this week with a can-do attitude? 

Adulting. I have a ton of looming tasks that need addressing. I even put the laundry in immediately after getting dress this morning. This is my time-out while listening to Sparky play Stardew on Twitch. (<--20 years ago the end of that sentence would have been meaningless)

Thursday Thirteen

(Link in meme-roll)
(I haven't done this meme for over a year! Shame on me!)
Things on the Staycation To-Do List
I called Sparky in full-panic, bring-the-tears mode this morning. His very sensible advice: make a list of EVERYTHING that needs doing (my reply, "but that's going to be a Very Long List" and he said to do it anyway. He's a smart kid.) Once I pulled myself together and he knew I wasn't going to jump off a roof (mostly just kidding--seems painful), we hung up and I got started. The list is one full side of lined notebook paper. I fully expect it to grow* before it shrinks measurably. Some of the things that I bet aren't on most people's late winter list are below.

1. Make appointment with attorney to meet with Sparky and me about my will and PoA stuff.
2. Fix banister Beast broke when he fell in September.
3. Cancel SiriusXM.
4. Call and order CPAP supplies for myself.
5. Figure out how to submit paperwork to County electronically (find said pwk, too).
6. Fix light switch in laundry room (there's a short whenever I turn it on).
7. Empty Beast's closet in our bedroom and organize All The Stuff.
8. Fix mailbox.
9. Shred Beast's credit cards.
10. Re-do cell phone plan (remove Beast's bro, decide about keeping Beast's number, get Sparky a new functional iPhone--I hate iPhones, btw--and get the account information updated).
11. Get rid of extra car in garage that hasn't been driven since before I did this meme the last time.  smh
12. Call social work person at Beast's facility with questions about Medicaid form.
13. FIND BEAST'S BLOODY WEDDING RING AND CROSS/CHAIN! (I had them at the hospital in September--haven't seen them since and have searched high and low around the house since)

* In fact, while I was typing this up, I filled up the top page and moved on to Page 2. Thirty-one total items. Some of them are 10-minute easy-peasy things. Some of them are potentially weeks-long projects. It feels like there are more of the latter than the former.

Sunday Stealing

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A Quiz for Grown-Ups

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Here are the ones that are currently on the chopping block: part of DirecTV (the premium channels), SiriusXM, some subscriptions on Beast's Nook, and I just need to renegotiate our cell plan.

2. What do you really want to be doing right now?

WANT: napping. NEED: gathering paperwork for taxes, financial purposes, and Medicaid application.

3. Why did you choose the shirt you have on now?

It was on the top of the pile in the closet.

4. Thoughts on gas prices?

This is something I just don't dwell on. I'm glad I'm buying less than I was for most of September-December.

5. First thought when the alarm goes off in the morning

".....nooooooooo..."

6. Last thought you have before you go to sleep?

I have no idea, I'm usually asleep by then.

7. Do you miss being a child?

I miss it pretty much daily at this point.

8. What errand/chore do you despise the most?

See #2 under NEED. Man, my relationship with money is pretty much totally fucked up.

9. Up early or sleep in?

I love sunrises, but seeing them means going to be before I leave work in parts of the year. Which isn't practical, right? So I'll sleep in when I can.

10. Favorite lunch meat?

Bologna. I'm low-rent.

11. What do you get every time at Trader Joe’s?

I've never been in a Trader Joe's. See answer just above.

12. Beach or lake?

Don't, uh, lakes have beaches? Because...well, yeah. I'd rather be in the mountains, all the same.

13. Ever crashed your vehicle?

Yup. I strongly recommend against it.

14. Strangest place you've brushed your teeth?

I seem to remember brushing in a lake or river as a kid once. Also, with fizzy bottled water in St. Petersburg, because the water there is beyond scary.

15. Somewhere you've never been but want to go?

Africa, specifically Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia.

16. At this point in your life would you want to start a new career?

Hell no! That doesn't mean I won't be, but I'm not in for anymore giant changes.

17. Do you own your own house?

Well, I pay on the mortgage every month, so not really.

18. Do you have a go-to person?

Not so much, not anymore.

19. Are you where you want to be in life?

Oh, you crack me up. ... Not.

20. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?

I didn't watch cartoons much, and when I did it was mostly the Warner Bros. or Hanna-Barbera shorts.

21. What has changed since you were a child?

Almost everything.

22. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?

Absolutely not! Hell to the no, no way, uh-uh.

23. Are there times you still feel like a kid?

I feel ignorant fairly often, but rarely in a childlike way.

24. Did you have a pager?

I didn't. Beast did.

25. Were you the type of kid you want your kids to hang out with?

Hah. Yeah, actually, I was. So was Sparky.

Saturday 9

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I Wish It Would Rain (1968)
... because Janelle recommended the Temptations
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song focuses on rain. Ombrophobia -- the fear of rain -- is fairly common in children. How do you feel about rainy days?

I hate rain. I'm not afraid of it, but I hate hate HATE cloudy, rainy days! One of my best friends LOVES rainy days. I don't get this at all.

2) Lead singer David Ruffin always wore corrective lenses. Are you wearing glasses or contact lenses as you answer these questions?

I am well-past legally blind without glasses so yeah.

3) Those thick-rimmed glasses were David's trademark. When he custom-ordered a luxury car, he had the image of those glasses painted on the door. Tell us something that makes your vehicle distinctive.

Uh. It's blue. It has a bunch of stuff hanging from the rear-view mirror inside: Mardi Gras beads, a wooden dolphin, uh something else I can't remember right now.

4) David also had a penchant for mink. Rumor has it that he wore a mink-lined hat and even had that car upholstered in mink. If you could really splurge on anything right now, what would it be? Car? Travel? Clothes? Jewelry? (NO responsible answers allowed.)

Well, that responsible answers qualification makes it quite difficult. I'd probably hire cleaning people and....wait, that's responsible. Uh. New clothes. I could buy some new clothes, I guess.

5) He sings that he badly wants to go outside. What are your plans for today? Will you be outdoors very much?

I went to Aldi's and Walgreen's, had late lunch at Panera and drove home in sprinkling rain.

6) The Temptations originally called themselves The Elgins because in 1960, Elgin watches were the high-end timepiece of choice. Today, in the age of cellphones and FitBits, wristwatches aren't that popular anymore. Do you often wear a watch?

I look at my (Seiko) watch on my closet occasionally with great sadness. I never, ever wear it.

7) This sad song was inspired by a real-life event. Motown songwriter Rodger Penzabene discovered his wife was cheating on him. Much to his own surprise, he didn't want to divorce or even separate from her; he just wanted her to love him and only him again. Tell us about a time when you didn't react as you thought you would. (Your story doesn't have to be as dramatic as Rodger's.)

I always find it surprising when I don't blow my stack in tense situations. Or when I can actually stay out of an argument that doesn't involve me in any way.

8) In 1968, when this song was popular, a Pittsburgh McDonald's sold the first Big Mac (two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle and onion on a sesame seed bun). Describe your perfect hamburger.

Hmm, I used to love burger joint burgers, but these days....I actually prefer homemade. With just pickles, mustard and ketchup.

9) Random question: When you catch a cold, do you soldier through it? Or are you a big baby?

I haven't had a cold in awhile, so at this point, I'm likely to be a big baby. I do refuse to just carry on regardless of how I feel. If I need a day off, I take it. [My mom literally took 2 sick days in 25 years at work, so this is a thing for me!]

Sunday Stealing

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Around the House

Bedroom: what’s your sleep schedule?

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

Kitchen: favorite comfort food?

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

Washroom: showers or baths? bubbles? bath bombs?

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

Closet: sum up your style in a few words.

"Is it comfortable? Does it have pockets?"

Parlor: favorite party or board game?

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

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

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

Dining room: favorite special occasion food?

I make a good Thanksgiving spread.

Garden: favorite tree? flower?

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

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

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

Library: favorite book genre?

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

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

The one I have is pretty damned excellent!

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

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

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

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

Pantry: favorite meal to make?

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

Laundry: favorite and least favorite chore?

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

Garage: favorite mode of transportation? favorite car?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Him or Me -- What's It Gonna Be? (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a man pleads with his girlfriend to make up her mind. Do you consider yourself decisive?

I can be. But I'm also pretty good at dithering endlessly. Ask Beast. It makes him insane. But I was pretty dogged and single-minded at the ER the other night telling the medical staff off after some out-of-line behavior from someone with an M.D. after his name.

Since this song is all about either/or, we're using that as our theme this Saturday ...
2) Choose a condiment: Catsup or mustard?

Depends on what I'm having with it. Ham gets mustard. Brats get mustard. French fries are ketchup only. Hot dogs, despite my location where ketchup is frowned on, get both.

3) Choose a sci-fi series: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Oh, I'm all about Trek. Beast is both, but leans more toward Wars.

4) Choose your spy: James Bond or Jason Bourne?

Honestly, I have zero interest in spies. I prefer to read about true spy stuff, not fiction. It's weird, I know.

5) Choose your winter sport: Football or hockey?

Football. Duh.

6) Choose your breakfast: Pancakes or waffles?

I prefer pancakes.

7) Choose your side: French fries or potato chips?

Home-made chips FTW. Otherwise, fries, but you can have them.

8) Choose your chore: Washing dishes or doing laundry?

Dishes. OMG, I hate laundry. And I really don't mind dishes.

9) Choose your nextdoor neighbors: Munsters or Addams Family?

Munsters because they just had less of a clue all the way round. They always seemed totally fake. The Addamses, on the other hand, might have been more oblivious, but totally more into the whole thing. And frankly, worse neighbors.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Count All the Bees in the Hive

1. Which of the Winnie-the-Pooh characters do you most relate to?

I tend to vacillate a little among Eeyore, Rabbit, and Owl. I also have some Kanga in me.

2. Which of the Winnie-the-Pooh characters has qualities you’d find most attractive in a romantic partner?

Piglet. Of course.

3. In what way have you “wandered much further” today than you should?

I haven't gotten a damned thing done today except a quick grocery-shopping trip. I really should start some laundry or something. I'm way off-schedule. OTOH, we had a good time at mini-golf--all three of us--at the library today.

4. Of Winnie-the-Pooh stories you can remember (from the books, Disney cartoons, or other sources), which is your favorite?

I hate the Disney-fied versions. I literally grew up reading Pooh--I still have the copies of the books my sister Jean gave me when I turned 6--and the stories and poems are delightful and nothing like the Disney crap. My favorite off-the-top-of-my-head is probably the Heffalump story.

5. Which quote* from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories would be good for the epigraph in the book about your life?

One from the Wiki page that my sister wrote a little note next to in my book (because of "Nanny"--family story):

And Nanny let my beetle out
Yes, Nanny let my beetle out
She went and let my beetle out-
And beetle ran away.

6. Thanks for participating, and have a Cottleston Pie weekend!

* Here are a few sources for quotes. I like Wikiquote because it’s sourced, but it can be a bit of a slog to search sometimes. There’s some nicely curated stuff here, but I can’t vouch for its legitimacy. And then there’s always Google Images, which gives pretty results but is the Wild West when it comes to accuracy.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Shipwreck Questions

1. If you were shipwrecked with friends (whether in real life or virtual life or both) think about it and pick some friends and tell us why...

   I would be eminently unlikely to be shipwrecked having been on a ship precisely once (for an extended period). BUT in the interest of saying who I would mind being trapped for a significant period of time with: Beast (cuz I like him and he knows stuff), Librarian M (she knows a lot about a lot of sensible things like what to eat and not eat, plus she's fun to talk to), Amy (she'd have books with her), Jet (he'd have a gun with him), Sparky (cuz I like him, he knows stuff, and he has a strong back), and Tech S. at work (because I've never seen her freak out, she can make clothes, and is sensible). This reminds me of doing "Values Clarification" in high school....

2. Who would throw the wildest parties, and why did you pick them?

   I don't really know anyone who throws wild parties. Sorry. I'm too old for that shit.

3. Who would always fall asleep on the couch, and why did you pick them?

   Beast, me, or Sparky. We've done a lot of couch-napping in the past three weeks, all of us.

4. Who would enter to be in a talent show, and why did you pick them?

   Annie, because the girl's got pipes.

5. Who would try to get out of doing their chores and why did you pick them?

   Me. Because I do that so regularly it's not at all funny.

6. Who would accidentally set the kitchen on fire whilst cooking and why did you stupidly pick them?

   I don't think I know anyone this incompetent. Maybe one of my nephews--James or Don--but since they're in their 40s and share a house with each other, by now they've surely learned to make food, right?

7. Who would try to domesticate an island pet and why did you pick them?

   Double pick: Librarians A & C because they are ALL ABOUT animals. Also, my niece Katherine since she's a vet.

8. Who would make the other carry their bags on a shopping spree and why did you pick them?

   Sparky, because he's used to carrying mine. Normally, I would say Beast, but he's in no shape to be carrying anything at all.

9. Who would throw the first person of[f] the boat and why did you pick them?

   Hmm. Can I have my brother do this? He's good at pissing people off--maybe the other person will just jump.

10. Who would be the best caregiver when someone got sick & why did you pick them?

    Guess that would be Julie, who is a nurse and nursing supervisor.

11. Who would try to force the another to play sports with them & why did you pick them?

    Todd. No contest. He's always messing around doing something sports-related: golf, softball, football, soccer....

12. Who would have the best holiday ideas for your space on the island and why did you pick them?

    Carolyn because she's constantly over-compensating in areas like this, and she's literally the only person I know who would carry through doing this regardless of what anyone else is doing.

13. Who would need to clean out someone others stuff to make room for their own & why did you pick them?

    Whoever jumped overboard to avoid my brother won't be needing any space, but I'm not sure would be good at packing up their stuff. Maybe Librarian T? She would just get on with it.

14. Who worries about how they will look when they’re older & why did you pick them?

    My sister Marie because it's all she talks about these days.

15. Flashes everyone when they walk by after taking a shower alone & why did you pick them?

    Marie's husband Jan, because given any encouragement whatsoever he'd totally be doing this IRL. He's such a fucktard.

16. Who wakes you to asks weird questions in the middle of the night & why did you pick them?

    Oh goodie, I get to include Rachel, without whom this meme wouldn't be complete. She and Annie would conspire to do this, as they have done in the past. :D

17. Who will constantly ask you “what are you thinking about?” & why did you pick them?

    I don't think I know anyone who does this, except me. Maybe Gail?

18. Which of your friends on this island might being too touchy-feely while you interact, why did you pick them?

    Aside from Jan? There are some patrons who verge on creepiness, but otherwise I don't think there is anyone I hang out with that's any more touchy-feely than I'm comfortable with. Because I probably wouldn't hang out with them then, eh?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
A New Day Has Come (2002)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2017!

1) This song is about a new day. Here we are celebrating a new year. What do you hope for in 2017?

I hope for our leadership to start acting like leaders, but I'm not optimistic. I hope that Beast will find a job, or at least an income stream so we stop the monthly hemorrhage of money that's been happening. I hope women's rights and the access to insurance won't be decimated, but that's not looking too likely either. I hope for fewer shooting victims and hate crimes, but I know that's not going to happen. Realistically, I hope I can make a positive difference in some people's lives, and maybe do some growing up this year.

2) Ms. Dion has said this song was influenced by the events of 9/11, and how a new day dawned after tragedy. Looking back on 2016, did something happen that you're glad to leave behind and move away from?

Only everything relating to Beast's health. But again, I'm pretty sure that some of the consequences of last year's illness(es) will be with us for a long time to come.

3) In the video, Celine serenades us from billowy white clouds. Describe the sky where you are as you answer these 9 questions.

BRIGHT sunny blue. Not a cloud anywhere in sight. The current air temperature is 15.7 degrees on our porch. I'm sure it's breezy enough to bring that down to feeling like a frigid single-digit temp. I'm in for the day.

4) This video was shot in West Palm Beach, FL. When settlers arrived in the late 1870s, the town was called Lake Worth County. OK, your turn. Tell us something about your hometown.

The place where I currently make my home is a "village" mixed in with a conglomeration of unincorporated stand-alone subdivisions, each with their own associations and rules, that somehow connect to each other through an organized grid of roads so that it looks like a proper town. It is the most insane arrangement for local government I've ever heard of!

5) Celine Dion's native tongue is French. Dites-nous quelque chose en Français.

I don't do French. Though I get the general idea of what you want me to do, the best I can give you is "Frère Jacques, dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines: din din don." I know a few other songs in French, and "Où est le WC?"

6) Celine's mother, Therese, is known in her Quebec neighborhood as a terrific cook. Think about your own domestic talents. Where do you excel? (Food prep, house cleaning, laundry, scheduling, etc.)

Uhm. Looking around the house right now, you would probably say "none of the above" but in general I do OK with all of it at this point in life. I don't excel at any of it, however.

7) Growing up, Celine and her siblings often performed in her family's piano bar. Where did you most recently enjoy an adult beverage?

The last drink I had was while Beast was away last month: blueberry vodka with Sprite over ice. Here at home. Or maybe I skipped the Sprite and ice and finished the bottle neat.

8) In 2002, when this song was popular, Kmart was in the news because the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. What department store to you shop at most often?

I spread my money around. I hit Meijer for some things, F&F for some things, and Kohl's for most of the remainder. And smaller stores, quite often locals.

9) Random question: It's time for a midnight snack and you have your choice of one of these three -- a slice of sausage pizza, a bagel with lox and cream cheese, or a piece of carrot cake. Which will you have? And what shall we bring you to drink?

Of those three, the only thing I'll be eating is the pizza and with pizza I gotta have some pop, so diet whatever'll work. Given my own choice, I'm more likely to snag a couple of crackers and wash them down with water in the middle of the night however. Pizza at midnight means I'll be awake at least once before the alarm goes off.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Forward

1. What are you looking forward to in your personal life in 2017?

   I have really got to lose some weight, and stop spending money like Beast still has an income.

2. What’s something you’re planning ahead for?

   I can't think of anything much coming in the next year. Well, there is a big work project on the horizon that I'm involved with, but nothing much else. I'd like to get to Texas to see my three-years-old-today great-nephew that I've never seen in person yet.

3. How intense is your to-do list for the last days of the year?

   Not. We'll fondue for dinner tomorrow night. We'll probably play Cards Against Humanity; Sparky brought his Bigger, Blacker Box. Maybe I'll dig out a jigsaw to work on since there's no parade till Monday. We could take the tree apart and pack up all that stuff...

4. What’s something you’d like to jump past, between now and the end of the year?

   I would like the Christmas elves to take care of all the decoration-removal. Unfortunately, I no longer believe in Christmas elves, so I don't think it's going to happen.

5. How will you ring in the new year?

   I've no doubt I'll be asleep well before midnight tomorrow night, with earplugs in so I don't get awakened by the inevitabe fireworks all of our neighbors insist on blowing up for any occasion of note.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Cabaret (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Liza Minnelli encourages you to put down "the knitting, the book and the broom." Which of those three were you most recently doing: knitting, reading or housework?

Housework. Today's been chore-day all day until the moment I started this. I'm going to go lie down in a bit. My right leg is killing me. Fookin sciatica! Started yesterday, just in time for me to be trying to cook this week.

2) She sings that we shouldn't allow "some prophet of doom to wipe every smile away?" Do you know anyone who reliably looks at the downside of life?

I used to work with someone who did this. My husband tends this way as well. It's miserable.

3) In 1972, when this recording was popular, so was The Brady Bunch. In the two-part season premiere, The Bradys went to Hawaii. Do you have any warm weather vacation plans this fall/winter?

I do not. Maybe DC in January, but otherwise, just living day-to-day at this point.

4) Though not her uncle, just a friend to both of her parents, Liza always called Frank Sinatra as "Uncle Frank." Is there an older person in your life who isn't a blood relative, but who refer to as "aunt" or "uncle?"

Not anymore, if indeed there ever were. I am an honorary Auntie to several kids, though.

5) Liza collapsed onstage during a Christmas concert in 2007. She says she'd been nauseous before she went on and simply fainted. Sam has never fainted. Have you?

Not quite. I came very close after being dosed with epinephrine in the ER after a major allergic reaction. When I started to leave, I got to the door and had to lean on the wall...I hadn't eaten in 12-15 hours and with all the calories burned with the epinephrine, the room just went sideways on me.

6) People are often surprised when they learn Liza is good friends with Gene Simmons -- the KISS member with the long tongue. Tell us about one of your good friends.

I'm virtually certain NONE of my friends can touch their nose with their tongue!! My college roommate could cross her arms in front of her and then lift them over her head to her back. She could also step through her handcuffed arms back to front and then back. Doubt she does this anymore though.

7) Liza told US Magazine that she loves to eat at Olive Garden. Do you?

Yes. It's a guilty secret that this is my preferred celebration dinner place.

8) She keeps apple juice and yogurt in her refrigerator at all times. Would we find either in your refrigerator right now?

There's some yogurt. I'm not a huge fan of it. Apple juice...well, I don't think so, but maybe I'll get some before Thursday for the kidlets.

9) Random question: Which would be a more frustrating dinner companion -- someone who won't shut up, or someone who won't say a word?

Quiet is nice, but if it's "pointed quiet" (loud silence), it would be better to have a chatterer with you.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK--part 2

26 - Did you have an accident last year?

What sort of accident? I have not been involved in any vehicular accidents, but I've screwed up quite a few things in the past 12 months.

27 - Do you have any famous relatives?

There's a cousin of some kind who used to be a news anchor in Cleveland. ... So, no, not really. ;-)

28 - Did you ever had a kiss under the moonlight?

While I can't think of a specific time, I'm sure in 30 years of marriage (and three years of dating) we've kissed outside at night at least once.

29 - Have you ever been jealous?

Is the sky blue? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course I've been jealous!

30 - How can you prove your love to someone?

Depends entirely upon the person, I suppose, but there's a component of dependability involved. For me, anyway.

31 - What are you thinking right now?

"Why is my stomach SO growly tonight?!"

32 - Have you ever sacrificed something important to you for someone you love?

Head-desk. OF COURSE I HAVE!

33 - Can you live without internet?

I can, but it wouldn't be fun for the first few days.

34 - Have you been so emotional that you can’t find words to explain how you feel?

This is an almost-daily occurrence. I seem to be moving backwards in the vocabulary department.

35 - Did you ever badmouth someone?

hah, this week? Ya think?

36 - What do you prefer, jeans or skirt?

Jeans. I'm completely over skirts. Especially as part of Pantsuit Nation, I'm kinda unlikely to ever wear a skirt or dress again.

37 - Do you have trust issues?

Nope. Well, unless you mean, am I entirely too gullible?

38 - What's something that you made all on your own and are incredibly proud of?

My career. Somehow. OK, I had help from loads of people, but I suspect this would be true of most everything I've accomplished in life.

39 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”?

Beast.

40 - Who was the last person you hugged?

J.T., who came with me today to see Beast on visitation day.

41 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”?

Up to a point. I mean, we are responsible for making sure things happen as they are supposed to, and for keeping things that shouldn't happen from happening.

42 - Do people praise you for your looks?

People rarely notice me except as part of the furniture these days. Which is just fine by me. The things I can eavesdrop on because people don't think I'm there....!

43 - Do you believe in destiny?

No. I really can't even say that word without hearing George McFly proclaiming, "You Are My Density!"

44 - Have you ever thought “I already found my soulmate”?

I don't really believe in soulmates either. Essentially, I don't do much magical thinking.

45 - Do you like nicknames that are from your name?

There really isn't much you can do to shorten my name. And that, my friends, is the reason all of my siblings and I have the names we have. My parents were not into the nickname thing at all!

46 - Could you ever be a vegan?

No way. I like meat too much!

47 - Do you currently have bruises on your body?

I'm sure I do. Where? I'll try to let you know when I discover them. I run into things ALL . THE . TIME.

48 - What should you be doing right now?

Paying bills. Going to bed.

49 - I read in a magazine that shoulder pads are coming back. Are you happy to hear this or do you not find them to be very attractive?

Heh. I don't really care. They're kind of a pain, to be honest, but I like them in jackets sometimes.

50 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough?

I gave this up for Lent this year.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Can't Stop the Feeling! (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is an upbeat, positive song. Are you feeling upbeat and positive right now?

Having just watched the video for the first time ever, yes. Music is like that.
Overall, when I think about what life looks like, I'm less happy. Work has tanked yet again, the house is a mess, we are not at all ready for winter in the yard/etc., and I'm just so bloody tired all the time.

2) Justin Timberlake is a good dancer. And why not? In this song, he sings he has "good soul in my feet." Consider your own dancing talent and compose your own lyric: I have ___________ in my feet.

'lead weight' seems the most appropriate. I used to love to dance around the living room (when no one was watching). Now that I weigh twice as much, it's harder to get the feel moving.

3) In the video, there's dancing in the laundromat. Do you have dirty clothes in the hamper, or are you all caught up with your laundry?

I'm doing laundry right now. ...in fact, I need to go switch loads. Thanks for reminding me. BRB

4) There's also dancing in the supermarket. What do you need to pick up at the store?

And this reminded me that I needed to update my Amazon Subscribe & Save order because we need Q-tips and laundry detergent. At the store? Maybe some bread? I think we're in good shape overall there though.

5) This song will appear in the upcoming Dreamworks Trolls movie. Some people believe Troll dolls are good luck. Do you have a good luck charm?

I've been known to change clothes when the Packers aren't doing so well, either into or out of team gear.

6) Justin Timberlake loves to dunk Oreos in milk. Crazy Sam thinks this is all wrong -- the way to eat an Oreo is to twist the two halves apart and lick the cream first. Which method do you prefer, Justin's or Sam's?

I'm with Sam on this. And then throw the cookie parts away.

7) Justin admits to some fashion fails. He and Britney Spears wore matching denim outfits that he regrets, and he's sorry he ever tried cornrows. What about you? Can you think of a look you thought was cool at the time, but now it makes you shudder?

Hello most of the 1990s! I really loved the denim shirtdress for a few years--had about 8 of them over the course of time.

8) He is a very good golfer. When were you last on the golf course?

...er, I have played precisely one round of golf in my lifetime. So, that would be 10 (?) years ago or so. I haven't even played minigolf for awhile. OH! But we golf at the library every year, so last March!!!

9) Random question: Think about your romantic involvements. Were you in love with one of them, some of them, or all of them?

Some of them, and some more than others for sure. I got really lucky and married the right one, too.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Impromptu

1. What’s something you’ve created while improvising in the kitchen?

   Aside from a giant pile of dishes to wash? I've made some decent baked chicken concoctions lately: chicken pieces plus spices plus marinade plus baking or frying. I may have finally gotten the hang of this cooking thing.

2. In your work, how good are you at winging it?

   It's what I do every day. There's really no way to plan my workdays in a fixed way. I prefer a schedule, but...that is not always how things turn out.

3. When you travel, how much of your trip do you make up as you go?

   I used to plan down to the minute. The trip we just returned from had the following agenda: "Go to rental house. Attend wedding. See family, esp. kids. Visit family at their homes after wedding. Play with kids. See some sights if there's time. Eat good food."

4. How structured are your plans for this weekend?

   Holy sheet, we have an unbelievable weekend!! Tonight we each have a meeting to attend, half an hour apart, and one car. Tomorrow is Homecoming + college reunion day so we're headed up there, where we hope to also see Sparky. He just called. Because he works in catering on campus, he has worked 10-12 hour days yesterday & today, and will also work long hours tomorrow & Sunday. So, we might NOT see him at all except to wave.
   Anyway, we were also invited to a hayride tomorrow night--not gonna make that.
   On Sunday, Beast is in charge of the lights and sound booth at church on Sunday, and I teach Sunday School. And then as soon as church is over, we're off to a family birthday party for J. (below) who turned 1 last week. Then we come home and go to bed until I have to go to work Monday. Laundry? Cleaning? Groceries? Nope, not this weekend.

   

   Yes, this is his 'normal' hair!

5. What’s something you’ve discovered while wandering around in your neighborhood?

   The first Halloween we lived here, Sparky was still (barely) young enough to Trick or Treat. I discovered that it's always uphill into the wind on the way back to our house, no matter which direction we're walking. Especially when it's cold outside, at night.

Sunday Stealing x3

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

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

Plot? What Plot? seems about right.

Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

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

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

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

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

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

What’s a big goal that you have?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

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

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

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

What was the best experience in your life?

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

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

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

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

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

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The Martial Arts Meme

Who was the last person that you held hands with?

Beast. Yesterday, I think.

Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yup. All of the above on varying occasions.

Who are you looking forward to see[ing]?

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

Are you easy to get along with?

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

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

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

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

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

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

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

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

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

What was the last text message you received about?

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

Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

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

What good thing happened this summer?

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

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

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

Who was your first crush on?

David Cassidy. I was 9. Or maybe 8.

Favorite part of daily routine?

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

Do you like your neighbors?

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

What’s your worst feature?

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

Have you ever had trust issues?

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

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The "Doing Questions Like It's 2003" Meme

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

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

Name three things that are close to you.

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

How was the weather for your summer?

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

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

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

Tell us about the last trip that you took.

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

Where do you buy groceries? Why?

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

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

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

Have you pulled an all-nighter?

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

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi & Coke?

Yep.

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

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

What’s the oldest thing that you own?

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

Friday 5 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Pees

1. What’s something that recently required perseverance?

Walking through airports. I swear, we are nearly always at the farthest-away-from-anything-else gates!

2. What’s something that’s been unpleasantly persistent?

My insistence on jumping in and "saving" things...often things that don't necessarily need my interference in the first place.

3. When has practice not proven to make perfect?

There is no hope in hell of me every becoming a quiet, lady-like woman.

4. Where were you last required to exercise patience?

Tonight waiting for Beast to pick me up, waiting for a ride to pick Beast up--plans do change radically sometimes--driving to pick him up, driving him home...getting him to bed. And in not asking about the obviously FUBAR garage door when we pulled into the driveway.

5. How do you feel about peas?

I like fresh peas. Always have. Not canned ones--they are evil and should be banned.

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That’s My Fund-Day

1. What’s the last thing you didn’t want but purchased anyway because someone’s kid was raising funds for something?

I, fortunately, haven't been asked recently. Having said that 36 kids will show up on my doorstep this weekend.....

2. What’s something you’re always happy to buy when kids sell it as a fundraiser?

Chocolate!

3. What was the last fundraiser you participated in?

My nephew and his new bride sort of fundraised for their honeymoon trip rather than getting gifts or registering somewhere. They are not the registry sort, for one thing, and for another, many of the guests were all coming from (FAR) out of town, so they used Honeyfund and let us pick what we wanted to "buy" them.

4. What are your feelings about the endless cycle of fundraising?

I hate it. I hated having to sell Girl Scout cookies when I was a GS, so the growth in the industry doesn't please me.

5. What’s something people don’t sell as a fundraiser but really should?

Chores: weeding, cleaning, mowing, grocery shopping. I'd totally pay a kid to do this!

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All Over

1. What would you like right now to be coated with?

This sounds positively repellent! I want to be covered in a sheet and blanket for a year-long nap. That's all.

2. What’s something you recently slathered on something else?

I made a peanut butter sandwich the other day with way more peanut butter than I really ought to have used.

3. What’s something you purchased recently whose purpose is to cover something?

I purchased quite a few clothing souvenirs for myself and assorted others. I guess that counts, right?

4. What do your current bed linens look like?

Messy. They are sateen-striped sheets, pale blue with two dark tan pillowcases along with the usual matching two. And a blue bedspread with shells and so forth embroidered (embossed?) on it.

5. Under what circumstances did you last wear some kind of gloves?

I haven't worn gloves in 4-5 months and have no clear memory of precisely when the last time I wore them was. That time is coming around again. Guess I should hit the store and stock up--at my age you would think I could hang onto a pair of gloves for more than one season, wouldn't you?

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Coverage

1. What do your bed linens look like, right now?

   I believe they're in the washing machine, although I've decided it's time to move to the summer set so they are sitting on the bed waiting to be put together.

2. What’s the most you’ve spent on something you use as protection for something expensive?

   We spend a decent amount on (car, auto, health, life) insurance. Not a crazy amount, but plenty.

3. What does your nicest coat look like?

   I hate my winter coat. It's warm but fugly. It got its summer bath last weekend so its gone till October-ish. And I don't have a 'nice' coat.

4. What was the most recent cheese-covered (or chocolate-covered, if you prefer) dish you enjoyed?

   I had salmon last night with a cheesy béchamel sauce for dinner. No chocolate in awhile.

5. What’s something for which you often forget (or choose not) to replace the cover?

   I...think I'm a little OCD about putting the lid back on things. I honestly can't come up with anything.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Best Day of My Life (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins by mentioning clouds. Do you see clouds in the sky this fine Saturday?

I see nothing but clouds this not-so-fine Saturday. The sky, she be white.

2) Lead singer Zac Barnett sings that, "Everything is looking up." What are you looking forward to today?

Not much, aside from not having a ton of stuff to do: some laundry, a grocery-shopping trip later, and I'm sure there's NASCAR or something involved cars going fast.

3) 2016 is not yet half over, but what's been your best day so far this year?

I had a couple of dreamlike, just-about-perfect-in-every-way days on the cruise.

4) The members of the group, American Authors, met in college. When is the last time you heard from a school chum? Do you know them from grammar school, high school or college?

I've been talking to a friend from my single-digit years who went to the same after-school babysitter with me back then. It's quite weird that I have literally known her longer than anyone on Facebook aside from family, 46 years. I have another friend from almost as long ago who was my bestie in junior high and high school--though to be clear I met her when we were 6--and then quite a few people from elementary school on through graduate school.

5) One of the all-time best-selling American authors is romance writer Danielle Steele. She's been writing for more than 40 years and has sold more than 800 million books. Have you read any of her work?

I read Palomino in my mom's Good Housekeeping. That was her first book, I think, and as a young teen it was SOOO VERY roMANTic and heartstopping. I loved it. Then I glanced through her books once I started the librarian gig and was professionally appalled at them. Eventually, about 15 years ago, I decided to read whatever one was coming out just to say I'd read a recent one.O . M . G . L'horreur!

6) Have you ever dreamed of being an author?

All the time. Still do. If I'm gonna do it, I should just do it. But I'm terrified because of all the really good books I've read. I don't want to suck.

7) Do you have an e-reader?

I do. It's currently charging. I finished Tami Hoag's latest this morning--really good by the way!

8) American Authors rang in 2016 in Chicago, giving an outdoor concert on New Year's Eve on a stage not far from Lake Michigan. There are 5 Great Lakes in all,including Lake Michigan. Without looking it up, name the other 4.

Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. It's easy once you know the acronym. ;-)

9) Random question: You see photos on Facebook of a dinner party hosted by a friend. You recognize most of the attendees, yet you weren't invited. How do you feel? Left out and angry? Do you wonder what you may have done to offend your friend? Or do you just forget about it and move on?

I'd probably wonder why I wasn't included, but it does sort of depend on the occasion and how close a friend we're talking about. If it were a (for instance) apparently church-wide event at church, I'd be very hurt. If it were a birthday party or something at someone's home...meh, that's fine. I'd miss the cake, but I'm not going to be all pouty about it. Generally, I think I would try to forget I saw the pictures and move on.

Friday 5 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
How Do You Do That?

1. When you draw a five-pointed star, which point do you begin with, and where do you go from there?

   Bottom left to upper right.

2. On a typical day, in what order do you put your clothes on?

   Underwear, pants, shirt, socks, shoes.

3. When packing for an overnighter, what are you likely to pack too much of?

   This last trip I took FAR too many socks. But usually it's stuff like toothpaste or Q-tips that I go overboard on. And Tylenol.

4. How particular are you with laundry chores?

   I guess I'm fussy about some stuff. Beast does most of our laundry, but I do all the "hand-wash" or "delicate" stuff separately usually. He's fussy about which direction the hangers go, and (mostly) I don't care, and he's positively WEIRD about his collars.

5. How are your bookshelves organized?

   The cookbooks are all together. The "religious books" (i.e., Bibles and hymnals) are all together. Everything else is kind of wherever it landed.

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The Middle

1. What’s something you’re in the middle of?

   I seem to be in the middle of losing my mind on a semi-regular basis. The difference right now is that I've given up caring about it.

2. What’s in the middle of you?

   My ... solar plexus ...?

3. What is your residence in the middle of?

   This week it's been in the middle of a dandelion field.

4. What’s a great food that features something in its middle?

   Chicken Cordon Bleu, which sounds really yummy right about now.

5. What’s the nearest you’ve been to the middle of nowhere?

   Almost every place in Wyoming and South Dakota rank right up there, but the absolute true middle of nowhere is the Gobi Desert in January.

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Happy Birthday to the Upstart Crow
Tomorrow is the generally assumed birthday of William Shakespeare, based on records of his baptism and the traditions of the time. We celebrated the Bard’s birthday last yearand six years ago, so if you find these questions less than satisfying, try those instead. Links in the questions go to attributions in Barlett’s Familiar Quotations*. Shout-out to Kimberly, who six years ago answered her questions in (rhymed!) iambic pentameter.

1. If brevity is the soul of wit, how witty are you?

   At times, very.

2. When did you last play fast and loose with the truth?

   I promised Beast that he would feel better in the morning when I tucked him into bed an hour ago. I have no idea if it's true.

3. When did the green-eyed monster last rear its head?

   I don't really do jealousy very often, but I do occasionally feel a great deal of envy of other people and have to remind myself that I only know 10% of their life at best.

4. What has often required you to screw your courage to the sticking place?

   Going through with our vacation took a bit of self-conviction after the way it started.

5. What’s a custom that you have found more honor’d in the breach than the observance? **

   Politics and honesty. I'll let you decide which way (or neither or both) I mean that.

Thank you for participating, and may your weekend be as merry as the day is long!

* For those disinclined to link-clicking (I don’t blame you!): Hamlet, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Othello, Macbeth, and Hamlet (questions 1 through 5 in that order). Shout-out to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on question 4!

** This phrase is often misused, according to this enlightening piece in the NYT. Hamlet was saying that it was more honorable to breach (that is, violate) the local custom of carousing than to follow it. It’s usually used to mean “more often broken than followed” or something like that. Answer the question whichever way works for you, but I like Hamlet’s meaning.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Press

1. In what way are you pressing your luck?

   I've been pushing the limits on my health of late. I know I need to chill my intake of sugar, but holy cats is it had. Now I'm headed of to "diabetic counseling" next week. Sigh.

2. When did you last wield an iron?

   An iron what? lol
   Sparky got out the ironing board while he was home at Christmas to iron his 'catering shirt' for work. Otherwise, I haven't ironed in months. I've had a crowbar and some other iron tools in hand since I've ironed, in fact.
   Also, my mother did call this chore "pressing" which I'd sort of forgotten. Thanks for that memory.

3. Not counting buttons on your computer, tablet, or phone, what was the result the last time you pressed a button?

   If I extend this to all electronics (printers, etc.) it pretty much has to be the temperature buttons in the car. Otherwise, I don't have a lot of push-buttons in my life.

4. What was the name of your high school newspaper?

   I had to go look at the h.s. website because I honestly have no clear memory of a student paper. It is, of course, The Pirateer.
   [An aside: I'm cracking up that my original last name is quite similar to the name of another place that has The Pirateer as their paper's name.]

5. To “press the flesh” means (usually in the context of politics or public relations) to meet and greet as many people as you can, shaking hands and making personal contact. When were you last called upon to press the flesh, and how were you?

   I am not called upon to do this often at all. I do remember shaking hands with someone new recently, but as a rule I am the last person anyone would ask to do PR as I'm entirely too forthright to be good at it.