Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Friday Questions

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have a minor in Spanish, but I've really had to relearn how to speak it properly as an adult. I definitely still hear it better than I say it.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

I'm O+ (boring), and I can't donate anymore. Too much bad ju-ju in my body these days.

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?

As a tiny child, yes, once. I've been in the orchestra of a couple of musicals.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?

Oh yeah. My extended family has been designated the Darth Vader Theme. Beast is a U2 song--wow, that's a bummer, since it's doubtful he'll ever call me again--Sparky is "Crazy Train" from Ozzy, and I've got the doctors and other people like that set up with their own sound. I'm really pathetic, to be honest. Oh, and a small number of best friends have their own ring too.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?

I think we bought our digital camera towards the end of the 90s. It might still be around here somewhere, too.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?

Oh, I don't know. People would undoubtedly say different things about this.

7. Do you talk with your hands?

Yes. Bigtime.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not really. I like 3.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?

2% as a kid, sometimes mixed with powdered milk (yuck). We 'graduated' to skim by the time I was a teen. Now I rarely have milk in the house.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Fruit with a nice light crust.

11. Are you a note taker?

Yup. And a doodler.

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?

We have a shit-ton of coffee mugs which are basically never used since I don't drink coffee at all, and Beast can't drink coffee--and isn't at home anyway. I need to clean the house out, starting some time later than today.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

At home, yes. I guess I do at work too, come to think of it.

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?

I've been employed at my current workplace for just about exactly 22 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?

We flew Denver to Milwaukee when I was a small child. I remember because it was my brother's first flight too and I remember him looking out the window as we landed. I was probably 4.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Procrastination Tool Questions

1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

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

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

Pasta in all it's varieties.

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

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

4. What is the last heavy item you lifted?

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

5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

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

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

Nope.

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

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

8. What’s your goal for the year?

Survival. Get Beast fixed.

9. Last person you hugged?

Sparky when he arrived this morning.

10. First place you went this morning?

Uhm, the bathroom?

11. Do you always answer your phone?

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

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

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

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

I like my eye color, actually.

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

I will be needing some winter clothes at that point.

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

Is "terrified" an option?

16. Do you have any saved texts?

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

17. Ever been in a car wreck?

Yup. Nothing huge, no injuries, thank God.

18. Do you have an accent?

Of course I do. Everyone does.

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

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

20. What did you do last night?

Ordered pizza, noodled around online, not much.

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

Yeah. Yeah, I have.

22. Current hate right now?

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

23. Met someone who changed your life?

So MANY people!!

24. How did you bring in the New Year?

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

25. What song represents you?

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Brokenhearted (2012)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a girl who is eager and anxious for her new lover to call. Do you owe anyone a call? An email? A text?

I owe at least two phone calls. One of those people has probably been expecting a text as well. Emails, though, I'm fairly up-to-date on. ... Nope, just found a 7-week old message I haven't even read much less responded to. Since it's about my sister's death 20 years ago, I haven't been eager to open it.

2) The lyrics are peppered with the informal English exclamation, "cheerio!" What pops into your head when you close your eyes and think of England?

You forgot the "lie back" part. ;-)

I think of my rellies, and lots of green. And non-warmness, even in July.

3) This week's artist, Karmin, is a husband/wife duo who met at college, and that meeting changed the course of their lives and careers. Think of someone who has had a huge impact on your life. Did you know, as soon as you met, that this was going to be a life-changing relationship?

Not exactly. I mean, I've been wrong a lot of times about people I thought would be important long-term. However, I'm also a pretty quick judge of character (when I'm not moony) so real idiots don't last long.

4) Though she sings about consuming tequila, the female side of Karmin, Amy, is a big proponent of healthy eating. She recommends organic foods that are free of pesticides, hormones, food coloring and added sugar. Think about your most recent meal. Was it a good example of "healthy eating?"

Club crackers and sliced cheese (NOT American) washed down by Diet Dr. Pepper. Whadday think?

5) Husband Nick has his own Twitter account (@NickKarmin), but he doesn't use it often. His last tweet was back in August. What's the last thing you posted to social media? (No, your blog doesn't count.)

I RT something @JKRowling tweeted earlier this morning. I haven't been on Twitter for probably two years, but this week I reconfigured my subscriptions and got back into it. I'm following all the "Alt" and "Rogue" accounts.

6) Karmin performed "Brokenhearted" live on Dancing with the Stars. DWTS is very big business for ABC-TV. So many people vote for their favorite couples each week that their phone and text systems often overload. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol, DWTS, The Voice, etc.?

Nope.

7) In 2012, the year"Brokenhearted" was popular, the average cost for a gallon of gas was $3.91. In 2016, it had dropped to $2.40. When it's time to fill up your tank, do you shop around for the lowest price/gal.? Are you brand loyal and always return to the same station, regardless of price? Or do you just buy gas from the nearest station when you're running low?

I do try to hit the low-ballers in the area, but mostly I stop when the light comes on and panic sets in.

8) In 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavor was retired and placed on permanent display at the California Science Center, a Los Angeles museum dedicated to encouraging excitement and enthusiasm about air and space travel. Let's say you had a long weekend to spend in Los Angeles. Would you go out of your way to see The Endeavor? What else would you like to do during your time in the City of Angels?

If Beast were with me, we'd probably do that. Personally, I'd find a nice hotel near the ocean, find a bench at the water's edge and park there for the duration.

9) While we're thinking about aviation ... Statistics show that it's still a predominantly male field, and less than 10% of commercial pilots are women. Would you be nervous flying with a woman pilot?

Of course not! Actually, I have flown on a commercial flight piloted by a woman. NBD.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom?

Beast and I were texting as I came home tonight. I think my last was "Np" in response to him telling me he was going to bed, which he did before I got home.

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom?

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

Whenever the alarm goes off. Or, when I need to pee. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays my alarm is set for 7:10. Friday or Saturday (whichever I work), it's set for 6:30. And on Wednesdays it's set at 5:30.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

Not in my neighborhood. I'm careful in areas I don't know.

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day?

This. And Facebook. And read. One or more of the above.

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom?

Beast, of course. Not sure where. He's been sick all weekend, so before that for sure!

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school?

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so?

I love my job. Today, I got to talk to a father and son who have ... some issues but are finally getting things together. And I laughed with another dad when he rolled not just his eyes but his whole head at his two teenagers. I made a homeless woman laugh when I told her she could have a look at the newspaper, but I'd "chase her down" if she didn't bring it back (and then mimed a fast walk)--she told me I was something else. [too true] Another guy, a regular, told me a bunch of random and lengthy stories about trips he's taken. I woke up another regular who was online but asleep. I chased a 2-year-old out of the children's room so his dad and brother could actually leave (and change his diaper--PEEEUWW!). I took photos of a Jedi in her robes with and without her light saber. I got to see a smile on a teen I rarely see smile. It was a great day.

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos?

Who, moi? ...uhm, yes, I am a bit of a "That's what s/he said" person.

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?

Yes, I've met quite a few of these people.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?

I'm married. We talk about sex all the time! [ha ha ha] But that's the only person I do talk about sex with, so....
And yes, it's mututal.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately?

I've been trying to figure out my future for awhile. I don't know what the future holds, and generally I'm fine with that, but lately I seem to be getting thrown into choices I've never thought were available and it's confusing and unpleasant.

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation?

Oh, every day. Today, one of our regulars told me all about his feelings on the President and Hillary...and blah blah blah.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

I wouldn't say "usually" but "often" yeah.

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

Can I? Probably, but since I don't smoke it's not something I've considered learning to do.

T) What are you looking forward to?

My great-nephew Jo is being baptized in a couple of weeks. After that, I guess it's Jesse's wedding in September. Well, and summer and warm weather, too.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more?

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

Yes. Except when I'm being a total bitchface.

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now.

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Sunday Stealing

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

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

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

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

Mountains. No contest.

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

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

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

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

29. What did your last text message say?

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

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

Sometimes. Not always.

31. Who was the last person you called?

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

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

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

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

I shudder to think...!

34. Winter or summer?

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

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

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

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

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

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

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

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

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

39. What are some phrases you say often?

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

40. Favorite food?

Iced sugar cookies.

41. What is your wish for the world?

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

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

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

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

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

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

Babies. Love lighting up faces. Ouray.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

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

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Dislike gore. Suspense is ok.

47. Do you like to travel?

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

48. Any regrets?

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

49. Do you like rain?

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly

1. Have you ever had a pen pal?

I have! Kim R and I corresponded for a couple of years when I was about 8. She was from Connecticut (so I learned how to spell that early!). Then when I was about 14, Kristina A and I met up via letter--she lived on Long Island and she was allowed to make phone calls so we talked rather more often than most pen pals do. That friendship was far too much of a mis-match to last, however. When I was a junior in high school, somehow Vickie P and I hooked up. She lived in Washington state and was heavily into that early-grunge, post-New Wave scene. We corresponded for perhaps 3 years. There was a guy in Brazil I wrote to briefly while in college--that was just weird, but he was drop-dead gorgeous. There was a girl in Japan in high school named Kumiko--I still have a lovely Japanese doll she sent me. Let's see. Oh, my college roommate had a Swedish penpal with a friend who wanted a penpal, so Elisabeth and I kept in touch for probably 6 years till adulthood and marriage and family and work intervened. And there was a guy who went to high school with a guy I dated briefly in college who turned out to be a better and longer-term friend than the guy I was dating.
Whew. See, I used to write letters. It's eminently possible I've written myself out.

2. What’s your favorite breed of dog?

Yes.
I like pretty much all dogs. I guess I prefer terriers and retrievers and shepherds, having had those breeds. But I'm not going to be picky since I can't have a dog around me for long. I'll take whatever breed I can spend time with!

3. Can money buy happiness?

It buys comfort. That is often easily mistaken for happiness.

4. Do you listen to music when you’re down?

Yes. But I listen to music whenever I can, regardless of mood.

6.Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?

I honestly can.

7.What was the last thing you spent money on?

I dropped $250+ at Meijer yesterday on groceries and a few things for today's party.

8.Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?

Ayup. Stopped dying it 2-3 years ago.

9.Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?

Actually, no one. I PM'd Sparky a couple of times since he is pretty much always in his room and I don't feel like running (or shouting) upstairs for him. But my phone got no usage this weekend.

10.Were you in a good mood last night?

Sure. We watched a DVR'd episode of Whose Line Is It? and some other random stuff. I went to bed relatively early.

11.Do you have a reason to smile right now?

Always. IN spite of current irritation with Sparky's crabbiness about having to miss a D&D session to go to today's birthday party.

12. How often do you hold back what you want to say?

More than I ever used to! Probably not often enough though.

13. Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place?

Yup. It always does, one way or another. We may not like the resulting picture, but there always is one.

14.Are you currently looking forward to anything?

Aside from today's party? lol My second "son" (a good friend of Sparky's from high school) is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. And I do like August and September just because.

15.Do you have any TV shows on DVD?

Most of Outlander--probably 10 episodes--and probably a couple of other things. Deadliest Catch? There'll be a NASCAR race to watch when we get home this afternoon.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Mash Up Meme

1. What’s overdue for a good cleaning?

My desk and the immediate area surrounding it. The one at home is always a little untidy at best, and the one at work is a nightmare. I haven't properly cleaned it since my new boss started over 2 years ago. All those bloody slips of paper, notes to myself, tags so I don't forget, projects.... At home it's magazines, mail, and things to file.

2. What’s overdue for some kind of professional examination, service, maintenance, or upkeep?

Sparky's car needs to have new brakes. Beast is getting a new riding mower tomorrow. And we're discussing new kitchen countertops. We also need new flooring out there.

3. Who’s overdue for a phone call or letter to you?

To me? I never expect cards/letters/phone calls. From me? Just about everyone.

4. What’s overdue for an appearance in your neighborhood?

QUIET! It's bloody noisy around here for the weeks leading up to and following Independence Day.

5. Who’s overdue for a good comeuppance?

The entire Bush (II) administration.

6. What’s a gross food you like anyway?

Well, if I thought it was gross, really, would I like it? lol But there was a thing on someone's Facebook wall yesterday about hot dogs being the equivalent of food garbage, and I like them just fine.

7. Who’s an unlikeable person you like anyway?

I find it hard to dislike on a deep level most of the homeless people who use our library. They are, some of them, really fookin' annoying, but they're sort of family at this point.

8. What’s an unpleasant task you enjoy performing anyway?

I don't mind cleaning toilets.

9. What’s a dumb song you enjoy anyway?

Oh, pretty much every pop song I know the lyrics to. Most of the early Jackson 5 oeuvre, for instance.

10. What’s a lousy restaurant you frequent anyway?

McDonalds counts?

11. What's your favourite Sci-fi film/program etc?

Favorite film is probably The Matrix, and TV show has to be Star Trek: The Next Generation.

12. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading?

No. Nor even an improper one.

13. Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you?

Of course I have. It's a prerogative that is required once you hit 50, not to mention for all parents!

14. Have you ever done something really unbelievable, only to have no one around to see it?

All the time. Quiet fist pumps in the air at my desk happen pretty regularly. I don't always feel the need to brag.

15. If you were famous would you want a statue or a building named after you?

Neither really, but if I had to, it would be either modern-art version of me, or a building, like maybe a library? lol

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Would You Rather Meme, part two

1. Would you rather go to a movie or to dinner alone?

   I've done dinner alone. I've never been to a movie alone. I need to remedy that. So I guess it's movie.

2. Would you rather always say everything on your mind or never speak again?

   Lately, I've been trying to do the latter, but I'm congenitally built to do the former.

3. Would you rather make a phone call or send a text?

   Text. I'm not big on phone calls.

4. Would you rather read an awesome book or watch a good movie?

   Book, of course.

5. Would you rather be the most popular person at work or school or the smartest?

   Smartest, but I'd like to not be a jerk about it.

6. Would you rather put a stop to war or end world hunger?

   I suspect that a positive way to end the causes of war would eventually sort out hunger.

7. Would you rather spend the night in a luxury hotel room or camping surrounded by beautiful scenery?

   Hotel. I hate camping.

8. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?

   Space. I would love to go to space. And seeing as how I can't swim....

9. Would you rather go deep sea diving or bungee jumping?

   See previous question re swimming. So bungees it is.

10. Would you rather be a kid your whole life or an adult your whole life?

    It's tempting to say kid, but really kids get shit on so regularly by the world that I'm going to say adult.

11. Would you rather go on a cruise with friends or with your spouse?

    I'm pretty torn on this one. Can't I go with both?

12. Would you rather lose your keys or your cell phone?

    Cell phone. Missing keys would make me nuts.

13. Would you rather eat a meal of cow tongue or octopus?

    Octopus, properly fried up.

14. Would you rather have x-ray vision or magnified hearing?

    Honestly, neither. My hearing is already too acute, and I don't really need to see through stuff.

15. Would you rather work in a group or work alone?

    Alone.

Blogthings

Your Style is Aggressive

When it comes to communication, you can't help but think of your own goals first. You make sure to say your piece. You may railroad over others who are meek, but that is never your intent. You are willing to hear anyone out. You believe in getting whatever is on your chest out into the open. You hate keeping things bottled up. You may think before you talk at times, but at least you are completely honest. People can count on you to speak the truth!

What's Your Communication Style?

At least my truth! I'm not too proud of how close most of this is to the way I behave.

Saturday 9

So Much to Say

1) The lyrics refer to a baby's "one year of crying." When was the last time you cried ... felt weepy ... or at least teared up?

I cried laughing about an hour ago at a baby-laughing video on Facebook. There were some sad tears yesterday or the day before, I think it was because of a song.

2) Let's lighten it up a little. When was the last time you laughed really hard?

Same video as above, hence the laugh-crying.

3) Do you have "so much to say" that hasn't been said yet? Tell us if you owe someone a phone call, note, email or text.

I owe everyone a letter. I think I'm caught up on email. I have phone calls I should make, though, too.

4) Earlier this summer, Dave [Matthews] took a bike ride before a show and his tire blew out. He didn't have a cell phone with him and was afraid of missing that night's performance. Fortunately two fans -- driving to see Dave Matthews Band in concert -- recognized him by the side of the road and gave him a ride to the show. Share a recent act of kindness you either did, or received.

I...don't remember specifically the last 'act of kindness' I did. I feel like I do them all day every day at work some days. Received? Probably not getting creamed at any of the hundreds of four- or more-way stops in this area. People are nucking futs.

5) Before he hit it big, Dave Matthews was a bartender. What job did you have right before the one you have now?

Between my gigs as a librarian, I delivered the local daily paper at 5 a.m. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, except in the middle of winter.

6) The Dave Matthews Band recorded an album live at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, in the mountains near Denver. Is there a trip to the mountains in your future?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Red Rocks! Totally in my backyard growing up. Going there now calms me and makes me so nostalgic; just thinking about it makes me sad that I can't go there....because I don't see mountains in my immediate future at all.

7) Do you suffer from hay fever or allergies?

...yes. I'm allergic to a lot of stuff, including corn pollen. Guess where I live? In the middle of the biggest corn field in the world. Poor planning=story of my life.

8) What's in your pocket right now?

Chapstick. Literally this one.

9) American Express promotes "Small Business Saturday," and encourages us to shop at local, independent retailers. Is there a shop, boutique or restaurant in your town that you're particularly fond of?

My local independent bookstore is da bomb!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow

1) Do you ever fantasize about flying, beyond the rainbow or anywhere else?

I never really understood this song, much as I like it. As a child it seemed sort of like setting one's sights too low.
Anyway, to answer the question, I used to want to get a pilot's license, but I'm pretty much over that. I would like to go up in a balloon.

2) Do you think you have seen The Wizard of Oz more than 10 times?

I've seen different incarnations of it (TV and on various stages) at least that many times.

3) Which Wizard of Oz character would you most like to dress as for Halloween?

I don't dress up anymore, and I probably would ONLY go as the lion or Dorothy or Toto. All that makeup for the other characters...!

4) What will Trick or Treaters get when they come to your front door?

I haven't bought candy yet. They'll get whatever is on sale tomorrow.

5) Did you ever TP a neighbor's house or indulge in other acts of Halloween vandalism as a kid? (Don't worry, that statute of limitations is up.)

Nope. I was a very good (not to mention shy and quiet) kid.

6) Who annoys you more -- people who never respond to your texts/emails, or those who never look up because they're always checking their texts/emails?

The latter. I'm actually kinda used to Sparky not answer my emails (though he does respond to texting. Usually).

7) Who was the last person you hugged?

Beast, when he got home from his trip today.

8) What two colors do you like to wear together?

Blue and white. Which is my high school colors, oddly (or not). I wear a lot of brown, too.

9) Did your alarm clock wake you up this fine Saturday morning?

Actually, yes. I have to be at work at 9. Yuck.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Too Tired to Think Meme, Part 2

26. What type of errands do you like running?

The last ones.

27. Have you ever eaten snow?

Yes. Yes, I have. Many times. The joys of winter. OK, this is about the ONLY joy, really.

28. What color are your bedsheets?

Right now, we have the sand-colored ones on. I just bought new ones today, for our new bed. One new set of sheets, two extra pillowcases, and two new pillows=$340 (because of the bed we bought, we can't buy sheet 'sets;' I bought two long-twin fitted sheets, and a king-size flat sheet. Ugh.

29. What’s your favorite flower?

Roses. My mom was a natural with rose-bushes, and so many people say they are "hard" to grow, but...I haven't touched ours this summer and they are absolutely HUGE.

30. Do you do ballet?

Nope.

31. Do you listen to classical music?

Occasionally.

32. What is the first TV theme song that pops in your head?

"The Pink Panther" for gawd knows what reason.

33. Do you watch Sponge Bob?

I haven't watched in years. Sparky used to watch and I sat in on that usually.

34. What temperature is it outside right now?

73. With 76% humidity. So...yuck.

35. Do people consider you smart?

I think so. When I'm not being a complete spaz.

36. How many piercings do you have?

Just my earlobes: 2.

37. Are you signed on [to] AIM?

I don't use AIM. And, I'm not, technically, logged in to any other chat site, though I guess I am default-online on Gchat. No one ever chats me there, except Beast though. He's 10 feet away and reading his magazine right now.

38. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together?

Yes. When I was in elementary school. Guess what: it doesn't really work, even with SuperGlue; or maybe I already knew the secret to ungluing SuperGlue when I did it.

39. How do you feel about your family?

"May Go-o-o-o-o-od bless and keep [the-e-e-em].....farawayfromus"

40. Do you have an iPod?

I have a small, off-brand MP3 player that I never use.

41. What time do you go to bed?

10-11. Then, of late, I'm up between 12 and 1 for an hour or so. Then I sleep the rest of the night, generally.

42. What CD is currently in your CD player?

The only one I've used recently is the one in the car, which has Disc 2 of Lee Child's Worth Dying For in it.

43. What movie do you know every line to?

I know an awful lot of the Airplane/Naked Gun series, and lots of Bill Murray movies.

44. What is your favorite salad dressing?

REAL Blue Cheese.

45. What do you want for Christmas this year?

It's bloody-JULY! Are you serious? I'd like a boss that's not insane and a full complement of GOOD staff back on board at work.

46. What family member/friend lives the farthest from you? Where?

I guess that would be my niece Rosellen and her husband TJ who live 4230.38 miles from here. More or less. ;-)

47. Do you like hugs?

Of course I do, from people I know and like.

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I can't remember.
I can remember the last time my stomach plummeted into my toes: last Thursday when I found out that our children's librarian is leaving to take another job. This happened 6 days after we all found out our director is also taking another job.

49. What’s the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name?

The beginning of my last name does not have a long vowel-sound in it. However, I have to say that I'm more bothered by spelling errors, of which there is almost always at least one: my name is crazy-hard, apparently.

50. Last person you hugged?

Probably Beast.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Moves Like Jagger

1. Who makes the best moves in your life?

I'm just happy at this point that Beast can actually move at all again!

2. Tell us about a time where you had to be selfish with your time, and felt guilty about it (whether it was time taken from your children or a significant other.

This summarizes motherhood, especially when mom is working outside the house. Many, many times I needed to be two places at once. Let's see: Sparky's first day of school, when his idiotic teacher told him to walk home even though he was supposed to take the daycare van. He ended up sitting outside our empty, locked house till the van found him.

3. Do you feel that you can create more sex appeal or that it's just a given?

Me?? ha ha ha In general I think people are sexiest when they aren't trying too hard to be sexy.

4. Do your religious beliefs really influence your behavior?

I should hope so!!

5. Do you feel there are some things in a significant other that you can't change because of their sex?

I think men are either built or are socialized not to communicate the same was as women. It's a problem. We're working on it.

6. Do you see a younger less secure person when you gaze in the mirror?

No, I see me.

7. If you have ever been pregnant, or have been with a woman who was, how did [a]ffect your sex life?

Well, aside from the last few weeks--i.e., the "hippo phase"--it didn't much.

8. What would you like to work on to become a better person?

I would like to have more push to get things done without having to have a deadline. Mostly in personal stuff, not work-related things.

9. When did you think that you understood the sacrifices that people in the military make on behalf of their country?

I was about 8 when we left Saigon. There was a POW released about that time and a very famous photo of his arrival back in the States shows his family running toward him on the tarmac of the airport. I'm pretty sure that was the first news story I read start to finish. I couldn't imaging living without my dad at that point in my life. And after I read the article, I realized a lot of kids my age were doing just that...forever. Which made me think about the fact that my dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, and had he not survived, I wouldn't even exist...it was pretty meta for a kid.

Thursday 13 14

(Link in meme-roll)
Texts In My Phone Between 8:20 & 8:30 Tonight

1. OK, I just found out that [roommate]s not coming back after this break so the roomll b mine
2. R u free tomorrow afternoon?
3. ??? He takin all his stuff? That is rather ... sudden, isn't it?
4. Hey! Unfortunately i work till 5. R u home?? What abt Sat?
5. Yeah i get home tomorrow, wanna do breakfast on sat (i'm having easter dinner with [boyfriend]s fam that afternoon)
6. His parents withdrew him n hes gonna go 2 community college. Thats y
7. That cld work. Me, or [Beast] & me? Or all 3 of us?
8. Not a big shock really. Do we need to find u a fridge?
9. :) it doesn't matter i just need someone to talk to
10. Ok... ?? [6 Balls]? What time? Or we could meet tomorrow but i have to be at work by 9.
11. Yeah, i dont get off till 1230 so i wont be home til 4. So whenever u feel like getting up sat morn
12. Ok say 9? And we can finetune later. In the meantime I'm shooting up some prayers. Love ya.
13. Not now. With only a few weeks left i dont think ill need it. Thx tho. And i only think i want dry food or dehydrated stuff
14. Lov u too

KEY:

• Sparky
• D (former Youth Group member, a year older than Sparky, at school at The Big State College)
• me and me (Bolds with bolds, to make it a little easier to follow the conversation, since I was pretty confused in the midst of them myself!)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 99'er Meme: Part 1

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

I don't use iTunes, but I'll give you the last six and the next six tunes on Jango.
Last six:

1. I Want Candy (Bow Wow Wow)
2. Zarartou (Cheb Mami)
3. Mr. President (LL Cool J)
4. Our Time Now (Plain White T's)
5. Over My Head (The Summer Obsession)
6. Shake It (Metro Station)

Next six:

1. Wire (U2)
2. Sitting on a Fence (The Housemartins)
3. More Than This (Live) (Roxy Music)
4. Castanets (Alejandro Escovedo)
5. Chances Are (Sheryl Crow)
6. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (Alison Moyet)

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

I would love to meet Nelson Mandela.

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

"[believ-]ing our encounter with the Divine to be the definitive one. In..." from The Evolution of Faith (Phillip Gulley), one of the six books equidistant from me.

4) What do you think about most?

I try hard not to think about much.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

"Hmmmmm. Calzone please." from Beast about 3 hours ago.

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

I can't sleep naked, unless I'm really hot or really sick.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Alphabetizing at warp speed? Or, while waiting for a cop to show up, walking by a sign and noting that the handwritten part says "Welome" instead of "Welcome."

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)

Women need to man up; men need to turn down the macho.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Yes. Embarrassing. I have made it a practice never to date or hang around poets or lyricists since then.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

I've hired that out: Sparky takes care of that for me. So, yeah, about ten years. ;-)

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I'm said this a million times: all my fears make perfect sense. To me.

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

I don't think so. Except Kleenex. And a nasopharyngeal tube...well, a doctor did that... medications.... yeah, nothing that shouldn't have gone there, for sure.

13) What's your religion?

I'm an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Impressed? Don't be. Not for that. In all seriousness, I like PCUSA polity because it makes more sense than other options in running life inside a church.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Walking to or from my car. This time of year, it will be done as quickly as safely possible.

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

BE. HIND.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

U2.

17) What was the last lie you told?

I can't think of one. Maybe that I "had" to bug outta church before the service ended this morning. I could've probably stayed and helped put the bells away, etc., but I was worried about Beast and about getting to work on time.

18) Do you believe in karma?

Not. As. Such. If you go over to the right-hand column and search for "believe karma" you can see how I've answered this question a kabillion other times.

19) What does your URL mean?

Really? You must ask this? How long have you been using the internet?

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Greatest weakness: I tend toward a short fuse and not suffering fools gladly. Greatest strength: I laugh inappropriately. For instance, today I was called "the b-word" and "rude-ass" and nearly cracked up at the absurdity of an adult saying "the b-word" instead of just saying "bitch" and the fact that this guy was so far past rude on the Rudeness Scale but calling ME rude-ass.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Still crushing on William Petersen. And George Eads.

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Nope. Can't swim, so I don't even go non-skinny-dipping.

23) How do you vent your anger?

There is yelling, there is crying, there is blood rushing to my face (and if things are really bad, rushing OUT of my face), I see red.... Honestly, all of these things will happen given enough provocation, but not necessarily in the order listed.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

S&Ps. And dust.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Talking on the phone without video. Sparky moves around too much for me to be really comfortable Skyping with him; it causes motion-sickness if I watch him too closely.

W.T.F.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Would you ever buy a neon pink car?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Smarties.

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

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

I wouldn't bet the farm on this one....

You Get Your Point Across by Discussing

You are an indirect person, both with yourself and others. You are never sure where you're going. You prefer to open things up for discussion and see where the brainstorming takes you. You don't have expectations. You are open-minded and flexible. You don't see things as set in stone, and you like to leave yourself open. You are a good listener, and you think that you can learn from everyone. You know you're not always right.

How Do You Get Your Point Across?

Uhm. I wonder if this is what other people see, because I don't really think it fits.

At all.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Life is really miserable sometimes. Thank God for friends and other sanity-inducing parts of life.

2. Pull yourself together and keep going.

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: the one I received was R-rated, and the one I sent was "lol".

4. Olive Garden is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.

5. On the 1st day of August there really oughta be a holiday. When I was growing up, my Mom always had that day or one in that vicinity off work.

6. Young animals are always (unless they are sick) lively and energetic.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to continuing to do nothing at home (though I have mopped half the house and tidied up some leftover-from-vacation piles of crap), tomorrow my plans include a meeting and work, and Sunday, I want to not embarrass myself playing the bells!

You Believe that Love is Mysterious

When you think of love, you think of what could be possible in the future. In love, you see things as they are. You accept and love your partner's faults. If you are in love, you like to keep it a secret for a while. It feels more special that way. You are somewhat patient in love. You can wait for the right person, but once you have found the right one, you're very impatient.

The Rose Test

Truthfully, if I got flowers from a stranger, I'd wig the fuck out! So my answers reflect what would happen if I received the flowers from someone I love. That probably changes the whole poing of this, but ... oh well. I like the answer I got pretty well anyway.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You Are a Banana Smoothie

You are friendly and popular without even trying to be. People just like you. You are easy to be around and never offend everyone. You're quite mild. You have a warm demeanor, and many people find you to be inviting. You are sympathetic and kind. You have a soft spot in your heart for everyone.

What Flavor Smoothie Are You?

I'd rather die than be ANY smoothie--I hate them--but this is a particularly ignominious result. Banana-flavored anything (except bananas, of course) is by definition gross. The desciption makes me sound like a sappy loser.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Your Relationship is Strong

You've built the foundation of a great relationship, and it would take a lot to shake it. Through good communication and respect, you have a true love that can last a lifetime. Keep doing what you're doing, and your relationship should stay healthy for a long time. Everyone has rough patches. It's all about surviving them together and coming out stronger.

How Strong is Your Relationship?

Is it just me, or does this sound smarmy and condescending?

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday Six

1. If money was tight, which of the following would you be most likely to give up: cable television, internet access or your cell phone?

Cable/Satellite. No contest. I can watch online. ;-)

2. Of that same list, which would be least willing to part with?

Cell phone. I could use the net at work, but I have become very dependent on texting and calling whenever I 'need' to talk to someone.

3. Your car dies: the only car you can afford, without going into serious debt, is a demo model that doesn’t have working air conditioning or heat. Assuming that it cannot be fixed (or that you can’t afford the repair) could you get by with that car?

Well, I've driven a car like this in the past, so...sure. I figure as long as the engine, mechanical parts (brakes, cables, etc.), and tires are in great shape, then I'm good. Anyway, there would be no long trips in the winter, and that would save even more money!
By the way, why would a car like this be a demo?? Who'd buy that model? :-)

4. If remote controls ceased to exist tomorrow, would you watch less television or about the same amount?

I personally would choose to watch less. However, the reality of the situation is that I don't choose most of what we watch anyway, so things would probably dip only slightly.

5. Take the quiz: Which Remote Button Are You?

Like my other history-major friends, I was Play. Which made us ALL say, "huh?"

6. What percentage of mail that you send to friends and family is email versus snail mail? In a perfect world, which would you most prefer?

The only time I send snail mail anymore is Christmas and sympathy cards. Oh, and thank yous for the latter. I totally prefer sending electronic communication--email/Twitter/texting/etc.--hands down. I'm no longer patient enough to deal with snail mail.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday 7

Name seven things in your life right now that you are grateful to have.

In no particular order:

1. My house
2. My job
3. My family
4. My friends
5. This country where I live and the freedoms and security it provides
6. Food
7. My church