Saturday 9 x 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely not.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I actually never heard it this year.

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

I don't think so.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ayup.

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

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

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

Yes. And no.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Halloween Meme

1. What is the worst treat to get when trick-or-treating?

Toothpaste, or Jack Chick tracts.

2. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?

I don't really do horror films, so none. Either I'd be saying I want to be a victim or a crazed killer. Neither appeals.

3. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho? (why)

In real life or as a costume?? IRL=alien. Costume=zombie.

4. How many Halloween, Friday the 13th, or Nightmare on Elm Street movies combined do you have on dvd?

Not a single one, thanks. Even Beast hasn't bought them, and he will at least sit through them!

5. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?

Psycho is definitely up there. In a different direction entirely, Platoon and Shoah are also terrifying.

6. Lamest costume you have worn on Halloween?

I haven't worn a costume in quite some time, so ... those. We are costuming tomorrow at work though, so I'll be "did up."

7. Favorite Halloween treat?

I liked all the variety of things in the bag, to be honest. Except lollipops--I never really "got" suckers. I mean I got them to eat, but the attraction frankly escapes me.

8. Friendly-faced jack o’lantern or scary one?

Don't really care, but it should have something to do with Halloween, yes? So "Hamilton" pumpkins, "C" (Cubs or Cleveland) pumpkins, random letters on pumpkins....no. They're very artistic and all (sometimes) but NOT Halloween-y.

9. Have you ever had nightmares about a scary movie character chasing you?

I did as a child. I don't have too many "chasing me in terror" dreams anymore. My bad dreams are usually stress, yelling, and falling.

10. Best thing about Halloween?

Are you kidding? The candy of course! For me, I like the kids' costumes as they wander the neighborhood too.

11. Strangest Halloween custom you’ve heard of?

I can't help but feel sorry for countries without pumpkins. England has a lot of carved turnips, and it just doesn't work as well. (Even if that's where the whole tradition started, apparently)

12. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?

Uhm. I'd say Beast and I are about tied on this. One thing I really hate is having to work till halfway through trick-or-treat hours .... I miss all the little kids.

13. Are you superstitious? If so, name at least one superstition of yours.

I'm not really. I do try hard not to say certain patrons' names out loud at work because even when they've been gone awhile, it seems to bring them back in the building. I'm not kidding, either: Red-Faced Man was gone for easily 3 years, and no sooner did I bring him up than (boom) two weeks later he reappeared. smh

14. What's your best Halloween memory?

I really enjoy handing out candy to kids. There was one year that was so warm that I literally had the screen-door window open like a Dutch door handing candy over it.

15. At what age were you allowed to go trick-or-treating by yourself?

Probably about 10. I don't honestly remember, but I had to be done before it got dark.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Halloween Meme
(originally done here and here)

Are you scared of bats?

I love bats. They eat mosquitoes and other really annoying bugs. Bring 'em on!

When you were a kid, did you go out on Mischief Night? (Mischief Night is an informal holiday on which children and teens engage in pranks and minor vandalism. While its name and date vary from place to place, it is most commonly held near the end of October to coincide with the night before Halloween.)

Nope. It either didn't exist or was totally unacknowledged by everyone around me.

What is your favorite trick-or-treat candy?

I'm far from fussy, but I really hate these things:

Otherwise, the standard candy selection is fine. I prefer plain sugar or plain chocolate, not nuts, but again....not fussy. Almond Joy will suffice if it has to. ;-)

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Nope. I have, however, seen people who were pale enough, and ill enough, to be very nearly ghosts.

The most memorable costume you ever wore?

I really loved the "undead" costume I put together for a workplace thing 25 years ago. Black thrift shop dress, shredded and mudded up and lots of white and green and blood-red makeup and more mud on my arms, face and legs.

Do you dress up on Halloween?

I'm pretty sure that was the last time. I really don't enjoy coming up with ideas.

Any cooking or baking you do for Halloween?

Nope.

Have you ever been to The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland or Disneyworld?

I think I've done both. Disneyland at age 16, Disney World when we went with Sparky when he was 3.

Any element of the season you don’t like?

I'm not a fan of the "trick" part of the procedure, the litter of smashed pumpkins the morning after, and the threat of worse damage. It doesn't happen much around here anymore, but there were years when it was a little dicey.

What is your favorite scary movie?

I don't do scary movies. Being scared isn't at all entertaining for me.

Do you cook the pumpkin seeds from your carved jack-o-lanterns?

You're presuming that I made a jack-o-lantern this year. Also, no. Way more work that I'm willing to put in.

Are you intrigued with vampires?

Nope. Not any more intrigued than by, say, Stephanie Plum, George Patton or Tsar Alexander II. I mean, they're interesting to read about sometimes, but they aren't the only interesting thing to read about.

What is your favorite written work of horror fiction?

I still think E.A. Poe is the gold standard. "The Cask of Amontillado" is scary as hell, as is "The Pit and the Pendulum." Also, Carrie by Stephen King. And Gerald's Game.

What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy?

I really enjoy Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series. Deborah Harkness's All Souls books are pretty good too. Claire North's books are fascinating, too.

Who is your favorite monster?

My heart forever and always belongs to Cookie Monster. Though Grover is adorable too.

What is your favorite horror movie?

See above re scary movies. The only movie I've seen that falls into this category is "Psycho."

What horror movie gives you the most chills?

I don't get chills. I get nauseous and sick; it's really not fun.

What character from any horror film would you most like to play?

"Why can't we just get in the running caaaarrrrr?!"

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Thriller (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this video, Michael Jackson is transformed into a "werecat," with fangs, claws, yellow eyes and whiskers. What monster or ghoul frightened you the most?

I don't remember ever being afraid of "monsters" as a child. Life itself scared me, but not creatures, perhaps because I was pretty sheltered and safe with the people in my life. I actually remember a childhood dream about monsters, but they weren't really scary, more like Sesame Street monsters (though this was prior to Sesame Street, because I am actually that old). The stuff that scared me was people being scary. I had to be removed my from the auditorium about 5 minutes into my sister's high school production of "Oliver!" because of Mr. Bumble's shouting.

2) Michael sings that evil things that will be lurking "close to midnight." Where will you be at midnight tonight?

I hope I'm in bed asleep! Long morning tomorrow--I'm liturgist for one of the worship services, and I teach Sunday School with the middle school kids during the other hour.

3) Horror movie icon Vincent Price does the voice over on "Thriller." What's your favorite scary movie?

I don't like scary movies. I suppose I'd have to go with "Psycho" but I don't really think that's horror, more Extreme Suspense. I spend a lot of time hiding my eyes in regular movies--the first "Lord of the Rings" flick, for instance, I spent most of the last 10 minutes with my face buried in Beast's shoulder. He told me afterwards that I would be better off not seeing the rest of the trilogy at all.

4) Mr. Price's House of Wax, made in 1953, was one of the first 3D movies. What's the most recent 3D movie you saw?

I don't see those either. The 3D-ness messes with my equilibrium somehow (or my vision, perhaps? like motion sickness anyway) and I tend to get nauseous.

5) Horror fans might be surprised to know that, despite his sinister image, Mr. Price enjoyed very genteel and relaxing hobbies, like cooking, gardening and painting. What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I loved Vincent Price because I saw him on talk shows when I was a kid and he always seemed so nice! People IRL would be surprised about almost every blog entry I've done. People online, I suspect, might be surprised at how soft-hearted I am.

6) A Halloween tradition is the jack-o-lantern. Did you carve a pumpkin this year?

Nope, but we do have pumpkins on the front porch at least. I need to get the candy out for trick-or-treat tonight, too.

7) According to Yahoo!, the most popular costume of Halloween 2014 was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Will you be in costume this Halloween? If not, who or what would you most like to dress up as?

Hell no! I stopped dressing up eons ago. The only costume I'll be wearing in the forseeable future is something for my workplace's 1xxth birthday party. A coworker is making me a period dress, so I can look like a proper bluestocking of that era!

8) When you went trick or treating as a kid, did you usually wear a store-bought costume, or was it DIY?

Usually it was homemade, which sucked...until one year I begged hard enough that Mom got a store-bought one and I realized how crap they are/were. Thin nylon, unusable mask, incomplete overall, and I don't even remember what I was supposed to be!!

9) When trick-or-treaters show up at your door, what candy will they get?

I've got a mix of Jolly Rancher and mini-chocolate bars. I think. Actually, I don't remember what I've got exactly! :-) Everyone gets a big handful from the bowl. We go through about 3 big bags a year.
It just occurred to me that I should check the "official" trick-or-treat times for today. Guess I should get myself sorted out fairly soon: the kids can start at 3! It runs till 8, but we never really see anyone much after 7. And then we'll reset all the clocks in the house and go to bed. We are so freakin' exciting at our house!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Really Random Meme

Do you believe that Walt Disney is really frozen?

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

Do you believe its easy to forgive and forget?

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

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

Amy. We're going bowling in Canada.

Is there anyone who knows your entire life story?

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

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

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

Which is coming next: Christmas or your birthday?

Birthday.

Have you ever been a clown for Halloween?

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

What time did you go to bed last night?

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

When did you get up this morning?

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

When was the last time it rained?

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

Are your finger nails painted at the moment?

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

Do you ever go hunting/fishing?

Yuck. No, thanks.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child?

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

Which parent do you look most like?

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

Do you have any friends who are famous?

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

Do you use eBay to buy or sell?

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

Is music a daily part of your life?

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

Is your self esteem high or low?

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

Saturday 9

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

1) This is one of the first songs to see a bump in sales after its video was shown on MTV. Do you ever watch music videos?

Not anymore. I'm not really aware of them still being a 'thing' except on YouTube which I'm old enough to think doesn't really count.

2) Golden Earring is from the Netherlands. The average life expectancy there is 79 years old. Who is the oldest person you know?

It pretty much has to be someone at church, maybe Fran? I don't ask people's ages, but I'm pretty sure she's got to be at least 90. I used to know some centenarians, but that was when I was delivering library books to shutins a decade ago.

3) The song's composer says the song and especially the video were inspired by the 1980 book, The Bourne Identity. The espionage thriller was finally made into a movie with Matt Damon in 2002. Do you have a favorite secret agent/spy?

Not from the movies. There have been some good espionage books I've read, but generally I prefer straight mysteries. I assure you, even though I've read several Dan Brown's books, that Robert Langdon is NOT a favorite much of anything for me!

4) The song's title comes from "The Twilight Zone" TV show, which ran from 1959 to 1964. Are there any old shows that you enjoy watching in reruns?

I love old TZ reruns! Also, "Bewitched", "I Dream of Jeannie", "Gilligan's Island" and "Star Trek" (both TV series).

5) "All guys cheat on their girlfriends, so yeah, I forgive him." Sam heard a young woman say that into her phone as they waited in line at the drugstore. While Sam is always surprised by how much personal information people share in the public, that's not what we're concentrating on this morning. Do you think that it's true? Do all guys cheat on their girlfriends?

No that's just stupid. She is seriously underestimating men, to her detriment. Let's hope she figures things out and doesn't have any children in the meantime.

6) Whenever Sam goes to the grocery store she picks up Snausages because her dog looks at her with sad eyes when she tries to reward him anything else. What product has your brand loyalty?

Well, the NFL (since it's football season/night) of course. Dr. Pepper. Brownberry (although it's now owned by Bimbo) not only because I love their oatmeal bread, but because one of my best friends works there. Oh, and Charmin. We used to always buy Scott, but switched to "red" Charmin a few years ago.

7) Do you have a piggy bank or a coin jar?

I have a piggy bank that's approximately 15" tall in which all our foreign change ends up. Otherwise, we have a couple places where coins go to ... hibernate I guess ... but Beast emptied them out last night for Noisy Can Offering at church today. The kids made so much that the superintendent (who is not a weakling) could barely lift the soup pot to carry it off the chancel.

8) Sam knows that she's always supposed to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, but she sometimes forgets. What do you know you should do, but sometimes don't?

Eat properly. Actually, I almost never manage to do that (hello, Chicken Kiev for dinner tonight!). Also, well, so many other things.

9) Retailers report that sales of Halloween costumes for grown-ups are strong. Since Halloween was earlier this week and there will be parties this weekend ... What's your costume for Halloween 2013? If you aren't dressing up this year, tell us about one of your favorite outfits from a Halloween gone by.

I didn't have a costume. And I don't really enjoy thinking up costumes anyway. So, yeah. Some good costumes on the older kids this year, for a change--some years they come begging for candy dressed as themselves. Yes, I see the contradictions everywhere in this answer! lol

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Fall/Autumn Meme

First of all, is autumn your favorite season? Why or why not? It is, yes. I like the colors and the smells and the variation in temperature.
Is it 'autumn' or 'fall' to you? I usually call it fall.
What kind of weather does your area get during this season? Cooler, less humid, high clouds, windy.
Were you born in an autumn month? Technically, yes, but I always think of it more as "moving on toward winter."
Do you pay attention to any 'fall fashions'? Nope.
Which leaf color is your favorite? Dark red:

Is it still fun to rake the leaves and jump in piles of them? I am not a fan of raking, and my prayers were answered in our lot: no fence, small trees, and high winds to blow them all into other people's yards. ;-)
When can you really tell that it's autumn? When I need a blanket in bed when the A/C isn't on.
Do you enjoy carving pumpkins? It's not my favorite thing, but I'll do it.
Do you eat the pumpkin seeds? If so, do you put any kind of flavoring on it? I don't hate them, but I don't toast my own.
Are you planning to go to a pumpkin patch this year? Probably not. Will likely buy a couple of pumpkins that we'll carve--as usual--on Oct. 30, or even the morning of Oct. 31, because we procrastinate.
Which was your favorite Halloween costume to wear? I only remember two of them: one was a bunnysuit leftover from one of my siblings, and the other was a clown costume my mom made. They're sort of tied for first. By default.
Are you planning to go trick-or-treating? Why or why not? Uh, no. I'm a Font of Candy not a kid.
Are there any county fairs or festivals held nearby during this time? There's an Autumn Fest for Art (not its actual name) nearby, and of course all the hayrides and corn mazes you could want. This year, my work-town is doing a haunted house downtown...we'll see how that goes. And of course random craft shows. But the biggest thing in the general area is Gourdfest in a town where a friend works. She tends to bug out because it's insane that weekend.
What is your favorite dessert for this time of year? About the same as my favorite dessert any other time of year.
Is your Thanksgiving Day in October or November, if you even celebrate it? We do it up in November.
If you do celebrate it, where do you usually have Thanksgiving dinner? Here. This year might be different because of the addition of a baby to the mix. We'll see.
Do you remember any crafts you used to do that were autumn-themed? Oh, yeah, there were always things at school: turkeys made from traced-hands, pilgrim hats, Indian bonnets (sigh...so not-PC), etc. etc. ad nauseum.
Are any of your favorite bands doing a fall tour this year? No clue.
Which new TV show are you looking forward to this season? I've really been enjoying The Bridge over the summer, and I'm looking forward to CSI, and both NCISes. There's a faint bell ringing about some new show that looked interesting, but I can't remember what it was right now. Oh, and I'm sure we'll be watching Fast 'n Loud and some of the other "guy shows" whenever Beast is around.
How does autumn typically make you feel? Excited. It's still wrapped up in school starting and new clothes and school supplies, which is crazy since Sparky isn't exactly needing any of that, and buying college textbooks is just fucking painful!
What color do you always associate with autumn? Orange and red.
Is there a song that always reminds you of this season? "Bringing in the Sheaves", "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", and "We Gather Together." Also various goofy Halloween songs that I get to overhear the children's librarian doing during storytimes.
Do you have any seasonal traditions? Well, we wrap up the yard in another month or so. And buy candy in late October. And celebrate our birthdays. And, most important of all, WATCH FOOTBALL!!!
Do you spend a lot of time outside during this time of the year? Perhaps slightly more than in the heat of summer.
How can you tell that fall is over? Snow that sticks and accrues. Frigid temperatures. Perpetual cloudy skies.
What is a typical autumn outfit that you wear? Jeans, long-sleeved Ts, sneakers. At work, I tend not to use sneakers. ;-)
Describe a perfect autumn day: Fire in a firepit or fireplace, chatting with friends around a picnic table, a light breeze, and the smell of pine.
Do you hate it when stores start promoting Christmas early? Yes. But here's the thing: if people really hated it as much as we like to bitch about it, we would stop buying shit in July. So, I just don't complain, seeing as how most of my shopping this year is already done.
What is your favorite thing about this season? All of it. Sorry: I can't limit myself to one thing.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The SCARY meme

1) What do you think is the best costume for Halloween?

Whatever you want to wear is fine with me. I plan to dress up, as usual, as a middle-aged, middle-class mom handing out candy.

2) What would an alien think of humans if it came to Earth on Halloween?

The same thing an alien would think any other day of the year: WTF?!

3) Who would you haunt?

I'm assuming you mean after I die? Probably a random library somewhere. Or maybe the internet.

4) Are you afraid of the dark?

Nope.

5) Do you pass out candy, or hide with the lights off?

We pass out candy until we're out then hide with the lights off.

6) What scary movie do you like best?

I don't like scary movies at all.

7) If you had to wear a costume for a week, what would you be?

See above. Or I could make do with hospital scrubs.

8) What do you think about Ouija boards?

I think they're silly and fake.

9) Have you ever told ghost stories around a fire?

Uhm, yeah, actually I have.

10) Trick? or Treat?

Treat FTW!

11) Have you ever been in a haunted house?

Not that I'm aware of. Unless you mean the sort Jaycees or others create to scare others. THOSE I've been in, as a customer and as an "actor"--had my head cut off for hours one year, and another year I rose out of a grave for hours; had some serious abs back then!

12) What would you do if you saw a ghost?

I'm pretty clueless: I might not even recognize a ghost immediately.

13) Question 13, should we have skipped this and jumped to 14?

Probably.

14) Are you brave enough to walk into a graveyard after dark on Halloween?

Sure. Depending on the neighborhood. After all, I've sat and walked on numerous graves after dark on or around the 4th of July since the cemeteries are kind of prime viewing spots for fireworks in town.

15) Do you like chocolate? what kind:

I like British or German plain milk chocolate.

16) Who would look better in a clown costume? Obama or Romney?

Hell no I am not going to start this on my blog! I do think John Sununu would look mighty fine with about a dozen red clown noses stuffed into his mouth, though.

17) Are you in the path of Frankenstorm?

Only very indirectly, if at all.

18) Post a link to any other blog:

Shrug, ok: Found Cameras and Orphan Pictures.

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.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)
Vol. 98

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758....besides the online version, do you own a dictionary? Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days?

We own a couple. I almost always use the online dictionary at home, but oddly I still grab the print one at work about half the time.

2. Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations? What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?

What's going on now? I have probably missed it, because I think it's all totally stupid. In the best possible world we would all step off and let kids have fun while they can. Halloween? Go costumes--within reason--no sexy or bullying outfits! Christmas? Go carols! However, I'd be ok with killing off Valentine's Day.

3. What's your favorite 'dog' movie?

I suppose it would be wrong for me to say Cujo, primarily since I haven't actually seen it. I don't think I've seen any (good) dog movies since Benji. That's sad. Snow Dogs was absolutely AWFUL! Memorably awful, in fact.

4. When were you last somewhere you'd describe as 'too quiet'?

I have never been someplace too quiet. There is no such thing as too quiet. That's like being (in popular culture) too rich or too thin.

5. Are you a neat cook or a messy cook? In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later?

I tend to clean as I go, but there always seems to be one big disaster at the end anyway. Sigh...

6. Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute? Was your first thought COOL! or was your first thought CRAZY! Are you adventurous?

I heard about it. First thought? WHY?! Second thought: meh. I'm not that adventurous overall, but I am willing to at least consider most anything once. Key word: consider. I would be very likely to exclude this kind of thing at this point in my life.

7. What's not a word but should be?

Blerghhh.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I suddenly realized this week that I am finding my job kind of boring lately. I wonder what that means. Do I need to start looking for new challenges elsewhere? Or is it just that we're so completely stretched as a staff that I'm emotionally wrecked?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mr. Roboto

1. Do you enjoy holidays like Halloween or is your approach more robotic?

I like it--the kids are cute!

2. Have you ever been to a haunted house?

Attended one a few times. Haunted one at least three times. I like the latter better than the former.

3. What are you doing for Halloween this year?

Nothing much that I'm aware of: carving a couple of punkins and giving out candy to the kidlets.

4. What was your lamest Halloween costume ever?

I don't remember most of my costumes, so I would pick any one of those.

5. Is handing out candy fun for you, or more of a nightmare?

Fun. FUN! I love it.

6. Do you buy trick-or-treat candy and end up eating it yourself?

Of course, after the kids are done. I haven't really bought any at all this year yet, so at least I don't have to restock ahead of time like I do some years.

7. Did you carve any pumpkins this year?

We will be doing that tomorrow, or maybe this afternoon. Perhaps I should say BEAST will be doing that. I don't mind the scraping and emptying, but the carving...a little too artistic for me. hah

8. What was your favorite costume as a child?

I loved the clown costume my mom made when I was 7 or 8. After that, I don't remember many (see above) until I was big enough to wear the rabbit costume my siblings had worn, which was kept in the basement. I think I've only dressed up about twice since then.

9. What is your biggest pet peeve about trick-or-treaters?

I don't even mind the older ones. I mean, it's free candy; no one is going to turn that down, are they?? So, yeah...I guess I don't have any peeves. Well, ok, the (usually older) ones who don't even bother to fake a costume: I usually call 'em on it. Last year I asked one kid if he was dressed as a skater or a slacker. ;-) I did say it with a smile; I mean, even his friends had scrounged masks at least....

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
It's time to stop caring that you're so congested

1) If you were a villain in a movie, what would your catch phrase be?

"WALK! DON'T RUN, WALK!!"

2) Marc and Angel Hack Life recently posted a list of "10 Things To Stop Caring About Today." What is something you care too much about that you wish you didn't?

How other people are feeling. SometimesI wish I just could turn off the empathy.

3) On Tuesday, NBC announced that it was canceling its new show "Playboy Club," making it the first cancellation of the TV season. What show do you hope is next for cancellation?

Y'know, actually, I'm pretty much ok with just that. What a LAME idea for a show!

4) Many media outlets have been asking this question a lot this week... Which Halloween costume do you think will be overdone this year?

Chris Christie? Mitt Romney? No clue.

5) If laughter really is the best medicine, what is the worst poison?

Grudges.

6) What do you think is the most powerful word in the English language?

"Help."

7) Today (Oct. 5) is World Teacher Day. Describe the person who was your favorite teacher when you were in school.

I had a plethora of good teachers. I don't want to single any of them out, but to be honest I remember more good teachers than awful ones.

8) This week a list of the "20 Most Congested Cities in the U.S." was released with Oklahoma City and Birmingham, Alabama, listed as the most congested. Do you suffer from seasonal allergies that often leave you congested?

lol HELL YEAH! This year has been horrendous! Also, none of the cities in which I've lived is on that list. W00t!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Using the first line of your favorite song, tell a story about why it’s your favorite.

"My love she throws me like a rubber ball" reminds me, every time I hear it, of the poem King John's Christmas by A.A. Milne, a poem I dearly love. I also like the whole concept of love this song explores.

2) If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be, and why?

A very saggy, comfortable chair, I guess. Probably a recliner.

3) Dimples: like ‘em, hate ‘em? Don’t care?

Don't care, although they are pretty cute in children.

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

Photo © Cat. 2010

This is the back of my son's head during Spirit Week last fall. It was either Costume Day or 50s Day; I can't remember for sure. I created the D.A. for him, and he's got his dad's H-D leathers over his shoulder.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Spooky

1. Does anything about Halloween “spook” you?

Nope. I'm not wild about kids stealing jack-o-lanterns from porches and busting them up, but it doesn't spook me.

2. What is the favorite costume you have ever worn for Halloween?

Probably the zombie. I went all out that year at work: bought a second-hand dress to destroy, wore loads of fake blood and gray-green make-up all over. Awesome. Much better than the lame M&Ms that two coworkers chose.

3. What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Seeing the little kids on our porch.

4. What one topic is (or was) the most painful to discuss with your parents? Why?

With Dad, it was politics; he was liable to get emotionally torn up about raising 5 left-wingers. With Mom, it was how I lived my life. I never felt like I was good enough; she was always finding something to be critical about.

5. What was the happiest day of your life? Do you think you'll ever top it?

College graduation, wedding day, several days with Sparky as a child, many of our vacations ... I can't find One Perfect Day that stands out, but I've been fortunate enough to have had many. And I hope to have many more.

6. What animal would you like to be able to communicate with?

Birds. I would love to know what they talk about. About five minutes ago, one flew into the glass on a window, then perched on the sash and looked in at us for a good ten seconds. Why?

7. In what way do you come nearest to perfection (as you define it)?

When I'm not thinking about being perfect, just trying to improve on past performance.

8. Do you have any recurring nightmares?

Not anymore.

9. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be and why?

See question #4. As a parent now, I understand what Mom was about, but OMG...just once I would have appreciated an unqualified "attagirl" from her. What is the most frustrating is that I keep doing the same thing to Sparky and seeing the hurt and frustration on his face that I experienced.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. Apples are to oranges as Star Trek is to Star Wars.

2. Men should not dress like little girls and that's all I have to say about that. [Just got a tweet from someone at a cosplay event about this...]

3. I think I hear the dryer buzzing.

4. Fannie flag Flagg.

5. Do what you want to do, but remember that there are always consequences.

6. Running down the street was a little boy and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with ball bearings.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to (possibly) seeing the Star Trek movie, tomorrow my plans include relaxing in the a.m. and dealing with long, teenage-boy hair in the afternoon, and Sunday, I want to enjoy myself at Mary Poppins!

I think I'll dress as Irony instead

You Should Be a Angel for Halloween

According to our quiz, you'd make an ideal angel. Your runner up costume: Cat

The Halloween Costume Generator

Halloween

You Should Be a Ghost

You are seen as shy and introverted. You like to blend in... or disappear. You see Halloween as the day you can sit back and enjoy what other people are doing. You don't scare all that easily on Halloween. If anything, you tend to scare people. You don't try to be scary, but you do tend to lurk around and catch people by surprise.

What Classic Halloween Costume Should You Wear?

The biggest benefit I see for this choice is that it's so easy to make. hah

Costume

The Halloween Costume Generator

My Result: Kitty

Admit it, you've always wanted to lay back, look adorable, and let everyone else do the work. That's why your perfect Halloween costume is squishy, fuzzy, loveable little creature. You're cute and sweet, and you're sure to get all the attention this year, even after the party's over. Of course you've got a naughty streak as well, and have been known to show your claws from time to time, but you won't swipe unless you really need to.

So show off that sweetness at all the parties in furry, footed pajamas and some ears. You're sure to find someone to give you a hug. Aww...

Take this test >

Oh, the gack factor is high here, but it seems like an appropriate answer....

Monday's a Bitch

(Link at left)
Very Scary

1. Do you have any recurring nightmares?

Not so much, not anymore. Having said that, last night I had what I call one of my Anxiety Attack dreams, wherein I spent most of the morning hours not quite asleep, but worried about all the stuff coming up in the next few weeks. I always wake up from these with a feeling that I need to drink a bottle of vodka or take 3 or 4 Valium just to move forward.

2. When was the last time you screamed in horror?

I don't think I do "scream in horror." I think I do a little, piercing shriek when shocked (good or bad shock) or startled, but horror generally strikes me mute and sends me into what we call Clinical Mode. De-personalize and deal with the situation.

3. What was the most bizarre thing you ever got while trick-or-treating?

Uh...pretty sheltered. Nothing bizarre: walk the block, collect the candy, come home and sort it, eat it.

4. What do you consider to be the most over-used costume?

Well, overused-but-I-don't-care would have to be witches. Overused-and-just-stop-already: small children dressed really ghoulishly. Like, blood-curdlingly grotesque stuff on a 3-year-old.

5. What costume could someone wear that would be a turn-on for you?

Not so much into the dressing-up-to-turn-me-on thing. I like a fit guy in a tux, but I also like someone in full Margaritaville garb, as well. It's not the wrapping I worry about, it's the whole (ahem) package itself.