Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Baby Love (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their elaborate hairstyles, make up and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?

A VERY long time. Over a year, probably. I wasn't even really all that dressed up for the wedding I went to, as I recall, but it wasn't a super-fancy wedding with required formal wear anyway.

2) "The girls," as they were known to the engineers and executives at Motown Records, were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. They began singing together when they were high school classmates. Are you still in touch with any friends from your high school days?

I am. I have probably a dozen from my high school that I'm friends with. Some of them were not friends per se at the time, but are wonderful to know now.

3) Mary Wilson was born in Mississippi and her family moved a great deal before settling in Detroit, where she fatefully met Florence and Diana. Were you uprooted often when you were a child? Or did you spend your school years in the same neighborhood?

My parents lived in the same house from 1946ish until 1994. The only one of us who ever lived anywhere else was my oldest sister who was born in 1943 and with my mom followed my dad around the U.S. a bit during WWII.

4) The Supremes began as a quartet called the Primettes. In addition to Mary, Flo and Diana, there was Betty McGlown. In 1960, Betty left the group to get married and was replaced by Barbara Martin. In 1962, Barbara left the group to have a baby. They quit trying to replace the fourth voice, soldiered on as a trio, and made pop history. Have you ever found yourself in a position similar to Betty's or Barbara's, where you had to make a difficult decision and choose between your personal life and your career?

Of course. I was a mom in late-20th-century America.

5) Thinking of babies and "baby love," is anyone in your life expecting a baby in 2018?

Not that I'm aware of at this point. Actually, someone at church just had her second child last week. I don't think I know anyone else who is currently pregnant, however.

6) With twelve #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, The Supremes remain America's most commercially successfully recording group, and this song (along with "Stop! In the Name of Love") is one of the most popular karaoke songs. If we handed you the mic this morning and absolutely insisted you perform, what song would you choose (any song, any genre)?

I can rock out to any mid-century Sunday School song you name.

7) Original group member Florence Ballard left the group in 1967. She died of cardiac arrest in 1976 at the age of 32. Since February is National Heart Month, it seems appropriate to ask: Is anyone in your life battling heart disease?

Yes. My sister has some heart issues, and one of my favorite people at work had a heart attack last year, out of nowhere. She's over 70, though. Thirty-two? That's really young. I'm waiting for my turn, since I'm sure I'm headed that way.

8) Florence Ballard's brother, Hank, wrote Chubby Checker's famous dance song, "The Twist." When did you last dance?

I dance around sometimes while I'm cleaning or cooking, and I car-dance semi-regularly. Really dance? A long time. OK, I "danced" with my baby-nephew at that wedding mentioned above, mostly to keep him from screaming and generally happy.

9) Random question: Close your eyes and visualize the most beautiful place you've ever been. Now describe it to us.

I've been to loads of different places that I found beautiful. My favorite is a certain little town in Colorado:

Obv not my photo

The Love Club (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) Lorde has said this song is about a time when she fell into "a bad crowd." Her high-maintenance new friends were all about their romantic dramas and it overwhelmed her. Have you ever had a friend who was just too much work?

Yes, though once I got done with education, I became a lot more discerning in my selection of friends.

2) She sings that she longs to be alone. Where do you go when you want peace and quiet?

My corner of the couch. Or bed.

3) Lorde credits her mother for encouraging her verbal skills. "Mum" let her join a theater class when she was just 5 and was always giving her books. Tell us about an encouraging, understanding adult who assisted you when you were growing up.

I had good teachers all over the place and a couple of my sisters were good cheerleaders for me.

4) Lorde is not the only celebrity from her class at Belmont School in Auckland, New Zealand. Olympian Eliza McCartney was a classmate who went on to win a bronze medal in Rio for the pole vault. Did you participate in any sports in high school?

I did not.

6) Lorde wrote music for one of the Hunger Games soundtracks. Have you seen any of the Hunger Games movies, or read any of the books?

I've seen the first two. I didn't like the last book in the series, so I just bailed on the movie.

7) Her favorite candy is Peanut M&Ms. Do you prefer Milk Chocolate, Peanut, Almond, Mint or Cripsy M&Ms?

Plain or Crispy. I'm not a fan of chocolate with nuts, and I loathe chocolate mint.

8) When Lorde was on stage at Lollapalooza, a sudden storm interrupted her set. The music festival was evacuated and her performance was cancelled. Can you think of a time when the weather had a major impact on your plans?

I'm a bit British this way, in that sometimes it doesn't matter what the weather is doing; life goes on. However, there've been some storms in my life that have caused everything to come to a halt.

9) Random question: Please complete this sentence -- Before I leave the house, I always _________________.

...check to be sure I have a way to get back inside.

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5) Choose your winter sport: Football or hockey?

Football. Duh.

6) Choose your breakfast: Pancakes or waffles?

I prefer pancakes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9 x3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lately, the best adjective would be "sweaty."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beast.
Yeah, I know. Too easy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (1968)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
This performance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is from Robert Kennedy's funeral. So this week, we focus on him.

1) During WWII, when he was just 17, Robert Kennedy enlisted in the Navy. He was disappointed he was never involved in combat. Tell us about a time when you felt fate/circumstances kept you from something you wanted.

Well, I really wanted dance lessons as a kid, and that never happened. There were a few jobs I really wished I'd gotten, but I wasn't. There were some guys... Honestly, I can't think of anything much recently, except for my boss to PAY ATTENTION! Really, after three years of talking about one issue at virtually EVERY MEETING we've had with him, he just last week figured out that everyone on staff is COMPLETELY FURIOUS about the way he has handled it. Even the cool, calm, moderate ones are pissed. The boss says he didn't understand the depth of people's annoyance. Duh?! Really? So, apparently, we have to shout to get his attention. smh

2) Bobby was trained as an altar boy and throughout his life regularly attended early morning mass. When is the last time you attended a worship service?

Two weeks ago? We'll probably go tomorrow too. Or, well, I will. Maybe Beast will. Sparky is unlikely to; he informed me last week he's a Satanist. I suspect he's poking the wasp nest to see if I'll flip out. I did come home and wiki myself up on the subject though. tbh, I'm not surprised; the general theory is something I can see him going for. ANYWAY, I don't think he's a "practicing" Satanist, in the sense of attending worship of any kind, since apparently that's not a thing. I dunno--I need more info from the boy.

3) He may have been an altar boy, but he was no angel. During junior high he was suspended for punching a classmate. Who is the last person who made you very, very mad?

Beast. And then myself for failing to stick to my program. And before that, my boss. In case you didn't notice after the first question.

4) He had his first date when he was a senior in high school. Looking back, Mary Bailey Gimble told Kennedy biographers that she knew he had a crush on her and wondered why it took him so long to ask her out. Tell us about one of your early crushes.

I never actually dated any of my crushes, thank the good Lord! I did kiss one of them though. He's on Facebook--and holy crap he's only gotten better-looking over the years! lol

5) Bobby's wife Ethel is as bubbly and talkative as he was introspective and shy. He was organized, she's messy. While opposites may attract, do you believe the happiest marriages are between partners who are more similar than different?

I do think that people have to have something they can share in common. But I also think that if two people are too similar it doesn't work either. It's extraordinarily complex.

6) By November 1960, when he was 35 years old, Bobby already had served as legal counsel to two Senate committees and run his brother's successful Presidential campaign. He was looking forward to a quieter life teaching law but gave in to family pressure to become President Kennedy's Attorney General. Tell us about a time when you were at a crossroads. Who influenced your decision?

Prayer and advice from people I trust. And some gut.

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What is your neighborhood doing to observe the day?

Oh yeah, the fireworks started about 10 days ago. Last night they were going off until at least midnight. Tonight it will be later. We don't participate. We will probably grill brats and burgers tomorrow or Monday and have macaroni and cheese one night while Sparky's home. And we'll be able to see several towns' fireworks shows from our backyard if we want.

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run rum on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July?

Nope. I know a couple of Guard members, but they're not currently serving.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?

Oops, jumped the gun. We're probably ordering pizza tonight when Sparky gets here...or something. So there'll be leftovers. And the usual grilled stuff. And some corn.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Balance

1. When opposing forces in your life pull you in different directions, how do you recenter yourself and find balance?

   Quite often I come apart at the seams. I don't handle opposing forces well at all. Just ask, oh, ANYone at work!

2. What are often the greatest threats to your overall balance?

   I worry far too much for my own good. And I tend to fight battles that are not really mine to be involved in.

3. If you could add just a little more of one thing to your life and have a little less of another, what would they be?

   I would like to have more self-motivation, and a lot less laziness.

4. What are pluses and minuses of hanging out with mercurial people, and what are pluses and minuses of hanging out with even-keeled people? Which tend to populate your social groups most?

   Even-keeled people tend to be reliable and unsurprising, which is lovely. Mercurial people are, perhaps, more fun, but also can be annoyingly inconstant. If it isn't obvious, I prefer calm to mercurial, and gravitate to that side of the human spectrum for friendship.

5. What’s your greatest challenge in maintaining a balanced diet?

   Pretty much, just doing it. So many more easily-made bad choices.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Slow

1. What’s something you make that takes a really long time to cook?

   Stew. Chili.

2. Of books you’ve completed, which took you the most time to get from beginning to end?

   It took a very very long time to get as far as I got in Sarum (Rutherfurd), and I've got a couple of books started that are in danger of never being finished....

3. What’s a movie that seemed much longer than it was?

   A fair percentage, to be honest. I get bored at movies quite often.

4. Who was your partner for your first slow dance?

   Uhm...wow. I don't know actually. Somewhere in the dim recesses of my junior high school gym, that knowledge has disappeared.

5. What decision are you dragging your feet toward making?

   What I'm doing with the rest of my life.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight Up (1988)

1) In this song, Paula sings about being in a dream. Did you dream last night?

Yeah, I dreamed that Beast had made a bad decision about how he spends his time, taking him backwards a couple of years. Thankfully it was just a dream.

2) When Paula enrolled at California State University, she planned on studying broadcasting and becoming a reporter. Think about your career aspirations when you were 19. Did you follow through and stay on track or, like Paula, did you veer off and find success elsewhere?

I had no clue what to do post-college. All the things I enjoyed in school led mostly to teaching or business, neither of which interested me (teaching because of issues external to the actual teaching part of the job, business because yuck). I was in a program called something like Independent Study so I had fewer requirements than most college students, so I ended up getting a double major and a double minor and skipping a lot of the must-take classes (like calculus). So I'm degreed to the gills and unemployable. Brill. Hello, grad school!

3) For a while she was a "Laker Girl" and performed at L.A. Laker games. Do you have a favorite NBA team?

I . Do . Not . Basketball looks to me like organized rioting with random breaks where everyone goes retro and gentlemanly.

4) Paula was once married to Brad Beckerman of Stillhouse Spirits, a company that specializes in whiskey. What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Stoli. Not that I've had any in probably 6 months....

5) Paula has been dancing since age 8 and, as you can see from the video, Paula moves very well in heels. Tell us about your most comfy shoes.

I have come to really love Sketchers because they are so comfortable to work in. I've got a couple of pairs and I need to go stock up on fall/winter footwear so there may be more in my future.

6) Paula admits it was her passion for jewelry and that inspired her to design her own line for QVC and Avon. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for?

Shoes. Not even close. Seriously, I could easily buy 20 pairs of shoes every time I walk into a store. It's ridiculous.

7) She advises young girls to "keep the faith and don't lose your gut instinct." How about you? Are you more logical or instinctive?

I'm both. I think I tend toward logical over time, but I've made a lot of big "gut" decisions that have worked out all right as well.

8) In May, Paula traveled to Austria for The Life Ball, a fundraiser to help those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. When is the last time you left the country?

This makes me sad. I haven't been overseas since 2011 when we went to Italy and then to England for Rosellen and Spence's wedding. They are expecting twins this year so maybe we need to head over to see them and the rest of the family, including the other two babies born since 2011.

9) Paula Abdul is a spokeswoman for Avon's "Go Check Yourself" campaign for breast health awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know anyone who has been touched by this disease?

I work with two people who have dealt with this. A church and P.E.O. friend is in remission, and another P.E.O. is in treatment right now. My mom had a brief scare towards the end of her life, but it turned out OK. I also had a sister die of a different 'brand' of cancer.
But the real scary thing in my circle is heart disease. My dad, my mother-in-law, my sister, and innumerable friends have dealt with this. It's far FAR more important to me to get a handle on heart-related diseases. Sorry, pink people.
I also loathe the color pink, so that might be part of my 'problem.'

Another from Amy

(Swiped from Amy)

What's your favourite biscuit to dunk?

I don't really dunk--I don't drink a lot of milk--and I don't like the crumbs falling off into the milk. Loss of perfectly good cookie!

Which would you rather have if you had to, a broken leg or a broken arm?

Arm. Left arm. I don't have time to figure out crutches.

Do you read a daily newspaper?

Nope. Not for years. I read the local headlines in my local paper in InoReader so I know generally what the latest gossip is.

Do you watch the news on TV?

I catch it on Today in the morning before I go to work. Sorta.

Have you ever had anything published?

Nope.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Sure. I haven't really experienced it, I don't think, but "like at first sight" yes.

How many remote controls do you have in your house?

Oh jeez. Uh, three in this room. Probably at least that many downstairs. One upstairs in our room for my clock--which is totally silly.

Have you ever been in a hot tub or sauna?

Yes. Multiple times, on multiple vacations. We used to vacation with people who wouldn't even consider it a vacation without a hot tub on site.

Have you ever had chicken pox?

Yes, when I was 6, and a very bad case it was too. They hit in the middle of winter during a multi-day power outage.

Do you own a lava lamp?

No I do not. My brother had one when I was little. It was fascinating, but I don't have time for fascination for that sort of thing.

What is your one major weakness?

My mouth. I need to STFU more often. That seems to be my lesson for 2015.

What's been the best decision you've made in your life so far?

Having a kid. I didn't used to want one, and the whole labor thing was absolutely AWFUL--as bad as advertised on Little House on the Prairie--but I'm glad, so very very glad, to have Sparky in my life.

What's been the worst decision you've made in your life so far?

Staying at my first full-time job for as long as I did. On the other hand, had I bailed, I wouldn't be where I am now so...

What words do you always struggle to spell type correctly?

Anything with a 'q' in it. And "vacuum." And because I type them often, "video," "recording," "juvenile," "literature," and "fiction."

On a scale of 1-10, how happy would you say you are?

Right this second: 6. Generally, though I'm at 7 or 8.

On a scale of 1-10, how smart would you say you are?

Book-smart: 10. Actually, practically: 7.

On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?

I think I'm a 10. Apparently, I'm more often closer to 3.

On a scale of 1-10, how devious would you say you are?

Usually, 4, but there are stretches that are full of 10.

On a scale of 1-10, how awesome would you say you are?

Most of the time I think I'm a 7. But I have dark moments of 1-ness.

On a scale of 1-10, how devilish would you say you are?

Oh, really, that's probably a 2 or 3. At most.

On a scale of 1-10, how nice/caring would you say you are?

10. Except when I'm a stone bitch.

On a scale of 1-10, how bitchy would you say you are?

In quantity, probably 2. In intensity, probably closer to 12.

On a scale of 1-10, how polite would you say you are?

9. I'm Midwestern, yo.

On a scale of 1-10, how attractive would you say you are?

6 and falling.

If you could be any famous person who would you be and why?

I wouldn't want to be famous, so this isn't the easiest question. I'd like to be famous for doing something really boring but awesomely useful.

What's your favourite animal beginning with the letter A?

Albatross. "Bloody albatross!!" lol

What's your favourite item of clothing beginning with the letter B?

I'm rather partial to bras.

Just noticed that this is post #7205. Over 11 years, that works out to 655 posts each year. Yikes!!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random XV

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

I have a pair of these

that are probably about 15 years old. Perhaps older, even. I should dig them out and see if my feet still like them....

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

I bought a couple of boxes of Samoas and maybe the chocolate-peanut butter things (?) from a coworker's daughter.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance?

No, much to my shame.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

I was über responsible and well-behaved. In other words, kind of a pain in the ass.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

Zero.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

I don't watch needles go in, but the rest of medicine doesn't bother me. As long as I have good pain meds, I think I'd be fine watching my own surgery.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Hmmm. I like the Fridays I have off since it feels--even after 25+ years--like I'm playing hooky from work. And for some reason I really am partial to Thursdays.

8. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received??

Sparky often said, when he was much younger, "You're a good mommy" while he patted my head. Can't beat that, eh?

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Nope.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?

Right now, probably a garden center, or Lowe's/Home Depot.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

Sometimes. I always buy the same toilet paper, for instance. And pop. But pasta or processed stuff...whatever. I'm all over the map on pasta sauce, for instance.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

The former. I'm really bad at looking at people while I'm talking.

13. What’s one thing you’re deeply proud of — but would never put on your résumé?

My son. About myself...hmm, staying married for 28 years, maybe?

14. What’s the most out-of-character choice you’ve ever made?

Given some of my other personality quirks, the staying married might qualify...lol Certainly the person I married was out of character in some ways compared to "the usual type" I was (am) attracted to.

15. What’s your personal anthem or theme song?

"I Will Survive" comes to mind. So does "Amazing Grace" and not because I carry myself gracefully, either.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Shadow

1. When have you had to choose the lesser of two evils?

   Every day. It's a constant battle, in greater and lesser proportions.

2. When have your good intentions resulted in something awful?

   Mostly this happens when I don't think through what consequences might be. I often try to help people by doing stuff for them, when really they'd be better served doing it themselves in order to "own" it.

3. In your experience, have two wrongs ever made a right?

   Maybe not a right, but sometimes a not-so-bad.

4. When have you had to let virtue be its own reward?

   This usually involves me not trumpeting around how wonderful I handled something.

5. What is the worst toll stress has ever taken on you?

   The last four years haven't been good. I've gained a lot of weight, added some interesting awful habits to my repertoire (which I'm trying to un-add), screwed up my long-term health, and it's not over yet.

Wednesday Hodgepodge (a bit late)

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What lesson has failure taught you?

Take some time, then get back up, and start again. All three steps are equally important.

2. What decision are you glad you made?

Sticking around. At least, so far.

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

Hell no! It may, MAY, go up next weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join? How would I "join" solitaire? lol I'd be up for some poker, but I haven't played Old Maid in a really long time. How about Egyptian Rat Screw, though, instead.
5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?

I eat. Unless it's REALLY high stress, and then I don't eat at all because my stomach is too unsettled.

6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?

I've done this a couple of times, generally because something was either exceptionally good or really awful. It's not a habit though.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?

I can't remember anything specific, but I had a short chat with a couple of co-workers about work-stuff that was ok.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just served notice on Facebook that I'm done with games (again). I brought home the latest Elizabeth George book which clocks in at well over 700 pages. And there's holiday stuff coming, and other things I need to be doing that are actually productive.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Signs

1. Who is the most unyielding person you know?

   I'm related to a lot of people like this. It's quite the party when they're (we're) all together, let me tell you!

2. Where did you last experience an unexpected soft shoulder?

   Dawn. "Oh, my gosh--all that in less than 5 years?!" Yeah.

3. What’s something you wish would just stop?

   Winter's imminence. It's raining and windy and just YUCK today. I wish it were March.

4. What’s a recent decision you wish you could make a U-turn on?

   So many choices... Let's go with eating er, vacuuming up enough food to feed a small African village this week.

5. What mundane task do you think most people do the wrong way?

   Choosing passwords.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mama Told Me (Not to Come)

1) This song is about a lad who didn't take his mother's advice and attended the wild party anyway (hear it here). When you were young, did your parents approve of your friends? If you're a parent yourself, how have you handled it when your kids start hanging around with friends you're not crazy about?

My parents pretty much liked all my friends, except Teri. My mom thought she was a schemer. Then again, they thought W was a good guy; they didn't know he smoked pot and drank every weekend...with his mom's knowledge! I stayed out of my son's friend-making. He isn't really that gregarious, but most of the friends he has had have been great kids. No complaints.

2) A 2010 poll named Marge Simpson of The Simpsons the most popular TV mom of all time. Who is your favorite TV (or movie) mother?

Ma Ingalls, of course!

3) Crazy Sam's mother is a big fan of The National Enquirer. As she likes to say, "They were right about John Edwards!" Do you read the tabloids? Cast a guilty glance at them when you're in line at the store? Or ignore them altogether?

I don't read the newspaper-y ones, but I grab a handful of junky mags whenever I travel.

4) Mother Winters always gave Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share?

Warm ginger ale and dry toast. Peppermint helps too; I start with peppermint gum before I hit Tums or Pepcid.

5) Thinking of guts ... When making decisions, do you tend to consider all the options carefully or do you "go with your gut"?

I am gut-driven.

6) Spring is here! Do you have a green thumb?

If I tried, I probably could develop one, but I'll never be able to compete with my mom in this area, so I'm not motivated. I have, however, managed to keep about 5 plants going for at least year though.

7) Have you put away your winter clothes yet?

No. It's down in the 30s at night again this weekend. The winter clothes never totally go away. I've needed sweatshirts in August. Yay, Upper Midwest!

8) After you lather and rinse, do you repeat?

Depends on how filthy my hair was when I started. Usually not.

9) To celebrate Mother's Day, Sam is giving away Hershey bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate with almonds?

Almonds, please. Some redeeming value along with the sugar, at least.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 88 Meme

1. What type questions do you hate on a meme?

The same questions over and over, and questions that clearly are phishing for info.

2. If you married the last person you texted, what would your last name be?

Last person I texted was my son. But since I didn't actually take Beast's name (alone) when we got married, my name wouldn't change much regardless. I don't understand this name-changing thing, to be honest.

3. Were you happy when you woke up today?

Hmm, it took me a really long time to get myself upright this morning, but that was just tiredness. I wasn't UNhappy certainly.

4. When were you on the phone last? And with who?

I called my bro today, and he called me back after he got my message.

5. Who are you excited for?

I'm pretty excited about Ben and Marguerite's impending parenthood.

7. Honestly, who was the last person to tell you they love you?

Honestly, it was Beast, earlier today.

8. What's the last thing you put in your mouth?

Water.

9. Have a best friend?

Yup.

10. Were you ever or are you scared to fall in love?

Nope.

11. Do you think teenagers can be in love?

Yup.

12. Last person you wanted to punch in the face?

Hmm... several patrons and my boss spring immediately to mind.

13. What time is it right this second?

6:33:51 p.m. CDT

14. What do you want right now?

I want my legs to stop hurting randomly. Well, not randomly, but wow I didn't know I had muscles in some of these places!

15. Who was the last person you took a picture with?

Probably Sparky. I don't know, though.

16. Are you single/taken/heartbroken/or confused?

Taken. Frequently confused about most everything in life, too, though not necessarily about relationships.

17. When was the last time you cried?

Today. Got to thinking about my dad....

18. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

I got along pretty well with my dad. Mom and I had a fraught relationship.

19. Do you find it hard to trust others?

Well...yeah, sometimes.

20. How fast does your mind change?

Once I've made it up? I'm pretty amenable, if presented with enough facts.

21. I bet you miss somebody right now. Who is it?

See #17 and #18. And Ellen.

22. Can you honestly say you're okay right now?

I think I am. Nothing major to complain about.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)

1. Has you ever done something that you knew was wrong, but because of love or lust, did it anyway?

Uhm, show me one person who answers this "no" and I'll show you one person who's lying (or a sociopath).

2. Do you take longer to dress for a special event?

Well, since I can be horizontal asleep at 7:30 and out the door at 7:50, showered, dressed and fully-equipped for work...yes.

3. Do you consider yourself a good driver?

Generally. On the other hand, I've been noticing a distressing tendency towards distraction. I need to cut that shit out.

4. If you won Powerball, what would be the first thing you spent it on?

A good accountant.

5. How much of the Olympics have you watched? Why?

I grudgingly watched the sometimes-abysmal NBC coverage most nights and last weekend. I would've LOVED to watch some of the stuff live during the week, but apparently NBC thinks we're still living in 1988. Idjits.

6. Have you ever changed your appearance because of a random happenstance?

You mean like car accidents, getting hair stuck in shredders, accidental amputation, that sort of thing? No.

7. Do you consider yourself attractive?

Meh. I have no idea. I've joined the ranks of Invisible Women, which is perfectly fine with me most of the time.

8. If you started your own religion, what would it be like?

I wouldn't have the inclination or energy to do so.

9. Have you ever given up too easily in the game of love?

Probably, but then again we'll never really know, will we?

* It's possible that I should actually be asleep, not meming, based on some of these lackluster answers. My apologies. ;-)

Curious as a Cat.

(Link in meme-roll)

1) If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I'd love to be paid to sit around by myself and read and play on the internet all day. No, really, that is NOT my job currently. Librarians do NOT have time to sit around reading all day, despite what many people think.

2) Do you regift the items you receive that you don’t like?

Sometimes. We also do a White Elephant exchange for Christmas at work every year, so if something really horrendous crosses my path I save it for that.

3) Would you rather eat a stick of butter or snort a tablespoon of salt?

The latter. I'll be adding a cup of warm water and digging out the neti pot.

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

Public Domain Photo

My mom used to do this--we had a special room in the basement under the steps called the "fruit room" that was full of canned foods (not just fruit). By the time I was old enough to help, Mom had sorta worn out on doing this, so we only did the occasional year of jelly (crabapple was a favorite), but my sister has picked up on doing some of these; she mostly just freezes her stuff, though. Anyway, the fruit room always smelled really good, if mildly funky.

Follow Friday Four

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Given the choice to do something nice for someone I love, I would pick doing something practical.

2. When I watch "Hoarders" it always makes me want to clean and throw things away.

3. When I have people over I always make sure there's food in the house, it always knocks ‘em dead but there's not one specific thing I make (or have available) every time!

4. I always feel like I accomplished something when I I get the grocery shopping done.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. When it comes time to make a decision, I I usually manage to be OK with the results.
2. Snow when Beast is out of town: that must be the rule.
3. Ma says, eat your veggies.
4. I generally read at the same time I curl my hair in the mornings.
5. I never saw an iced-sugar cookie I didn't want to snarf.
6. People being nasty to each other is not a new invention.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner (I wonder what I'll be making myself?), tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping, and mailing Sparky's ValDay box, and Sunday, I want to survive Sunday School!

Thursday This or That

(Link in meme-roll)

Sausage or Bacon? Bacon. Not a big fan of sausage, though I'll eat it in a pinch (or a sandwich).

Pancakes or French toast? I prefer pancakes, though French toast is much easier to make.

Toast: Buttered or Jelly? Buttered. I only buy jelly when we have company...and then throw it out 6 months later, usually unopened or barely used.

Fried Eggs or Omelet? ...I just got a major hankering for a fried egg sandwich, Dad-style. Haven't made one of those in EONS. But for breakfast: omelet.

Strawberries or Cantaloupe? I loathe cantaloupe, so strawberries it is. Oddly, both remind me, for different reasons, of my mom.

Thursday This or That

(Link in meme-roll)

New Year's Resolutions: Yay or Nay? Bolshoi Nyet.

Snail mail or E-mail? Email. I'm hopeless with snail mail anymore.

Rootbeer or Cream soda? Root beer.

American Idol Winners: Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood? I haven't yet actually watched an entire episode of this show. I prefer pop to country, but that's about all I'm going to say.

Chicken Marsala or Vegetable Lasagna? As long as I don't have to cook or clean up and they are equally good, I don't care.