Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Bah Humbug!

TV show I loathe:

Pretty much any current sitcom gets on my nerves.

Movie I loathe:

I cannot get through even the first scene of "A Clockwork Orange." It's horrid.

Music genres I loathe:

I'm not much of an opera fan, and I totally don't understand traditional Asian music.

Magazine which annoys me:

Anything marketed toward women that sells ads

Makes me cranky at restaurant:

Bad food, slow/bad service. I'm really pretty mellow, but jeez, dudes, you have one job.... [I had a bad experience at an old favorite place last night]

Makes me cranky in public:

Mean people being mean.

Makes me impatient at home:

Myself.

Makes me impatient at work:

...so much that I can't even get into it, but it's all around people being horrible.

Celebrity I hate:

This month, that has to be virtually anyone famous who has a penis.

Music artist I hate:

I can't stand Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.

I could care less about:

I've lost track of all the people under 25, the Vanessas and the Chrises--I'm just super-confused by everyone.

Blogger's habit that annoys you:

I admit, I'm a bit snobbish about spelling and grammar. Not the picky stuff, but if you can't get through a sentence without an error, maybe blogging isn't your thing. [Note: I'm not talking about anyone currently involved in this meme in any capacity.]

Feature on your blog you hate:

Why would I keep it on my blog if I hated it?

Politician that you hate:

Every . Single . Republican . in . Washington.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

It's beginning to look a lot like....

1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

I love the carols on Christmas Eve, and the joy in kids' faces.

2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?

I haven't sent cards in a decade.

3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

I find them endlessly amusing.

4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

If there are kids or pets, go for it. Otherwise, it's a bit over-the-top IMHO.

5. How soon do you start shopping?

Normally, I shop all year, but I've tailed off in the past few since I only buy for Beast and Sparky (and a few things for kids). This year, I only started the weekend after Thanksgiving.

6. Real or fake tree?

Fake.

7. When do you put up your tree?

Normally, something at the beginning of December. This year, not at all.

8. When do you take down your tree?

Early January.

9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type)

Our current fake tree is too small. I'd like one that's another 2-3' tall so I could get all the decorations on again.

10. What do you top your tree with?

A star. Because, among other reasons, I'm in an extended boycott of commercial angels.

11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?

Nope.

12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?

Usually, yes. Not this year.

13. Do you hang up stockings?

Usually yes. Not this year.

14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s)

This is not my thing. Beast has a whole thing with all the kids' TV shows and a few of the movies. Me, I'd rather skip them all.

15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you don't like

I don't really understand why "The Sound of Music" is a Christmas movie--it's not!--though I love the movie itself.

16. Favorite Christmas Song(s)

"Away in a Manger"

17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up

I'm not that sick of anything this year. Yet.

18. Give or Receive?

Give.

19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?

Eggnog.

20. Ham or Turkey?

Ham.

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Xmas Questions of 2016

1. Do you send out Xmas cards and if so how many do you send?

Nope. We stopped that madness about 6 years ago, give or take. I mean, Facebook keeps us current with most people and we no longer have Sparky to talk about in the Official Letter. We're very boring.

2. Do you write and send a holiday letter to describe your year?

Oops, see above. I came to hate writing that letter every year!

3. What do you think of photo cards?

I love them if they are family photos. I think outside of family and very close friends, it's very easy to fall into pretentiousness or out-and-out silliness.

4. How about the tree thing – do you have one every year? Do you prefer a real or artificial?

We try to get the tree up every year. Last year it was just barely up before Christmas. This year it went up on Tuesday and Wednesday (I think) last week. Last year, the tree was still up in February for a few days. This year it's coming down over this coming weekend. Next year, I think we're going to have to suck it up and put both trees up. We have too many ornaments!!
I'd prefer real, in some respects, but I have allergies. And they drop so many needles!

5. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type). If you don’t have a tree, do you decorate and if so, tell us about it. (If you don’t decorate make up a story here…)

The current fake tree is only about 7 feet tall, but it's pre-lit and much easier to put together than the older fake tree, which is larger (maybe 8" tall? definitely wider, too). We've had that one for probably close to 20 years and it's fine, but such a pain. There is no "theme" to our tree, but I have a growing collection of bird ornaments of different varieties, and we get at least 4-5 new Hallmark ornaments every year for Star Trek (though this year, somehow Alien and a couple of Star Wars, and Caddyshack). We also have a fair number of Packers-related stuff on the tree. Some ornaments from my childhood--apparently, Beast's family didn't save any of theirs, which is weird--and all of the ones Sparky has collected since he was a baby. He easily will have enough to decorate a respectably-sized tree whenever he gets around to wanting to do that sort of thing. We also always put out the creche and few other Christmas things--churches, angels, Santas, some stuffed animals--and a good-sized box of books, tapes, CD's and other Christmas kitsch.

6. Do you hang up stockings? Whose names are on them (and relationships)?

We have three stockings, and they do not have names on them. Sparky's is blue with a bunch of appliqued crap all over it; mine is quilted white sateen with embroidered snowflakes, and Beast's is red cotton-wool with some fake fur around the top.

7. Your favorite Xmas movie(s) are:

I don't really "do" holiday movies. I mean I like A Christmas Story and Scrooged but I don't rewatch movies (or TV shows) with a great deal of enjoyment for the most part.

8. Tell us about an Xmas movie you hate.

I'm not at all a fan of the "movie-of-the-year" stuff that floats around this time of year on the Hallmarks, Bravo, E!....etc. etc. channels.

9. What’s [your] favorite Xmas song(s)?

I like the hymns. Especially the ones that aren't as well known. I love "O Holy Night" if it's being sung by someone with a good voice. "Joy to the World" reminds me of my dad. "We Three Kings" reminds me of my mom, as does "The First Noel" (both of which for silly reasons; in fact, from a musical point of view, I could live without the latter song forever and a day). I also like "The 12 Days of Christmas" believe it or not. And "The 12 Pains of Christmas" for that matter.

10. What holiday song makes you want to hurl?

I'm about done with "Winter Wonderland" for the rest of my life. And I've never really cared for "Back Door Santa" at all.

11. What do you prefer for your holiday meal?

Food. I'm really not fussy at all. I prefer not having to cook.

12. When do you open your gifts?

Normally, we open them Christmas morning. We used to open some on the Eve back when MIL and FIL were still sending Sparky the entire Toys R Us catalog every year.

13. Do you buy gifts for your pet?

Sometimes. I didn't get around to getting Pinto anything special this year. That's probably just as well; he's been having some, uhm, lower GI tract issues the last couple of weeks.

14. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?

Over the years, I've gotten a great deal of crap. I can't think of any ONE that was outstandingly (and unintentionally) bad though. Usually the bad stuff is planned to be bad, as a joke.

15. Do you ever travel for the holiday?

We haven't done so in years. This year we drove an hour to my niece and nephew's house to hang for dinner and play with the kids, and act as a buffer between Alan's (divorced for decades, but still barely speaking) parents.

16. Did you see Santa as a child?

Only at the mall and on TV.

17. Have you ever gone caroling?

I absolutely LOVE caroling! I wish we did it more often. Our church used to do it, but we haven't for years. Probably no one has thought of it.

18. Do you drive around and look at the Xmas lights?

We have done this traditionally after our Christmas Eve feast at the local Chinese place. Once we have killed enough time, we head to late church. This year, the time was all goofed up, so we just ate, churched, and came straight home.

19. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Almost every year, to be honest. The whitest was 1982. I was home from college and Denver got dumped on big time. I spent Christmas Day in the driveway with my dad shoveling. We were, seriously, out there for a good 6 hours over the course of the day. But the sun was out by then, and it was sort of fun "racing" Dad.

20. Do you know how to ice skate? If yes, when did you skate the last time?

I haven't had ice skates on since I was in high school. I think my church youth group went ice skating a couple of times. I hated it: no ankle strength, no skill, and extreme fear of falling really isn't a recipe for fun.

21. Are we crazy for thinking that the holiday season is WAY too commercial?

It is what it is. It's entirely possible to ignore all that. I did pretty well in that department this year. If only we could turn off the crappy Muzak at the stores, it would be so much easier. I really can't stand buying groceries with those mothertruckin' Chipmunks warbling at 100 decibels.

22. Have you ever worked Xmas eve or Xmas day?

I've worked at least part of Christmas Eve for most of my career. It is not normally a holiday in the library "industry" unless you work in a union shop. This year, it was.

23. What are your Xmas pet peeves?

I hate getting wound up with "too much to do" and feeling overwhelmed. I hate feeling guilty about not doing "everything." However, over the years, Beast and I have agreed that it's totally not worth it to kill ourselves, so we try really hard not to turn December into a hurricane of buying, decorating and panicking. And we enjoy it just the same, probably more, than people who stay awake nights worrying about getting things "perfect."

24. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

Family time. Hanging out. The days getting longer!

25. Here's your chance to say something significant to our players. Go for it!

I'm pretty stoked about these signs for our house and yard going into 2017. The local PSN* spread the word and took the orders, and I can't wait for the ground to clear (and thaw a little) so I can jab the one in the ground. One of the best Christmas gifts I've given myself, ever.
May all of you have a hate-free New Year!

*If you have to ask, I'm afraid I can't tell you publicly. :-)

Aesthetics??

(Found God-knows-where on the internet...)
rules: tag 20 followers you want to get to know better
so I'm already breaking the rules: if you want to use this, feel free; just link back

Name/nickname:

Cat.

Height:

I used to be about 176 cm but I'm pretty sure I'm shrinking so, let's call it 175 these days.

Hogwarts house:

According to my results a few years ago, I'm Hufflepuff. Which suits me--I don't want to be any of the others.

Favorite color:

Blue

Time:

4:46 p.m.

Last things I Googled:

"[state] license plates gh"

Fictional character you’d like as a sibling:

Laura Ingalls for sure when I was a kid. Will Riker would be a fun brother, no?

Number of blankets I sleep with:

Just the bedspread. That might be changing fairly soon, however.

Favorite band:

I have so many. Let's go with Billy Joel today.

Dream vacation:

Cruise around the world, first class all the way, with an unlimited budget.

When did I make this blog:

May 2004 ... yikes

How many blogs do I follow:

I've got 150+ RSS feeds that range from blogs to newspaper headlines to email lists.

What do I post about:

Here, it's all the memes. I have a few other blogs dedicated to different aspects of my life. This one and the books list get the most play by far.

Do you get asks on a regular basis:

What's an "ask"? Apparently I don't get any!

Aesthetics:

Clean, clutter-free, wood and leather, simplicity.

Hodgepodge Questions

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

We didn't watch it (I pretty much never do anymore), but I love Linus deeply and truly, but and Schroeder is just adorable. [ETA: too many buts]

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind." ~ Linus Would you agree?

Yes. Today I need a big pumpkin patch with absolutely no people in it, just dogs, a blanket, and a box of Kleenex.

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind?

There are times when I really wish we had a piano. The sound of noodling around on a slightly out-of-tune piano ... I miss that. Electronic keyboards are not the same.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least) - see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec?

I would love to see the Ice Hotel, and going dogsledding sounds fun (for about 10 minutes). I'd love to go for another troika ride too; scroll down to Lake Baikal for the one I've been on. It was delightful and having latkes and vodka and doing the Chicken Dance around a blazing fire with Russians was surreal and hilarious.

4. Who or what keeps you humble?

I'm pretty capable of humiliating myself myself, but should I need help my family and friends stand ready to burst my balloon of self-importance.

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain.

I do like decorating the tree, now that we have a pre-lit one, but I have a hard time motivating myself to get started.

6. Gingerbread - yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

Nope. Not a fan. Not at all. I mean, I'll eat some if its offered but I can totally live without it.

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year?

Well, shopping and wrapping needs doing, eh? And it would be nice if Beast could get through a day without crying in pain a few times before 2016 commences.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am sick unto illness over the latest mass shooting. What the hell? Today is the first day I really feel like I live in Israel, in a police state, in a place where I am eminently unsafe in the world, since 9/11 and that was just flat-out panic and hysteria. I'm not panicking--this happened thousands of miles from me today--but there are far FAR too many ARMED nutjobs out there in the world. I realize that others in this country are in more danger on a moment-by-moment basis than me, but who the HELL shoots up and tries to bomb a disabled adult work-site?! Or, an elementary school? Or a health clinic (oh, wait that's been going on for multiple decades, no news there, really--pay attention people).....or a post office (oh wait...), or a fucking SPA?! Jesus God the world has lost its mind!
Also, hey, all you CC-licensed people: you are not living up to your promises of keeping the rest of us safe. Get with it or turn in your fucking guns, morons*.

__________
*if you choose to engage in pushing a pro-gun agenda in the comments just a reminder that I do delete crazy talk without prejudice

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?

Both Beast and I have birthdays this month. Mine is next week, and his is the following week. Hopefully we'll be able to do something fun to celebrate them. We'll each achieve a full deck of years this time 'round.

2. If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?

The people at work who have been more than understanding about my recent adventures in medical hassle with Beast.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

Oh, dear.... I'm a real bread-aholic. I'm not a fan of cinnamon bread and banana bread doesn't do much for me, but I with stuff my face FULL of any of the other options.

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

I have S&Ps in abundance. There are currently two shelving units that Beast has purchased in the past year that he needs to refinish and then I can fill them with currently-packed-away S&Ps. yay

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

h.s. physics with Jesus-freak hair

My son has the same color hair as my dad did. By the time I was born, however, Dad's auburn had turned white, so I have to rely on others' memories. Sparky's hair is to die for (it's also MUCH shorter now!).
My sister Ellen had red hair too. Same shade.

6. The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

Are you kidding me?! Both my home state and my current state are baseball stadiums! FFS, that's just sad. Flat and dull as this place is, there's definitely more to see here that *@!)#ing baseball. And in Colorado, you take pictures of baseball? Really? I don't think so. And no, I haven't ever been to either stadium.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question: What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

I now know that I should have more faith in my skills than I currently have. I had no intention to drive the RV we rented last month, but I ended up driving it 400 miles home, driving it in city traffic and through a major construction zone, and setting it up alone.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's very sad when you've lived in an area long enough, and visited the hospital so many times that you know EXACTLY where the best parking spots are, where the cafeteria is, where the restrooms are in radiology, and how to get out of the hospital (legally) without going all the way back to the front door.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Confetti

1. What animal, not normally ridden by humans, seems like it would be really fun to ride?

   Eagles? Bats? We'd have to biggify them or shrinkify ourselves though.

2. What’s a food you’ve always wanted to try but still haven’t?

   Wow, this is all over the map, but the first two things that popped into my head were rabbit and pemmican.

3. What’s stuck to your refrigerator door?

   We have a magnetic, dry-erase calendar that's about a foot square, so that's the biggest thing. There are pictures, random decorative magnets galore, coupons, phone numbers for utilities and local services, recipes, a magnetic pen and paper holder (for school lockers, but Sparky never used it), some photos ... that's all from memory. Probably some other stuff.

4. Assuming your needs for food and water were taken care of, how do you think you’d do if you had to live houseless for a year?

   Very damn badly! I really enjoy indoor plumbing, central heat and air, and the summer around here would kill me due to allergies. The winter would kill me first, however, due to freezing. On the other hand, I know where all the local shelters are, so I could game them, at least until I just couldn't stand the rest of the people camping out there. The newest entry in the contingent of homeless in the library is a woman with tremendous amounts of very bad gas.

5. What geographical location that’s not already a person’s name (that you know of) would make a pretty good first name for someone?

   Machu Picchu. It already sounds like someone's name, no?

...Bad Tendency to Explode

(Swiped from Amy)

Do you like scary movies?

Not even a little tiny bit. I like suspenseful, rational movies. And comedies. Or a mix of all of that; that's the best.

What's your favourite Milkshake flavour?

I love random capitalization. ... Butterscotch.

Can you stand on your hands unassisted?

Only if I squat down really oddly....what? Oh, you mean upside down? Why the hell would I want to do that??

What do you have on your fridge door?

Dry-erase calendar and pen, a "drawing" (actually a scribble) from Justin, my eldest great-nephew, other random artwork from random kids, probably 30 magnets, the phone number for the electric company, the non-emergency police number, some recipes (technically, those are on the side), a magnetic rack (for school lockers) with scratch paper and pens in it, vouchers for free pizza orders, etc., etc.... OK, it's Packrat Central! Don't judge me!

What was the last DVD you purchased?

....uh.... Shoah? Maybe? That's what I remember anyway, and that was 5 years ago. I haven't watched it yet. It's one of those you have to be ready for, and it's 9 hours long, so....
Although I do buy about 5 DVDs a month at work if that counts.

What was the last piece of clothing you purchased?

I believe I bought a blouse recently? Otherwise it was clothes for Sparky for work. Dude was living in ratty jeans and 3- to 6-year-old T-shirts.

Which was your favourite science: Biology, Physics or Chemistry?

I loved my Anatomy & Physiology class so much--dissecting and systems and films of surgical procedures and blood-typing!! I was fortunate enough to be allowed to skip Bio (OMG, so boring--I loathed learning about cells every single time it came up in my educational career, even in college), I refused to even consider taking Physics, and Chemistry was interesting only from a geeky mathematical, rational standpoint. And of course "accidentally" blowing things up and injuring myself and/or others.

Blogthings

Your Style is Bright

You are an optimistic and sunny person. And you like your surroundings to be as bright and as cheery as you are. You love colorful things, but you also understand that less is more. You are likely to work with a home's natural sunlight and architecture. You aren't afraid to make bold choices in decorating and in the rest of your life. You like to be surrounded by things, people, and events that pop. There is nothing subdued or boring about your style. However, you are never too much - you are just the right amount!

What's Your Decorating Style?

Who knew I had style?! I do like bright rooms--there's nothing more depressing to me than a room without light, even when the lights are on.

Friday Five BONUS!!!

(Link in meme-roll)
Set 1

1. What did you dissect in high school?

   We started with cow eyeballs (I didn't get to keep the lens boo hoo; another girl in my group did) and then moved on to cats. Dissection was awesome!!

2. In what non-bathroom places have you relieved yourself?

   Just the woods. Oh, and of course, when I was really young there were diapers and such and some accidents till I got the hang of the whole thing. Oops, and in hospital there are sometimes other arrangements made.

3. When you first understood the concept of sexual intercourse, what did you think of it?

   "Uhm, eeewww!" I have to say. it is not the most dignified or organized act in the world.

4. If you're a neat person, what's something you're messy about? If you're a messy person, what's something you're neat about?

I'm rather hopeless when it comes to leaving stuff where I last used it. However, I do have a routine at work when I go home: everything is off the main work area of my desk: pencil, eraser, bookweight and sticky notes. Task list is in front of the computer. Monitor and lights are off. Nametag is on the overhead shelf cover. I used to be REALLY SUPER organized at my desk, but things have gotten rather out of control in the last few years.

5. What did you like best about high school geometry (the subject, not the teacher, classmates, or whatever)?

   I liked the math parts. I hated with a steaming-red passion the proofs. I also liked that our teacher, Mr. Smith, always ended up with a chalk mark on his butt from leaning on the chalk tray while lecturing; it was endearing.

6. What item at a salad bar gets you the most excited?

   REAL blue cheese crumbles. Though I have to say "excited" and "salad bar" aren't words I've ever really considered in the same sentence.

7. Do some brands of bottled water taste better than others?

   Not really. Water is water, as long it's not local city water. That stuff tastes awful!

8. If you could be employed in one of the technical jobs in film-making, what would you choose?

   I think perhaps doing research would be my forte, no? That, or checking on costuming details.

9. How do you feel about couples (married or dating) having joint email accounts or joint Facebook accounts?

   I think it's really lame for young people on Facebook; get a life of your own, for creep's sake! For older people who may not really 'get' technology, though, I'm much more forgiving.

10. Which character from The Wizard of Oz do you best relate to?

    Oh, I'm definitely the scarecrow. Used to be the lion, when I was a kid. And the tin man? Completely foreign to me, in every way. I have, at times--especially as a parent--like the Wicked Witch. Dorothy, Toto, and Glinda: never. I often feel like the Wizard while at the reference desk.

Set 2

1. What's on your toilet tank?

   In the powder room, a dishtowel with fishes on it. In the master bath, mussel shells in a basket and...er, something else...having trouble picturing it. In Sparky's bathroom, I think there is Kleenex and an allan wrench set (no clue...something Beast left in there, I think).

2. What's on the dashboard of your car?

   Nothing. I hate having stuff slide around up there. So it's just dust.

3. What's on top of your fridge?

   A plastic cup with dry-erase markers for the fridge calendar, and an empty Dom Perignon box.

4. What's on your front porch?

   Two chair skeletons, a small table, a lobster-trap box and two planting bowls with dead plants in them. And NO SNOW!!!

5. What's on your bathroom sink?

   On the counter next to the sink in the powder room is a mini etagere with African pieces on it, a PartyLite candle stand with a giraffe, a Bath & Body Works soap dispenser, and a Merkt's cheese lid with a bar of soap in it. Our bathroom: Kleenex, three bottles of lotion (one's almost empty), two face wash containers (both nearly empty), hand soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and plastic cup. Oh, and my Nook is charging. Usually my weekly pill sorter is there as well. And a magazine/book. Sparky's: Beast's electric beard trimmer, a soap dispenser...and I think that might be it.

6. How have you personalized your space at work?

   I should take pictures of my cube. It's mostly dominated by a big READ poster with Patrick Stewart and photos of my favorite little kids (mostly family).

7. What's the most you've spent on one meal out, and was it worth it?

   We ate at the top of the John Hancock building last summer, which I'm sure was ridiculously pricey, but well worth it. And there was as steak place that ran us $400 (for four people) for the meal, not counting the bar tab, about 15 years ago.

8. What's the greatest height you've looked down from?

   I've been in airplanes.... Also, the Rockies. And yeah, the aforementioned Hancock Center. The London Eye. Several capitol domes before they were closed to the public....

9. What animal have you seen in the wild that most people see only in books, in other visual media, or in zoos?

   I've seen plenty of coyotes, deer and little critters around my house. Buffalo.... OH! The safari park in Ontario was lovely; we got to stand around the pond and watch the elephants bathe, and we saw giraffes, lions and other big cats, monkeys, etc. And there's an exotic animal rescue site fairly near us where I saw ligers and lions and dog-wolves and a bear or two.

10. Among songs in your iTunes (or other media player), how many contain the word "eye" or "eyes," and which is your favorite?

    "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" by Nina Simone, I think.

Set 3

1. Who looks nice but is actually mean?

   I can't think of anyone I know who looks nice and is mean; mostly, people become how they act to me, so...mean behavior makes for mean-looking.

2. Who looks mean but is actually nice?

   Lots and lots of people, but see above.

3. What are your thoughts on red velvet cake, or on the plethora of red-velvet-flavored stuff out there nowadays?

   I like real red velvet cake, but it's getting a little out of control.

4. What's the most ridiculous name you've ever heard for an actual band?

   Pretty sure The Dead Kennedys or Bikini Kill have to be up there, but Toad the Wet Sprocket wins as far as I'm concerned.

5. Who in your life seems to be great at everything except romantic relationships?

   Oh, HELL no, I'm not going there! OK yes, my brother doesn't have a stellar track record...

6. What's a really appetizing sound?

   Sizzling on a grill.

7. Who in your life has a voice you really had to get used to?

   There's a woman who comes in the library whose voice is like grinding metal and glass. It is simply AWFUL, tone, pitch, over- and undertones, kinda whiny...everything. She makes my ears hurt.

8. What's a sound you hear in your neighborhood that would puzzle newcomers but which you barely even notice anymore?

   Oh, I suppose the sounds of Little Baghdad, or the popping at the shooting range during the fall might be off-putting.

9. A dentist's drill make a sound that most of us can barely tolerate, but it means something is being done for someone's well-being. What's another sound like that?

   Uhm, hello, SIRENS?!

10. Of the sounds you hear when out on a walk, what's the best?

    When I'm out walking in my neighborhood, all I hear is the wind blowing and the occasional barking dog. And cars driving past. Sometimes there are kids out playing in their yards, but not often; I suppose that would be my favorite.

Set 4

1. What was the name of your college's sports teams, and what did you think of that name?

   We were the Pioneers; Sparky is currently a Pioneer. It's not a great mascot.

2. What was your favorite thing about your college specifically?

   Everything! I loved college. OK, specifically? The size of the campus, and the nooks and crannies in the library.

3. What was your least favorite thing about your college specifically?

   The campus radio station was in the basement of one of the dorms. It was filthy--I'm not sure I could actually stand being in there nowadays--and dark and gross and showed exactly what the college thought of it.

4. Where was the best place on your college campus (or near campus) to get lunch?

   We always ate at the grill when we didn't want "dining room food." Both were in the Union. Well, actually, they still are, but now there are some other healthier options too, like a salad center and a juice bar. They have an Au Bon Pain on campus now too.

5. Where was the best place on your college campus to spend time alone with someone?

   Well, those nooks and crannies in the library, for one. ;-) And the language lab where I did my work-study; very little traffic there.

6. Which of your college sports teams was the most competitive? Which was the least?

   We sucked at football. The men's and especially women's basketball teams, though, were and are still good.

7. What organizations did you belong to on your college campus, or what campus jobs did you have?

   I think I've kind of answered this. I didn't join a lot of organized groups, but I went to a lot of their parties and functions.

8. What was the best thing you could get fro[m] a vending machine on your college campus?

   I'm...not even sure we had vending machines...? Oh, wait, yeah there was one near the laundry room in my dorm. Candy bars, I guess.

9. What’s something you did in college that your parents would have disapproved of?

   Drinking, yo.

10. If you HAD to pick one, which of your college instructors was the hottest?

    Probably Mr. V--English prof of the floppy-haired, head-in-the-clouds, clueless romantic-poet variety. Nice guy, and he wasn't particularly clueless or romantic-poet-like. Most of the other profs were OOOOOOLD (like my age now), so there wasn't a lot of sighing really going on.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A Christmas Meme

1. The Christmas song I can listen to even in June is...

Actually, by June, I wouldn't mind hearing any of them. Just one, and only once.

2. Hot chocolate, egg hog or mulled wine?

Egg nog. Or mulled wine, as a distant second. I'm not a hot chocolate fan.

3. When do you put your decorations up?

We just decorated the tree, right before I sat down to do this, but normally things are in place by the 10th or so.

4. What are you having for Christmas dinner?

Whatever's in the house. I may buy a ham to heat up, but we really don't do anything exciting.

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Eve: church, Chinese food, and Jesus arriving in the creche on the dining room sidebar.

6. Have you ever gone carol singing?

Yes, but not for years. I was thinking today how much fun it was to carol at the nursing homes....

7. When did you learn the truth about Santa?

The truth? That we should appreciate ALL gifts, those received and the opportunity to give to others?

8. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Everything we can fit goes on: endless birds, Squidward, Pikachu, Speed Racer, Harry Potter, creches, glitter-covered pinecones, glass globes, and white garland with a star on top.

9. What's the best thing about Christmas?

The quiet joy, and happy kids.

10. All I want for Christmas is...

See #9.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. Have you ever wanted to compete in a race or marathon?

Not really. However, I'm seriously considering signing up for a (walking) 5K if I can talk a friend (or two) into doing it with me.

2. If you had to choose one, which activity would you most like to try: rock climbing, surfing, hang gliding or skydiving?

I already have done rock-climbing (the old-fashioned way: outdoors, on rocks, with no caribiners). I can't swim, so surfing is out. Hang gliding looks a little too complicated for me. Skydiving used to be on my list, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do it now. That ship has sailed.

3. What’s the most extreme exercise you enjoy?

"Exercise"? What is that? About the most extreme thing I do these days is crawl around on the floor shelving books.

4. What specific exercise do you hate most?

Yes. As in pretty much ALL exercise. I totally hate anything that makes me sweaty.

5. What makes you most uncomfortable about a gym atmosphere?

Other people, specifically posers, specifically men who spend too much time looking in the mirror and being shitty about women.

6. If you could afford to outfit the perfect gym/workout center in your own home, how often do you think you’d actually make use of it?

If would've spent the time on it, I would've done it right and spent a lot of money, so I freakin' well BETTER use it or Beast will totally kill me. ;-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Brand New Me

1) It's a brand new year! Do you have any resolutions for 2013?

Nope. I don't really do resolutions. I do need to stop eating stuff that is bad for me, though, which is more of a recognition that I'm not 20 anymore than a resolution.

2) Dusty Springfield sang of feeling "brand new." What leaves you feeling refreshed and/or rejuvenated?

A good night's rest, a shower or bath, getting something major accomplished, that sort of thing.

3) Dusty's given name was Mary Catherine. If you could give yourself a brand new first name, what would it be?

I have come to appreciate and even like my first name. Ironically, I used to want to be called Sam. If pressed, I wouldn't mind being a Jo.

4) Actor Billy Bob Thornton has dismissed antiques, saying, "I'm creeped out by old stuff." Do you ever shop at estate sales, yard sales or second-hand stores? Or do you want everything brand new?

I'm pretty creeped out by Billy Bob, who isn't exactly a spring chicken himself. And I do like older stuff that's in good shape, much better than new stuff that costs the moon and falls apart tomorrow. Having said that, I don't shop in second-hand stores very often because of the dust factor, I don't go to yard sales because they are mostly full of junk (or things I have literally NO need for, e.g., kids' toys), and I don't go to estate sales because they depress the hell out of me.

5) Are you sad to see the holiday decorations slowly disappear until next year? Or do you think they should come down on January 2?

I think they should come down on Epiphany or thereabouts. My mom was a big believer in January 1 being the clean-up day, but that's mostly a carry-over from having a real tree slowly turning into a fire hazard. Ours is still up. Maybe we'll get it all down and put away this weekend...we'll see. As for outdoor stuff, I'm fine with the lights staying up for awhile; it's too cold around here in January and February (usually) to ask people to crawl around on their roofs and wade through snow to collect everything.

6) Do you like the picture on your photo ID?

I actually do, even though my hair is quite different now.

7) Crazy Sam shudders at the very thought of a snake. Which is your least favorite member of the Animal Kingdom?

I do NOT like maggots, or other creepy-slimy things like leeches and snails. Snakes, not being slimy, do not bother me much, especially around here where none of them is poisonous. And kinda weirdly, I love earthworms.

8) What's the most recent magazine you flipped through?

Booklist, December 15 issue. At work. For the reviews.

9) Do you have nice handwriting?

If I slow down, then yes. My usual scrawl, however, is far from attractive. It is, however, almost always semi-legible, which is more than I can say for at least two people with whom I work.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Ahhhh snow, but not so much, just enough to look pretty.

2. Sparky and I spent some time preparing cookies this afternoon!

3. Creating a happy Christmas really doesn't have to include stressful preparations and decorations.

4. I may be overdosing on relaxation. Not that I'm complaining....

5. Kick start the snow thrower; we may actually get a winter this year.

6. It's not the end of the world as we know it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going up to take a bath pretty soon, tomorrow my plans include perhaps (finally) putting ornaments on the stupid tree, and Sunday, I want to not flub my lines during the advent candlelighting, and then watching football!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Christmas Carols

1) What's the first holiday song that comes to mind?

"Silent Night"

2) Are you sending cards (either by postal service or email) this year? If so, have they gone out yet?

Maybe some email cards. We'll see. We haven't actually decorated much of anything yet.

3) Can you see any holiday decorations from where you're answering these questions?

Our tree is up, about 3 feet to my left. That's it. OK, well, technically the candles on the mantelpiece are from last Christmas....

4) Do you wrap gifts in paper or take the gift bag route?

Anything that's normal-shaped gets wrapped. The weirdo-shapes get a bag.

5) The holidays are an important fundraising time for charities. Here's an opportunity to do a shameless plug for your favorite. What organization or cause do you wish got more support at the holidays, and all year around?

The local charity is my easy fave, but I'd be happy if you donated big to a local charity near you. Or if you have to have a Big Name: Heifer Project or Operation Christmas Child.

6) Andy Williams was famous for his family holiday specials. What TV family would you most like to spend Christmas with?

Since we're going back to Andy Williams, how about the Osmonds? (lol) I'll take my own families' weirdness, thanks; at least I know where the land mines are.

7) The holidays are a big time for travel. Where did you go on your first airplane flight?

Uhm...Milwaukee, actually. In about 1972 or so though the only reason I remember is that my brother had long hair at the time. And we flew in over Lake Michigan, which he related from his window seat with great glee.

8) Does the weather have an impact on your mood?

Yes. I take anti-depressants in order to survive winter. Is that "impactful" enough?

9) Snack time! You're about to make yourself your favorite sandwich. What ingredients do you need?

American cheese, bread, butter...and potato chips. For the sandwich. Yes, I'm weird.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)
Yeah...my own meme...doing five weeks at a time today:

1) Share what you enjoy most about today's technology.

I love the connectivity, being able to communicate with people instantaneously, and keep track of old friends, with very little effort. It's also nice to be able to instantaneously answer random trivia questions.

2) Describe what you'd do with an extra four hours today.

Some of those hours would be spent sleeping. Maybe I'll actually use the rest to clean the stacks of paper off my desk here at home, or other projects. Actually, at this point in the day, I'm pretty sure I'll just sleep, but tomorrow I'd still have 4 extra hours, right?

3) Bedspread or comforter?

Right now, for the first time in my married life, we have a bedspread. It's quite odd. Having it not the bedspread itself.

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

Ah, Denver!! I wish I could say I'd taken this photo, but I had to find it online. That building in the middle has always been called the Mailbox by everyone in my family and most of my friends in school. But the background...mountains!! Miss them.

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1) Describe what you're looking forward to doing this autumn.

We went to our college Homecoming game, even though Sparky was too sick to come with us. We will also be attending Family Weekend festivities. And just enjoying the autumn weather. We should probably clean up the gardens too, I suppose. OH! Halloween. I do love Halloween!

2) Given the option of watching a sitcom or watching a crime drama on TV, which would you prefer?

I never . ever . watch sitcoms anymore. Or, to be specific, I don't watch anything made after about 1990. They seem to all be well past stupid, which I can tolerate in Gilligan's Island but not people wearing modern clothes.

3) What is your life motto, or words you live by?

"Remember, everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load."

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

Public Domain Photo

This picture makes me smile. I hope these guys (they don't look like girls to me) are literally jumping for joy.

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1) Curtains or blinds?

Curtains tend to be dustcatchers, so I generally prefer blinds. However, they ALSO catch dust, so I'm about to go do the British thing and get some net curtains for my front windows, and some (washable) drapes.

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

I would totally be in charge of deciding NOT to implement RDA in this country. In a heartbeat.

3) Describe your personality in five words or less.

Flaky, serious, detail-oriented, middle-aged, addictive.

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

Seahorses are so awesome. I don't dwell on them, but they seem serene and (not that animals can BE this) progressive thinkers.

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1) If you could eat only one meal the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably pizza. Or pasta with assorted sauces. And fresh salad.

2) Name one thing you wish you could go back and change about your education.

I wish I would have taken more Spanish language courses and fewer lit classes.

3 Do you or did you ever smoke?

Nope.

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

Left behind friend. You wouldn't believe how many of these we find at work. And of course this also reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit.

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1) Who is your celebrity crush? Why?

Once I realized what a total dickbrain Tom Cruise is, I pretty much swore off crushing on famous people. On the other hand, I really do like Bono. But not in a crushy/lovey way exactly.

2) Have you ever been the victim of a crime?

Not in the immediate and personal sense. Our cabin was broken into when I was a kid, but not while we were around. I can't think of anything specific otherwise. I do wonder if I've blanked stuff out...?

3) Who is your greatest hero of all time?

Well, "all time" would pretty have to be Jesus, then.

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

Oh thank God I didn't have to put this puzzle together! What a nightmare. In general, I do like jigsaws. We usually take over the dining room table at New Year's and do one. I have no idea where that came from, but it's family tradition now. Weird how these sorts of things just sort of blossom. Last year we spent about a week trying to put a a picture of potato chips--this very one, in fact!--together, and got the frame done and that's about it. Nightmare! I have since donated that puzzle to the library at the local high school for kids to 'relax' with during finals week. Yes, I am mean.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. What is your favorite Christmas memory: where did you spend that Christmas and how old were you (or when was it)?

I've had a lot of good Christmases. My favorite funny Christmas memory is that the first year Beast and I were married and living in a tiny apartment I didn't get any reading material as a gift. There was, literally, nothing in the apartment to read except textbooks and boring stuff, so we had to go to Walgreen's--the only store that was open--and buy a cheap paperback for me to read.

2. Of the Christmas decorations you put up each year, which single one means the most to you and why is it so special?

I have a very old elf that was my mom's; it is at least 80 years old and very fragile, but its arms and legs are articulated and nothing is broken.

3. What food or drink that you only really consume during the Christmas season is your favorite and why?

Egg-nog. Mostly because it's only around for a couple of months.

4. If you could bring back any deceased relative to spend one Christmas with, who would you pick and why?

My sister Ellen. I've got Ghost Whisperer on, and I just had a 10-minute sobfest about one of the episodes that reminded me of Ellen. I miss her. How can I miss her so much, still, after 17 years? Damn.

5. What is the greatest single Christmas present you remember receiving and why did it mean so much to you?

The Barbie Dream House, hands-down. Man, I used that thing up!

6. What was the worst Christmas present you ever remember receiving and what was so bad about it?

I've gotten some weird stuff over the years from Sparky as he works out how to give appropriate presents. I can't think of anything particularly specific.

Thursday This or That

(Link in meme-roll)

Christmas lights: White or Colored?

I generally prefer colored, but this year we have all white. Yuck.

Real tree or Fake?

Fake.

Themed ornaments or Sentimental ornaments?

Sentimental. Though we have a bunch of themed ornaments too.

Sugar cookies or Gingerbread Men?

Sugar cookies.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Egg nog.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Lies

1. "Everybody lies. But it's alright because nobody listens." is one of Bud's Law's. What do you lie about?

Absolutely nothing. I'm always honest. <--thus proving Bud's point

2. When you purchase a DVD, what besides the the movie itself, what do you enjoy the most? Is it the director's commentary, the deleted scenes, the bloopers or the behind-the-scenes documentary?

I like the deleted scenes and I also appreciate commentary from the cast and/or crew. In fact, sometimes, the 'extras' are better than the actual movie or show.

3. What would you most like to accomplish before the year is over?

I'd like to get my Christmas shopping done....

4. What is your current percentage of online shopping? Is it going to be more this year than last?

What I've done so far has been 80% online. I will need to do some store shopping though, for a couple of things I need to look at before I bring it home.

5. What's left to do at your place (or where you are going)? Is the tree up? ...or maybe you're just happy you found that fave Christmas coffee mug and are calling that good?

The tree is up, but not decorated. We have 5.5 days to get the whole place in order because I'm hosting the library's Christmas party on Friday. I have to figure out Christmas cards. And presents.

6. If you could get worry-free, cost-free plastic surgery, would you? If yes, where?

I would only do this if I were seriously disfigured (car accident, mauled by a neighbor's chimpanzee, etc.).

7. Do you think the child you were growing up, would like the adult you've become?

Depends on the age. I would probably like me as a very young child and an older teen. Not so much the middle ages.

8. What will you miss about 2011?

The first half was ok, and I loved our trip to Italy and England. The second half of the year was abysmally bad. I hope to never go through anything like it again.

9. What is something you'd love to see invented?

Beast and I were talking today...isn't it about time we have some cures for some major diseases--Parkinson's, cancer, AIDS? I know that's not an invention per se but it's the best thing I can come up with today.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. One of my favorite things about December is church services. This is the month for good ones.

2. I have way too many ornament(s)! (or too small of a tree...)

3. This is what I'm hoping for today/tonight: relaxation and rest.

4. Can you believe I slept through that noise?

5. Ooh, a Mark Harmon is adorable.

6. Bells are ringing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Beast's safe return, tomorrow my plans include working all day (whee), and Sunday, I want to not embarrass myself playing bells at church!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Reason to Believe

1. Has anyone asked you to believe in something that called for a huge leap of faith on your part?

I can suspend reality for awhile if asked, but in the end I almost always land back on the firm ground of reality. On the other hand, I believe in God; go figure.

2. When is the last time you moved? Why did you move?

We moved into this house 7 years ago in October. We moved because 1) I hated our previous house, and 2) we built this house (well, ok, we had it built) because the floor plan was absolutely perfect for us, and so was the lot.

3. Malls? ..or one Internet? Are you doing more online shopping this year? The polls say we are, but I'm curious about what the real people are doing.

I'll be doing some serious online shopping Monday and/or Tuesday for out-of-town relatives.

4. Do you remember the first meme you participated in and if so, what was it?

If this counts, this is it.

5. If you could invent something, what would it be?

A way to identify terrorists that does NOT make the rest of us feel like criminals.

6. Are you finished with your shopping? Do you still a few things to go? What? Not even a game plan? ...or is there just one person you're having trouble finding something for?

Oh, hell, I have barely started.

7. What's left to do at your place (or where you are going)? Is the tree up? ...or maybe you're just happy you found the Christmas coffee mug and are calling that good?

The wreath is up. The tree is up, and lit but not decorated. The rest of decor is partially out. The Santa cookie plate is repaired. Tomorrow, the tree will get the ornaments on and THEN I can start on cards. And shopping. Whee.

8. Is your life turning out the way you thought it would when you were a kid? If not, is it better or worse?

I had no real specific expectations about adulthood when I was a kid. I don't remember ever planning my life out. And it's turned out just fine. So much for the whole goal-setting thing.

9. Tell us about something you'll miss about 2010.

We had pretty awesome weather this year. It was never horrifically cold, and the autumn was the best ever.