Sunday Stealing

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Alec Clayton

1. If there's a personal god, what quality would you most like that person to have (and why)?

This question confuses me. Maybe I'm out of practice on answering questions. I'm going to answer, instead, what is the most important to me quality of God. That is, especially this week, that he is always there, always reliable, always forgiving, always putting up with whatever my current attitude is. That is big.

2. What's your death-row meal?

There would be pasta. Basically a good Italian meal, with wine and cheese and meat and fruit and bread and good dessert, all perfectly cooked.

3. Assuming we make it through this outbreak with minimal loss of life, what do you think our big takeaway should be?

We need to take care of each other.
(but I'm not optimistic in the Big Picture; OTOH, my local community is absolutely wonderful)

4. Whom do you find yourself missing more than you would've predicted?

Well, I dreamed last night about two of my three sisters, which was weird since one of them is dead and the other one I think just shows up, with her husband, to irritate me. In the last month, I've also dreamed about my mom regularly, a first since she died 10 years ago, and holy crap do I miss being able to sit with Beast and kick him into gear!!

5. What brings you the most joy? Not happiness, not contentment -- JOY.

Laughter. Real laughter: silliness, giggling, gut-busting. Doesn't have to be me laughing: watching it on Zoom or YouTube works almost as well.

6. Do you find yourself regretting anything you've said or done on social media?

Only everything.

7. What are your favorite and least favorite things about your body and face?

Least favorite: size. Favorite: its sturdiness, my toes, my hair, my mouth.

8. ...and your life?

Least favorite: Let me count the ways, but the big one is not being able to see (or help) Beast in any way. Favorite: my job, my friends (I'm very lucky), my house.

9. How's the self-isolation affecting your libido?

ha ha ha ha....my husband's been in a nursing home now for over 2 years. What libido?

10. Which three places in the physical universe would you most like to visit?

The Valley of the Kings, all of Australia, Mars.

11. On whom did you have a crush years ago? Have you ever told them?

So many... Some of them know and we laugh about it. Some I'll take to the grave.

12. How have your religious views changed since you were in high school?

I'd like to hope I've gotten kinder and more understanding of others.

13. If you could change one law, what would it be?

Can we just legalize cannabis everywhere in the U.S. for crying out loud! I'm not even going for a big one here, just this.

14. If you could add one commandment to the original ten, what would it be?

"Pull your head out of your ass!"

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Controversial Questions Meme

1. Would you do a recreation[al] drug if all were legalized? (Not a “for or against” question…)

If it were prescribed and controlled, then yes. What I fear about recreational drugs is the non-standardization more than anything else. God knows what's been put in that baggie with the weed!

2. Are you happy that the U.S. Supreme Court once again upheld a woman’s right to abortion?

Yes. And to be clear: they affirmed that it is MY RIGHT to decide what happens in my body, and no one else's. I don't need anyone's permission to make medical decisions. AND to be clearer: this doesn't mean that I'd actually GET an abortion. Well, I wouldn't now, for sure, because I can't get pregnant, but yeah....even way back.

3. Would our country cope any differently with a woman president?

Probably about as well as we've "coped with" a non-white president. YMMV

4. Do you believe in the death penalty?

Not really. It's never been proven to be a deterrent and it is so unevenly applied to mostly minority and poor defendants that I think it's dangerous.

5. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

There are "already" places it has been, duh. And yeah. See question #1 above. Regulate it, tax it, and make it boring.

6. Do you believe in God?

Yup. Mostly. Except when I'm being combative.

7. How do you feel now that same-sex marriage is legalized?

Who people marry doesn't actually affect my health or well-being; does that happen to others? I'm very happy that people who love each other can announce their relationship to the world and share the benefits that legally are attendant to that. Mostly because I have enough issues of my own to deal with: I do not need to solve other people's perceived problems as well. Happier people make for a better society, anyway.

8. Do you think it’s wrong that so many Hispanics are moving to the USA?

Oh jeebus pete, hell, for crying out loud. No. I think too many STUPID people have already taken up residence, so I'm quite happy in thinking maybe that ignorance will be diluted by good, hard-working people who WANT to be here!

9. A 12-year-old girl has a baby… should she keep it?

Is she in any way related to me? ... No? Well, then it's none of my business at all, is it? [If she were my daughter et al., we'd have to have some serious discussions of what her life was going to entail if she brought a baby into the house--it would suck balls, frankly, for everyone--but more importantly...how the HELL did she get pregnant?! And why?!]

10. Should the alcohol age be lowered to 18?

I'd be ok with that. It was when I turned 18 and (most of) my friends survived, as did I. When it went up to 19 a year later, it was right after I turned 19. And then in two years I was grandfathered in when it rose to 21. It's ridiculous, frankly, to think that 18-year-olds aren't drinking.

11. Should the wars in Middle East be called off?

I don't see how you can "call off" a war. It's not like a soccer game, is it? It would be nice if the people in the area could be left alone for a decade or two in order to sort their shit out amongst themselves. In my lifetime, there has never been peace there. That's sad.

No 12.

13. Do you believe in spanking your children?

I have spanked my son. Surprisingly, it does hurt the spanker as well as the spankee! So I didn't do it much, and I didn't do it for good reasons most of the time, so it was pretty futile.

14. A mother is declared innocent after murdering her 5 children in a temporary insanity case… what do you think?

I think we can all agree that a parent who kills their children is insane and needs help. Whether we agree that that excludes them from prison is really the issue. I don't know. I just feel so very sad for EVERYONE in situations like this, including the offending parent--while also being very angry, of course. There are no winners, no matter what the legal outcome is.

15. Would you want to prosecute someone for burning their country’s flag as a method of protest?

Nope. This is such a dorky thing to get worked up about. I mean, it's FABRIC for crying out loud. We do far more damage to our country every day we ignore the Constitution. The flag is beside the point.

16. It’s between you and a person who is being kept alive (with NO hope) by life support machines… one has to die? Who?

Dude on life support has got to go, sorry. Easy choice. If it were ME in that situation, I would hope it would be just as easy a decision. Pull the plug.

17. Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

I have no doubt that these questions will provoke some interesting answers. I'm eager to see what people say. Will I judge people for their replies? Probably. Do I expect others to have opinions on my opinions? Sure. But I'm not going to fret.
Or argue in the comments. So I will be attentive with the delete button if necessary. Pretend you're in my living room having the discussion.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

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

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

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

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

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

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

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

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

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

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

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

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

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

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

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

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

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

T) What are you looking forward to?

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

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

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

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

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

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Saturday 9

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Margaritaville (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song Jimmy sings of "booze in the blender." What do you prepare in your blender?

Milkshakes and fondue dips. Not at the same time.

2) As the song opens, Jimmy is sitting on his front porch swing. Describe the front porch of the building you're in right now.

We have a wonderful porch! Right now there's just a couple of (stacked) chairs and a small table on it--summer never really arrived for sitting out there; it was either too hot or too cold (mostly the latter). It's about 5 feet deep and runs the whole front of the house. Surrounded by bushes, recently trimmed.

3) Jimmy sings of being able to smell boiling shrimp. Do you prefer your shrimp boiled, glazed or breaded?

Not glazed. I like shrimp almost any way, including cold.

4) During the song, he mentions his flip flops. Have you put your flip flops and sandals away till spring? Or is it still warm enough to wear them?

I just did this morning. They may be retrieved, but most of the summer shoes are put away. Now I need to go get some new non-summer shoes.

5) Jimmy Buffett had hoped this song would be recorded by Elvis Presley, but The King died before he could perform it. What's the first Elvis song that comes to mind?

"Love Me Tender" [Ironically, perhaps: I'm watching "Flipping Las Vegas" right now...lol]

6) Buffett fans are known as Parrotheads. Concert attire for a well-dressed Parrothead often includes a Hawaiian shirt and a foam fin hat. What will you be wearing tonight?

The black capris and navy T I'm currently wearing. We're not going anywhere, and even if we did hit the store, this would be acceptable. My hair is kind of an issue however.

7) Loyal Parrotheads paid between $500 and $5000 to see Mr. Buffet at a fundraiser for Barack Obama's 2012 Presidential campaign. What's the most you would pay for a concert ticket?

I think my limit is probably $100 or so. And they'd better be good seats!

8) Jimmy is an outspoken environmentalist and supports causes like ocean conservation, saving the manatees and expanding the Dallas Zoo. What steps do you take to help save the planet?

We've been recycling paper/plastic/glass for our entire marriage. I try to reuse and upcycle most everything I buy, and I really REALLY don't like shopping, so buying loads of extra shit is not my thing. And I try to plan my driving to burn less gas but that's not always possible here.

9) Uh-oh. When Jimmy and the Coral Reefers played in Wisconsin this past August, more than two dozen concertgoers got tickets for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Do you believe pot should be legalized?

Yes, for cryin' out loud. They're talking about licensing a dispensary in my town though, so that's good. Though pot isn't legal without a prescription in this state, I'm hoping things change soon.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. G is for GENDER: To which gender does the majority of your friends belong?

Probably female. I work in a library, after all, which is a hotbed of female staffing. And generally I've always had more female friends than male friends, though the balance has shifted a lot in the past few years.

2. G is for GENEOLOGY: How far back have you traced your family line?

I haven't done a whit. My mom got back into the 18th century on one side of her family.

3. G is for GENERIC: For prescription medication, how often do you use a generic versus a name brand?

As often as I can, unless I've had a negative reaction to the generic.

4. G is for GOURMET: Which dish do you make that you think would most closely resemble what others might call a "gourmet" dish?

I made a really excellent coq au vin a year or so ago. Should probably whip that puppy out again.

5. G is for GOVERN: If you were forced to run for office, local, state or federal, which position would you choose and why?

I would choose the crash position. There is not one political office I have ever had any interest in doing. Not one.

6. G is for GRADUATION: What do you think was your biggest accomplishment prior to graduating from high school or college?

Tournament of Roses Parade and all that went with it, when I was a sophomore in high school.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Imaginary Meme, Part Two

21. Have you felt that life is like being on a roller coaster?

No, of course not. Why would I ever think that? Life is just smooth and straightforward.

22. Favorite year so far?

1986. Or the 1992. 2003 wasn't bad either. I think I'm due for another good one, please.

23. Do you consider yourself religious?

...sigh. Sure. Why argue?

24. How do you dress to impress?

I do not.

25. Have you ever been to Connecticut?

Y'know, I don't think I have. There are quite a few of the little states that I haven't gotten to, but I could probably take care of over about 3 hours, eh?

26. Do you eat sushi?

Hell no!

27. Would you smoke pot providing there was no risk or driving involved?

Yes.

28. What do you think of Idol Winner Phillip Phillips??

Who? (I haven't yet watched a single episode of this show.)

29. Do you believe that animals have souls?

They've certainly got more going on that we humans give them credit for. In short, I think so, yes.

30. Who did you last talk to? Share, if you dare.

My boys: Beast and Sparky. We are eating a "Sunday dinner" in front of the TV tuned to Indy, and there's not much conversation to speak of. I think Beast said, "Mmm, good" and I thanked him. Sparky's a teenager in spades today, so mostly he's just grunting.

31. What is one thing that always annoys you?

Teenage boys (and grown men) grunting instead of using speech.

32. Do you believe in a higher being?

Yup. Circles in circles today.

33. Have you ever fallen in love with a neighbor?

Pretty much all of my neighbors growing up were either at least 55 and/or female. When I was little there were boys about my age across the street, and I was planning to marry one of them, but 1) they moved on fairly quickly, and 2) I don't remember being "in love" with him anyway. I was, after all, not more than 5 years old.

34. Any plans for this weekend?

Laundry, racing, napping, staying out of the heat outside....

35. Would you like to rule your country, if you could?

Nope.

36. Do you like watching films about the nature of animals?

I used to. I don't, not so much, anymore. I wonder why? Maybe because I'm probably allergic to most of them; it's a little painful.

37. What's the difference between lust and/or lust?

Aha! I see what you did there! ;-)

38. Do you have a soul?

More circles.... It's here somewhere. I can't ever find it when I need it though.

39. One best friend or many good friends?

I'd rather have quality over quantity.

40. Do you believe in spontaneous combustion?

Yes. I saw it in action today, in fact, when I stopped in at work to grab something I forgot when I left. ... I'm really SUPER-glad I left at 1:00 yesterday. Eighteen hours after all hell broke loose, T's ears were still steaming today.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. Do you believe that non-medical marijuana should be legalized?

Yes, absolutely.

2. Do you believe that medical marijuana should be legalized?

Well, by the definition cited above, yes.

3. Have you ever spent time around anyone whom you know had smoked marijuana? Did you notice any significant changes in their personality?

Yes, I did spend time around tokers, both in high school and college. Honestly, they were just way calmer and a little slower on the uptake after smoking. Otherwise, no big difference. Though, to be fair, the one guy that springs to mind from college days was stone so often that I'm not actually sure I ever saw him "normal."

4. Should someone found to be growing marijuana face as stiff a legal penalty as someone producing crystal meth? Why or why not?

Uh, yeah, that would be NO. Our drug laws are stupid.

5. Should someone found to be driving under the influence of marijuana face the same legal penalty as someone driving under the influence of alcohol? Why or why not?

Honestly, I haven't done a lot of research to see whether that would be as dangerous. I suppose so, but I'd rather share the road with someone smoking a doobie than someone texting or arguing with their spouse.

6. Some have claimed over the years that marijuana is a “victimless crime.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

It is NOT currently a victimless crime--because we are so mental about punishing people who use it, grow it, distribute it, etc. But in the sense of it being pointless to try to suppress it, then yes. I'd really rather get the income from legalizing and taxing it than continue to enforce the lame-o laws on the books.

____________
By the way, I have no stated interest in this really, not being a big rule-breaker, and knowing that as a youth sponsor I was supposed to be above reproach. Hah. Well, at least I stayed out of jail. ;-) And didn't smoke ANYthing, tempting as it was at times.

Saturday 9

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You Were Meant For Me

1. Have you ever felt that you were “made” for someone or some purpose?

There are those moments in life that feel as if you were in the precise right place, or precisely the perfect person, to handle something unusual. Sometimes it feels like God (or whatever your 'thing' is) plucked you out of Real Life and plopped you in front of something that was created just to show you how important you are. Sometimes you don't see how perfect a set-up things were until later. I don't really believe in "soulmates." I do think it's pretty obvious that I was made to be Sparky's mom in all the non-physical and obvious ways. He has taught me so much; I hope I've done half as well by him.

2. What do you do when you have a problem that you can't do anything about it?

My life is full of unsolvable problems; whose isn't? If it is minutiae, I just vent to good friends. If it's important, I ponder (otherwise known as 'stewing'). I try to hand all the situations over to God, though I find this difficult and despair of myself sometimes.

3. If marijuana were to be legalized, do you think it should be taxed?

Well, wouldn't that be the whole POINT of legalization at this stage? I mean, it's fairly readily available already. Not that I currently use it; just sayin'.

4. What is one thing you should never do on a first date?

Order spaghetti or ribs at the restaurant.

5. If someone (at gunpoint) forced you to receive a portrait tattoo of someone, who would it be?

Assuming I have one handy, I'd go with the photo of my son at 2 years old. He was fuckin' adorable!

6. Is tomorrow going to be a good day?

Gonna be a busy day. And I expect I'm going to be a wreck because of today's busy-ness. This weekend is not looking at ALL relaxing. Fun, though.

7. Anything fabulous happen to you last night?

"Fabulous"? Nnnnooooo...? Beast and I had a nice dinner out, talked about everything under the sun, watched Bill Maher... I don't think I obsessed about work too much--nice change, that--and...oh yeah, my sister called, by accident, on Skype. We had a good chat. That was nice. I told her about The Guide to Sleeping at Airports. It was germane.

8. For a few years in a row, you receive a nice tax refund: do you make an adjustment with your payroll deduction so they’ll take less, or do you leave it that way so that you can continue to receive the big check every spring?

I sorta like the big payout at the end, but financially it makes more sense to adjust things. In fact, this is one of last night's topics; I do need to ask my employer to take a little more out of my check.

9. When was the last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I was pretty nervous all week about whether Sparky's cartooning club would get their act together in time to create something for today's event at the library. We (Beast & I--well, ok, just me, really) sponsored them @ $100 to create a 'hole' on the miniature golf course at my library. They did an outstanding job!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Burnt Toast Meme, Part Two

17. Who would you like to show up at your door to say they love you?

Ugh. Creepy.

18. Last furry thing you touched?

LMAO...oh, seriously now, Ruka.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?

Only my usual Rx meds, though I also just took a benadryl, since I think I've figured out that my lip-issue is allergies.

20. Do you miss film or does digital work for you?

Digital works just fine for me.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?

21-25 was pretty good.

22. Your worst enemy?

Me, myself, and I.

23. What is your current desktop picture?

It was taken from our back porch at sunset a couple of years ago.

24. What was the last thing you said that was funny?

We're watching coverage of the tsunami on CNN right now--nothing much to laugh at, or talk about. Closest I can come is me saying "OMIGOSH!" and Sparky saying, "Holy crap!" at the same time a few minutes ago.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, what would it be?

SHOW . ME . THE . MONEY!

26. Who can't you say “no” to?

Oh, this is not an issue for me. It's a skill moms (and dads) learn (or fail). OK, well, actually, little babies are hard to say no to.

27. The last song you bought or downloaded?

No clue. I bought Sparky some CDs for Christmas. Nothing since then.

28. What time of day were you born?

Late in the evening, I think.

29. What’s your favorite number? Why?

I've always been partial to 16. And 3.

30. Where did you live in 1987?

In a suburb north of Milwaukee.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?

Not right now. I'm extremely grateful for my life.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?

I'd bet on it, at least in a general way.

33. It's been almost a decade. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

I was at church doing some volunteer stuff when Beast called and told me I should go home and watch CNN. On the way home I had the radio on, and I listened as the first tower fell. I had to pull over I was so shocked.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
How's It Gonna Be

1. How's it gonna be in 2011 for you?

Well, I'm kinda hoping that the ONLY family news is about weddings and other happy stuff. Not sure how that's gonna play out though.

2. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

Laughter, conversation, relaxing.

3. What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Oh, wow, that's a little major for the way I'm feeling tonight. How about we just legalize and tax the hell out of EVERYthing and put every single dime of the tax money into public education?

4. What thing about your family are you least proud of?

Our stubbornness and tendency to get angry about stuff because we are unable to get over ourselves. Case in point: tonight. It's a little tense around here. [me, I'm so tired I can't think]

5. What part of the holidays are you really looking forward to?

Everyone being happy again.

6. Who is the last person you high-fived? Why?

Rach, this morning after she told Jet that if he was going to throw up to go "the other direction" (i.e., towards Sparky). Long story. And no, no one threw up.

7. Have you ever made out at a drive-in?

Heh, no.

8. If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to?

Right now? Sparky. He needs it more today.

9. Tell us about that time when you were the “life of the party”.

Well the was that time when I was getting teased for some reason about not being able to hold my alcohol, so I downed a shot of 180-proof vodka on an empty stomach (then chug-a-lugged a Coke to counter it...college kids are D.U.M.). Two hours later, I was definitely not sober but I wasn't wearing a lampshade or anything; and meanwhile, the boys who had been teasing me were puking in the dorm showers after taking their own challenge. Idiots.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Tom Petty

1. AMERICAN GIRL: “Well, she was an American girl Raised on promises She couldn't help thinkin' That there was a little more to life somewhere else.”
Have you ever wanted to live somewhere else? Where?

Every year, right after Christmas, I desperately want to move anywhere the sun is shining. Doesn't even have to be warm, just sunny. I hate winter.

2. BREAKDOWN: “Honey, I get the feeling you wont. There is no sense in pretending Your eyes give you away, Something inside you is feeling like I do…”
Have you caught someone in a lie recently?

I have a sneaking suspicion (or two) about Sparky, but nothing concrete. Otherwise, I can't think of anything in particular.

3. YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT FEELS: “People come, people go, Some grow young, some grow cold. I woke up in between, A memory and a dream.”
Do you live in the past?

Nope, I live in the Midwest.

4. THE WAITING: “The waiting is the hardest part, Every day you see one more card You take it on faith, you take it to the heart, The waiting is the hardest part.”
What have you had to wait for?

The future. Doctors. Beast. Sparky. Airlines.

5. STOP DRAGGIN MY HEART AROUND: “Baby you'll come knocking on my front door Same old line you used to use before. That's the game, well... what am I supposed to do I didn't know what I was getting into.”
Ever been a sucker?

All the time. I'm the quintessential sucker in so very many ways.

6. REFUGEE: “Honey, it dont make no difference to me, Baby, everybodys had to fight to be free…”
Have you ever been in a physical fight with another person?

Yes. Yes, I have. One as a child with another girl--yes, a friend. Coupla scuffles as an adult.

7. LAST DANCE WITH MARY JANE: “Last dance with Mary Jane, One more time to kill the pain, I feel summer creepin' in, And I'm tired of this town again…”
Have you ever tried marijuana or another illegal drug?

Uhm.... No. Nope. Never. Not me. Uh-uh.

8. INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN: “He met a girl out there with a tattoo too The future was wide open. They moved into a place they both could afford He found a night club he could work at the door.”
Have you done something on the spur of the moment that worked out fine?

It's really the way things work out the best sometimes. The hotel we stayed at on Ydra was pretty spur-of-the-moment. So was the truck I'm driving. Throwing the bag of trash at drunk people (which they had just thrown at us) was DEFinitely spontaneous.

9. HERE COMES MY GIRL: “Hey, here comes my girl, here comes my girl, Yeah, she looks so right, shes all I need tonight.”
What do you need besides your significant other tonight?

Well, that would be enough. He's due home in the next half hour. Beyond that, a shot of Bacardi, a bath, and then bed would work.

10. HARD ON ME: “Maybe if I tried, I could turn the other cheek, Maybe, but how big do I have to be? I need someone To put their arm around me Shelter me from all harm…”
What is the worst thing you have forgiven someone for?

Being married tends to make forgiveness rather imperative, and sometimes it's for Big Stuff. Otherwise...I can't think of anything else specific.

11. FREE FALLIN: “She's a good girl, loves her mama, Loves Jesus and America too She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis, Loves horses and her boyfriend too…”
What are 6 things you love or are crazy about?

Beast, Sparky, my friends (clumping them), my house, my job, and learning stuff.

12. EVEN THE LOSERS: “Baby, even the losers get lucky sometimes, Even the losers keep a little bit of pride. They get lucky sometimes.”
Have you ever been a loser?

Heh. Yeah. It's why I don't gamble.

13. SHADOW OF A DOUBT: “With that little certain something, she's a complex kid, And she's always been so hard to get around. She always likes to leave me with a shadow of a doubt.”
What is the shadiest advice you have ever been told?

There are SOOOooo many stupid myths about pregnancy. Some of my favorite is how to get yourself to go into labor: eat hot/spicy food, drive over railroad tracks, have sex, take long walks....yeah. I was induced.

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

1) Finish this sentence: "I hate myself when I fail to live up to my standards."

2) How much time do you spend on the phone or IMing with friends every day?

Phone: less than 10 minutes/day. IMing: probably averages about 15 minutes/day, but very sporadic; some days it's literally hours, and several people at once, but I can, literally, go a week without a single IM.

3) What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Well, some of the drugs need to just be legalized and dealt with more or less as we deal with alcohol. I'd actually be ok with legalizing and then slapping all sorts of taxes and so forth on the lot of 'em. Heroin? Sure: $100 for a hit, $150 for a needle and a hit...no bargaining, no sale prices, nothing like that. And then 80% of the money goes right back into education, without passing through the hands of the U.S. Government.
It'll never happen.

4) What thing about your family are you least proud of?

Our argumentativeness.

5) 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

There are days when I sort of feel like this is how other people picture me: which Cat. fits here to open this door or fix this problem. It's not always a bad feeling--I certainly feel useful and needed!
However, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed. Like when Mom needs to deal with Sparky's school situation, Wife is asked to run a couple of errands, Daughter should be visiting with her sick mom, Cataloger is called on to explain Meebo again to the boss, Youth Leader has to solve a "crisis" with the kids, Clerk of Session needs to decorate tables for a dinner she's coordinating, Daughter-in-Law should be doing SOMEthing useful, Reference Librarian must find "Guns, Germs & Steel" where it isn't on the shelf, Sister really should do some more research on MSA and treatments, and ... yeah. Xanax, please.
I actually don't feel this last thing right now, somehow, in spite of yesterday being sort of that way.