Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This week's artist, Elton John, was made an Office of Arts and Letters -- one of France's highest honors for people who have contributed significantly to the arts. What's the most recent compliment you received?

I can't think of anything. I've been thanked, but I can't think of a compliment. Probably, it's because I am not geared to listen to them?

2) In 2013, Elton had to cancel an international concert tour because he had an appendectomy. Do you still have your appendix?

I do not. It came out "just in case, while [they] were in there anyway" in 1997. The surgeon was absolutely sure that my appendix was the cause of the immense pain I was having; it was not. (It was a baseball-sized tumor, which had burst. I'll spare the details.)

3) In 1979, Elton John was the first Western rock star to tour the Soviet Union. Would you like to visit Russia?

I have. And I'd go back in a heartbeat, though perhaps not right now. I'm sure it's changed a bit (hah) since I was there 30 years ago.

4) Elton and his mother hadn't spoken in years but he reached out to her and healed their b[r]each in honor of her 90th birthday in 2015. Who is the oldest person you know?

Hmm, interesting. I know a LOT of people in their 70s and early 80s. I used to know a lot of folks in their 90s. I can't actually think of who I know that's the "winner" here.

5) Flowers and plants are popular on Mother's Day. How is your yard or garden? Is it green and/or blooming?

It's kind of a mess right now: thousands of dandelion stalks in the yard, weeds in the gardens, unmown this weekend. At some point, Beast is just going to have to face reality and hire a yard service..... But, yeah, it's green under all the dandelions. That's rarely a problem 'round here.

6) Mother's Day is a big holiday for card shops. So are birthdays, weddings, and St. Patrick's Day. Hallmark sells greetings for everything from "Congratulations on Your New Job" to "Happy Retirement." Who received the most recent card you bought?

I'm pretty sure that was Val Day cards for Sparky and Beast.

7) Sam's mother is very careful when she unwraps presents because she likes to save money by to reusing wrapping paper and gift bags. Tell us one way that you economize.

I wash and reuse plastic storage bags (i.e. baggies). Yes, I've been warned multiple times about it. I don't reuse anything that had raw meat in it.

8) Mother Winters used to scold Crazy Sam for leaving her dirty dishes in the sink. Sam admits it: as a grown up, she still leaves dirty dishes in the sink. How about you? Is your sink or dishwasher empty?

I emptied the dishwasher before dinner, then immediately emptied the sink and drainboard into it, so now the counter is clear(er). Honestly? I can't get ahead. I'm so tired of living in untidiness, but I'm so tired, period, that I just don't seem to get things cleaned.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What size mattress do you sleep on -- twin, full, queen or king?

We have a Sleep Number bed, king-size, with split mattresses so we can adjust head and feet separately. Aside from the hassle of buying sheets and the random separation of mattresses with use, I adore my bed. It is the absolute best investment we've made in furniture.

Saturday 9 18

(Link in meme-roll)
Changes (last week's questions)

1. Do you believe people can truly change?

Wow, the timing for this was freakishly appropriate! Not that I saw the questions last week when they was posted.
OK, yes, of course people can change, if they want to badly enough, if they are motivated, and/or if they get help and support in areas they need it.

2. Do you think there is anything wrong with being average?

No one is average; that is sort of the point of averages, isn't it? Averages normalize everyone into one blob, where people are eminently un-blob-like. Except when we are busy being sheep: baa baa baa.

3. Do you believe in fairy tale love?

Nope. Haven't ever actually witnessed it so...no.

4. Has anyone ever spread something malicious about you?

Sure. Welcome to middle-school girls at their best. Some girls never outgrow that, either; I know quite a lot of adult women whose emotional and social skills stopped evolving at 13.

5. Have you ever done something at a party that you've ever regretted?

Fuck yeah! It's enough to permanently ruin parties for me! lol

6. How do you go about setting your goals?

I don't. Seriously, when the schools started having us do this--towards the end of high school a bit, and then definitely in college--I was literally unable to complete the assignments. I ended up desperately throwing shit on the paper just to have stuff to turn in. (This is never a bad idea in our culture, is it? Getting credit for "doing your homework" even though the result is actually pure bullshit.) I still don't do 5-year-plans, goal-setting, bucket lists, or 100 Things About Me lists. My brain does not work that way; if I want to do something, I start doing it, or I just don't.

7. Do you believe you deserve everything you want?

Yeah, of course I do. And by the way, I want YOUR car, YOUR money, YOUR life, and YOUR house. You ok with that? Oh, sorry, too bad for you. [no, I don't]

8. Do you have people in your life you could always count on?

Again with the amazing timing. Yes. I have a stupendous support network, which I may or may not deserve. Thank God for them!

9. Did you ever make a close friend from someone that you've dated?

Yup.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Hot Fun In the Summertime (this week's questions)

1. What do you have planned for fun in the summertime?

This summer, I have nothing planned at all. It is my 30th high school reunion year, but I'm probably not going to the parties, which is fine. The reunion ten years ago was pretty good, but I'm not sure I'm at a place right now that would allow me to enjoy this sort of thing. Otherwise, the summer stretches out in front of much the same way it has since I was a child: seemingly endless, full of possibility, and hot.

2. Who was the last celebrity that you thought was bright until you saw them interviewed?

Most of them. It's much rarer to have the opposite reaction, to be honest.

3. Do you think that the U.S. and our present war(s) seem to just ignore our history?

I think people tend to see what they want to see in the past, and act accordingly. We Americans laughed at the Russians when they got stuck in Afghanistan in the '80s, and then conveniently forgot about the history of wars in that region when we invaded in 2002. I don't, however, think just the U.S. does this.

4. Have you ever conformed just to "fit in"?

Nope. Never. Especially not as a child! [is there ANYone who hasn't done this??]

5. Do you feel that you at times do not enjoy the moment because you are worried about what will come next?

Hello world, you've found out my dirty little (not-so-) secret.

6. Does it seem that when you learn more about yourself, that others' opinions of you seem stupid?

Yes, to an extent. This is what happens in college for sure, and whenever you realize that your parents don't really know you as well as you and they think, and various other times in life.

7. In rock & roll history, what bands or artists do you think made the biggest impact?

Elvis. The Beatles. James Brown. The punk movement as a whole. Michael Jackson. Madonna. I dunno. There are probably far more "unsung" movers and shakers, like Quincy Jones for instance, that changed the direction of pop culture.

8. Who do you blame for the state of the economy? Why?

I blame all of us. And Bernie Madoff.

9. Do you get upset and do you think you're being lazy when you do nothing?

Yes. And that's why I didn't do memes this past week. I really need to STOP being lazy.

Four for Friday

(Link in meme-roll)

Q1 - Apprehension: Earlier this week, during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a towel-waving Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan gained access to the field where he eluded security while running in circles in the outfield. After just 30 seconds of being on the field, the fan was subdued by a Philadelphia police officer who used a Taser stun gun to bring him down. While many people question the use of a stun gun to bring down a prankster, Major League Baseball players have said it's an appropriate action, because they fear for their safety. What do you think... should stun guns be used to stop the occasional jokester, or should fans entering the field of play during games will be apprehended by team security as they always have (by tackle)?

Anyone who runs on the field in a situation like this pretty much gets what s/he deserves either way, but I am pretty positive I'd rather deal with the aftereffects of tasing over the aftereffects of being tackled. Can someone please explain to me why this is such a big deal? Is it that it looks so much worse to see someone spasming than seeing them under a pile of 5 police officers? Really?

Q2 - Loans: In Long Beach, California, the City Council unanimously voted to loan the local Cal Worthington Ford dealership $600,000 so it could keep its doors open and 120 local residents employed. According to news reports, the dealership generates $1.8 million in tax revenue each year and plans to use the loan to finance its expansion plans. Do you think cities or municipalities should lend money to local businesses as they've done in Long Beach, California?

Wow, no. I thought the U.S. was all about free-market economy, but corporations are sure relying an awful lot on the government for handouts. Hmmm, was that a white Cadillac I just saw GM driving away in...?

Q3 - Summer 2010 Movies: Which of the following summer 2010 movies are you most interested in seeing (either in the theatre or on DVD)... Robin Hood (opens May 14); Shrek 4 Forever After (opens May 21); Prince of Persia The Sands of Time (opens May 28); Sex and the City 2 (opens May 28); Killers (opens June 4); Marmaduke (opens June 4); Splice (opens June 4); Get Him to the Greek (opens June 11); Karate Kid (opens June 11); The A Team (opens June 11); Jonah Hex (opens June 18); Toy Story 3 (opens June 18); Grown Up (opens June 25); Twilight 3 Eclipse (opens June 30); Knight and Day (opens July 2); Leaves of Grass (opens July 2); Despicable Me (opens July 9); Inception (opens July 16); The Sorcerer's Apprentice (opens July 16); Salt (opens July 23); Cats and Dogs 2 (open July 30); Get Low (opens July 30); I Love You Philip Morris (opens July 30); Little Fockers (opens July 30); The Other Guys (opens August 6); Eat Pray Love (opens August 13).

Robin Hood, Shrek, and Toy Story are the only ones that look remotely like possibilities. Much as I like Julia Roberts, I'd rather eat the film reels that watch that movie.

Q4 - Humor: On the heels of its decision to censor an episode of "South Park" that included a depiction of the prophet Muhammad, Comedy Central said this week it has a cartoon series about Jesus Christ in the works (apparently, "JC" depicts Christ as a regular guy who moves to New York City to escape his father's enormous shadow). Are you offended by the very notion of this new cartoon series (enough so that you wouldn't watch), or could you care less and/or are actually looking forward to watching "JC" when it airs later this year?

No, I'm not offended, but I'm also extremely unlikely to watch it. I'm pretty sure Jesus--the real one--can stand up for himself and my time can be better spent serving Him in ways that don't make His followers look like idiots.

Manic Monday

(Link in meme-roll)

If you could write your own bill of rights, what would you include?

I'm pretty good with the U.S. Constitution's with, perhaps, some more definition of terms, in like, footnotes. (And I'm really really tired, so I'm not overly creative right now, either. Could you tell?)

What is going on in the world today that affects you the most?

Allergy season, ahoy! Also, the economy. Last week, I would have said "volcanoes" but that was last week.

What do you think is the secret to a good life?

Getting comfortable with yourself and knowing your limits, your skills, and what works for you. And then stretching a little. ;-)

Four for Friday

(Link in meme-roll)

Q1 - Dressing Room: When you try on clothes at a store and choose not to buy them, do you return the items to where you found them or leave them in the dressing room (or just outside the dressing room) for someone else to deal with?

I take them back to the attendant. They usually don't want people to replace things.

Q2 - Cut or Leave: Grappling with a growing budget deficit and an endangered credit rating, a divided Los Angeles City Council voted last month to eliminate 4,000 municipal jobs by July 1. City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana estimated the move would save the City of Los Angeles about $260 million this fiscal year and next. Earlier , Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa declared that layoffs could be minimized if labor unions agree to pay cuts. "If all city employees agreed to a 5 percent pay cut, we could save $150 million," he said. "If civilian employees, firefighters and police officers agreed to a 15 percent pay cut, we could save $450 million." Would you take a 15% cut in pay to keep your current job or save your co-workers' jobs?

I would not if the cut did not start at the top of the food chain. I have said this over and over--our city is not as bad as LA on the budget line, but there are plenty of cuts happening--when the City Manager takes a pay cut, I will be on board with my own pay cut.

Q3 - Say It: How do you pronounce "2010"... Twenty-ten, Two Thousand and Ten, Oh-ten?

I'm waffling between Twenty-Ten and Two-Thousand Ten. Ten years of saying the latter is hard to break, but I can't keep doing it for the rest of the century.

Q4 - China vs. Terrorism: More than twice as many U.S. adults (58%) say that debt owed to China is a more serious threat to the long-term security and well-being of the U.S. than is terrorism from radical Islamic terrorists (27%). Interestingly, for those of you who like to politicize everything, Interestingly there was little variation by party identification with a majority of Democrats, Republicans and independents all agreeing that the debt owed by the United States to China poses the greater threat. What do you think... does debt owed to China pose a more serious threat to the long-term security and well-being of the U.S. than is terrorism from radical Islamic terrorists?

Yes. Money is the grease that makes the world turn, and without money, terrorists would dry up and fly away. We need to address debt in a serious way, not just our country's debt but our own personal financial issues.

Four for Friday

(Link in meme-roll)

Q1 - Neighbor: Zillow.com recently released the results of its 3rd annual Neighbor Survey, and Nadya Suleman, Jon and Kate Gosselin, Sarah Palin, Richard and Mayumi Heene, and Kanye West were voted the least desirable neighbors of 2009. If you could choose to live next door to anyone alive today -- celebrity or otherwise -- who would you choose as your new next door neighbor?

Rachael Ray or any other nice person who can cook well. I'd be living in their dining room. ;-) Actually, Julia Child would have been a totally awesome neighbor all the way 'round!

Q2 - Financially Speaking: As we begin 2010, nearly half of Americans (47%) say their financial situation is worse now than it was a year ago, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows. Just 19% say their personal finances are better off now than they were a year ago and 33% say their finances are about the same. Looking ahead to the end of 2010, do you think you'll end the year in the same, better, or worse financially as compared to the end of 2009?

I anticipate it will be status quo. It's unlikely that Beast's new company will trim his department further as long as he keeps doing 100% of his projections, and I doubt I'll be fired from (or will quit) my job.

Q3 - Undecorate: When do you think people should take down their Christmas tree and holiday decorations... the day after Christmas, New Year's Eve Day, January 2nd, or whenever they darn well feel like it?

Inside stuff they can keep up as long as they want. Outside decor should probably come down ASAP, though around here that may be February or March at this rate because of the snow. Lights, y'know, I think they should stay up till it's not dark half the day. I like the lights (if they are done well--if they are shitty, TAKE 'EM DOWN! Or better yet, don't bother putting them up in the first place!)

Q4 - 2020: Nearly one-half of U.S. adults say it is likely that by 2020 there will be regular use of stem cells and cloning techniques to create human organs for transplant. Also, more than one-third say it is likely by 2020 that computer chips will be implanted in humans, robots will perform manual labor jobs, and virtual reality will be a staple of home entertainment. Only 28% think there will be a cure for cancer. What do you think about these findings?

Stem cells/cloning: I'm kind of hoping that this happens sooner so that Parkinson's can get a big slap-down. However, I'm less confident about it happening by 2020.
Implantation: I can see how this would be useful in certain respects, but I'm less than thrilled with some of the scarier possibilities (Orwellian aspects, I mean). Probably will happen before 2020, though.
Robots: We already have a robot vacuuming our floors. So, yeah, bring it on! 'Course, this has been predicted for decades, so I'm not betting on any timeline here.
Virtual reality: They have to deal with the whole motion sickness thing first, for me. Not likely by 2020.
Cancer: Not all cancers. Some. We already have a handle on a few of them. I'm more optimistic about this, especially when combined with the stem cell/cloning research.

Four for Friday Saturday

(Link in blogroll)

Q1 - Hair: Which do you like better... the hair you had as a kid or the hair you have now?

Mom always cut my hair very short when I was a kid. I hated it. Plus, I can now add color. So, by default...now.

Q2 - Talking to Kids: While the President of the United States prepares to deliver a back-to-school speech to the nation's school children on Tuesday, September 8, some parents are convinced he is going to use the opportunity to advance a partisan political agenda on the nation's young minds, and are threatening to keep their children out of school on that particular day. "At a minimum it's disruptive," says Minnesota's Governor, who is a possible future Presidential candidate himself. "Number two, it's uninvited. And number three, if people would like to hear his message they can, on a voluntary basis, go to YouTube or some other source and get it. I don't think he needs to force it upon the nation's school children," the Governor told reporters this week. Taking the issue a step further, the chairman of the GOP for Florida released a statement this week accusing the President of the United States of using taxpayer money to "indoctrinate" children. Background: President George H.W. Bush delivered a nationally televised speech to students from a Washington D.C., school in the fall of 1991, encouraging them to say no to drugs and work hard. And in November 1988, President Ronald Reagan delivered remarks that were made available to students nationwide. Among other things, President Reagan called taxes "such a penalty on people that there's no incentive for them to prosper ... because they have to give so much to the government." The President's talk next Tuesday... It focuses on encouraging students to study hard and stay in school. How do you feel about the President's upcoming address for the nation's school children?

Oh for PETE's sake, this is so absurd. If parents can't get past party politics for the good of their country, they need to move the FUCK outta this country. Jesus, I put up with President Retard for 8 years while he indoctrinated and KILLED our kids.

This.is.why.I.don't.read.the.paper.or.watch.network.news. People in this country piss me the fuck off.

Q3 - Learned: What's the most valuable thing/lesson you learned as a kid?

In light of the previous question, I believe it might be the ability to listen to other people whose opinions are not the same as mine without bursting an aneurysm.

Q4 - Cash for Kids: Japan's new ruling party is floating a proposal to pay Japanese parents approximately $3,400 a year per child (until the child reaches high school age) as a way of boosting the country's birth rate, which is one of the lowest on Earth and is said to have future negative ramifications on Japan's economic welfare. How do you feel about 'cash for kids'? If you were on the fence about having a child, would an extra $3,400 per year ($283.00/mo.) sway you one way or another?

It wouldn't sway me since I'm having no more kids regardless of the payoff. I think it's not the greatest idea, but since I don't live in Japan it's totally not skin off my nose.

Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)


Q1 - Feelings: Do you believe anyone else can be responsible for how you feel/your feelings, or do you believe only you can be responsible for how you feel?

I think situations cause reactions, but we are responsible for at least attempting to deal with the way we handle the situation AND our reaction(s)/emotion(s). This isn't to suggest I'm always that great at doing this, however.

Q2 - Pamper: What do you do to pamper yourself when you're tired, stressed, and worn out? How about when you're feeling on top of the world for having accomplished something you worked really hard to achieve?

I go far away from people, to the extent I can. Sometimes (usually) it's just psychological distance. If only I could fit it in to my schedule. Mostly in practice, I spend more time in bathrooms. Which is why a hotel room is a luxury.

When I do something awesome, I reward myself with food. Because that's perfectly healthy!! I try to fix the situation in my mind for the next really sucky day, too, to remind myself I don't suck ALL the time.

Q3 - Deal: What's the best buy or deal -- the biggest bang for the buck -- you recall ever receiving?

My husband. He was free.

Q4 - Trade: The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), colloquially known as "Cash for Clunkers," has helped an estimated 250,000 Americans receive a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher toward to the purchase of a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when trading in a less fuel efficient vehicle. Eligibility requirements for vouchers include that your 'clunker' be less than 25-years-old, receive 18 or fewer miles per gallon, be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in, and be in drivable condition. Based on those criteria, do you have a vehicle that qualifies for Cash for Clunkers?

Nope. Sorry, we're too energy efficient. I might be able to sneak the truck in, but it's usually over 20 mpg. The Honda is closer to 30, and the Impala doesn't belong to us (company car) and I have no clue what the mpg is anyway.

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Lessons

1. What kind of out-of-school lessons did you take as a kid?

I took piano lessons for a couple of years in elementary school with Mrs. Schumann. All the girls did--somehow, boys weren't expected to, which was itself an early lesson in sexism. I had to walk to her house, about 8 short-blocks, crossing a very busy four-lane road. What were my parents thinking??

Later on, in junior high and high school, I took flute lessons from Shirley Nicholls, who graduated from high school with my brother. She did lessons in her parents' house, right across the street from me. Funny how much, thinking back now, I really enjoyed those lessons.

2. What valuable lesson did you learn this past week?

I can't think of any new and earth-shattering ones, just reminders of a lot that I tend to forget: "Attitude is everything." "Be open to whatever is going to happen." "Take my allergy meds, or else suffer the consequences." "Trust, but verify." "Hold doctors' feet to the fire when I don't feel good."

OOOH! Here's a good one that I did 'learn' this week: when a patron is looking at porn on the computer, dropping a copy of the policy next to them with the appropriate section circled and walking away will, at least temporarily, clear them out of the buildng.

3. Who in your life really needs to be taught a lesson?

The usual suspects: Katherine, CT, etc. I don't want to think about it--those people irritate the snot out of me and I don't want to have to think about them today.

And Sparky, of course, has several lessons he needs to be taught; he doesn't irritate me except in a couple of very specific areas.

4. What kinds of lessons would you love to have a private teacher for right now?

Biblical Greek, Hebrew...and for Sparky, Japanese. My nephew James, sort-of offered shooting lessons, which I may take him up on. I'm considering taking piano lessons again once Sparky is out of the house, too.

5. What steps have you taken to lessen the impact of these rough economic times?

[I love puns!]
I am trying to cook at home more than we eat out. We have put off a couple of expensive things (ahem, new cars, ahem), and are generally just watching our output more closely. We are saving LOTS on gas right now because Beast has been working from home every day, or getting his gas reimbursed as a travel expense when he's on the road.

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Sunday 7
Name the seven listed potential side businesses you’d be most likely to seriously consider to raise extra income. (Here’s a list of 50 side businesses that might help)

1. Auto detailing
2. Blogger (duh! heh)
3. Cleaning service (we have actually discussed this...)
4. Personal shopping
5. Proofreading
6. Senior citizen assistance
7. Tutoring

This presumes me only; I could make this list three times as long as this if I were including the rest of my household.

Four for Friday Saturday

(link in blogroll)

Q1 - Pictures: Privacy groups in the United Kingdom want Google's 'Street View' service to go away. In support of the effort, residents of the village of Broughton in Buckinghamshire formed a human barrier to stop Google from photographing their village last week, expressing fears that an online display of the resulting images was an invasion of their privacy and would contribute to the facilitation of future crime. Would you object to Google's Street View vehicles driving through your neighborhood and taking and displaying on-demand pictures that included your home?

Oh, please. There is a link--at least in the U.S.--where you can ask that the view of your house be changed. Street View has been through my--semi-rural, by the way--neighborhood and there's literally NOTHING to see. We obviously weren't home at the time, but there's no datestamp (that I'm aware of) so I'm not bothered. It is a huge help in navigating to someplace you've never been to "streetview" the turns so you can see what the corners look like.

This makes me laugh, because CCTV is, literally, EVERYwhere in England. And these folks are worried about Google? Hah.

Q2 - Assurances: As we worry less about what car we drive to work and more about whether we have a job to drive to, car companies are throwing us a security blanket of sorts. Hyundai offers protection for new buyers who lose a job and can't make their monthly auto payment. General Motors, Ford, and Saturn recently followed with programs that provide varying degrees of protection to distressed customers. If you were in the market for a new car, would you be swayed by one of these assurance programs?

Nope. Non-issue. Moving on....

Q3 - Optimism: President Obama said this week that the U.S. economy is showing signs of progress as a series of his administration's policies begin to kick in, despite mounting unemployment and rising foreclosures. In remarks to reporters, the President said: "What you're starting to see is glimmers of hope across the economy," adding that it's too soon to make any firm pronouncements. Do you agree with the President's opinion?

Yes. Then again, I'm a sucker for optimism. But seriously, I do think there is a faint glint of sunlight at the end of the tunnel, which means we're still in the tunnel, mind you, but at least there are some signs that we will come out of it.

Q4 - Balance: Which of the following best describes how you generally handle your credit card balance at the end of each month: do you pay off the entire balance, make a partial payment, make a minimum payment, or do you not use credit cards?

Pay it off.
Every month.
For 20+ years--with just a few short-term exceptions.
My parents grew up in the Depression; it was ingrained in me never to owe 'too much' to a bank

Cheddar X

YAY, Cheddar X is back!!
Receding Cheese

1. How worried are you about a layoff?

For myself, not really--hard to get fired in a library. For Beast, pretty worried.

2. How likely are you to be laid off because of the recession?

Extremely unlikely, unless my mouth REALLY gets me in trouble.

3. What plans have you made in case a layoff does come down?

We're watching our money a little more closely, and we'd immediately cancel several 'luxury' things, but overall...whaddaya gonna do?

4. What have you decided to go without in order to save some money?

Generally, we're trying not to eat out so much. That's a big savings for us!

5. Has anything positive come from the recession?

Schedule Nazi retired. Hallelujah! That makes it almost worthwhile.

6. How will you know your personal recession is over?

When Beast gets a raise.

7. How will you celebrate?

Put the raise in the bank. We are so boring!

3x Thursday

(Link in blogroll)
The State of Things

1. Do you have health insurance? If so, what's it thru (job, spouse, etc)? Is it decent? If not, do you have a real need for it?

We are insured through my husband's workplace. We absolutely use it every month, and it's ok, not wonderful. It's at least familiar.

2. Do you have a job right now? If you do, lucky you! If not, how long have you been out of work, and what are you looking to do? How do you feel about the economy and finding a job sooner than later?

I am employed and so is my husband at this point. Sparky is having a lot of trouble finding a job, since he's competing with grownups more than he normally would be.

3. What's your housing situation in this current 'crap for an economy'? Have you lost your house, or have you been able to keep a roof over your head and not get into economic trouble?

Our mortgage is in good shape and as long as Beast stays employed, we'll be fine.

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. Do you usually feel as though you get more sleep than you need, less sleep than you need or just enough?

In the winter, I never ever feel like I'm getting enough rest. I think I could sleep 12-14 hours and still feel tired. Summer's are better. I probably get just enough, because when I'm getting too much I compensate by developing insomnia.

2. What was the last movie you fell asleep while watching out of sheer boredom?

I don't think I ever have done this, but Star Wars--ANY Star Wars movie--now evinces a strong snore reflex.

3. Did you try watching a second time to make it all the way through? If so, was it worth the extra screening?

I live with a SW freak, so I've seen all these movies innumerable times. I've reached the point where I just can't be in the room with them. The acting--OMG, execrable! The writing--WORSE!

4. Does exercise tend to make you feel like you have more energy or less?

Eventually, more. When first beginning, though, I feel like a train hit me.

5. Take the quiz: What’s Your Energy Level?

It's low. I didn't need to take the quiz to find out, and I was right when I did.

6. What’s the latest in the day that you can drink a caffeinated drink without it affecting your sleep?

I generally drink Dr. Pepper right up till bedtime, almost every night. Crazy? Yeah.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday 7
Name the seven companies facing failure in 2009 that you’d miss the most.
(here's one list)

1. Sbarro's
2. Blockbuster
3. Six Flags
4. Claire's
5. Chrysler
6. Sirius
7. Krispy Kreme

I had to struggle with this. The only ones I actually care about are the first two or so.

Survival

You Are 60% Likely to Survive Another Great Depression

Even though you may not be expecting the worst, you're the type of person who prepares for the worst. You live a relatively modest life. You don't overspend, and you aren't very materialistic. You are also quite self sufficient and independent. You have many useful skills. You can take care of yourself and those you love... which is crucial to surviving another Great Depression.

Could You Survive Another Great Depression?

Some of the remainin 40% involves things that I don't do right now but I certainly could, like planting a garden and making more meals from scratch. I just hate the work. Yes. I'm lazy. I have an old Joy of Cooking, though, so I'm set as far as cooking roadkill. ;-)

Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Q1 - Work: If technology had not advanced to the point to where it is today (e.g. availability of the Internet, air transportation, telephones, satellites, etc.) what would you be doing for a living? Asked another way, you and everyone you know have been transported to the year 1841... what would you be doing for a living (note: you have no recollection of the fact that you were transported from the year 2008).

The realities of the world in 1841 would ensure that my job would be housekeeping/motherhood/etc. Yawn. Thank GOD for NOW, all meanings of that word intended!

Q2 - Thank You!: According to its Wikipedia entry, many people inaccurately assume the word "tip" to be an acronym for terms such as "to insure prompt service", "to insure proper service", "to improve performance", and "to insure promptness", when in reality it is derived from the English thieves' (which may be taken to mean "gambler") slang word "tip," meaning to pass from one to another unexpectedly. Do you tip the person who cuts your hair? If so, how do you determine how much to tip (do you base it on the total cost of the haircut, the outcome, a set amount each time, or something else entirely)?

I tip service people: hair, nails, massage, wait staff, etc. It's 15-20% depending on the outcome. [I do not tip at Starbucks.]

Q3 - Video Conferencing: Forty years ago, about the only way you could witness video conferencing in action was to tune in to an episode of The Jetsons and watch George Jetson and Jane (his wife) converse over their video phones. Today, over 80% of the Fortune 500 uses video conferencing on a daily basis, and consumers regularly use Skype, iChat, AOL IM and other programs to video conference. Earlier this week, the CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. said his company is about a year away from launching a consumer/home version of a high-definition (HD) video conferencing system. Putting your concerns about system price and subscription plan cost aside for a moment, would you be inclined to use a home-based video conferencing system?

NOT. Interested. I've used it for a few meetings, and it sucks.

Q4 - Bailing Out: According to media reports, President-elect Obama favors asking Congress to approve as much as $50 billion to save U.S. automakers. If you were a member of Congress, would you vote in favor of a measure that would result in bailing out the U.S. auto industry?

I would make sure there were stipulations attached to the bailout: they have to start producing cars that people WANT TO BUY in the next 5 years or they have to pay the whole thing back. I like the idea of paying it back, regardless.