Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Too Fat Polka (1947)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Have you ever danced the polka?

Yes I have! It's a thing at most WI weddings, and we've been to a few of those.

2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?

Nope. It has never held even the slightest attraction for me.

3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?

There are 5 seatbelts. I think all five people would be ok for a medium-length ride.

4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?

Of course. More than a few too (as I sit here eating brownies for breakfast).

5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?

Not even slightly. I actually had to turn it off before it even got halfway through.

6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?

Yes, of course. People used to think my dad looked like him back in the day. [no, he didn't, but they both had red hair....entirely different shades of red, but people are kinda dumb] I used to like him. His rating rather slipped with this song, however. Ugh.

7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."

... Look, I'm 53. I have a kid, and a husband. I have friends and family and a job. There isn't one single part of my life that doesn't cry for do-overs, sometimes daily. SO MANY places I could have made better decisions!

8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?

I would if it meant the chance to extend my life or decrease pain. I'm beginning to think I should research some trials on back/neck/shoulder surgery for Beast. He is really in rough shape.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?

Yes. Though I might hedge it by saying it doesn't look well-made or it's too pricey or something. Unless she asked specifically, "How do I look, really?" I can't lie that baldly.

Work from Home (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who doesn't get to see her lover often enough because he's on the night shift. Have you ever worked nights?

Not over-nights, no. When I started at my current workplace, I worked 6-9 three nights a week, which gave Beast and me about 15 minutes crossover, at most, from his return from work and my departure. Then, when he started to commute by train for 3 hours a day (round-trip), it was a "trade the kid at the train station" period, and he'd be asleep when I got home at 9:15. I also worked occasional Sundays and alternate Saturdays during this time so it was a little dicey seeing each other.

2) She promises that if he takes the day off, she'll make it feel like a vacation. Have you traveled anywhere fun so far this year? Do you have any leisure trips planned for 2017?3) The ladies of Fifth Harmony are enthusiastic supporters of the Girl Scouts, rewarding troops who excel in fundraising activities with free concerts. The Scouts' best-known fundraiser is their cookie sale. What's your favorite cookie (Girl Scout or otherwise)?

I love the Samoas. And I really like the vanilla Oreos (or knockoffs).

4) Fifth Harmony also participated in Goodwill's Fall Haul campaign. They encouraged high school students donate as many items as possible to Goodwill, and the winning school got a free concert. When did you last take gently-used items to a resale organization?

I took a carton and some bags of old clothes to a local place last fall, and then went shopping since it turned out to be half-price day. They give a coupon to everyone who donates, so I really hit the jackpot.

5) Do you ever shop second-hand or thrift stores?

More and more. I need to get some new spring/summer tops.

6) Fifth Harmony member Normani Kordei competes on Dancing with the Stars this season. Would you do better on DWTS or The Voice? In other words, are you a better singer or dancer?

I have never had a single dance lesson, but I have sung in choirs and elsewhere, so I'd probably do better on latter show. But I would never do either!

7) In February 2016, when this song was first released, The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl and Spotlight won the Best Picture Oscar. Can you recall who won the 2017 Super Bowl and Best Picture Oscar, just two months ago?

Stupid Pats, and NOT La-La Land. :)

8) 2016's most popular TV show was Game of Thrones. Are you a fan?

Nope. Not even of the books. Epic fantasy is not my thing at all!

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What's the subject line of the newest message in your email spam folder?

I have an interesting mix of church-related (not MY church though) stuff and shopping stuff and a pen!s-enlargement ad. The top tagline is "Coming Soon to an Indie Theater Near You" though, which is extremely random. I literally NEVER check anything here, unless I'm bored and looking for a giggle.

I also keep a folder of stuff that came to be instead of someone else. I have that kind of an email, that people screw up regularly. The most recent one there is tagged "Confirmed singers for Gig on 3/23" (discussion about a music service at church--not mine--including this priceless part, cut/pasted: "ladies, long floor link black gowns, stockings, or Knee high's, closed in shoes with pearls"). THAT is mighty specific!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. E is for EMAIL: When is the last time your personal email inbox was completely empty?

It's never empty; I have thousands of emails. Now, if you mean when was the last time I was caught up on my email, I can truthfully say, "Sometime within the past 2 weeks."

2. E is for EAR: Do you consider your hearing to be better than average, average or worse than average?

It's getting worse as I age. However, there are certain things I can still hear quietly or from a distance that are surprising: my name (or things that sound like my name), Beast's and Sparky's voices, and sirens. My dad was deaf, and this is a concern for me as well as I age.

3. E is for EARLY: Are you generally early to appointments, late or right on time?

I used to be OCD-like early. Now I'm usually pretty close to on-time.

4. E is for EDUCATION: Which grade of school (or year of college) did you find most difficult and why?

First grade sucked: I was bored and moved from my classroom to study with the 2nd-graders for part of the day. Actually I did that all the way through school, which made the beginning of sixth grade scary as hell since I barely knew the kids my age (and the kids I'd hung with were all in junior high). Freshman year of college wasn't easy at all: I was terribly homesick first semester, and I overserved myself from the liquor supply too often second semester. There was much emesis. Academically, I never had a rough year; a few rough classes, but my grades never suffered.

5. E is for EGG: How do you normally eat your eggs?

Over-medium or scrambled soft.

6. E is for ESSAY: What was the topic of the longest blog post you’ve written?

I haven't the foggiest idea; I don't keep a word count. It's probably either the list of family members or the list of coworkers, but both have been updated several times in the past ten years, so I don't know if that counts.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

How many times per day do you…
1. …check your email?

My personal email is always open on whatever computer I'm on, including my smartphone, and I keep an eye on the tab to see if anything has come in. My work email is always open at work and on my phone, but I only check it occasionally on my laptop. All of this is to say that I check it obsessively.

2. …send an email?

I sent 14 today, mostly from work. On Thursday I sent 25, also mostly work-related. Yesterday, when I didn't work, I sent one...and it was work-related.

3. …post a tweet or status update on social media?

Far too often. It probably averages two to three times a day.

4. …make a telephone call?

Perhaps 3 times a week. At most.

5. …visit a website to check the news?

Not very often...maybe twice a day on average at most.

6. …drive a car?

I drive to work and back, and usually go somewhere for lunch on those days. I have meetings a couple of times each week in the evenings. The rest of the time is entirely dependent on whether I absolutely HAVE to leave the house.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
What's it Like?

1. What's the outgoing message on your voicemail like?

   "Hi, it's [name]. Leave a message." [boop] Or, like that, anyway.

2. What's the wallpaper on your computer like?

   At home:

   

3. What's stuck to your fridge door?

   A lot of crap, including the non-emergency police number, the nurses' station phone number and "Carmen" from one of Beast's trips to the hospital a couple of years ago, calendars, lists, pictures, and a lotta magnets.

4. What's your daily organizer like?

   I use Gcalendar for everything, and so do Beast and Sparky so we can actually see what-all we're doing at a glance.

5. What's signature on your personal emails like?

   I don't like the way Gmail sets up the sigs, so I don't use 'em. I have one on my work email though: "Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest." --Hermann Hesse

Blogthings Explosion

You Are Open to Experience

You are open and ready for whatever life has to offer you - the good, the bad, and the ugly. You try to live without defensiveness, judgment, or expectations. You'll just take it all as it comes. You accept your feelings and let yourself react to things. But you don't let your feelings cloud your thoughts. By cultivating this openness and courage, you're able to experience so much of what life has to offer. You are generally unafraid. You are able to deal with reality and see the picture clearly. It may not always be pretty, but you're willing to work on that. You are both practical and flexible. You believe that problems can be fixed, and you're open to any solutions!

How Do You Live the Good Life?

Well, ok, some of this is right on. I try to take things as they come, but I also do get emotional sometimes. Let's put it this way: this is a goal I aspire to, but regularly fail at achieving.

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You Are a Salty Snacker

You prefer you snacks to have a bit of an edge to them, and they've got to have some saltiness to complete their flavor. Besides salty snacks, it's also likely that you go for something with a bit of crunch, zest, and or spice. Unlike sweet snackers, you aren't the most agreeable person in the world. You know what you like and go for it. We tend to crave salt when times are tense, and that describes you as well. You dig the comfy oxytocin salt brings on. If you want a healthier salt fix, try salting your food yourself - you'll probably eat less of it that way. Consider healthy options like veggies and hummus or air popped popcorn. There's still plenty of salt in them to keep you munching.

Are You a Sweet or Salty Snacker?

This is pretty much dead wrong. Everyone who reads this blogs knows I'm a sugar fiend. {{shrug}} Oh well.

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Your Heart is Cautious

You want love as much as the next person, but you're a bit shy. You've been hurt before. You need to be sure that you've found the right person before you make the leap. And you're willing to take your time. You tend to be a perfectionist in all aspects of your life, and this includes love. You are the type to have a checklist. You may have high standards for your partner, but you also have high standards for yourself. You make sure that you are quality relationship material. You can even be a bit of a relationship expert at times. You've thought long and hard what it takes to make one work. Deep down, all you want is a love that will last a lifetime. And you're willing to work hard to make that happen.

What Kind of Wings Does Your Heart Have?

I suppose the end of this is pretty true, but keep in mind I've had 26+ years to work on and think about one person/relationship. I'm not so sure this was remotely accurate prior to getting married. ;-)

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You Are Somewhat Eccentric

You have always felt that you're a bit outside the mainstream. You're not as normal as most people. In fact, while you may fit in just fine, you feel a bit like you're passing for someone you're not. Deep down, you're very different. You can't help but notice that you think and react differently to the world. You are on your own wavelength. You have your own thing going on, and you're cool with that. You fit in where you can and go your own way where you can't. You are quite comfortable in your weirdness and probably have a well cultivated collection of dear misfit friends. You may not understand normal people, but you're good at finding those who accept you for who you are... and aren't!

Are You Eccentric?

I'm really not all that different, I suppose, but I've always felt a little weird, a little off-kilter, a little out of the clique. I like it there, watching the weirdness of "normal."

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You Are Sincerely

You're the type of person who puts manners first. You always act appropriately. You are conscientious and responsible. You don't like the feeling of procrastinating or shirking. While you don't always sign your emails 'Sincerely,' you make sure that they are well composed. Whether you're emailing a friend or a business associate, you take the time to double check your words. More than any other type, you make sure email doesn't pile up for you. You know it's important to reply quickly. Some may say that email is going out of style, but you still consider it an art form. And you couldn't imagine living without it.

What Email Sign-Off Are You?

I never use a sign-off in email. But I do try to write coherent and timely responses.

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You Are Coke

You best fit the demographics of a Coke drinker. You are cultured, sophisticated, and well traveled. You probably score a bit higher on openness and conscientiousness scales than most people. You like to live the good life. You are more likely than Pepsi drinkers to have taken a vacation in the past six months. And you probably love to travel internationally. You have sophisticated taste, and you don't shy away from unusual delicacies. You're also more likely to have tried caviar. You are urban and artistic. You are likely to enjoy visiting art galleries and participating in other cultural activities. You are well educated and probably quite intellectual. You are more likely than a Pepsi drinker to have finished college.

Are You Coke or Pepsi?

OK, this just makes me laugh. Coke drinkers are more cultured and sophisticated?? smh I don't know where they get this sort of thing, but aside from that, most of this is vaguely appropriate, except the whole caviar thing. {{SHUDDER}}

Saturday 9 (x 2)

(Link in meme-roll)
Stormy Weather

1) Do noisy storms scare you?

Thunderstorms don't scare me, assuming I'm inside somewhere. Big, swirling winds, though...yeah, THOSE scare me.

2) Mother Winters tells us Lena Horne was considered one of the great beauties of the 1940s. Whom do you consider one of today's most beautiful women?

Sticking with the musical field only, I'll go with Beyonce, Shakira, and Gwen Stefani because they are gorgeous AND they can sing!

3) Crazy Sam admits it -- there's a big bag of recycling she really should take out to the bin. Yet she's composing this meme. What should you be doing, instead of answering her questions?

I promised myself I'd be going through magazines that have accrued while catching up with Beast's TV viewing for the past three weeks.

4) Sam may be crazy, but she's not stupid and will never waste her money on Cialis, no matter how many unsolicited emails she receives! What's the most recent addition to your spam folder?

"Don’t let these nasty pharmacists take you to the cleaners!" from Expess Pharmacy, with a URL I'm not clicking.

5) What was the last thing you cooked?

I toasted a bagel about half an hour ago and put some American cheese on top of it.

6) Do you remember the lyrics to your either your high school or college fight song? If so, please share a bit.

"Come on, [home town] / Come on, [home town] / Fight right through that line / With your colors flying high / We'll win [sic] them every time / Come on, [home town] / Fight for future fame / Fight, fellas, fight, fight, fight / We'll win this ga-aa-ame" (sung to the tune of "On Wisconsin") I don't remember my college song though, sorry.

7) "Samantha" is the feminine of "Samuel" and means "Listener." What's the derivation of your first name?

It's an alternative spelling for a plant generally used as an award; or perhaps a noisy bird in Spanish-speaking countries. Online, the shortened version of "Cataloger" which used to be my user name.

8) Are you following the NBA or NHL this year? If so, which team are you rooting for?

No, as usual, I couldn't possibly care less than I do right now about either. I did watch part of a b-ball game last week and was astounded (again) by how ugly that game is.

9) Gloves, umbrellas, sunglasses, keys -- which of these do you misplace most often?

Of those, probably gloves. I can only fight two complete pairs.

Aida

1) Have you ever been to the opera?

Yes. In Leningrad. It was an Italian opera translated and sung in Russian. No freakin' clue about the details, but it was fun sitting in a box seat, the only time I'm likely to have that experience for sure.

2) Maria Callas was often called a "diva." Is that a compliment or a criticism?

Nowadays, I'd consider it a criticism, but I think in her time it was less of a slam.

3) Aida was composed by famous Italian Giusseppe Verdi. In addition to opera, what else can the world thank Italy for?

Very attractive people, and a lot of stupendous art. Also, good food.

4) Verdi was Italian and Callas was Greek. Would you rather vacation in Italy or Greece?

I'm not fussed, either will do. I've been both places and essentially I wouldn't mind time on a Greek island or in Florence or Rome.

5) The Marx Bros. starred in A Night at the Opera. What's the funniest movie you have ever seen?

I literally fell off the couch doubled up in laughter pain the first time I saw "Heathers" on TV. Otherwise, I laugh pretty hard at "Home Alone" when I see it.

6) What's for dinner tonight?

Bagel with cheese, and maybe I'll have a bowl of cereal for 'dessert.'

7) Are you wearing any jewelry right now?

Three rings.

8) Sam Winters has a scratchy throat and watery eyes. How do you treat the common cold?

Vitamin C, chicken noodle soup, and SLEEP.

9) Do you need your glasses (or contacts) when you drive?

I don't really drive with my eyes: usually I use a car and my hands and feet. However, if you don't want me to run into things, I'll be needing my glasses on. I can't see clearly five feet in front of me without them.

Sunday Stealing

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

1. Have you ever peed your pants as an adult?

Uhm, no. And if the answer were to be "yes" I'd still say no.

2. Who do you have a celebrity crush on now?

Still like George Eads a lot.

3. Would you date someone you met online?

As I say frequently, I'm afraid Beast wouldn't approve, so no. Were I single, yes.

4. Do you wear underwear always?

Not under by jammies, no.

5. Do you hate yourself at times?

No; I never do anything that could be hated! [of course I do!]

7. Do you like dirty movies?

I've found that dirt makes my DVD player cranky. So, no.

8. Could you believe Josha Ledet was voted off Idol?

Who? What? When? How? No...let's get back to "Who?"

9. When was the last time that you bought a car?

Just over a year ago. Paid cash. At Carmax, for a used Ford Escape.

10. Have you ever been camping?

Too many times. I hate camping. I like indoor plumbing, heat, restaurants, and a roof made out of something other than nylon or canvas.

11. How many times a day do you go on facebook?

Technically, I nearly always look like I'm online, and when I'm at home, it's always open even when I'm not actually using the computer.

12. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Absolutely no idea at all.

13. Have you ever worried that you'd cut off a limb?

One of my own? No. Tree limbs? Yes, though "worried" is not exactly the emotional temperature I would name.

14. Where did you get your last email from?

The most recent thing went directly to my spam folder, with the subject heading Search Th0usands 0f Single W0men! from C0ugar Dating {c0ugars@fruitat0m-d0t-c0m}. [Yes I amended their spelling...]

15. Favorite website?

Goodreads is my new favorite.

16. Are you down with ghetto?

Just with O.P.P.

17. Will the world end in fire or ice?

Or just inertia floating away into space? I don't know. Don't much care one way or the other as long it's not in the next, oh, 70-80 years.

18. Do you believe in the afterlife?

Kinda. Maybe. Or not.

19. Would you be upset if facebook stopped working?

I'd be annoyed with my computer if it just stopped. If Facebook was shut down, I'd probably manage to survive. Somehow.

20. How did you start your blog?

January 2004. The layout and theme has changed since then. I think it may need to be changed again....

Thursday This or That

(Link in meme-roll)

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

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

Rootbeer or Cream soda? Root beer.

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

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

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Subjects of the Last 13 Emails I've Sent at Work

1. H.R.F. Keating
2. Fwd: VSL // A thrilling, heartbreaking rock-and-roll documentary returns to DVD
3. Ref meeting minutes
4. Fwd: Harry Potter ....Hallows pt. 2
5. Agenda (x2)
6. Fwd: Harry Potter ....Hallows pt. 2
7. Fiction ORder
8. Re: Question about Books on CD & Purchasing & Processing
9. Re: Harry Potter ....Hallows pt. 2 (x2)
10. Fwd: Harry Potter ....Hallows pt. 2 (x2)
11. Re: Harry Potter ....Hallows pt. 2
12. Re: Staff meeting (x3)
13. Checking in withdrawn items

And yes, there's a lot of repetition because of harangues on a couple of topics (ahem) and movie studios.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
You've Got Mail

1. From whom did you get your last e-mail?

I guess that would be the email I forwarded from work to my Gmail account about church stuff. Before that, it was something at work about the Children's Department. Whee.

2. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a theater?

I haven't sat in a theater for a movie in a long time, so...no clue. It was, I think, with Sparky?

3. Have you ever seen a ghost?

Not that I'm aware of.

4. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry?

Oh for FUCK's sake...the timing on this...yeah, oh yeah, that plus a bunch of other painful things.

5. What are you most afraid of?

The same things I always say when I'm asked this question in a meme...

6. What do you do when you are bored?

This. Facebook stuff. Read. Sometimes I even just sit and stare into space.

7. Other than the author of this mess of a meme, whose blog are you most curious to see their answers?

Whoever I've got time to go read, I suppose. I'm not overly social in this way.

8. Name three thing from your bucket list.

Ain't got one.

9. Who was the last person who complimented you on how you looked, that actually was a surprise?

Hmm. Not sure. Honestly, no clue whatsoever.

10. Do you remember Berleen?

Uhm, I remember her name. Never actually met her F2F.

11. What was the last concert that you attended where the band was much better than you imagined?

The opening act U2 had the last time was so much better than the one they had the time before that. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the good band, just the crap one.

12. What’s the next band you’re either planning to see or want to?

I think my concert days are pretty near done. I don't enjoy the crowd thing.

13. What were the last things do you imagine that Kimber threw off the roof?

Her shoes? Does she throw things off the roof on a regular basis? If so, she oughta move here; she'd fit right in in my town.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Let's Get Random

1. What animal in your opinion is the stupidest animal alive?

Hmm, well, possums are right up there. Mosquitoes too. 

2. What person in the news or spotlight makes you wonder how they got so far?

Basically, EVERYone on Faux News.

3. If you could make up a new law and be in charge of arresting law breakers, what would that law be?

If you can't find something kind to say in the media, you will shut up. Or be fined a minimum of $1,000 per word.

4. Name something of the color blue that you despise.

Smurfs.

5. If you were on your way somewhere and were running late and witnessed an accident, what would you do?

Stop. And of course call 911.

6. How tall is too tall and how short is too short in your opinion?

For what? I don't play this way. Height is not that big of a deal to me; I have a friend who is shorter than her 3rd grader, and I have a friend who is close to 80" tall. This really is NOT an issue for me.

7. What hair color and eye color would you not want in someone you were planning on having children with?

Aruuu?? This is not how I chose the father of my children. Seriously, the eye/hair color was practically non-existent on the worry-about scale.

8. What hour of the day has the worst drivers?

Depends on who you ask in my house at least: I say 4-5 p.m., but Beast says 10-11 a.m.

9. Are you following the Stanley Cup Finals?

Only cursorily, and ONLY because it's a big deal in this area this year. I can't believe it's June (tomorrow) and they are STILL playing hockey!

10. If you wanted to eat lunch at the zoo and all they served were animal parts, would you eat them?

Have you investigated what hot dogs and hamburgers are made of?? I would eat normal food at the zoo, but if they handed me an otter fin to gnaw on I'd probably take a pass.

11. Would you give, and if so how much, money to a 25 year old man holding a sign at an intersection that asks for money?

Wait, the intersection is asking for money!? I probably wouldn't give him anything unless we were stopped there long enough to get my wallet out. And even then...probably not.

12. What do you do with emails that tell you to forward them on to 10 other people or something will happen to you?

I delete them. They annoy the shit out of me.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) If you were to become a TV evangelist, how would you do your hair?

I think the shellac thing has been overdone. Perhaps a crew-cut would be the thing, a la Susan Powter. Or, hmm, a big bouffant like Amy Winehouse's except, like, clean.

2) Do you remember the first time you were on the internet? What did you do first?

The internet as such? Uh, I probably just hopped around like a grasshopper from link to link trying to keep track of how I got where I ended up. This was pre-Google, so it was common to find awesome stuff and then not be able to find it again because search engines weren't that good.

Before that, we were on Prodigy, and the first thing I did there was probably email my parents.

3) If you could pair up any two single people you know, who would you pick?

I've actually been thinking about this...I don't know that many single people, though, so it's a bit challenging. Pete and Amy., maybe? (OMG--that's accidentally really funny.)

4) What was the biggest fight you have ever had with someone?

Beast and I have had some really lovely verbal face-offs. They've always started out being about the stupidest things.

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

I love this picture. It looks so peaceful and relaxed and comfortable. Nothing inordinately fancy, nothing outrageous, just plain, natural food and wood and dishes. It's what I aim for, but rarely feel as if I've hit. Is that because I don't take the time to see the way things look?

from email

(thanks Jen!)
Can you do it?
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
1) *Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...*they have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!
2) Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial.
3) You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

What is your name? Cat.
4 letter word: Cake
Vehicle: Cadillac
TV Show: Cash Cab
City: Cleveland
Boy's Name: Chris
Girl's Name: (I guess it would be cheating to say Chris again, eh?) Cynthia
Alcoholic drink: Corona
Occupation: Welllllll, cataloger (hee), or carpenter if the other is cheating
Something you wear: Clothes
Celebrity: Carter Oosterhouse, or George Clooney
Food: Candy
Something found in a bathroom: Conditioner
Reason for Being Late: Car trouble
Character: Cinderella
Something You Shout: Crap!

Tuesday Twosome

(Link at left)
Canned Meat

1. Do you check your email once a day or more? Explain:

My work email is on the whole time I'm at work. I check it regularly, and make sure I'm pretty caught up before I leave everyday. I check our home email 4 or 5 times a week, and my gmail is always on at home and at work, so I see when messages come in on it. The other dummy account email accounts I check once a month or so.

2. When you receive SPAM emails, do you just delete them or take the time to mark it as SPAM? Explain:

Gmail dumps them into the Spam folder automatically. Everything else I mark diligently as spam in whatever way I need to do it (report it to our server person, electronically report it, etc.) to cut down in the future.

3. When a friend/acquaintance emails you a "forward" email like a joke or chain letter, do you forward it to your friends or just delete it? Explain:

I usually don't even read it, just delete it. There are a couple of people whose forwarded things I do scan quickly.

4. Who are two people whose emails you look forward to receiving? Explain:

Amy, Beast and...well, there are others.

5. Do you believe that email has completely replaced other forms of communication?

No, it's still necessary to meet face-to-face and make phone calls. Here's a perfect, and timely, commentary on this subject.

Little Known Facts

This came in my email a week or so ago...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

A friend of my oldest sister's.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Hmm, I believe it's actually been a couple of days...maybe since I heard about our friends' baby going in the hospital over the weekend.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

If I take my time, yes! Most of the rest of the time, it's just ok. It's definitely legible.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Roast beef, sliced thin.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

Just one.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Yes.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?

Yes. A bit. When necessary.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

To the best of my knowledge. I don't remember them being removed (and I think I would!).

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

Probably not. I'd prefer to parachute.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

Er...Frosted Flakes, I guess. I've kind of gone off cereal in the past couple of years. I like Fruit Loops, too.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

I rarely wear shoes that tie. On the rare occasions when I do, I rarely untie them, unless I have to (like boots, for instance).

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

Relative to what, or whom? Physically, no. Emotionally/spirtually, yes. Mentally...uh...ask me some other day!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?

Peppermint. Or bubble gum.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

That they exist.

15. RED OR PINK?

Not so much into the pink (see question 7 for the proper tone for this answer).

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF?

My tendency to jump off emotional cliffs with no provocation. And my hips.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?

Oh, I rarely miss!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?

Were this still an email, you mean? heh. I don't care. Use it, don't use it. I'm very unworried.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

I'm wearing army green rolled-up-to-my-knees-clam-diggers and my feet are bare.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

Poptarts. Which might explain the hips.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Sparky talking to himself upstairs, the a/c blowing, and Beast in the garage putting away the weedwacker in preparation for mowing.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

If it were my choice, I'd be black. Long story.
But I'm probably more likely to be 'cornflower' which I never can get any color out of when I use it.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?

Vanilla, coffee brewing, (clean) babies, baking bread (well, baking anything.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Beasttelling him I was on my way home from work.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?

She's the best! And I should know...!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

I will watch virtually any sports on TV except boxing, wrestling (the fake kind), baseball, basketball, and hockey. In person, same list minus baseball (minor league) and soccer. Because it always seems to be cold at soccer games (unless they are indoors).
In any case, my absolute favorite sport to watch is football.

27. HAIR COLOR?

Brown with red and "ash" highlights covering the ever-increasing number of gray hairs.

28. EYE COLOR?

Hazel.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

Nope.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?

Sugar. It's the base of my food pyramid.

31. SCARY MOVIES

...are agin my religion, or at least my personal credo.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

HP#5 last Friday.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?

Yellow ribbed shirt over a brown ribbed tank.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?

Summer.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?

I'm not fussy. Either. Both. Yes.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?

Cheesecake (NOT chocolate), creme brulee, wedding cake...sugar, basically.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

Oh, the usual suspects...or no one.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

People who don't visit my blog.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

HP#7, a book on art theft, and a book written by a former American slave (publ. in about 1880?? I think). Among other things....

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

I have a laptop, no mouse.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?

No clue. Beast was jumping around, there was the Weather Channel and Tour de France and some other b.s. but I tuned out.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?

Baby giggles, or the right person/people saying, "I love you." And the sound of a breezy--not windy--day.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?

China.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

Yep. Several.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Denver, CO.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?

If I say names, I'll jinx it. But there are a couple of these questions that made me think of some of you.... ;-)

Mundane Monday

(Link at left)
Attack of the Email Forward
We all get those pesky emails day in and day out. I think it’s time to celebrate some of the more interesting forwards you’ve gotten by posting it on your blog.

I just sent out this one last week:

Sorry, guys, it's quick and for a kid's school project! (And you are the ones I thought might follow through - either because you have kids, you like science, or you're just plain nice.) This is for a science fair project. If you could do this I would appreciate it! DON'T ASK, JUST PLAY! Copy and paste this entire letter into a new e-mail (PLEASE do NOT hit FORWARD), then read the list of names below. If your name is on the list put a star* next to it. If not, then add your name (in alphabetical order), and do not put in a star. Send it to ten people and send it back to the person who sent it to you. Put your name in the subject box! You'll see what happens...
It's kind of cool! Please keep this going. Don't mess it up, please:

Alice, Amy*, Andy, Ashley, Astin...Celine, Cheryl, Cordell, Carol, Chris*, Colette....etc. etc.

My questions are numerous: what is supposed to happen, and how does it get back to the originator, and all those semi-practical things. The other amusing thing I realized after forwarding it is that the names are all out of order after only about 30 people have played.

Normally, forwards are deleted on arrival in my email. I don't respond, and I certainly don't forward most of them. Not sure why this one appeals to me so much!