Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

All of Me (1932) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

1) In this song, Louis Armstrong calls his girl "baby." What's the last endearment someone used when speaking to you? 

Uhm. It was probably one of Beast's caregivers calling me "hon" or "sweetie." Or Beast, but I can't understand his words most of the time. Does Sparky calling me mom count?

2) He sings that losing his love made him cry. Do you cry easily? 

Not as much as I used to, but still more than "normal people" do apparently.

3) Louis was born in New Orleans, a city famous for music and cuisine. What's something you love about your home town? 

The town in which I was born is full of good history that I've only really learned once I moved far away. My current town (where I live) has a award-winning water-ski team. I mean, I really don't care, but we don't got much. Maybe the fact that Capone used to hang out here?

4) At age 11, Louis unwisely fired a pistol during a New Year's Eve celebration and was sentenced to 18 months in a juvenile detention facility. It was there that he met music teacher Peter Davis, who believed in Louis and taught him to play cornet and bugle. Tell us about someone who believed in you and made your life better. 

Ironically, this sounds like the sort of behavior that would fit right into my current town... Anyway, I have been blessed to be white in the U.S. and raised by and around people who thought I was amazing. My parents went without a lot of 'things' to make their kids' lives full of possibility. [I simply cannot imagine ANYONE in my pretty-much white town getting arrested for shooting a gun off]

5) Louis would say that arrest changed his life for the better because it was at the detention center that "me and music got married." After his release, he began playing on street corners, or in honkytonks ... any place he could hone his skills. What is something you have worked hard to be better at? 

I have been working hard all my adult life to be a better person, to be understanding and kind and useful. Often Sometimes it feels wholly futile, but I at least know I'm a better-rounded person than I was 25 years ago even if no one else agrees.

6) In the late 1920s, Louis led a jazz band called The Hot Five. His wife, Lil, believed he was too talented not to receive star billing. He just didn't feel ready. She went behind his back and convinced the management at Chicago's Dreamland Cafe to advertise: "The Hot Five, featuring Louis Armstrong: The World's Greatest Trumpet Player." It worked! At the end of the gig, Okeh Records signed him to a recording contract. Can you think of a time when, like Lil, you were glad you asked for forgiveness rather than permission? 

I have 100% started living this lately, mostly because I've learned not to worry so much about what others (those I don't care about) think. Do the thing, apologize later.

7) In 1932, the year this record was popular, the son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped and killed. This famous case inspired Agatha Christie to write Murder on the Orient Express. Have you read the book? Seen the movie, the remake or the miniseries? 

I have read the book a few times. I think I've seen the movie? The old one, nothing made in the last 4 decades. 

8) Another aviator was in the news in 1932. Amelia Earhart flew 14 hours from Newfoundland to Londonderry. What is the longest flight you've ever taken? 

The longest single stint on an airplane were the trips to Germany, about 8 hours-ish. Mostly we were not staying in Germany, just changing planes to go on to somewhere else. Once to Rome. Once to Moscow. Once to Athens. Maybe elsewhere, I don't remember anymore.

9) Random question: You have the opportunity to travel safely in a time machine. Would you go back to the past, into the future, or say, "no thanks, I'll stay in 2022?"

What a quandary! Probably past, my my OWN past, just to visit, and only back to about 1980.

Sunday Stealing (for today....duh)

(Link in meme-roll) 

The end of the year

First things first, did you have a good year? 

Can anyone say yes to this? It was definitely a year of course corrections every day I woke up, so it was good from a "keeping alert" standpoint, but otherwise, there wasn't much to recommend it.

What was your favorite article of clothing this year? 

NOT wearing a bra for days on end. And yoga pants.

What song sums up this year for you? 

What was your favorite movie of the year? 

The only one I remember is the one Sparky made me watch over Christmas weekend: Bill & Ted: Face the Music. It was ok. Sparky cried at the end. 

Did an actor/actress catch your attention for the first time this year? 

Yes, but for lots of bad reasons, so we won't go into that here.

Favorite new TV show? 

I haven't watched TV regularly since LivePD went off the air at the end of May. We watched the Macy's parade and some football while Sparky was visiting (socially-distant and masked).

Did you make any big permanent changes this year? 

{chuckles darkly} Yeah. A few.

What was one nice thing you did for yourself?

Figured out how to pay the nursing home, without help from any Financial Advisors but myself, tyvm.

Did you develop a new obsession? 

Hand-washing and standing far away from others, on those rare occasions when I am near others.

Did you move? 

Very damn little.

Did you get a pet? 

I am on the verge of doing so, but haven't called shelters yet.

Do you regret not doing anything? 

I wish I'd've taken a winter vacation last year when I could. I wish I would've spent more time with Beast when I could. 

Do you regret doing something? 

Dear God.....! Only every . Single . Thing . 

Did anyone/thing make you so mad it stayed with you for days? 

My boss has been instructed, from the safety of my living room post-Zoom, to eat shit and die at least twice a month.

Did you lose anyone close to you? 

Lots of people in my life have died this year, from attrition AND from COVID. Not to mention the 350,000 Americans I didn't (and now won't) know who were slaughtered by the virus.

Also, I haven't been in the same room as my husband since July, when they decided he wasn't going to die after all and re-banned me from the nursing home. 

Who was important to you this year but wasn’t important last year? 

Hospice staff. Several new co-workers. BLM.

Who wasn’t as important to you this year as they were last year? 

I certainly saw less of everyone in my life as a whole this year. Doesn't mean they're less important, but it's been harder to connect for sure.

What was the best moment of the year for you? 

Seeing Beast wake up after a few weeks of not eating and being obstinately "asleep" when I was allowed in to sit with him. The turnaround from apathetic blob to his eyes opening when I played his favorite Styx songs, and listening intently as I read The Hobbit out loud still makes cry in happiness.

What was the worst? 

Not being able to see him, hug him, boop his nose, and tell him (in his face) to BEHAVE!

What have you learned about yourself this coming year? 

More reminders that I'm a fucking awesome actress--"you are so cheerful and calm" when I'm imploding inside. I am strong. I am getting old. I devolve quickly to college-age lifestyle when left alone too long. I AM ANGRY.

What do you wish for yourself?

Inner serenity. Answers. Friendship and hugs when this is over. A better life for Sparky. More time in the same room as Beast.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Thought Provoking Questions
These are questions suggested by Markandangel

If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?

Hell no! I'll be taking advice from this source, not polluting it with my stupidity!

What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?

Self-awareness.

What are you most grateful for?

Small moments of joy and painlessness.

Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?

Nope.

What do you want most?

Peace.

Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I tend toward doing things right as often as possible; I need to pay more attention to doing the right things regardless of perfectibility.

What has life taught you recently?

Just cutting back on food intake or eating healthier food doesn't cause weight loss. So frustrating.

What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?

I would really like people to spend more time listening with an open mind.

Where do you find inspiration?

Kids and animals, some weather (e.g. thunderstorms) and sleep.

Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?

"Just take it as it comes."

If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Because pride. Ego, if you prefer.

What impact do you want to leave on the world?

Aside from kindness, I'd actually like to leave as little impact as possible. Call me nuts.

What is the most defining moment of your life thus far?

Life continues after tragedy, and there are ALWAYS things to be learned, often from surprising people and events.

In the haste of your daily life, what are you not seeing?

Realistically, if I'm not seeing it, I'm, uh, ... not seeing it.
To answer the implicit question, I'm often very unaware of how set in my ways I am.

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

"I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it.... When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." (Romans 7:15-17a, 19 (NLB))

Paul had one answer for that. I tend to agree with him in the abstract sense: because it feels better to do the wrong thing often. Or it is or seems easier.

What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

Music. Sleep. Venting to a trusted person.

Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?

Only every motherlovin' day! Good God, this is my life. "Regrets, I have a few..."

Has your greatest fear ever come true?

Ayup. Usually with a twist because God's a funny guy.

Why do we think of others the most when they’re gone?

I don't really think I do; I am fairly certain I think about my Mom now as often as I did when she was still around. However, I think we all like to think about past times of our lives that seem much easier than today. I also strong distrust this rosy view of the past. My life wasn't appreciably "better" in my 20s, though some things were easier. Other things were pretty awful and I'd never want to do it again.

What is your most beloved childhood memory?

I've been thinking a lot lately about playing jacks (metal ones!) on the sidewalk in front on my house. We had a driveway pad that was very smooth so my hand didn't get all torn up scooping. I loved jacks....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Write from Karen

1. What’s the coolest item you’ve found at a garage sale, flea market, etc.?

It's been awhile since I've hit garage sales (and I never do flea markets, simply because there aren't that many around here). I can't think of anything super-special, though Sparky's main wardrobe supply was hand-me-downs from garages and thrift shops. I found some wonderful glass luncheon dishes at a resale shop over a decade ago, and we have a number of pieces of furniture from resale and "antique" shops. They aren't antiques; just old and cheap.

2. Describe how your day went yesterday.

I was up early to return a key that I mistakenly brought home from work. Then I hit Dollar General for odds and ends, came home and put those away while the load of laundry finished drying. Folded those things and packed up for a visit with Beast...and hit a wall. Took a nap, went over to Beast's for an hour or so (with donuts for the staff and coffee for him), came home, cooked up a steak I'd defrosted earlier in the week--and I'll be eating steak all week now, so there's that--did dishes, listened to some crime podcasts, noodled around online while I ate, looked over the bills and entered receipts, watched Live PD, went to bed.

3. Do you have issues with people entering your personal space? What do you do when your personal space is violated?

I have a fairly small circle of space around me, but once you cross it...yeah, I'll be backing up and doing the defensive/arms-crossed posture. I'm more likely to get myself in a roil because of emotional invasion, though: Friday at work one of our long-time patrons (whose got some issues, but is generally quite interesting to chat with) asked if I was going to be at the Big Do that evening in support of the library. It was a weird vibe, so thank God I could tell him no. I do not need drama in my life!

4. What is the one meal recipe you think you’ve mastered?

Macaroni and cheese NOT from a box! But I do a decent Thanksgiving spread, if I do say so myself.

5. If you could take back something you did to someone, what would it be?

I would have been nicer and less fearful of "status damage" when I was in school.

6. Would you describe yourself as spiritual, religious, or something else?

Seeing as how I literally couldn't force myself out the door to go to church this morning, dressed, packed and...nope... I think I'd better go with spiritual today. I haven't been in worship more than a couple of times since September, and every time I go I lose my shit and then people want to chat about Beast's "stuff" and I get overwhelmed and it takes me the rest of the day to regain some equilibrium. It's a combination of the music, being surrounded by people I love (who love me) and being a Natural Cryer at church even on good days. Fuck. I'm crying just writing about it.

7. Did you ever receive detention in school? What sort of kid were you in school – bookworm, smart kid, troublemaker, quiet … etc.

Had I ever been in detention, my childhood self is certain I'd have been hung from a spit at home and never made it to adulthood. In reality, it wasn't that bad, but it was easier to just roll along being a brainiac bookwormy smart-ass.

8. When’s the last time you ran a mile? How often do you exercise?

A mile??!? That would be, uhm, probably 27 years, before I got pregnant. I don't run. I ran as a kid, and loved it, but I hate sweating with glasses on.

9. What would you say to your 16-year-old self, and why?

"Get over yourself, girl! You are NOT the center of the universe, but you do get to make decisions for yourself! And, jeez, just ask W. (or J.!) out and see what happens, for cryin' out loud!"

10. What are you avoiding?

Piles of bills (which I can't pay till I call my online banking helpline). Piles of tax info (which I can't really do anything about till I talk to my CPA). Piles of boxes (a lot of which are Beast's family stuff, so I can't touch those). Piles of laundry. Piles of phone calls to make: bank, CPA, Wells Fargo, car donation place (but I need to get the year, model and mileage figured out first), insurance company, county clerk's office (for absentee ballot for Beast), SSA, ... endless, really. Which is why it's so hard to even get started.

11. Describe a “Hah! I told you so” moment you had recently.

Every damn day looking at the U.S. Government. Which is why I have backed far off news reports except in the very broadest sense.

12. What’s more important, where you live or what you do for a living? Why?

The most important thing is doing what needs doing. Bloom where you're planted and all that. I mean, if you hate your life, either move/change it, OR adjust. It doesn't pay to be miserable forever.

13. Swear words: Are you pro or con? Why?

Fuckin PRO! I grew up in a household where we couldn't even say "pee" or "Jeez" or "butt" without a smoldering look from Mom. It was ridiculous.

14. Paper or plastic? Do you prefer to pack your own groceries?

I bring my own bags if it's doable. Otherwise, I don't care. I used to say paper, but apparently the production and recycling of those is actually worse than that of plastic, so... I don't know.

15. Do you have a shoe fetish? How often do you buy new shoes? Do you ever get rid of a pair of shoes?

I get rid of shoes when they break or totally wear out. I try to stay out of shoe stores because it's so hard to not Buy Them All. I have to be super-focused.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
On and On (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) This song describes the plight of "poor ol' Jimmy," who caught his girlfriend kissing someone else. Have you ever spied on a romantic partner?

Not really. I mean, what's the point? If a guy's gonna cheat, I don't need to watch. If he's not going to cheat there's no point in getting myself all worked up over nothing.

2) In this song, Stephen Bishop sings that he "smiles when he feels like dying." When did you recently put on a happy face, even though you really weren't all that happy?

Oh jeez. That describes my normal minute-by-minute life in public. Specifically, I guess it would be talking to Beast earlier this afternoon. It was a good conversation, but he was quite befuddled if more resigned than he normally is.

3) Stephen Bishop always wanted to be a musician, and as a child he began playing the clarinet. Did you take lessons -- dance, art, music -- as a child? If yes, did you take them because you enjoyed them, or because your parents made you take them?

I took piano as a kid, elementary-school age. I took up flute in 7th grade. Piano was Mom's idea; flute was mine, influenced by my friend who also played flute. I would have loved to take dance, but it just wasn't in the family "plan."

4) When he was 12, inspired by The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, he switched to the guitar and began writing songs. Tell us about someone or something that influenced your career path.

My older sister Jean was a librarian. She and my brother and I all worked as pages at our local public library as teens, and once I realized college wasn't going to last forever, I turned to the option of grad school and thus a career was born. Since then, one of my college roommates and my oldest niece have followed me into the field. I've occasionally nudged Sparky toward it too, but I think he's just heard too many stories from me.

5) Stephen Bishop attended Will C. Crawford High School in San Diego. This school requires students complete 20 hours of community service every year. Tell us about an organization, cause or campaign you volunteered for, either as a student or an adult.

I have worked with Habitat for Humanity, several urban renewal organizations (in several cities) and PDA. There's also P.E.O. and I guess I should include YouthWorks. Does my library count? lol

6) In 1977, when this song was popular, Seattle Slew won racing's Triple Crown. Sam's mother has always been afraid of horses. Is there an animal you're uncomfortable with?

I am a bit in awe of horses simply because they're so much bigger than me and have simply enormous teeth. I'm not afraid of them, just wary. And also bulls. I have no desire to piss off anything with horns.

7) Also in 1977, moviegoers waited in line for hours to see Star Wars. What's the longest line you waited in recently?

I was at the local SSA office yesterday. I gave up; those around me had been waiting over an hour and I was on my lunch break at work. Not a real line, just a room full of soullessness.

8) The mini-series Roots first aired in 1977. Today Americans are spending more time and money than ever to research ancestry. How far back can you trace your family tree?

My mom got back to the 18th century on her side. My dad always joked that we shouldn't look too close at his side for fear of finding horse thieves or murderers.

9) Random question: It's often said that nobody's perfect. How about you? What quality keeps you from being perfect?

Laziness kind of sums it up. It's the root of all the evil in my life.

I can't tell you how hearing this song took me right back to junior high! So weird...

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Tea and Q&A

1. What is your middle name and what is a middle name you'd rather have instead? Why?

My middle name is biblical. It's fine, old-fashioned (obviously) but not horrible or weird. It's a little hard to say with my first name--too many repetitive sounds. The only name I'd change it for is my mom's middle name, which was Josephine.

2. How would you spend $1MM (you have to spend every penny!)

I'd pay off the mortgage. I'd pay Beast's bill at the nursing home for the next few years. I'd buy Sparky and me new cars. And I'd hire someone to come over EVERY DAMN DAY to help me sort through the shit in my house.

3. Yellow light - speed up or slow down??

I usually slow down. This is the only thing I got dinged on in my one-and-only road test; I sped up on a "stale green light."

4. What was the last movie you saw and what did you like/dislike about it?

The last movie I saw was the latest Star Wars thing. I'd like to go see Black Panther in the theater one of these days, soon.

5. If a movie was made about you, who would portray you in that movie?

I'd love Sandra Bullock to portray me. But Julia Roberts ' laugh is closer to mine.

6. What is the strangest thing you've eaten and what did it taste like?

There are some things I ate in foreign countries that I didn't inquire all that deeply about.

7. What color is your bathroom?

Builder white. At least the master bath is. The others have been painted; the other full bath is pale yellow, I think, and the powder room is pale green.

8. If you could vacation anywhere in the world RIGHT NOW, where would it be and why?

Somewhere warm. Greece? The Caribbean? I'm not all that fussy.

9. What is your least favorite thing to cook?

Anything complicated and fussy.

10. What is the dish you make that your family rolls their eyes at?

I have an absolutely AWFUL time with chicken; it virtually never gets cooked through the first time out of the oven.

11. What are three things on your bucket list?

I don't have a bucket list. I'd like to travel across the whole US in an RV, and I'd like to live in England for an extended period of time, and I'd like to have grandchildren someday.

12. How many skeins of yarn do you think you are currently hoarding?

Good yarn? None. I probably have about 3 skeins of dirt-cheap yarn around somewhere though.

13. Today is my birthday. What virtual gift are you going to give me?

The gift of my absence.

14. What is your favorite candy?

Twizzlers, Smarties, Skittles....not so much chocolate.

15. What is your favorite time of the day and why?

I love early mornings on days I don't have a shit-ton of work to do.

16. If you could call in sick for a day, what would you do with the time?

Sleep. Fill out forms. Visit Beast. Catch up.

17. How much did your last crafting run cost you?

Less than $15. My "crafting" is embroidery, so I just got a couple of floss packs.

18. Can you play a musical instrument and if so, which one?

I can figure out the tune on a piano with sheet music. I used to be able to play flute. And I play bells at church once in awhile.

19. What is your least favorite craft that you still do? Why?

If I'm not enjoying it, why the hell would I do it?

20. If you could have any job for just one day, what would it be and what would you do?

I'd love to be Queen of the World for one day and fire about 80% of the politicians in the world.

From Smellyann

1. What is more difficult for you, looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when they are telling you how they feel.

I find it hard to look in people's eyes, period. It's just disturbing, unless I know you really really well, and I'm struggling to hear your voice.

2. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. WHY were you angry? Do you still feel the same way?

I almost drove off the road in October when my sister said ... some things. I briefly lost my vision at 70 mph I was so gobsmacked. And yes, I'm still fucking pissed off at her.

3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You have enough time to make one phone call. Who do you call? What do you tell them?

I'm calling Sparky. Beast no longer has access to a phone he can answer. And I'd apologize for dumping everything onto Sparky, still in a state of flux and confusion.

4. You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? What do you do with your remaining days? Would you be afraid?

I would tell Sparky. I would probably tell my boss. And perhaps a couple of other people. And I'd bust my ass to get All The Things done so Sparky can figure it out without me.

5. You can have one of the following two things. Which do you choose? Why? Love and Trust.

Trust, because it's hard when you've gotten screwed to trust again.

6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you that if you are late just one more time you are fired. Do you take the time to save the dog’s life? Why? Why not?

I'm saving the dog's life. Fuck my boss if he can't figure out priorities like this. HOWEVER: I would never get to the point of being on that thin of a line at work, either. Responsibility is important.

7. Would you rather be hurt by the one you trust the most or the one you love the most?

Well, I've been destroyed by both. I think I'd rather have broken trust overall, but it's a pretty tight race and I'd rather not do either.

8. Your best friend confesses that he/she has feelings for you more than just friendship. He/she is falling in love with you. What do you (or did you) say?

"Forget it. I'm a mess right now and in no position to deal with more bullshit. Back off!" and then I'd disentangle myself from them because they aren't a good friend if they're fucking me up right now with this.

9. Think of the last person you know who died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour more of life back, but you have to give up one year of yours. Do you do it? Why? Or Why not?

Nope. Because I deserve my time and the person I'm thinking off is probably better off now.

10. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?

Maybe. I hope so. I try, but often fail, to be the friend I'd want to have.

11. Does love = sex?

Not usually.

12. Your boss tells your co-worker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your co-worker has a family to support and no other means of income. Do you go to your boss and offer to leave the company? Why or Why not.

Nope. I too have a family to support and no other means of income.

13. When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt regardless of how difficult it was for you to say? What did you have to tell the person?

I don't pussy-foot around anymore. I tell people the truth, at least as much of it as I think they can deal with. I had to have the discussion with Beast today about why I'm not bringing him home. This comes up at least weekly. He was really angry and frustrated with me when I left tonight. My brother-in-law last week asked me quietly if he should hide any empty booze containers he found so Sparky wouldn't see them; no, there'll be none of that in this house! Never, ever again!

14. What would be (or what was) harder for you to tell a member of the opposite/same sex – you love them or that you do not love them back.

It's hard to tell someone that my feelings don't seem to be the same level of intensity as theirs, whichever direction. I find it shatteringly hard to say, "I don't really like you 'that way', sorry." But it's also painful to bust out with an "I Love You" and get slammed, but I guess I'd still rather do that. Most people are nice and don't make it into a worse situation than it absolutely has to be.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Jump (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) David Lee Roth does a lot of jumping in this video. He credits his flashy moves to his study with marital artist Benny Urquidez. Have you ever tried karate, judo, or jiu-jitzu?

No, but I've been considering finding a tai ch'i class.

2) Dave claims to be fluent in Spanish. Say something "en español."

Entonces, David, si realmente hablas español, ¿Por qué eres tan necio?

3) Dave appeared as himself in an episode of The Sopranos, playing poker with Tony Soprano. Are you a good poker player?

I'm better than you'd expect.

4) Though known for his prowess on the guitar, Eddie Van Halen wrote the opening of this song at the keyboard when he was still new to the synthesizer. When do you recently venture outside your comfort zone? Was it a success?

Every damned day lately. I'm just trying to keep my balance at this point. At least no drunks hugged and kissed me this week at work....

5) Eddie's older brother Alex is the Van Halen drummer and his son, Wolfie, began touring with the band in 2007. Have you ever worked with a family member?

I used to work for my dad once in awhile. I went to work once with Mom and answered phones when most of the office couldn't get to work and they were closed.

6) Van Halen's first man[a]ger was Marshall Berle. Mr. Berle's uncle was Milton Berle. Does the name Milton Berle mean anything to you?

Mostly because of Happy Days and watching talk shows when I was a wee tot.

7) In 1984, when this song was popular, AT&T/Bell Telephone was broken up into 24 separate companies. Today, who is your phone provider?

My cell is Sprint; my landline is Frontier Communications.

8) Also in 1984, Michael Jackson was severely burned while filming a Pepsi commercial. Would we find any Pepsi in your kitchen right now?

Actually, no. Aldi's only sells Coke products. Beast normally only drinks diet Pepsi, but I haven't bought any specifically and on purpose since September.

9) Random question: Have you ever been so angry that you kicked or hit an inanimate object?

Well, yeah. I stopped that when it hurt my toes and did nothing to the inanimate object. Now I just hang my head down and cry; it's about as useful and less painful. Usually.

*This song was, for a few weeks, the 7:00 a.m. wakeup song when I was in college. It never failed to get me AND my roommate moving if only to fling the clock radio across the room to shut it off! 😁

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Turn Me Loose (1959)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Fabian sings he has change in his pocket. Every evening, Sam puts her change in the piggy bank on her kitchen counter. Do you do anything special with your coins? Or do they just jingle/jangle in your wallet or pocket until you spend them?

Pennies either go in my cup-holder in the car or into a penny jar by the register if there is one. Everything else just lives in my wallet till it's spent.

2) Fabian got his start because his neighbor in Philadelphia owned a record label and thought 14-year-old Fabian had the looks to be a teen idol. Tell us about a time recently when you were in the right place at the right time.

The last few weeks have seen that happen a few times, though not necessarily ME being in the right place. Certain others have been though.

3) His record label paid Fabian $30 week to study singing after school. What jobs/chores did you have when you were in high school? Did they prepare you for your eventual career?

I worked for about a year and a half at my local public library shelving books, and since you can still occasionally find me shelving books in a library, I'd say it totally did prepare me. Chores? Nothing much, just keeping out of trouble.

4) In 1959 he appeared on the cover of now-defunct magazines like Teen Screen and Dig. Who and what did you read about when you were a teenager?

I read Tiger Beat and Teen Beat. Still have a ton of those photos in a scrapbook too!

5) In the 1960s he moved from singing to acting. In 1965 he appeared in Ten Little Indians, a screen adaptation of an Agatha Christie mystery. Have you ever read an Agatha Christie book?

I'm pretty sure I've read ALL of her books, most of them more than once.

6) In 1973, in an attempt to jumpstart his career, he appeared nude in Playgirl magazine. By the time it hit the newsstands, he regretted it. Tell us about a time you were very embarrassed.

I think I gave up embarrassment for Lent a decade or so back.

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear -- if any -- do you have on right now?

Naked feet, naked feet! :) And my toesies are a little chilly, but I'm not a big fan of sox. And I'm wearing roll-up trousers that aren't rolled up on my legs.

8) 1959 also saw the premiere of The Twilight Zone on CBS. 58 years later, you can still see the show in reruns. Are you a fan?

I mean, I'll watch it if it's on, but I don't seek it out.

9) Random Question: While we're talking about TV ... Sam finds it disturbing that her brother claims he's seen every episode of Bad Blood, a show devoted to family members who have murdered their relatives. Do you enjoy "true crime" reality shows?

I like some of them. Some of them I like despite the wooden voice-overs and bad acting, but some of them are good. This one sounds a little exploitative.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
What Ails ‘Ya

1. How do you treat a bad case of the Mondays?

   If it's really bad, I stay home in bed. Otherwise, I just suck it up and get on with things.

2. How do you fight off a case of the blahs?

   Recurring theme here: I sleep. This is, of course, the worst case scenario. If it's just a minor blah, I'll listen to music, read something, distract myself till I feel better.

3. How do you deal with a bad hair day?

   Pin it up, pull it off my face with pins and so forth, and forget about it. It's been my look for most of the summer, to be honest.

4. What’s your strategy for FOMO?

   I have, over the last 3-4 years, learned to sit still, bite my tongue and stay out of other people's piles of drama. I don't always succeed in suppressing the FOMO, but I'm much better at it than I ever used to be.

5. How prone are you to Instagram envy?

   Not at all. I don't even have an account. I'm too old for this shit. ;-)

I Don’t Get It Either
Questions inspired by stuff I don’t get.

1. Twitch is an enormously popular livestreaming platform mostly for watching people play video games. It has more than 1.5 million broadcasters and more than one million visitors per month, and Amazon acquired it for nearly a billion dollars in 2014. Which of your computer activities would you livestream if there were a way to make some money doing it?

   None of them. I just don't see the attraction of watching other people do stuff. Maybe it's because a large part of my job is watching people (and helping them) figure out stuff online every day. Watching that on my free time sounds tedious. I know it's me, because my son has a YouTube channel on which he uploads himself and a friend playing various video games and talking. It's a giant yawn for me. I also have a coworker who uses Twitch this same way with games. I don't get it. Not at all.

2. EDM (electronic dance music) is usually performed by DJs on stage in front of audiences, playing tracks they’ve mixed, right off their laptops. If you were a push-button DJ playing your tunes in a club, what would be your opening and closing songs, assuming everyone’s there because they’re into whatever sounds you’re into?

   I used to DJ at my college's radio station. Nothing like this, of course--we were not mixing our own songs because laptops didn't exist (as such) then, but I would think based on that experience that opening and closing with the same thing all the time would be really boring. Then again, I haven't been to a dance club in over 25 years...so what do I know? (I do like listening to EDM though--it's good, mindless stuff to motivate me when I need to get through a particularly dull task.)

3. What’s a good Adele song, and why is Adele so popular?

   I have tried to understand the Adele Phenomenon. Her voice is very good, but not The Best Ever. Her Estuary accent is grating and awful, plus hard to understand for most Americans. I think it's because her voice is perfect for heartbreak songs, and she does a great job at selling them. I can't recommend just one song; pretty much everything knocks you on your ass when you hear it the first time.

4. The Walking Dead?

   I have no idea. Zombies are not interesting to me in the least, except as an occasional plot device. There's some subtext about "why zombies, why now" that sounds very similar to last decade's "why vampires, why now" and all the faddish stuff before that. It'll pass. I hope, soon. Zombies are boring.

5. Every generation seems to arrive at a “They don’t write ’em like that anymore” attitude. Why does it seem like most middle-aged people lose interest in new music?

   Because we do not have the time nor the intense friendships that are required for wanting to be sure we are keeping up with all the pop culture bullshit. Once you have a full-time job (or multiple jobs), kids, sick parents, a late mortgage/rent payment, and IBS, the concept of knowing the favorite condiment of every member of [Insert Pop Band Name Here] becomes a little less "necessary" to know. I mean, it's still perfectly fine to know that stuff--or all the character's names and astrological signs on Doctor Who or Game of Thrones--but not everyone you meet needs proof that you're cool when you're 30+. Because, chances are, you are very much NOT, not to the actual Cool People.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Start Me Up (1981)
... because Kwizgiver recommended The Rolling Stones
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) That's a goat wearing a high heel [on the cover]. What's on your feet as you answer these questions?

Skin. Nails. Nail polish. Calluses. I'm not even doing a toe ring this summer!

2) More fashion: In the video for this song, Mick is wearing white pants with an elastic waistband. Are you wearing a belt as you answer these questions?

Nope, I'm rocking the elastic waistband myself, in shorts.

3) In this song, Mick pleads, "Don't make a grown man cry." When is the last time you shed a tear?

This week. One of my favorite patrons got himself arrested Wednesday; he's still in the county hoosegow as I write this. :'(  He's the same (approx) age as my son, and his nickname among staff is Lucky Charms--he's adorable and leprechaun-looking, and obviously comes from a giant train-wreck of a family... sigh.

4) Keith Richard has said this is a song he could play "forever and ever." What in your life doesn't get old, no matter how often you do it?

Listening to baby giggles (or, really, any giggles) and good food are the two things that came to mind first.

5) While The Rolling Stones enjoy performing songs, like this one, from Tattoo You, Mick Jagger has dismissed the songs from their 1967 album Their Satanic Majesties Request as "rubbish." Do you have a favorite Rolling Stones song?

I really can't stand the Rolling Stones, but I do like "Honky Tonk Women," though mostly because it doesn't sound like them.

6) This recording of "Start Me Up" features a cowbell. Do you remember which Saturday Night Live host made, "More cowbell!" a catchphrase?

Yes I do. And I remember the skit all too well. I'm not a huge fan of Will, but he has his moments.

7) Bassist Bill Wyman once said he thought he should have been a archivist because he loved to make lists. Do you have a to-do list?

I've stopped writing them down because the list is so freakin' long it depresses me. Today's (mental) list includes figuring out where all of us (two nephews, a niece and her family, Beast, me, the nephews' dad and maybe Sparky) are meeting for brunch tomorrow, doing a trip to Aldi's/Walgreens/post office today for various things (they're all in the same general area in town), and finishing laundry. Guess I should consider making dinner too... and putting away the dishes in the dishwasher. Somehow, I suspect Bill's lists are far more interesting than mine.

8) Mick finds it hard to stand still when he sings, not only on stage but also in the studio. The engineer for this song reports that Mick would have to run across the room to get back to the microphone for his vocal. Are you more fidgety, or still?

This explains why Mick weighs 38 lbs. in this video, and probably IRL today. I'm generally a sit-still person. All those admonitions from my mom to be so have sunk in.

9) Random question: Do you believe men are inherently more sensible than women?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha..... No. And for sure not in my gene pool. The men in my family--those with whom I share a bloodline--are ALL very much goofballs.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Joker (1973)
because Stacy recommended it.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Steve Miller claims he's a picker, grinner, sinner, lover, smoker and joker. Do any of those six words describe you?

We're all sinners. I'm often grinning and joking I don't smoke, or pick. I guess I'm a lover, though.

2) He maintains he's still a midnight toker. When's the last time you got high?

If you include booze in the mood-altering things, then last October.

3) The lyrics include a reference to peaches. Name your favorite fruit.

I do like fresh-off-the-tree peaches. Not grocery store peaches--yuck. I guess my overall favorite is apples. Also best right-off-the-branch, but they're OK from the store, at least until spring.

4) This song had a big impact on the character of Joey on Friends, who had an imaginary friend named Maurice with the occupation of space cowboy. Did you ever have an imaginary friend?

Yup. I think ALL imaginary friends are space cowboys! However, mine was pretty much gone by 1973....

5) Steve Miller is the pride of Milwaukee, WI. What else is Milwaukee famous for?

Miller Beer. A stupid sheriff right now. The guys who made the Airplane movies. That's three. I could dig up another couple of dozen off the top of my head if you'd like?

6) Steve Miller considers himself a serious blues guitarist. When did you last feel like singing the blues?

Damn, it's a daily thing. White-person blues.

7) In 1973, when this song was popular, you could buy a portable 8-track tape player for $44.50. On what device do you listen to music most often?

I mostly listen to Spotify, then probably Sirius XM (in the car). My car CD player needs work--it plays but there's a weird echo effect in music that's really distracting.

8) A Curious George book packaged with a Curious George plush toy was a big seller at Christmas 1973. Tell us about a toy -- either given or received -- that brightened a holiday or birthday for you.

We gave Sparky a Pillow Pet his freshman year in college for Christmas. It was adorable how much he adored that thing during college...which is about how long it lasted too.

9) M*A*S*H was one of TV's top-rated shows in 1973. Who is your favorite M*A*S*H character?

This is a hard question. It depends on the day: some days are just Klinger days, some days are Radar days. Hot Lips had some really good traits. Both of the colonels were wonderful in their own ways. Hawkeye, of course. I can't say I ever found Frank or Charles very appealing, and Trapper never connected with me. I did like BJ a lot. My absolute favorite "visiting" character was Sidney Freeman, though.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK--part 2

26 - Did you have an accident last year?

What sort of accident? I have not been involved in any vehicular accidents, but I've screwed up quite a few things in the past 12 months.

27 - Do you have any famous relatives?

There's a cousin of some kind who used to be a news anchor in Cleveland. ... So, no, not really. ;-)

28 - Did you ever had a kiss under the moonlight?

While I can't think of a specific time, I'm sure in 30 years of marriage (and three years of dating) we've kissed outside at night at least once.

29 - Have you ever been jealous?

Is the sky blue? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course I've been jealous!

30 - How can you prove your love to someone?

Depends entirely upon the person, I suppose, but there's a component of dependability involved. For me, anyway.

31 - What are you thinking right now?

"Why is my stomach SO growly tonight?!"

32 - Have you ever sacrificed something important to you for someone you love?

Head-desk. OF COURSE I HAVE!

33 - Can you live without internet?

I can, but it wouldn't be fun for the first few days.

34 - Have you been so emotional that you can’t find words to explain how you feel?

This is an almost-daily occurrence. I seem to be moving backwards in the vocabulary department.

35 - Did you ever badmouth someone?

hah, this week? Ya think?

36 - What do you prefer, jeans or skirt?

Jeans. I'm completely over skirts. Especially as part of Pantsuit Nation, I'm kinda unlikely to ever wear a skirt or dress again.

37 - Do you have trust issues?

Nope. Well, unless you mean, am I entirely too gullible?

38 - What's something that you made all on your own and are incredibly proud of?

My career. Somehow. OK, I had help from loads of people, but I suspect this would be true of most everything I've accomplished in life.

39 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”?

Beast.

40 - Who was the last person you hugged?

J.T., who came with me today to see Beast on visitation day.

41 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”?

Up to a point. I mean, we are responsible for making sure things happen as they are supposed to, and for keeping things that shouldn't happen from happening.

42 - Do people praise you for your looks?

People rarely notice me except as part of the furniture these days. Which is just fine by me. The things I can eavesdrop on because people don't think I'm there....!

43 - Do you believe in destiny?

No. I really can't even say that word without hearing George McFly proclaiming, "You Are My Density!"

44 - Have you ever thought “I already found my soulmate”?

I don't really believe in soulmates either. Essentially, I don't do much magical thinking.

45 - Do you like nicknames that are from your name?

There really isn't much you can do to shorten my name. And that, my friends, is the reason all of my siblings and I have the names we have. My parents were not into the nickname thing at all!

46 - Could you ever be a vegan?

No way. I like meat too much!

47 - Do you currently have bruises on your body?

I'm sure I do. Where? I'll try to let you know when I discover them. I run into things ALL . THE . TIME.

48 - What should you be doing right now?

Paying bills. Going to bed.

49 - I read in a magazine that shoulder pads are coming back. Are you happy to hear this or do you not find them to be very attractive?

Heh. I don't really care. They're kind of a pain, to be honest, but I like them in jackets sometimes.

50 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough?

I gave this up for Lent this year.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK

1 - Who was the last person you texted?

I responded to a (small) group Facebook PM this morning; this and my phone messaging are now linked so it's ridiculously easy to text the wrong person by accident from my phone now! However, this one was legit. My reply: "I'll defer to Leslie on this , but I will campaign for you guys too. And as long as it's not on a Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll totally be there." This in response to an out-of-state friend whose husband has just written a book and is looking to do a bookstore visit at our local indie to publicize it. I know the owner. And "Leslie" works there.

2 - When is your birthday?

In 6 days.

3 - Who do you want to be with right now?

No one. I will have the house to myself for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow for the first time in MONTHS! I can't wait!

4 - What sports do you play?

I don't.

5 - Who is the first person in your blogroll?

"First"? It's alphabetized, and I can't even remember who got added when. A couple of those listed are mine, so I guess those would be the oldest.

6 - What is your favorite song at the moment?

I woke up with P!nk's "OMG" on repeat play in my head this morning. While I did hear it (in headphones) at work this week, it isn't the song one would expect me to be humming, not of late. Disclaimer: do NOT click on that link if you are in a PG-rated location!!

7 - If you were stranded on an island, who do you wish to be with?

MacGyver, preferably the old one, not the current one. But he doesn't need to RUSH getting us rescued, just that he's able to do it eventually.

8 - What do you feel right now?

The of-late ever-present sinus headache. Slightly chilly feet (it's 64 degrees and the front door is open ON NOVEMBER 6!! Crazy weather!). And the laptop keys. Because yes I am that literal.

9 - What chocolate is your favorite?

Cadbury. Which is now owned by Kraft, so it's going to get crappy. After that, I'll be heading to Germany for my choco fix.

10 - How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have?

Cue massive increase in headache pain. Jeez, I'm nearly 53; when will this question just stop!?

11 - Why did you create a blog account?

Because I'm a huge copycat and all the Kool Kids were doing it!

12 - Who is your favorite blogger?

Amy. I never know what I'm going to get when she posts, but it's always ALWAYS interesting.

13 - Where do you want to be right now?

As always, I would love to be in the Colorado mountains somewhere in a cabin with a very comfy bed, snuggling in for a mid-afternoon nap next to a cuddly puppy.

14 - What do you want to be in the future?

Alive. One of the kids in Sunday School today said that her plan for adulthood is to "live until [she] die[s]." I call that a pretty good life plan.

15 - When was the last time you cried? Why?

Friday at my meeting because I was having a mini-pity-party for myself.

16 - Are you happy?

Driving home from Sparky's yesterday, I found myself thinking that life is Pretty Damn Good right now (then): between the weather, the beautiful skies and trees, Beast snoring next to me in the passenger seat, knowing Sparky's doing all right, on a good road with sensible drivers, the smell of burning leaves around us......

17 - Who do you miss?

This weekend, it's my dad. Yesterday would have been his 97th birthday. He died when he was (just barely) 75. I miss him.

18 - If you were given a chance, would you like to have a different life?

There've been a lot of books of late that talk about being reborn in the same body over and over and what you could change and what you would change once you know what those changes do to the rest of your life. I'd love to do that. Except for having to suffer the loss of good people over and over again....

19 - What was the best thing you were given?

Overall, it has to be a stock of strength: physical, emotional, spiritual.

20 - Who was the last person who called you?

Looks like the last incoming call was a reminder on Wednesday about an appointment on Thursday.

21 - What is your favorite dish?

I'm making homemade mac n cheese tonight with hot dogs for Beast as a bye-bye meal. It is my favorite, hands down, too. My favorite LITERAL dish is perhaps the one I make that meal in. :-)

22 - Who is your best friend?

I have a lot of superb friends, and I feel blessed for every one of them and for every single thing I receive from them not to mention the minimal things I'm able to do for them.

23 - What is your biggest regret?

How much I've let fear rule my decisions.

24 - Have you ever avoided your partner?

Well of course!

25 - Who do you spend crazy moments with?

Anyone willing to put up with me!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Wish List Meme, part two

26.) Favorite kids name?

Right outta the gate I go pedantic: the name of my favorite kid? or my favorite name for a person (all of whom start as children)? Where's the apostrophe supposed to be???
So, my favorite name is Josephine.
My favorite kid is (naturally) Sparky, although he's 23 so I'm stretching a bit. If I exclude "former kids" and only go with current ones....seriously this is hard. There are a lot of contenders in my life. I think I have to go with my coworker's son Ian, or maybe play family-favorites and go with my great-nephew J. I've always connected to Ian's thought processes and general persona; J. is just a tough little kid, and while I'm terribly glad I'm not his mom, he totally has my heart because he's a miracle baby with serious spunk.

27.) Do you speak any other languages?

I can make myself understood in Spanish, given a forgiving Spanish-speaker with whom to deal. I can speak some pidgin Italian and Greek, and I used to have some pidgin Russian too. I can read some French and German.

28.) Do you use Twitter?

Not very often.

29.) Do you go onto YouTube?

I watch videos that others tell me about. I don't watch "shows."

30.) Do you play Angry Birds?

Nope.

31.) Do you like Angry Birds?

Well, I don't hate them or anything, but I never really understood the attraction of the whole thing.

32.) Do you like Hello Kitty?

Not particularly, but again, it's not as if I hate them.

33.) Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

All the damn time!

34.) Who would you like to see in concert?

Do I have to be in the crowd, or can I be in a box? If there's a box available, I'd see almost anyone. Bleacher seats? Nope; I'll stay home.

35.) Can you swim well?

I have come to hate this fucking question. No, goddammit, I can't swim at all!! Stop bloody ASKING!

36.) Ever won a contest?

Yup.

37.) Ever won a giveaway?

Yup. I have a couple of books on the way from GoodReads right now, in fact.

38.) Do you get a full 8 hours of sleep every night?

Only if I stayed in bed for 12 hours would that happen lately. My recent pattern is sleep for an hour, wake up and read for awhile, sleep for another hour or two, wake up and read for awhile, sleep the rest of the night (or repeat the earlier pattern once more at 4). It's ridiculous.

39.) What tea do you like?

Hot, strong, black tea.

40.) What coffee do you like?

I don't like coffee. Blech.

41.) Do you shop at Walmart?

Not very often, not if I have other options.

42.) Do you shop at Target?

I love Target, but there isn't one near us anymore.

43.) What do you order at Second Cup?

Looks like it's a Italian soda for me. However, I don't think we have any nearby; the website is a bit borked right now so I can't tell for sure.

44.)

...is missing

45.) Do you like homemade meals?

Yup. Well, I mean, I like food, and homemade is fine.

46.) Do you like homemade baked goods?

Helz yeah!

47.) Do you shop online?

I do.

48.) Name 3 stores online stores you would like to shop at:

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and my local indie bookstore.

49.) What holiday don't you like?

I'm not a huge fan of July 4th just because everyone around here goes completely bonkers and buys scads of fireworkswhich are illegal in this state!! For good reason: people are dumb.

50.) What do you eat more of when you're sick?

Soup.

From Amy

(This Amy)

What is more difficult for you, looking into someone's eyes when you are telling them how you feel, or looking into someone's eyes when they are telling you how they feel?

In general I prefer to look at people when THEY are talking. I'm easily distracted by facial tics and nonverbals and I'd never finish what I need to say if I looked at the reaction while I was saying it.

Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. WHY were you angry? Do you still feel the same way?

I really haven't been ANGRY for awhile. That's amazing to say! I spent much of 2014 and 2015 in a whirl of furious defensiveness and paranoia. I think the last time I really lost my shit at all was when someone at work got all condescending at me. It's the same person who always does that when put on the spot; I should know better than to rise to the bait after 20 years. However, to my credit, instead of stomping around and being childish, I simply said, "Please don't use that tone with me." She told me to "just go home." So I did.

You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You have enough time to make ONE phone call. Who do you call? What do you tell them?

Are you kidding? In stressful moments, I can barely get my phone logged in, much less actually use it as a phone! By the time I get my brain sorted to do this, I'd be a crispy critter already. But thanks for that great thought as I prepare for an 8-hour flight on Monday...

You are at the doctor’s office and he has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? What do you do with your remaining days? Would you be afraid?

If it's going to mean a noticeable decline over that month, I'd have to tell people: Beast, Sparky, work. If it meant dropping dead suddenly I'd probably make sure my insurance was paid up, my will and burial wishes were clear and findable, and then get on a plane to someplace lovely.

You can have one of the following two things. Which do you choose? Why? - Love and Trust.

I don't think you can have either without the other. It's a little symbiotic. However, since I've actually been thinking about what trust means in my life lately, I'll take the love, as in GIVING it to others. I guess I'd rather receive trust.

You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late even once more, you are fired. Do you take the time to save the dog's life? Why or why not?

Weirdly, I just heard about something like this scenario being put to the test at a seminary, and most everyone failed. Massively. So while I say I'd stop and do something for the dog, I am realistic enough to know that I probably wouldn't. That's assuming I even noticed the situation in the first place!

Would you rather be hurt by the one you trust the most or the one you love the most?

I'd really rather not be hurt, honestly. Having been hurt regularly and most often by someone I thought I could trust, whom I also love, I will say that the failure in trust is a difficult blow. I know he still loves me.

Your best friend confesses that he/she has feelings for you, more than just friendship. He/she is falling in love with you. What do you (or did you) do/say?

I'd ask for a chance to think and then I'd shut up so I didn't say anything hurtful. This does mean different things depending on which friend we're talking about. Frankly, for most of my besties, it would be odd after this many years to find that out.

Think of the last person who you know that died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour of life back, but you have to give up one year of yours. Do you do it? Why or why not?

The last person I know who died didn't necessarily deserve an hour of extra time.... The last person that I love who died would kill me for doing something like this, so I'd be sacrificing a lot more (I hope) than a year!

Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?

If this question was reworded to read "Am I a good friend to myself?" I would say that generally yes and improving.

Does love = sex?

Absolutely not! Some love sometimes includes some kind of sexual component, but most love a lot of the time has zero to do with sex.

Your boss tells your coworker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your coworker has a family to support and no other means of income. Do you go to your boss and offer to leave the company? Why or why not?

Nope. Because I like my job and the newest employee at my workplace couldn't do what I do, so that would be a ridiculous thing to do.

When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt regardless of how difficult it was for you to say? Who was it? What did you have to tell the person?

I am not exactly shy about this. And I'm learning to be much more up front, but less confrontational, about this kind of thing. Better to get it dealt with now that wait for it to fester.

What would be (or what was) harder for you to tell a member of the opposite sex, you love them or that you do not love them back?

I really struggled to say "I love you" when I was younger because my family doesn't haul that one out and use it very often. On the other hand, I seem to have had no problem being mean; my family is better at that...?

What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up? Why would it be hard to lose?

My independence.

Excluding romantic love, when was the last time you told someone you loved them. Who were they to you?

I think I texted a friend this yesterday. She had some family stuff going on, and she is just a kind person and she says it all the time too.

If there was one moment and one time in the last month what would you change and why?

Whatever one moment I choose, I'm virtually certain it would involve shutting up this time around.

Imagine it is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside, you hear someone walking around outside your window. WHO do you wish was there with you?

The police. Whom I would have already called.

Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying? Why or why not?

Of course. Because being homeless doesn't preclude someone's right to have a life.

You are holding onto your grandmother’s hand and the hand of a newborn that you do not know as they hang over the edge of a cliff. You have to let one go to save the other. Who do you let fall to their death? What was your rationale for making the decision?

My grandmother has been dead longer than the author has been alive. Save the baby.

Are you old fashioned?

Yes. Except in terms of gender roles. Unless that could be interpreted as Ancient Fashioned.

When was the last time you were nice to someone and did NOT expect anything in return for it?

At work. Every damned day. I expect very very little from my public service interactions, so every time someone doesn't yell at me or talk nonsense to me or otherwise act weird, I'm very grateful.

Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a broken heart, or never loved at all? Why?

I'll always go for love. Why would you only get one chance at love? We have multiple chances for love every fucking day!

If you could do anything or wish anything, what would it be?

I would really love for people to CALM THE FUCK DOWN and stop taking everything so damned personally. The world does not revolve around any single one of us. Get real and get over it.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Gal's Meme, Part Two

What did your last text message say?

• The last actual text was "Surgery will be in October at the soonest. He needs to find a [doctor] that will perform the [surgery] so it can be all in one surgery. Ugh." That was Thursday at 4 p.m. from a buddy of mine whose warranty has expired--everything is breaking!
• Last PM (Facebook) I got was "We have already gotten pounds via travel ex and shipped fed ex plus notified our credit cards!" That was yesterday at 4:22 p.m. from my sister being her usual overachiever self.
• Last Googlechat message was "Am here. Managed to get the ink we need. Getting ready to be wired up." That was from Beast Friday at 7:54 p.m. prior to his sleep study.

Are you someone’s best friend? Tell us about your friendship.

I have a few besties. They're all multi-year relationships built on silliness and shared interests and love and inside jokes and tears. I can't really explain any of the reasons why we clicked because they are all quite different in many ways, but they all share the traits of patience and intelligent and wit.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Work. I have to do some original cataloging of some Spanish and self-published stuff. I need to call our family attorney for anappointment to update our wills. I need to contact my school-district "supervisor" for my volunteer position to find out if she wants me there this week. Maybe I'll dust my desk off too. After work, I have an hour-long massage scheduled. Heaven!!

What do you think of when you think of Australia?

I miss Addy. One of the downsides of getting to know people on the internet is that when they stop posting it's often impossible to figure out what happened. Is he alive? Dead? Back to living on the streets? Healthy? (having now noted that he's still tweeting, I would guess he's alive, but it's not much of a personal nature.... :'(

Last person you talked to on the phone? What about?

My endocrinologist's office called yesterday at 11:35 a.m. and asked for Karen (or something else that is not my name, or anything close to it). Wrong number. Oops.

Any plans today? Do tell.

I just started laundry. I need to clean the guinea pig cage. I should figure out something for dinner. [commence discussion about Beast's meeting time tonight and when we should plan to eat] The bed will need to be remade. I'd like a real nap and some Benadryl (late night babysitting and dealing with cats). Oh, and I was going to look at our Color Bible for ideas about what color to paint Sparky's former bedroom.

What makes you happy?

Reading. Writing. Solving puzzles. Playing with kids. Being grateful for all the good things in my life--and there are many!

What’s your favorite room where you live?

I like most of the rooms in this house. Not the laundry room, or the garage, but the rest are good; I even like some of the storage areas! I guess either my bedroom or the living room is at the top though.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?

Allergies and my psycho niece ramping up for the upcoming family travels.

Last movie you saw? Review, please.

We went and saw the new Star Trek movie last week. It was good, but I'm thoroughly confused about the whole timeline of Abrams' version. I just totally don't get what the hell is going on. But the extension of Scotty's role and the friendship he develops with a new character were really good this time.

If you are jealous of anyone, tell us about it.

Not so much. Jealousy isn't the kind of thing that brings a lot of joy to life, and it burns a lot of energy. I try to stay away from it.

What is the most serious relationship you’ve had?

Well, I've been married for 30 years, so I mean....

Should anyone be jealous of you?

I'm sure they should not waste their time being jealous of anyone at all!

What do you usually do during the work day?

Last week for two days I was mostly trying to stay awake! I literally napped twice on Monday with my chin on my hands at my desk. Usually, it's too loud, busy, and weird to even consider that option. The doldrums of summer are upon us. When I'm not sleeping, I catalog new materials for the collection, keep track of materials people are ordering for the collection, keep stats, do random project work ("killing off" dead people, weeding, updating subject headings, cleaning out my emailbox), make decisions about ordering materials for the section I'm responsible for ... and if I'm in the public area, checking books in and out, answering reference questions, showing people how to print (or how to use a computer mouse), handing out bathroom keys, telling tweeners to settle the fuck down, and generally being amazed at the human condition.

Tell us about someone that you really don’t care for.

This is a very Negative Nelly meme. I'm not going to waste anyone's time talking about someone I don't like. Why bother? Much like jealousy, dwelling on people/things/situations I don't like is just pointless.

Do you use the phrase “Have a good one” daily?

I do, for my sins.

How old do you wish you’d be turning on your next birthday? Why?

I have to say that I wish my body FELT more like 30 than 55! But I'll just go ahead and turn 53 in November because there's no other option. I'm not going to start lying about my age at this point!

Do you still like amusement parks? Tell us about your last trip to one.

Wow, I haven't been to one in over a decade! That's fine. I don't like crowds or lines, which is pretty much what you get at amusement parks. And they're usually hotter than blazes and require endless negotiation with whoever you're there with about what "should" be done next....and expensive.

How did you get one of your scars?

I have to say the defining characteristic of most of my scars is Not Thinking Something Through. Except the surgical scars. Those just are what they are.

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Depends on if your alarm clock wakes me up early! Otherwise, I'm a pretty forgiving sort. ;-)

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Neither Here nor There

1. What’s something you have a love-hate relationship with?

   Sweets. I love 'em. My pancreas, not so much.

2. What’s an issue you’ve teeter-tottered on?

   To be honest, I've waffled on Hillary over the years. She's not my favorite, but she's also not int he bottom 50% of options.

3. What was the topic of your most memorable back-and-forth with someone?

   "Most memorable"? All I can think of right now is politics, because I feel like I'm drowning in them again. I'm just so bloody tired of arguing.

4. In personal and professional relationships, which end of the give-and-take do you seem to do more of?

   Overall, I hope, I think, I'm pretty balanced. Today, it's been all give with one person though.

5. Which of your recent days was the most up-and-down?

   That would totes be the past 24 hours: like 1 p.m. to 1 p.m. or so. Life ... changed. Certainly for the person mentioned in #4. I hope.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Beach Boys' Meme

1. SURFER GIRL : “I have watched you on the shore, standing by the ocean drawer roar, do you love me do you surfer girl.” Were you ever interested in someone (other than a celebrity) who did not return your interest?

Isn't that really pretty much what early adolescence is all about? I had multiple crushes then and in high school--and into college!--on entirely unsuitable guys. It's very girlishly romantic...and pretty pathetic from my perspective now.

2. BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL : “So be true to your school now, just like you would for your girl or guy…” Looking back, how do you feel about your high school days?

I had a blast in high school, when I wasn't having the most miserable time of my life. Academically, I was scaling to the heights. Musically, I was at my peak. Socially, I was getting things figured out. Romantically, I was excluding possibilities maniacally. It was a good time. And it was absolutely awful.

3. FUN FUN FUN : “…and she’ll have fun fun fun till her daddy takes the T-Bird away…” What was the worst punishment you received as a teenager?

I never did much to get in trouble. The worst punishment I remember was lying in bed the night I got in an accident in my mom's car--insert long story--and realizing that my only chance of perhaps not getting destroyed by my parents was confessing before they found the damage in the morning. So I went and stood in their doorway and woke Mom up by saying, "There's something I need to tell you and Dad." "Right now!?" "....yes." So Dad got his hearing aid back on and they came down and heard me out. I had to pay for the replacement body parts that Dad found at the dump and he did all the work (it was pretty much cosmetic, thank God). And I don't remember any yelling or further punishment. Lesson learned: confession is better than discovery.

4. I GET AROUND : “Round round get around, I get around.” Where did you go on your last long trip?

We were in the Southern Caribbean and Puerto Rico in April. In September we're going to a wedding in England. I sound like a freaking jet-setter, but last year's big trip was only about 500 miles from here, and blew up rather spectacularly when Beast ended up in the hospital.

5. HELP ME RHONDA : “You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her off of my mind.” What do you do to cheer up after a personal tragedy such as a lost job, power outage or broken relationship?

Power outage?? Really? We lose power almost weekly every summer. This is not a tragedy. Plus we have a generator now so if things get dire, we just fire it up like the rest of the neighbors.

For real tragedies, my usual mode is without planning, my diet changes. First I stop eating, then I eat everything that isn't nailed down. And I cry, on and on and endlessly. There's usually a layer of anger (and fear) in there too. And my sleep patterns get all fubar.

6. CALIFORNIA GIRLS : “I wish they all could be California girls. The west coast has the sunshine and the girls there get so tan, I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island dolls, by a palm tree in the sand.” Where are the best boys found?

The Midwest. And Italy. :)

7. SLOOP JOHN B : “I wanna go home, please let me go home, ya ya. Well this is the worst trip, I’ve ever been on…” What is the worst trip you’ve ever been on?

Our vacations in the past 12 months have not gone to plan in some pretty bad ways. I'm hoping that string of badness breaks on our trip to England. Because if not, I may be done traveling with Beast.

So, either ending up in the ER waiting room for 7 hours and Beast in the hospital for a couple of nights, or arriving in a new-to-me place and not being able to find Beast either in person or by phone/text/IM for almost 3 hours after my plane touched down. Take your pick.

8. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE : “I guess the more we talk about it, it makes it harder just to live without it, but let’s talk about it…” What is your biggest wish?

I hate to sound like a beauty pageant contestant but ... World Peace. Or at least World Sanity.

9. IN MY ROOM : “There’s a place where I can go and tell my secrets to. In my room. In my room.” What is your favorite thing about your own personal room or space in your home/office?

Sleep. Noodle around on the computer. Read. OK, of the three? Sleep.

10. GOD ONLY KNOWS : “You never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it. God only knows what I feel about you.” When was the last time you told a significant other or close relative that you loved them?

I tell Beast every day. I tell Sparky--especially the last 10 days or so--every time I talk to him (or IM/PM/text). I try to get it out of my mouth with extended family too, but we aren't particularly mushy, so it seems to always sort of shock them when I do say it.

11. GOOD VIBRATIONS : “My baby has good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations…” When do you get good vibrations?

Actually, lately, I've been getting weird nerve things going on in my arms and legs almost daily. Sort of that tingly, tickly, excited/nervous sensation that runs down arms/legs? No clue why. It comes out of nowhere. I'm beginning to wonder if my nervous system is breaking.

In the broader sense, I had a good time at work on Friday. No details, just fun events and silly behavior and everyone meshing together with no bitching.

12. KOKOMO : “We’ll go to Kokomo. We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow. That’s where I wanna go…” What is your favorite warm weather destination?

The mountains. Honestly, I'm not fussed anymore about which mountains, seeing as there are NONE around here, but I crave mountains in the summer: they're cooler, breezier, and nearer the sun.

13. DO IT AGAIN : “Let’s get back together and do it again…” If you could go back in time and gather up your school friends, what would you do again?

Since this can't possibly really happen for several reasons, let's just make it crazy: midday meal at Mr. Gatti's (closed decades ago) and then a field show that we win, then goofing in the hallways with no fear of getting teachers pissed off. In college, it would involve a schlag. :-)

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The King of the Beasts Meme

1. Would you post a picture of you for us?

Probably not. I'm pretty incognito here. Oh, all right. If you insist.

2. Would you date an 18-year-old at the age you are now?

Hell no! Just the mere thought of dealing with 18-year-old...ugh.

3. Do you prefer to work with women or men? Why?

I have spent my career working mostly with women. I often think a superfluity of men might be a nice change.

4. Do you have any opposite sex friends?

Yes I do. I even have an intersex friend. [I'm not a fan of this question]

5. Can you commit to one person?

I've been married for 29 years and 355 days. Any guesses?

6. If you’re married or in a relationship have you ever been tempted to cheat?

Not seriously. Nope.

7. Do you think your life will change dramatically before 2018?

Probably not. Maybe? Who knows, really?

8. If the person you are interested in says they like someone else, what would try to sway them?

I'd be pissed. Forget "sway"--I'd be busy throwing his ass to the curb.

9. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

Better than I used to be, but I also care less than I did when I was younger. Mostly I'm in hiding at work every day all day, and let it all out everywhere else.

11. When was the last time you cried?

This past week, I think? I don't remember. It happens so often it's a bit hard to track.

12. Have you ever fell for someone you didn’t expect to?

Oh, the grammar! Ack. And yes. Bigtime. Quote from me in high school: "I'd never date a football player!!" Hah.

13. What is something you have to do tomorrow?

Get up and go to work. Call Angela to make an appointment to talk about wills. That's two things.

14. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having.

I'm not getting a great deal accomplished. And I feel a little guilty about bailing on a social commitment that starts in half an hour.

15. Have you ever wanted more from one of your best friends of the opposite sex?

....plock

16. Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?

Of course.
...so basically the person who wrote this basically WAS 18, which makes that first question a lot less icky....

17. Who was the last person you talked to before you went to bed last night?

Beast of course.

18. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell everything to?

Yup.

19. When was the last time that you were jealous in a romance situation?

Eons.

20. If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be?

It would have been nice if 1994 hadn't rolled out the way it did. But it did, and I survived somehow.

21. Did you have a good day yesterday? What did you do?

Beast and I spent Friday night in the town where Sparky lives, which is also where we went to college. Yesterday we helped him move The Big Stuff--furniture, bed, TV--out of his old apartment and into his new place. The apartment he's leaving is adorable and cool, but his roommate has been a nightmare. I hadn't visited while he lived there, and OMG the kitchen! OMG OMG OMG. I'm not a clean-freak at all, but eew the smell alone was unreal. His new one smells strongly of smoke, and looks like 1977 never really went away. But he's his own boss now--so maybe the kitchen won't stink when I see him next.

22. If a person you had wished you could have a relationship with for a long time and you suddenly found yourself together alone, what would you be doing right now?

Correcting the wording of this question because it will take that long to figure out....

23. Do you replay things that have happened in your head?

I can be a bit obsessive, yes.

24. Don’t tell me lies, is the last person you texted attractive?

It was Beast, so.

25. Is your life anything like it was two years ago? Is it a good or bad thing?

It's better. Mostly. Not always, not permanently, but overall better.