Friday 5

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Why deny the obvious?

1. What has you feelin’ groovy? 

Not much. It's raining. I bailed on work partway through the last two days (the floor is tilting, like vertigo) and I'm not enjoying much. 

2. Where do you often stop when you are homeward bound?

Most of the time I just want to be at home ASAP. Sometimes I stop at DQ--it's around the corner at work--but otherwise, I'm full-speed to the house.

3. When were you most recently awake far too late in the evening?

I was awakened Weds or Thurs in the wee hours (1:45) by 20 minutes of fireworks popping off--no bangs, just "pop pop pop" for awhile. I was wide awake before they finally stopped. I hate those people so much.

4. Where might you go to hear the sound of silence?

Space. It sounds lovely. [I spent the morning with about 25 children who were mostly fine but there were definitely chaotic moments.]

5. What proves you are still crazy after all these years?

The fact that I still keep going to work after 37 years (minus a couple I spent with Sparky when she was a baby). I'm tiiiiired.

Saturday 9

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Hungry (1966)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Are you eating anything as you respond to these questions?

Nope, though I'm thinking I should go make a bagel or something now that I'm "allowed" to eat post-empty-stomach-pill.

2) Paul Revere and the Raiders performed in Revolutionary garb. Have you ever worked at a job that required you to wear a uniform?

I had a set of polo shirts I wore at a summer job when I was in college that identified me as staff. Otherwise, no. I've made it a habit for several years now to wear nothing but Summer Reading Program T-shirts while the program is going on at work. I've got about a dozen at this point.

3) The "Paul Revere" of Raiders fame was born Paul Revere Dick in Boise, Idaho. What else is Idaho known for?

Well, potatoes, of course. And crazy people with guns living in 'compounds.' And fantastic scenery.

4) The original Paul Revere was a silversmith by trade, known for making church bells. Can you hear church bells from your home?

Nope. No churches with bells (or carillons) within about 6 miles of here. I miss that.

5) In April, 1775, Paul Revere literally rode into history when he galloped into the night, spreading the word that "the British are coming." Name another Revolutionary War-era hero.

We'll go with the lesser-known Ethan Allen. It used to thoroughly confuse me that there's a furniture company named after him. I never understood the connection. Having now wiki'd the company, I've found that the only connection is Vermont.

6) Historians tell us that Revere's famous "midnight ride" actually took place between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. When is your usual bedtime?

I'm usually in bed around 10 and asleep by 11.

7) Earlier this year, officials from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts uncovered a time capsule buried in 1795 by Paul Revere and Gov. Sam Adams. It included coins and newspapers. If you were to bury a time capsule that reflects American life in 2015, what would it include?

Kim K's book, random current technology, newspapers from the past two weeks, perhaps some money, and the Pulitzer winners.

8) Will you attend a fireworks display during the 4th of July weekend?

Nope. We can see 5-6 towns' shows from our backyard--and hear the nearest one (which is visually blocked by trees).

9) What's your preferred way to celebrate Independence Day -- a parade, a picnic, or both?

Pretty much not much. We might cook out. Otherwise...it's just another summer day that we don't have to work (for pay). Yay.

And now I'm eating that bagel.....

Friday 5

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Gung Hee Fat Choy
Where I come from, Chinese New Year is a big deal (although it’s not really part of my inherited culture, and I usually pay it little attention), and the festivities begin tonight. Here are five questions inspired by the occasion.

1. What’s your experience with firecrackers and sparklers?

I'm not a huge fan of personal use. I like fireworks on the 4th of July though.

2. What was the occasion the last time you gave someone money as a gift?

That's my go-to gift for service people at Christmas, so...then.

3. What’s the reddest thing you own?

I don't really do red too often, but I have a red Antique Archaeology shirt similar to this one:



4. What animal represents you in the Chinese zodiac, and what qualities do you have in common with it? (this is just for fun; please don’t take it seriously)

I'm a Rabbit, which means this:

Timid and attractive, the Rabbits of the Chinese Zodiac tend to act more like bunnies, whether they like it or not! This Sign is extremely popular and has a wide circle of family and friends. Its compassionate nature leads it to be very protective of those it holds dear, but where romance is concerned, the Rabbit's sentimentality can lead it to idealize relationships. The sweet, sensitive Rabbit often ends up giving more of itself to a partner than is realistic or healthy. The good news is, when this Sign goes off-balance, the Rabbit's core group of friends and its stable home life help bring it back to center. The Rabbit is a rather delicate Sign that needs a solid base in order to thrive. Lacking close, supportive friends and family, the Rabbit might just break down in tears at the first sign of conflict. Emotional upsets in this Sign's life can even lead to physical illnesses. Rabbits dislike arguments and other conflict and will try anything to avoid a fight; this results in something of a pushover nature. Rabbits can also lapse into pessimism and may seem stuck in life -- often to mask their insecure natures. Rabbits tend to move through life's lessons at their own, rather contemplative pace; it's a waste of time to become exasperated with this Sign's seeming disinterest in facing its problems and conquering them. With the right partner -- meaning someone whose high principles won't allow it to take advantage of this sensitive, giving Sign -- the Rabbit can make an incredibly loving and protective partner or family member. Rabbits love to entertain at home and always make sure their house is comfortable and tastefully-furnished. What Rabbits need most is a stronger sense of self-worth and the security that comes with it. Their discerning natures, coupled with some hard-won assertiveness, will help these happy creatures go far.

5. What’s your favorite order in a Chinese restaurant?

I love Mongolian Beef. And Crab Rangoon.

Sunday Stealing

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The Wackadoo Meme part 2

30.] What brand of batteries do you usually get?

Energizer? I think? However, we go through plenty of Duracells too. It's more a matter of which I see first and which are on sale.

31.] Are any of your friends pregnant or have kids?

I will be 50 years old in a few short months. Some of my friends have grandkids!! One of my nieces will be delivering a little boy this month, and one of my nephews is expecting (technically, yes, it is his wife who is expecting) later this year. My oldest niece has an almost-four-year-old, and another niece has an eight-month-old. There will be loads of second-cousins running around very shortly.

32.] What is in your medicine cabinet?

I have a GIANT cupboard I use for medical stuff because our actual medicine cabinets are too small to be functional. The cabinet in my bathroom has deodorant, perfume, face soap on my shelf, and Beast's shelf has a razor, shaving stuff, and cologne. Sparky's has an old toothbrush, some hair gel, and...maybe something else, I can't remember.

33.] What's your favorite aspect of the natural world?

The mutability of it. It's never the same from minute to minute.

34.] What's your favorite man made thing?

Medical science, followed fairly closely by electronics.

35.] Can you whistle properly?

I can whistle a tune. I can't do the piercing attention-getting whistle, though, more's the pity.

36.] What song do you think is the most widely heard in the world?

"Happy Birthday" has to be up there somewhere near the top.

37.] Where's the strangest place a fast food restaurant was located?

Uhm...in the sense that it is no longer there, or just a strange place for a fast-food place? To be honest, this question has caught me completely off-guard and I can't think of anything at all.

38.] What states surround your state? Or are you not land locked?

There is water on parts of two sides of my state, and it's in the middle of the country. If you're a regular reader, you probably have a general idea of where I am, and that's about as much as I'm willing to share.

39.] Do you own binoculars or monoculars? What do you use them for?

We have binoculars somewhere. I can't use them: they make me nauseous because of my glasses.

40.] Do you ever wish you had a telescope on the roof or attic to stargaze?

Nope. Not my thing, not at all. See above re binoculars.

41.] What's your favorite chocolate bar?

I like Butterfingers and Heath/Skor bars.

42.] Do you fall asleep easy in cars? How about planes, trains and boats?

I do. I can crash for an hour in the passenger seat five minutes into the trip. Aside from the fact that planes don't make it easy to get comfortable, I have no problem sleeping at any time while traveling, which is a lovely gift primarily because it keeps me from getting motion sick.

43.] Would you rather live a year of your life in every major country or stay in the same place you live forever without vacations?

Choice one. I like travel. I'm also becoming massively tired of being here where I live. I have now lived in this area longer than I've lived anywhere else in my life. This makes me incredibly sad.

44.] What will you not tolerate in a person?

I'm generally pretty forgiving, but I don't put up with delusion or meanness.

45.] Do you forgive others easier or yourself? Why is this?

Depends on the 'sin' I"m forgiving. Usually I'm harder on myself, but there are certain people and certain issues that are hard to get past.

46.] How was God made, if [H]e exists?

Admittedly I'm not young, but I was NOT here when God "was made" for cryin' out loud! Ask Him, or Her, why dontcha? And if you get an answer, let me know what it is.

47.] Have you ever done aqua aerobics or polo?

I did water aerobics when I was pregnant.

48.] What age were you when you learned how to swim?

Fifty-plus. As in, it hasn't happened yet.

49.] What shows or characters scared you as a child?

EVERY-damn-thing scared me as a child: Mr Bumble in "Oliver" (the movie and the play), loud noises, people who looked different from my family, darkness, dreams.... Then again, when I was a toddler, there was a lot of justified fear in my family's life.

50.] Do you stay up all night on New Years Eve/Day or go to bed after 12am?

I try to make it till midnight, or I hit the sheets by ten so I'm solidly out of it when the fireworks start around here. If I'm up though, there's no sleeping till closer to 1. Mostly I go to bed early so I can watch the Tournament of Roses parade in the morning.

51.] What's something unusual currently in your fridge?

Leftover garlic chicken--mostly the broccoli bits since Beast didn't want them. I have to take it to the garbage this afternoon. Too old to (safely) eat.

52.] How about your freezer?

I've got a rice-filled sock in there, I think. For muscle aches and pains and injuries.

53.] What could you be doing now that is more productive?

Emptying out the old food, cleaning the guinea pig cage, taking a nap, working on the project "assigned" at today's after-church meeting (Beast and I are splitting it up), reading, tidying my desk....

54.] Give me some lyrics from the song that's stuck in your head?

"Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match/Find me a find, catch me a catch.../...For Papa, make him a scholar/For Mama, make him rich as a king/For me, well, I wouldn't holler if he were as handsome as anything!"

55.] What's your favorite type of firework?

I like the ones that drizzle down like weeping willows.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. Which holiday are you most likely to spend outdoors?

Whichever one is spent at Katherine and Alan's house since they have a shitload of cats. Outside allergies are preferable to cats. Otherwise, Fourth of July and Labor Day are the go-tos for being outside.

2. What's your favorite cookout food?

Homemade potato salad.

3. Which cookout food could you do without? Watermelon. But really, cookouts are so not about the food for me; they're about the people.
4. Which holidays do you think are appropriate to celebrate with fireworks?

Since I've been hearing nonstop fireworks outside my house now for the last half hour, some from about 50 yards away, some from the streets outside our immediate subdivision. I frickin' hate this time of year, and it used to be one of my favorites...before we moved here. It's the major downside of living here.

5. Which holidays do you wish weren't celebrated with fireworks?

All of them! But we get fireworks for everything: sports wins, Thanksgiving, snow days, New Year's Eve/Day, Arbor Day, graduation, weddings, Presidents' Days, record high temperatures, record low temperatures, hunting season...about the only uncelebrated thing is MLK, Jr. Day.
I . Hate . It .

6. Which holiday is the last one for which you threw a party yourself?

Thanksgiving? Does that count?

W.T.F.

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Starting the weekend with a firecracker Friday

1) This weekend most people in the U.S. will be celebrating Independence Day. Have you ever been injured in some way by Fourth of July fireworks?

Nope. I stay away from fireworks (actual and metaphorical) as much as possible.

2) I'm going to buy you a $100 gift card to a restaurant, but there's a catch. It either has to be a fancy restaurant where $100 may not even cover the cost of one entire meal for you and another person or a cheap fast-food restaurant where $100 could provide you food for several weeks. Which would you choose -- the fancy restaurant or the fast-food place?

Probably fast food. I can always get salads there, right? lol

3) Will you be watching any fireworks this Independence Day? Or will you be setting off any of your own?

We can see fireworks from 6 or 7 communities from our backyard. See my answer to question #1 about our own fireworks behavior.

4) If you could take home any animal from the zoo, which would it be and what would you name it?

Uhm, no thanks. There is a reason most of those animals are kept away from humans.

5) If you were made into an action figure, what accessories would be included with you?

A pillow and a laptop.

6) I've noticed that Facebook has totally become my way of keeping tabs on people who are no longer in my life. Have you ever used a social media website to "cyber-stalk" an ex-lover?

A-yup. Unfortunately, most of my exes have really common names so it's pretty hard to stalk them. In fact, my son had a teacher last year who shared the name of an ex. THAT was pretty weird.

7) Saturday (July 2) is "I Forgot Day." What is something you'd like to permanently forget?

Some of the ridiculously stupid and/or mean things I've said to people over the years.

8) I grew up right across the street from a cemetery, so graveyards are like a second home to me, but I know that's not how most people feel. Do cemeteries make you uncomfortable or are you okay being in one?

I love cemeteries!!! It would be awesome to live next to one. Talk about peaceful!

9) You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist off the earth. Who would it be?

I could easily say goodbye to Rush without a second thought. Presumably ALL copies of their songs would go with them?

10) You have one week to do whatever you want, all-expenses-paid, what things would you want to do?

Sort out ALL my photos and get them organized. I'm not asking for finished scrapbooks, but I'd love to have all the pictures in chronological order and labelled. After that, I could finish my mom and dad's files and memorabilia. Should probably do these in reverse order, actually.

Curious as a Cat

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1) Have you ever had a friend date someone you couldn't stand? How did you handle that?

Yeah, I wasn't real thrilled with my friends' high school date choices very often. As an adult, my college roommate's husband is not my cuppa--which has made it rather difficult to remain close. And another friend's choice in husbands...was probably not a good one and she's regretting it now.

2) Among all your close friends, who is the cutest?

I know a lot of really lovely high school girls. lol
Actually, once you become friends with someone, don't they sort of all seem 'cute' in your eyes? I know mine do. I have become much less objective.

3) Do you have someone wrapped around your finger? Or are you wrapped around someone else's finger?

I try to avoid this whole dynamic. It's kinda fucked-up.

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

Fireworks! Fourth of July! I wish it were July right. Would love some warm July temps and sunny skies.

Saturday 9

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Yankee Doodle Dandy

1. What is your favorite 4th of July memory? (If you aren't in the U.S., then use your own national holiday.)

The day before I got married, my sister had a party at her house with all the family members who were in town for the wedding. It was hotter than heck, but absolutely the most fun. I wish today I could go back to that day, more than my wedding day which was lovely but very artificial. Having a bad bout of missing my sister suddenly.

2. Do you consider yourself patriotic?

I am, but I'm not rabid about it.

3. Do you like fireworks?

Meh, I can take 'em or leave 'em.

4. What are your plans for this weekend?

I went in to work for a few hours this morning in a (mostly failed) attempt to catch up after so much time off. We're hanging out doing nothing the rest of the day. I need to start the salad for tomorrow, when we're going to my niece and nephew's for a get-together. We'll probably go to church too. We'll see. If we do, I'm voting for arriving late and leaving early.

5. Are you optimistic about the future?

In general, yes. Otherwise, I'd probably be suicidal, no?

6. Do you think everyone should serve in the military?

No. I do, strongly, believe that everyone should do some time in service to their country and/or community in their lifetime, a la Americorps.

7. Would you support a constitutional ban on flag burning?

Ab so lute ly NOT.

8. What end of the political spectrum are you?

Can't you tell? After that last answer it should be obvious that I'm a raging pinko Commie! (a.k.a. Democrat)

9. Where do you get your news?

Beast, the net, and "the water cooler." I watched the news more at my sister's house this week than I have in ages and all I ended up with was heartburn from the extreme inanity of it all.

And now I have the title song stuck in my head...yay?

Friday 5

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Fireworks

1. How do you feel about fireworks displays?

I can live with the professional ones once or twice a year. They aren't my most favorite-est thing in the universe, not by a long shot. Homegrown fireworks make me 100% insane. There are people near our neighborhood who set off fireworks practically every weekend during the summer, and at Christmas, New Year's, Easter, birthdays, etc. This time of year, it's EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. And some days.

I probably didn't get so worked up about fireworks before we lived here, and I'm sure I appreciated the shows more. Except for the mosquito factor, of course.

2. What were the details surrounding one of your mishaps with fire?

I inadvertantly left a candle lit when I went to bed one night eight or so years ago. It set off the smoke detector at 1 or 2 a.m. because the "seashells" embedding in it caught fire. I walked into the bathroom and was confronted with a 2-foot flame. Fortunately--since I was mostly still asleep--whatever I did (dumping it into the sink after I turned the water on? I have no idea) doused the flame and there was no damage to anything but my sleep that night. Beast was out of town; Sparky slept through the smoke alarm.

3. Who in your life could be described as a real firecracker?

Me? My sister Ellen came to mind immediately. I dunno--this is not a term I use for people. I usually prefer "pistol" and it's NOT complimentary.

4. When did you last feel you were being put on display?

Every time I go somewhere to do with Beast's workplace I feel this way. Ugh. Fortunately, it's not terribly often.

5. How confident are you in your barbecue skills?

Not very. I don't staff the grill. In fact, I'm not sure how it turns on and off. And I don't like BBQ that much anyway. We mostly just use the grill for steaks, burgers, and brats.

Cinn's Friday 5

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Free to be... you and me

[01] What is freedom?

I think it's a sense of not being weighted down, not feeling anything looming. One can be imprisoned and still have a sense of freedom, though it's obviously much easier to feel that way while walking in the sun with no particular place to go.

[02] What does the phrase "The American Dream" mean to you?

For me it encompasses a sense of not allowing one's personal, family, or social history to stand in the way of becoming whoever one wants to become. It also includes making the same allowances for others, not standing in the way of others who are also striving to improve themselves.

[03] When is the last time you watched fireworks?

We watched the Big City to the East's fireworks on TV last night (yawn!!), and I think before that it was a sports event...or maybe last year's 4th.

[04] What kind of festivities happen in your part of the world today?

Well, there are the loud, nearly constant, apparently obligatory neighborhood arsonists doing their best to blow up the entire fucking zip code. And no work. And no sales (oddly) that I am aware of, not that I would be aware of them. And picnics. And evening fireworks, covered in bugspray.

[05] Hot dog or hamburger?

I prefer hot dogs, or actually bratwurst, with all the fixin's. I'm not a big home-made burger fan.

Blogthings Extraordinaire

You Are Ballet

You are quite introverted. You enjoy keeping to yourself and cultivating your talents. You are dedicated and focused. If practice makes perfect, you're willing to keep practicing. While some people may dismiss you as boring, you can be quite edgy and interesting. You can fit in almost anywhere... and your style ranges from conservative to funky.

What Dance Are You?

Wow, except for the concept of ballet, the description fits awfully well. Odd.

---

What Your These Fireworks Say About You

You are a rather reserved person in day to day life. However, you do have a few topics that truly excite you. When you become impassioned, it's a surprise to everyone around you. But if they blink, they'll miss it, because you get back to being calm very quickly.

The Fireworks Test

I don't think "calm" fits very well. But the first two lines are good.

---

You Are Extremely Charming

When someone talks to you, they feel like they are the most interesting person in the world. And for you in that moment, they actually are. You truly care about the people you're around, and it's obvious to everyone who meets you. You are open, warm, friendly, and welcoming. You epitomize charm.

Are You Charming?

I'm really NOT charming, but thanks anyway.

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The Road Trip of Your Life

You see companionship and loyalty as what's most important in life. You live life at a fairly leisurely pace. You take time to enjoy the sweeter parts of life, even when you're busy. You're willing to take a few risks in life. You may not take the road no one travels, but you're happy to take the road less traveled. You are able to find a fairly healthy balance between work and play. You work when you need to, but you never let yourself burn out. In another life, you could have been a great novelist. You have a knack for describing things in an interesting way.

The Road Trip Test

That last line is kicking me, hard, in the forehead. Sigh.

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You Are a Summer Person

You are energetic, outgoing, and active. You love to be out and about... hanging out with friends or getting things done. Summer is the perfect time for you to be as hyper as you want to be. In fact, during the rest of the year you feel half-asleep!

Are You a Winter Person or a Summer Person?

Yes, I am, though parts of this are not precisely me.

---

You are a Model Citizen of the World

You care deeply about the world, and you do everything you can to help. You feel like the injustices in the world are your injustices, and you fight to fix them. You have a deep appreciation for the differences that make up the world. You feel like you have something to gain from every culture and country.

Are You a Citizen of the World?

Okey-dokey. Pretty close.