Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)

Follow That Dream

1. My bestie and I once ...

giggled and rolled around my bed over a really dumb pun on my middle name for far too long. I don't think either of us reached "laugh till you pee" status, but oh my god we were in hysterics. All either of us has to say to each other to this day 45ish years later is that dumb pun.
Hi, Kermie! (or were you Bear?)

2. When I'm nervous ...

I bite my cuticles. Also when I'm bored. But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine I am rarely nervous. I do, however, have the occasional anxiety attacks, which are a whole other deal that involves my heart speeding up and a total inability to focus or sit still. 

3. My hair ...

is uncombed this morning. I have a big barrette holding it off my neck and face so I could wash my face. 

4. When I turn to the left, I see ...

(if I were standing) the dining room which is stacked with random effluvia that really needs to be sorted and disposed of. However, since I'm sitting, when I look left I mostly just see the end-table with pop, hemp gummies, an empty bento that had my breakfast in it, my pill box, etc. We won't mention the lower shelf...

5. My favorite aunt ...

 ... the only aunt I actually remember wasn't a barrel of laughs, though she did buy me a blue sno-cone once (which pissed off my parents). The only other aunt I kind of remember babysat me during my sister Ellen's wedding reception when I was 5 or 6. I barely remember her. My parents' Families of Origin were quite distant from my world, being as how both of them were late-in-life babies and so was I. My grandmas were pushing or well-over 80 when I appeared, so it was a full two generations between me and them.

6. I have a hard time understanding ...

anything involving finance. I just go completely blank in my head and retain nothing. I understand basics--paying bills, credit cards, interest accrual--but planning for my future feels like some kind of arcane magic.

7. You know I like you if ...

I offer to spend time with you outside of required meetings or whatever. "Spend time" in this case involves social media time or actual F2F meetups. 

8. When I was 5 years old ...

four major leaders in my county had been assassinated since my arrival on the planet; my sister had survived a disease that killed 97% of those who were diagnosed, my grandpa had died, and my dad had survived his first heart attack. Is it any wonder I was a little stressed as a kid? It wasn't exactly a calm, safe place in 1968 in the U.S. 

Sunday Stealing (x4)

(Link in meme-roll)

Complete the Thought (June 15)

1. I wish someone would ...

... empty my house the way I want it emptied without me.

2. When I order Chinese food ...

... I pretty much always get crab rangoon.

3. I know it's not everyone's favorite activity, but I actually enjoy ...

... napping.

5. A major pet peeve of mine is ...

... mispronunciation of common words.

6. I remember when my grandfather ...

(I do not remember either of them: one died 20+ years before I was born, the other I vaguely remember before he died when I was three; I don't remember anything about that)

7. I am not fazed at all by ...

... children trying to con me. Mostly I'm a very soft touch.

8. Long car rides ... 

... put me to sleep. I can't read or do anything but stare out the window, so they're just boring af.

9. I don't understand the fuss over ...

... most of any drama going on in Hollywood/Instagram.

10. When I'm home alone ...

... I'm generally very happy.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Baby Love (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their elaborate hairstyles, make up and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?

A VERY long time. Over a year, probably. I wasn't even really all that dressed up for the wedding I went to, as I recall, but it wasn't a super-fancy wedding with required formal wear anyway.

2) "The girls," as they were known to the engineers and executives at Motown Records, were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. They began singing together when they were high school classmates. Are you still in touch with any friends from your high school days?

I am. I have probably a dozen from my high school that I'm friends with. Some of them were not friends per se at the time, but are wonderful to know now.

3) Mary Wilson was born in Mississippi and her family moved a great deal before settling in Detroit, where she fatefully met Florence and Diana. Were you uprooted often when you were a child? Or did you spend your school years in the same neighborhood?

My parents lived in the same house from 1946ish until 1994. The only one of us who ever lived anywhere else was my oldest sister who was born in 1943 and with my mom followed my dad around the U.S. a bit during WWII.

4) The Supremes began as a quartet called the Primettes. In addition to Mary, Flo and Diana, there was Betty McGlown. In 1960, Betty left the group to get married and was replaced by Barbara Martin. In 1962, Barbara left the group to have a baby. They quit trying to replace the fourth voice, soldiered on as a trio, and made pop history. Have you ever found yourself in a position similar to Betty's or Barbara's, where you had to make a difficult decision and choose between your personal life and your career?

Of course. I was a mom in late-20th-century America.

5) Thinking of babies and "baby love," is anyone in your life expecting a baby in 2018?

Not that I'm aware of at this point. Actually, someone at church just had her second child last week. I don't think I know anyone else who is currently pregnant, however.

6) With twelve #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, The Supremes remain America's most commercially successfully recording group, and this song (along with "Stop! In the Name of Love") is one of the most popular karaoke songs. If we handed you the mic this morning and absolutely insisted you perform, what song would you choose (any song, any genre)?

I can rock out to any mid-century Sunday School song you name.

7) Original group member Florence Ballard left the group in 1967. She died of cardiac arrest in 1976 at the age of 32. Since February is National Heart Month, it seems appropriate to ask: Is anyone in your life battling heart disease?

Yes. My sister has some heart issues, and one of my favorite people at work had a heart attack last year, out of nowhere. She's over 70, though. Thirty-two? That's really young. I'm waiting for my turn, since I'm sure I'm headed that way.

8) Florence Ballard's brother, Hank, wrote Chubby Checker's famous dance song, "The Twist." When did you last dance?

I dance around sometimes while I'm cleaning or cooking, and I car-dance semi-regularly. Really dance? A long time. OK, I "danced" with my baby-nephew at that wedding mentioned above, mostly to keep him from screaming and generally happy.

9) Random question: Close your eyes and visualize the most beautiful place you've ever been. Now describe it to us.

I've been to loads of different places that I found beautiful. My favorite is a certain little town in Colorado:

Obv not my photo

The Love Club (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) Lorde has said this song is about a time when she fell into "a bad crowd." Her high-maintenance new friends were all about their romantic dramas and it overwhelmed her. Have you ever had a friend who was just too much work?

Yes, though once I got done with education, I became a lot more discerning in my selection of friends.

2) She sings that she longs to be alone. Where do you go when you want peace and quiet?

My corner of the couch. Or bed.

3) Lorde credits her mother for encouraging her verbal skills. "Mum" let her join a theater class when she was just 5 and was always giving her books. Tell us about an encouraging, understanding adult who assisted you when you were growing up.

I had good teachers all over the place and a couple of my sisters were good cheerleaders for me.

4) Lorde is not the only celebrity from her class at Belmont School in Auckland, New Zealand. Olympian Eliza McCartney was a classmate who went on to win a bronze medal in Rio for the pole vault. Did you participate in any sports in high school?

I did not.

6) Lorde wrote music for one of the Hunger Games soundtracks. Have you seen any of the Hunger Games movies, or read any of the books?

I've seen the first two. I didn't like the last book in the series, so I just bailed on the movie.

7) Her favorite candy is Peanut M&Ms. Do you prefer Milk Chocolate, Peanut, Almond, Mint or Cripsy M&Ms?

Plain or Crispy. I'm not a fan of chocolate with nuts, and I loathe chocolate mint.

8) When Lorde was on stage at Lollapalooza, a sudden storm interrupted her set. The music festival was evacuated and her performance was cancelled. Can you think of a time when the weather had a major impact on your plans?

I'm a bit British this way, in that sometimes it doesn't matter what the weather is doing; life goes on. However, there've been some storms in my life that have caused everything to come to a halt.

9) Random question: Please complete this sentence -- Before I leave the house, I always _________________.

...check to be sure I have a way to get back inside.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Make a difference today

1. What is the favorite piece of art you own.

My favorite is the watercolor of Canyon de Chelly that my dad's cousin painted for my wedding gift. Beast likes his Terry Redlin print best, but we still need to get it hung on the freakin' wall. It's only been a year!

2. The most expensive bill you paid last month.

Probably either a medical bill or the mortgage. Or, I suppose, credit card, which we pay off monthly.

3. What’s the last thing you apologized for?

Leaving today's baseball game early, I think.

4. If you could do today over, would you change anything?

I would definitely NOT have had the spicy dish at brunch. It was yummy, but omg heartburn sux!

5. What is the largest TV screen in your house?

It's the Sony in the living room. I think it's 48". Or 52". Sparky told us his roomie wants to get a 70" for their apartment. smh

6. What did you buy today?

Baseball tickets, pop, candy, nachos, brunch. I think that's it. We broke $100 easily.

7. I wish I had ____

...another day of weekend tomorrow.

8. How many photos did you take today?

I only took one. I think Beast took a dozen or so.

9. Last thing you wanted and didn’t get.

More energy.

10. What was the last new thing you tried?

Today's Chilaquiles, similar to these. Super-good!

11. Who is your hero?

My hero (foreground)

12. Today I feel really secure knowing ____

...that I have no impact on the world stage.

13. Whose life did you make a difference in today?

Probably my niece and nephew whose kids I wandered around the ballpark with.

14. What would have made today perfect?

No allergies, fewer people, and seats right behind home plate.

15. Did you thank anybody today?

I thanked my nephew Don who took care of getting tickets. And I thanked E for dancing the polka with me at the 7th inning stretch.

Bonus: If you were a Muppet, which would you be?

Gonzo.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Last 40 Questions from Bud

1. My uncle once : walked across a meadow holding my 3-year-old hand. I don't remember it, but Dad took a photo, which I haven't seen in decades. It's the one slide I'd like from the collection of Dad's photographic life, all of which now resides in Dallas with my brother.

2. Never in my life : would I want to live, exclusively, in the middle of a big city, specifically New York. Visit, maybe. Live permanently? Hell no.

3. When I was seventeen : I learned the truth ... / That love was meant for beauty queens / And high school girls with clear skinned smiles / Who married young and then retired. OK, not really, but that song certainly fit my life as a teenager to a certain degree.

4. High School was : the best of times and the worst of times. (and also when I read the book I stole the answer from)

5. I will never forget : the last time I saw my sister Ellen alive. I had no idea what was in store, and I felt so totally helpless.

6. I once met : myself coming and going. I did, literally, run into several players on an NBA team at an airport once. I came around a signboard while talking to someone behind me and when I turned to see who I'd bumped and apologize I was met with nothing but chest. It's the only time I've ever felt short in my adult life.

7. There’s this girl I know who : has a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. It wasn't until I was quite old that I realized that "forehead" and "horrid" were meant to rhyme, which in my accent they emphatically do NOT!

8. Once, at a bar : I imagined it was the most grown-up place to be. I have since re-evaluated that idea.

9. By noon, I’m usually : ready for a nap. (It's 12:25 and I just woke up from a nap--I love weekends!)

10. Last night : was totally unmemorable. I stayed up, way too late, playing computer games until I pretty much couldn't see a thing, then crawled into bed next to Beast who had been asleep since early afternoon. Welcome to my life.

11. If only I had : a million dollars, a personal cook, and a Bow-Fitness set-up. (ha ha ha)

12. Next time I go to gym/church : [Are these now the same thing???] will, I hope, be next Sunday. I haven't yet been this summer!

13. Susan Boyle : has a lovely voice.

14. What worries me most : is only everything.

15. When I turn my head left, I see : a table with a box of Kleenex, my empty glass, my phone, several books, chapstick, pencil, a Christmas cracker crown, a bottle of lotion... odds and ends, generally.

16. When I turn my head right, I see : my mouse, then the sofa throw and couch pillows I was using 15 minutes ago to sleep.

17. You know I’m lying when : ... frankly, I'm not sure people can tell when I'm lying. I've worked pretty hard to eliminate my tells.

18. What I miss most about the eighties : was definitely not the hairdos! I liked some of the clothes, some of the music, and my age at that point.

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be : Katherina/Kate and I would not be tamed.

20. By this time next year : who knows what my life will be like, where I'll be living, whether Beast is around, etc.

21. A better name for me would be : ... I like my name.

22. I have a hard time understanding : particle physics. Or any physics of any kind, tbh.

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll : ... this is not happening at this point. I was going to say "I'll be retired" but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to retire.

24. You know I like you if : I'm not obsequiously polite with you. Or if I don't answer questions monosyllabically. There's the guy who comes in the library that I find ... unpleasant. I'm always nice, but it's always, "Yes, sir." "Here is your book, sir." "Yes, I can." He hates being called sir, wants us to call him Sarge. Seeing as how he's short, skinny, and was never in the military, that is emphatically NOT happening. He used to want us to call him "Stefon" but when the Bill Hader SNL character blew up, he moved to "Sarge." He's a jerk. And I'm not his "sweetheart" dammit.

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be : my parents and family.

26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock : I...just don't do this. I mean, I can tell the difference, generally, but aside from the generalizations of "hair bands vs. grunge" and so forth, it's not the way I listen to music.

27. Take my advice, never : drink to make your troubles go away. They don't, and if you do it too much and for too long, life gets ugly.

28. My ideal breakfast is : birthday cake. But I usually have a bagel with cheese.

29. A song I love, but do not own is : most of them. What a curious concept "owning" a song is, no? I should think only the artist/writer/performer(s) own it really.

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest : not touching the water in the lake. (where I live now)

31. My favorite Beatle is : dead. I adored George, and rather worshiped Johnny.

32. Why won’t people : stop shooting each other??

33. If you spend the night at my house : please give me at least half an hour's warning before coming so I can clear a path to the guest room and change the sheets! Sparky was a here a couple of weekends ago for one night, and apparently he ate an entire (large) bag of BBQ potato chips in bed. I haven't changed the sheets; they're still sprinkled with crumbs. Who the hell eats potato chips in bed...? {get off my lawn}

34. I’d stop my wedding for : hah! This makes me laugh. We should have stopped so we could all grab a towel and dry off; it was super-humid and quite hot. This Weds. is Beast's and my 31st anniversary.

35. The world could do without : the U.S. And currently is trying to do that, I hope.

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than : watch my child die.

37. My favorite blonde is : Goldie Hawn. I'm old-school.

38: Paper clips are more useful than : staples.

39. If I do anything well, it’s : obsess and bleat about it too much.

40. And by the way : I'm going to miss Bud's questions. AND Bud's answers if it comes to that. I'm also going to go get some lunch because I just realized I am extremely hungry!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Disappearing Questions

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

We saw "La La Land" last weekend. We were underwhelmed, to say the least. No clue why it's getting accolades--except that it's a movie about how wonderful Hollywood is. But it's not that good.

2. What book are you reading?

Blotto Twinks And The Riddle Of The Sphinx, by Simon Brett; Where the Shadows Lie, by Michael Ridpath; The Oxford Book of English Detective Stories, (ed. by Patricia Craig); Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, by Svetlana Alexievich.

3. Favorite board game?

Trivial Pursuit. Or Life.

4. Favorite magazine?

Ms.

5. Favorite smells?

Pine. "Clean." Vanilla.

6. Favorite sounds?

Giggling. Hymns. Wind.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

Pain. Pain in those I love is actually THE worst.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

It's a toss-up between "Can I snooze?", "What am I wearing today?" and "What stupid shit did SCROTUS to overnight?"

9. Favorite fast food place?

KFC, Arby's. and Taco Bell. Our TB has been closed since before Halloween. Just reopened at the end of last week. I can't WAIT to drive-thru this week!!).

10. Future child’s name?

There are no children in my future, except grandchildren. And I don't get to name those.

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?

"...spend more and still complain about being poor."

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I do. Elsie my library cat.

13. Storms – cool or scary?

It's a matter of scale, is it not? I don't mind some thunder-bangers, but I'm not a fan of tornado weather.

14. Favorite drink?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Mixed-drink? Stoli & tonic with a lime twist.

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?

"....travel much more often!"

16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

Yes. Well, more on cooked broccoli than raw, I guess.

17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I'd like a nice electric blue, to be honest.

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?

Suburban Denver, suburban Milwaukee, and ex-urban Where-I-Live-Now.

19. Favorite sports to watch?

Football. Gymnastics.

20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

I like Bud. He's funny, classy (usually, lol), smart, and interesting. And likes music.

21. What’s under your bed?

Dust, used Kleenex, electrical cords ... mostly dust.

22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Sure. Maybe I'd screw up less. Or differently. But I probably wouldn't have my memories to remind me of what worked.

23. Morning person, or night owl?

I prefer mornings overall.

24. Over easy, or sunny side up?

Over easy.

25. Favorite place to relax?

Up in the mountains in a meadow. Me and the sky and grass and sun.

26. Favorite pie?

Cherry? Banana-cream? Really, I just like pie.

27. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Birthday cake. Peppermint. Bubble gum. Or just plain vanilla with butterscotch topping.

28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?

Depends how buried in other things I am. I'm unlikely to get very far today.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Baby's in Black (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 25, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

Hell no! i worked yesterday. Had I not worked, I would have been right here at home all day.

2) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

Did both on Thursday. All the games were teams I didn't care about at all. I will probably do more eating today and tomorrow, but I think I'm footballed out. Sparky and I may go to a movie this afternoon.

3) At Thanksgiving dinners, Crazy Sam's homemade gravy is always a hit. (Probably because she's so generous with the cognac, which gives the gravy a nutty taste.) What was particularly delicious at your Thanksgiving table?

Our turkey always turns out well. The mashed potatoes generally turn out well, and we make plenty.

4) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose?

Probably Kohl's. I am tired of my clothes.

5) This week's song, "Baby's in Black," is about a girl who wears black because she's in mourning. Do you find that the color you're wearing reflects your mood?

Not particularly. I mean, certain articles make me feel better but it's not the color it's the associations I have with them.

6) The woman who inspired this song, Astrid Kirchherr, has been friends with Paul McCartney since he and his bandmates (John Lennon, George Harrison, Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best) met her in Hamburg back in 1960. Tell us what you believe are the components of a strong, lasting friendship.

Honesty, patience, space, humor, and kindness.

7) In the early days of the Beatles, Paul McCartney and John Lennon began writing a play but abandoned it. Do you have a novel, painting, play, song or poem that you're going to finish "someday?"

I haven't even started my great American novel!

8) When he was 16, George Harrison dreamed of moving to Canada, Australia or Malta. In just a few years, he would visit all those places with Beatles and eventually decided there was no place like home and stayed in England. Have you ever thought about moving to another country? If so, where?

I have occasionally wanted a place to escape to, but as I age, I prefer to stay near enough home. I just would like a bolthole.

9) Random question: Finish this sentence -- If you want me to give you "yes" for an answer, the best time to approach me is ___________________.

...when I'm fed and sleepy.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Are there any men or women in blue on your family tree?

My brother was a police officer briefly. I have photos of him in uniform, but otherwise you wouldn't know. He switched to EMT/Fire fairly quickly. Probably the best call of his life. Weirdly, his son has always wanted to be a cop; he's currently working for TSA. Does that count as police?

2. Are you someone who suffers from the Sunday night blues? What helps you get over it?

No. I like my job, and weekends being the way they've been over the past few years, I usually can't wait to get out of the house Monday morning.

3. I read the color blue is an appetite suppressant since there are very few naturally blue foods out there. How do you feel about blue cheese? Love it or blech? If you're a fan, what's something you like that's made with blue cheese?

I like bleu cheese just fine, though with other food, not alone. Bleu cheese dressing is my favorite salad topper.

4. We can't head in to the Labor Day weekend without a related question, can we? Complete this thought: I work best when____________________.

...people leave me [[expletive]] alone to get stuff done.

5. 'Everything yields to diligence.' Antiphanes Your thoughts? (on this particular quote or on diligence in general)

Diligence will not stop rain from falling or bullets from killing people. Working to help flood victims or victims of violence in a diligent manner is possible, just hard work doesn't always achieve everything. It's one of the fallacies that arrives all boxed up as LIES THE WORLD TOLD ME at about midlife when you realize you can't postpone death forever.

6. The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 25th. Have you been to many of America's National Parks? If so share with us a favorite or two. Which National Park would you most like to visit before the next birthday rolls around?

I have been to several; in fact, I now have a passport. In the past year, I've been to the Abraham Lincoln Home and El Morro in San Juan. Of course, I've also been to Yellowstone and Little Bighorn and Rushmore; of those three, I can't recommend highly enough a lengthy stop at Little Bighorn. My favorite part is Mesa Verde, where I've visited a dozen times. I love climbing around there. I'm not likely to see any more U.S. Parks this year; it's possible we'll drive through Brecon Beacons while on vacation next month.

7. Bid farewell to August in seven words or less.

Bring on the fall and lower humidity!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have, it seems, only random thoughts these days. My goal today is to maintain my composure and not have another afternoon of anxiety attacks like I did yesterday. One hour, one minute, at a time.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Theme from Love Story (1970)
In honor of Valentine's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The very popular tagline for this movie is, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Here's your chance to rewrite it. "Love means _____________________."

"Love means always being willing to say you're sorry."

2) The movie was famous for a montage of the lovers frolicking in the snow. Do you enjoy sledding, skating, skiing, snowball fights, snowmen, etc.? Or do you just want spring to hurry up and get here?

I want spring to get here. I'm well past my frolicking sell-by.

3) In the movie, Oliver asks his father for $5,000. The money is required for wife Jenny's hospital treatment, but Oliver is too proud to tell his father why he needs it. Adjusted for inflation, $5,000 in 1970 is $30,000 today. How much would you be willing to lend a friend or family member without knowing the reason?

I'm not even sure I'd loan $5,000 in today's money. We were just talking about this yesterday at work. Once you get into the thousands, I'm needing a little explanation.

4) In the movie, Jenny is the daughter of a baker who owns a little shop in Cranston, Rhode Island. Think of the last baked goods you consumed. Were they home made? Did you buy them from a bakery, the grocery store, or a coffee shop, like Starbucks?

I bought a streusel muffin at the gas station Monday. I'm proud to say that I consumed it over two days, which is unusual for me.

5) In 1970, when the movie was first released, California's First Lady Nancy Reagan said she liked it but was upset to hear Ali MacGraw's character swear. What's the curse word you use most often? (Feel free to spell it with *'s, in case Nancy Reagan stops by Sat. 9)

I'm heavily into the two big four-letter ones. Back-story: I grew up in a house where we used euphemisms for everything, and my mom didn't even like us saying "jeez." So once I was out of her house, I made a conscious decision to use language properly. All language. ;-)

6) Now 75, Ali MacGraw has let her famous hair go gray. She says she's glad to "look like a grown up." Do you feel your age? Or older or younger than your years?

I look my age. I don't always feel it, but I am definitely aware that I look it.

7) MacGraw and her Love Story co-star Ryan O'Neal are currently on tour in the play, Love Letters, and they're drawing big crowds of fans who remember them in their famous film. Tell us of another movie couple you felt had romantic chemistry.

Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore come to mind.

8) Red is the signature color of Valentine's Day. Are you wearing red right now?

Nope. Still in my blue/white/lavender plaid PJs.

9) Because Valentine's Day is such a big day for chocolate ... would you prefer a large, solid milk chocolate heart or a small box of four assorted chocolates?

Solid milk chocolate. It'll last longer.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

The fact that I have at this point purchased less than $20 worth of Christmas gifts for Beast. Sparky is relatively good to go. Beast...I have no ideas. None.

2. Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year?

I'm fine with their choice. Nice to see an non-American woman on the cover of a major, mainstream American magazine for something that doesn't involve makeup, fashion, or breast implants.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

Yes we have one. I painted all the figures about 20 years ago--they came as plain whiteware--and we bought a "stable" to house them. They go on the dining room dresser, except Jesus who doesn't appear till after Christmas Eve service at church.

4. Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

We usually deliver gifts for a local organization that gives Christmas gifts to every household in town that lives below the poverty line. If there are kids, each one gets a toy and a book. One of the Rotary Clubs puts it all together, with a lot of help, and this week is packing (tonight is toys and books, tomorrow is food) and Saturday is delivery. However, this year, I'm not sure we'll be able to help load out on Saturday because of Beast's whole back/shoulder thing. We'll have to play it by ear, just like every other freakin' thing in the universe right now.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

It's the most fun to shop for little kids. They just love everything!

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

The mashed potatoes with dinner tonight were pretty good.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is _____________.

Smile and have a positive attitude.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Two sick kids this week--not mine, only one family member--the kind of sick that involves hospitals, surgeries, and general long-term thinking rather than planning for tomorrow. Apparently, God is trying to tell me something about planning...and expectations, which was also part of the theme from last night's meeting.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Scroll :: Torah
2. Mature :: Aged
3. Breakfast? :: Not sure, maybe a bagel?
4. Wrist :: Carpal tunnel
5. ___ is better ___ :: Something ... nothing
6. Better half :: Spouse
7. Note :: Music
8. Worrying :: Anxiety
9. Band :: High School...
10. Insipid :: Jejune

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
No Myth (1989)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The girl in this song is "just looking for someone to dance with." Who was your most recent dance partner?

I mostly dance by myself these days, in the kitchen. OK, occasionally with a wooden spoon or a dishcloth in my hands.

2) Michael Penn wonders if he'd do better with the ladies if he was Romeo or Heathcliff. What fictional character represents your romantic ideal?

Dear God, WHY would anyone think Heathcliff was a role model? Dude was a sociopath! Now, Mr. Rochester is at least semi-normal. ;-) But of course the ideal man is Jamie Fraser.

3) The lyrics refer to "knots I have yet to untie." Do the shoes you're wearing have laces?

Ha ha ha, you assume I'm wearing shoes! I'm barefoot considering my next nail color, after I do the much-needed pedicure in a few minutes.

4) Name a character from mythology.

Aphrodite. Also involved in pop music.

5) Michael Penn is the brother of Oscar winner Sean Penn. Give us the title of a Sean Penn movie.

"Fast Times" of course. He will never, ever live that down.

6) Their father, Leo Penn, was a busy TV director from the 1960s through the 1990s. He specialized in detective shows (Magnum PI and Cannon) and medical shows (Trapper John and Marcus Welby, MD). Are you more likely to watch a program with lots of car chases, or one that's set in a hospital?

Of those two options, probably the hospital. I tend to watch crime shows, which occasionally involve stunt driving, but more often include interviewing the victims in the hospital.

7) 1989, the year "No Myth" was popular, is the year of the first HDTV broadcast. Do you watch many shows in "high def?"

Yup. Whenever DirecTV has a lot of them, but it's not the reason I watch a show.

8) 1989 was also the year The Simpsons premiered. Who is your all-time favorite animated character?

Snoopy. Or perhaps the Roadrunner.

9) Random fill-in the blank: If I never had to ______________ again, it would be too soon.

...deal with a drunk....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Dirty Dozen Meme

1. This weather is really...

...springlike, unfortunately: cold, rain, sun, wind, gray sky, awesome sunrise/sunset....that's just the last 18 hours or so!

2. You think you've seen it all, you should see me...

...alphabetize!

3. I'm sure you would still love me even if...

...I stole all your Easter candy. You would, right?

4. I think I have finally realized...

...that I need to get a solid grip on my temper. Sorry, Dad; I know that means you might've been a bad teacher in this area.

5. Since the last time we linked up...

...I've done a metric shit-ton of cataloging.

6. I get super embarrassed...

...when people compliment me.

7. I really thought by now...

...I'd have life figured out.

8. If I thought no one would read it, I would write about...

...my family and how they annoy me. Oh. Wait. I have. And pretty much no one HAS read it.

9. I knew I was in the wrong place...

...as soon as I turned the corner and found myself in a business district instead of a residential area.

10. I am so not above...

...stealing candy from children! On Easter! (and Halloween)

11. Let's pretend...

...I'm not 100% selfish.

12. Just you wait...

...'Enry 'Iggins, just you wait! You'll be sorry, but your tears'll be too late! You'll be broke, but I'll 'ave money. Will I 'elp you? Don't be funny! Just you wait 'Enry 'Iggins, just you wait.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Finish this sentence: "When I look in the mirror, I __________"

"...rarely look at the whole of what I see. I mostly just focus on my hair, or the eyelash in my eye, or the bruise on my left elbow, or whatever."

2) What's the best meal you ever had?

I'm sure it involved good company and wasn't necessarily the most expensive. Though I remember very clearly a very expensive meal with friends, which does rank up there. On the other hand, I have wonderful memories of eating on a patio on Ydra having gone in and pointed at what we wanted from the kitchen. After eating, Sparky ran up and down the 'street' climbing on the walls and petting the island's dogs and making old women smile. That was a delightful meal. So many others, including holiday meals of yore. It's not just the food.

3) What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

There would be a lot of dead animals on the ground. It would be hard to drive. Or walk. Yuck.

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

Beautiful lights. It really looks rather magical, as cities often do from a distance. I love that bridge on the right.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What season causes you the most health problems?

I'm allergic to corn pollen and since I live in the World's Biggest Cornfield (a.k.a. the American midwest) this means late summer and early fall kinda suck. Otherwise, weather doesn't seem to bother my health much. I get the occasional cold in the winter, but otherwise...yeah. I get a flu shot every year to ensure that I don't get too sick. So, boring. Thank God!

2) I wish I could be like ________. This person is special because __________________.

There's a woman at my church named Fran who is a delightful woman. She's close to 90, maybe older, but she never fails to have kind, meaningful words to say to everyone regardless of age. There's nothing unctuous or sneaky about her, she just loves people, especially kids. And they love her. She has her share of health issues, and is getting more frail every time I see her, but her smile is beautiful. She's just amazing.

3) How many languages can you speak?

English fairly well, and Spanish poorly. I can struggle through reading a few others, but not well enough to speak.

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

Seems to be all about church today: we're having a Touch-a-Truck event in our parking lot in a couple of weeks including a couple of farm implements and a fire truck and some other smaller things. I don't know the connection between the event and church precisely, but it's fun and the kids love it. Beast and I pretty much stay as far as possible from the whole thing. ;-) Anyway, if you haven't seen a harvester or a combine lately, they are FREAKIN' HUGE. Like this thing, which I think is actually a construction vehicle of some kind.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
13 Things

1. Outside my window… the sun is going down and the mist is rolling in.

2. I am thankful… for the cooler-than-usual temperatures this summer. That makes the humidity a little easier to deal with.

3. In the kitchen… sits a plate with the pork chops Beast grilled about 4 hours ago. I think there are 8, so I'm set for dinner all week while he's gone.

4. I am wearing… green jeans and a tourist T-shirt I got last summer when I took the photo to the right.

5. I am creating… a new me.

6. I am going… to go eat shortly. I'm hungry.

7. I am reading… at least 5 books.

8. I am learning… to keep my mouth shut.

9. I am pondering… when to clean the guinea pig cage and make up our bed.

10. A favorite quote… I think tonight's closing Facebook quote from me will be this one: “May you get exactly what you want and live long enough to regret it.” ―Sherrilyn Kenyon (Born of Shadows)

11. One of my favorite things… is baby giggles.

12. A few plans for the rest of the week… I'm filling in a lot at the Reference Desk at work while one of the other reference staff is on vacation. Beast is gone (nothing new here), I have to hit the Tuesday meeting, and I get to spend 3 or so hours having my parathyroid glands scanned on Friday.

13. A peek into my day… horrible NASCAR news first thing, laundry, church, Packer game on DVR, NASCAR race (in three shifts!), SimCity, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, memes.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Sniff, sniff...what is that weird smell? I am, indeed, smelling a strange smell around me today. Maybe my nose isn't working right.

2. I'm not a big sports fan, but I do love football.

3. What in the world is THAT?

4. All I crave is peace and quiet.

5. One of my dreams is to apply myself and get some cleaning and sorting done this year.

6. It's not a matter of having so many cosmetics in my house, it's more a matter of having so few.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Beast--at home for the first time in three weeks!-- tomorrow my plans include working (boo!), and Sunday, I want to do nothing except wallow in Super Bowl stuff, but I have to teach Sunday School and then work!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I love the feeling of being snug under the covers in the morning.

2. Seeing happy babies and toddlers always brightens my day.

3. Beast's troubles are is what I will remember the most from 2012.

4. My favorite family recipe is my mom's mac n cheese.

5. When I want to spoil myself I have cookies.

6. NCIS is my favorite TV show. (for now)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed (so exciting), tomorrow my plans include working (possibly without internet access, whee), and Sunday, I want to not wail when Sparky leaves for school!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Let me get that for you.

2. Lots of people are going through a lot of bad things right now.

3. Listen here: I told you to stop that.

4. I don't know what you're talking about!

5. When I was younger, I thought I'd never get old.

6. It is to laugh!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to matching up calendars so they all match, tomorrow my plans include working until 2, and maybe having lunch with someone, and Sunday, I want to not pass out at Sunday School so that I can still function at work (yes, again)!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. They've finally done it; they've driven me completely insane.

2. The chances of me ever going to a New Year's Eve bash range from 0 to .00000001%.

3. What is what? I have no idea where it came from, but I can't stop saying that.

4. I need to catch up on watching the DVDs of last seasons' tv shows.

5. Eyes front! (Too many conversations with my high school band's drum major lately....clearly)

6. I've never seen it spelled ut oh but I know it doesn't bode well no matter how it's spelled.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking a bath and going to bed, tomorrow my plans include buying new glasses (finally!) and grocery shopping, and Sunday, I want to watch the Packers win!