Saturday 9

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Mama Liked the Roses (1970)

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

1) In this song, Elvis tells us his mother loved tending the roses in the garden. Do you have a green thumb?

I do not. I have been entrusted with four five thriving containers of plants recently and so far I seem to have only managed to destroy one plant in one of them. There's another that's not looking real healthy but I think that's just temporary. 
My mother, however, could make lumber sprout green shoots just about. We had a jungle of plants in our living room and, yes, dozens of rosebushes in the yard. To this day, the scent of roses reminds me of my childhood yard and Mom (she didn't wear perfume). 

2) Mama would put the roses in a vase in the living room. Do you have cut flowers in your home right now?

Nope. They all got tossed last week. I have a bunch of empty vases I don't know what to do with. I mean, actually, I need to take them back to the florist that's on my way to work, possibly along with several others from previous floral tributes.

3) Elvis sings that he found Mama's rose petals pressed in the family Bible. Have you ever pressed petals in a book? If yes, what occasion were you commemorating?

I have! I pressed my high school graduation corsage in my diary! I should dig that out and see how they're doing 45 years on.

4) OK, so now we know Mama liked roses. What about you? Would you prefer white, pink, yellow or red roses?

I do not care about the color. I do care if they actually smell good. No smell-less roses allowed, so (ergo) none from flower shops. It's hard to find roses with scent these days....

5) Elvis' own mother, Gladys Presley, had a major impact on pop culture. When her son was 11, he asked for either a rifle or a bicycle for his birthday. She deemed the rifle too dangerous and the bike too expensive, and so he chose a guitar instead. The rest is history. Tell us about a special birthday gift from your youth.

I don't remember any specific birthday gift. My parents were ultra-practical, so it was mostly clothes or office supplies (stationery, books, etc.). I think I got a necklace one year?  

6) Abraham Lincoln credited his stepmother, Sarah, for her lasting influence on his life, saying she ignited his love of reading and learning. Tell us about a woman -- mother, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, teacher, neighbor -- who changed your life for the better.

Good Lord there are dozens from with to choose! So many good teachers, and so many older-than-me relatives, several younger-than-me relatives, and friends.... I'm going to talk about Venus--yes, her real name--who was in her 60s when I met her and VERY non-Venus-like. She was a smart, no-nonsense, loving Texas native here in the upper Midwest who never met a stranger. I once asked her when she was going to retire from all her post-retirement activities; she basically told me she'd retire when the people she was feeding, helping, "doing for," no longer needed to be fed or helped. Shut me right up. She was fearless, kind, blunt. She always seemed to fill up the room while probably being only about 5'2" tall.

7) Mother's Day is almost upon us. According to the National Restaurant Association, we like to eat out on this holiday, with revenue up more than 80% on Mother's Day weekend. When did you last dine at a restaurant? Was it a special occasion?

I eat breakfast at Wendy's fairly often (drive-thru), but the last sit-down place I think I ate was the new tenant in the City's Last Boondoggle--a lengthy story I'll maybe talk about someday--which was delicious. Sparky's feeding me tomorrow too, at a (pseudo) Irish Pub.

8) Candles are a big seller for Mother's Day, too. What's your favorite candle scent?

I like clean smells, less perfume-y. Pine is good. Sandalwood is good. Gardenia is very much not good.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds?

I'm not that fussy, but I really don't care for dark chocolate. Actually, I am a little fussy: I like European chocolate over American. I got a big nasty mouthful of something American recently that really did a strong vomit taste, which kinda killed that brand for me.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

Misc questions 

1. Which is more romantic: an expensive, glittering bouquet OR flowers that were hand picked as they grew beside the parkway? 

I am far from fussy, especially these days. But I'm less likely to sneeze at greenhouse flowers.

2. Do you know yourself well enough to understand why you feel the way you do? 

Years of therapy have helped with this.

3. Which do you do more often: let movies, songs and books put your feelings into words for you or put your feelings into words by yourself? 

Of late, it's been "feel the feelings all the time." I don't really see too many movies and reading has been hard this year.

4. Do you believe celebrities when they are endorsing a product? 

I don't pay a lot of attention to ads, and I'd like to think the person in the ad means nothing, but I just got stung by ThirdLove so I guess I do sometimes.

5. What kind of movies do you wish were made more often?

Good ones. It would be nice if we (the audience) would refuse to see the crappy ones.

6. Does fashion matter to you? 

Not really.

7. Should politicians be held to the same legal standards as everyone else? 

Of course they should! Some might argue they should be held to a higher standard.

8. If you became president, whom would you invite to sing at your inauguration? 

My go-to would be a classmate of Sparky's who sings at our church. But I have no interest in running for any office whatsoever.

9. Do you try to write/say what you are feeling in a true and simple way? 

Yes.

10. What is your worst daily habit? 

Sleeping. I just got up from an afternoon nap.

11. If you had your choice which one TV show would you have canceled? 

If I never heard another word about the whole "Game of Thrones" debacle, it will be too soon.

12. Do you like the taste of sweet or salt? 

I strongly prefer sweet, but I'm currently eating salted peanuts.

13. Are you very precise about what words you use to describe your feelings and thoughts?

I try to be. They aren't always read or heard precisely, though.

14. What do you feel the most guilty about? 

Presupposing I feel guilty about anything (a pretty solid presupposition in my case, but still....), I had a long moment of "why isn't Beasty living here?" this morning.

15. Do you meditate?

Not as such. I ponder, I pray, I focus on the clock ticking...

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
AutoComplete
I came up with this week’s questions by typing the 5 Ws, one at a time, into Google and letting it suggest something interesting (or at least not a yes-no question). I’ve put the incomplete part of each query in bold {ed. I turned them red} you so you can see what I had to do to get the question. In four cases I changed the question’s point of view so [you] is the subject and not [I] or [we]. This may be a flop but I thought it was an interesting concept.

1. Who do you look like?

   My father's family has very strong genes: three of the five kids look like his side. The other kids don't, which we've always taken to mean that they resemble Mom's side. Apparently, my brother has turned into the uncle he's named for, so there's that!

2. What bit you?

   Nothing, recently, thank the good Lord!

3. When are you due?

   NEVER, EVER, ASK THIS QUESTION! I have actually been asked this multiple times, often when I was not pregnant.

4. Where have all the flowers gone?

   Young girls have picked them, every one. Also, it's August/September and almost all the blooms are on their way out.

5. Why don’t you?

   Because I'm chicken.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
My Funny Valentine (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Ms. Kitt sings that her lover is her favorite work of art. Tell us about a piece of artwork you can see from where you're sitting now. (Yes, that crayon drawing created by your 5-year-old nephew counts.)

It's actually super-dark in the corners of the room right night, so I can only barely see the papyrus my college roommate brought back from Egypt 34 years ago. I'm sure she paid approximately one dime for it, but we had it and a matching one my inlaws had matted & framed a few years ago.

2) She asks him to not change his hair. When will you next find yourself in the stylist's chair?

I haven't had a haircut since early September, so I should probably get that remedied. My stylist is going to want to cut my hair shorter though, so there'll be an argument. "Argument" is too harsh; there'll be a discussion.

3) Ms. Kitt always wanted to be a performer and attended the New York School of Performing Arts (aka the "Fame" school). Think back to your high school self. In what ways would you be surprised by how your life turned out?

I had no specific expectations for what my adult life would look like. I think it's turned out more or less the way I assumed it would.

4) Ms. Kitt took over the role of Catwoman on TV's Batman. Name another Batman villain.

Gotta go with The Penguin.

5) Ms. Kitt enjoyed tremendous success performing in Parisian nightclubs. Have you ever been to Paris?

Nope. Not really all that interested.

This is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for next Wednesday?

Oh, you're funny as hell. No. I work 5-9 that day, so no fun meals for me that day. And very likely there will be no Valentines either.

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?

Beast, of course.

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. What's the last greeting card you received?

I got a couple of cards ("Hi, we love you!" non-Valentines) yesterday...so don't feel so bad for me regarding the lack of cards next week. ;-)

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

Heirloom roses, from the year. This year, I might just go buy myself some flowers. I'm in need of a reminder than winter will end eventually.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Getting to Know You Questions

1. What is your occupation right now? How long have you been there?

I've been a librarian for almost exactly 29 years (I started my first full time job in June of 1988). The job I'm at now is my second full-time gig, second job so to speak.

2. Favorite rock band. Ever.

The one I go back to most often is The Beat--usually The English Beat here. They just make me happy.

3. What are you listening to right now?

We're catching up on last night's SNL. I love Melissa McCarthy so much.

4. Last person you spoke to on the phone. What was it about?

Sparky called me this morning to wish me happy Mom's Day.

5. How old are you today? Or make up a question. This one bites.

I'm 53.5 + two days. Friday was my mother-in-law's birthday.

6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

Football. This probably comes as a huge shock to everyone.

7. What is your favorite drink?

This is probably going to be an even bigger shock: diet Dr. Pepper.

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?

I did for about 10 years when it first started to get gray streaks. Once it seemed like it was less streaky, I stopped. I was still in my 40s, but at this point people describe me as "that gray-haired woman at the library"--and I'm not EVEN the oldest person there! I'm considering doing something like green or blue though.

9. Favorite food?

Carbs: sugar, bread, pasta. All the carbs!

10. What is the last movie you watched?

At the theater is was La-La Land. I really want to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2, but I'm not sure how that's going to happen unless I go alone. Beast isn't doing well.

11. Favorite day of the year?

I love days like today: 65-70 degree temps, no humidity, sun. I also really enjoy [School] Project judging day. And Thanksgiving.

12. How do you vent anger?

I talk. It's not the best possible way. I've also been known to shout (ahem) and/or cry, but I do that less these days as, apparently, it scares the shit out of my coworkers and causes me to get bad performance reviews. Now that I have becoming emo-free* at work, I'm back to my usual levels on reviews.

13. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Depends on the age. My jumprope, jacks, toy cars, and various dolls are probably up there, as are the many many library books I read.

14. Living arrangements? (Of course your pets count. Geez!)

I live with Beast and Pintobean. One is a human male, one is a male guinea-pig.

15. What was the last thing that you cried about?

I got a little teary with the African kids that came and sang at our church last week. But see * for why I don't really cry as much as I used to.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

I'm friends with someone who went to the same babysitter after school as I did in the 70s. She's a couple of years older than me, but that matter way more in 1972 than it does now!

17. What did you do last night?

Caught up on DVR'd TV shows and played games on the laptop. And watched a race, including a really fucking scary wreck. By rights, several of the drivers should have been permanently incapacitated. Sounds like they are all walking away, more or less.

18. What are you most afraid of?

Pain.

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived? What's your favorite?

I've lived in the midwest my entire life, either the far Western part or the middle/northern part. I like Colorado best.

20. What is your favorite flower? (Ugh. Quite the note to go out on. But hell, we steal the questions. I guess you get what you pay for.)

Home-grown heirloom roses. But I'm not fussy; just don't bring white lilies!

__________________
*i.e. heavily medicated with psych drugs

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Racquet Questions

01 What is the worst nickname that anyone has ever called you?

I haven't really ever had a good nickname. My parents deliberately chose names for all of us that are hard (or impossible) to shorten, and the only thing my mom ever called me besides my name was "Grace" when I tripped or something.

02 Have you got a favorite flower?

I like heirloom roses, fresh from the garden.

03 Do you add a sauce, ketchup or other artificial flavorings to your food?

Sometimes. Depends on what I'm eating. I use steak sauce sometimes. We don't go through a lot of ketchup, though.

04 Describe yourself using only words that begin with the letter 'T'.

Tall, tired, temperamental.

05 What is/was your lover's pet name for you?

Yeah, well, we'll be moving on...

06 What is your least favorite color?

Mustard yellow-brown.

07 Who did you vote for in the last election, and did they win?

I voted for HRC. Because I have, yknow, a flippin' brain in my head and no trust in my heart at all.

08 What is/was your grandfathers’ names?

One shared a name with a blue monster on Sesame Street, and the other was the Latinized version of Hitler's first name. Guess what: we didn't give Sparky EITHER of their names!

09 What is the best present you ever received?

Sparky of course.

10 What is 17 1/2% of 97 + 42 x (6 / 2) – 137 ? [Editor's note: Holy shit!]

5.975. You asked, right?

11 What would be the best possible way you could die?

In my sleep when I'm old but still compos mentis.

12 Given the choice of absolutely anything, what would be your dream job?

I love my current job. Really, I do. If I could travel more that would be the best.

13 What position do you sleep in at night?

Usually on my side, and I rarely move. Seriously, I usually roll over once only all night.

14 What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Sooo ... many ... things. If embarrassment killed, I'd be so death so many times.

15 Who is your favorite fictional character?

Thursday Next.

16 What food do you hate most in the world?

Brussels sprouts.

17 When was the last time you were ill?

Knock wood, it's been awhile.

18 If you were transformed into a wild creature, what would it be?

I'd like to be a wolf. I'd probably end up as a cockroach. Or a dung beetle.

19 What was your favorite toy as a child, and whatever happened to it?

I don't remember one specific toy that lasted the whole childhood. My eldest niece got my Barbie doll and that pissed me off; I wasn't consulted. I still have my Raggedy Anne doll. Several stuffed animals have disappeared somewhere. And my jacks. And my jumpropes.

20 What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen?

I have been very fortunate to see a lot of pretty amazing things. Perhaps the best memory I have is looking at the stars while lying on my car outside our mountain cabin with my best friend. Pretty epic.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Hotel California (1977)
... Because Country Dew suggested it. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Composer Don Henley says this song is about the "journey from innocence to experience." Where do find yourself on that journey? Are you more innocent, or experienced?

I'm not innocent, though most of what I know hasn't been from experiencing it myself but from watching, reading, or hearing about it.

2) The lyrics refers to the "warm smell of colitas." Do you know what it is that the Eagles noticed in the air?

I remember having no clue WTF they were saying at this point in the song until at some point I found the song lyrics and looked up "colitas" in the dictionary. Having never seen them, I have no idea what the scent is, still.

3) The girl in the song had her head turned by luxury, including jewelry from Tiffany's and Mercedes Benz autos. Do you consider yourself materialistic?

Not as bad as many, but still I have my "stuff" that is hard to walk away from.

4) This recording has been lauded by music publications for for its long guitar solo. Are you good on the guitar?

Hah! I played for, oh, maybe 4 hours over the course of 3 years in my teens. I listen to guitar pretty well though.... :)

5) There's an error in the lyrics and Don Henley can get a bit testy when interviewers bring it to his attention. Here's the lyric: "So I called up the captain and said, 'Please bring me your wine.' He said, 'We haven't had that spirit here since 1969.'" Do you know what's wrong with it?

I'd guess it's that wine isn't a spirit, because only liquor is spirits. Something to do with distillation. But jeez that is fussy. I never noticed it before. 

6) Known as the Eagles' drummer, Henley now spends less time at his drum kit. Sitting at that angle for an extended period of time hurts his back. Sam believes this proves all those warnings she heard from her parents about good posture are true. Do you pay attention to your posture?

I do. I try to walk like I was taught to march in Band: shoulders straight ("back") and stomach tight with a round, open chest. My dad didn't countenance slouching: "Be PROUD of your height!!" All us girls were tall and he hated tall girls who tried to make themselves shorter. However, most of the time when I'm sitting I'm slouching, and modern technology does nothing but encourage shoulders-forward sitting. Be honest: where are your shoulders when you're typing on a keyboard? My massage therapist yells at me regularly, and now I try to even SLEEP with my shoulders back!

7) Joe Walsh is considered the wild man of the Eagles. Think of your circle of friends. Who is the most unpredictable?

...I think that might be me. Or Beast, but to be fair, that's mostly his addiction being crazy not him. When he's straight, he's perfectly predictable. And that's frankly why I married him!! Among my workplace friends, it's definite Librarian B.

8) In 1977, Star Wars premiered. How many Star Wars movies have you seen?

All. Of. Them. Multiple. Times. Beast is a bit of a fan. /sarcasm

9) Random question: "Nosocomephobia" is the fear of hospitals. Are you nosocomephobic?

Nope. Actually, this is weird: I was visiting a friend in the hospital just before I started this. I've hung out in hospitals since before I can remember because my sister was so ill when I was a tot. While I was too young to visit her on the floor very often, I hung out in public areas a lot, I'm sure, and I was a candy-striper in junior high/high school so I got to see behind the scenes a little. And then my dad ended up in that same hospital after his second heart attack when my mom was out of town and I was in high school, so it paid off knowing how things worked. Nah, hospitals don't scare me, except when the bill comes...

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Don't Know How to Love Him (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is from Jesus Christ, Superstar. Though now a beloved classic, the play was controversial when it first premiered. Can you think of something else that originally made people uncomfortable, but went on to be accepted?

Rock and roll in general. Then rap. Integrated schools. Gay people. ...
By the way, JSC is still semi-controversial in a lot of Christian circles because it doesn't directly address or mention the Resurrection. Me, I've got the whole dang thing memorized.

2) Jesus Christ, Superstar was originally developed as a "concept album," a collection of songs written to sequentially tell the story of The Crucifixion and Resurrection. Do you remember the first album you bought? Did you download it, listen to it on a CD player, your cassette deck, or record player?

The first album I bought was a compilation of hard rock hits from the late 60s. I knew ONE song. It was a stupid purchase. Oh well.

3) When the album's songs were performed live in concert at the Pennsylvania Civic Arena, producers decided to stage it as a play and the rest, as they say, is history. Tell us about a really good idea you've had recently.

I gave a dude some decent job-searching/interviewing advice at work today. Does that count?

4) Jesus Christ, Superstar is a truly international phenomenon. During a revival tour that began in 2011, it's been a hit with audiences in the United States, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Brazil, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Croatia, Bolivia, The Netherlands and Portugal. Besides the United States, which of those countries have you visited?

I've been to Canada, Britain, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Poland, and Greece.

5) Peeps are big sellers every Easter. Would you rather have yellow chicks or pink bunnies?

I'd rather not have Peeps, thanks. Yuck.

6) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. One theory says they were introduced in Boston during the 19th century. What else comes to mind when you think of Boston?

Now I'm primed to think about Boston Baked Beans.

7) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween?

Halloween. I haven't bought any candy at all this month.

8) Easter lilies will adorn many churches this Sunday. What's your favorite flower?

I can't stand Easter lilies--they mean death to me. Too many funerals as a child.... I like old-fashioned roses, the kind you grow in the yard.

9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?

A vacation, which is coming up in just 10 days!! woot woot

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
See You Later, Alligator (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) Crazy Sam's mother is terrified of alligators. Just looking at a photo of one of those scaly reptiles gives her the creeps. Is there a member of the animal kingdom that scares you?

I'm not a huge fan of bugs bigger than my hand. I'm fine with regular-sized Midwestern USA critters, but I draw the line at anything I can't cover with one smack.

Also, earwigs. ...shudder...

2) Gators are carnivores, but they aren't picky. If meat isn't handy, they'll munch on fruit. Are you particular about your diet? For example, do you try to eat gluten free, low sodium, etc.?

Nope. I'm trying to cut back on sugar, but not having universal success.

3) In Spain, this song was a hit under the title, "Hasta Luego, Cocodrilo." Say something else in Spanish.

¿Cómo se dice "I don't want to" en español?" Tengo un grado menor de la universidad en español, pero es sobre todo en la literatura española y no tanto hablar. Mi sobrina británica y su marido viven en España, pero yo creo que van a venir de nuevo a Inglaterra este año con sus bebés gemelas.

4) When this week's artist, Bill Haley, was a little boy, he made a guitar out of cardboard and pretended to play that until his parents got him a real one. Tell us about something you wantedso badly when you were a kid.

I was 12 when I finally got my first bicycle. I'd wanted one for, literally, 5 years at least.

5) Early in his career, Bill did whatever it took to get the gig. When singing cowboys were popular, the Michigan native pretended to be a cowpoke and renamed himself, "Silver Yodeling Bill." Have you ever fudged on your resume or fibbed in an interview?

I've certainly been interviewed for jobs I was eminently unqualified for, if that counts.

6) When his career was going well, Bill was generous and loved to give extravagant parties at his home, which he called Melody Manor. Do you enjoy playing the host?

I do.

7) Bill was blind in one eye, the result of a botched operation when he was a child. Since the blind eye wandered and didn't focus, he always wore a curl over the opposite eye, hoping to draw everyone's attention to the other side of his face. What is there about your appearance that leaves you self conscious?

I used to be very skinny as a kid. That has swung to the opposite at this point in my life--I'm embarrassed about how much my stomach sticks out.

8) On the other hand, what is it about your appearance that pleases you, and that you would never change?

I love my nose, even though it's big, and my hair.

9) In 1956, when this song was a hit, Elvis Presley exploded onto the music scene and displaced Bill as rock's top artist. The press and public assumed Bill was jealous of Elvis, but in reality he liked Elvis a great deal. Are you jealous by nature?

Nope.

Kiss from a Rose (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) This song is from the movie, Batman Forever. The movie Batman v. Superman will be out later this month. In that matchup, who do you support -- The Caped Crusader or The Man of Steel?

I'm fairly agnostic about the situation.

2) "Rose" became a popular name in the 19th century, when parents also began naming their daughters "Iris," "Violet," "Daisy" and "Lily." Do you know anyone who has a flower name?

My niece, mentioned above, is named a variation of this very name. It's a lovely name, and totally doesn't fit her, even at 30+. As a young teen she tried going with "Roz" which is better, but it didn't stick. Her sister has a middle name based on another name for "Daisy", named for her (other side of family) grandmother. I know a couple of other "Rosies" and it sees like I might know a "Lily" or something similar, but I'm drawing a blank.

3) This week's artist, Seal, has something to fall back on. At his parents' insistence, before he pursued music he got an associate degree in architecture from a small college in Westminster. What's the last grade you completed?

I have a Master's Degree: MLIS.

4) Seal wrote this song back in the 1980s but didn't really like it very much. His producer discovered it when they were looking for material to complete Seal's second album and the result was several Grammys. Tell us about a time when something turned out better than you thought it would.

Raising our son. He's become quite an awesome young man.

5) Ex-wife Heidi Klum is not the only model in Seal's life. He also dated Tyra Banks. Can you name another famous model?

Naomi Campbell. Lauren Hutton. Mark Wahlberg.

6) Seal is currently involved with yet another model, Australian Erica Packer. Between them they have seven children. How many siblings do you have, and are you the oldest, youngest, or in the middle?

I'm the youngest of 5.

7) Seal's birthday was back on February 19. Let's think about your birthday. If you could have any type of cake you wanted, what would you request?

Traditional wedding cake with homemade buttercream frosting and a lot of it!

8) In 1996, when this song was popular, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents in a crime and trial that dominated the news in Los Angeles. What are people in your town talking about?

Home rule. We're about 600 people short at our last census so the city is doing another one next month to see if we've crossed the threshold.

9) Random question: There's an old saying, "Like nails on a blackboard." Sam can't recall ever hearing nails on a blackboard, but she knows she hates the sound of a dripping faucet. What sound bothers you the most?

Oh, nails on a blackboard is bad! Chewing aluminum foil, though, is bad on so many different levels besides sound that it wins, hands-down.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
SW: TFA
(inspired by a certain movie I finally saw, with no spoilers)

1. When did you last wear a lei (or something similar)?

   I had on an infinity scarf yesterday at work, and I pretty much always have a long woolly scarf on when I'm outside these days. Otherwise, neckwear is not a big priority for me.

2. What are your thoughts on organically grown produce?

   I'm all for it in theory, but I live in farm country and I know that on a big-scale farm, organic is ... difficult. And that's if you can agree on a definition of "organic" in the first place!

3. Which Goldie Hawn movies have you seen?

   Uhm...I don't know of any, honestly? I don't go out of my way to see her, though I don't dislike her. Just not my thing, I guess. Was she in Witches of Eastwick?

4. What’s something you’ve recently and reluctantly flown solo on?

   Work is turning into very much of a solo flight every day lately, in many ways. For the first time in years, I seriously looked at house prices and jobs in Colorado in a serious way. We could swing it, but not anywhere near Denver.

5. What experience do you have with BB or pellet guns?

   Only in the praying for no injuries when Sparky and Jet used to have Airsoft wars every Saturday. Sparky's first time out, he came home with a big bruise/goose-egg just below his eyebrow; he'd very nearly had his eye shot out. He wore his science safety goggles after that.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Q & A Meme

1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again?

I'd probably take more religion classes and fewer communication courses.

2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an indepth conversation?

Are the President or the First Lady celebrities? If not then I guess I'll go with Bono or Rachel Maddow.

3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be?

Sitting in my living room, desultorily scanning the internet, reading books, and eating sugar cookies. Maybe doing some authority control work or cataloging. Nothing that involves a lot of people F2F most of the time, that's for sure!

4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert?

Tiramisu.

5. How many pairs of jeans do you own?

I only 3 pairs of blue jeans but only one pair fits me. I have three pairs of non-blue jeans that I wear for work.

6. What is your favorite flower, and why?

Heirloom roses, the big floribunda type. With scent.

7. What book has most changed your life?

I don't remember life before the Bible or the Little House series, so I don't know if it changed my life. The books that have changed my worldview are legion though: The Book of Ruth, Atticus, Plainsong, From Here to Eternity, The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Nicholas & Alexandra. Actually, perhaps that last one is the most telling, as it really ignited my interest in Russian history 30 years ago, which I still enjoy today.

8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it?

I do not like raw (or plain stewed) tomatoes alone. I will eat them in salsa because they're unrecognizable, but I really can't stand the taste, the scent, or the texture of them. {{shudder}}

9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land?

It would be whatever the longest flight from the west coast towards Australia/New Zealand would be....

10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo?

Hell. No. It's not happening.

11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth?

I'd love to know where Gloria (college) ended up, and Teri (high school).

12. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?

Taos.

13. Name three of your guilty pleasures.

Sugar cookies, blogging, naps.

14. The best kind of cookie is:

Heh. Lofthouse iced sugar cookies. And my mom's oatmeal raisin cookies from when I was a child.

15. What do you value most in other people?

Tactful honesty.

16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?

Most everything in my life has had a silver lining. I'm still trying to figure out how the death of my niece's first baby (and her near-death) can be a positive though. Everything else....I wouldn't be who I am now without those things happening.

17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?

Ouray. Ydra. Moosehead.

18. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler?

I think I'm a good mixture of both, but I'm virtually certain that most people think I'm more of a feeler.

19. Name three things you are thankful for right now.

Football (though not the game we're slogging through now--Jets v. Dolphins at Wembley), autumn weather, diet Dr. Pepper.

20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?

....wowwwWWWW! Yes, about 40 years ago!

21. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

I think so? I know I always sing along if they aren't trying to be all cute with the tune.

glove slap, I don't take crap! glove slap, shut your big yap!

(Found at Amy's--who also gave it the title)

Can you do any accents other than your own?

I can do Western (because, family) and generic "Southern" and Midland English. And I guess I could do Mexican if I wanted, but I don't.

Do you have a strong local accent?

I'm sure I do, and I hate it. I can actually feel my vocal cords lengthening whenever I go back to Colorado, and I stop talking like I have to say ALL THE WORDS in three minutes. Through my nose.

If evil-doers invaded your country would you rush to the battle-lines to defend the motherland, or hide in a box?

I'm pretty sure that the evil-doers are already here, and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to deal with them. I'll be in my box if you need me.

What's your favourite flower?

Garden roses, with scent. Climbing ones, preferably still on the vine.

Have you ever given blood?

I used to give regularly, have probably done a couple of gallons over time. I don't think they'll have me anymore now though.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Absolutely, if it meant helping find a cure for something that's killing me. If I'm going to die anyway, experiment away--and make sure I have good pain meds! My sister had experimental brain surgery to explore some possibilities inre PD and MSA. And when she died, she sent her brain back to the university where she had the surgery so they could see...whatever they needed to see.

What's your favourite radio station?

KIMN, ca. 1980. Barring that, I will listen to Sirius, or NPR, or if I need to know about local traffic, the local station. The latter is what wakes me up in the morning--which gets me out of bed very fast.

Have you ever slapped someone in public?

Hmm, I don't think so. I only really remember one slap in my history and it was inside with just the two of us. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Have you ever drawn on a sleeping or inebriated person?

I have not. This has never seemed remotely amusing to me.

Can you roll your R's?

Rrrruffles have rrrridges. Yes. I have a theory that this is something you have to learn to do while fairly young. If you don't, it is really awfully close to impossible to learn later. And if you take Spanish as a teenager, and haven't learned this skill, the class is much harder than in needs to be.

Rebound relationships: good or bad?

Immediate-rebounds seem to rarely work out, not that I've seen anyway. But they can be fun!

Would you ever sign a prenuptial agreement?

I have no interest in ever getting married again, so no. If I did somehow lose my mind enough to re-up, I would do a pre-nup.

Is your bellybutton an innie or outie?

All innie. Outies gross me out a little; nothing personal if you're an outie.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What's your favorite something pink?

I'm not a fan of pink. I guess I don't mind Pepto-Bismol when I need it, though.

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? How about the least?

I liked most everything about gym class as a really little kid, but as I got older the "girls don't like sports" mindset took over. I liked dodgeball ok and volleyball, but climbing the rope? Nuh-uh.

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?

My mom loved roses. By the time she and Dad moved out of the house I grew up in, she must have had 40-50 bushes. When I went off to college, my dad built a new planter and she became a tester for Jackson & Perkins. She always had hybrids with scent. Those are hard to find anymore, especially at big box stores.

4. Do you prefer to read or write?

Reading. So much easier.

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, 'Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?

My WASPy background says laziness is always bad, but I'm about the laziest person around so...

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast...which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?

Do I have to go to Florida? Boo. OK, Gulf Coast it is.

7. What question do you hate to answer?

"What do you want for dinner?"

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm sitting here listening to my son rant and rave about work today. He's frustrated. I can relate. I was ranting about 10 hours ago in a similar fashion, to Beast.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
As Time Goes By

1) This is the theme song of Casablanca, generally acknowledged as one the screen's great love stories. In honor of Valentine's Day weekend, what's your favorite movie romance?

Dr. Zhivago. The original one, with Omar Sharif. I was a weird kid--had a terrific crush on Sharif because of this movie, and he was 30 years older than me.

2) Even though he was only 5'8" and had a receding hairline, Humphrey Bogart was a popular leading man. What movie or TV actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat?

Christian Slater causes some heart palpitations, and I don't really find him particularly gorgeous.

3) Sweethearts are those little heart-shaped candies that are printed with messages like, "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me." Do you like how they taste?

I adore them. And I didn't have a single one this year. :(

4) Valentine's Day is a big day for florists. When is the last time a floral arrangement adorned your table or desk?

There's one in my living room right now.

5) Do you think an e-card means as much as a conventional card in an envelope?

To me it does.

6) Despite what you see on Valentines, the human heart isn't bright red. It's really a brownish shade of red, like a brick. Now it's your turn. Share some trivia that's been rattling around in your head. (It does[n't] have to be about Valentines or the human heart. It can be any random fact at all.)

Valentine's Day is mentioned in Hamlet, which seems to mean that Shakespeare's peers were at least passing familiar with it.

7) When is the last time you thought your heart would break?

Oh, it's a regular occurrence. I'm beginning to think it may never be whole again.

8) What is the most recent thing to lift your heart?

Meeting my boss's youngest (step) daughter today. She's a sweetheart.

9) Who is the most "hard hearted" person you know?

I'm working on becoming that! hah Actually, I don't think I know too many hard-hearted people--I tend to avoid people like this. Maybe my brother? About some things, anyway.

Blogthings Explosion

(I'm nearly caught up on these...really!)

You Are Free Spirited

You are a wanderer and a traveler. Nothing makes you feel more alive than being out on the open road. You never can predict where your life is going next, and you're cool with that. You like a life of experiences. If you were a musician, you would have a deep repertoire to draw from. You could play live for hours at a time. And it's likely that the songs you liked best would be the ones you wrote on the road. Performing would inspire you. You rock because you have a spirit of openness and excitement in all aspects of your life. You don't approach anything with negativity. If something doesn't work out, oh well! It's just another adventure for you to look back on one day.

The Guitar Test

Startlingly accurate. There are a few duds here, but the overall picture is the way I try (hard) to face the world.

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You Are a Philosopher

You fall under the water element. Like water, you are fluid and reflective. You are both observant and curious. You like to see where everything is going. You are less dogmatic than most people. You don't have a set idea of how you want things to go. You are open and adaptable. Unlike others, you realize how little you can control in life. You are modest and objective. You don't spend too much time congratulating yourself about anything. Instead, you think more about what you appreciate in others. You love ingenuity and creativity.

What Elemental Archetype Are You?

At my best, yeah. I do, despite my best intentions, certain expectations of what is coming down the pike, but I've slowly tried to wean myself of that worldview....

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Your Birth Flower is a Chrysanthemum

Like a chrysanthemum, you are bursting with cheerfulness, color, and optimism. You see the world as an abundant place. There is plenty of joy for anyone who wants it. You are quick to laugh, smile, or crack a joke. You love to lighten the mood whenever possible. You are a great friend, and you're always looking for more partners in crime. You have the best time with your pals. If you fall in love, you tend to keep it a secret for a long time. You make your move slowly. You usually won't indicate your feelings unless you are sure they are mutual. You don't like to make others uncomfortable.

What Does Your Birth Flower Say About You?

...whereas this one is oddly off in almost every way.

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You Are in the Early Majority

You aren't the earliest adopter when it comes to technology. You like to wait things out a bit. You love new things, but you want to wait until they are proven. Being on the cutting edge is expensive! You may feel like you're the last person you know to get on board with a new idea or thing, but you're still rather early when compared to the general public. It's likely that you know about something a while before you decide to go for it. You like to do your due diligence. You are open to new ideas, and it's likely that you're quite active in your community. You have your ear to the ground. If someone recommends something to you, you'll probably check it out. And if you like it, you'll pass on the recommendation.

Are You An Early Adopter?

Yup.

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You Are Serious

You are the type of person who is happiest when you're grounded and into your routine. You like predictability. You don't mind having responsibilities and jobs to do. If anything, being needed helps you stabilize your life. You are honest, loyal, and ethical. You can be depended on [try] to do the right thing no matter what the circumstances. You believe 'what goes around comes around', and you try to set a good example for others ... even if they're behaving poorly. You take things seriously, but not too seriously. You surprise others with your offbeat humor and ability to make fun of yourself. You give everything your all, including having fun. You do well socially, especially in more structured situations.

The Modern Painting Test

And we end with a clear winner.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. This week's Hodgepodge is Volume 123. What's something you've done recently that was as easy as 1-2-3?

Re-signing up with Weight Watchers was very painless and easy. The actual dieting itself isn't going so well quite yet, but I am eating somewhat less so that's a step.

2. The Wednesday Hodgepodge also happens to fall on the first day of May ...what is something you may do this month?

We may go on a short vacation at some point this month. We'll see. Nothing is set in stone yet.

3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying, "The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think." How do you see it?

Yes. Better to do both in moderation.

4. May is National Hamburger Month...how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers? I assume you vegetarians won't be celebrating so tell us what you'd like instead?

I don't love burgers, but I probably have 2-3 a month. Beast makes them for dinner often. Those are good.

5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens...of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? (Or whenever spring comes to your part of the globe?) Who does the gardening at your house?

I loathe geraniums. Impatiens makes me think of Mom, and petunias even more so: she had pansies in the front planters every year. Pansies are fine. Maybe I'll get some for this summer. But for the most part, Beast does the yard work because being outside for too long makes me sick.

6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout "Mayday, Mayday!"

Hmmm. Last week. Can't remember why. Something work-related.

7. Say farewell to your April in ten words or less.

"Cya. Wouldn't wanna be ya." April pretty much sucked this year for so many reasons, not least of which was the weather.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This has been a delightfully quiet and productive week at work. What a lovely change from the norm.

Tuesday Choices

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Chinese takeaway or Indian takeaway?

Over here in Leftpondia we don't have so much in the way of Indian takeaway. So Chinese.

2. Daffodils or tulips?

Daffodils. The remind me of my sister Ellen, who loved them.

3. Pine furniture or mahogany furniture?

Let's be realistic here: I prefer oak. Or teak. I have a lot of pine-with-veneer though.

4. Enid Blyton or A A Milne?

Again, over here in the States Enid's never been all that. And I adore Milne anyway: "King John was not a good man..."

5. Apple or pear?

Apples are easier to find in perfect condition. I love pears though, when they are at their prime.

6. Beer or cider?

Neither. Unless we're talking about American apple cider...love that with a cinnamon stick stirrer.

7. House or bungalow?

I'm finding this very interesting. American bungalow. Not sure what the difference between American and British, but here they are both houses.

8. Hersheys chocolate or Cadburys chocolate?

Cadbury's.

9. Mountain or ocean?

Mountains.

10. Reality TV or soaps?

Select reality TV shows are good. I haven't watched a soap with intent in over 35 years, despite the efforts of my college roommate and former coworkers.

11. Nightie or pyjamas?

Pajamas.

12. Vanilla coke or Cherry Coke?

Cherry Coke. Real cherry Coke: fresh fountain Coke with cherry syrup. Yummy.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Too Tired to Think Meme, Part 2

26. What type of errands do you like running?

The last ones.

27. Have you ever eaten snow?

Yes. Yes, I have. Many times. The joys of winter. OK, this is about the ONLY joy, really.

28. What color are your bedsheets?

Right now, we have the sand-colored ones on. I just bought new ones today, for our new bed. One new set of sheets, two extra pillowcases, and two new pillows=$340 (because of the bed we bought, we can't buy sheet 'sets;' I bought two long-twin fitted sheets, and a king-size flat sheet. Ugh.

29. What’s your favorite flower?

Roses. My mom was a natural with rose-bushes, and so many people say they are "hard" to grow, but...I haven't touched ours this summer and they are absolutely HUGE.

30. Do you do ballet?

Nope.

31. Do you listen to classical music?

Occasionally.

32. What is the first TV theme song that pops in your head?

"The Pink Panther" for gawd knows what reason.

33. Do you watch Sponge Bob?

I haven't watched in years. Sparky used to watch and I sat in on that usually.

34. What temperature is it outside right now?

73. With 76% humidity. So...yuck.

35. Do people consider you smart?

I think so. When I'm not being a complete spaz.

36. How many piercings do you have?

Just my earlobes: 2.

37. Are you signed on [to] AIM?

I don't use AIM. And, I'm not, technically, logged in to any other chat site, though I guess I am default-online on Gchat. No one ever chats me there, except Beast though. He's 10 feet away and reading his magazine right now.

38. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together?

Yes. When I was in elementary school. Guess what: it doesn't really work, even with SuperGlue; or maybe I already knew the secret to ungluing SuperGlue when I did it.

39. How do you feel about your family?

"May Go-o-o-o-o-od bless and keep [the-e-e-em].....farawayfromus"

40. Do you have an iPod?

I have a small, off-brand MP3 player that I never use.

41. What time do you go to bed?

10-11. Then, of late, I'm up between 12 and 1 for an hour or so. Then I sleep the rest of the night, generally.

42. What CD is currently in your CD player?

The only one I've used recently is the one in the car, which has Disc 2 of Lee Child's Worth Dying For in it.

43. What movie do you know every line to?

I know an awful lot of the Airplane/Naked Gun series, and lots of Bill Murray movies.

44. What is your favorite salad dressing?

REAL Blue Cheese.

45. What do you want for Christmas this year?

It's bloody-JULY! Are you serious? I'd like a boss that's not insane and a full complement of GOOD staff back on board at work.

46. What family member/friend lives the farthest from you? Where?

I guess that would be my niece Rosellen and her husband TJ who live 4230.38 miles from here. More or less. ;-)

47. Do you like hugs?

Of course I do, from people I know and like.

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I can't remember.
I can remember the last time my stomach plummeted into my toes: last Thursday when I found out that our children's librarian is leaving to take another job. This happened 6 days after we all found out our director is also taking another job.

49. What’s the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name?

The beginning of my last name does not have a long vowel-sound in it. However, I have to say that I'm more bothered by spelling errors, of which there is almost always at least one: my name is crazy-hard, apparently.

50. Last person you hugged?

Probably Beast.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Would you ever take a bouquet of flowers from a funeral or cemetery and give it to someone else?

Uhm, no. Mostly out of fear of being caught. But there is a fairly obvious difference between funeral flowers and "give to someone else" flowers, too, so unless the someone else was grieving, it would be a pretty big fail.

2) What didn't you get the first time through?

Patience. I've had to stand in the Patience Line multiple times just to get my fair share. Which doesn't seem right...or does it?

3) Would you rather be ugly and marry a good looking person or be good looking and marry an ugly person?

This question reminds me of this song:

I think that THINKing the other person is more attractive actually keeps people humble, though.

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

Testing. One. Testing [tap tap] Is this thing on? Actually, it reminds me of my college radio days. I used to have a great time doing radio shows. But I don't think I could do them anymore. I'm way Not-Hip, and the DJ's run the shows mostly from their own iPods nowadays.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
Random

1. What is your favorite summertime flower?

Garden roses, preferably ones that smell good and are BIG.

2. Are you behind on your blog?

I never really consider blogging to be a time-sensitive thing, so no. Last night, I did boot up several weeks of questions & pictures for the meme I write, so I'm set well into the fall there.

3. What has irritated you the most recently?

Life. Life is VERY FUCKING IRRITATING right now. I would like to petition the Life Gods for a vacation from irritation.

4. What was your last Facebook status post?

"‎If all the world's a stage, I want to operate the trap door." --Paul Beatty

5. When is the last time you laughed?

Laughed hard? I think I about burst last week laughing at something, but I don't remember what. It was totally stress-based laughter, so much so that I had to consciously stop so I wouldn't roll over to full-blown sobbing. Regular polite laughter: did some of that today.

6. What can absolutely ruin your day?

Waking up, some days.

7. What is the one thing that always brightens your day?

Finishing a middling-hard crossword.