Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Returns

1. What was the last item you returned or exchanged at a store?

   I can't even tell you when I would have done this. I literally NEVER do this, especially at brick-and-mortar stores; too much hassle. I think I have sent stuff back that was mail-ordered, though. Just nothing recent.

2. When did you last leave the house and then turn right back around and go back inside?

   I'm sure it was this week sometime. I do this all the time. My mother used to tell me I'd go off without my head screwed on if it weren't attached.

3. What’s the latest you’ve ever returned a library book?

   Months. And yes, I work in a library, so I seriously have NO EXCUSE! 😏

4. What location among places you’ve traveled would you most like to see again?

   I would love to go back to Ydra. I'd move to Ouray in a hot minute if I could. I would like to see Russia in summertime.

5. What’s an unlikely movie sequel you’d like to see?

   I think we've had enough sequels. I'd like something original.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sorry (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a plea for a second chance. Are you good at forgiving/forgetting?

I'm too good, too much of a softy. But even I am reaching the end of my rope on a certain issue in my household. The thing is, I pop off and yell at the drop of a hat, but I really do forgive very very quickly. For my sins.

2) Justin asks his girl to "forget this." What have you done/said recently that you wish could just be forgotten?

I've been keeping my nose pretty clean, and believe me, it's not happening by accident. This shit is hard!

3) Mr. Bieber says he needs just 6 hours sleep every night. How about you? How much sleep do you require to feel sharp?

I probably only need 6-7, but I've been getting more than that lately, and feeling wiped out. It's gotta be the winter blahs. Or I'm coming down with something awful.

4) Justin prefers D&G underwear, which can cost as much as $102/pair. Sam may be crazy, but there's no way she'd spend that much on underwear. What's something you're willing to splurge on?

A good bra. No more department store crap--I hit the bigtime about 10 years ago and still shop VS for bras. However, they are not friendly to the bigger band-size women of the universe. Another reason to lose weight!!

5) He may be picky about underwear but not cuisine. He loves Big Macs. If we were going to McDonald's, what would you order?

Bacon, egg and cheese bagel and a large diet Coke. Or a bacon ranch salad and a large diet Coke. Or two sausage burritos and a large diet Coke. I actually prefer Wendy's or BK because they have diet Dr. Pepper now! woot

6) When it comes to healthier fare, Bieber has told fans he enjoys snacking on bananas and grapes. What do you reach for between meals?

I've always got a bag of almonds in my desk at work. Or some sort of nutty snack--sunflower seeds, pistachios, etc. They don't go bad in the time frame it takes me get through them--4-5 weeks--and they are good and healthy.

7) Performing in Germany, Justin Bieber told a girl who approached the stage, "Ich liebe dich” ("I love you") and she fainted. Have you ever fainted?

Not quite. I nearly did after getting an epinephrine injection about 15 years ago. While I was walking out of the ER, the world tilted abruptly and I got my head down below my heart double-quick. I hadn't eaten anything all day, and spending 20 minutes spazzing on the epi took a lot of calories.

8) As a kid, Justin was teased for being one of the shortest in his class. What do you recall being teased about in school?

I was tall, so I got shit about that. I got my first pair of glasses at age 10--I remember trying to hide them in my desk the first day, hated them--and I've always gotten comments about them. I was one of the Smart Kids, so I got a TON of shit about that. And I have a vivid memory of B!ll Ke!th turning around in music class in 5th or 6th grade and asking me why I was singing along with the teacher; we were ALL supposed to be singing, I liked singing, it was music class...but I don't believe I ever sang again in that class. He was a little jerk, and one of the popular kids.

9) Random question: Will you be watching this weekend's Super Bowl?

Of course. My Broncos are playing. And I need to see the ads.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Really Random Meme

Do you believe that Walt Disney is really frozen?

I do not, because it's an urban legend.

Do you believe its easy to forgive and forget?

It is definitely not easy to forgive. I don't even try to forget.

When you feel like running away from it all who do you call?

Amy. We're going bowling in Canada.

Is there anyone who knows your entire life story?

Nope. Beast probably knows the most of everyone besides me.

Have you had to have stitches at all in the last year?

Yup, I had surgery in February. Seven stitches in my neck.

Which is coming next: Christmas or your birthday?

Birthday.

Have you ever been a clown for Halloween?

Yes. I believe that's the last costume my mom ever made for me.

What time did you go to bed last night?

I was in bed by 11:15. Asleep by midnight. Awake again at 1. And 4. And 7.

When did you get up this morning?

I gotout of bedat about 7:25 when Beast was finished in the shower and headed downstairs.

When was the last time it rained?

Overnight, I think. It was damp out this morning.

Are your finger nails painted at the moment?

My fingernails are never painted but my toenails are bright orange right now.

Do you ever go hunting/fishing?

Yuck. No, thanks.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child?

Yes I did. I wonder how B.B. has fared in the intervening 45ish years....

Which parent do you look most like?

My dad's gene pool is deep and strong. We all look[ed] like him, except perhaps my brother. Even my son looks like him! And several other grandchildren are clearly "his" as well.

Do you have any friends who are famous?

Nope. Thank you to all of you, my friends, for staying under the radar. ;-)

Do you use eBay to buy or sell?

I use eBay for photos, when I use it for anything at all, which is rarely.

Is music a daily part of your life?

Yes. I listen to music pretty much every day. I haven't tracked it but I'm fairly certain that my shittiest days tend to be music-free. I'm not sure which one leads to the other, but I suspect the two facts are interconnected.

Is your self esteem high or low?

I'd call it healthy. Not too high, not too low. Probably a little lower than optimal right now. It's been a really rough week.

Friday Fill-Ins

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1. These three words describe my significant other (or dog, cat, baby, grandchild, best friend!): stubborn, overwhelmed, kind-hearted!
2. Sparky is a delight!
3. Oh, how I adore spring-time (except for allergy-related stuff).
4. People are generally pretty nice if one takes time to be friendly.
5. Inevitably, I forget something whenever I go to the store.
6. My dad is someone who never ceased to encourage me.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillaxing, tomorrow my plans include working (boo!) and Sunday, I want to tidy up the house in preparation of family arriving next week!

Friday Fill-Ins

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1. Spring has arrived, about 6 weeks early.

2. I'm in the market for a strong back available for transplant.

3. I forgot to water the plants on Tuesday!

4. Cheese and crackers for dinner is delicious! And easy.

5. Heads, shoulders, knees and toes. Eyes and ears and mou-uth and nose, headandshoulderskneesandtoes!

6. Walking is my favorite form of exercise when it's warm enough out not to wear a coat! And also, not humid.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending 4 hours alone, quietly so as not to wake Beast and maybe doing some dusting, tomorrow my plans include Skypng with Sparky, and maybe more dusting, and Sunday, I want to clean the guinea pig cage and (I hope) enjoy a clean house. Maybe I'll even make a hot meal for the first time since last Saturday night!

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Starting the weekend with a firecracker Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A pillow and a laptop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Forgetful Meme

1. What is the last thing you forgot to do?

I meant to order something in today's Amazon order that I totally forgot. Oh, well, I can get it at the grocery store, I guess. Assuming I can find it there; it's unusual and not always shelved where I would shelve it.

2. What is the one thing you are always afraid you will forget to do?

Take my keys with me when I lock the doors of my truck. I've locked them in so many times it's a family joke at this point.

3. Can you remember when you were 3 years old? If so, tell us a cute story. If not, make one up.

Not clearly, but I have a couple of distinct momentary memories. I remember sitting on the sofa in the living room while Mom paid bills in the dining room and writing in her address book like she was doing on the checks. She had the address book for years afterwards so I revisited those scribbles regularly.

4. Fill in the blank. I would like to forget the hurtful things she said but I will always remember the joyful things about this person.

5. Fill in the blank. I will never forget the first time I got to 'help Santa' for kids on Christmas Eve.

6. Who, in your opinion, is the world's forgotten hero?

All the people who create impressive, life-changing things by working together: the railroad workers in the 19th century, the men who built European cathedrals, nameless people who do the right thing in the face of opprobrium, that sort of thing.

7. Find a word that rhymes with forget and use it to write a funny sentence.

"I put a barrette in my hair and it disappeared." Sadly, this has happened.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. A cup of tea went very well with lunch today.
2. Signs of disorganization makes a place feel like home.
3. Everything has its beauty thought I'm still searching for it in some cases. Like, oh, say, mosquitoes.
4. Have you ever met anyone who doesn't love the taste of strawberries?
5. Art makes me happy (when I 'get' it).
6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to send Beast that email I need him to deal with. Oh well.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to vegging out in front of the Olympics, tomorrow my plans include a meeting, a couple of hours at work, and some chores at home, and Sunday, I want to see Olivia and chill out!

Weekly Wrap-Up

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I Forget

Have you forgotten anything in the past week? If so, what? I forget things pretty often, but this week I managed to remember things that needed doing. Let's hope that continues.

Are you usually scatter-brained or more organized? I'm VERY scatter-brained. It takes conscious, slow thought, for me to organize my behavior.

Do you use any sort of planner or agenda for your dates? Does it help to not forget? I use a calendar daybook backed up by a dry-erase refrig scheduler for the family, and the Outlook tasks at work for reminders of regular chores that need doing.

What do you feel about the phrase "forgive and forget?" It reminds me of Mrs. Becker, my early childhood caregiver; she ALWAYS said that. Somewhere along the line, I have gotten the impression that this is really NOT what Jesus was all about, so now I prefer to forgive and make note of, kind of like "trust but verify."

Patrick's Place

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Saturday 6

1. Take the quiz: Are you a tortured genius?

You Are 71% Tortured Genius

You are smart. Brilliant in fact. And while it's a blessing, it's also a curse. Your head is filled with everything - grand ideas, insufferable worries, and a good deal of angst.

Are You a Tortured Genius?

Last time my score was 63%.

I'm still not a genius, but I apparently fake it better and better as time passes.

2. Which of the following are (or would) you more likely to remember: your significant other’s birthday, your anniversary, or where you first met?

I remember all three pretty vividly. I do not remember the date of our first...uh...date, however, or that date that we first met, or even the date on which Beast proposed.

3. If a single day could be established to celebrate all wedding anniversaries and it gained the acceptance of Mother’s Day, would you celebrate your anniversary on "Anniversary Day," on your real anniversary, or both?

I'd celebrate it on the actual date, because we always get fireworks that way.

4. What experience do you think you’ll honestly never forget?

The obvious choice is giving birth. Much as I might like to! :-)

5. When you have to remember to do something at a specific time, what method are you most likely to use to remind yourself?

I absolutely HAVE to write it down. The more times I write it down, the more likely I'll remember, even if I lose every single piece of paper. The best place, of course, is to write it into my datebook.

6. What was the last important date that you forgot?

Define "really important." I never forget birthdays; even if I don't send a card, I remember on the day that this is Jenny's birthday, or Matt's, or whatever. I can actually tell you the birthdates of every single person in my family (with the exception of two new nephews-in-law) and the wedding anniversaries of everyone in my family, plus the birthdays of friends from childhood and college...a total of over 40 dates. Those are the ones that matter to me.

I have, however, managed to forget a lot of 'important' meetings as Clerk of Session during my term. Whatever.

Friday's Feast

(Link at left)

Appetizer
Name a sound you like to hear.

Baby giggles. I'm smiling just imagining them.

Soup
What is your favorite kind of cheese?

Yes, please. Oh, sorry, what kind! Uhm, anything that isn't smelly or runny (i.e., no limberger or brie). Cheddar, Wensleydale (hee), Gouda, feta, parmesan...I'm good.

Salad
Do you sleep late on Saturday mornings? Why or why not?

My internal alarm clock (and middle-aged bladder) wakes me up by 7:30 at the latest on the Saturdays I don't have to work. Years of habit run my life, unless I was out REALLY late Friday night.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgot something? What was it, and how long did it take to remember it?

I forget things ALL THE TIME!! This question is so hysterical. You're talking to someone who lost her watch for a week because she put it in with the barettes and hair-bands, someone who usually makes at least two aborted attempts to leave the house before remembering to grab everything needed for the day, someone who (as my mom told me frequently) would "forget her head if it wasn't screwed on tight."

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I notice the color of the leaves of the trees when the weather gets hot in the summer.