Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

It All Depends On You (1959)

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

1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad?

I'm ok. I don't feel great today, but mood stabilizers are fully engaged, so no tears and no maniacal laughter or shouting.

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget?

I pay the bills and buy what I need to get by. Everything else is gravy. I just don't like to spend money.

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125?

Bold of you to expect society not to implode in the next 100 years... 
I'd guess the religious books will continue on: Torah/Talmud, Christian scriptures, Qu'ran, Bhagavad Gita. They've made it this far after all.

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it?

First permanent full-time job was when I was 24. I worked full-time during summers in college, and part-time pretty much starting at 16 till 24. That job was my first job as a librarian. It was 1988 and I was stoked to be earning a cool $20,000/year. 

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key?

Low key. It's going to be a rough one this year. Possibly permanently going forward. No Beasty to celebrate joint Birthday Week for the first time in 40+ years.

6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy?

I think they are creepy, thought I've never visited one in person.

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

Naked feet! I can't stand stuff on my feet anymore; incipient neuropathy is weird.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal?

It fully depends on how far away I'm going and how much I'm spending on travel. If I'm going to the Big City nearby, a few days is plenty. If I'm going over an ocean, book me for a few weeks please. 

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? 

Of those two options, I'd rather watch (some) old sitcoms. Movies do not interest me much.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Love Me Some Questions
These are from Love Me Some Surveys.

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?

Of course: I like disco, and people crap on that all the time.

2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?

Today is my brother and his wife's birthdays, and their wedding anniversary. They celebrated by moving into a brand-new house. My sister's is Tuesday. Four of my friends had birthdays today, another four tomorrow and in the following ten days there are 11 more, not counting my sister. See why I no longer send cards??

3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight?

I have a notebook somewhere with this in it. I think that year it was Larry C. and Ron M. I'm Facebook friends with both of them now. The world is weird.

4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?

It's been awhile since I had a kitchen accident. Having said that, I will undoubtedly do something stupid this week. I haven't even had a sunburn this year.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?

Ten bucks? I'd probably buy lunch for a friend. What I need right now, today, is about $30,000 to pay the nursing home for the last three months.

6. What are you most excited about right now?

I'm a little excited about the prospect of moving, but mostly I'm dreading all the work. Otherwise, I honestly have nothing big to look forward to as far ahead as I look.

7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military?

My dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, stationed in Lake Charles, LA, because he had hearing loss and wasn't allowed to go overseas, thank God!

8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?

I struggle daily against this, and I'm much better about leaving things undone, or badly done, these days. I do not have time (or energy) for perfection.

9. Do you like sour candy?

I love sour candy!!

10. Are all-nighters something you have grown used to?

I haven't done an all-nighter in a long time, at least not in the sense of staying up partying. I've stayed up at hospitals all night, and I've stayed up with insomnia for hours. I'm tired all the time, whether or not I sleep 8 hours or 10 or 4.

11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving?

My glasses darken when I'm in the sun, so yesss...?

12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?

Nope. My mother never was able to train me to do this.

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?

T-shirts and loose pants/shorts (elastic waist). I've given in to the expanding waist 100%.

14. Are you good at painting nails?

I'm ok at it. I'm probably better at doing other people's, and my toes, than my own fingers.

15. Smoothies or slushies?

Slushies. I loathe thick, chunky drinks, unless it's a malt!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Piano (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) As she sings, Ariana muses about the songs she could compose on her piano. Do you play the piano?

I can pick out a tune, yes. I used to be able to properly play.

2) She compares love songs, saying there are sad ones about how hard love is, and happy ones that make you want to dance. What's your favorite love song? Is it sad or happy?

My favorite love song is silly and not at all romantic, and serious.

3) Ariana's mother always told her that they took her name from Princess Oriana in the 1988 movie Felix the Cat. Who is your favorite cartoon character?

Timon? I dunno. There aren't a lot of good female characters.

4) Ariana's favorite board game is Monopoly. What's your favorite board game?

Life. No really: Life.

5) She relaxes by baking. When you feel keyed up, what do you do to relax?

Sleep. OK, I read myself to sleep.

6) She is a huge Florida Panthers fan, even though once, as a little girl, she got hit by a puck. Now that the NHL season is underway, how's your favorite team doing?

Uhm. I literally watch less than one hockey game a year, averaged over my lifetime.

7) In 2013, when this song was popular, the NHL reached an agreement with the players union and averted a strike. Have you ever belonged to a union?

Nope. Never felt the need, except for a few brief periods under hideous bosses.

8) Also in 2013, Pauline Philips died. Ms. Philips was better known to millions of readers as "Dear Abby." At its height, her advice column appeared in 1,400 newspapers across the country. Do you still read a printed copy of your newspaper?

Nope. Well, I mean, I read the weekly because their website isn't great.

9) If you could get the answer to one question about your future, what would that one question be?

"How long, Oh Lord?"

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Monday Morning Meme

1. How has your life most benefited from the Internet? Whether it’s meeting people, cutting business overhead, finding rare collectibles, or simply sharing funny cat pictures, share how the web has made life easier.

I've been able to connect with all kinds of people I would normally never have met. That is the best part of the internet as a whole. And I can choose not to engage with people online who are jerks, unlike real life.

2. How do you deal with negative comments on your blog?

Depends on what kind of negativity. If it's insanity, I just delete it. If it's conversational, I'll conversate.

3. There’s never enough time, is there? What would you do with an extra three hours today?

Sleep. It's always about sleep.

4. The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you?

Anywhere. Honestly, but I can only be gone for about 12 hours and then I need to get back to work.

5. Who was your "arch enemy" in high school? Do you have any enemies today?

I tried :hard to not be on anyone's radar in high school. To be honest, by the time high school rolled around, I didn't really worry too much. Grade school was a whole different story; there was this kid named Paul who hated me....

6. You’re giving the keynote address to the graduating seniors of a high school today. What’s your advice to them?

Prioritize, and enjoy the ride.

7. Thinking of words of wisdom: What's the worst advice you've ever received?

"Be yourself" when I was young. WTH? I had no idea who I was so this was completely unhelpful!

8. Tell us about the best summer vacation you EVER had.

I spent 5 weeks with my oldest sister Ellen and her family in 1975 while my parents went overseas to visit Jean and Reg for the first time. It was the best 5 weeks of my childhood.

9. What do you have to have with you when you travel? Why?

My meds, and about thirty other practical things.

10. Would you accept $1,000,000 tax free, if it meant you had to leave the country and never come back?

Absolutely!

11. Do you believe the world will be a better, or worse, place 100 years from now?

I have to believe that it will be better than it is right now.

12. Do you expect to buy a new winter coat this year?

Nope. No money for that.

13. If you could spend one year in perfect happiness but afterward would remember nothing of the experience, would you do so?

Nope. It's all about the memories for me.

+ + + + + + + + +

A Book Meme

1. Do you prefer hardcover, paperback, or Kindle...and why?

Overall, I'd rather read a hardcover, but it's not like I refuse to read ebooks or paperbacks (or audiobooks for that matter). Why? I can block open a hardcover on a counter easier than a paperback or reader.

2. If I were to own a book shop I would call it ...

I wouldn't own a bookstore. I wouldn't be a good seller of anything at all.

3. My favorite quote from a book (mention the title) is ...

“Hell is — other people!” ―Jean-Paul Sartre (No Exit)

4. The author (alive or dead) I would love to have lunch with would be ...

Sartre would actually be an interesting choice. He'd probably want to smoke though. Yuck.

5. If I was going to a deserted island and could only bring one book, except for the SAS survival guide, it would be ...

I wouldn't be bringing books. I'd be too busy trying to do things like eat and get rescued.

6. I would love someone to invent a bookish gadget that ...

... corrected all the typos and grammar issues in books. It's so distracting when an author uses the wrong word.

7. The smell of an old book reminds me of ...

... allergies. Really, I only sniff brand-new books. Old books are full of mold and dust and god-only-knows what else.

8. If I could be the lead character in a book (mention the title), it would be ...

... Alice in Wonderland. Although I do feel as if I'm there more often than not.

9. The most over-rated book of all time is...

... just about anything by Hemingway. Or Flaubert.

10. I hate it when a book...

... can't get itself started until page 100 or later. Ugh!!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Procrastination Tool Questions

1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Of the chain variety, it's Olive Garden. Of the local or one-off places, there are just too many. Some are good because they know what I'm going to order when I walk through the door, some are just unremittingly excellent in terms of quality food, some I like because of the location/view/memories. And some don't exist anymore. :'(

2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?

Pasta in all it's varieties.

3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

Heh. Yeah, I've had a couple of rather major surgeries. And then there's childbirth, which was not C-section, but the kid pretty much had to be yanked out forcefully.

4. What is the last heavy item you lifted?

Uhm. I hauled in 5 bags of groceries this morning in one trip. Before that, it was probably something at work last week.

5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Nope. Thanks, I can pass on that. [Unless you mean anesthetic, of course]

6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

Nope.

7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I'd probably dump the last part. I wish I'd never added it. And no, it's not because I don't love my husband; I just don't like his last name.

8. What’s your goal for the year?

Survival. Get Beast fixed.

9. Last person you hugged?

Sparky when he arrived this morning.

10. First place you went this morning?

Uhm, the bathroom?

11. Do you always answer your phone?

I rarely answer my phone. I have ringtones set for people I want to talk to and otherwise just ignore the ring.

12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

I'll let you know when I wake up in a couple of hours.

13. If you could change your eye color what would it be?

I like my eye color, actually.

14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday?

I will be needing some winter clothes at that point.

15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Is "terrified" an option?

16. Do you have any saved texts?

I don't really delete texts too often. Maybe I should do some of that during the race today.

17. Ever been in a car wreck?

Yup. Nothing huge, no injuries, thank God.

18. Do you have an accent?

Of course I do. Everyone does.

19. What was the last song to make you cry?

I almost had to pull off the road listening to Kelly Clarkson's version of "It's Quiet Uptown" the other day. I was majorly ugly-crying.

20. What did you do last night?

Ordered pizza, noodled around online, not much.

21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

Yeah. Yeah, I have.

22. Current hate right now?

Need I actually say it? I'm more than disappointed in our political representation these days.

23. Met someone who changed your life?

So MANY people!!

24. How did you bring in the New Year?

I have no idea. It's usually pretty boring around here. We just go to bed. The neighbors tend to set off fireworks, of course. Because fireworks go off all the time around here. "Look the sun came out!" "Look someone got a promotion!" "Look we have things to blow up for no reason!"

25. What song represents you?

I'll go with "Georgy Girl" because [insert long family story here].

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Him or Me -- What's It Gonna Be? (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a man pleads with his girlfriend to make up her mind. Do you consider yourself decisive?

I can be. But I'm also pretty good at dithering endlessly. Ask Beast. It makes him insane. But I was pretty dogged and single-minded at the ER the other night telling the medical staff off after some out-of-line behavior from someone with an M.D. after his name.

Since this song is all about either/or, we're using that as our theme this Saturday ...
2) Choose a condiment: Catsup or mustard?

Depends on what I'm having with it. Ham gets mustard. Brats get mustard. French fries are ketchup only. Hot dogs, despite my location where ketchup is frowned on, get both.

3) Choose a sci-fi series: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Oh, I'm all about Trek. Beast is both, but leans more toward Wars.

4) Choose your spy: James Bond or Jason Bourne?

Honestly, I have zero interest in spies. I prefer to read about true spy stuff, not fiction. It's weird, I know.

5) Choose your winter sport: Football or hockey?

Football. Duh.

6) Choose your breakfast: Pancakes or waffles?

I prefer pancakes.

7) Choose your side: French fries or potato chips?

Home-made chips FTW. Otherwise, fries, but you can have them.

8) Choose your chore: Washing dishes or doing laundry?

Dishes. OMG, I hate laundry. And I really don't mind dishes.

9) Choose your nextdoor neighbors: Munsters or Addams Family?

Munsters because they just had less of a clue all the way round. They always seemed totally fake. The Addamses, on the other hand, might have been more oblivious, but totally more into the whole thing. And frankly, worse neighbors.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom?

Beast and I were texting as I came home tonight. I think my last was "Np" in response to him telling me he was going to bed, which he did before I got home.

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom?

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

Whenever the alarm goes off. Or, when I need to pee. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays my alarm is set for 7:10. Friday or Saturday (whichever I work), it's set for 6:30. And on Wednesdays it's set at 5:30.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

Not in my neighborhood. I'm careful in areas I don't know.

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day?

This. And Facebook. And read. One or more of the above.

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom?

Beast, of course. Not sure where. He's been sick all weekend, so before that for sure!

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school?

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so?

I love my job. Today, I got to talk to a father and son who have ... some issues but are finally getting things together. And I laughed with another dad when he rolled not just his eyes but his whole head at his two teenagers. I made a homeless woman laugh when I told her she could have a look at the newspaper, but I'd "chase her down" if she didn't bring it back (and then mimed a fast walk)--she told me I was something else. [too true] Another guy, a regular, told me a bunch of random and lengthy stories about trips he's taken. I woke up another regular who was online but asleep. I chased a 2-year-old out of the children's room so his dad and brother could actually leave (and change his diaper--PEEEUWW!). I took photos of a Jedi in her robes with and without her light saber. I got to see a smile on a teen I rarely see smile. It was a great day.

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos?

Who, moi? ...uhm, yes, I am a bit of a "That's what s/he said" person.

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?

Yes, I've met quite a few of these people.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?

I'm married. We talk about sex all the time! [ha ha ha] But that's the only person I do talk about sex with, so....
And yes, it's mututal.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately?

I've been trying to figure out my future for awhile. I don't know what the future holds, and generally I'm fine with that, but lately I seem to be getting thrown into choices I've never thought were available and it's confusing and unpleasant.

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation?

Oh, every day. Today, one of our regulars told me all about his feelings on the President and Hillary...and blah blah blah.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

I wouldn't say "usually" but "often" yeah.

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

Can I? Probably, but since I don't smoke it's not something I've considered learning to do.

T) What are you looking forward to?

My great-nephew Jo is being baptized in a couple of weeks. After that, I guess it's Jesse's wedding in September. Well, and summer and warm weather, too.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more?

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

Yes. Except when I'm being a total bitchface.

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now.

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Easter Meme

Five Things I have A Passion For:

1. Kids
2. Books
3. MARC (and, grudgingly, RDA)
4. Justice and/or fairness
5. Travel

Five Things I'd like to Learn Before I Die:

1. I'd like to finish a knitting project that looks halfway decent.
2. I'd love to know how to read Biblical Greek...
3. ... and Hebrew.
4. It would be nice if I could learn to STFU at the right times.
5. Self-control in general is on the list for sure.

Five Things I say A Lot:

1. "Crap"
2. "Actually"
3. "Just"
4. "Shit"
5. "No problem"

Five Books and/or magazines I have Read Lately:

1. Last week's Entertainment Weekly
2. The Man Who Fell from the Sky (Margaret Coel)
3. The Neon Rain (James Lee Burke)
4. American Sniper (Chris Kyle)
5. Library of Souls (Ransom Riggs)

Five Favorite Movies:

1. Heathers
2. Shoah
3. The Matrix
4. Paint Your Wagon
5. Purple Rain

Five Places I would like to Travel To:

Places I haven't visited:

1. Egypt
2. Turkey
3. Israel
4. The Netherlands
5. The Panama Canal

Places I'd like to return to for a month or so:

1. Ouray
2. Moosehead Lake
3. Italy
4. St. Petersburg
5. Greece

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part three

50. What do you spend most of your money on?

I'm fairly certain that the biggest single chunk is housing, followed closely by food. I used to be really careful about shopping grocery store sales, and buying generic and waiting for things to go on sale. I sure as hell don't do that anymore, though mostly out of laziness. I do coupon shop with online coupons at the store I intend to shop on a given day, but we are rather brand-loyal on some things (like pop, which is a staple in this house).

51. Would you rather visit the past or the future?

Future! OK, yes, it would be lovely to see my parents pre-wrinkles and white hair. It would be weird to see my grandparents when they were young. But I really do want to know what happens to all these babies in my family in about 40 years!

52. Favorite clothing store?

I don't enjoy clothes shopping anymore. When I was a young, skinny thing, I really did, but now that nothing really fits right...it's depressing. So, I get my clothes in passing when I notice something I like, or when I need something specific, at Kohl's, F&F, Target, WallyWorld...wherever.

53. What is the best advice you can give to those who are feeling down?

Get some sunlight. Eat some veggies and fruit. Sing a silly song. Take a nap. Be gentle with yourself. Cry when necessary. See a doctor if you can't pull it together. Dance like no one is watching. Plan a vacation. Play with a happy child. Pray. Meditate. Do something kind for someone else. Do some writing or drawing or puzzles of some kind. Read a book. Whatever has made your soul sing in the past, try that again. Breathe, just for five minutes. Then another five.

54. How often do you think about your future? Does it scare you?

No. I worry about some stuff in the immediate future, but not about the Big Picture Future. I know I can't force things to be different, so I work on controlling my reaction when things go to hell. For instance, in the past couple of months, two kids I know have been dealing with some terrifying health issues (one had an aneurysm leading to a stroke at age 14, the other is a newborn with (pre-)cancerous tissue and organs that aren't working right as a result). I can't fix either of those issues. I can only do practical things to help support the families and pray (a.k.a. rage at God) like a crazy person, and keep my own footing stable. I suck at that last part especially.

55. What angers you the most?

Sick kids ranks right up there. It's totally NOT OK when kids have horrible medical problems. It's really NOTTTTT.
Also, intentional stupidity and meanness make me pretty unhappy.

56. When was the last time you got majorly angry?

December 23, when I told my idiot brother-in-law that if he EVER touched me again after I asked him to stop, I was going to punch him in the face. Been wanting to say that for about 45 years, so don't feel at all guilty. It will be interesting to see how things go the next time we're in the same room together. [and no, nothing seriously creepy--he was touching my arm last month--has been going on for 45 years, but he just doesn't respect boundaries at all]

57. When was the last time you got really sad?

I try not to go there. I seem to carry "sad" with me; it's always in stock at the der Katzenhaus. If I let myself think about stuff going on, I'd be prostrate in a rubber room. I'm sad about Ben's death. I'm sad that Beast is still having some (minor) recovery issues, I'm sad for Sparky's girlfriend's medical issues, I'm sad about the two kids I mentioned above, I'm sad about the homeless folks in the library all the time now, I'm sad for all the people whose lives are miserable through no direct cause of their own, I'm sad for people who make craptastic choices that ruin their lives....see why I don't dwell. I had a big wave of it threaten to overwhelm me yesterday while reading an email about this sick baby. It's really no fair at all for this family to have to go through this shit; they've already dealt with a ton of health stuff. No fair no fair no fair. ...and now I'm crying. Great.

58. Are you good at lying?

Ironic that I was driving home just about an hour ago thinking how much I miss playing poker because it's really a game of sanctioned lying--and I'm very good at that part. ;-)

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?

Hebrew. Or ancient Greek.

60. How many languages can you speak and what are they?

I got English down, most days. Some Spanish--I understand better than I speak. Pig Latin? Ubbi-Dubbi? Dewey? MARC?

61. How often do you go to parties? If you don’t, what do you do instead?

I loathe parties. I'll go, I'll even end up having a decent time usually, but they exhaust me.

62. What books do you plan to read this year?

My GoodReads goal is set at 100 again. I snuck past that last year, so it's doable. In 2014, somehow I read 126, and in 1996 I hit 173, but that includes what I was reading to Sparky, and it's probably way the hell higher than that for most of his early years. We got 15-20 books at the library every couple of weeks, and figure another 60 (at least) books of my own, that's a LOT of books under my eyeballs, usually more than once through.

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?

I do.

64. Tell us a secret.

It's only a secret because at this point I haven't needed to tell anyone, but I'm done with teaching Sunday School after this year. I started doing this when I was 13ish, so nearly 40 years ago. It hasn't been 40 years straight, but easily 25 years over time. I like kids a ton--duh!--but I'm tired. I'd like to get back to "grown-up" Sunday School, too.

65. How many concerts have you been to?

Honestly? I was in band for 7 years of my educational career. My siblings were involved in music, my parents had Symphony season tickets when I was a kid, we were subscribers to a piano series for a couple of years awhile back....I've probably been to hundreds of concerts over my lifetime. If we're just talking rock music, then less than 15; I'd say less than 10, but that might be a lie.

66. Last hug?

Beast, this morning when he got up.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?

Beast.

68. Baths or showers?

I love a good soak in the tub, especially a very hot soak on a cold day, when I can drain and refill with more hot water a few times. But showers for everyday.

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?

I am not, nor have I ever been, anything approaching ambitious. I like to work hard, but it's not out of ambition. Just hate being bored.

70. What song is stuck in your head?

None right now, and I'm fighting like hell to get past this question before something jumps in!!!

71. Countries you’ve visited?

Mexico, England, Scotland, Switzerland, USSR, Mongolia, China, Poland, Italy, Canada, Greece, Germany. I think that's all, in chronological order.

72. What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty, wit, and silliness.

73. What helps you to sleep better?

Earplugs. And my CPAP.

74. What is the most money you have ever held in your hand?

Several thousand dollars. This buying and selling of houses causes checks of ridiculous amounts to be flipped back and forth quite regularly. In actual cash-money-bills: maybe $500? I don't know. Back in the old days when you couldn't use credit cards overseas, I had lots of money in traveler's checks for some of those trips overseas.

75. What makes you nervous?

"Do have some time we can talk later?" strikes the very fear of God into my soul. No, no, let's just get this over with NOW!!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 2015 Year End Meme

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Drove an RV!!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My resolutions mostly applied to work, and I did OK with them; not perfect, but better. Next year, more of the same, only turbo-charged: Silent Cordiality.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My niece Katharine had a son in October. My niece Rosellen is hoping to pop out twins any second.

4. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2015?

I need to choose who I trust more carefully, and trust myself.

5. What was your favorite new TV program?

CSI: Cyber

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

I need to lose weight and generally take better care of myself.

7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Sparky's graduation from college, our long stint in the ER in St. Louis, J's birth, Beast's surgery, the disaster/flood in February, my surgery.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Honestly, improving my relationships with Sparky and Beast while saying to hell with most everyone at work probably ranks up there.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting "outed" (doxxed) by crazy people wasn't my best moment. My handling of it with my boss could have been better.

10. What was the best thing you bought?

I have a new laptop I'm using to type this. It's lovely, but there are some major changes I'm having to get used to. The other best thing I 'bought' was weekly therapy.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Beast's for the most part. He's had a very hard year emotionally AND physically, and he's finally learning to listen to his body when it tells him to cease and desist. Also, so many people who have supported him (us), and kept us sane. Also, Sparky, for getting through college and beginning to make his own life choices.

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?

The leadership of the Republican party. ISIS. People with more guns and bullets than sense.

13. What song will always remind you of 2015?

"Uptown Funk"

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Emptying our varying storage areas and getting rid of stuff.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eat junk.

16. What was the best book you read?

Ready Player One (Cline), Joseph Anton (Rushdie), Our Souls at Night (Haruf) are among the ones that will stick with me.

17. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?

Keeping my mouth shut and walking away.

18. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Do you get a little kick out of being slow-minded?
You want to be like your father
It's approval you're after
Well that's not how you find it

Do you really enjoy living a life that's so hateful?
'Cause there's a hole where your soul should be
You're losing control of it and it's really distasteful"

NSFW

Tea

(Found here)

black: how much personal space do you like?

I'm a midwesterner, so a fair amount compared to (for instance) southern Europeans, New Yorkers, etc. If you get close enough to me that I can smell your breath when you talk, you're too close. Especially if you had spicy/oniony food recently. Or, for cryin' out loud, BOOZE! Back the fuck right off!

chamomile: describe your sleep schedule

I shoot to head to bed by 9:30 so I can be asleep before 11. I'm usually awake at some point between 1 and 4 for an hour or so (usually more), and I'm out of bed no later than 7:30, though it varies from day to day. Often, I'm working on 5-6 hours average for several nights running. Or less.

dandelion: when you make wishes who are they for?

World peace. Me and Andie McDowell. Maybe there's something in the water around here....

elderflower: do you get sick often?

Define "often." I don't, not really, but I often feel like death in the colder months of the year, mostly psychosomatic.

fennel: how do you feel right now?

I'm exhausted. Considering I've had the last three days off work, I feel like I need a vacation! This semi-nursing situation at home just sucks. So much to worry about, all the time.

ginger: what animal do you act like?

I fear I am very much like my nickname on line. And often, not a very nice feline, either.

ginseng: post a photo of somewhere you feel calm

I don't have a picture of my bed, asleep. Or the driver's seat of my car on a country road with the sun shining and no worries.

green: list your top 3 motivators

1. Fear. 2. Love. 3. Stubbornness.

hibiscus: do you like when people try to start a conversation with you?

That is 100% dependent on the person. In general, when I'm out in public doing my own thing, no. At work, I don't mind, up to a point. And if you're creepy, do not talk to me. Ever.

kava: post your favorite color scheme

I like blue. Seriously, throw me in a blue room, or a room with blue furnishings and I'll be fine.

lavender: does physical activity help you relax?

Mindless stuff does...until it doesn't. I get antsy and bored if I do too much mindless physical stuff.

lemon: how differently do you behave when you're by yourself versus when you're with others?

I hope it's not a lot different. I suppose I talk to myself more when no one's around, since there's no one else to talk to. ;-)

matcha: do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

Sunrise.

mint: what song gives you energy?

Almost anything by Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, or Pink will do.

nettle: is there anything you do when you feel guilty?

I get defensive and irritable.

oolong: where do you see yourself in five years?

Here is fine. I do hope that Beast isn't on Round Three of back pain. I'm tired of this.

peppermint: are you self righteous?

I can be, yes.

rooibos: if a conversation bothers you, will you speak up about it?

Oh, probably. I seem to have lost a lot of my etiquette filters over the years (assuming I had any to start with).

white: do you think family is important?

If your family isn't totally toxic, yes. Family is the most important thing, unless they are horrible people. I'm not, for a change, being flippant either. My family has a few nutjobs, but I love them all--when I don't want to bash them on their heads--and I know they've got my back. But we also tend to be generally rational, ethical, kind, and law-abiding.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly

1. Have you ever had a pen pal?

I have! Kim R and I corresponded for a couple of years when I was about 8. She was from Connecticut (so I learned how to spell that early!). Then when I was about 14, Kristina A and I met up via letter--she lived on Long Island and she was allowed to make phone calls so we talked rather more often than most pen pals do. That friendship was far too much of a mis-match to last, however. When I was a junior in high school, somehow Vickie P and I hooked up. She lived in Washington state and was heavily into that early-grunge, post-New Wave scene. We corresponded for perhaps 3 years. There was a guy in Brazil I wrote to briefly while in college--that was just weird, but he was drop-dead gorgeous. There was a girl in Japan in high school named Kumiko--I still have a lovely Japanese doll she sent me. Let's see. Oh, my college roommate had a Swedish penpal with a friend who wanted a penpal, so Elisabeth and I kept in touch for probably 6 years till adulthood and marriage and family and work intervened. And there was a guy who went to high school with a guy I dated briefly in college who turned out to be a better and longer-term friend than the guy I was dating.
Whew. See, I used to write letters. It's eminently possible I've written myself out.

2. What’s your favorite breed of dog?

Yes.
I like pretty much all dogs. I guess I prefer terriers and retrievers and shepherds, having had those breeds. But I'm not going to be picky since I can't have a dog around me for long. I'll take whatever breed I can spend time with!

3. Can money buy happiness?

It buys comfort. That is often easily mistaken for happiness.

4. Do you listen to music when you’re down?

Yes. But I listen to music whenever I can, regardless of mood.

6.Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?

I honestly can.

7.What was the last thing you spent money on?

I dropped $250+ at Meijer yesterday on groceries and a few things for today's party.

8.Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?

Ayup. Stopped dying it 2-3 years ago.

9.Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?

Actually, no one. I PM'd Sparky a couple of times since he is pretty much always in his room and I don't feel like running (or shouting) upstairs for him. But my phone got no usage this weekend.

10.Were you in a good mood last night?

Sure. We watched a DVR'd episode of Whose Line Is It? and some other random stuff. I went to bed relatively early.

11.Do you have a reason to smile right now?

Always. IN spite of current irritation with Sparky's crabbiness about having to miss a D&D session to go to today's birthday party.

12. How often do you hold back what you want to say?

More than I ever used to! Probably not often enough though.

13. Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place?

Yup. It always does, one way or another. We may not like the resulting picture, but there always is one.

14.Are you currently looking forward to anything?

Aside from today's party? lol My second "son" (a good friend of Sparky's from high school) is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. And I do like August and September just because.

15.Do you have any TV shows on DVD?

Most of Outlander--probably 10 episodes--and probably a couple of other things. Deadliest Catch? There'll be a NASCAR race to watch when we get home this afternoon.

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Unusual Things

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you laid in a bed with?

Well, Beast, of course.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat?

"Went out" as in "sat in the restaurant" was Jimmy John's with Sparky on Thursday. "Went out" as in ate food made by someone besides me was DQ on Friday.

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?

I had a glass of wine at a meeting about two weeks ago.

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips?

I prefer having both, thanks.

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law?

As ... what? Profession? Hobby? I honestly can't even figure out how to answer this. I'm not much interested in law or people who spend time thinking about law, but the other two are interesting to me. If I had to pick one of those broad areas in which to work, it would be fine arts.

6. Best kind of pizza?

California Pizza Kitchen's chicken and spinach white flatbread pizza.

7. Is your bedroom window open?

Nope. The front door is, and the A/C is on, so I need to remedy one or the other of those situations.

8. What is in store for your future?

Old age. At least, I sort of hope so...

9. Who was the last band you saw live?

I'm wearing a T-shirt right now for Starship, and I think (sadly) that was it. About 4 years ago now. Not really into concert-going anymore.

10. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick?

Only if they live with or near me. To be less flip, it depends on the illness. A cold, yes, I'll stop by if asked or hit the grocery store for them or whatever, but generally people just want to sleep and I can't help with that. Serious illness, though, I try to do what I can.

11. Any historical figures that you envy?

Hmmm. I envy the original disciples for being able to know Jesus in person--but really, I wish they'd've asked more sensible questions or written better lecture notes or something! I kind of envy whoever Shakespeare was writing all those love sonnets to. I've never really thought about envy in terms of historical personages though. Interesting concept.

12. How many songs are on your iTunes?

Zero. I don't use iTunes.

13. What brand of digital camera do you own?

Uhm....? I have no idea. I use my phone pretty exclusively. Maybe we have a baby Canon digital thingy.

14. When was the last time you got a good workout?

Hah!

15. Are you experienced?

Yes.

16. If you need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first?

Farm & Fleet or Kohls.

17. Are you a quitter?

At times. In some areas, I excel at quitting, in fact.

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love?

Billy Joel. U2.

19. What of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of?

Oh, I'm definitely quite the Queen of Sloth. I can probably hold my own on a couple of others, but Sloth, yeah, that's what I'm all about.

20. Did you just have to Google the seven deadly sins to see what they were?

Nah. I couldn't name them all for you if you asked, but I know my skillset. ;-)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Would You Rather Meme, part one

1. Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great grandchildren?

   Oh. Dear. I can't pick. I would LOVE to meet my grandparents in their prime--they were all in their 80s (or dead) when I was born. But--assuming Sparky ever reproduces--I'd like to see how the world is working out for his children and grandchildren. Seriously. Can't pick.

2. Would you rather have more time or more money?

   I don't need more money, but I'd probably just waste the extra time as much as I do now.

3. Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life?

   Pause, so I wouldn't need a rewind button. I also need to remember to use it.

4. Would you rather be able to talk with the animals or speak all foreign languages?

   Oh crap another impossible choice! But I already talk to animals (lol) so I'll go with foreign languages. I'd like to be able to understand animals (and foreign languages) too, for the record.

5. Would you rather win the lottery or live twice as long?

   Lottery. I've no interest in being decrepit for any longer than I already will be. But since I never buy a lottery ticket....

6. Would you feel worse if no one showed up to your wedding or to your funeral?

   Wedding. I don't care about the funeral--I'll be dead. But it would suck for Sparky & Beast, I guess.

7. Would you rather be without internet for a week, or without your phone?

   Internet. But I use my phone mostly for internet these days anyway.

8. Would you rather meet George Washington, or the current President?

   Obama FTW!! Maybe when he's done in D.C.

9. Would you rather lose your vision or your hearing?

   Hearing. My dad was partly deaf, so I have no problem seeing the good parts of that. But I would miss music....

10. Would you rather work more hours per day, but fewer days or work fewer hours per day, but more days?

    If I could work alone 3 12-hour days and one half, I would be ecstatic. But that ain't happening, not one part of it.

11. Would you rather listen to music from the 70’s or music from today?

    I listen to both, and everything in between and beyond. I'd probably pick 70s, though.

12. Would you rather become someone else or just stay you?

    I'm ok with just me. Maybe less of me, but still me.

13. Would you rather be Batman or Spiderman?

    Batman. He's normal (sorta).

14. Would you rather be stuck on a broken ski lift or in a broken elevator?

    Long term, ski lift. I would hate to be enclosed for very long, and the whole peeing thing... But a ski lift could be cold after awhile, so it would be nice to be warm. also, I could probably, maybe, figure out how to get out of an elevator car, but I'm not sure I could figure out a ski lift hack.

15. For your birthday, would you rather receive cash or gifts?

    I'd rather you donate to a good cause in my name.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
You're No Good (1974)
... because Harriet suggested Linda Ronstadt
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artist, Linda Ronstadt, turns 69 next month. Will you be celebrating any family/friend birthdays this summer?

We'll probably do something on the 4th of July. Otherwise, nope, no summer birthdays.

2) Linda sings that she's learned her lesson and it's left a scar. Tell us how you got one of your scars.

I fell, as a child, when I tripped over a snagged string of carpet that lay over the threshold of the back door. When I landed, it was on the screw holding the threshold to the jamb and the top of the screw tore a 1/4" slice of skin off my knee and left it flapping by a small bit of skin. This was in the days when you slapped a bandaid on and kept moving, so no stitches, though it hurt like an actual bitch.

3) This song is about a lover who is, obviously, no good. Let's be more positive. Who is the nicest person you know?

There are some people at my church who are what I call "pathologically nice." I mean, they really ARE nice people, not faking it, but they're ALWAYS nice. It's lovely, and weird. ;-)

4) Linda says that she grew up on Mexican music, which was sung by her entire family. Do you speak any Spanish?

Sí, hablo un poco de español. Estudié español en la universidad, pero las clases que tomé eran principalmente literatura. En consecuencia, puedo leer y escribir español mejor que me siento poder hablarlo.

5) She toured often throughout her career and is quoted as saying, "they haven't invented a word for that loneliness that everybody goes through on the road." Are you missing someone right now?

I'm ok, I think. My brother's visiting, and we've been talking a lot about Mom & Dad and others who are no longer with us.

6) Ms. Ronstadt was once involved with George Lucas of Star Wars fame. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

I like C3P0.

7) In 1974, when this song was a hit, The Magic 8 Ball was still a top-seller at toy stores. It retailed for just $1.99, and promised that all you had to do was gaze at it, concentrate, and wait to learn your fate ... "if you dare!" If you could get an answer to one question about the future, what would you ask?

I don't want to know. It's better that way.

8)1974 is the year when Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to the United States. Have you ever been to the ballet?

Yes, ironically enough, in Russia (and China).

9) Random question: What's your shoe size?

I'm a 9 or 9.5 or occasionally a 10.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Twenty

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I get butterflies (a.k.a. anxiety) quite often when I'm heading home from work. It's a long bummer of a story.

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage?

I think I had a drink at a P.E.O. meeting a few months ago.

3. Who can you trust?

God. And to a lesser extent, Beast, Amy, Jenny, myself, and a surprisingly large number of people who generally are hiding in the woodwork around me.

4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other?

Uh, wow, it was towards the end of our freshman year in college. So, 31 years ago this month.

5. Favorite band?

U2.

6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently?

That I'm very bad at making changes in my life for myself when I'm not being held accountable.

7. Do you like anyone?

Nope. Everyone sucks. [Did you not see my answer to #3?]

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged?

Hmmm, no I don't believe I do. I know of some engagements, but I don't know the people myself.

9. What's your favorite number?

Gut-favorite: 16. Chosen favorite: 3.

10. Who was the last person to make you cry?

I teared up at church this morning while we honored our retiring financial secretary. We're honoring her--and she's retiring--because she has fully metastasized cancer that means she'll probably be gone by Father's Day.

11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Nope. Went on a couple of weekend church retreats when I was a teenager, but that's all.

12. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. Really, if you're going to ask, listen to my answers, k?

13. What is one thing you miss about your past?

I miss the mountains. Pretty much daily. After 28 years of living in the flat middle of the country, the mountain-ache isn't quite as strong, but not a day passes that I don't think about the smell, the sky, the weather, the lack of humidity, the vastness .... SOMEthing.

14. What is one thing you've learned about life?

It goes on, with or without my attention.

15. Are you jealous of anyone?

Somehow, for the most part, that emotion has mostly died off over the years.

16. Is anyone jealous of you?

You'd really have to ask them.

17. Has a friend ever used you?

Of course. Depending on the usage, it either ruined the friendship, put it on hold for awhile, or barely registered.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend?

Most people say that--if they say anything of the sort at all--which is fine since I'm always hunting for new friends.

19. Who was the last person you drove with?

Sparky went with me to the grocery store after lunch.

20. What are you looking forward to?

... I got nothin'. This should probably worry me, eh?

Blogthings

Your Views Are More West Coast

You are an upbeat, creative, and optimistic person. Some may even call you a futurist. You tend to have any anything goes attitude when it comes to what consenting adults do.. as long as no one gets hurt. You value being able to make your own mistakes in life, but you can also see why people stick to what works. You are most likely to support government funds going towards speculative programs that could change the world.

Are Your Views More East Coast or West Coast?

Me, a futurist?? Really?? But the rest is pretty good.

Friday 5 (+1)

(Link in meme-roll)
You Two [lyrics from...]

1. Is it getting better, or do you feel the same? (from "One")

It...hasn't gotten worse. But I definitely don't think this afternoon/tonight qualifies for "better" either.

2. Do you shiver when you dream? Is there a pounding in your heart? (from "You're the Only One That's Real")

Nope and not anymore; the drive home from work was a little tense.

3. Is the sweetest melody the one we haven't heard? Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear? (from "I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight")

Metaphorically yes to the first question, though since I haven't heard it I suppose I don't really know. Perfect, real love absolutely drives out all fear!

4. Do you feel anything at all? (from "Miracle Drug")

Yes, I have not yet achieved 100% numbness. Which is good, since it's not actually a goal I have.

5. It’s gonna itch and burn and sting; do you want to see what the scratching brings? (from "Staring at the Sun")

Wow. Perhaps, but not right now.

6. Do you feel loved? (from "Do You Feel Loved?")

Tonight, it's a vague, distant sort of way. I do, however, rest assured that God loves me; that's what gets me up in the morning lately.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 5000 Question Meme Continues... Part Six

121. Have you ever lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye?

Yes. My dad. I learned a great deal from that though, and now quite often when I say goodbye at the end of a visit, I mean "Goodbye, just in case this is it." Twice it has been.

122. How do you feel about women in politics?

This is a ridiculous question. The same as men in politics, I don't "feel" any particular way about it; I just hope they're doing their jobs well.

123. Would you rather have an indoor Jacuzzi or an outdoor pool?

Jacuzzi. Though to be honest I have a dream of putting a hot tub on our back porch. After enclosing it, of course. ;-)

124. What things are you interested in that you study or read about regularly?

Early Church history. And I like realistic mysteries.

125. Would you consider yourself to be intelligent?

Yes.

126. Would you consider yourself to be wise?

I have moments. They are fleeting, but pleasant.

127. Have you ever given or received a lap dance?

No.

128. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person?

Of course I have. I speak to them regularly. I would even speak to them if they didn't come in the library every day.

129. Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring?

Sure. Not around here--there's no subway except sewers.

130. If you could add 70 years to your life but only by making some random person die 70 years sooner would you?

No. Why would I want to live that long?

131. Can you identify any of the following lyrics?

A: Nothing to kill or die for...

Yes, Mr. Lennon, I'm aware of your song.

B: Late comings with the late comin' stretcher...

No clue.

C: I could make a film and make you my star...

Ugh, no. I don't specifically recognize this one, but I'm familiar with the sentiment.

132. Are you worried about North Korea?

In a vague way. I can't really take them seriously, but I guess I should stop that.

133. Would you rather be a world political leader or a talk-show host?

Talk-show host. No contest. I have no interest in being in charge of anything political.

134. Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote?

Yes. Back in the day I actually wrote letters semi-regularly.

135. Have you ever sent someone a surprise though the mail?

Yes. Her daughter had to remind her who I was. lol

136. Are you looking forward to any dates right now? Vacation perhaps?

Not really. I'd like to be done with this class, and I'm kinda noodling stuff around for Beast's and my 50th birthdays later this year...and of course Katherine's baby's birth in the summer. That's it for this year.

137. Of all animated movies, which is the best one you've ever seen?

I love "The Lion King." Gosh, I should totally get that out and re-watch it.

138. What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving?

John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, .fun, Queen, random boyband stuff... Anything with a solid beat and lyrics that are sing-along-y.

139. What do you think is the most amazing thing that anyone has ever accomplished?

ANYONE?! Are you fucking serious?? This question is insane, so I'm going with an insane answer: I'm watching Hardcore Pawn right now, and the most amazing thing is that no one has gotten shot (yet).

140. What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you?

Be himself. Be charming without an ulterior motive. Be funny, but not mean. Be helpful but not pushy. This goes for anyone, not just guys, by the way.