Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Alec Clayton

1. If there's a personal god, what quality would you most like that person to have (and why)?

This question confuses me. Maybe I'm out of practice on answering questions. I'm going to answer, instead, what is the most important to me quality of God. That is, especially this week, that he is always there, always reliable, always forgiving, always putting up with whatever my current attitude is. That is big.

2. What's your death-row meal?

There would be pasta. Basically a good Italian meal, with wine and cheese and meat and fruit and bread and good dessert, all perfectly cooked.

3. Assuming we make it through this outbreak with minimal loss of life, what do you think our big takeaway should be?

We need to take care of each other.
(but I'm not optimistic in the Big Picture; OTOH, my local community is absolutely wonderful)

4. Whom do you find yourself missing more than you would've predicted?

Well, I dreamed last night about two of my three sisters, which was weird since one of them is dead and the other one I think just shows up, with her husband, to irritate me. In the last month, I've also dreamed about my mom regularly, a first since she died 10 years ago, and holy crap do I miss being able to sit with Beast and kick him into gear!!

5. What brings you the most joy? Not happiness, not contentment -- JOY.

Laughter. Real laughter: silliness, giggling, gut-busting. Doesn't have to be me laughing: watching it on Zoom or YouTube works almost as well.

6. Do you find yourself regretting anything you've said or done on social media?

Only everything.

7. What are your favorite and least favorite things about your body and face?

Least favorite: size. Favorite: its sturdiness, my toes, my hair, my mouth.

8. ...and your life?

Least favorite: Let me count the ways, but the big one is not being able to see (or help) Beast in any way. Favorite: my job, my friends (I'm very lucky), my house.

9. How's the self-isolation affecting your libido?

ha ha ha ha....my husband's been in a nursing home now for over 2 years. What libido?

10. Which three places in the physical universe would you most like to visit?

The Valley of the Kings, all of Australia, Mars.

11. On whom did you have a crush years ago? Have you ever told them?

So many... Some of them know and we laugh about it. Some I'll take to the grave.

12. How have your religious views changed since you were in high school?

I'd like to hope I've gotten kinder and more understanding of others.

13. If you could change one law, what would it be?

Can we just legalize cannabis everywhere in the U.S. for crying out loud! I'm not even going for a big one here, just this.

14. If you could add one commandment to the original ten, what would it be?

"Pull your head out of your ass!"

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Along Alone Again, Naturally (1971)
Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. Friday was St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Did you celebrate with green beer or a green milkshake?

Hell no. I did have Irish Soda Bread, brought to work by a coworker. I don't add green to food that shouldn't have it, though.

2. Did you remember to wear green?

I did. Of course; too many childhood pinchings to dare to forget green on St. Pat's.

3. What color do you look best in?

I have a purple sweater that I got at a resale shop last fall that someone told me this week is a good shade for me. I try to avoid red, since I tend to have a bad case of red-face even without it. And I think I do OK with teal/turquoise.

4. This week's featured artist, Gilbert O'Sullivan, was born in Waterford, Ireland. Waterford is famous for Waterford Crystal. Do you have glassware that you save for special occasions?

We have two full (glass-front) cupboards full of glassware we basically never use: beer mugs, martini glasses, luncheon dishes. I just can't get rid of them.

5. This week's featured song includes the line, "To think that only yesterday I was cheerful, bright and gay." How were you feeling yesterday?

Yesterday was ok. I got a fair amount of work done, attended to some great tunes while reorganizing the worms and spiders sections of our Dewey books. (That was probably meaningless--Dewey has updated most of the animal sections, so I'm working through the 'corrections' in our books--someday maybe I'll fix the collection itself....)

6. It begins with reference to a wedding that didn't quite come off because the bride left the groom at the altar. When were you most recently at church? Was it for a holiday service, a regularly scheduled service, a special event (a wedding or baptism)?

I teach Sunday School, so I'm there every Sunday, including last week. I'll be there tomorrow as well. I'm the Donut Lady.

7. In 1971, when this song was popular, Malibu Barbie was a big seller for Mattel. This doll had a perpetual tan. For a human to achieve this, a tanning bed or self tanner is usually required. Have you used either method to give yourself a tan?

Nope. I've got that northern European white skin with freckles and when hit by sun it mostly just burns, peels, and goes back to white-with-maybe-two-more-freckles. I've probably given myself enough sun damage from tanning with baby oil as a teenager. I don't need more. Also, self-tanning (spray) is ORANGE! Ick.

8. In March, 1971, James Taylor appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. What's your favorite James Taylor song?

"You've Got a Friend"

9. Random Question: What word or phrase do you hear yourself saying too often?

"Actually" (ack-shul-lee) or "derp." I swear a lot too, though.

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Controversial Questions Meme

1. Would you do a recreation[al] drug if all were legalized? (Not a “for or against” question…)

If it were prescribed and controlled, then yes. What I fear about recreational drugs is the non-standardization more than anything else. God knows what's been put in that baggie with the weed!

2. Are you happy that the U.S. Supreme Court once again upheld a woman’s right to abortion?

Yes. And to be clear: they affirmed that it is MY RIGHT to decide what happens in my body, and no one else's. I don't need anyone's permission to make medical decisions. AND to be clearer: this doesn't mean that I'd actually GET an abortion. Well, I wouldn't now, for sure, because I can't get pregnant, but yeah....even way back.

3. Would our country cope any differently with a woman president?

Probably about as well as we've "coped with" a non-white president. YMMV

4. Do you believe in the death penalty?

Not really. It's never been proven to be a deterrent and it is so unevenly applied to mostly minority and poor defendants that I think it's dangerous.

5. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

There are "already" places it has been, duh. And yeah. See question #1 above. Regulate it, tax it, and make it boring.

6. Do you believe in God?

Yup. Mostly. Except when I'm being combative.

7. How do you feel now that same-sex marriage is legalized?

Who people marry doesn't actually affect my health or well-being; does that happen to others? I'm very happy that people who love each other can announce their relationship to the world and share the benefits that legally are attendant to that. Mostly because I have enough issues of my own to deal with: I do not need to solve other people's perceived problems as well. Happier people make for a better society, anyway.

8. Do you think it’s wrong that so many Hispanics are moving to the USA?

Oh jeebus pete, hell, for crying out loud. No. I think too many STUPID people have already taken up residence, so I'm quite happy in thinking maybe that ignorance will be diluted by good, hard-working people who WANT to be here!

9. A 12-year-old girl has a baby… should she keep it?

Is she in any way related to me? ... No? Well, then it's none of my business at all, is it? [If she were my daughter et al., we'd have to have some serious discussions of what her life was going to entail if she brought a baby into the house--it would suck balls, frankly, for everyone--but more importantly...how the HELL did she get pregnant?! And why?!]

10. Should the alcohol age be lowered to 18?

I'd be ok with that. It was when I turned 18 and (most of) my friends survived, as did I. When it went up to 19 a year later, it was right after I turned 19. And then in two years I was grandfathered in when it rose to 21. It's ridiculous, frankly, to think that 18-year-olds aren't drinking.

11. Should the wars in Middle East be called off?

I don't see how you can "call off" a war. It's not like a soccer game, is it? It would be nice if the people in the area could be left alone for a decade or two in order to sort their shit out amongst themselves. In my lifetime, there has never been peace there. That's sad.

No 12.

13. Do you believe in spanking your children?

I have spanked my son. Surprisingly, it does hurt the spanker as well as the spankee! So I didn't do it much, and I didn't do it for good reasons most of the time, so it was pretty futile.

14. A mother is declared innocent after murdering her 5 children in a temporary insanity case… what do you think?

I think we can all agree that a parent who kills their children is insane and needs help. Whether we agree that that excludes them from prison is really the issue. I don't know. I just feel so very sad for EVERYONE in situations like this, including the offending parent--while also being very angry, of course. There are no winners, no matter what the legal outcome is.

15. Would you want to prosecute someone for burning their country’s flag as a method of protest?

Nope. This is such a dorky thing to get worked up about. I mean, it's FABRIC for crying out loud. We do far more damage to our country every day we ignore the Constitution. The flag is beside the point.

16. It’s between you and a person who is being kept alive (with NO hope) by life support machines… one has to die? Who?

Dude on life support has got to go, sorry. Easy choice. If it were ME in that situation, I would hope it would be just as easy a decision. Pull the plug.

17. Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

I have no doubt that these questions will provoke some interesting answers. I'm eager to see what people say. Will I judge people for their replies? Probably. Do I expect others to have opinions on my opinions? Sure. But I'm not going to fret.
Or argue in the comments. So I will be attentive with the delete button if necessary. Pretend you're in my living room having the discussion.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (1968)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
This performance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is from Robert Kennedy's funeral. So this week, we focus on him.

1) During WWII, when he was just 17, Robert Kennedy enlisted in the Navy. He was disappointed he was never involved in combat. Tell us about a time when you felt fate/circumstances kept you from something you wanted.

Well, I really wanted dance lessons as a kid, and that never happened. There were a few jobs I really wished I'd gotten, but I wasn't. There were some guys... Honestly, I can't think of anything much recently, except for my boss to PAY ATTENTION! Really, after three years of talking about one issue at virtually EVERY MEETING we've had with him, he just last week figured out that everyone on staff is COMPLETELY FURIOUS about the way he has handled it. Even the cool, calm, moderate ones are pissed. The boss says he didn't understand the depth of people's annoyance. Duh?! Really? So, apparently, we have to shout to get his attention. smh

2) Bobby was trained as an altar boy and throughout his life regularly attended early morning mass. When is the last time you attended a worship service?

Two weeks ago? We'll probably go tomorrow too. Or, well, I will. Maybe Beast will. Sparky is unlikely to; he informed me last week he's a Satanist. I suspect he's poking the wasp nest to see if I'll flip out. I did come home and wiki myself up on the subject though. tbh, I'm not surprised; the general theory is something I can see him going for. ANYWAY, I don't think he's a "practicing" Satanist, in the sense of attending worship of any kind, since apparently that's not a thing. I dunno--I need more info from the boy.

3) He may have been an altar boy, but he was no angel. During junior high he was suspended for punching a classmate. Who is the last person who made you very, very mad?

Beast. And then myself for failing to stick to my program. And before that, my boss. In case you didn't notice after the first question.

4) He had his first date when he was a senior in high school. Looking back, Mary Bailey Gimble told Kennedy biographers that she knew he had a crush on her and wondered why it took him so long to ask her out. Tell us about one of your early crushes.

I never actually dated any of my crushes, thank the good Lord! I did kiss one of them though. He's on Facebook--and holy crap he's only gotten better-looking over the years! lol

5) Bobby's wife Ethel is as bubbly and talkative as he was introspective and shy. He was organized, she's messy. While opposites may attract, do you believe the happiest marriages are between partners who are more similar than different?

I do think that people have to have something they can share in common. But I also think that if two people are too similar it doesn't work either. It's extraordinarily complex.

6) By November 1960, when he was 35 years old, Bobby already had served as legal counsel to two Senate committees and run his brother's successful Presidential campaign. He was looking forward to a quieter life teaching law but gave in to family pressure to become President Kennedy's Attorney General. Tell us about a time when you were at a crossroads. Who influenced your decision?

Prayer and advice from people I trust. And some gut.

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What is your neighborhood doing to observe the day?

Oh yeah, the fireworks started about 10 days ago. Last night they were going off until at least midnight. Tonight it will be later. We don't participate. We will probably grill brats and burgers tomorrow or Monday and have macaroni and cheese one night while Sparky's home. And we'll be able to see several towns' fireworks shows from our backyard if we want.

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run rum on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July?

Nope. I know a couple of Guard members, but they're not currently serving.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?

Oops, jumped the gun. We're probably ordering pizza tonight when Sparky gets here...or something. So there'll be leftovers. And the usual grilled stuff. And some corn.

Friday (or Saturday) 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Belly up to the Bar

1. What’s the Good News?

   So, in the church where I grew up, there was a part of the service the bulletin called The Good News of God's Forgiveness. When I grew up and moved on to other churches, they were still calling this, old school, Assurance of Pardon/Forgiveness/Mercy, but for me it will always and forever be the Good News:

   "Hear the good news!
   Who is in a position to condemn?
   Only Christ,
   and Christ died for us,
   Christ rose for us,
   Christ reigns in power for us,
   Christ prays for us."
   [...and cue the Gloria Patri...]

   The interesting thing is back when church was calling it Good News, wasn't really understanding it. Now that I'm older and have some context, hearing those words creates a little burst of relief mixed with gratitude.
   
   And I'm done proselytizing now!

2. When did you last Take 5, and how did you spend it?

   I spent about 15 minutes in bed this morning after I woke up working a Sudoku on my Nook--because I didn't have to get up!! Saturday, the only morning I can say that. Usually.

3. Who’s a Big Hunk?

   In the sense of Big Hunk of Stoopid, there are far too many candidates, but the obvious one for me is Trump. In the sense of adorable gorgeousness, there are also many candidates. I kind of have to go with The Rock. I don't find him sexy, but he is definitely hunkish and quite witty.

4. In what way has this week been a Rocky Road?

   Wednesday night into Thursday noon was not good, for all the usual (home) reasons, including my inability to STFU.

5. What’s something you’re keeping Skor on?

   I've been trying to keep a list of all the food I'm eating for the last week, and also testing my blood glucose. It's a BLAST! /sarcasm

Sunday Stealing

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

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I probably wasn't listening to the absolute best that was given, but "Trust yourself" is pretty close to the top of what I remember.

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

Much easier to forget. SOOOOOoooo much easier!

78. First mobile phone?

I didn't get one till about 10-12 years ago. Maybe 2002?

79. Strangest dream?

I have strange dreams nearly every night. No, actually, I'm sure have have strange dreams EVERY night, but I remember only the ones in which I'm enmeshed when the alarm wakes me.

80. Best dream?

See above. I have some really awesomely funny weird dreams....

81. Who is the smartest person you know?

Depends on what we're measuring. Book-smart? Experience-smart? Emotional-smart? I know an awful lot of very smart people, for whom and for which I'm ever-thankful.

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?

It's rare for me to run across someone I can't find some sort of beauty in. There are very few truly ugly people out there, even the ones whose exterior isn't easy on the eyes.

83. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes. Always. It ebbs and flows and right now the tap is WIIIIIDE open.

84. Who do you love? Why?

I'm trying to work on loving everyone. It's not easy.

85. Do you like sharing?

I'm the Queen of Sharing, which is also something I'm working on, and also not easy to change.

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

I posted this to Facebook last Wednesday. Yes I'm a little behind on the origami calendar.....

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?

Sure. Or at the very least a teachable moment.

88. Favorite genre of music?

"Good"--I like lots of genres, including classic rock, heavy metal, rap, R&B, country, folk, indie, Christian, Middle-Eastern, funk, old pop (like Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, Lee), Afro-pop, reggae, ska, house, what my dad called "long-hair music" (a.k.a. "Classical)....

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

"Unfinished."

90. Describe your life in 5 words.

"I don't have a clue."

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Crazy from whose standpoint? Mine when I did it, or looking back on it? Craziest thing I can think of that turned out great and that I never have regretted is going to college 1000 miles from home. In so many ways, that's when my real life started.

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?

The first three I added to my starred list on Spotify are "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel, "Fadeaway" by Da Bodeans, and "Black, White, Tan" by Nicole Mullen. Alphabetically by author (and omitting bands starting with numbers), it's "Wake Up" by Aaradhna, "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust, and "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Alpha by title (and omitting numbered song titles): "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, "ABC" by the Jackson 5, and "Ackee 1-2-3" by The English Beat. That gives you a fair approximation of what my headphones sounds like at work.

93. Are you more creative or logical?

I'm more logical most of the time.

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?

I'm too honest by far about answering people's questions, though I have learned a tiny bit of tact over the years.

95. What are you most proud of?

The growth I've accomplished over the past few years in delineating boundaries, in forgiving myself and others for being human, and for standing my ground.

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?

Joy.

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?

Sleeping. hah OK, or playing with kids. Or reading in the sun.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?

"Hi" usually works for me. Not real creative (see #93), is it? Often I open a conversation with a question: "Can you help me?" "What's your name?" "How do you know [the host or whoever got me there]?" Simple is better.

Saturday 9 18

(Link in meme-roll)
Cheerleader (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Homecoming and football make this an important time of year for cheerleaders. Were you a cheerleader, or did you date one?

Nope and nope. ...and moving on...

2) Beyond cheerleaders and the big game, homecoming is a time for parades. Have you ever ridden on a float?

Actually, I don't think I have. I was usually in the band. The one time I was in a parade and not marching was when Sparky was in Little League and marched in the local Memorial Day parade.

3) OMI sings that his girl is always there when he needs her. Who do you know you can always count on?

"Always"? No one is "always" reliable or available. Beast is pretty good. I have several friends I can go to with my drama or needs. The only "always" for me is God.

4) This video features a sandy beach, a rocky shore and palm trees. What do you see outside your window right now?

Blue sky, the house next door, part of a tree. The sun is blazing through the front window but I can make out the shadow of our blue spruce in front of the porch and some birds flying around.

5) In the lyrics we hear that his cheerleader girlfriend is "like a genie in a bottle." Who would rather hang around with? Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie or Samantha from Bewitched?

Well, Samantha wasn't a genie, but I'd really rather hang with her. Jeannie was a little flaky, though I did rather like the decor in her bottle.

6) OMI is from Jamaica. Have you ever visited that island country?

Nope. Aside from the music, I've never really wanted to.

7) Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494. Columbus Day will soon be upon us (October 12). Is it a big deal in your community?

Nope. And I wish it weren't called that. The only reason it's even recognized around here is for the long fall break from school that usually surrounds it.

8) Queen Elizabeth is Jamaica's head of state. Her Majesty is now 89 years old and a great grandmother. Who is the oldest person in your life?

Hmm. I don't know ages for sure, but there are some folks at church in their late 80s and early 90s. And some of our library patrons. One guy who is 82 and looks about 70 and was in a pretty major motorcycle accident recently...and walked away.

9) Her Majesty was named Elizabeth Alexandra Mary after three of her relatives, who also were queens. Were you named after anyone?

My middle name may be. I don't know. My sisters named me, supposedly after a friend of one of theirs. Or anyway they liked that name. Whatever.

____________________________________________

Beyond the Sea (1959)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song mentions golden sands. When do you think you'll next visit the beach?

At this point, it'll be next summer. I don't see much of a reason to go beachside during the winter. Though there is a resort town on a lake not too far from here that we might visit over the winter and our usual haunt is right across from the beach.

2) Shortly after "Beyond the Sea" hit the charts, Bobby Darin met and married movie sweetheart Sandra Dee. Her squeaky-clean image is spoofed in the song, "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," from Grease. Can you name another song from Grease?

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" is the only one that's coming into focus this morning.

3) Years earlier, Bobby had an ill-fated romance with singer Connie Francis. According to Ms. Francis, Darin wanted to marry her, but her father forbade it. Have you ever had a relationship that your parents disapproved of?

Sure. They weren't enamored with me getting married right out of college, I'm fairly certain, but being the youngest in my family paid off in that they knew better than to forbid anything. It only makes it more attractive.

4) Bobby was a Renaissance man: Grammy-winning singer, Oscar-nominated actor, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and an excellent chess player. Are you good at chess?

No. I've played, but I'm not good at it at all.

5) A car buff, he drove a 1960 custom car that was so unique and spectacular it's now in a Detroit museum. The bright red paint was mixed with ground diamonds to ensure that it sparkled in the sun. Each of the four bucket seats had its own ac/heat control and radio speaker. The steering wheel was slightly squared for easier handling. What features would your dream car have?

Heated seats. 4WD. Big tires. Big engine. Convertible top/sides.

6) Beyond the Sea is also the name of the 2004 screen biography in which Kevin Spacey played Bobby Darin. Who would you choose to play you in the story of your life?

Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock. They both have the right laugh.

7) When he was just 8 years old, Bobby Darin was stricken with rheumatic fever, and the disease left him with a dangerously weakened heart. Did you spend much time in the hospital when you were a kid?

I spent time visiting my sister Ellen in the hospital when I was very young--she was quite ill and nearly died. As a teenager, I was a candystriper. Otherwise, not so much time in the hospital, definitely not as a patient for which I'm grateful.

8) In 1959, when "Beyond the Sea" was popular, Alaska became our 49th state. What comes to mind when you think of Alaska?

Cold. Dark. Snow. Crazy people. Glaciers. And, naturally, crab fishing.

9) In 1959, Conair introduced the first hair dryer developed for home use. Is there a hair dryer in your bathroom right now?

There is!

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Scene: Living room. 8:23 a.m. Beast is upstairs showering. We've checked in our sleep overnight and recovery from yesterday's moving day. Looks like a cloudy, potentially-rainy day outside.

Today's Plan: We're off to church in 20 minutes. Then home where I will rearrange what's left in Sparky's room, sort and start laundry, and clean the guinea pig cage. Beast needs to do the bills. We'll probably watch a race.

Drinking: I should just skip this one: the answer is always the same. Diet Dr. Pepper straight from the can.

Listening to: It's very quiet in the house: clock ticking, laptop keys tick-tacking as I type, and the laptop fan. I love living where it's quiet. I can hear Beast getting ready and feeding the piggies. He's got his usual "drainage cough" which he refuses to see a doctor about....

Participating in: The usual. I got a jury duty summons this week for the entire month of September; it's for grand-jury, rather than petit, which explains the longer time for service. Also, kinda more fun from my perspective.

Blogging about: The usual. Spending more time on Facebook and reading other people's stuff than writing my own. I did finish a couple of books this week, so I need to update the reviews on GoodReads and transfer them to the book blog.

Giving thanks for: I'm really pleased at the place Sparky moved into yesterday. It's very small but adorable and full of character. We got to meet one of his longest-term college friends--but not his roommate, weirdly, even though he was supposed to have been there "all day"--and I snuck in some religious quotes by lining his dresser drawers with wrapping paper with Bible verses. God's got his back, even though he doesn't seem to "need" God right now. So today is my first official full day as an Empty Nester.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
17 Meme

Are you a jealous person?

Depends on your definition of jealous. I occasionally suffer from the first and second ones and probably the last two, but not so much the third one.

When is the next time you’re traveling out of state?

I have no idea. I'm only 15 minutes by car from the state line, so it's not that unusual. Might be visiting Sparky before May, but who knows. Otherwise, I have no travel plans whatsoever. Beast will be all over the midwest this week though, mostly south. Whee, business travel.

Can you write your name in a foreign language?

Uh, my name is my name regardless on the language being spoken around me. And my first name is sorta made up so it's REALLY not translatable. If you refer to the name I use online, then you can choose either "Kot." or "Inwentaryzator."

When you’re getting ready for something, do you listen to music?

I listen to music when I'm working, and sometimes in the car while driving. "When I'm getting ready for something"--I'm always getting ready for SOMEthing....

What is your favorite day of the week?

Used to be Monday, no contest. Now...maybe Tuesday? I still like Monday, though; sorry, Bob Geldof.

What is something you did yesterday and wish you could’ve done today?

I worked yesterday. There's nothing about yesterday I'm dying to repeat. It wasn't a bad day, but I'd rather not go to work today, thanks.

If you woke up tomorrow and knew/spoke a different language, which language would you want it to be?

Greek.

What did you last order online?

I think that would be groceries, from Peapod.

Do you have any specific hobbies?

Blogging, reading, sleeping, puzzles, games.

What’s a song you recently discovered that you want to tell everyone about?

Can't think of anything, sorry.

Favorite fall or winter accessory?

Warm cotton sox. I'm not fussy, but nylon and wool are right out! They cut up my feet (nylon) and make me break out in hives (wool).

What did you last eat?

Communion. At church. I'll leave food content of it to theological debate.

Look to your left. What’s there?

A table full of random stuff: coasters, a hot pad, a bowl, Kleenex box, can of pop (unopened), lotion, manicure stuff, phone, pencil, and three pill bottles. That's just the top.

How long does it take you to fall asleep?

Last night, the first time took me about 10 minutes. Then I woke up again at 11:30 or so and was awake till 2.

Is there a TV in the room you are in?

Yup. And it's on....watching NASCAR (yawn).

What comes to your mind when I say red?

"Danger, Will Robinson!"

Name something you think is pointless?

Really expensive jeans. Well, really expensive clothes of any kind.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. H is for HABITAT: How close is your current home to your "dream" home?

It's pretty darn close! I love this house so much...

2. H is for HACKER: How concerned are you about the threat of someone hacking into your personal accounts?

Probably not concerned enough, but there's not much there, and I'm not a public person, so who would care?

3. H is for HELICOPTER: Have you ever ridden in a helicopter? If not, would you if you had the chance?

No, but I would LOVE a chance. They do helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon out of Vegas and I would so love to do one, but Beast is Not a Fan of heights, so...I need to find someone else to go with.

4. H is for HELL: Do you believe that Hell is a real place, and if so, how do you picture it?

I like Sartre's description in "No Exit"--Hell is other people. As in being trapped forever with the same small group of people you can't stand. I think, really, we create our own hell on earth and there's not really a point in having a specific PLACE called Hell. Much like The Kingdom of Heaven, it's where you are in your headspace sometimes.

5. H is for HITCHCOCK: What’s your favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie?

I like Psycho a lot, and The Birds freaks me out in spite of the laughable (by today's standards) FX.

6. H is for HOLIDAY: Which holiday do you wish people would take more seriously and why?

I wish Christians (real and so-called) would get as worked up about Easter as many of them do about Christmas. It's kinda, y'know, more important theologically.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. Which is your favorite rock band?

U2.

2. Which rock other than the one that is your real birthstone do you wish was your birthstone?

I've always wanted to be Opal (October). Don't ask me why: there's no deep meaning, beyond knowing someone with that name once, and liking opals.

3. How many pieces of jewelry do you own with your actual birthstone in it?

I have one necklace, which I rarely wear because it's topaz set in gold. I don't like gold, and you can barely see the topaz against the gold.

4. Which sketch, if any, do you most remember from ABC’s Saturday morning "Schoolhouse Rock" series?

I was never allowed to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings, so I never got to see "Schoolhouse Rock" except as an adult. My mother has a lot to answer for!

5. Do you own a rocking chair?

Yes. And I used it today, too, but not while I was holding the baby.

6. Someone who can be strong in the face of adversity is often described as a "rock." Who in your life is that rock for you?

God.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Young At Heart Meme

1. Are you a young heart or an old soul?

As the youngest sibling, I feel it's my duty to be young at heart. However, as such, I've also had to handle adult events at a younger age than anyone else in my family (and most of my friends): death of siblings, aging/illness/death of parents, etc. I'll give the lean at the end to retaining my youthful silliness.

2. What makes someone a best friend?

Putting up with me, at this point seemingly a bit of a challenge for folks, is about the only thing I can come up with, and also being there to shore me up. It's amazing (if occasionally disappointing) how friendships morph.

3. What Christmas present do you remember the most?

As a child: The Barbie Dream House. As an adult: the Revereware. I know that last one will be a surprise to everyone who reads this regularly.

4. Tell me a movie/song/TV show/playbook that has changed your life.

I know all the lyrics to many 50s and 60s musicals, and I can truthfully say that they are where I learned how the world works, at least in a very sugar-coated, asexual way. I mean, "Why Can't the English...?" (My Fair Lady) is a perfect satirical metaphor for every uneducated discussion of poverty and third-world problems! "Maria" (The Sound of Music) explains how hard it is to get along with people who don't fit in and "No Way to Stop It" (also TSoM) taught me everything I know about hypocrisy, isolationism, and hedonism. "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" (South Pacific) is the most damning song about prejudice in popular, public (WASP) currency at the time. "What Do the Simple Folk Do?" (Camelot) is a more-than sufficient explanation of how the grass is never really greener elsewhere. And so on...
Let's not even get me started on books. OK, well, one: The Book of Ruth opened up a whole new world to me, people in miserable life circumstances just getting on with things the best they can.

5. Name one physical feature that you like about yourself and one that you dislike.

I like my hair; I also am really annoyed with it (it's thick and heavy and dark so I'm sweating like a horse today).

6. Can money buy happiness?

It goes a long way toward convincing you that things could be worse, for sure. But ultimately, no.

7. What's more important in a relationship: physical attraction or emotional connection?

Neither makes it up completely. I'd give these two components about a 60% between them, but trust and honor is my takeaway with 40%.

8. Is there anyone close to you that you know you can't trust?

Sure. It's a matter of knowing people's foibles--some people are faultless about money matters, others are faultless about honoring your time or your emotions. For instance, we're still trying to get honest answers from Sparky about his classwork and grades....

9. Where was your favorite place to go when you were a little kid?

On a micro level, the dirt area at the side of our house--I'm pretty sure several of Mom's spoons are still buried there--or the front porch. On a macro level, our house in the mountains.

10. Have you spent a night in the hospital?

I've spent 8 nights in the hospital as a patient and innumerable portions of nights in ERs with Sparky and Beast and other extended family members.

11. Do you enjoy being only with 1-2 friends or with a large group of people?

I like smaller groups better.

12. Have you ever been bullied?

I'm sad (and embarrassed) to say that I've been on both sides of this. I was bullied as a little kid a lot, but I clearly didn't really internalize that when it came to the "weirdo girl" in my high school English classes.

13. If your partner wanted to wait until marriage until having sex, would you stay in that relationship?

My partner IS married to me so, yeah...moving on....

14. Do you believe in God?

Yuppers. For whatever reason, God has my back, so the least I can do is believe.

15. Out of all the social networks in the world why use a blog?

Because not everything I have to say is brief enough for Facebook. Or Twitter.

16. What is your quirkiest habit?

This summer it's been sleeping with an icepack in bed by my feet.

17. What is normal? Are you normal?

I'm normal, most of the time, for me. That doesn't mean your normal would (or should) look anything like mine.

18. Someone close to you is dying! You have the choice to let this person live for 10 more years but if you do you cause the death of 10 strangers.

We're all dying! Every day! And I don't do these sorts of thought games. I'm not killing off a loved one, not even metaphorically; there's already been too much death in my life.

19. What is one thing you could never forgive?

I'm pretty forgiving, but if you keep showing me that you are untrustworthy by talking about other people in mean, self-oriented ways, I'm pretty much out the door. If you say nasty stuff to me about HIM, God alone knows what you're saying to him about ME! It's even worse if the shit you're spreading is stuff I know isn't accurate.

20. When you’re alone in your own home, do you talk out loud to yourself?

I talk to myself at the grocery store, in the car, and at work too, when things are getting out of control.

21. Who is your favorite super hero?

Wonder Woman. Did you really need to ask??

22. Could you be in a long distance relationship?

I frequently am. I actually have a LOT of long-distance relationships that work.

23. Do you know what makes you happy?

Yes. Thank God!

24. Who was your first crush?

First obsessive attraction was Jim Phillips in 6th grade. He moved away the next year, and I've never tracked him down.

25. Where is your favorite place to go out and eat?

Six Balls. Or Olive Garden.

26. Are you an early bird or night owl?

Early bird by nature, night owl by training.

27. Give me an unpopular opinion you have.

Unpopular with whom? Among conservative Christians, my support of feminism, gay rights, abortion, and inability to "stay in my place" and not get uppity are probably pretty unpopular. Among librarians, my unwillingness to put up with political and bureaucratic bullshit is probably not popular. In local library politics, I think part of the district should be paying a lot more for access to the library (disclaimer: I live in the underpaying part) or just fucking leave.

28. Do you believe in giving kids medals and trophies for participation?

I believe kids should be recognized for showing up every day even when things aren't going well for the team. I'm a big believer in recognizing and honoring all team members as contributors, even those who warm the bench. But I don't think everyone deserves a trophy. Even though that's the only reason Sparky has the one trophy he has! ;-)

29. What song best describes your life right now?

Staying in the musical them above, it's either "I've Grown Accustomed to [His] Face" (My Fair Lady) or "Iowa Stubborn" (The Music Man).

30. How do you express your creativity?

By blogging and by reading and by working at the Reference Desk at work.

31. Describe your neighborhood.

Pastoral. Ten years ago when we moved it, it really was a "house farm"--a large field that had sprouted houses--but now there are some good-sized trees and shrubs, and some prairie areas that are kept up, and it really is nice. Now I miss the little kids that used to be here: we have a passel of teens and a few little guys, but we're all aging. Boo!

32. Give me the story of your life in 6 words.

Mountains, flatland: books are my world.

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 Wackadoo Meme part 2

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

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

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

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

32.] What is in your medicine cabinet?

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

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

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

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

Medical science, followed fairly closely by electronics.

35.] Can you whistle properly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

41.] What's your favorite chocolate bar?

I like Butterfingers and Heath/Skor bars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I did water aerobics when I was pregnant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

52.] How about your freezer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I like the ones that drizzle down like weeping willows.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Weird Question Meme, Part Two

What is your ring size?

I haven't the foggiest. I think when I got my original wedding and engagement rings they were around size 7. I've resized them once, so they're at least an 8 now.

How often do you wear jewelry?

I always have rings on (wedding, engagement, and either my mom's turquoise or my anniversary ring), and usually earrings. In the summer, I have a toe ring on all the time, unless I'm wearing tight shoes. Occasionally I remember to grab a necklace.

When was the last time you consumed alcohol?

I had a couple of V&Ts last night. First alcohol in weeks.

Any big plans for the summer?

Not really. Anniversary in a few weeks. I'm on backup labor-coach-duty at the end of July. My overseas brother-in-law is coming for a conference in Montreal so he's included a couple of weeks prior to that to see the family; he'll be here at the end of September. The local schools start back on August 15, so I'll be headed back to volunteering at the school library around then too. We're sort of targeting our birthdays for a big trip.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni and cheese with iced sugar cookies for dessert.

Do you prefer broccoli or asparagus?

Broccoli is way more versatile. Asparagus has to be done just right or it's awful.

What color are your bedroom walls?

Sky blue on three of them, sandy brown on the other.

With whom do you live?

I live with Beast, when he's not on a business trip, and Ruka and Pinto the (guinea) piggies. Sparky is home for about 20 hours for Father's Day right now.

Which Star Wars movie is your favorite?

The first one, from 1977. The rest bore the pants off of me, especially the sequels/prequels.

How about Harry Potter?

Wow, uhm...I like the whole series. I guess my favorite would probably be the second or third, before things go completely dark. Basically, before Umbridge. She was horrible; the movies don't do her justice at all.

What was the last movie you saw in theaters?

We went and saw the latest Star Trek flick a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty good.

Did you get the popcorn or candy?

For a change, we only got popcorn (and pop).

What is the most romantic text in your inbox?

...er, beyond the g'byes, which usually include an exchange of "love you"s, I can't find one. We don't really 'do' romantic.

Have you ever played miniature golf on a date?

The mental picture here is astoundingly funny. On a date? With tiny clubs? No water hazards or sand traps, just sticky 'greens'?
I probably did go on a mini-golf date, but I don't honestly remember. I know we have mini-golfed together after getting married--does that count as a date still?

What's a phrase you overuse?

"Aaact-chullee..." Every damn day.

Do you always use good grammar?

Nope. Sometimes I just don't give two shits.

Do you have an accent or a speech impediment?

Lol, what a question! We all have an accent. Mine changes regularly--I've recently learned that some of that is called "Code Switching." I also tend to stutter when I'm tired or excited. Then there's the fact that sometimes I don't pay attention to how the words coming out of my mouth are going to sound until they're out and I'm mortified.

What did you eat today?

So far, a couple of handfuls of cheddar flavored mini rice cakes and 8 glazed donut holes. Washed down with a can of diet Dr. Pepper. Of course.

What do you do at work?

Try to keep out of trouble and stay awake, if one were to judge by this past week. Mostly, I stare at MARC records looking for mistakes to fix, adding content when necessary, and exporting from OCLC to our catalog. Also, writing call numbers in books, counting them all as I go for statistics. That's the part of my job I like (usually). Then there's the "[Cat.], this isn't checking out for the right period!", [Cat.], this doesn't show up in the catalog right!", [Cat.], can you add a heading for the series?" and questions/problems like that. Also, emails about people having placed orders that need to be downloaded into our catalog and into our On-Order list. Let's not forget the director stopping by to ask how/why/when questions (Thursday it was because of the directors' meeting on Friday--what did he need to discuss about future catalog changes). Occasionally, someone from Reference will call and ask if I can help, either with a specific question or for me to come back them up. Hmm...there's always email and RSS feeds to catch up on, assorted random-but-regular tasks to deal with, and gossip to be shared. And I'm usually have an IM window open with Beast all day, unless he's on the road. ← All of which clarifies for me why Twitter does NOT work for me--I'm already too fragmented

Do you know the rules to any sports?

Well, yeah, as a matter of fact, I do. Except cricket. Cricket rules are way too complicated for me. But I'm pretty clear on football (American) and baseball. I can follow hockey, basketball, volleyball and most track-and-field events too. Golf baffles me, though I understand the general idea. NASCAR, well, I mostly understand, except every track seems to have it's own set of special rules about pit speed and the bottom yellow line.

Do you prefer to watch or play sports?

What do you think, at this stage of my life? I'm a watcher.

What is your favorite kind of hat to wear?

Cowboy. But not around here: I'd look a right moron.

Do you pray?

Yes. I'm currently reading Anne Lamott's Help Thanks Wow and realizing that those are sometimes the only words that are needed. I do the 'formal' form of praying, and sometimes it's just a "Hey God!" prayer. One of our youth group members always started her prayers that way.

To whom do you pray?

God, Jesus, Spirit, whoever-it-is-in-control-of-this-mess. Occasionally my dad or grandparents or sisters. I know, the latter is somewhat heretical, but sometimes I just want a hug from one of them.

What is the closest mountain to your house?

Define "mountain." There is a ski hill about 20 minutes north of us, but it's pathetic. I think the nearest actual mountain--a mountain that I consider a mountain, not a less-flat high place--is probably at least 500 miles away. This is why sometimes I bloody well hate it here!

What size engine is in your vehicle?

Beast says it's a 4-banger, a big one. Drives like at least a 6.

What do you need to do tomorrow?

Go to work: looks like I get to spend 12-1 at the Reference Desk, but the rest of the time I'm hoping to plod through more of the cataloging backlog. I also need to make appointments for the exams my doc wrote orders for over a month ago, and pick up Sparky's contacts.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Imaginary Meme, Part Two

21. Have you felt that life is like being on a roller coaster?

No, of course not. Why would I ever think that? Life is just smooth and straightforward.

22. Favorite year so far?

1986. Or the 1992. 2003 wasn't bad either. I think I'm due for another good one, please.

23. Do you consider yourself religious?

...sigh. Sure. Why argue?

24. How do you dress to impress?

I do not.

25. Have you ever been to Connecticut?

Y'know, I don't think I have. There are quite a few of the little states that I haven't gotten to, but I could probably take care of over about 3 hours, eh?

26. Do you eat sushi?

Hell no!

27. Would you smoke pot providing there was no risk or driving involved?

Yes.

28. What do you think of Idol Winner Phillip Phillips??

Who? (I haven't yet watched a single episode of this show.)

29. Do you believe that animals have souls?

They've certainly got more going on that we humans give them credit for. In short, I think so, yes.

30. Who did you last talk to? Share, if you dare.

My boys: Beast and Sparky. We are eating a "Sunday dinner" in front of the TV tuned to Indy, and there's not much conversation to speak of. I think Beast said, "Mmm, good" and I thanked him. Sparky's a teenager in spades today, so mostly he's just grunting.

31. What is one thing that always annoys you?

Teenage boys (and grown men) grunting instead of using speech.

32. Do you believe in a higher being?

Yup. Circles in circles today.

33. Have you ever fallen in love with a neighbor?

Pretty much all of my neighbors growing up were either at least 55 and/or female. When I was little there were boys about my age across the street, and I was planning to marry one of them, but 1) they moved on fairly quickly, and 2) I don't remember being "in love" with him anyway. I was, after all, not more than 5 years old.

34. Any plans for this weekend?

Laundry, racing, napping, staying out of the heat outside....

35. Would you like to rule your country, if you could?

Nope.

36. Do you like watching films about the nature of animals?

I used to. I don't, not so much, anymore. I wonder why? Maybe because I'm probably allergic to most of them; it's a little painful.

37. What's the difference between lust and/or lust?

Aha! I see what you did there! ;-)

38. Do you have a soul?

More circles.... It's here somewhere. I can't ever find it when I need it though.

39. One best friend or many good friends?

I'd rather have quality over quantity.

40. Do you believe in spontaneous combustion?

Yes. I saw it in action today, in fact, when I stopped in at work to grab something I forgot when I left. ... I'm really SUPER-glad I left at 1:00 yesterday. Eighteen hours after all hell broke loose, T's ears were still steaming today.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
'Til I Hear It From You

1. If someone, that you trusted, told you that your lover was cheating, would you believe them or not?

If I trusted this other person, I would. I don't trust a lot of people, though, so I'd require a great deal of proof. Oh, and by the way, this plays in nicely with a situation Beast found himself in this week. I'll wait for him to tell it, and then copy it over.

2. What is something that you are disappointed about right now?

My job. I really, really love my work. I really really LOATHE my workplace though.

3. Jonathan Frid, who was the original Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows from 1967-1971, passed away in Canada at the age of 87. Who is your favorite vampire?

I'm not a fan.

4. Should there be age limits on social networking sites such as facebook?

Nope. There might need to be parental limits, though, as in, if you're too stupid to check on your kids' Facebook postings, you deserve every stupid thing they do to embarrass themselves and you.

5. Tell us about your pets. Do you have one that you wish would run away?

I have two guinea pigs, and no I do NOT want them to run away, because that would involve chasing them under furniture. They are annoying though: always hungry.

6. Do you ever have a hard time with morals?

Not mine. Other people's, yes. <--sarcasm

7. Did you make 'a plan' the first time you made love or did it just happen?

It was a Very Major Plan. Big, Organized, and of course it blew up 7 ways from Sunday at the end. Beast and I are nothing if not overly-planning people.

8. Do you agree that fame is lousy or would you love to give it a try? Why?

No, no, nonono! I don't have any aspirations to fame.

9. Do you believe in forever, as in 'love forever'?

I could spend the rest of the day answering this question, but suffice to say that it would depend on what kind of love we're talking about, and whether you believe in God. Which I do. So yes. But not like pop-music love, not at all. Think: kids, parents, puppies.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Today, whose mouth needs to be covered with duct tape?

This is why I try to do this meme (and others) before reading other people's answers: I don't want to be prompted. But today I ran across Bud's answers before I thought about mine, and now I can't get Michelle Bachman out of my mind for this one. She's kind of been hovering in my forebrain anyway, what with Sparky watching the rerun of SNL this week which led with a MB bit, and shelving the Newsweek with her on the cover at the h.s. this morning, and the fact that she and one of my best friends graduated from the same college (to my friend's undying shame). The woman's both insane and inane, which is rather a good trick.

Otherwise, if we haven't used up all the duct tape on her, it might not be such a bad thing to keep a couple strips handy in my vicinity; I expect this week is going to bring The Mouth out in me a bit.

2) You are a zookeeper, and one day a shady-looking man brings in what he calls an "exotic animal." This animal is in a wooden box with small air holes on the top and the box is stamped DANGEROUS. He throws a picture on your desk and you look at the strangest creature you’ve ever seen. Describe it, and tell what you’re going to do.

I dunno--having watched a lot of National Geographic PBS shows as a kid, and continuing to watch a lot of basic cable shows of that ilk, combined with reading an awful lot of Stephen King and his ilk as a kid...it may be hard to freak me out.

So the first thing I'm going to do is get this guy's ID and then call the USDA, or at least animal control, and report him.

(By the way, I'm picturing something like this but with a beak and a peacock tail.)

3) Share three good things about your life right now.

1. I'm very proud of my son. He leaves for college on Friday, and has proven again this weekend that whatever his weaknesses are, he is very aware of things and is smart as a tack.
2. I have an awesome group of friends on whom I can count to tell me the unvarnished truth, and even hold me and pray for me. I know, that's not the sort of thing you may come here expecting to hear, but oh well.
3. It's summer, but it's not hot-and-nasty like August here usually is. That is priceless and rare.

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

Hey, I'm Jesus-juking you all in a big way this week! It was not intentional when I wrote this, and found the photo. I do have to wonder what exactly this is all about: why is he (or He) looking at the road, what's around that corner that he (or He) is watching, who took this picture, is it doctored or an actual branch/lighting/weirdness combination? Aside from the creepy eyeballs looking down from On High, this is a lovely, peaceful photo.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Devil Went Down to Georgia (I actually have this song on a record somewhere....)

1. Do you believe in the concept of the devil?

OK, loaded question. I believe in Satan, the Great Adversary, the being that opposes freedom by promising more than we can possibly have, the Free Lunch Is Always An Option guy. I don't believe in anyone in a red suit with horns poking people into giant fires with a pitchfork.

2. What's your favorite nickname that you're called?

"Mom." Although I do find my most recent one rather amusing: "What Red Light?"

3. What would you do if someone cheated on you?

Cry, and possibly throw things.

4. Do you ever cry at a movie?

I always cry at movies, even happy ones.

5. Have you got “a ball & chain” or are you single? Are you happy with your status?

Married and generally ok with that.

6. Who do you got to for advice?

Depends on the situation. Primarily Beast and close friends, and God.

7. When was the last time someone yelled at you?

In anger? About a week.

8. When was the last time you spoke with someone that you met online?

"Spoke"? Verbally, face-to-face? It's been awhile. However, I tweeting a blog friend this week for the first time in ages.

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? OR Where would you like to go on your honeymoon?

We went to the nearest nice hotel for two nights when we got married. No money or time for a vacation at that point. I sort of consider the recent trip overseas our actual honeymoon.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
John Lennon

1. Gimme Some Truth “I'm sick and tired of hearing things
From uptight, shortsighted, narrow-minded hypocrites
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth”
What is one undeniable truth in your life?

I'm going to be dead someday, and that day is getting closer and closer.

2. Instant Karma “Why in the world are we here?
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on Earth are you there
When you're everywhere
Gonna get your share”
Why in the world do you think you are here?

This week my purpose seemed to be to make money for other people.

3. Out of the Blue “Out the blue you came to me
And blew away life's misery”
Has anyone ever came out of the blue for you?

Oh yeah. It's amazing who comes out of the woodwork when I'm in dire straits.

4. Jealous Guy “I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh no, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just a jealous guy”
Tell us about a time when you were jealous.

I...uh...can't remember a time when I was really jealous. I was slightly annoyed at a long phone call Beast had with a coworker MANY MANY years ago (like 20).

5. Mind Games “We're playing those mind games together
Pushing the barriers planting seeds
Playing the mind guerrilla
Chanting the Mantra peace on earth”
When was the last time someone played mind games with you?

Shit, feels like every day someone at work is messing with me. Usually the same person, too. Since I don't play games, I find this really frustrating.

6. Imagine “Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger a brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing for the world”
What's your favorite possession?

My house. My truck used to be up near the top. Not no more. :-(

7. Working Class Hero “They hurt you at home and they hit you at school
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool
Till you're so crazy you can't follow their rules
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be”
How did you get along in high school?

I got along just fine. School was my forte. Still is, for that matter.

8. I'm Stepping Out “Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta get out
I'm stepping out, babe
Just a while
Ain't been out for days”
When was the last time you went out on the town? What did you do?

We went out tonight as a matter of fact, and saw a semi-famous game-show host-slash-comedian.

9. Steel and Glass “Well, your mouthpiece squawks as he spreads your lies
But you can't pull strings if your hands are tied, hey, hey”
Who was the last person who spread lies about you?

Don't know, don't care. See mind games, above.

10. God “God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain”
How do you conceive “god”?

Depends on the day, really. Sometimes, as George Carlin said, God is a lift in my shoe. Sometimes, God is not something I'm sure I believe in. I do believe in God, but sometimes I don't. I think Lennon has a point; God is an exacerbation and/or an amelioration of the human condition.

11. I'm Losing You “Here in some stranger's room,
Late in the afternoon,
What am I doing here at all?”
Have you ever cheated on a lover or been cheated on?

Nope. Life's complicated enough; why make it even messier?

12. Whatever Gets You Through the Night “Whatever gets you through your life 'salright, 'salright
Do it wrong or do it right 'salright, 'salright
Don't need a watch to waste your time oh no, oh no”
What gets you through the night?

Sleep, with assistance of earplugs and a comfy bed.

13. Give Peace a Chance “Everybody's talkin' 'bout ministers, sinisters
Banisters and canisters, bishops and fishops
Rabbis and pop eyes, bye bye, bye byes”
What's everyone talking about where you live?

The fuckin' weather. Ugh. I mean, really people? It's spring; the weather is iffy and usually cloudy and miserable. This is NOT a surprise.