Frankly, my dears

You Are Somewhat Frank

You are constantly balancing your deep desire to be truthful with your need to be polite. Whenever it's easy, you tell the truth. When it's not easy, well, you at least hint at the truth. You believe that people aren't as into honesty as they claim to be. And not as honest either. You are an open book with the people you know best, but you you'll tell a white lie to smooth things over.

Are You Frank?

True enough, except that second section. I don't hint very often.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight No Chaser

1. What keeps you on the straight and narrow?

   My conscience generally reminds me that I don't want to go to jail. Or be a jerk.

2. Who in your life is a real straight shooter?

   Most everyone in my family, and a couple of coworkers.

3. How straight are your teeth and hair?

   My hair is randomly curly/wavy, but not kinky-curly. My teeth are 40 years out from braces: still pretty straight, all things considered.

4. What’s a good song with the word straight in its lyrics or title?

   "Straight From the Heart" jumped immediately to mind. I'm not a huge Bryan Adams fan, but that song was pretty unavoidable when it first came out.

5. What’s something that needs straightening?

   A lot of people's attitudes seem to be ruffled of late. Including mine.

Tiny Gestures

1. What might you put in a small, pretty glass bottle as a romantic gift to someone?

   Well, I wouldn't put it in the bottle, but I might give someone perfume/cologne.

2. Someone you care very much for is leaving for a long time but will be back. What small object (not a photo) might you give him or her to remember you by?

   If pressed, I might just give them a small stone, nothing special, just to keep in their pocket to remember me by.

3. If you were to leave a small mark in your current residence, as lasting evidence that you lived there, what would you leave, and where would you leave it?

   Before the builders put up the sheetrock I ran around and Sharpie'd a cross on most of the door jambs of the house I'm currently in. When things are dire, it can help knowing that God's around.

4. What would you like to toss into the fires of Mount Doom?

   The Trump family.

5. Those adopt-a-star things are gimmicky rip-offs, but if they weren’t, and someone gave you one as a gift, what would you name it?

   I wouldn't name it. I let the astrophysicists of my acquaintance get on with things.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Shannon's Moments Meme, Part Two

23. Have you ever gone to the “dark side”?

Far more often than I'd care to admit. And I've been lucky enough not to get stuck there, or get caught. Mostly, I visit there via TV and books these days.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now?

I've got on a burgundy tank-top with lace on the bottom. I just changed into it. It's not that hot today, but doing the dishes--in the sink, all three of the things that can't go in the dishwasher--made me sweat to the point of having it run down my shirt for the 15 minutes following. I hate humidity!

25. What’s important about a bed to you? Like type of sheets, size or whatever.

I'm really not fussy. I like a high thread count, generally, but I also like flannel sheets (in the winter, not now!). I really need a good supportive pillow; that's my only need, and I prefer a mattress with a little give. Not soft, but not like concrete on my hips. Really though, if I'm borrowing your bed, it's not like I've got room to be choosy!

26. Can you sing?

I can. And I did today.

27. What is something about you that would surprise us?

Would it surprise you that I'm really shy? Or that I don't read as much as I think you all probably think I do?

28. Have you been a pirate, Renaissance Fair, or other costumed event? If not, would you for the right event or say cause?

I have dressed as a pirate--like every Pirate Day for three years now. My college roommate got into SCA and it made me so bloody crazy to hear about the clothes and the weaponry and the blah blah blah all the time (remember, I am a history major, so it really was bad to offend me!) that I've pretty much stayed away from the whole costuming thing. Ironically, my massage therapist, now, makes her own steampunk convention costumes and one of my best friends does costuming for stage plays. I can't get away from the discussion of hemlines and corsets!!

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?

I have never.

30. Favorite girl's name?

I can't tell you how irritating this question is. Favorite name for a girl? Or the name of my favorite girl?? They are not the same name--or question! I regret never having been able to use the name Josephine. If you haven't read Little Women you won't get the half of it! There's also an Apollonia in Beast's family tree--and that would've been an awesome baby girl name, especially paired with his last name! ha ha ha ha

31. Favorite boy's name?

I wish we'd've just used David as Sparky's middle name and damn the commentary from my MIL--whom I loved but she was ... weirdly racist. Yes. Think on the racial component of the name David for awhile now, again in light of Beast's last name--which I will tell you is immediately recognizable as German. [Beast had to explain it to me, later, after MIL said we shouldn't use "David." I had no idea....][If you don't get it, it's ok. Really. You're a better person that way.]

32. What’s in your pocket or purse right now?

I don't have a purse, and these shorts have no pockets. Because they're for girls. Girls don't need to carry stuff; we have MEN to carry stuff for us. [I hate "fashion"!]

33. Last thing that made you laugh?

Something Beast said on his way out the door to mow a few minutes ago. I can't remember what, but I chuckled. And before that, something at church, I guess. On the way home, we stopped for gas and I went on a 5-minute-rant afterwards about people leaving their car radios BLARING baseball talk radio while they sit with the doors open and tank filling. I'm not a fan of the game, and I swear if I'd heard the words "curve ball" once more, I might've stormed the barricades. Also, the guy is a prick--Sparky's high school counselor who was less than worthless in any capacity for Sparky while enrolled. So, no laughing in the car. Church, though, I laughed at church a lot. The sermon involved a modern parable about shoveling shit, er MANURE. Because, church.[And yes, I know the rant probably means I got nothing redeeming out of church whatsoever...sigh. Progress, not perfection.]

34. Best toy as a child?

My brother's toy cars, mostly die-cast not plastic.

35. Worst injury you have ever had?

I don't tend to get injured very often. I fall down regularly, but apparently my knees and wrists are made of kevlar-treated steel because it's never broken anything. Yet. Knock wood. So, worst injury is probably RSI stuff in my shoulders and neck from moving books and sitting hunched over a desk all day.

36. Where would you love to live?

Arizona. New Mexico. COLORADO (I might've mentioned that last one once or twice before....).

37. What type of TV do you have? Would you’d like an upgrade?

We have Sony flat-screens, about 6 years old, the bigger one upstairs, and the smaller one down. It's fine. Works great. No complaints. Except my brother-in-law who insists everyone looks squished or something to do with aspect ratio difference between England and here.

39. How many dogs do you have?

None. It makes me so sad to say that. What I would give to be able to be around dogs without getting sick....

40. Do most folks trust you?

For God-alone-knows what reason, yes. Especially people who barely know me!

41. What book are you reading?

I've gotten more than slightly out of control on this:

• All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr (ebook) -- just started
• Forty Stories, by Cal Morgan (ebook) -- nearly done, I think!
• In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse, by Joseph M. Marshall III -- kids' book, reading at work on lunch breaks; should finish it easily by Tuesday
• 999 (edited by Al Sarrantonio) -- what was I thinking starting this right before vacation?!
• Customs of the World, by David Livermore (audio) -- technically, this is a 'class' from the Great Courses lineup
• Hamilton: The Revolution, by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jeremy McCarter -- I'm reading the libretto notes while I listen to the songs. Truly, if you haven't heard anything from this show, it is one of the rare times that it lives up to much of the hype
• Daughter of Smoke & Bone, by Laini Taylor -- The first half was wonderful. Ever since the damned angel showed up I've wanted to strangle them both. Probably won't finish--it's another YA series, this one set in Prague. With angels. Who are gorgeous, apparently. fuuuu....

42. What’s your favorite classic TV show?

Gilligan's Island. That show made me laugh so hard as a kid and taught me so much about how NOT to get along with others. Yes, I know, this is a change from my usual go-tos of Bewitched and/or I Dream of Jeannie. Maybe it's because I've given up on magic, and just need to be rescued.

43. What’s your favorite sports team?

In case you've somehow missed it, I'm a huge Packer Backer.

Wait, scratch that, I'm a co-OWNER of the team!

44. Favorite month and why?

September. It's gorgeous and less humid and rarely too cold.

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

(Link in meme-roll)
Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" video begins with the gentlemen of Green Day dealing with car trouble. If your car overheated, what's the first thing you would do to remedy the situation?

Pull over and turn off the engine. And then wait. And then add water to the radiator. Most likely, I'd be calling either Beast (if it was local) or AAA.

2) Thinking of cars, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has had his share of trouble behind the wheel and was busted for driving well beyond the speed limit. Was your last ticket for parking, or was it a moving violation?

Moving violation. I can't remember exactly but it was either for plowing into my neighbor's work truck due to inattentiveness or for going 46 in a 40 zone in a nearby community known for ticketing for EVERYTHING. Those two things happened fairly close together.

3) Billie Joe says "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was inspired by the Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." Tell us about a piece of artwork that you enjoy. (Yes, the macaroni picture frame created for you by your nephew counts.)

My dad's cousin Bill's career was in advertising, doing the artwork and design, but did a lot of painting and drawing on the side for fun. He drew all his own Christmas cards every year--we still have those--and for our wedding present he presented us with a framed watercolor painting he did of Canyon de Chelly which continues to hang in a place of prominence in our house nearly 30 years later. It's absolutely delightful, and it reminds me regularly that a) I need to go to Canyon de Chelly someday, and b) the weird things that connect families together. I only met him once, when my parents were taking me off to college orientation. We drove through Des Moines and stopped for the afternoon and evening at Bill's home and then some random restaurant for dinner. My memories of the visit consist of sitting in his living room and then bathroom in an agony of anxiety-induced GI distress, and then having a similar problem at the restaurant. Apparently, however, I impressed him with my ... something. Dad & Mom said he raved about what a great kid I was whenever they spoke after that. And then he painted a picture for me. You never know, do you?

4) Let's go back to childhood. Was the home where you grew up located on a boulevard, an avenue, a street, a lane or a road?

Street. I was in the Indian Tribe range of names. Denver does (did, historically, anyway) this awesome thing where all the streets are alphabetized by theme. So there are the Indian Tribes, the Trees, the Flowers, the Universities, etc, etc. Sometimes, it's doubled, so A-word, A-word, B-word, B-word, and so on. I grew up in the list of Acoma, Bannock, Cherokee, Delaware, Elati, Fox, Galapago, Huron, Inca, Jason, Kalamath, Lipan, Mariposa, Navajo ... run. And yes, as a matter of fact I do still have them all memorized. :-)

5) This song won Green Day a Grammy for Record of the Year. What positive feedback have you received recently?

My therapist is adamant that the switch of medications has changed my entire affect. I can't tell, but I'll take it as a compliment.

6) Green Day uses their Facebook page to let more than 32 millions know what the group is doing. What's the last thing you posted to social media?

The last thing I wrote myself on Facebook was last night's (daily) Gun Violence posting about the previous day's toll: 75 total incidents involving gunfire, 28 of which did not result in injury or death, but in the others, 25 people were killed and 37 more were injured. I've been doing those posts for about two months now, and in that time there've been nearly 4,000 gun incidents, nearly 1,100 people killed, and over 2,500 people injured. Call me crazy, but that seems ... high.

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Ken Jennings had a still unbeaten string of 74 wins on Jeopardy! What game show do you think you'd do well on?

I'd do ok on Jeopardy! Actually, I watched enough game shows as a child that I'd probably do well on most of them, except perhaps The Price is Right. I'm not hyper enough or price-conscious enough to do that one.

8) Also in 2004, Lance Armstrong was in the midst of his own Tour de France winning streak. Now we know he cheated. Tell us about a time you broke the rules.

The times I've broken the rules have been comparatively minor. I break rules semi-regularly at work in terms of cataloging, but again not the big rules. I'm just not that kind of person.

9) 2004 is when Morgan Spurlock released Super Size Me, his documentary about eating nothing but McDonald's for a month. What's the last fast food restaurant you visited?

Heh, that would be Mickey D's yesterday for breakfast. I literally ate all my meals out yesterday though only one fast-food stop.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Big Bad Meme

Is there anyone else in the room with you atm? What are they doing?

Beast is across the room sorting the week's mail, paying bills, doing some other financial stuff...and watching the Packers play (badly, against Carolina).

Do you show your teeth when you smile, or do you prefer smiling with your lips closed?

I don't really think about my teeth when I'm smiling--I'm pretty sure they show.

Would you rather be told the truth, even if it isn’t what you want to hear?

Yes, ultimately I would.

What is something that you plan to buy, as soon as you’ve saved up the money for it?

We really need a new vacuum. I "donated" our old one to Sparky when he moved out in August. The cleaning ladies do the carpets when they're here, and most of the floors aren't carpeted anyway, but we really need something for cleaning in between their visits.

Do you play Sudoku?

I do. Almost every day.

Have you ever had a migraine?

Yes. They are the pits.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I've finally finished Touch by Claire North. Great concept, good story, but the ending was a bit of a letdown....

What was the last item of clothing you purchased for yourself?

I bought a couple of new pairs of shoes for fall/winter last weekend. Before that, it was a T and a zip-hoodie on vacation.

Your first serious relationship, do you still talk to him/her?

Nope. I'm friends with his brother on Facebook though.

Who is the last person you texted?

Beast.

How close is your family?

Geographically, we're very spread out (all over the U.S.--like 5 separate states) and two countries in Europe. But, surprisingly, we're pretty close as family.

Is there anything too serious to be joked about?

It's impossible to laugh at other people's honest grief. There's humor in grief, to be sure, but not directed outwards at someone who is grieving.

Do you like to understand and have good knowledge of things?

Yes.

What is worse? Back pain or shoulder pain?

Well this is eerily timely....Beast has been suffering from both in the past three weeks. We're far more concerned about the pain that is originating in his spine and causing the fingers on his left hand to go numb almost constantly. I think nerve pain is the worst because nothing really 'fixes' it except morphine (which they don't give outside the hospital or directly under a nurse's care, these days). His arm just aches all the time.

Have you ever almost fallen off of something high off the ground?

Nope. I tend to hold on tight when I'm elevated. Probably has something to do with growing up in the mountains.

What’s one fruit you love in drinks?

Lemon.

What is something simple that you’re afraid of?

The bottom falling out. Y'know when this question comes up anymore, I just sit here for 15-20 seconds trying to come up with something scary...and in this case something "simple" that's scary. The stuff that tends to scary me is not simple. Bats, spiders, death, the dark, heights...nope. Maybe large crowds, but especially in the last month I've had to face some serious fears and come to terms with them and stand my ground just to get on with life. Doesn't mean I'm calm and cool all the time, but I've developed a very large capacity for "bring it."

Has this weekend been good?

Yeah, actually, it's been good. I'm going to finish this and publish it and flop over for my mid-afternoon Sunday nap. That's always good.
I'm NOT, however, looking forward to work tomorrow. Friday was a great day for getting stuff done, but a shit day for dealing with coworkers. I really don't want to see them tomorrow.

How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?

I'm usually up and getting ready to leave the house about 90 minutes before I need to leave.

Last movie you watched in theaters and with whom?

"A Walk in the Woods" last month with Beast. I loved the book. The movie was ok--lovely scenery and Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were funny.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Working My Way Back to You (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) We're celebrating the last holiday of summer with The Four Seasons. Which season is your favorite?

I love autumn. Most of the allergens start going away, and it's less humid (usually) and cools off at night.

2) Before they settled on The Four Seasons, they called themselves The Four Lovers, The Romans and The Village Voices. If you were/are in a band, please share the name. Or just make up a cool name for your pretend band.

Hmm, after some consideration, how about The 35th Seville. Nothing to do with car names or Spain, either.

3) Lead singer Frankie Valli has occasionally fudged the year of his birth. Have you ever lied about your age?

Nope. Never needed to. Never really wanted/want to.

4) Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen ... New Jersey has given us many music superstars. What is your state known for?

The one I grew up in is known for being among the fittest in the country. The one in which I currently live is known for corruption and corn and two very popular former Presidents.

5) In 1965, Frankie was arrested in Columbus, Ohio. But it wasn't his fault! The bandmate he trusted to pay the group's hotel bill neglected to do so. Tell us about a time when your trusting nature got you in trouble.

These days, I'm better about protecting myself, so I'm having a hard time coming up with anything recent that was traumatic. Being lied to pretty much daily for a couple of years by the person I used to trust the most in the world will do that to you.

6) Clint Eastwood directed the movie version of the Four Seasons biography, Jersey Boys. What's your favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

Because I'm weird, I'm going with Paint Your Wagon. His role is unexpected, and he sings!!

Since Labor Day is the holiday established to celebrate the American worker …

7) According to the U.S. Census, more and more Americans are working from home. Are you one of them?

Well, I do work at home sometimes, but I do have to show up at work for 40 hours a week to get paid. Beast works out of the house though, when he's not traveling.

8) Of those of us who work outside the home, 75% travel to work alone. 15% take public transportation and the remaining 10% carpool. How do you get to your job?

I drive, alone. Because local public transportation in this area is practically non-existent, there is basically no other option. At least Beast mostly just walks to work (from bedroom to office).

9) Do you have any big plans for this holiday weekend?

Nope. I'm hoping we get to see Sparky on Monday either here or at his place. We're waiting to hear. We are invited to a 50th anniversary celebration tomorrow as well.

Blogthings Quintupled

Your Memories Are Accurate

You have a lot of memories swirling around your head - some good, some bad, some mixed. You aren't one to romanticize the past... or to minimize it. You see everything as it happened, and often those feelings are still raw. While the past can seem a bit too alive at times, you're good at compartmentalizing it. You put memories away when you are done with them. Because of your realistic take on the past, you make an awesome storyteller. You don't sugarcoat anything, and you have interesting perspective on events.

The Memory Test

This is kind of freakishly true, but I'm not sure how "interesting" my perspective is. It's just normal for me.

You Are Fresh

You have a cheery and optimistic outlook on life. You believe in solving problems... not complaining about them. You are a natural innovator, and ideas come to you in a flash. You are very inspired. You are not one to get stuck in a rut, and you are constantly looking at the world upside down. Sometimes literally! Your feet were made for: skipping anywhere you feel like it.

The Converse Test

My skipping days are pretty much over at this point, I fear. And I'm not always cheery, though I fake it well.

You Are Currant Jam

You are subtle and refined. You have a depth that others enjoy once they get to know you, but you're not one to go bragging about it. You are the kind of person who likes the finer things in life, but you don't just passively enjoy them. You've been known to spin out some fine creations of your own. You have strong values, and you're not one to compromise your core beliefs. You are who you are - take it or leave it. You love a good classic, and you keep tradition alive. In fact, you pride yourself on being quite classic too.

What Flavor Jam Are You?

OK then, I'm not quite sure what to make of this.

People Love Your Trustworthiness

You believe in doing what you say and saying how you feel. You shoot straight with people, for better or worse. People may not always like it when you say "no" or give them honest feedback. But in the end, they do appreciate it. Others come to you when they need the truth or a real favor. You take your role as a friend seriously, and you try not to let others down. You are always [usually] good for whatever you promise - whether it's keeping a secret or doing something difficult for a friend in need.

What Do People Love You For?

I do value honesty. I'm not always very tactful, either, so I need to do some work on that. I'm trying to learn to keep my mouth shut, but it's not by choice and it's not fun.

You Are Smart

You are a very intelligent person, but you don't necessarily see yourself that way. You tend to have a very clear head. You think about things carefully, even when you don't realize that you're doing it. You have a lot of gears churning in your head. You enjoy solving problems and coming up with new innovations. If you are patient enough, something will come to you - it always does. You see patterns and meaning where others see nothing. You are very observant and good at putting details together.

The Polka Dot Test

Ayup, all true.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's your worst food memory? How about one of your best?

Worst is being forced to eat mom's version of liver and onions. OMG, just kill me!
Bests...too many to pick one: the first time I tried cheesecake, blood oranges in winter in Rome, feeding Sparky his first round of rice cereal when he was a baby (which devolved into him wearing at least 50% of it), pleeeeeading with my surgeon for a burger the day I had emergency abdominal surgery (he said no)...and then not being able to face meat for a week after the surgery....
I like food so I guess I have more good memories than bad ones.

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little? How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?

I try to be tactful around people I know who are sensitive, but overall I'm pretty blunt, and I appreciate the same. I don't mind bluntness; I do mind hurtfulness or chit-chat going nowhere.

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?

Here. Or a mountain.

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?

About 20 minutes before it's time for me to go home from work.

5. What was the last concert you attended? Who'd you go with? Was it any good?

I can't even remember, so I'll go with a Boston concert with Starship opening for them; this was about two years ago. Quite weird. Great people-watching, though.

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless? What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?

I used to love Survivor. I used to always watch The Amazing Race. Both have fallen off the radar. We are faithful Deadliest Catch watchers, however. There are ways of doing reality TV well, and then there's the majority of the shows.

7. What's something you think is overrated?

Since we're kind of in the vicinity ... network TV, especially sitcoms. What does it mean that I don't find anyone on current sit-coms at all amusing?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

In the past four days, I've...: had about 6 hours of full-time facetime with my newest great-nephew, spent several hours in our local ER waiting room, had unexpected overnight company for two nights (my sister), eaten out 80% of my meals, Beast left on a 56-hour driving trip out of state, missed five hours of work and had to cancel attendance at a meeting to make up those hours, spent one day fighting back against my allergies due to being outside for two hours (!! yes, just two hours), came within three seconds of murdering an extended-family member in his hospital room, run the dishwasher, done a load of laundry for my sister, taken her to the pharmacy to get an emergency supply of meds to cover her stay here, put about 100 extra miles on my car, sat waiting for road construction vehicles to move, lost 2.5 lbs. (according to Weight Watchers), cataloged 130 books, been awakened multiple times in one night because of the 8 or 9 mosquito bites on my feet, and attended Bible Study.

Meanwhile, this was a coworker's Facebook status update this morning: "Trans changed [two of her kids]' bus schedule without telling me from 8:31 to 8:11, so had to drive them to school; [her oldest] called & needed me to drop off meds she forgot to take this morning; car did not have enough gas to get to work (I swear it did last night!); phone was out of minutes; had to take alternate route to work due to construction; there was a tractor!; lost call in middle of topping up minutes so that I could call work to tell them I was going to be late. I CRIED. How was YOUR morning?!"

And another friend posted this earlier today (in another state several hundred miles from here): "[Son] and I just had a guy pull a gun on us while driving home. I've lived here for over 17 years and have never had anything like this happen. We're fine but a bit shaken up. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see his plates."

We all need a do-over this week.

Blogthings

You Are Sincere

You are a very honest and open person. You accept yourself completely, and that makes it easy for you to accept others. You have trouble believing that anything is all good or all bad. You see varying shades of gray and nuance. You are a good listener and an empathetic friend. You tend to tell others what they need to hear. You don't expect anyone to be perfect, including yourself. The best you can hope for is some truthful self-reflection. You are able to make accurate assessments of your own life, and this helps you stay well rounded. You avoid extremes of any sort. You're the first to believe that there is more to almost any story.

The Flower Petal Test

As soon as I saw the result, the song from "Bye Bye Birdie" started playing in my head, rendering me helpless in giggles before I could even read the description:

Ahem.  er, yeah....It's a pretty good description, I think, though I'm not all that accepting of (some) other people, and I have moments of "extreme" believe me!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Who Are you? Part 3 & 4 – Is it over yet?

Part 3: Past
34. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

The one that changed me the most was the five years from 1993 through 1997. Baby, move to a new state and no outside-the-home employment, death of two family members, surgery, other medical issues. It sucked, but wow did I learn a lot.

35. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Surviving all that without getting stuck in the middle of things (for too long).

36. What is your greatest regret?

That I didn't spend more time with Ellen before she died, and that I didn't take more (and better) photos of Sparky with my dad before he died.

37. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

My evil doings tend to be fairly small-scale, but (unfortunately) daily. The one thing I wish I could undo is not being very nice to a very strange girl in my high school English classes.

38. When was the time you were the most frightened?

I have the gift of not being aware of how out-of-control dangerous a situation really is until after I've extricated myself, or someone else has extricated me. Probably the one time I was in the most danger physically was when I slid off a wet road in the rain a few years ago, tore through a farmhouse's front yard, avoided the massive tree trunks, and got back up on the road surface with no damage to anything but their lawn. I did have to pull over for a few minutes and gather my wits before I could continue home.

39. What is your best memory?

I'm fortunate to have too many from which to choose.

Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?

Optimistic for the most part, with a strong self-protective cynical streak.

41. What is your greatest fear?

Any of my recent dreams coming true. Not that they've been particularly bad, though a few have been, but they have all been so completely strange that if they actually occurred, it would mean that I'd have gone completely crazy.

42. What are your religious views?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

43. State a random opinion?

Does it have to be my random opinion? ;-)
I think it's pretty hypocritical for those who are voting to decrease government spending to get upset when their personal benefits get cut.

44. What are your views on sex?

I'm for it.

45. Are you able to cook?

There's some question of that, but tonight's dinner was pretty damn good: black bean bake with cheesy tortillas baked inside.

46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?

Forget that any one of the rest of us are human too.

47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?

Don't really think I believe in soul-mates. I definitely believe in love of all kinds.

48. What do you believe makes a successful life?

Being able to see possibilities for good in any situation and working to make it occur.

49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?

Mostly, I'm very honest. Too honest, many would say. I'm what you might call "excitable." Or worse...

50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?

Of course I do. Who doesn't? I try to be aware of them. Sometimes I don't realize they're there until I say or do something completely stupid, though.

51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?

I don't think I could carry out a long-term, planned assault on an innocent person. I probably couldn't kill anyone, unless it was heat-of-the-moment and in the course of defending myself or my loved ones. I could NOT plot out any kind of demeaning, hurtful, torture for someone, though. Not for real.

52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?

I would hope that I'd be willing to die to protect my loved ones, and the beliefs for which I stand.

Follow Friday Four (on Saturday)

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I don’t understand politicians and probably never will.
2. I prefer honesty to tact.
3. My favorite smell is clean because it means I (or someone) has been working and things are, well, clean.
4. I suspect my neighbors of being kind-hearted. (except for the creepy guy cattywampus, who stares at all the women in the neighborhood whenever we're outside...shudder)

La

You Are Blunt Yet Charming

You tell it like it is, and you don't mince words. You speak your mind, and you use a lot of colorful language. This sort of brutal honesty would put most people off, but for some reason, it only makes you more charming. You live life exactly how you want to - no apologies. You act quickly and decisively. And you don't second guess yourself. By being assertive, you have gained the respect of many. People may not agree with you all the time, but they do admire you.

The Butterfly Test

...and let the people say, "DUH!"

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

How do you define honesty?

Calling things as you see them, regardless of what you want to be true.

What is the main thing that makes you unique?

Uhm...well, my DNA.

What is your biggest fear or worry?

My biggest worry is about those close to me being hurt/ill/injured. My biggest fear is failing.
Neither is particularly unrealistic.

No duh

You Are Truth

You are communicative, talkative, and honest to a fault. You love telling others about yourself, but not as much as you like hearing about them. You connect easily with strangers. You're very open, and you can find common ground with people. You love to gossip and tell secrets. Telling all is how you get close to people.

Are You Truth or Dare?

Wow, on a major role...till that last paragraph. Oh, well.

Curious as a Cat

nk in blogroll)

1) Are you a leader or a follower?

Hmmm, mostly a follower, but I don't like to be led by the nose. I would be in big trouble in the armed services or any other place you are supposed to follow orders without question. I prefer to think of myself as a bit of a noisy potential maverick.

2) Who is the person you are most candid with?

Beast. Otherwise, we would never have been married this long!

3) What one thing in your life would be easiest to change, but you’ve never gotten around to it?

The number of books I keep around because I rarely take the time to purge. I could probably unload 25% or more of them at any given time. This actually extends to a lot of other areas: crap in/on my desk, clothes, glassware, etc.

4) If you could convince any single person to change his or her mind about one thing, who would you pick and what topic would you work on?

I'd work on John McCain re his choice of running mate, but it's politically too late for him to change his mind anyway. Just...WHAT was he thinking?!

5) 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

OK, honestly? I think of Harry Potter. I know: lame answer, I sound like a 12-year-old.
I like owls. I have always thought it was cool how far their heads turn, and how fast they can unturn them. Their 'hoo-hoo' isn't the slightest bit scary to me. In fact, I find it comforting to know that something is watching out for me in the dark. And those eyes! I think it's possible that all those people who think they'v been abducted by aliens are actually seeing owls--I mean LOOK at those eyes! :-)

Yeah, right

You Are 54% Skeptic

You aren't exactly a skeptic, but you're no blind believer. You doubt what you hear, especially when you hear it for the first time. When it comes to doing your own research, you sometimes fall short. Question your beliefs a little more. You might be surprised what you find out!

Are You a Skeptic?

I find it really interesting that agnosticism/atheism is equated with doubting the existenc of UFOs and fact-checking forwarded emails.

Virtue

Newsflash:

You Are Mostly Virtuous

You are a good person, or at least as good as you can be. You try to do the right thing, and you have ended up with many virtues. While you are virtuous, you aren't a saint. There's definitely a bit of devilishness deep in your heart! Where You Are Virtuous You have the virtue of Justice. You treat other people fairly, even when you don't feel like it. You have the virtue of Order. You let each thing have it's place, and you keep your life in order. You have the virtue of Frugality. You spend your money wisely, and you are not wasteful. Where You Are Not Virtuous You lack the virtue of Cleanliness. You are quite messy... and maybe even a little dirty. [no, but I do NOT obsess about cleaning, either!] You lack the virtue of Silence. You talk too much, and your words aren't as valuable as they could be. You lack the virtue of Sincerity. You don't tell the truth if it doesn't suit you. [correction: I don't tell the truth if I recognize that it's going to cause pointless heartache]

Are You Virtuous?

I do not like either/or answers. Just so we're clear on that. ;-)

Friday's Feast

(Link in blogroll)

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

Diet Dr. Pepper.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

I'll have to use work, since I use the laptop 98% of the time at home. So: a squeezable polar bear (for stress relief), a plastic rat (about 2" long), and a brand new box of tissues.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

8. I'd give myself a 10, but several members of my family are 10s, and I'm really hoping I'm NOT!

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

I'd like to make everyone use the true, original full name for L.A. (with no acronyms allowed): Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula. Maybe that would keep all the crap from there outta the news...? 'k, probably not, but it would be much more fun to listen to the news!

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

Life stresses me out. Changes in plan really mess me up.
Talking it out calms me down. So does praying, and the knowledge that others are praying for me in difficult times.

Patrick's Place

(Link at left)
Saturday Six

1. Who was the last person with whom being completely honest was painful?

My brother always manages to be truthful and completely tact-free. Like calling the day before my birthday, not mentioning it at all, and then griping for half an hour.

2. Was it more painful for you or for them?

Me.

3. Do you believe there are times when being dishonest is absolutely the right thing to do?

I believe there are times when being 100% honest is not the right thing to be.

4. Take the quiz: How brutally honest are you?

When I did this last time, my result was 28%. Here's today's answer:

You Are 32% Brutally Honest

Honesty is nice, but only when it's convenient. You rather be nice than honest. You figure it's important to be honest about the big stuff, but little lies never hurt anyone!

How Brutally Honest Are You?

5. How easy would it be for you to lie under oath?

I'm not the best liar in circumstances like this. The best I could do (I hope) would be to refuse to answer.

6. Be honest: how do you like the new design for my blog?

I like it. Good color combinations and use of white space.