Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Wouldn't It Be Nice? (1966)
... because Nonnie recommended the Beach Boys
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the video for this song, the Beach Boys dive into the pool with all their clothes on. Have you ever ended up in the water while fully clothed? If yes, were you pushed?

If I've been pushed into a pool, I've blocked it--I get downright panicky when people start horsing around on the pool deck. I have, however, walked in the rain to the point of being soaked to the skin at least twice, probably more. Yes, it's true, I'm too dumb to come in out of the weather. ;-)

2) In this song, Mike Love sings he wishes "every kiss could be neverending." Where did you receive your first kiss? Was it wonderful, or awkward?

My first boyfriend kiss was awkward, but not so bad as to stop. My first kiss-from-a-cute-boy was indescribably embarrassing and wonderful.

3) Brian Wilson was the creative force behind the Beach Boys. It's possible that the group's legendary and unique sound came from an incident of bad parenting. Brian's father hit him so hard with a wooden plank that he is deaf in his right ear. Which of your senses is sharpest -- sight, hearing, smell or taste?

Probably smell. Beast jokes around that I'm the family canary--I can smell everything from a pretty great distance. This is a curse as well as a blessing, believe me.

4) Brian's brother Dennis was the cutest member of the group, and also the only one who could surf. Have you been to the beach yet this summer?

Nope. Not my thing, honestly.

5) Dennis was also the Beach Boys' most colorful member. In 1968, he struck up an unfortunate and dangerous friendship with Charles Manson. Is there anyone in your life that you worry has bad taste in friends/lovers?

I have several friends with lousy taste in men. However, overall, most of my friends are quite sensibly aware of how strange people can be. I worry more about Sparky and people his age because most of them (thankfully) just don't have experience.

6) Lead singer Mike Love is the grumpiest Beach Boy. He refuses to perform if the concert promotional materials refer to the group or their songs as "oldies." Does it bother you to hear the songs, TV shows and movies of your youth described as "classics" or "oldies?"

Nah. I'm old, and I'm the first to admit it. Also, some of those songs and shows were simply horrible either in retrospect or even in my memory.

7) This song has appeared on soundtracks for movies as diverse as Shampoo (1975), The Big Chill (1983), 50 First Dates (2004) and It's Complicated (2009). Do you own any movie soundtracks?

Very few. I'm more into stage soundtracks.

8) In 1966, the year this song was popular, the Miranda Warning became law. Without looking it up, can you recite any of the Miranda Warning?

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed free of charge. Do you understand your rights?" I went and looked and I missed some important points.
Interestingly, I have heard that British police--who don't have a history of making this statement when a subject is arrested--have come up with something similar because of all the criminals watching U.S. movies and TV shows who demand their "rights" not be waived. I'm tellin' ya, the field of crime is not full of Mensa members....

9) Random question: The local college is pleading for models of all ages and sizes to pose for the life drawing class. Would you help the kids by volunteering to pose in the nude?

Hell no, I've no interest in this. Nor in posing fully-clothed, for that matter. Also, they aren't kids. [I saw the last sentence as I copypasta'd and almost dropped my computer on the floor--WTH!!]

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK--part 2

26 - Did you have an accident last year?

What sort of accident? I have not been involved in any vehicular accidents, but I've screwed up quite a few things in the past 12 months.

27 - Do you have any famous relatives?

There's a cousin of some kind who used to be a news anchor in Cleveland. ... So, no, not really. ;-)

28 - Did you ever had a kiss under the moonlight?

While I can't think of a specific time, I'm sure in 30 years of marriage (and three years of dating) we've kissed outside at night at least once.

29 - Have you ever been jealous?

Is the sky blue? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course I've been jealous!

30 - How can you prove your love to someone?

Depends entirely upon the person, I suppose, but there's a component of dependability involved. For me, anyway.

31 - What are you thinking right now?

"Why is my stomach SO growly tonight?!"

32 - Have you ever sacrificed something important to you for someone you love?

Head-desk. OF COURSE I HAVE!

33 - Can you live without internet?

I can, but it wouldn't be fun for the first few days.

34 - Have you been so emotional that you can’t find words to explain how you feel?

This is an almost-daily occurrence. I seem to be moving backwards in the vocabulary department.

35 - Did you ever badmouth someone?

hah, this week? Ya think?

36 - What do you prefer, jeans or skirt?

Jeans. I'm completely over skirts. Especially as part of Pantsuit Nation, I'm kinda unlikely to ever wear a skirt or dress again.

37 - Do you have trust issues?

Nope. Well, unless you mean, am I entirely too gullible?

38 - What's something that you made all on your own and are incredibly proud of?

My career. Somehow. OK, I had help from loads of people, but I suspect this would be true of most everything I've accomplished in life.

39 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”?

Beast.

40 - Who was the last person you hugged?

J.T., who came with me today to see Beast on visitation day.

41 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”?

Up to a point. I mean, we are responsible for making sure things happen as they are supposed to, and for keeping things that shouldn't happen from happening.

42 - Do people praise you for your looks?

People rarely notice me except as part of the furniture these days. Which is just fine by me. The things I can eavesdrop on because people don't think I'm there....!

43 - Do you believe in destiny?

No. I really can't even say that word without hearing George McFly proclaiming, "You Are My Density!"

44 - Have you ever thought “I already found my soulmate”?

I don't really believe in soulmates either. Essentially, I don't do much magical thinking.

45 - Do you like nicknames that are from your name?

There really isn't much you can do to shorten my name. And that, my friends, is the reason all of my siblings and I have the names we have. My parents were not into the nickname thing at all!

46 - Could you ever be a vegan?

No way. I like meat too much!

47 - Do you currently have bruises on your body?

I'm sure I do. Where? I'll try to let you know when I discover them. I run into things ALL . THE . TIME.

48 - What should you be doing right now?

Paying bills. Going to bed.

49 - I read in a magazine that shoulder pads are coming back. Are you happy to hear this or do you not find them to be very attractive?

Heh. I don't really care. They're kind of a pain, to be honest, but I like them in jackets sometimes.

50 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough?

I gave this up for Lent this year.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Monsters in the Closet Meme

Do you usually sleep with your closet door open or closed?

My closet door is open all the time because it has a furnace vent in it. Beast's door is usually closed.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?

You bet I do! I give them to the local homeless shelters.

Have you ever ‘done it’ in a hotel room?

Uh, I've done a LOT of things in hotel rooms, including the infamous "It" and more than once.

Where is your next vacation?

The next one I know for sure is in September. Family wedding. On a farm. Near Bristol.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

Nope. None of my names have EVER shown up on a sign, and besides, I just don't get the attraction..

Who do you think reads these?

"These..." memes? Or what? I tend to read the answers of people who tag themselves.

Do you have a calendar in your room?

I do.

Where are you?

I'm on the sofa, as usual. Front door is open. Back door is open. I'm going outside to sit on the porch when I'm done with this.

What’s your plan for the day?

Porch. Possible nap. Leftover white pizza. It's possible I will hear from my child. Maybe.

Are you reading any books right now?

I've got 8 going at the mo. Actually, no: I finished one before I went to sleep last night. Don't worry; I have another cued up to replace it. ;-)

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Sometimes. Why do we do this?

Have you ever peed in the woods?

Of course. It's not very glamorous, especially in February.

Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?

All the time.

Do you chew your pens and pencils?

No, but I have been known to carry them in my mouth when my hands are full, or busy.

What is your “Song of the Week”?

This week? Hmm....I'm still humming "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" from church this morning. That wouldn't be a bad one.

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Of course!!

Do you still watch cartoons?

Nope.

What's your favorite love movie?

I'm not a big rom-com person. Perhaps "The Big Chill" or something along that line.....

What do you drink with dinner?

Pop. Or water.

What do you dip Chicken Nuggets in?

My mouth. I don't eat them with sauce.

What is your favorite food/cuisine?

Italian.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

"Shoah", "RHPS", "Heathers", "The Matrix"....there's a few more.

Last person you hugged/kissed?

Beast.

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

Yup.

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

Hell no.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Gag Me Meme

Do you have a sensitive gag reflex?

Not particularly, definitely not as bad as people who can't help clean up a "situation" because they're afraid they'll contribute more vomit. I once worked with someone with nearly-grown children who told me she couldn't handle when the kids got sick because then she would too. WTF? It's not fun, but really?

Where are you the most ticklish?

Like I'm gonna TELL you? Hah! I learned young that you don't give that kind of info to your older brot.... uhm, enemies!

What was the last situation to upset you?

Sparky made a comment on Facebook yesterday upon which one of his friends commented. I responded and was let us just say underwhelmed by his attitude toward my response, education, my job, and me. I left quickly thereafter; Beast continued the conversation private, but about 45 minutes ago he finally threw in the towel. There is no one so ignorant as a know-it-all recent college grad.

Have you ever had an online argument?

Oops, well, yes. This was only the most recent. I am, actually, much quicker to call myself out when things devolve. I also am VERY unafraid of the Block function on Facebook. Some people are just irritating on purpose, and whether they mean to be or not, I don't need more hassle than I've already got.

Do you like to listen to music while filling out surveys (memes)?

Nope, usually it's TV. Right now it's my Howie (Long) and crew on FOX NFL. I love Howie...sigh

How long do you spend on the phone each day, on average?

Talking on the phone? Less than 1. I don't like talking on the phone, but I use my phone for a lot of other things besides phone calls.

Is anything in your hair right now, like gel, hairspray, etc.?

Nope. It's still too humid for product. Once winter really arrives, I'll start using gel again.

When was the last time you were up before the sun? Do you like wearing sunglasses? Why or why not?

What do these questions have to do with each other, really? I'm up before sunrise about 50% of the time overall. Unless you count insomnia in which case, I'm up before the sun every night. My sunglasses are my glasses--they have magic lenses that darken in sunlight. I haven't ever worn sunglasses in my life, except Rx ones.

Last show you watched?

We're watching foo'baw now, just switched to the Cowboys-Eagles game. Hi, CC! [she and my bro live in Dallas; she's originally from Philly]

Next vacation you’re going on?

We're doing a run through the Ozarks next month. I'm going to Mansfield, MO. If you need to ask why there, you're clearly not addicted to the childhood books I am.

Do you regret doing anything you’ve done this week?

How about just today?? I regret stuff almost hourly. Nothing major today, to be fair, but there are some things I wish I'd've done yesterday that are still looming. And some other stuff that I missed the boat.

Last night you felt?

Yes. I did. { snerk }

What are you wearing right now?

Gray cotton capris, gray T-shirt that says "Born Free" on it, underwear, jewelry and a hair clip to keep my bangs off my face.

Have you ever kissed underneath the stars?

Yup. In fact, that's where most of my early kisses happened.

What are you doing now?

Watching TV and answering circular questions.

What plans do you have for tonight?

The Pack plays tonight!! We'll probably order a 'za to eat while we watch. And we need to tidy up the house for the cleaning ladies this week.

What’s the very first thing you do when you wake up, other than breathe?

Look at the clock and figure out if I need to get up or if this is one of the usual many false-alarms: 12:28, 3:12, 5:01...

Do you like reading?

Huh. Yeah. It's ok.

Do you ever think about stuff and start crying?

I occasionally think about people and cry. Things? Not so much.

Have you ever kicked a vending machine?

Uh, no. That would be counterproductive. Remember, I grew up in the era of "TILT" on pinball machines....

Do people consider you smart?

Probably. Except people who think they're smarter than me. ;-)

Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone?

This sounds like some sort of existential question that I'm not really equipped to answer today. Anyway, I think Beckett died before the Internet Age was upon us.

Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you?

Very much so. While I wouldn't say I'm hyper-aware, I am usually pretty clear on where people are and what's going on in a broad sense.

How much money did you spend yesterday?

Not a thin dime. I didn't leave my yard, and I didn't shop online.

Is there anything in your past that you’d like to try again?

Sure. Lots of things. I've a long and storied past, some events of which would be a blast to relive.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
A Sleepin' Bee (1957)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about the wonder of first love. How would you describe the sensation of falling in love?

It's really a lot like having too much to drink, only somewhat longer-lasting. Mostly, it's a feeling of great well-being, along with feeling sick to your stomach at the same time.

2) This 1957 album was the first Diahann Carroll ever recorded. More recently she recorded "A, You're Adorable," a nursery rhyme. (The lyrics are here.) Give us some words to a children's song that remain in your head to this day.

Twinkle twinkle, little star

How I wonder where you are

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky

Twinkle twinkle, little star

How I wonder where you are.

If you prefer, as I do, the Wonderland version, here it is:

Twinkle twinkle, little bat

How I wonder what you're at

Up above the world so high

Like a tea-tray in the sky

Twinkle twinkle, little bat

How I wonder what you're at.

3) 1957 was the peak of the Baby Boom (1946 to 1964). Are you a Boomer, a Gen X-er, a Gen Y-er, or a Millennial?

I'm either the very last of the Baby Boom or a Gen-X-er. I'd prefer to be included in the latter, frankly. The Boomers have a lot to answer for.

4) In 1974, Diahann was named to the Best Coiffed Hall of Fame by the Guild of Professional Beauticians. How often do you change your look?

Not very often. However, my hair is making me a little nuts lately. Maybe it's because of the wintry frizzes. We'll see how I feel about things once spring rolls around.

5) Ms. Carroll made history as Julia in the first network TV show to star a black woman. She played a nurse. Do you/have you ever worked in the healthcare profession?

I was a candystriper in junior high if that counts.

6) She also played glamorous, scheming Dominique Deveraux on the nighttime soap, Dynasty. Who is the most memorable female villain you've ever seen in a TV show or movie?

The character Glenn Close played in Fatal Attraction was absolutely terrifying.

7) Ms. Carroll began her career as a model. Her height (nearly 6' tall) is an asset in that profession. Are you pleased with your height? Or do you wish you were taller, or shorter?

I like being my height. It's taller than most women, but not so tall I can't find clothes.

8) Now in her 80th year, she keeps on working. Recently she's appeared on TV in Grey's Anatomy and Blue Collar and on the big screen in Tyler Perry Presents Peeples. How do you feel about retirement? Is it something you enjoy or look forward to? Or would you prefer to continue working?

I doubt I'll retire--see above re Baby Boomers. I'm gonna be supporting that demographic till I die. Whether I want to retire or not doesn't really enter into the discussion.

9) In her long movie career, Ms. Carroll has played love scenes with some very good looking men, including Sidney Poitier and Billy Dee Williams. If you could steal a kiss from any actor or actress, who would choose?

Not Clark Gable--I hear he had horrible halitosis. And Brad Pitt has some odor issues, I hear, as well. I think I'd rather snuggle with one of the animal stars: Lassie, Flipper, Mr. Ed....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
90, part 1

1. What was the highlight of your week?

Staying calm, going to meetings, and no anxiety attacks. I'm counting from Monday morning. Things could change any second.

2. Whose car were you in last?

My own.

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?

Today. I mean, Beast is home for a couple of days. ;-)

4. What color shirt are you wearing?

I'm in the teal Tshirt from the 2010 Triennium (though I don't know anything about the site I snagged the photo from).

5. How long is your hair?

Fairly short. I can grab enough to pony at my nape, but only just, and it really wouldn't stay in..

6. Are you good looking?

I don't think so. I'm not butt-ugly, though, either.

7. Last movie you watched?

Can't remember. It's been awhile since I was in a theater.

8. Who were you with?

Probably Beast. Or Sparky.

9. Last thing you ate?

An untoasted bagel with Swiss and American cheese.

10. Last thing you drank?

I'm currently working on my second diet Dr. Pepper of the day.

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?

Last Sunday. ... No, really; it's semi-constant.

12. Who came over last?

No one. Well, we had a political caller on Friday asking if we'd put a sign in our yard for our state rep when the election gets closer.

13. Are you happy right now?

Hmmm, that is the $64,000 question. I'm not unhappy....

14. What did you say last?

"You sleepy?" to Beast because, well, he looks it.

15. Where is your phone?

My cell is on the charger in the dining room. The nearest landline extension is between me and Beast on the table where it lives.

16. What color are your eyes?

Hazel.

17. Are you left-handed?

Nope.

18. Spell your name without vowels:

"Ct. Str." No, that's not my real name. I will say, however, that my full last name has three vowels and ten consonants which might explain why I don't do these kinds of things, eh?

19. Do you have any pets?

Two guinea pigs.

20. Favorite Vacation?

One of them? Can't choose just one. There've been a lot of good ones. Maybe our trip to England/Greece/Germany (the EGG trip) when Sparky was 8. It was pretty spectacular. I don't even remember any arguments.

21. What do you dislike currently?

Things that are out of my control, and having to accept that.

22. What are you listening to?

Right now, NASCAR is running at Pocono.

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?

The assurance of recovery.

24. What is your favorite scent?

Vanilla. I also like the smell of 'clean.'

25. Who makes you happiest?

Silence and a good book.

26. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Reading. No, wait; I think I was asleep, finally, by then. Thank you, melatonin!

27. When is your birthday?

November.

28. Who has the same phone as you?

Beast has the exact same phone. He also has the next 'edition' for his work phone. It's a little confusing--there's not a great deal of visual difference between the Samsung 3G and the 4G. At least he has different cases for them, though.

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?

I don't swim, but the last time I was in, or even AT, a pool for any reason was probably close to a decade ago.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Twenty

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

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

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage?

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

3. Who can you trust?

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

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

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

5. Favorite band?

U2.

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

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

7. Do you like anyone?

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

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged?

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

9. What's your favorite number?

Gut-favorite: 16. Chosen favorite: 3.

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

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

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

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

12. When was the last time you cried?

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

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

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

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

It goes on, with or without my attention.

15. Are you jealous of anyone?

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

16. Is anyone jealous of you?

You'd really have to ask them.

17. Has a friend ever used you?

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

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

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

19. Who was the last person you drove with?

Sparky went with me to the grocery store after lunch.

20. What are you looking forward to?

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

Patrick's Place (times 2)

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six #518

1. K is for KAINTOPHOBIA: As a general rule, do you usually embrace the unknown of change or are you more reluctant to accept the idea of change?

I like change. Change is good.

2. K is for KARMA: Do you tend to believe that what goes around comes around, or do you believe things just happen?

I think to a large degree we create the world in which we live, at least inside our heads. If you do people wrong, and if you aren't a sociopath, it will come around in one way or another.

3. K is for KIN: How far from you does your nearest relative not living with you actually live?

My niece Katherine and her family live about 45 miles from us; my nephews James and Don live 45 miles from us. We form the point of a very wide, flattened V.

4. K is for KINDNESS: What is the last random act of kindness performed toward you by a stranger?

A woman dug through her purse to find me a pen while I was at the reference desk yesterday--seriously, we had no black or blue pens? Just golf pencils, Sharpies, and a red pen.

5. K is for KISS: How old were you when you experienced your first kiss?

I'm assuming you mean romantic. So about 14? I can't remember which year for sure, but probably 8th grade.

6. K is for KNOT: How many kinds of knots do you know how to tie?

Well, I can do some embroidery, along with general knot-tying. Maybe 10?

Saturday Six #519

1. L is for LABIOMANCY: How good are you at reading people's lips when you can't hear a conversation?

I find, the older I get, I hear much better when I watch people's mouths. I don't think I'm actually going deaf, but I do lip read for sure.

2. L is for LAMPADEPHORE: If you had the opportunity to run with the Olympic torch, would you? Why or why not?

Aside from the fact that I can't actually run, sure.

3. L is for LARYNGITIS: What's the longest you've had to go without your voice?

Probably not more than a day or so. Never even two full days. My vocal cords don't seem to be my weak point; just my throat in general.

4. L is for LID: If we checked your kitchen cabinets, would we find that you had more container lids than bottoms, more bottoms than lids, or the same amount of each?

I'm pretty close to the same number of both; I clean out the cupboard fairly regularly. If anything I run low on lids, since they break more often.

5. L is for LOCK: A security company ad promises its app will let you lock up your home by remote control from your phone. Given the rise of hacking, how much would you trust this technology?

I don't need it, that's for sure. This house is locked up unless we're actually walking in or out the door. We mostly use the garage door to access, so...don't need to remote lock it.

6. L is for LUXURY: If you were buying a new car, what luxury in a new car that your old one doesn't have would you most look forward to having?

Ironically in light of the previous question, I'd really like a remote starter.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday Brunch Meme

1} Which do you prefer in the am: Coffee or tea?

Really? Diet Dr. Pepper or water. Or, since this is Sunday Brunch, a mimosa would be good.

2} Work has been cancelled on the spur of the moment: Clean house and do errands, or just fun things?

Probably not housecleaning, maybe some errands and definitely some fun stuff. I can do some work from home too.

3} Middle of the hot summer, vacation at: Mountains or beach?

Mountains. No competition.

4} You have to travel at a leisure speed: Train, plane or car?

Leisure does not mean flying, unless you mean all the delays that are ever-more-common. So, car. Trains are fine, but you have to really have a shortlist of places you want to visit.

5} To relax: A movie or a book?

Either is fine, depending. I'm more of a reader though. Shocked?

6} What kind of pets? Dog, cat, bird or fish?

I'm allergic to the first two. Fish are boring--plus, we have them at work. We've had birds: incredibly messy. I'll stick with our (guinea) piggies.

7} Dream home: Hard wood floors or carpeting?

No carpet, at least in rooms I spend a lot of time in; see above re allergies. We have wood floors in the dining room, living room and our bedroom. The other two bedrooms and upstairs hall are carpeted. The office has carpet. The rest are linoleum or tile. Oh, and carpet squares in the basement and on the stairs. However, I'm looking at options for the upstairs steps at least.

8} A fun activity: Cards, bingo or blogging?

I realized recently that it's been years since I've played Sheepshead, so cards would be a first choice. If there's no one around, I'll blog. Or Facebook. Or read.

9} First date: Dinner, movie, or a hike?

Depends on the guy. I'm in for any of the above.

10} The first kiss: Peck on the cheek, or a long romantic one?

First time kissing someone had better be peckish!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Same Old Lang Syne

1) This week's song is the tale of an accidental holiday encounter between former lovers. (Hear it here.) They sit in her car and spend hours catching up, then she gives him a chaste kiss and they never see one another again. Is there a past love who still has a special spot in your heart, despite the years or the miles since your relationship?

Well, of course. Not that I would want to spend hours catching up with some of them, but they are all in my heart, along with other people I love(d).

2) This week's song includes a play on the traditional Scottish song, "Auld Lang Syne." Have you ever visited Scotland?

Yes. Beautiful place. I would love to go back.

3) Mother Winters has long told Sam that if she has a glass of water for every glass of champagne she drinks on New Year's Eve, she'll feel better on New Year's Day. Do you have a favorite hangover prevention tip or cure?

My favorite hangover prevention tip is to have one glass of whatever, at most, and be finished. Better if you just drink water without the champagne.

4) Do you like champagne?

Actually, I can't drink cheap-ass champagne at all anymore having gotten the sick-drunkest I ever was on the stuff. The mere smell of it....gahhh. I like the good (expensive) stuff, but I'm pretty careful with it.

6) This year at midnight, Crazy Sam will kiss the nose of her puppy, Chico. Will you be kissing anyone when the clock strikes 12?

I'll probably be in bed, asleep. Otherwise, I'll be laughing at the local anchors--two years ago one of them was incredibly high/drunk/inappropriate--and kissing Beast and Sparky, assuming they're awake. And if I do last till midnight, I'll be up till 1 since there will be fireworks shot off in the vicinity. Yeah, imagine that: fireworks, in our neighborhood. ...sigh

6) The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy was the runaway publishing phenomenon of 2012. It was so successful that the publisher, Random House, was able to give its employees massive bonuses this year. Have you read it?

I read about a page of the first one, total, skipping around a bit. Let's just say that my reaction was about the same as tasting cheap champagne. I'd rather read a cereal box.

7) Year-end is a time for newspapers, magazines and websites to run lists. According to Askmen.com, Jennifer Lawrence of The Hunger Games is the at the of the year's "Most Desirable Woman" list. People magazine has declared Channing Tatum "The Sexiest Man Alive -- 2012." Do either of these two set your pulse racing? If not, who is your celebrity crush?

Um, let's see: I don't think Jennifer Lawrence is that pretty--she's got a little of that early Renee Zellweger squinty thing going on. BUT she is an excellent actress, and stunning in The Hunger Games, which is more important to me anyway. Channing Tatum is young enough (and ridiculous enough) to be my son. Yuck. It's really the ridiculousness that makes him unpalatable, I suppose, since there are a few other young guys (Jake Gyllenhaal, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, etc.) that don't make me want to scratch them behind the ears and tell them to behave. Otherwise, I'll stay with the standards: Brad Pitt, Mark Harmon, and Denzel Washington.

8) Pasadena, California, is known for hosting the traditional Rose Parade. It begins at 8:00 AM on January 1, so the people who watch it live must be there very early. Does the thought of getting up and dressed to sit in the California sun, bright and early on New Year's morning appeal, to you?

Yes. I'd go in a heartbeat. I was there IN the parade in 1980. Someday I'd like to see it from the stands....

9) Sometimes aches and pains that aren't serious can still really hurt. For example, Sam just dropped a can of tomato paste on her foot and the little red mark it left is making her crazy! Are you suffering through a bump or bruise or cut right now?

I somehow cut the base of my palm opposite my thumb earlier this week--just a paper cut. That was annoying for a couple of days, but otherwise I think I'm fairly unblemished. I had a KILLER headache yesterday all day: from 10 until 3 I downed 2 aspirin, then 2 Tylenol, then 2 Advil about two hours apart...and STILL it raged on. I think it has abated today, though I can still feel it pacing around behind my forehead, waiting to be released.
Oddly enough, two other people went home sick yesterday--one with "general malaise" the other with a migraine + GERD. Maybe it's sick building syndrome.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Who Are you? Part 2: Growing Up

15. How would you describe your childhood in general?

I'd say it was relatively awesome. I mean, bad stuff happened, but my parents loved me and I knew it at the most basic level (although I frequently questioned it when they didn't do what I wanted). We had enough money to live comfortably, I had nothing to be afraid of (once my sister's health stabilized when I was 5 or 6), and aside from occasional spankings with a hairbrush, there was no abuse. There are a lot of people in the world who can't say some or all of that.

16. What is your earliest memory?

Sitting on the couch writing in my mom's address book. That's my traditional answer to this question, but I do have some fragments, mental snapshots, that I can't really place in time.

17. How much schooling have you had?

I have a Master's degree. Dear God, I've had that for 25 years!! Is it time for me to go back to school?? Yeesh, truly, I'm old.

18. Did you enjoy school?

I adored school. I didn't like the other kids most of the time, but I loved learning and studying for grades and (most importantly) getting good grades. Giant geek.

19. Stop and count, Since you were born until today; how many homes have you lived in?

Does a college dorm count? If so, then 8 including my summer campus job house and the dorm I lived in all four years of undergrad.

20. While growing up, did you have any role models?

Nope, I was raised by wolves. We all have role models. Mine were parents, friends of parents, siblings, people at church, neighbors and teachers.

21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?

My brother picked on me ALL THE TIME when he was still living at home. Nevertheless, I defended him blindly to the rest of the family...until 1997 when I finally had had enough bullshit from him. We still get along ok, but he can be a real dick. I got along fine with my sisters; they were out of the house living their lives well before I turned 10 though.

22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A grocery store checker, back when cash registers had mechanical keys. So awesome! Another option was a writer. My sisters were teachers, so I'm sure that turned up regularly too, though I don't remember it. I wasn't interested at all in following in the footsteps of my parents' job choices, however; Mom, especially brought home endless Stupid Public stories...and yet here I am dealing with a lot of the same kind of people.

23. What were your favorite activities 3 years ago?

Work, then meming, reading, puzzles. Not a lot of things change in my life. ;-)

24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?

I was terminally shy, VERY prone to bursting into tears, and perennially fearful of any change in routine or the people around me.

25. As a child, were you popular?

Do bears sing opera in the woods? FUUUUUUUUUUCK no.

26. When and with whom was your first kiss?

Ron Martinez (later changed his last name) at the 7th grade Christmas dance. He was wearing mistletoe, so he was kissing EVERYone. Still...he was so cute. He is, in fact, still damn nice-looking 35 years later!

27. Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.

My next-oldest sister and brother worked as shelvers at our public library, and I did that job when I was old enough. That sister eventually became an academic librarian, so I followed her down that road (NOT to academia, though--NEVER!). During my freshman year of college, I took a New Testament class from Dr. Cope that blew my mind and started the process of making me a better, more thoughtful Christian. Dr. Samore, who taught my cataloging classes in grad school, sparked a love for Dewey that hasn't yet waned. My parents, and Beast's parents, and my sisters taught me by example how to not completely fuck up as a parent. My husband, son, and many friends have taught me to be more forgiving of myself and others.

28. What's next?

Depending on the context here, my answer is either "#29, of course" or "Who knows!!?"

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Plaid Hat Meme

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water?

I warm the water up first, then get in. I live in a cold climate and getting into the shower on a winter morning before having warm water is just stupid.

2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex?

Uhm, yeah? Cuz, see, been married for (officially now) 25 years?

3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings?

I'm ten years younger than my nearest sibling. So, no.

4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot?

Hell, yeah; it hurts. Worse is dropping a liter of shampoo on your instep. Damn, my foot hurts just thinking about it!

5. How old do people say you look?

I practice a strict Don't Ask Don't Tell policy on this issue, as do most women over the age of 40 I think.

6. How old do you act?

I certainly don't behave the way I picture someone within 30 months of turning 50 should act. Then again, do I give one shit about the way I should act? Nope.

7. What’s the last song you sang?

I was probably mindlessly humming something or other yesterday. I do that, occasionally, when I clean.

8. Have you recently become a member of anything?

The Silver Anniversary Club count? Random Facebook groups? Or Google+? Otherwise, no.

9. What are your plans for next weekend?

Blessedly, NOTHING! We may do our mission trip review at church on Sunday, but otherwise we're doing 100% of nothing, the opposite of this weekend!

10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed?

Generally closed. I think?

11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin?

I canNOT wait to see Bud's answer to this one! I don't find Sarah Palin sexy in the least, though she's at least better-looking than MANY other nutjob Republicans.

12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive?

I may not be the best person to ask this question, not being in the market for sexy women, but I do get the sense that Angelina Jolie exudes ... something for a lot of people.

13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive?

Oh, I dunno. Johnny Depp. George Clooney. Bono. It really depends on what sort of thing turns you on.

14. Does your family have a crazy uncle?

Sparky has a crazy uncle; he's MY brother-in-law. He'll be here today. I'm embarrassed already.

15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country?

Hmm. Well, I don't know. Not intentionally, but there were probably some things I brought to the Soviet Union that they wouldn't have appreciated me disseminating had I chosen to do so. One of the guys in our group brought in a few Bibles, which were definitely black market at the time.

16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team?

I live in a village of about 7,000 people (and that's being generous). The city in which I work has under 30,000 people. So, no. But the teams in the Big City to the East are pretty good, some of them. Not that I care, except about football--and I cheer strongly against the local NFL franchise.

17. What is the most unusual?

The most unusual sports team? Really? I don't even know how to answer this, so I'll just say that the city where I work is the home of the state champion high school women's cross-country runner this year. And last year she was in the top ten. And she's a lovely girl whom I've known since she was about 7.

18. How do feel about the Goth people?

I'm pretty sure you're talking about the whole black eyeliner and combat boots fashion thing, right? They don't bother me; done to the extreme, they make me laugh, sometimes uncontrollably, which probably annoys them. If, on the off chance you're talking about the historical Goths, then I really don't have any feelings about them one way or another.

19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car?

Garble much? I can change tires, and keep up with the fluids in my car. Beast can fix an awful lot of stuff: he changes the oil regularly, and keeps repairing Sparky's brakes...those sorts of things.

20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it?

Nope. I'm not really in the business of judgment or killing or retribution or whatever this question is about.

W.T.F. Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
G.D.I.F. (God damn it's Friday)

1) Many people who work a Monday through Friday job say T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's Friday). In my industry, Friday is the worst day of the week, so we say G.D.I.F. (God Damn It's Friday). What is your worst day of the week?

When I work Sunday, that's the worst. It's a full 8-10 hour day compressed into three hours. Yuck. Otherwise, Tuesday can be a pain--lots of clean-up since I don't work Mondays. It IS my Monday.

2) If you have a male dog and took it to a male veterinarian and the dog tried to kiss the vet, if the vet suddenly said "Woah! I don't swing that way. I don't kiss male dogs," would it send up a red flag to you that maybe your vet was having a little too much fun with female dogs or would you just think it's a bad joke? (This really happened to a person I know

Very lame joke. My niece is a vet; her sense of humor is equally bizarre.

3) If you have a car, what is hanging from your rear view mirror? If you don't have one, what would you like to have hanging in a car?

Two scent thingies. One is close to ten years old and pretty dead as far as scent, but it's shaped like a dolphin and I just like it. Plus, having two makes my car easily to spot in parking lots; there are a lot of small, gray SUVs in the world.

4) I absolutely hate hummus. I can't stand it's baby poopish texture. I don't understand why people like eating it. Is there a type of food that you can't stand that everyone else around you seems to love?

I can't stand tomatoes, or cukes. What, precisely, is the attraction here? I do like hummus though. ;-)

5) Pretend you're eating a Tex-Mex grill type restaurant where you can totally customize your items (think Chipotle, Qdoba, Freebirds World Burrito, Moe's Southwest Grill, etc.) and you're ordering a burrito. What fillings/toppings do you ask for?

Pinto beans, green chilis, grilled chicken, hot sauce, Mexican rice, guacamole.

6) Does it bother you when people bring their puppies/little dogs into grocery stores in those dog purses?

Yeah. People do that at the library too. Stupid. Really: people have allergies. Keep your dog leashed. Outside.

7) Has anyone ever un-friended you on Facebook (or another social network) for a really stupid reason? I ask because my minister's wife decided to un-friend me recently because I jokingly created an image of my name spelled in penis drawings. (It's a font called Cocksure)

Your minister's wife needs to lighten the fuck up. And to answer your question, yes. Over politics, I guess; I haven't asked. We work together and it's not worth the hassle.

8) What is your toothpaste personality type?

I am, apparently, stubborn AND slow-witted. Yay, me.

9) What is your favorite thing to do on your "lazy days?" Singer Bruno Mars apparently likes to dance around with men wearing monkey masks (click here to see what I mean)

Not that. I'm more a find-a-meme/sit on the couch/take a nap lazer.

10) What is your absolute favorite thing to take pictures of? We all know what U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner loves to take photos of, but with a last name of Weiner, what did everyone expect?

Babies/children. Or flowers. I think the latter is some sort of weird genetic thing: my dad took endless pictures of flowers.

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Steven Tyler

1. And the things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.
When was the last time that you wanted to do something, but it was all done before you got there?

Oh, probably something like getting the exact dessert I wanted at dinner at church.

2. As good as I am, I'm nothing without my band.
Do you feel there is anyone you could not do without?

This quote is so freakin' ironic for him to have said. And, yes, I'd be a completely different person without Sparky and Beast.

3. Back then it was nothing like today. So you'd go to the bowling alley. We bowled and you could be in the back and you could make out, you know? And you know how hot it was to make out.
When you were young and innocent, what place did you make out?

Cars. There's an overlook by the dinosaur bones west of Denver...

4. Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened.
Were you ever tempted by something that could "steal your soul"?

Too much of ANYthing can steal your soul: love, books, food, anything.

5. Every life has a measure of sorrow, and sometimes this is what awakens us.
How do you deal with sorrow?

The latest bout has bene squashed down inside. It'll come out eventually in some weirdorific way. I know it's not right to do that, but ...

6. Fake it until you make it.
Did you ever have dreams of making it in showbiz in some capacity?

Nope, but this is one of the things I say regularly in my head.

7. Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new.
What keeps you fresh and new?

Frequent showers and baths. And being cut off at the knee by others.

8. I don't mind being a grandfather.
If you are a grandparent, do you at first "mind it"? If you aren't, how do you think that you would feel about it?

I ... can't wait! Well, yes, I can wait about 10 years.

9. I grew up in New Hampshire. My closest neighbor was a mile away. The deer and the raccoons were my friends. So I would spend time walking through the woods, looking for the most beautiful tropical thing that can survive the winter in the woods in New Hampshire.
Do you enjoy winter where you live?

Hell no. Another month and I'll be officially climbing the walls, and I'm medicated, so imagine what I'd be like if I weren't!

10. I have to get inspired by something that touches my soul, or rocks my soul.
What rocks your soul?

"Getting" something for the first time--seeing how the inside of things work. Watching kids learn. Music. Sunshine. Giggles.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

When and with whom was your first kiss?

Intentionally romantic kiss: my high school boyfriend, probably in his car or on my front porch (No, I did NOT grow up in the 1950s, though I might as well have in some respects!). There were cutesy kisses before that, but I don't think those count (and I don't remember the earliest).

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

I believe we can take a lesson from everything that happens. I'm not sure the actual events are always very reasonable, though. I'm a bit of a deist that way. It's more "What can I learn from this?" more than "Why is this happening?"

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

"Hi. Come on in. The buffet is to the left. The library is to the right. Your loved ones are straight ahead waiting for you."

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

1) Name an event where the power of the crowd was inspiring.

I don't like crowds, so this is quite difficult. All I can think of is some sort of church service, or (sadly) a Packer game. Oh, hey, wait: when I was in the Tournament of Roses parade, at the very end of it (it's almost 6 miles long), we were all exhausted and starting to fall apart. Some people came out of the crowd with cut up orange pieces for anyone who was really failing. Of course, I didn't take one (sticky, plus it meant breaking ranks), but for those who needed a boost, it was great. And it was great for morale either way.

2) What is your oldest article of clothing that you still wear?

Has to be the shirts I snagged from Dad's closet after he died. I don't allow myself to wear them often, just when I'm feeling especially low.

3) If you were to describe your first "real" kiss, what would you say?

I would probably say that it wasn't all that and a bag of chips. Neither of us were very good at it. There's a long story involved there that makes me smile, but I'm not sharing it. It just reminds me how very naive I was at 16.

4) When were you most moved by a ceremony?

ALL the time, so I'll pick one: I love ordination Sundays. I really, really do. When all the new elders and deacons are up front and the previously ordained go forward to 'lay on hands'... The first time I remember seeing that and understanding the concept (as a teenager), I was sure I could feel the Spirit in the room. It's just a completely awe-inspiring moment.

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

Gee, well, it reminds me of Thanksgiving. Funny, eh?

One of the things that I especially love about Thanksgiving is that, regardless of how many people you are eating with, there is NEVER enough room on the table for all the different serving plates and bowls. I love the jockeying around for space, the "where did the potatoes go?" confusion, the "pass the butter when you find it" kinds of comments. It's even more fun if there is a second table (or more) set up somewhere else. It's the controlled mayhem and general joy, followed by the sound of everyone gone silent as they dig in to Round One.

I'm always sort of disappointed when nothing gets spilled in the course of the meal. No rush to the kitchen for paper towels, no expostulating to the kids to be CAREful!, no stains on the tablecloth for future years. Then again, those stains are really annoying for any other occasion. Heh.

Yes, it's clear I do love large groups of people eating lots of food in my house. I think I may have the Mom gene after all!

Mwaaahhhh!

Your Kissing Grade: B

You are a good kisser, and your kisses definitely leave a mark. As you know, there's always room for a little improvement when it comes to kissing. Try to figure out what your kissing partner really likes, and customize your kissing style just for them!

How Do Your Kisses Rate?

OK then. I'll leave the commentary for someone else.

Friday Fiver

(Link at left)
Why do you build me up?

1. Who never returns your phone calls?

...heh, I'm afraid I'm more likely to be the non-returner than to have this happened to me... I can't think of anyone I spend a lot of time waiting to call. I don't play that game.

2. What was your favorite childhood toy?

My brother's Matchbox cars, my jumprope, and my jacks set.

3. Who is the last person you greeted at your door?

The ONLY people who come to my front door are sales people and kids asking for Sparky. I think the most recent was next-door L. looking for him last Monday.

4. Who do you need?

As in "I can't live without you/I can't breathe without you..."? No one. But I'd find it a very dark life if Sparky and Beast weren't in it.

5. Do you break hearts or do you have your heart broken?

I don't honestly know. My heart breaks daily, a little, every time I hear bad news, but I'm not sure if I give as good as I get.

Mwaaahhhh

Your Kiss is Orange

For you, kissing is all about pushing the envelope. You're a wild kisser. And you don't have to know someone all that well to kiss them. (You figure that's how you'll get to know one another!) While you may be impulsive with who you kiss, there's nothing random about your kissing technique. Kissing Type: Unconventional People See Your Kisses as: Intoxicating You Kiss Best With: A Red Kisser Stay away from: A Pink Kisser

What Color Is Your Kiss?

This is mind-blowingly inaccurate, but I am trying to figure out how to get Beast to do this quiz now, to find out if he's a Pink or a Red kisser....

hee hee hee

Situation Sunday

(Link at left)
But first...Sunday Brunch

1} Which do you prefer in the am: Coffee or tea?

Neither. I hate the taste of coffee, and tea is way too much trouble for me. Give me Dr. Pepper (diet).

2} Work has been cancelled on the spur of the moment: Clean house and do errands, Or just fun things?

My work gets cancelled no more often than once every two or three years. On days that I've been working, we've closed precisely...uh...never. In theory, then, I'd be likely to be home, maybe cleaning, maybe (if we have electricity) computer, games, or TV. Otherwise...bed might be an option! {g}

3} Middle of the hot summer, vacation at: Mountains or beach?

Mountains. Hands down.

4}You have to travel at a leisure[ly] speed: Train, plane or car?

Car. Plane travel is FAR from leisurly, especially anymore.

5} To relax: movie or book?

Book.

6} What kind of pets? Dog, cat, bird or fish.

I have owned birds and dogs. Birds are way too high-maintenance for me nowadays and I'm allergic to dogs. And cats. Fish are boring (sorry, imho). So we have a guinea pig, which is just about perfect.

7} Dream home: Hard wood floors or carpeting?

REAL hardwood, not Pergo or whatever, and tile. With really good rugs.

8} A fun activity: cards, bingo or blogging?

Bingo? Uh, no. But the others, yes.

9} First date: Dinner, movie or a hike?

If I were in better shape, a hike. A walk would be fine too. A movie is safe, too, in case we end up having nothing to talk about.

10} The first kiss: peck on the cheek, or a long romantic one?

My first kiss? The first time I kiss someone? My track record in this department? Generally, if I'm ready to kiss, I'm ready to KISS.

The Situations:

Situation #1
A person you have known many years growing up and that you were close to at one time has moved away for like 20 years, and always kept in contact with your younger sibling. Last year you ran into them at a local store. They tell you that they are moving home and going [through] a divorce, and to please call and get together. You call and their mother answers and says they are not here, and you hear them in the background. Many months have passed and you are at your sibling's home and they show up, and act like nothing has happened. They ask for your number. Do you give it, and how do you act and feel now towards this person?

Well, sure I'd give it. Maybe Mom's a bitch and didn't pass along the message. Then again, maybe this person's never going to contact me. Whatever. I'd probably live, either way. Frankly, this situation is WAY close to a situation I'm in right now with a friend. I just can't get excited about it; she's the way she is, and at 40-plus, I am not going to try to change her.

Situation #2
You awake one day and for some strange reason, you now have memory loss, amnesia. Everyone around you tries to help, but clearly you do not know them or trust them. Your supposedly spouse is very supportive, but you think 'how the hell could I have married [him].....you have no children......What do you do?

The - ra - py.
LOTS of it. I'm fortunate that I have blogs (and yes, against all advice, I have written down the passwords for everything!) and diaries to help walk through something like this. Again, I know someone who had to reconstruct his life in a similar way. It's a concern.

Situation #3
You come home early from work one day, and you catch your spouse in your bed with the hired help. What do you do?

Fire 'em both (after taking several photos).

This is from the cat....{Trigger}Situation #4
How do I get rid of the dog?

Uhm, Trig...you're smarter than the dog. You don't need to get rid of the dog. The dog is your minion, just train the dog to follow your commands.