Sunday Stealing

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Conversation Starters

1. What are some small things that make your day better?

Absurdity. Laughing about silly things. When you realize you're on a roll/in the zone. Hugs. Getting a big, looming project finished.

2. What shows are you into?

I mostly only watch reruns of M*A*S*H and Criminal Minds, and (when I remember) Live PD these days. Most of my sitting-around time is currently spent on listening to podcasts. I'm afraid I've become rather addicted.

3. What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should?

You mean we haven't covered all the aspects of the world yet? Because it certainly feels like, at it's all boring.

4. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

Lots and lots of people. Frankly, most people I know. I would say that anyone over the age of 50 with a sense of humor, and anyone over the age of 75 who is kind and not 100% self-involved; those people are amazing.

5. What age do you wish you could permanently be?

8 was good. Can I add just a dash more self-confidence to me at that age, though?

6. What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch?

I can't get through A Clockwork Orange; I can't even get through the first 10 minutes. Also ANY horror movie. Just NOPE.

7. What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without?

Seriously, literally, could not live without? I don't actually have anything luxurious that I couldn't, indeed haven't, lived without. Also, who is doing the considering here? I mean, I see a lot of homeless people at work would probably would love to have my "luxurious" furnace currently warming my house to a temperature that means I don't have to worry about frostbite on my naked hands.

8. What’s your claim to fame?

Speaking too soon.

9. What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

The age I'm at now, I guess mashing potatoes with an electric mixer is "old-fashioned" right? Otherwise, I guess it's probably something like not buying things on credit.

10. What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?

Mysteries. I love me some mysteries. Give me a good mysterious dead body with a clever and interesting detective in the vicinity, and I'm in.

11. How often do you people-watch?

Every day. People are fascinating. There's no getting around that fact.

12. What have you only recently formed an opinion about?

My part in furthering racism. I'd like to say it's nothing to do with me, but I gotta get real: I've benefited from the ingrained unfairness of our current system, at least as much as it has harmed me.

13. What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?

Very early Christian history, like the years between Jesus' birth and the first time any of the New Testament was actually written down.

14. What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Beijing.

15. What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?

On a regular basis, interactions between dogs and their human family/ies make my heart happy.

16. What is the most annoying question that people ask you?

At work: "I'm looking for a book...." (first of all, it's not a question; second of all, I am surrounded by 154,000 of them so WTF really?)
Outside of work: "How's Beast?" from people who are within half an hour of where he's living and haven't bothered to visit him in the past 6 weeks.

17. What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Assorted podcasts, the Dewey Decimal system, MARC cataloging rules, the medical/insurance/healthcare situation in our country, how awesome kids are (and by kids, I mean anyone my son's age and younger).

18. If you were dictator of a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do?

I'd probably enforce a Drop Everything And Read period for the entire population every day for like at least 20 minutes. Quiet, and reading, everyday. Fines if you don't do it. I could set it up like the IRS, only in reverse: you can earn credits for reading more regularly, and trade them in for coffee and chocolate.

19. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

As an adult, be completely dependent on someone else (preferably someone you love who loves you) for at least 3-4 days. And the obverse: have another adult be completely dependent on YOU for some period of time. Both are deeply moving and eye-opening experiences.

Sunday Stealing

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Getting to Know You*

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Sleep. Seriously, why would you NOT sleep? I love sleep! It's 8:45 am and I'm ready for my first nap of the day!

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

I loved my Levi's 501s back in the day. They don't make 'em my size anymore, but they were super-comfy. And my crocs sandals are pretty stellar shoes, and apparently super-cute.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Is sleeping a hobby?

What would your perfect room look like?

Comfy, full of books, a chaise or daybed, good lighting, and lots of windows.

How often do you play sports?

I haven't played any sports--unless you count tossing around a frisbee--in decades.

What fictional place would you most like to go?

Narnia when the Four Kings and Queens were on the thrones.

What job would you be terrible at?

Sales. I really REALLY suck at sales.

When was the last time you climbed a tree?

The last time I tried, which is all I ever really did, was over 4 decades ago.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?

Sleep.

What skill would you like to master?

I wish I could play piano two-handed again.

What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?

The one I'm on currently is pretty amazing. Fun? No. The most fun vacation would be with a group of like-minded friends. I don't really care where we go as long as the food is good, the accommodations are bearable, and the scenery is amazing.

If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like?

I don't want to ever move out of the house in which I'm currently living. It really is pretty close to what I picture as a perfect house for me. However, the time may be coming that it no longer suits my life......

What state or country do you never want to go back to?

Pretty much anywhere in Wyoming except for the Tetons and Yellowstone. Also, I wasn't much of a fan of Germany, or rather the people in Germany. I would go back on a tour, so I wouldn't really have to interact with any actual Germans.

What songs have you completely memorized?

Aside from the one this meme is named after? Throw me a Rogers & Hammerstein musical, and I'll throw you back most of the lyrics to most of the songs. "Amazing Grace" and a few more hymns. Most of the old Christmas carols from church. ... I memorize a lot of songs.

What do you consider to be your best find?

Generally, it's been Beast. However, if we aren't talking about people, then that path up the rockslide outside of Ouray that led to (barely) a road that led to an old mine in a meadow. What a view!

Are you usually early or late?

I used to always be early in a decidedly OCD kind of way. These days, it's a wash.

What pets did you have while you were growing up?

When I was very young, we had a parakeet named Peppy. When I was ten, we got a dog.

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Often it's with information--where do I find? Who wrote? Where do we keep the?

What takes up too much of your time?

These days, driving. Good think I like driving, but it does get old.

What do you wish you knew more about?

Ancient Greek.

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

"Where's the bathroom?"

*great, now I have that song stuck in my head....!

...a long distance out of the way...

(Swiped from Amy)

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

A version of "not my circus, not my monkeys" that involved snakes about 10 years ago. I have to re-hear it regularly as I'm prone in sticking my nose into things it would be better off out of. [Grammar is my friend...]

If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing?

Whatever song they'd like. However, I must stipulate that they can at least bring a bucket in which to carry a tune in. Beast can't sing at all, and Sparky isn't quite there yet either.

Would you ever let your parents pick out a partner for you?

Nope, and it's too late now. And they wouldn't've anyway. I'm more likely to listen to their advice as I get older, however, which is somewhat ironic now that I can't.

Michelangelo's David...masterpiece or filth?

"Filth" because he's naked? Please, get over your penis-phobia! And it's an amazing work of art. I will never forget my first sight of it in the Accademia in 1985. Astounding, jaw-dropping, un-fucking-believable.

Do you like other people buying you clothes?

Depends on the article of clothing. Sometimes its spot on, something I love and will wear. More often it's weird or the wrong size. My mom, funnily enough, chose good things for me even after multiple strokes until she stopped shopping because ... stuff got hard. No one else has matched her prowess. :'(

What one device would you want to see added to a mobile phone?

I just got a new phone and I can't think of a thing it doesn't have, except a "louder" (i.e., more noticeable) vibrate feature. I guess I'll just have to turn up the volume and annoy my coworkers with sounds.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

I'll be nearly 62. Probably still at least 5 years from full-benefits retirement, as they've raised the age for state employment vestment to 67. I hope I can make it that long. Honestly, I don't know what I'll do if/when I retire. Maybe I'll have grandkids, or at least a daughter-in-law, by then? I'm not holding my break. I love Sparky to death, but right now he's a bit of a know-it-all/spaz.

Do your dreams ever tell you to do anything?

Not really in the sense of ordering me around. My dreams often 'reinterpret' what's been going on in my waking life and help me sort out the important stuff. Or just point out the Tragically Weird. And often I wake up thinking, "Why in hell was I obsessing all night about (this week) making sure Sparky gets a checking account??" Which we did this morning.

Have you ever been to an Art gallery?

Uhm, yes. Of course. There was one on my college campus, right by the dining room. Many libraries I've been in have had small galleries attached. Mine does, now, for instance. Starbucks even has gallery space to rent! And of course museums too. Endless hallways inside the Vatican come to mind, full of so much art it seems almost obscene that what we're seeing is "just the good stuff." And some Native galleries in various locales...Vegas, Arizona, Minnesota.

Do you shout out the answers at the TV whilst watching quiz shows?

I've been known to mutter. And occasionally, when contestants are ridiculously dumb, I have shouted. I don't watch too many of them anymore, though.

Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?

Probably, but since I don't hang out in pubs, or anyplace where there's regular trivia contests it's not been a thing. No one I know is willing to play Trivial Pursuit with me anymore, though, even the smarty-smart people of my acquaintance. Sad face.

If you could bankrupt one person or company who would it be?

Weapons manufacturers and dealers. This song is a bit extreme, but the gist of it works for me.

If you could steal one thing without consequence what would it be?

Babies for snuggles. Until they start doing the stinky-screamy thing and then they go right back to their parents.
Something I'd steal and keep? Maybe all the handguns in the world...and throw them into an active volcano.

Friday Five

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Zero

1. What is something you have run out of?

Patience? Youth? Interest in my job? On a purely practical level, I think we're out of cheese and some other groceries, and hay for the guinea pigs.

2. What is something you don't know anything about?

I don't think I could even create a coherent thought about how internal combustion engines work, or physics. Sorry, Dad.

3. What is something that needs emptying?

We desperately need to weed our garden(s). We have 4-foot high weeds!

4. There are a lot of stylistic or slangy ways to say “zero.” Which are your favorite?

"Zip" or "zilch" are a couple I use a lot.

5. When did you last receive something free when you were expecting to pay for it?

I can't think of anything. I'm pretty careful about knowing what's for sale and what's not and how much things are going to set me back. Plus, I haven't been out in public shopping much lately.

Saturday 9

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You Belong with Me

1) Like the girl in this song, have you ever been in love with someone, but was [sic] afraid to tell them?

Welcome to adolescence!! I had a mad crush on a half-dozen guys a year (at least) every year of school at that age, but since I barely spoke to boys at that stage, there was nothing much passed along to any of them.

2) Taylor Swift has been known to write songs about her real-life lovers. If you were to write a song about the most recent person you were romantically involved with, what would the title be?

I wish I would have written "Sweetest Thing"--it's totally about Beast and me.

3) Ms. Swift recently turned 23 and has already won VMAs and AMAs and Grammys. What were you doing when you were 23? (If you aren't 23 yet, where do you see yourself when you hit it?)

I was going to grad school and trying to figure out marriage and living in a poky apartment with no A/C on a very busy street.

4) When you were a child, did you sleep with a plush toy? (If yes, please include its name in your answer.)

I did. I don't remember the names of the ones I had as a small child, though I think I was more into dolls at that point anyway. I had a Raggedy Ann doll then, I know. However, when I was older I had a 5-foot multicolored snake with obnoxiously long eyelashes. Yes, I am very much aware, now, of how wacko-Freudian that whole thing is. By the way, I think they snake's name was Snake.

5) I'm making a Starbucks run. What can I get you?

Just a croissant if you must. I don't drink coffee. Or chai, whatever-the-fuck that is.

6) It was 60 years ago that Clarence Birdseye first marketed frozen vegetables. Now it's your turn: Share something you learned recently

I learned today that in the 1980s in Oklahoma it was (briefly) legal to put to death someone who commits a crime while a under the age of 16. Yes. Seriously.

7) In junior high, were you class clown, teacher's pet, a geek, a jock ... or did you just melt into the background?

I was emphatically not a jock or a class clown. I was somewhere between a shy-know-it-all-slash-geek and teacher's pet.

8) Was your most recent ticket for parking illegally or was it a moving violation?

The last ticket I got was about two years ago when I drove my mini-truck into my neighbor's work truck which was parked in front of his house. That made the second ticket I was issued in my life.

9) Tell us about the last museum you visited.

Hmmm. I'm not at all sure I've been in a museum since we came back from our European trip a couple of years ago. I don't think we went to any museums in England, so I'll guess that our last museum was L'Accademia in Florence where we saw (among other things) Michelangelo's David.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. Would you rather read the newspaper from a physical paper or online? Why?

I would rather not read a (daily) newspaper in any format. I've gone off them completely. Beast now gets the Nearest Giant City paper on his Nook. The local daily is ridiculous, though I enjoy the local weekly as it generally sticks to events that matter to me and stays out of reporting national and/or international stuff which I can find out about online.

2. Would you rather be part of the Addams Family or the Munsters family? Why?

I always liked the Addams family better--they were simply trying to live their lives and get through the day; the Munsters were far too campy for me to take seriously.

3. Would you rather take a cruise to the Bahamas or Alaska? Why?

Right now, Alaska. Actually, I've no real interest in going anywhere tropical for any extended period, though I wouldn't mind going through the Panama Canal someday...on my way to Alaska. {{snort}}

4. If you had to choose one of them, would you rather be shorter or taller than your current height? Why?

I would like to be about an inch taller. I know, I know...but I like being tall! Plus, 175 cm is such a nice even number.

5. Would you rather give up your favorite beverage or your favorite food for good? Why?

Much as I like Dr. Pepper, I think I'd have to keep the food. However, I'm more likely to be told I have to give up the food....sigh.

6. Would you rather be able to read people’s minds or know the future? Why?

Look, to a greater or lesser extent, once you've got 30 or so years under your belt, you can do both of this things to an astounding degree. It's not particularly fun to know that the idiot being stupid on his motorcycle is bound to turn into road pizza at some point, or to know that the teenager who just sneered at you thinks you're too old to remember being young. It's depressing. I'd rather have amnesia about some things, to be perfectly honest.

Friday Fill-Ins

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1. When we agreed that Beast needed surgery, we had no idea how much better he'd feel almost immediately!

2. I need to head out to the kitchen and make dinner very shortly.

3. It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever make money as a salesperson.

4. Ellis Island is a place I always wanted to visit, but haven't yet.

5. When I'm sad I try to figure out why; when I'm happy the reason(s) do(es)n't matter.

6. I know far too much about my community.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed--and sleep, I hope!--early, tomorrow my plans include seeing Amy for the first time in eons alone and Sunday, I want to get through work unscathed!

QOTW

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Is there a Universal Truth that you have learned that you’d like to share with us?

You have to be REAL coordinated to fall off the floor, hence it is always the safest place to sit. [This is actual outright theft: it's my brother's Universal Truth, but it has served me well for over 20 years.]

I'm back

There Are 0 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge: No Gaps! Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge: Philosophy Religion Economics Literature History Science Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

Hah! So there!

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The Castle Personality Test

You have no problem diving into new experiences. You're so brave that you don't even notice how courageous you are. You don't spend a lot of time thinking about how people see you. You're kind of scared to know what they think. You are a very romantic person. You can't help but see the world as it should be. Right now, stress occasionally makes you feel trapped in your life. You usually have a clear perspective on things though! Overall, your life is calm and steady. Not much stirs you, and each day is full of joy. You are extremely optimistic about the future. You feel like things are always getting better.

The Castle Personality Test

Parts of this are spot-on. Parts are...gaaahhhh-inducing..."romantic"? Not.

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You Are a Corn Muffin

Even though you've been accused of being otherwise, you're a simple, uncomplicated person. You just want the same things everyone else wants. You're just happier with what you already have. You are confident and strong minded. You are proud of who you are. You enjoy being recognized for your accomplishments, and you like to be the center of attention. Sometimes your ego can get the best of you. You do tend to outshine people. It's hard for you not to have a big head - very few people have it as good as you do.

What Kind of Muffin Are You?

My head is 100% average. How many people know their hat-size, actually? Anyway...I like corn muffins a great deal.

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You Are Boggle

You are an incredibly creative and resourceful person. You're able to dig deep and think outside the box to get things done. You are a non linear thinker. You don't like following directions. You draw your inspiration from the strangest places sometimes. You're constantly inspired.

What Board Game Are You?

OK, not so accurate, right?

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What Your Height Says About You

You are powerful, brilliant, and a bit of a rebel. You are an idealist, and you will work hard for a better world. It's hard for other people to keep up with you - both mentally and physically. And you're so independent, you actually prefer to go it alone. You are about as tall as the average Italian man.

What Does Your Height Say About You?

Uh, yeah. OK, moving on....

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What Your Home Says About You

You come across as very intellectual. People take your wisdom seriously. Your hygiene is passable, but you may be hiding some dirty secrets. You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey. You are not a nurturing person by nature, but you can easily take care of someone you truly love. You feel settled in your life. You have enough time to focus on little details. You are a somewhat self sufficient person. You can do fine on your own if you have to. Your friends see you as courageous, dynamic, and bright.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

And, there you have it.

Curious as a Cat

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1) What is the worst thing you've ever said to your mother?

So many things, starting with the winner: "I hate you!" and ending with, "I'm never going to be good enough for you, am I?" The things we say that we regret....

2) If you could have avoided knowing about one thing during your life, what would it be, and why?

Pain. Death. The pain we feel when those we love die.

3) What is the strongest part of your marriage/partnership?

We talk about everything and back each other up in public.

4) What would your heaven be like?

Lots of animals and babies and children. George Carlin better be there, too, dammit!!!

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

I love porcupines, probably because I've never been in an argument with one. I just think they are so cute and weird-looking. More proof of God's sense of humor, eh?

Curious as a Cat

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1) What are the three most important family values in your family? For the world? Are they the same?

In the family: trust/honesty, working together/shared responsibility, knowledge of where we came from. In the world: truth, honor, history. So, yes, essentially, they are the same.

2) Name your least favorite candy. Why do you dislike it so much?

I'm not fond of dark chocolate in general. I don't care for nuts in candy bars (though I like homemade fudge with some nuts), or coconut in most candy. Not a fan of black licorice. In fact, let's go with that last one. Yuck.

3) Among your friends, which would you choose as the next Pope?

I wouldn't choose any of the friends who are Catholic, ironically. it would be interesting if Trud was running things. Jenny would be a fabulicious Pope, seriously, though. Wow--what a picture! She'd be good. She's Methodist; Trud's vaguely Buddhist. Oh, or Molly. Molly for Pope; she's already in Italy so at least she's got that going for her.... ;-)

4) What is the slowest realization you've ever come to?

That I really don't have to take shit from people, that my reaction when people are rude/stupid is appropriate--though perhaps I should be more tactful in its expression--and saying no when asked a favor by someone who has screwed me over is perfectly acceptable.

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

This photo reminds me of the roads in Yorkshire and Scotland. They are very narrow and have barely enough space to pass a car coming toward you. In Yorkshire, there are these stone walls on either side of the road, too, so it's all rather treacherous. And those walls are freakin' amazing! No mortar, just centuries of stacked rocks that are as solid as any mortared wall but also quite fragile. It actually makes me cry to see a dry stone wall that's been destroyed out of thoughtlessness. As for the rest of the landscape...the background and trees don't look particularly much like Yorkshire/Scotland. I wonder where it was taken....

Manic Monday

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What was the last thing you regret buying?

The last loaf of bread I bought at Panera was...just wrong somehow. It tasted fine and then suddenly there'd be a bite that was oddly sweet (it was whole wheat bread, not supposed to be sugary at all). And the service was really abysmal that day, too.

If you had a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about any one thing you wished to know about yourself, life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?

I'd love to know more about my mother's childhood.

How do you know when you're in love?

Wanting to talk to the other person all the time, saving little bits of my life to tell him later, listening to him tell me interesting bits about his life, that flood of peace and joy when he walks into the room, knowing that I can trust him, enjoying him flirting with babies, laughing about stupid 'in-jokes' with him, that tingly feeling when we kiss....

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

1) If you had to experience one trauma your mother has gone through so that you could better understand her, what would you choose?

I'd love to see what her childhood was actually like.

2) What is the most revolting combination of colors you can imagine?

I'm especially annoyed by orange and hot pink.

3) If you could punish the most difficult person at your workplace, what would you do, and to whom?

Oh, it would be so totally CT, and I'd cut her vocal cords. No thought required for this one.

4) What is the thing you know the most about?

Wow, I guess I'm going to go with knowing a lot about obscure things that most people don't care about, but occasionally come in handy.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. Photo copyright 2006 Cat.

I took this picture, so it reminds of the town in which it was taken. I took it in March a couple of years a go--it was a nasty, windy day in a resort town that was pretty much not open for business yet. Doesn't that sign look like something out of the 60s? I almost expect the Rat Pack to emerge from under that sign. ;-)