Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

I Will See You in C-U-B-A (2010)

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

This song was chosen in honor of Father's Day.

 

1) In this week's song, Lucie Arnaz encourages us to hop a ship and join her in Cuba. Is your passport up to date?

Weirdly, we were talking about this at work on Thursday. I think my passport is due to expire in 2027. Or maybe next year. I should probably check. One of the many things I should do.

2) She sings that Cuba is a great place to enjoy wine and Panatelas. Do you like the smell of a good cigar?

I actually do. A GOOD cigar, outside, or the smell on a winter coat is very homey. A bad cigar is grounds for murder. 

3) Lucie said her Latin Roots CD represents "the rhythms of my soul" and is a tribute to her father, Desi Arnaz. Cuban-born Desi starred on Broadway and in nightclubs but was best known for co-starring in and producing the 1950s sitcom, I Love Lucy. When you think of I Love Lucy, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

Lucy's crying -- 'waaaah waaah' -- which is an interesting commentary on what we used to think was funny.

4) While Lucie's parents – Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball – are famous for their TV work, Tony-nominated Lucie has found her greatest success on the stage. She inherited their love of performing, saying, “My parents were always happiest when they were working.” What have you inherited from one or both your parents? (It could be anything from your work ethic to your eye color.)

My dad's side of the family has Very Strong Genes: three of the five kids look just like him physically. Since all three of those kids are/were girls, that's not necessarily great. My brother looks like Mom's side, more and more as he ages. 
To be slightly deeper, we were all instilled with a desire to be the best at whatever we did, which is good...until it becomes neurotic.

5) Though "Ricky Riccardo" often mangled English on I Love Lucy, Desi's English was very good. Lucille Ball admired his facility with languages and encouraged him to speak Spanish to their children so that they would be bilingual. When you were growing up, did your family speak any language other than English?  

Some would argue we barely spoke English! My parents were all about speaking properly (I remember being scolded for saying "liberry" when I was quite young), but their pronunciation was decidedly questionable ("warsh", "piz-za" (z's, no 'ts' sound -- sounds like the city in Italy). 

6) Desi Arnaz often performed "I Will See You in C-U-B-A." Is there a song that reminds you of your father?

There are two: "Mairzy Doats" and "The Hokey-Pokey." I teased my dad whenever he complained about my "loud noise" (i.e. music) by singing "Mairzy Doats" all the way through. He also had a whole routine he did around "Bill Grogan's Goat." 
He's currently furious (I can hear him yelling from heaven!) that I'm not naming any hymns, so I'll throw in "How Great Thou Art" and "Joy to the World." 

7) After Lucie's parents divorced, Lucille Ball remarried and Lucie got a stepfather, Gary Morton. Lucie appreciated how positive Gary always was about Desi. Decades later, when she married a man who already had children, Lucie said she better understood what a tough role stepparent can be. Did you have a stepparent? Are you a stepparent? 

I have no step-parents, nor am I one. I am, however, quite proud of being "Mom #2" for a multitude of kids I knew when I was teaching Sunday School, running Youth Group, babysitting, working with. I love all 'my' kids. As I get a little older, I find it interesting how many of these kids (now adults) have come to me to vent about their 'actual' parents, or at least for advice on how to deal with them. 

8) As a single dad, Desi lived south of Los Angeles in Del Mar. Lucie and her brother, Desi Jr., spent school vacations there, going to the race track, bowling, and fishing with their dad. Share a happy memory from one of your school vacations (Christmas, Spring Break, or Summer).

It's been a long time since my childhood, and while it was not a perfectly, endlessly wonderful one, distance (and comparison) has made it look damn good. I loved jumping rope and playing jacks and creating little neighborhoods for my brother's toy cars to park in; vacations were endless and stressful and occasionally even fun.

9) Father's Day began in Washington state. In the early 1900s, Spokane resident Sonora Smart Dodd listened to her minister deliver a sermon celebrating Mother's Day and devoted herself to similarly honoring fathers. A century later, more money is still spent annually on Mother's Day. Why do you suppose that nationally we still make more of a fuss over Mother's Day than Father's Day?

School is in session for Mother's Day, not so for Father's Day. Also, so many of my peers in school had divorced parents making it harder to get buy-in from both parents to support each other that I think dads have gotten short shrift. I'm not a Man's Rights person, but I do think the patriarchy has a lot to answer for in this area, in the 'erasing' of fathers as important and the glorification (but no support for) mothers.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Saturday 9: Lady of Spain (1952)

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

1) The lyrics refer to serenading "caballeros," which is Spanish for "gentlemen." Can you say anything to us in Spanish this morning?

Hola, amigos y amigas. Espero que estén bien y felices. He extrañado hacer estos memes.

2) Eddie Fisher sings that he's loved this lady since he first saw her. Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe it happens. I can say that it's never happened to me, not in a romantic way. I've fallen in love at first sight with some babies, though.

3) He was drafted and served a year in Korea. Then he spent the rest of his active duty period as vocalist for the Army Band, performing on military bases. (He was still technically PFC Edwin Fisher when he recorded this.) Did you ever play with a band? If so, what instrument?

I was in band (class) for 6 years in junior high and high school. I made it one year in college before I gave up. Play flute, and piccolo, and was first chair most of the time.

4) From 1953 to 1957, Eddie hosted Coke Time, a TV variety show sponsored by Coca Cola. What's your soft drink of choice?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Some things never change: I'm drinking a can of it right now. 😁

5) Though Coke Time is mostly forgotten today, Eddie was nominated for two Emmy Awards and won a Golden Globe for his work on the show. Have you ever taken home a trophy?

I don't think so, not one of my own, alone. I haven't ever done anything that involved trophies as a solo.

6) Today Eddie Fisher may be best known as the father of Carrie Fisher. She made more than 50 movies and wrote 8 books. Are you more familiar with her as an actress or author?

Actress. Despite my career, she will always be more Leia than writer.

7) In 1952, when this song was popular, hamburger meat sold for just 53¢/lb. Is there any beef in your refrigerator right now?

I think I've got some pre-made meals with ground beef in them. If not, there's probably some in the freezer in case I ever get enough energy to cook.

8) Also in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to be advertised on TV. What recent TV commercial comes to mind?

I pretty much only watch TV at Beast's these days, and we are watching football, racing, or car shows. During the latter, I'm most annoyed with the Medicare (et al.) ads from all the TV stars of my childhood.

9) Random question: If you could live within any TV show ever, which would you choose?

Facts of Life. Or one of the CSI shows, in the lab.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll) 

Groovy, rad, lit 

1. Which slang term from your youth, no longer in common use, do you remember fondly? 

"Cool beans." Still don't understand it. Still makes me smile.

2. What slang do you still use, ‘though it’s no longer in common use? 

Probably everything. I have been known to say "superfab!" in a non-ironic way.

3. Which current (or sorta recent) slang terms do you particularly like? 

I'm fond of woke. I like yeet a lot. Those are the two that specifically come to mind.

4. Which slang terms, past or present, do you especially dislike? 

There is one word starting with C that I still cannot stand being used. It's commonplace in other English-speaking countries, but I literally cannot say it out loud.

5. What slang terms are specific to your geographical region?

"Are you coming with?" "Something needs done" rather than "needs doing" has come across my radar. Not necessarily that verb, just the past tense with a present tense helping verb. And of course everyone around here goes to "the Jewel" not the grocery store or just Jewel. Has to have "the" in front of it, but you can go to Walmart or whatever without "the." 

Sunday Stealing

January

Taken from League of Extraordinary Penpals 

1. What are your plans for January? 

I have no big plans. I need to do the annual guardianship report for the courts this week. I get installed as an elder in front of the (Zoom) congregation next Sunday. I am desultorily shopping for Sparky's birthday present.

2. What do you want to see happen in 2021? 

I would like to see Biden surprise me with being less of a centrist than he clearly is.

3. What would you give a 5 star rating? 

Medical professionals.

4. Do you have writing goals for 2021? 

Just this sort of thing. I'm de facto editor for Sparky's writing, so that, too.

5. How do you feel about memoirs? 

I think they are probably really therapeutic to write. Many don't need to be published, and fewer are useful for anyone else.

6. If you could join any musical group who would you choose? 

The Go-Gos. The Bangles. The Spice Girls. Basically, girl groups, preferably managed by women.

7. What are your favorite genres across all media? 

I like suspenseful reads and movies. Not gory, especially not movies, but well-written twisty stuff.

8. What candle scents are your favorite? 

"Clean" scents. I've got a STRONG vanilla one going right now.

9. How well can you mimic other accents or voices? 

I do it mostly unconsciously, and often.

10. What books are on your TBR list in 2021? 

I'm in a a Michael Connelly and Louise Penny phase right now, and I'm struggling to read anything very deep, so it's looking like a lot of pretty formulaic mysteries otherwise.

11. When do you decide it’s time to upgrade/buy something new? 

When whatever-it-is stops working right, or just gets very worn out, or holey.

12. Why is your favorite color your favorite color? 

Blue. Forever and always.

13. Who understands you the best? 

lol--no one
Maybe you-all?

14. Do you write letters? 

Not anymore. Occasional emails and lots of texts.

15. How do you keep going when times are hard?

Guilt over failing other people.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Friday Questions

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have a minor in Spanish, but I've really had to relearn how to speak it properly as an adult. I definitely still hear it better than I say it.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

I'm O+ (boring), and I can't donate anymore. Too much bad ju-ju in my body these days.

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?

As a tiny child, yes, once. I've been in the orchestra of a couple of musicals.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?

Oh yeah. My extended family has been designated the Darth Vader Theme. Beast is a U2 song--wow, that's a bummer, since it's doubtful he'll ever call me again--Sparky is "Crazy Train" from Ozzy, and I've got the doctors and other people like that set up with their own sound. I'm really pathetic, to be honest. Oh, and a small number of best friends have their own ring too.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?

I think we bought our digital camera towards the end of the 90s. It might still be around here somewhere, too.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?

Oh, I don't know. People would undoubtedly say different things about this.

7. Do you talk with your hands?

Yes. Bigtime.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not really. I like 3.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?

2% as a kid, sometimes mixed with powdered milk (yuck). We 'graduated' to skim by the time I was a teen. Now I rarely have milk in the house.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Fruit with a nice light crust.

11. Are you a note taker?

Yup. And a doodler.

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?

We have a shit-ton of coffee mugs which are basically never used since I don't drink coffee at all, and Beast can't drink coffee--and isn't at home anyway. I need to clean the house out, starting some time later than today.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

At home, yes. I guess I do at work too, come to think of it.

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?

I've been employed at my current workplace for just about exactly 22 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?

We flew Denver to Milwaukee when I was a small child. I remember because it was my brother's first flight too and I remember him looking out the window as we landed. I was probably 4.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Jump (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) David Lee Roth does a lot of jumping in this video. He credits his flashy moves to his study with marital artist Benny Urquidez. Have you ever tried karate, judo, or jiu-jitzu?

No, but I've been considering finding a tai ch'i class.

2) Dave claims to be fluent in Spanish. Say something "en español."

Entonces, David, si realmente hablas español, ¿Por qué eres tan necio?

3) Dave appeared as himself in an episode of The Sopranos, playing poker with Tony Soprano. Are you a good poker player?

I'm better than you'd expect.

4) Though known for his prowess on the guitar, Eddie Van Halen wrote the opening of this song at the keyboard when he was still new to the synthesizer. When do you recently venture outside your comfort zone? Was it a success?

Every damned day lately. I'm just trying to keep my balance at this point. At least no drunks hugged and kissed me this week at work....

5) Eddie's older brother Alex is the Van Halen drummer and his son, Wolfie, began touring with the band in 2007. Have you ever worked with a family member?

I used to work for my dad once in awhile. I went to work once with Mom and answered phones when most of the office couldn't get to work and they were closed.

6) Van Halen's first man[a]ger was Marshall Berle. Mr. Berle's uncle was Milton Berle. Does the name Milton Berle mean anything to you?

Mostly because of Happy Days and watching talk shows when I was a wee tot.

7) In 1984, when this song was popular, AT&T/Bell Telephone was broken up into 24 separate companies. Today, who is your phone provider?

My cell is Sprint; my landline is Frontier Communications.

8) Also in 1984, Michael Jackson was severely burned while filming a Pepsi commercial. Would we find any Pepsi in your kitchen right now?

Actually, no. Aldi's only sells Coke products. Beast normally only drinks diet Pepsi, but I haven't bought any specifically and on purpose since September.

9) Random question: Have you ever been so angry that you kicked or hit an inanimate object?

Well, yeah. I stopped that when it hurt my toes and did nothing to the inanimate object. Now I just hang my head down and cry; it's about as useful and less painful. Usually.

*This song was, for a few weeks, the 7:00 a.m. wakeup song when I was in college. It never failed to get me AND my roommate moving if only to fling the clock radio across the room to shut it off! 😁

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
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....!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
A New Day Has Come (2002)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2017!

1) This song is about a new day. Here we are celebrating a new year. What do you hope for in 2017?

I hope for our leadership to start acting like leaders, but I'm not optimistic. I hope that Beast will find a job, or at least an income stream so we stop the monthly hemorrhage of money that's been happening. I hope women's rights and the access to insurance won't be decimated, but that's not looking too likely either. I hope for fewer shooting victims and hate crimes, but I know that's not going to happen. Realistically, I hope I can make a positive difference in some people's lives, and maybe do some growing up this year.

2) Ms. Dion has said this song was influenced by the events of 9/11, and how a new day dawned after tragedy. Looking back on 2016, did something happen that you're glad to leave behind and move away from?

Only everything relating to Beast's health. But again, I'm pretty sure that some of the consequences of last year's illness(es) will be with us for a long time to come.

3) In the video, Celine serenades us from billowy white clouds. Describe the sky where you are as you answer these 9 questions.

BRIGHT sunny blue. Not a cloud anywhere in sight. The current air temperature is 15.7 degrees on our porch. I'm sure it's breezy enough to bring that down to feeling like a frigid single-digit temp. I'm in for the day.

4) This video was shot in West Palm Beach, FL. When settlers arrived in the late 1870s, the town was called Lake Worth County. OK, your turn. Tell us something about your hometown.

The place where I currently make my home is a "village" mixed in with a conglomeration of unincorporated stand-alone subdivisions, each with their own associations and rules, that somehow connect to each other through an organized grid of roads so that it looks like a proper town. It is the most insane arrangement for local government I've ever heard of!

5) Celine Dion's native tongue is French. Dites-nous quelque chose en Français.

I don't do French. Though I get the general idea of what you want me to do, the best I can give you is "Frère Jacques, dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines: din din don." I know a few other songs in French, and "Où est le WC?"

6) Celine's mother, Therese, is known in her Quebec neighborhood as a terrific cook. Think about your own domestic talents. Where do you excel? (Food prep, house cleaning, laundry, scheduling, etc.)

Uhm. Looking around the house right now, you would probably say "none of the above" but in general I do OK with all of it at this point in life. I don't excel at any of it, however.

7) Growing up, Celine and her siblings often performed in her family's piano bar. Where did you most recently enjoy an adult beverage?

The last drink I had was while Beast was away last month: blueberry vodka with Sprite over ice. Here at home. Or maybe I skipped the Sprite and ice and finished the bottle neat.

8) In 2002, when this song was popular, Kmart was in the news because the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. What department store to you shop at most often?

I spread my money around. I hit Meijer for some things, F&F for some things, and Kohl's for most of the remainder. And smaller stores, quite often locals.

9) Random question: It's time for a midnight snack and you have your choice of one of these three -- a slice of sausage pizza, a bagel with lox and cream cheese, or a piece of carrot cake. Which will you have? And what shall we bring you to drink?

Of those three, the only thing I'll be eating is the pizza and with pizza I gotta have some pop, so diet whatever'll work. Given my own choice, I'm more likely to snag a couple of crackers and wash them down with water in the middle of the night however. Pizza at midnight means I'll be awake at least once before the alarm goes off.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Wish List Meme, part two

26.) Favorite kids name?

Right outta the gate I go pedantic: the name of my favorite kid? or my favorite name for a person (all of whom start as children)? Where's the apostrophe supposed to be???
So, my favorite name is Josephine.
My favorite kid is (naturally) Sparky, although he's 23 so I'm stretching a bit. If I exclude "former kids" and only go with current ones....seriously this is hard. There are a lot of contenders in my life. I think I have to go with my coworker's son Ian, or maybe play family-favorites and go with my great-nephew J. I've always connected to Ian's thought processes and general persona; J. is just a tough little kid, and while I'm terribly glad I'm not his mom, he totally has my heart because he's a miracle baby with serious spunk.

27.) Do you speak any other languages?

I can make myself understood in Spanish, given a forgiving Spanish-speaker with whom to deal. I can speak some pidgin Italian and Greek, and I used to have some pidgin Russian too. I can read some French and German.

28.) Do you use Twitter?

Not very often.

29.) Do you go onto YouTube?

I watch videos that others tell me about. I don't watch "shows."

30.) Do you play Angry Birds?

Nope.

31.) Do you like Angry Birds?

Well, I don't hate them or anything, but I never really understood the attraction of the whole thing.

32.) Do you like Hello Kitty?

Not particularly, but again, it's not as if I hate them.

33.) Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

All the damn time!

34.) Who would you like to see in concert?

Do I have to be in the crowd, or can I be in a box? If there's a box available, I'd see almost anyone. Bleacher seats? Nope; I'll stay home.

35.) Can you swim well?

I have come to hate this fucking question. No, goddammit, I can't swim at all!! Stop bloody ASKING!

36.) Ever won a contest?

Yup.

37.) Ever won a giveaway?

Yup. I have a couple of books on the way from GoodReads right now, in fact.

38.) Do you get a full 8 hours of sleep every night?

Only if I stayed in bed for 12 hours would that happen lately. My recent pattern is sleep for an hour, wake up and read for awhile, sleep for another hour or two, wake up and read for awhile, sleep the rest of the night (or repeat the earlier pattern once more at 4). It's ridiculous.

39.) What tea do you like?

Hot, strong, black tea.

40.) What coffee do you like?

I don't like coffee. Blech.

41.) Do you shop at Walmart?

Not very often, not if I have other options.

42.) Do you shop at Target?

I love Target, but there isn't one near us anymore.

43.) What do you order at Second Cup?

Looks like it's a Italian soda for me. However, I don't think we have any nearby; the website is a bit borked right now so I can't tell for sure.

44.)

...is missing

45.) Do you like homemade meals?

Yup. Well, I mean, I like food, and homemade is fine.

46.) Do you like homemade baked goods?

Helz yeah!

47.) Do you shop online?

I do.

48.) Name 3 stores online stores you would like to shop at:

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and my local indie bookstore.

49.) What holiday don't you like?

I'm not a huge fan of July 4th just because everyone around here goes completely bonkers and buys scads of fireworkswhich are illegal in this state!! For good reason: people are dumb.

50.) What do you eat more of when you're sick?

Soup.

good manners are made up of petty sacrifices

(Swiped from Amy)

What are your favourite smells?

"Clean." Vanilla. Fresh bread.

Can you go a whole day without caffeine?

I can, but you really don't want to be around me on that particular day.

Who knows more about you than anyone else?

Normally, I'd say Beast, and that's still probably true, but others are creeping up...or he's sliding down a bit lately.

What song did you last listen to?

I have no idea. Something on Spotify. I don't remember what the last song was because that was more than 20 minutes ago. I've taken to listening to old radio shows on Sirius XM in the car. My CD player is fubar and regular radio just pisses me off.

Do you have a crush on anybody?

Not really. Nah.

Do you like The Beatles?

Yeah. Don't listen to 'em much these days, but I like 'em.

If you could choose one color to wear for a whole year, what color would you choose?

Blue.

Do you cook often?

Not more than a couple of times a week.

What was the last film you watched? Did you like it?

The last one at a theater was the last Star Trek. It was ok.

Can you sew?

Yes, I can. I enjoy it about as much as my mother did.

What is your favorite fruit?

Strawberries.

Are you health conscious?

Yeah, not unless I have to be.

Go do the Kinsey Scale Test, what number result did you receive?

I flunked. Seriously. My result reads as follows: "The test failed to match you to a Kinsey Type profile. Either you answered some questions wrong, or you are a very unusual person."

Do you curse a lot?

I think that answer is a definite yes.

When was the last time you had a pint of beer?

About 2 weeks ago for lunch at a pub I ordered a shandy. I'm not sure it was a full pint of beer, but it's the only beer I've had in decades.

Are you pro life or pro choice?

I like to think I'm trustworthy enough to care for my own body, and I like to give others the benefit of that doubt too. I'm wholly pro-choice.

Is there a certain food you often crave for no reason?

"For no reason" would mean there's no payoff. I mostly crave sweets, and there's definitely a payoff. Unfortunately, I also have developed high blood sugar and keep getting cavities.

What was the last book you purchased?

I bought a ton of them on vacation. I don't know which one was last.

Where was your last vacation?

England.

Do you shave your pits?

It's been known to happen. Better I do it than force someone else to do it!

Did you ever play Seven Minutes in Heaven?

Nope. Never even heard of it till I was too old to play it.

Girls, when was the last time you went out without a bra? Guys, when was the last time you went shirtless in public?

How are these even...? Whatever. I never go braless in public.

Have you ever broken a bone? If so, how did it happen?

Not that I had medical attention for. My fingers are randomly crooked, and I have no doubt in my mind that I seriously damaged my tailbone a couple of years ago.

How do you like your eggs?

Over easy, with buttered toast.

What was your last argument about and who with?

I'm sure it was with Beast, though I'm trying like hell to stop taking the bait.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
French Kissing

1. What’s your favorite kind of French fry?

   Wendy's has this thing right now called Baconator fries. It's no stretch to say that I could live on them for the rest of my life, though I'd certainly die of a heart attack much younger than I otherwise would. But happy! I'd die HAPPY!

2. Where can you get really good French toast?

   If you bring me Texas toast, I will knock your socks off here in my own kitchen. I don't make it very often--and come to think of it I'm not sure I have syrup--but I rock the French Toast-making.

3. What are your feelings about French salad dressing?

   I'm decidedly not a fan. Though I prefer it to raspberry vinaigrette, which is all kinds of wrong. My parents, well, MOM did this thing with cauliflower and French dressing that just....no. That's all. Nope.

4. What’s something you know how to say in French?

   "C'est moi", "Où et les WC?", "Merci", "Pardon", "Arrêtez!!" and all the lyrics to this album (though I've no idea a) if I'm singing them comprehensively, or b) what they mean.
   Oh, I guess I know Frère Jacques too.

5. What French films have you seen?

   Uhm. I'd peg that at or about zero.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
See You Later, Alligator (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) Crazy Sam's mother is terrified of alligators. Just looking at a photo of one of those scaly reptiles gives her the creeps. Is there a member of the animal kingdom that scares you?

I'm not a huge fan of bugs bigger than my hand. I'm fine with regular-sized Midwestern USA critters, but I draw the line at anything I can't cover with one smack.

Also, earwigs. ...shudder...

2) Gators are carnivores, but they aren't picky. If meat isn't handy, they'll munch on fruit. Are you particular about your diet? For example, do you try to eat gluten free, low sodium, etc.?

Nope. I'm trying to cut back on sugar, but not having universal success.

3) In Spain, this song was a hit under the title, "Hasta Luego, Cocodrilo." Say something else in Spanish.

¿Cómo se dice "I don't want to" en español?" Tengo un grado menor de la universidad en español, pero es sobre todo en la literatura española y no tanto hablar. Mi sobrina británica y su marido viven en España, pero yo creo que van a venir de nuevo a Inglaterra este año con sus bebés gemelas.

4) When this week's artist, Bill Haley, was a little boy, he made a guitar out of cardboard and pretended to play that until his parents got him a real one. Tell us about something you wantedso badly when you were a kid.

I was 12 when I finally got my first bicycle. I'd wanted one for, literally, 5 years at least.

5) Early in his career, Bill did whatever it took to get the gig. When singing cowboys were popular, the Michigan native pretended to be a cowpoke and renamed himself, "Silver Yodeling Bill." Have you ever fudged on your resume or fibbed in an interview?

I've certainly been interviewed for jobs I was eminently unqualified for, if that counts.

6) When his career was going well, Bill was generous and loved to give extravagant parties at his home, which he called Melody Manor. Do you enjoy playing the host?

I do.

7) Bill was blind in one eye, the result of a botched operation when he was a child. Since the blind eye wandered and didn't focus, he always wore a curl over the opposite eye, hoping to draw everyone's attention to the other side of his face. What is there about your appearance that leaves you self conscious?

I used to be very skinny as a kid. That has swung to the opposite at this point in my life--I'm embarrassed about how much my stomach sticks out.

8) On the other hand, what is it about your appearance that pleases you, and that you would never change?

I love my nose, even though it's big, and my hair.

9) In 1956, when this song was a hit, Elvis Presley exploded onto the music scene and displaced Bill as rock's top artist. The press and public assumed Bill was jealous of Elvis, but in reality he liked Elvis a great deal. Are you jealous by nature?

Nope.

Kiss from a Rose (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) This song is from the movie, Batman Forever. The movie Batman v. Superman will be out later this month. In that matchup, who do you support -- The Caped Crusader or The Man of Steel?

I'm fairly agnostic about the situation.

2) "Rose" became a popular name in the 19th century, when parents also began naming their daughters "Iris," "Violet," "Daisy" and "Lily." Do you know anyone who has a flower name?

My niece, mentioned above, is named a variation of this very name. It's a lovely name, and totally doesn't fit her, even at 30+. As a young teen she tried going with "Roz" which is better, but it didn't stick. Her sister has a middle name based on another name for "Daisy", named for her (other side of family) grandmother. I know a couple of other "Rosies" and it sees like I might know a "Lily" or something similar, but I'm drawing a blank.

3) This week's artist, Seal, has something to fall back on. At his parents' insistence, before he pursued music he got an associate degree in architecture from a small college in Westminster. What's the last grade you completed?

I have a Master's Degree: MLIS.

4) Seal wrote this song back in the 1980s but didn't really like it very much. His producer discovered it when they were looking for material to complete Seal's second album and the result was several Grammys. Tell us about a time when something turned out better than you thought it would.

Raising our son. He's become quite an awesome young man.

5) Ex-wife Heidi Klum is not the only model in Seal's life. He also dated Tyra Banks. Can you name another famous model?

Naomi Campbell. Lauren Hutton. Mark Wahlberg.

6) Seal is currently involved with yet another model, Australian Erica Packer. Between them they have seven children. How many siblings do you have, and are you the oldest, youngest, or in the middle?

I'm the youngest of 5.

7) Seal's birthday was back on February 19. Let's think about your birthday. If you could have any type of cake you wanted, what would you request?

Traditional wedding cake with homemade buttercream frosting and a lot of it!

8) In 1996, when this song was popular, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents in a crime and trial that dominated the news in Los Angeles. What are people in your town talking about?

Home rule. We're about 600 people short at our last census so the city is doing another one next month to see if we've crossed the threshold.

9) Random question: There's an old saying, "Like nails on a blackboard." Sam can't recall ever hearing nails on a blackboard, but she knows she hates the sound of a dripping faucet. What sound bothers you the most?

Oh, nails on a blackboard is bad! Chewing aluminum foil, though, is bad on so many different levels besides sound that it wins, hands-down.

Sunday Stealing

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

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

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

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

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

52. Favorite clothing store?

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

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

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

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

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

55. What angers you the most?

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

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

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

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

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

58. Are you good at lying?

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

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?

Hebrew. Or ancient Greek.

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

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

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

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

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

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

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?

I do.

64. Tell us a secret.

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

65. How many concerts have you been to?

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

66. Last hug?

Beast, this morning when he got up.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?

Beast.

68. Baths or showers?

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

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?

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

70. What song is stuck in your head?

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

71. Countries you’ve visited?

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

72. What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty, wit, and silliness.

73. What helps you to sleep better?

Earplugs. And my CPAP.

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

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

75. What makes you nervous?

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Chuck E.'s in Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Chuck E.'s friends look for him at the pool hall and the drugstore. If we want to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where should we look?

I'm usually ensconced on the sofa between laundry loads. Often, we're watching college football or NASCAR. It's a weird time of year so today we've got on DIY Network. I just got home from a meeting and shopping excursion. First Xmas gifts purchased!

2) The lyrics tell us his friends know something up with Chuck E because he's even combed his hair. So here's a question about your hair: do you usually use a blow dryer or let it air dry?

I'd say the majority of the time, if I'm leaving the house, I blow it out. But not always.

3) In this song, Ricki Lee sings that she spotted Chuck E. at the Pantages, a grand old Los Angeles theater. Nearly 100 years old, the Pantages was originally a movie palace and was renovated in the 1980s for concerts and theatrical productions. Tell us about a cool landmark in your town.

The town where I work has a lovely Square around which I walked today and stopped and bought some books.

4) "Chuck E." is a real person. Chuck E. Weiss is a blues musician and DJ who hung around with Ricki Lee and her boyfriend ... until he fell in love. Have you ever had a friendship fall by the wayside when one of you entered a romantic relationship?

Yup. It's long-ago recovered however.

5) Rickie Lee was once married to a French musician named Pascal Nabet-Meyer. Say something to us in French.

Nope. Don't do French, sorry.

6) When her popularity was at its height, Rickie Lee appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone twice. Who have you seen on a recent magazine cover?

Hmmm, seems to me Jennifer Lawrence has been on EW recently. I should pay attention, but I don't really.

7) Rolling Stone called Rickie Lee "the duchess of cool." Who is the coolest person you know?

Sarah, at work. Neck tats, 5-inch heels, goth to steampunk to 40s fashion, green or red or orange hair....I'm hoping I can convince her to work Tech Service with me. She bakes, she sews, she hates children, and I'm not sure she's interested in EVER getting married. Hell, I'm not even sure she's cis! She is, however, very cool. And quiet, and sensible.

8) 1979 was a good year for Rickie Lee, what with her big hit record and the Rolling Stone covers. But it was a terrible year for The Who, because eleven of their fans died during an Ohio concert. What's your favorite Who song?

It's emphatically NOT "Eminence Front" because that one was played over and over and over on the jukebox in the burger joint on campus in college. OhmyGAWDD, I still have flashbacks! I like "Pinball Wizard" and "My Generation" all right though. To be honest though, I'm not a huge fan of the group except in a general sense, and because of the use of their songs in the CSI shows.

9) Rickie Lee moved to New Orleans, a city she fell in love with after a visit. Have you ever gone to a vacation spot and wished you could just stay there forever?

Quite often. I love traveling, and often fall in love with locations. Part of the fun I have in traveling is picturing myself as a 'local' while wandering around.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Consider Yourself Meme

1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself?

I'm an all-American mutt, of the Northern European variety.

2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to?

Not really. My family often behaves/behaved in a stereotypical Italian fashion, and I do love the food and culture. And the fact that it's warmer more often than here.

3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently?

Italian? lol OK, seriously, for more than 30 years, I've wanted to be able to speak Russian, or at least read it proficiently.

4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go?

With my job, I actually could probably move anywhere. I'd want to be near Sparky, though, so I'll stay here.

5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see?

The problem here is that "one event" implies a discrete moment. Most of what I'd like to see is more of an evolution of thought. I'd kill to travel with Paul the Apostle and see for myself what was really going on in the early churches of Asia and Israel and Rome.

6) Have problems sleeping?

Do I? Uh, yeah.

7) Are you free with your feelings?

Many say I'm too free, I'm sure.

8) What is the one outfit/piece of clothing/accessory you own that makes you feel incredibly good whenever you wear it? Why?

Jeans. And I'm not overly fussy about which ones. Just jeans.

9) What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk?

Sleep. Read. Write. Cry. One or all four.

10) Has anyone ever surprised you in a way that let you know you were special? How?

Beast is remarkably good at this. He surprises me often enough to keep me guessing.

11) When you are having a "good day," how do you spread the happiness to others?

Jokes go a long way. Feeding people does as well.

12) What is one thing that puts you in a bad mood, no matter how good you were previously feeling?

Getting yelled at by someone I care about.

13) Would you rather live in a world with or without technology such as computers, cars, airplanes, bombs?

With. I would be dead without technology.

14) If you had to live without either heating in your house or air conditioning, which one would you keep?

I'd keep the heat, but summer's gonna suck. Perhaps we'll go north for three months. WAY north.

15) If you had to own five dogs, what kind would you get?

It would absolutely be five I picked up from the pound. But here's the thing: I'm allergic so this is oging to suck.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
25 Fun Meme

1. If you were trapped in a room with the person who asked this for 24 hours, what would you do? The answer cannot be romantic or sexual.

We'd probably talk about books, laugh, read, eat, listen to music...nap. ;-)

2. If you could learn any language instantly, what would it be?

Ancient Greek. Or Hebrew, ancient or modern because I don't think there's a big difference. But what do I know... lol

3. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pretty much has to be the Bible. If it's not in there, humankind hasn't thought of it. I would, however, prefer it be Eugene Peterson's translation, or even Rob Lacey's (especially if he decided to do the whole thing ever).

4. Favorite song lyric?

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Amazing Grace, verse 4

5. Favorite album?

Either M.E. (Melissa Etheridge) or Relish (Joan Osborne). Or a big tie between a whole pile of musicals. ;-)

6. Which time of day would you say is best for you work-wise?

9 to 11 or so. Actually, if I could start work at 7, I'd have 4 good hours every day.

7. Favorite city that you’ve visited?

For different reasons: London (SO MUCH to see, and clean and I understand the transit system); Rome (are you kidding me? Food everywhere and history and OMG OMG); Florence (quieter, cleaner, excellent food, Michelangelo); Denver (hello, mountains and home); San Diego (perfect weather always, and the people are chill); St. Petersburg/Leningrad (even the Soviets, and brutal winters, couldn't spoil the beauty and grace of this city, no more than Hitler could manage to conquer it).

One of these times can we do the shittiest places?

8. Favorite city that you haven’t visited?

I would love to visit Barcelona. I think Taos sounds lovely, and Santa Fe. Someday I'd like to see Honolulu. And Sydney.

9. If you could donate $10,000 to charity, what charity would you pick?

I'd probably split it up between some educational charities and some that specifically work with kids. Or UNICEF which does both.

10. What is one book you wish you could get all your friends to read?

Oh, uh-uh, nope. There are a lot of good books out there. You find yours. I'll give you a list of options once I've talked to you, but for every person who loves Jane Eyre there are dozens who hate it, and both can be right. I'm not going to suggest that for Bud, for instance. Maybe for him Old Man and the Sea or some Robert Parker Spenser books (seriously, they're fun, and funny and excellent). But I wouldn't suggest those for someone like my sister Marie. Reader's Advisory is difficult.

11. What is one movie you wish you could get all your friends to watch?

See above. And I don't know films, anyway, so....

12. What do you think people assume about you from first glance?

I don't think most people even SEE me anymore unless I'm causing trouble. I think they assume I'm old, fat and stupid. Some of that may be true.

13. If you could play any musical instrument, what would it be?

I would like to be able to play piano. Maybe I'll pick it up again now that Sparky's out of the house.

14. What is your favorite item of clothing?

Pajamas.

15. Who was your first follower on your blog? Do they still follow you?

It was probably Amy, and I think she's still there. Yes?

16. If you could create one thing, what would it be?

I'd like a cure for cancer, and a few other really horrible diseases, please.

17. Favorite superhero?

Wonder Woman. Of course. Unless Mighty Mouse counts....

18. If you were to write an autobiography, what would you title it?

Boring White Bread Life would be, if nothing else, extremely accurate.

19. If you were to have a band, what would you call it?

I'm really not interested in being in a band. ...moving on...

20. What is your favorite card/board game?

Probably "Trivial Pursuit" but I like almost all games: "Sorry," "Apples to Apples," "Clue," "Life," "Parcheesi" ... you name it.

21. What was the first IM service you used? Who was the first person you talked to on it?

"prince" -- WTH?

We used Prodigy back in the early days of pre-internet life, like 1990-ish. Mostly we started there because my parents (IN THEIR 60s!) were already using it and we could 'talk' there. I think our "ID" was something like TWBX54; I was "a" and Beast was "b." The other four personas we were allowed went unused.

22. If you could give a friendly hug to any one person, who would it be? Cannot be your romantic/sexual partner if you have one.

I'm a big hugger. I hug anyone who will have me. Right now, I'd like to get a hug from Sparky.

23. Have you ever won any sort of contests? What kind?

Some academic things. Otherwise, I didn't really do a lot of competing. Still don't.

24. Who was the last person you hugged? Cannot be your romantic/sexual partner if you have one.

That would be Gail, one of my hug-buddies at church. She's been super-supportive this past week or so.

25. If you could be skilled in any one activity, what would it be? Cannot be romantic or sexual.

I would love to LOVE to cook. Or even LIKE it....

all you've got to do is decide to go...

(Stolen wholesale from Amy)

How big is your TV?

How are they measured these days? On the diagonal it's probably 36" or so. That's the main, upstairs one. Downstairs, we have a smaller one, maybe 30" diagonal, or possibly 34".

What is your most essential appliance?

HVAC as a whole. In the winter life would be pretty difficult without heat around here. In the summer, without A/C, I'd be pretty freakin' miserable.

Who was the last person to knock/ring at your door?

Actually, some neighbors-slash-friends-from-church stopped by at about 7 last night with stuff I'd ordered from Ryan's music fundraiser. Ryan was part of the group, holding a dripping bag of ice on his thumb: "I hurt it playing gaga tonight." Apparently he jammed it into someone else's both in the midst of a scrum. Got a text from his mom this afternoon: "Fractured."
(It occurs to me that we got a box delivered this afternoon and the guy rang the bell when he dropped it...but the other story is better)

What's your favourite smell/scent?

I love clean, not flowery or super-musky smells. And bread baking. And pine trees....forests of pine. And that faint scent of sage and dust that reminds me of Colorado in the summer.

Which foreign language did you have to learn at school? and do you still remember enough to hold a conversation in that language?

I took the equivalent of 10 years of Spanish from age 13 on, eventually getting a minor in it in college. I could hold a very very basic conversation in it, but I did most of my studies on paper, without a lot of conversation, so I read it (and hear it) much better than I speak it. I can also read a lot of French, Italian and Latin, some German, and some Russian and Greek.

Are you a good aim with a rubber band?

No I'm not. I'm too worried about "putting someone's eye out" by accident. Also, they HURT when they hit! Beast and his coworkers used to have wars at his first job post-college, and he often came home with welts. Sorry, this is fun?

If you were exiled what country would you choose as your new home?

Australia. Or perhaps New Zealand. I get the language, mostly wouldn't find their laws too much different from here, and the climate is more temperate than where I am now. Plus kangaroos (Aust) or mountains and sheep (NZ)! 'Course this means I've eliminated Scotland, which kind of sucks, but I assure you it's SOLELY because of the weather.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Making A List Meme

1. Do you like making lists?

I LOVE making lists!

2. Do/did you play sports with your siblings?

Hah. No. When I wanted to, they were all too much bigger and more skilled than me so it was no fun. And we never lived in the same town once they all grew up and left home.

3. Would you rather go to a University or a community college?

Nowadays, I'd be most likely to take community college classes because the nearest 4-year college is 45 minutes away. To be honest, I'm most likely to take a MOOC at an even further-away institution.

4. What’s your favorite kind of bread?

Yes.
I like all bread. I'm not fussy.

5. What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Canadian bacon, chicken, mushroom, spinach, sausage. Though perhaps not all at once.

6. What color or design does your shower curtain have?

The "outside" one is cloth with a beach scene with a lighthouse; the inner one is a cheap clear plastic one that I change every couple of years.

7. What kind of car does/did your mom drive?

When I was wee, she had a red Rambler. She got a Toyota Corolla in 1971 that she drove for the next 15 years till she got a little Subaru hatchback. Then she and Dad consolidated into one car, which was an unfortunate Dodge something-or-other. That car was cheaper than dirt and embarrassing to drive, even when I was old enough to not care what I was driving. Just a junk piece.

8. What’s on your cell phone’s home screen?

The table-top of a restaurant we ate at in Johnson City, TN 18 months ago.My lock screen photo is below, at the end of the questions.

9. Do you like to watch the National Geographic channel?

Not particularly. I kinda got my fill of that as a child, at home and at school. I like live animals, and scenery, but not hours and hours of it on TV with droning voiceover.

10. Are you the type of person to correct a survey maker’s grammar and/or spelling?

Yes. Well, if it's egregious, yes. If it's the whole sentence-ending-preposition type thing, not so much.

11. What color is your microwave?

White. And currently pretty clean, even.

12. Do you have a fan in your bedroom?

Yes.

13. Mountain Dew or Sprite?

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of either of them, but in a pinch, I'll grab a diet Dew for the caffeine. When I've got a stomach bug, I have to have warm, flat Sprite/7-Up to settle my stomach; that means the taste of those always makes me a little queasy.

14. Does it rain a lot where you live?

This summer it did! It was basically Seattle for several weeks.

15. Do you shop at Walmart regularly?

Nope. I mean, I shop there once in awhile, maybe monthly at most.

16. Does it bother you when animals lick themselves?

Only if it becomes compulsive and hurts them. I had a dog lick a paw so much we had to take him to the vet because he'd licked the skin off the pads on that foot. Not cool, dude.

17. Have you ever been to a Trader Joe’s?

Nope. I do, actually, live in the middle of nowhere.

18. What’s the longest time you’ve ever been stuck in traffic?

...but close enough to a Very Big City to be able to say that I've sat for a couple of hours creeping along at 5 mph there. I hate HATE HATE it! Give me a train or a bus, or some other commute option and I'm there!

19. Do you wear black a lot?

Nope.

20. Are there stairs in your house?

Yes. Two flights: front and back. And steps up to the front porch, too. God forbid if we ever both need wheelchairs!

21. Have you ever held $500 in cash?

I have that much in my wallet occasionally because I still pay cash for a lot of things.

22. Do you like onions on your burger?

Not as much as I used to. They do seem to come back on me more often than they used to. Also, only if I'm not working after I eat. No point in being stinky around other people.

23. Could you ever give yourself a shot?

If it was a matter of life or death, of course. But I really am rather squeamish about needles. Less than I used to be, but still....a little.

24. Do you wear shoes in the house?

NEVER!

25. Have you ever worked as a cashier?

Not per se. I've worked retail, and used a cash register in various jobs. But I've never worked at just cashing out, exclusively.

Hello, Tournament of Roses butterfly!

More from Amy

(This Amy)

1. Have you ever been admitted to hospital?

   Yes. Aside from being born, which I wouldn't really call "admission," I've been on the rolls as a patient three times: childbirth, abdominal surgery, and parathyroid surgery. I suppose, since I go to the hospital for lab tests regularly, those could count too. Oh, hey: I spent last Saturday night sleeping in the hospital too! Sleep study. Freaky-weird.

2. Have you ever had any brushes with the law?

   I've gotten one speeding ticket and have been involved in three accidents in my life, one of which resulted in a ticket. Otherwise, my mom worked for the county court, so whenever I visited her at work, I saw cops, and once barely avoided a (legit) ticket because the cop that stopped me knew Mom. [I did not ask to be excused; I really should have gotten cited--it was a stupid, stupid mistake and could have been fatal. The cop was practically spitting in anger.] And I see cops fairly regularly at work because of situations that arise there. I also had to go with Mom at least once when she was subbing for a bail bondsperson...yay sitting in chairs outside the county lockup while she did paperwork. I was about 7.

3. Can you solve Sudoko puzzles?

   Yes, yes I can. Very relaxing, and I like the electronic version(s) best.

4. What's the most unusual conversation you've ever had?

   There are the weird conversations that develop with close friends and family that involve giggle fits. Then there are the truly bizarre and often a little terrifying conversations with crazy people at work. I had a hilarious, giggle-inducing conversation with a patron yesterday that was incomprehensible and impossible to explain except that it included goofball offspring, lemurs, the children's librarian's situation at storytime on Tuesday, helicopter parents, Morgan Freeman, and early-onset forgetfulness. The woman's daughter thought we were insane--and then she started giggling too, while made me nearly cry with laughter. Good times.

5. Do you prefer liquid soap or bars of soap?

   I don't think we have a single bar of soap in the house except the stuff Beast brings home from hotels that goes into Christmas Child boxes. Which I need to start sorting out.

6. How do you have your eggs?

   The edible version? If so, scrambled soft with LOTS of salt. Or over easy with lots of lightly toasted and buttered wheat bread. Can you tell I eat in diners a lot? I know how to order. If not edible...my eggs are all gone, probably via medical incinerator.

7. Do you often read your horoscope?

   If it's the only thing in front of me, I'll read it. And then, invariably, snort. I used to create star charts for people back in the day, but I mostly liked it for the methodical, mathematical graphing functions. The "meanings" are ridiculous. Except, I do have a bit of a scorpion sting sometimes....

8. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading?

   It would be interesting. I've always wanted to go in to someplace like that and flat out lie and see if they caught me.

9. What's the ultimate cake topping?

   Lots and lots of butter-and-powdered sugar frosting. Like, LOTS of it.

10. Do you suck or bite lollipops?

    Suck till small, then chew up the last bit. But I hardly ever eat hard candy like that anymore. It happens when people's teeth get old....I used to chew on ice too, but that has fallen away as well.

11. Do you prefer to wash in the mornings or evenings?

    Wash what? I wash my face morning and bedtime. I shower in the mornings (or really anytime as long as I've got a few hours before sleep so my hair can dry). I bathe--when I have time for a soak--before bed. I do laundry....whenever it needs doing. I wash dishes when they need washing. I wash my car in the mornings, preferably. This is a weird question.

12. Have you ever danced in the rain?

    I used to love to play in the rain as a kid. Then I got glasses. It's just not fun to wear glasses in the rain.

13. Have you ever sworn at an authority figure?

    In anger? As in "F off you motherf'ing f'tard!"? No. I was in a rather, uhm, tense discussion with my boss yesterday during which I used the word "bullshit" multiple times, but I wasn't exactly saying it TO him. The phrase I recall repeating was "I don't like hearing that kind of bullshit when...." But I don't remember EVER absolutely going off, straight up, on ANY authority figure since that one day in 1983 when Mom & I got into it over her lunch break from work. I tend to manage to keep hold of the shreds of sanity enough to know it's a bad idea to terminally infuriate the people who can fuck you over with a simply finger-snap.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Blithering Idiom

1. On what topic did you last offer your uninvited two cents?

I spent the day today having no opinion on anything unless absolutely necessary (like, I chose what to order for lunch). It's been one of those weeks when no matter what I chose at work got me in trouble. OOH! Actually, I did send an email to a good friend yesterday after reading a very disturbing post on her blog. Mostly, I just confirmed that the situation she's suddenly found herself in is psychotic and scary and told her to be safe.

2. What situation this past week most resembled a three-ring circus?

The schedule at work has been completely fubar this week, more than usual. And it's Summer Reading chaos all the time too, so...yeah.

3. When did you recently give someone the four-one-one?

That's my job at work. The last person I helped was a little guy, maybe 3 years old, looking for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles books.

4. What were you in the middle of the last time you took five, and how did you spend the time?

I spent 10 minutes catching up on Facebook earlier, showing a couple of coworkers pictures for my newest great-nephew. He's, of course, totally adorable!

5. To what did you last give the deep six?

Several papers I was done working with, and a sticky-note I no longer needed.

Alt

1. A sandwich is usually some kind of ingredients between slices of bread, but what’s a great sandwich that has no bread at all?

Jimmy John's makes sandwiches with lettuce wrapping the innards. I haven't ever tried one, but that's all I can come up with.

2. A salad is generally thought of as a mixture of fresh greens, but what’s a great salad whose main ingredients are not veggies?

Fruit salad: strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, banana, pineapple....

3. Juice is usually the liquid squeezed from a fruit or vegetable. What’s a juice you enjoy that isn’t?

Electricity is juice, no? I appreciate everything it provides.

4. Milk is usually the food that a mammal produces for its young. How do you feel about milk alternatives that aren’t animal-produced?

I'm not a fan.

5. A staple is usually some food that forms the basic constituent of a cultural diet. What’s a staple in your diet that doesn’t exactly fit that definition?

Diet Dr. Pepper without which life is not worth living.