Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

My perception is that we're less racist, less homophobic, slightly less sexist, and more open about the existence of bad things (abuse, disease, etc.).

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Two words: "helicopter parents."

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

"Star light, star bright/First star I see tonight/I wish I may, I wish I might/Have the wish I wish tonight."

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

I don't listen to the radio, so if a song is overplayed it would be because I'm listening to it over and over. The one that comes to mind immediately is Pink's "Fuckin' Perfect" (not the edited version).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Not since I lived at home in my teens. It's just way too much work when DQ is right around the corner and is actually less horrific from a nutritional standpoint than homemade is.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

Encourage them and then let them take ownership. Generally. Of course, there will always be a few who just need to be pushed because they don't really want to work for whatever reason. I find the carrot approach tends to work better than the stick, though the stick is way more tempting to use, and easier in the short run.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Sometime in the last six weeks. I know we lost power at least briefly overnight once this summer, and we were out for a couple of hours another time. We lose power all the damn time, so it's hardly noteworthy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really hate allergy season. I really totally completely loathe corn pollen. And I don't feel good. And my eyes are completely fubar.

Leader? Ha ha ha

You Are a Leader

You are inventive, creative, and completely ingenious. You are extremely gifted. You are insightful and astute. You are quite savvy when it comes to most things. You are thorough and complete in everything you do. You don't leave any stone unturned. The right path is always clear, and you're a bit of a visionary. You don't take the lead, but others are welcome to follow you.

The Blue Skies Test

A former boss of mine said the same thing as this description at an annual review, but in far less complimentary terms. lol
No clue if it's accurate, really, but I suspect it's fairly close. I'm not even gonna italicize it because it makes me laugh so much.

Baaa!

You Are Not a Sheep

You don't follow the crowd. In fact, whenever it's possible, you try to avoid the crowd. You don't like blending in, and you are a complete rebel. Being like everyone else is boring. You are a distinct individual, and you're definitely on[e] of a kind. People probably consider you to be quite quirky. If anything, the herd ends up following you. And you find that to be highly annoying!

Are You a Sheep?

Generally I agree with the concept, even if this doesn't seem very highlighted. I tend to avoid crowds.

Curious as a Cat

nk in blogroll)

1) Are you a leader or a follower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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