Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Since U Been Gone (2005)

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

 

1) In this song, Kelly Clarkson is dissatisfied with her relationship and she's moving on. What's something you've moved on from lately? It could be anything from a romance to the laundry detergent you've been using for years.

I stopped being so concerned with tidying up the house before the cleaning crew arrives. Eventually, I'll have things sorted more completely, but right now there are boxes and stacks of Beast's things everywhere that I can't face.

2) She sings that she can now breathe. Studies have shown that July can be a good month for allergy sufferers because trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. How are your eyes, ears, nose and throat this morning?

I'm allergic to corn pollen so as soon as the spring BS settles down, the corn starts its thing and I'm miserable pretty much till the first hard freeze. I live in the world's largest corn field. 

3) Kelly complains that their romance reminds her of a "stupid love song." Let's be more positive: what love song do you associate with positive memories?

I heard Walking on Sunshine for the first time in eons this week and it reminded me of Beasty and I in college when we spent our summers writing writing writing letters to each other.

4) While Kelly's first love is music, she's established herself as a TV personality. In addition to her daytime talk show, she's been a judge on The Voice and hosted an awards show. Have you ever been on TV?

Yes, as a member of a marching band in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1980.
And never again.
Which is more than fine with me.

5) She has confessed a weakness for Doritos. Would we find salty snacks in your kitchen right now?

I've got a partially-emptied bag of popcorn chips right next to me right now, and a barrel of pretzel rods nearby (thanks, Beast for getting me addicted to these!), and I think there's another bag of something in the snack drawer in the kitchen. I really need to clean that out... [the drawer, not the 'bag of something']

6) Kelly has found her weight the source of public debate. Are you like Kelly, whose weight fluctuates? Or does it stay stable?

I used to be the skinniest kid in the universe. Then I got pregnant at 29 and now weigh 60 lbs. more than just before Sparky was born. Oh well. 

7) In 2005, when this song was popular, a motorist made news in Texas when he was ticketed for driving over 200 mph in a 75 mph zone. Have you ever been pulled over by the police?

Of course I have, but nothing like this. There's a village nearby that used to be a notorious speed trap and they got me once for doing 50 in a 40 zone.
Within the last year a cop pulled me for not fully stopping at the stop sign by the train station on my way home. Warning.
Then there was the time just after Beast moved into Nursing Home from Hell that I got stopped because my license plate was expired. I was within the month and the cop told me to just go get it fixed after I told him where I had just been.
Oh, and back in my young-and-dumb days I was accosted outside my mom's workplace for blowing through a four-way stop by a daycare. The cop read me out, asked why I was parked where I was and when I told him I was picking up my mom he demanded her name, after which he shooed me away with a stern warning. Oh, did I mention my mom worked at the County Courthouse? And he was very familiar with her? He followed me into the building to check my story.
After Beast got popped for a DUI, I was stopped because the car's license was on the state's auto-reader alert. Once he realized I was not Beast, he let me carry on. I offered him an Arby's curly fry in thanks.

8) Also in 2005, Tom Cruise had a pop culture moment when he famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this?

I did not see it live, but it was on Oprah. Probably a moment he wishes he could delete from his memory banks... He's a ridiculous man.

9) Random question: Tell us about a photo you wish you'd taken, but didn't.

I have a terrible photo of my dad with Sparky as a baby about a month before Dad passed away. It was the only time they were together and he was doing his patented "soda pop" trick to Sparky's glee. Unfortunately, the sun was behind him and so it's completely washed out. I wish I'd've taken more pics with the two of them, since Sparky is the first kid (5 kids, 9th grandchild) in his lineage to get the auburn hair he had as a young man. 

Well shit now I'm all weepy over my dad...30 years later.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Alec Clayton

1. If there's a personal god, what quality would you most like that person to have (and why)?

This question confuses me. Maybe I'm out of practice on answering questions. I'm going to answer, instead, what is the most important to me quality of God. That is, especially this week, that he is always there, always reliable, always forgiving, always putting up with whatever my current attitude is. That is big.

2. What's your death-row meal?

There would be pasta. Basically a good Italian meal, with wine and cheese and meat and fruit and bread and good dessert, all perfectly cooked.

3. Assuming we make it through this outbreak with minimal loss of life, what do you think our big takeaway should be?

We need to take care of each other.
(but I'm not optimistic in the Big Picture; OTOH, my local community is absolutely wonderful)

4. Whom do you find yourself missing more than you would've predicted?

Well, I dreamed last night about two of my three sisters, which was weird since one of them is dead and the other one I think just shows up, with her husband, to irritate me. In the last month, I've also dreamed about my mom regularly, a first since she died 10 years ago, and holy crap do I miss being able to sit with Beast and kick him into gear!!

5. What brings you the most joy? Not happiness, not contentment -- JOY.

Laughter. Real laughter: silliness, giggling, gut-busting. Doesn't have to be me laughing: watching it on Zoom or YouTube works almost as well.

6. Do you find yourself regretting anything you've said or done on social media?

Only everything.

7. What are your favorite and least favorite things about your body and face?

Least favorite: size. Favorite: its sturdiness, my toes, my hair, my mouth.

8. ...and your life?

Least favorite: Let me count the ways, but the big one is not being able to see (or help) Beast in any way. Favorite: my job, my friends (I'm very lucky), my house.

9. How's the self-isolation affecting your libido?

ha ha ha ha....my husband's been in a nursing home now for over 2 years. What libido?

10. Which three places in the physical universe would you most like to visit?

The Valley of the Kings, all of Australia, Mars.

11. On whom did you have a crush years ago? Have you ever told them?

So many... Some of them know and we laugh about it. Some I'll take to the grave.

12. How have your religious views changed since you were in high school?

I'd like to hope I've gotten kinder and more understanding of others.

13. If you could change one law, what would it be?

Can we just legalize cannabis everywhere in the U.S. for crying out loud! I'm not even going for a big one here, just this.

14. If you could add one commandment to the original ten, what would it be?

"Pull your head out of your ass!"

The rain falls on...

You See the World as Somewhat Just

You don't see the world in simple terms. What's just and unjust is complicated. You believe that justice is sometimes served, both in and outside the courts. But there is plenty of injustice to go around. You don't expect anyone to treat you fairly or unfairly. You do your best to protect yourself from life's uncertainty. You consider any justice you receive to be a bonus, but it's certainly not the norm.

Do You See the World as Just or Unjust?

Well, that's weird considering the way I answered the questions. Oh well, it's pretty accurate anyway.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Let's Pretend

1. What is your middle name?

Well, according to the Social Security database, it's in the top 40 names of the last century, but it hasn't been in the top 200 list since the 1950s when it was only in the top 70 or so names. I don't think I've met anyone my age or younger with that name, but you all certainly would recognize it as a "real name" if you heard it.

2. What is your favorite color?

Blue. And I'm not really fussy about what blue: teal, baby, navy, denim... Blue.

3. What’s your lucky number?

I don't think I have one. I don't "play the numbers" as a rule so it's not much of an issue. I have some "favorite" numbers, but not because they're "lucky."
However, there are some weird coincidences in our family in terms of birthdays: lots of people born on the 27th or 25th of various months and we have a pretty good record of having kids born in years ending in 3 since 1933, except we missed 2003 because my nieces missed the program.

4. Do you have any pets?

Just our little guinea pig, Pinto.

5. Where are you from?

This pretty little planet between Mars and Venus. It's lovely. You should visit. Maybe not during hurricane season, though.

6. How tall are you?

At my tallest, I was around 1.73 meters. I've shrunk some since then though.

7. What shoe size are you?

I'm running at about 10 these days. Somehow, it feels like they just keep growing, but I think it's just that my arches keep falling more and more.

8. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Ha ha ha ha. I'm not quite Imelda-level, but my mom kind of was...it's a goal. We all need goals, right?

9. What was your last dream about?

I have had a bunch of super-weird dreams this week. Lots of traveling, packing, and cleaning. Yeah. Go nuts with all that interpretation.

10. What talents do you have?

Ugh. Right now, it seems my talent involves headaches and irritated GI tracts. Not feeling the joy today.

11. Are you psychic in any way?

I don't even know if I buy psychic powers, to be honest. Sometimes things happen that are creepily coincidental, but I don't think it's psychic.

12. Favorite song?

"Amazing Grace" either the traditional version (sung fairly straight) or Chris Tomlin's version. Though a good gospel version will rock me too.

13. Favorite movie?

Shoah.

14. Are you religious?

Yes.

15. Have you ever been to the hospital?

Of course. I was a candystriper for cryin' out loud. I spent time in hospitals from about age 2 as a visitor (very sick sister). I take Beast to the hospital again this Thursday for another nerve treatment. I spend a lot of time in hospitals. I've only been a patient IN the hospital twice though, thank God!

16. Have you ever been in trouble with the law?

I've gotten one ticket in my life. And I got pulled over last spring because my car came up as suspended, according to the cop; he was really sweet, and it was because Beast's license is suspended, not the car.

17. Have you ever met any celebrities?

Not really. It's not my thing to search them out.

17. What color socks are you wearing?

I have naked feet. It's still summer in my house!

18. Have you ever been famous?

Noooo....I've been in the paper a couple of times when I was interviewed at work. I don't really think that counts, though; both times were local papers.

20. Would you like to be a big celebrity?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

21. What type of music do you like?

I like almost every kind of music, especially if I understand it. Like, I don't really get Asian music but that's probably because I have no conception of how it works, what it's supposed to sound like.

22. How many pillows do you sleep with?

Just one. I have an extra for reading in bed, but it puts my neck at a weird angle for sleeping.

23. What position do you usually sleep in?

Always on my side. Would love to sleep on my stomach sometimes, but not with a CPAP on my face. The only time I ever sleep on my back is if I have an upset stomach. I know, don't ask.

24. How big is your house?

It's about 2100 sq. feet plus basement. FAR too large for two people, but it's full of cra ...er, furniture and uh, stuff, that one or the other of us refuses to get rid of: "we might need it someday."

25. What do you typically have for breakfast?

Usually a bagel with some kind of (sliced) cheese on it.

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nope. Not my thing, honestly.

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

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

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

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

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

Very few. I'm more into stage soundtracks.

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

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

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

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

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight No Chaser

1. What keeps you on the straight and narrow?

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

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

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

3. How straight are your teeth and hair?

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

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

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

5. What’s something that needs straightening?

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

Tiny Gestures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   The Trump family.

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Chicago Crazy Questions

1) What was your dream growing up?

I don't remember really having "plans" or hopes for specific adult things aside from not having to answer to people (ha ha ha -- what a joke!). I do remember a couple of really weird, scary literal dreams, though.

2) What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I had more sticktuitiveness. I do think some people are innately better at seeing things through.

3) If I bought you a drink what would it be?

Long Island Iced Tea. Or Stoli rocks, lime twist.

4) What was the last book you read?

The last one I finished was Atlas Obscura. If you're an armchair adventurer, I recommend it.

5) Worst Habit?

Laziness.

6) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?

If I saw you, Bud, I would. However, I generally don't stop for people walking.

7) What is your favorite sport?

To watch: football. To play: uh.... bocce?

8) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?

Call for help and then try not to think about whether I have to pee.

9) Worst thing to ever happen to you?

I try not to dwell on the tragedies of life. What I consider "worst" might be other people's pretty good days.

10) Tell me one weird fact about you.

I think if you read my blog, you will (or have) become abundantly aware of just how weird I am.

11) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?

I would be mortified if someone showed up today. The place is a pit, a sty, and I just can't keep up. But, I'd welcome you in and clear a place for you to sit a spell.

12) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

I would LOVE to be half my weight, literally. I have now achieved double my weight in my 20s. :'(

13) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

Depends on what we're doing, but I'm more likely to be the chicken-shit overly-conscientious one.

14) Ever been arrested?

Nope. Just a couple of traffic tickets.

15) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?

Pay down the mortgage.

16) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

This. And read.

17) Biggest pet peeve?

Mean, nasty people.

18) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Empathetic.

19) Do you believe in/appreciate romance?

Meh.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Place for Pumpkin Questions

1. If "happiness" was the global currency, what kind of work would make you a gazillionaire?

My current job would probably have me be rolling in dough. I really do enjoy myself at work, and love my job. Except, when, you know, politics happens.

2. Would you break the law to save someone you loved? And, if so, how far would you be willing to take it?

Depends on the law. If it's a stupid law, or a morally wrong one, I wouldn't really have compunction about sacrificing it before a loved one. I would, of course, always pick someone I like to survive in a head-to-head battle over someone I didn't know/like.

3. Is it possible to really know the truth without questioning it first?

Not about most things. We really aren't born "knowing things" too often. And the stuff we are is pounded out of us well before we turn 5.

4. Do you remember that one time . . . oh, about 5 years ago or so . . . when you were really, really upset? Does it really matter now? If not now, then when?

Five years ago I was pretty much mad and panicky about everything. And yeah, it was a tempest in a teapot for the most part. Why? What have you heard?

5. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

In some areas, yes. Pretty much anything that causes children to suffer is evil. Cancer is evil. Some things are much harder to determine. Should Hitler have been assassinated in the 30s before he could inflict the war and the Holocaust on people?

6. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I've reached the happy age where the confluence of tiredness and lack of caring have put a stop to anything that's likely to get me in trouble. I really don't care if I'm judged. I'm going to be judged regardless of what I do.

7. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I would prefer to never have to do any housework ever again. Otherwise, I'm in a good place.

8. Would you rather be an anxious genius, or a tranquil fool?

Right now, Tranquil Fool sounds like a very peaceful way to die.

9. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

My job is very much about the former; that's where the payoff is. However, over the last 3 or so years, I've really become far more interested in doing the latter. The real payoff is there, but it's approximately 800 times harder.

10. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

I definitely feel like my age today. Lovely spring day means hello allergies and sore eyes. And the fact that I had two cookies with dinner has made me queasy. Two cookies = too much sugar?? WTF....oh well.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Getting to Know You Questions

1. Would you prefer to be smart or happy, and why?

Happy, but I suppose that would get tiresome after awhile. I dunno. I think there's no way to pick just one of these since situations and needs change so frequently.

2. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?

Invisibility.

3. What is your biggest regret in life so far?

Just one? I have so many....

4. If you could marry a fictional character, who would it be and why?

My first answer was going to be Almanzo Wilder, but he's not really fictional. So...Robert Parker's Spenser. (or Hawk)

5. If money and career were no object, where in the world would you choose to live?

Right now, as winter approaches, pretty much any random Greek island, or specifically Ydra.

6. What’s the last book you read that you simply could not put down until you finished?

I can't think of anything that's grabbed me like this for awhile. I mean, I've read some good books, but my life has been so fragmented this year that sustained, unputdownable reading is not happening.

7. What television show do you plan your day around in order to see it live?

I don't watch anything live. Even football games get DVR'd so we can skip ads. OK, maybe SNL...naw, we DVR that too.

8. What extracurricular activities or sports did you participate in when you were in high school?

I was in Band, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. I was in a couple of clubs too but nothing real time-intensive.

9. Of all your pet-peeves, which is the strangest?

I'm not sure I'd notice if they were that strange, would I? Honestly, I can't think of any weird peeves. Maybe people who claim to be Christian but clearly don't let it affect their actual behavior toward others. Ever.

10. Is it better to beg forgiveness or ask permission?

As a Mom, I must say that it always better to ask permission. As a human being, I'd rather ask forgiveness.

11. If you inherited or won a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Pay off the house. Put the rest in an IRA or something similar.

12. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

The most mortifying moment was whipping around at work because I had HAD it with a coworker interrupting me... and it was my boss who was trying to get my attention. I saw the next few months and years in startling clarity in that moment. Weirdly, accurately, and horrifying.

13. Which fictional character do you believe is the most like yourself?

Jo, from Little Women. Or at least I wish.

14. Are you superstitious? If so, what are you most superstitious about?

I would love to say no, but I do knock wood and other silly things like that.

15. Do you believe it is vital to everyday life to know what is happening in the world around you?

I've made it this far without knowing everything that's going on, so ... Seriously, I do think one should try to keep track of the Big Wide World in general terms so as to not do too much navel-gazing.

16. What is the nicest thing anybody has said, or you believe they would say, about you?

Beast told me several years ago that he was amazed at how kind I am. I was floored. I certainly never would have said that about myself.

17. What are your life and career goals in 5, 10 and 15 years?

I'd like to be alive. Perhaps in 15 years I'll be able to retire. The way things are going though, that's not necessarily likely.

18. Would you rather live in a large house in the suburbs, or a tiny apartment in the city with an excellent view?

Can't I have both? Really, I'd rather be in the suburbs, but not in a large house. Smaller is better.

19. What are you[r] three weaknesses?

I have way more than just three!! The first three I thought of are my big mouth, my inability to let sleeping dogs lie, and my impatience.

20. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Smart, anxious, middle-aged.

21. Which is more logical to follow—your heart or your head?

Logic = head.

22. Are you spiritual or religious in any way? If so, how?

Yeah, I am. But I'm less than interested in converting anyone. I just want people to not be hypocritical and horrible.

23. If you could have any career possible, what would it be?

I like my current career. Although hanging around doing nothing all day has its perks as well.

24. Have you ever been arrested or contracted any diseases?

... How are these related? I've gotten a speeding ticket. And of course I've had diseases: strep, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathryoidism, various eye issues, influenza, pneumonia, German measles, chicken pox, hyperglycemia.... What a ridiculous question.

25. Which is better—a novel or a movie?

Depends on the book or movie in question. Usually, the book, though.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Are there any men or women in blue on your family tree?

My brother was a police officer briefly. I have photos of him in uniform, but otherwise you wouldn't know. He switched to EMT/Fire fairly quickly. Probably the best call of his life. Weirdly, his son has always wanted to be a cop; he's currently working for TSA. Does that count as police?

2. Are you someone who suffers from the Sunday night blues? What helps you get over it?

No. I like my job, and weekends being the way they've been over the past few years, I usually can't wait to get out of the house Monday morning.

3. I read the color blue is an appetite suppressant since there are very few naturally blue foods out there. How do you feel about blue cheese? Love it or blech? If you're a fan, what's something you like that's made with blue cheese?

I like bleu cheese just fine, though with other food, not alone. Bleu cheese dressing is my favorite salad topper.

4. We can't head in to the Labor Day weekend without a related question, can we? Complete this thought: I work best when____________________.

...people leave me [[expletive]] alone to get stuff done.

5. 'Everything yields to diligence.' Antiphanes Your thoughts? (on this particular quote or on diligence in general)

Diligence will not stop rain from falling or bullets from killing people. Working to help flood victims or victims of violence in a diligent manner is possible, just hard work doesn't always achieve everything. It's one of the fallacies that arrives all boxed up as LIES THE WORLD TOLD ME at about midlife when you realize you can't postpone death forever.

6. The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 25th. Have you been to many of America's National Parks? If so share with us a favorite or two. Which National Park would you most like to visit before the next birthday rolls around?

I have been to several; in fact, I now have a passport. In the past year, I've been to the Abraham Lincoln Home and El Morro in San Juan. Of course, I've also been to Yellowstone and Little Bighorn and Rushmore; of those three, I can't recommend highly enough a lengthy stop at Little Bighorn. My favorite part is Mesa Verde, where I've visited a dozen times. I love climbing around there. I'm not likely to see any more U.S. Parks this year; it's possible we'll drive through Brecon Beacons while on vacation next month.

7. Bid farewell to August in seven words or less.

Bring on the fall and lower humidity!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have, it seems, only random thoughts these days. My goal today is to maintain my composure and not have another afternoon of anxiety attacks like I did yesterday. One hour, one minute, at a time.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Gongerling Meme

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course)

When we built the house we currently live in, we each had a "want" list. Beast wanted a fireplace in the living room, so we rearranged one wall of windows and stuck in a rock fireplace with built-in cupboards on either side. I wanted the 'pantry' turned into a full-wall bookshelf in the kitchen and the laundry room turned into the pantry. Done. (oh, and a porch) Sparky wanted a hidey hole or "secret clubhouse" space--he was 10 at that point--and we cut a small door into the storage area under the eaves behind his bedroom and presto!

Nowadays, I think my only request would be a shit-ton of storage because we really own way too much stuff. It's ridiculous.

2. What is your dream car?

A chocolate brown soft-top Jeep. I'd settle for yellow. And it has to come with a dog.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog.

Inoreader because I can read EVERYthing there. This is closely followed by Facebook, which I think I could ALSO read on Inoreader if I set it up that way!

4. iPhone or Droid, which do you want/have?

I have a Samsung Android phone. I do not support Apple.

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up?

Play a game, read a book, take a nap. Eat. Some of these are more helpful than others, both in the short- and long-term.

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate.

Teenagers crack me up. Not in large sheeplike masses, but individually. They are simply so much fun to get to know.

7. What did you want to be when you grew up?

Free. Out of my parents' house. Otherwise, I just wanted to not be bossed around by everyone on such a regular basis. It wasn't always delightful being the youngest kid.

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance?

The only one I would have ever considered was The Amazing Race, but I'm way too out of shape to do it now!

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up? (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.)

In grade school it was Mrs. Morley (her married name--she was Ms. Groff before that) was, in my 10-year-old eyes the living image of Cher. So cool and nice and modern. In middle school...Mr. Gilchrist was a riot, and I learned a lot from Mrs. White. High school...it seems unkind not to say my band director because everyone else would, and I did like him, but I have to go with either Miss Fitz or Ms. Philippe for a number of reasons.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do?

One free pass only means I'm likely to get hooked and want to keep doing it. It wouldn't be awful if I could get away with robbing a bank without injuring anyone, though.

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago this week was our last vacation with family friends that we'd traveled with for 5-6 years at that point. We got involved in youth group after that and that ate up our vacation time every year. All the grown-ups went to college together and one of their kids is my godson. I've talked about him before--he's an adult now but as a child he was a fucking nightmare (and remember, I like kids!)--and Sparky actually requested that we not go with them anymore because he literally hated this kid. Ironically, I found out last Monday, he and Sparky are now working quite literally yards from each other, not together precisely but in the same place. The dad agreed last night to be Beast's temporary AA sponsor until Beast can get someone who lives closer. Life is weird.

12. By this time next year, I ...

...will be a year older. I am not making any plans beyond the next hour or so. Not today for sure. There's far too much up in the air to even consider what 2017 will look like.

13. What is something that you need to do but you've procrastinated on?

Sort through the aforementioned piles of crap in this house.

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime?

Hmmm. Dr. Kovac from ER? Beast would expect me to say Sam from NCIS:LA.

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?

The thing that gets me going the fastest is stupid driving in front of me on the road.

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?

More than 100 miles away from home (rather than more than 100 miles round trip) was our trip to the Caribbean in April. We've been to visit Sparky since then, but that's about 105 miles round-trip, more or less).

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

Dictionary, though I do use the online thesaurus regularly when I get tired of using the same word. (you are all thinking, "not enough" now, aren't you?!) I haven't used our paper dictionary here at home for years, though.

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it?

Believe it or not, Cat. is not my real first name!

19. What are you dreading at the moment?

Being The Enforcer. Rather, I'm dreading the thought of perhaps having to do that. I hate being the Bad Cop.

20. Do you have a meme you think we should steal? (Yes, an old trick. But c'mon now. I gotta give it a shot. It's a lot harder to find memes now. But it's ok to answer "You're lazy" an call it a day.)

Here ya go, Bud. I can't guaranteed any of them are GOOD questions, but there's a lot to choose from there.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Upper Body

1. What’s got you scratching your head?

   I'm pretty confused about politics right now. It's like the GOP-Goes-to-Vegas--the weirdest show on earth right now. It's entertaining and actually a bit scary.

2. What’s the big news in your neck of the woods?

   The election was a bit of a problem this week. They've changed the check-in process to electronic and between that and a new County Clerk not knowing her shit, there were some issues. Two people I spoke to on Tuesday had problems voting properly, and the County Supervisor had to get an order to keep the polls open an extra 90 minutes...except not all the polling places were contacted to inform them so they closed at 7 like usual. And some didn't open on time because the building custodians weren't there early. And the technology issues were difficult to resolve because the Clerk wasn't picking up the phone ... all day.
   
   I personally had no trouble: in fact this week was the first time in the 11 years I've lived here that the people at the polls included me in the conversation while I was there. I guess I'm officially a 'local' now, even if I did still (again) ask for a Dem ballot.

3. What has everyone else raising an eyebrow, but is only getting a shrug of the shoulders out of you?

   The political debate between Hilz camp and the Bern-ers. Really, as long as it's not a Repug, this year I'm going to celebrate in November.

4. What are you keeping an eye on?

   Myself. Only myself. Or trying to. Harder than you'd think, though.

5. What’s something you’ve done an about-face on recently?

   I'm trying like hell this year to differentiate between the important things in life, what's my problem to solve and what's not, and keeping my damn opinion to myself unless asked.

Ticket to the Weekend

1. How many traffic tickets have you received, and what was the first?

   I've gotten two, both in the last 10 years. The first was for speeding in a local community notorious for speed traps, the other was for inattentiveness when I plowed into my neighbor's work truck a couple of years later. Ironically, both of these were while Sparky was either learning to drive or in his early driving years. He was with me in two accidents while he was in high school--the other one was not my fault. Otherwise, I've never had accidents or tickets. Haven't since then either, probably in 5-6 years. Knock wood.

2. What are some of the ticket stubs you’ve held onto?

   Hmmm, when I was scrapbooking, I kept all that kind of stuff. Now, not so much. I did notice the ticket stub for "A Walk in the Woods" on my dresser this morning--we saw that last fall.

3. What have you seen because someone had extra tickets?

   Several years ago, one of my coworkers had tickets for a kids' version of Wizard of Oz in the Big City to the East. I still use the string bag that I got that day for day-traveling. It was a very good show, and the tickets were for the 2nd row. Weird sitting that close in a theater that big.

4. What have you won in drawings or raffles?

   Very damned little. Beast is the raffle-winner in the family, not me. Honestly the only thing I remember winning was a turkey at Thanksgiving when I was around 12.

5. How do you and your friends usually handle a restaurant bill?

   Depends on the situation. We either split it or get separate checks, though it's really dependent on a lot of things, including how much cash either of us has.

Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what we have been makes us what we are

(From the Gerbster)

What type of music do you like?

"Good beat, easy to dance to" and something I would rate 70 or above if I were on American Bandstand. If you don't get the reference, it's because you're probably under 30 and not a fan of watching old AB eps.

Have you ever been skinnydipping?

Nope. When I was about 17, I attended my first funeral for a friend, Amy G. She was an athlete, a church pal, and a cool, nice person who made one very bad decision--to go swimming in a tarped pool at night, alone. The theory, one theory, at the time was that her heart gave out due to an issue she wasn't aware she had. Aside from not being able to swim, the experience--sneaking out, doing something randomly silly and potentially dangerous--soured me on silly-dangerous stuff like skinnydipping and playing chicken.

How many pillows do you sleep with?

I sleep with just one, but I have another to prop me up to read before I go to sleep. The downside of bifocals is I can't read lying down so easily.

What position do you often sleep in?

Usually my right side lately, in a modified fetal position. But I flip side to side a couple of times most nights.

What do you wear to bed?

Pajamas, or what I have on if it's relatively comfy: sweats, T-shirt, etc.

Could you ever go out with someone just 'cause they're rich?

I might were the world I live in totally different. That is, I'd 1) have to be single, 2) want to be going on dates, 3) be a completely different age/look than I am now, and 4) need a sugar daddy.

Have you ever contemplated suing someone?

Not me, personally. There's a definite trade-off in time, effort and sticktuitiveness, which has never balanced against whatever wrong has been done to me. However, my parents did participate in a class-action lawsuit back in the '60s when my sister nearly died, on her behalf. The plaintiffs won and the payout covered the down-payment on the house Ellen and Dean bought when they got married.

Do you believe in karma?

I don't think of it as quid pro quo but I definitely do think that you get back what you put out there in the world. If you're negative and paranoid, that's what you'll think the world is about. And if you're optimistic and kind, ditto.

Do you believe in revenge?

I believe that it is a delightful feeling to see someone bad "get theirs" but I wouldn't generally want to think I go out of my way to be vengeful.

Who is the most intelligent person you know?

I know lots of smart people. They aren't all necessarily "book-smart." My friend Annie and my niece Elizabeth are music-smart in a way I'm not able to be; that doesn't mean they didn't struggle with high-level math. I have several friends my age who have had very difficult lives in ways I can't imagine; they are smart about things I hope I never have to know. My nephew James is spatially smart: he can figure out how to take apart and fix anything mechanical; he's a complete idiot about people skills though. My sister Marie is very very smart about a lot of stuff, but her taste in men is horrible. A friend of mine, Lisa, is aMAZing with motivating people and pushing projects along, but she isn't at all academically-minded. Smartest? They're all smart. Most of them are smarter than me in some way, which is part of why I keep them around; theoretically, I might learn something!

What's the craziest thing you've ever done for someone?

If you think too hard about the whole childbirth and parenting process, you would never in a million years do it. The likelihood of pain and suffering on a scale unequaled by most anything else in life is terrifying--and I'm not just talking about physical pain here. The merest though of losing a child, of having to make end-of-life decisions about a child, of having to watch them injure and destroy themselves will (and should!) break the strongest heart. The craziest thing I've ever done is think I could get through parenthood without heartbreak. And we have an easy kid!!

Do you throw bread for the ducks?

Nope. I honestly never think of it, and I really do NOT want them in my yard...or geese. Geese are fucking evil.

Where do you like to go to on a first date?

Somewhere we can talk. So maybe not just a movie or theatrical event.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Mac'n Cheese Meme

Can you ever get enough of mac ‘n’ cheese?


Actually yes I can. We have it--homemade--often. I get tired of it.

Are you allergic to nuts or diary products?


Heh, no, nor dairy products even. I was told once that I might be on the verge of developing a peanut allergy but it never blossomed.

Do you think age matters in relationships?

Sure, it matters if it matters.

Has anyone ever called the cops on you?

Not...yet. That I know of.

Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?

That hasn't happened in a very very long time.

What’s the connection between the last person you texted?

We're married.

Are you in a good mood?

No, actually, I'm in the middle of an anxiety attack and feeling very put-upon and crabby.

Excited for anything?

This weekend to be over? I do get to play with a two-year-old this week, so that could be fun. And his mom, my niece.

Do you have a hard time controlling your emotions?

Yes, and this is why I'm feeling anxious and crabby.

Do you like your height?

Yes. I like being tallish.

How long have you lived in your current home?

It'll be 12 years next month.

Could you go a week without brushing your teeth?

No. Yuck. I mean I could, but yuck.

Have you ever given any amount of money to the homeless?

Yup.

Own anything from Bath & Body Works?

...yeah, a few things. OK, a few dozen things. ;-)

Have you ever had your nails so long that they curved down at the ends?


I rarely have very long nails at all (hello, nail-biter here), but I have one nail that does curve down as soon as it gets past the nail bed.

Have you ever swallowed a bunch of salt water by accident?

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a good idea though.

Does it take you over an hour to go to sleep sometimes?

Quite often. And if/when I do drop off quickly, I generally wake up within an hour and then I'm awake forever. Welcome to my very interesting night-time hours.

When you get home from school/work do you change into your pjs right away?

Not usually, though I often change into more comfortable clothes.

Have you ever stayed up all night and the whole next day without any sleep?

Multiple times. Isn't this more-or-less part of being a grown-up? I mean in the last year alone, I've done that because my house flooded in the middle of the night, and because I had to take Beast to the ER at bedtime and stay with him and bring him home. And for other reasons in the past.

Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty feet?

I have no idea. Not recently. I think my feet are ok, though, which is, perhaps, more important.

What is the temperature currently in the town you live in?

Officially, it's 66. Perfect fall evening.

Do you ever actually drink milk alone?

I don't drink milk, period. About 10 years ago I decided that, at age 40+ and never liking the stuff, I was totally DONE with it.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Stay with Me (2014)
... because Kwizgiver recommended it
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Sam Smith explains that this song is about just not wanting to wake up alone. How about you? Are you comfortable being by yourself?

I adore being alone. Alone is awesome. Part of the reason for feeling this way is having learned to entertain myself as a child, being the youngest of 5, far younger than everyone else. My nearest sib moved permanently out of the house when I was about 10. There weren't really too many kids in the neighborhood. And nowadays, Beast travels for work and is gone probably 60% of each month. I come home to an empty house during the work-week a lot. It's nice not to have to be social after a long day of sociability at work.

2) Last year a lawsuit filed by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, who maintained that "Stay with Me" was really just "I Won't Back Down." Petty and Lynne won. Have you ever served on a jury?

I was called and went through part of voir dire before being dismissed (for recalling the article in the paper about the defendant). Your timing is great though: this week I received a summons for Grand Jury duty next month. Whee!

3) Smith performed this on The David Letterman Show. Did you watch Dave's final episode last May?

Nope. But that's par--I think I might have sat through, at most, 5 full episodes of the show over it's entire run. I never really 'got' Dave's humor.

4) Smith says his style was influenced by ladies with "massive voices," including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Chaka Kahn, and Whitney Houston. Of those four, which do you listen to most often?

Adele probably edges out Amy at this point. I never listen to Whitney without hearing Beast sneering in my head, and ... well, Chaka isn't really on my list. What about Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. Melissa Etheridge?? Janis Joplin?? Mary J? Beyonce? Sam, you disappoint me.

5) Speaking of style, Mr. Smith is a smart dressed man who looks comfortable and dapper as he walks the red carpet in a tux. Do you enjoy getting dressed up for special occasions?

Not particularly. If I had stylists and what-all, it might be different, but I don't so it pretty much sucks.

6) "Occasions" is a word that makes Crazy Sam stumble because she can never remember how to spell it correctly. Are you a good speller?

Yes, but I'm full of self-doubt so I'm not ashamed of using spell-check and looking up words. "Occasion" isn't one of my bugbears, but i have a lot of trouble with double-vowel words ("niece," "gauge," etc.), and the -ant/-ent endings

7) Sam Smith was born on May 19, which makes him a Taurus. When did you last check your horoscope?

The last time we ate at a Chinese restaurant, which is the wrong kind of horoscope, I realize. I don't follow astrology much at all.

8) Tauruses are supposed to be reliable, organized and ambitious. Do any of those three adjectives describe you?

I'm fairly reliable, and occasionally organized. Not ambitious at all. Good think I wasn't born in late May/early June, eh?

9) Random question: Look at the floor. Do you see carpet, rug, hard wood or tile?

Wood laminate.

when a true genius appears in the world...

(Stolen from Amy)

What would be your biggest achievement to date?

It's not job-related, though I've done well there, for sure. I would say the big achievements of my life have been extremely personal: raising a child to adulthood who shows promise of being a Very Good Person, staying married for 29 years through a fair number of bumps and stumbles, maintaining my faith, discovering that I'm OK and Good Enough.

Do you prefer baths or showers?

Baths. I love a good soak with a good book and bubbles.

Are you a good liar?

I was always amazed as a child at the bald-faced lies my mom (seemed to) believe. Later, I have wondered if she was content to let me stew in my guilt and bad judgment. I've certainly done that with Sparky at times. As an adult, I lie -- white lies, mostly -- almost daily: answers to questions such as "How do I look?" and "Aren't you glad to see me?" and my most common response "It's great to see you!"

Are you a good judge of character?

Eventually. Sometimes I try to hard too see the good side of things when I really should just let the situation be what it actually is.

Are you any good at charades?

I think so, but this is really more of a function of how well your teammates know you, or rather, how well you connect with them. I also haven't played charades in many decades.

How long could you go without talking?

Seeing as how I regularly talk to myself, not long. How long could I go without speaking to another person? DAAAAAYYYYSSSS (and it sounds like heaven!).

Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?

I didn't win it; Beast did. I'm pretty sure all those prizes have been relegated to the garbage long since.

Why does it always rain on me?

Because you're too stupid (or pathetic) to remember to bring your umbrella.

Why doesn't it ever seem to rain on me?

And we have achieved some level of incompatibility here....

Have you ever sailed a boat?

I've been on probably 10 boats total in my entire life, ranging from rowboat to large lake-vessel. I'm not a fan of being out in the middle of big water because of the whole (not) swimming thing. Big boats I'm ok with. I white-knuckle the rowboat and canoe options.

Do you have a lawyer?

Do I need one? What have you heard?!
I have one very good friend who is a (non-practicing) attorney, I work with a woman whose husband is a good criminal attorney, and I know a couple of other attorneys who mostly practice family law and do wills and that sort of thing. One works for the nearest Judicial District. So, I think actually I'm set, should I need legal advice.

Do you buy people presents to bring back when you go on holiday?

As a rule, when you become a parent and take trips without the child(ren), it's a good idea to bring back something for your offspring. So in that respect, yes. I also try to bring something back to snack on for people at work. And if I see stuff for my friends, I'll snag it too. But I'm not always on the lookout, I fear.

Are you the sort to step in and try to break up a fight?

Only to shift it to somewhere I don't have to deal with it. My go-to when people start posturing is, "Don't get blood on the carpet! If you're going to fight, take it outside." And that's if I'm in a position of authority at work or somewhere. If I'm out in public, I would be most likely to call 911 on adults or older teens, and maybe start hollering at kids. I stay completely out of anything involving an animal fighting. Always.

Have you ever been in a fight?

Have you met my family?! We have been known to fight over the stupidest things, verbally. There's not a lot of hitting, though. The last time I hauled off and smacked someone was 12 years ago when Sparky did something asshatted and I spanked him, which was also the ONLY time I spanked him. It hurt my hands and wrists, so yeah. I've been in one fight per se on the playground in 5th (?) grade with Jeri J.

Have you ever started a rumour?

I don't think I've done it intentionally or maliciously, but I'm sure I have been involved in untoward speculation that has gotten out of hand. I'm not proud of that.

Have you ever heard any outstanding rumours about yourself?

No. I kind of wish I would. As far as I know for sure, no one talks about me. Which, in all seriousness, is probably just fine.

Do you own a paddling pool?

I don't even know WTF this is!

What potential talents do you think you might have if you worked at them?

Writing, organizing, copy-editing, teaching.

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Scene: Living room. 8:23 a.m. Beast is upstairs showering. We've checked in our sleep overnight and recovery from yesterday's moving day. Looks like a cloudy, potentially-rainy day outside.

Today's Plan: We're off to church in 20 minutes. Then home where I will rearrange what's left in Sparky's room, sort and start laundry, and clean the guinea pig cage. Beast needs to do the bills. We'll probably watch a race.

Drinking: I should just skip this one: the answer is always the same. Diet Dr. Pepper straight from the can.

Listening to: It's very quiet in the house: clock ticking, laptop keys tick-tacking as I type, and the laptop fan. I love living where it's quiet. I can hear Beast getting ready and feeding the piggies. He's got his usual "drainage cough" which he refuses to see a doctor about....

Participating in: The usual. I got a jury duty summons this week for the entire month of September; it's for grand-jury, rather than petit, which explains the longer time for service. Also, kinda more fun from my perspective.

Blogging about: The usual. Spending more time on Facebook and reading other people's stuff than writing my own. I did finish a couple of books this week, so I need to update the reviews on GoodReads and transfer them to the book blog.

Giving thanks for: I'm really pleased at the place Sparky moved into yesterday. It's very small but adorable and full of character. We got to meet one of his longest-term college friends--but not his roommate, weirdly, even though he was supposed to have been there "all day"--and I snuck in some religious quotes by lining his dresser drawers with wrapping paper with Bible verses. God's got his back, even though he doesn't seem to "need" God right now. So today is my first official full day as an Empty Nester.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Shout Out The Answer Meme

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

Only if I'm alone. I've discovered how annoying it is when someone does that while you're trying to watch (and figure out the answers).

Do you get over-involved with TV or movie plots at times?

Define "over-involved." lol
I've dreamed about TV shows. And yes, I do find myself pondering the show--or rather the characters--at odd times at work or while doing chores.

What's the highest hill or mountain you've ever climbed?

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado. While I never "climbed a mountain" in the sense of people doing Everest, I've been up my share of 12,000-foot+ high peaks. And rooted around the sides of several of those for fun too. From bottom to top in one go, that would be Big Squaw Mountain with my mother-in-law, Beast, and his brother in about 1988.

Do you have a piggy bank?

I do. One of these days I'll take a picture of it so I can post it. I love that bank!

What's the fastest you've ever traveled in a car?

TOO fast. I was in a car going close to 100 mph in traffic probably 20 years ago. It was exhilarating and stupid as hell.

Could you ever hand milk a cow?

Probably not. I suspect whichever cow got stuck with me would be pretty irritated pretty quickly, and I'd probably get smacked with a hoof or two. Also, I don't think my hands would hold up long enough. Yay, RSI.

Which was your favorite science? Biology, Physics or Chemistry?

Bio, once we got past cells. I hated the always-too-lengthy focus on cells, but systems, oh yeah! Loved muscles, skeletons, even nerves and digestive systems! OK, not a fan of all the stomach enzymes, but otherwise......SO COOL!

Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)

I had two surprise baby showers before Sparky was born! Clearly, my brain wasn't working very well that both times I was 100% clueless. I threw a surprise graduation party for Beast when he got his MBA--at our house! He had no idea.

Have you ever warn clothing with the labels/tags still attached?

Nowadays, with the printed-on tags, I do it all the time. :-) And yes. Not too long ago, someone had to peel something off the back of my leg off of pants I was wearing for the first time. That was a little embarrassing.

Have you ever slipped on a banana skin?

Nope. I wonder where that comes from? Did people used to do that? Or was that a stand-in for all the piles of manure that used to litter streets prior to cars?

Are you scared of the dark?

Nope. I actually love darkness. I fully respect the power of darkness to mess with our senses, though. Ever been underground in a cave with no flashlight? Yeah. Awesome-scary.

Do you have a lawyer?

Hmmm. I know a fair number of attorneys, but I haven't paid any of them recently. We really need to go get our wills updated, though. Soon.

If you had a paid year off, what would you want to do?

Travel! I would love to do a world cruise.

How long did you[r] last phone call last?

...I can't even remember the last time I used a phone outside of work calls. My last work call, yesterday, was probably only a minute of actual phone time, with a period on hold in the middle. Personal call.....jeez, I think it's been over a week, when I call someone in Al-Anon about missing a meeting where I had meant to drop off boxes.

Have you ever helped someone across the road?

Yup. Everyone in my family is older than me, and many of them are or have been frail.

Have you ever been wolf whistled in public?

Ugh, thank God I'm old now!! I was first wolf-whistled while sitting on my front lawn when I was about 11. Who the FUCK does that?

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.