Friday 5

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Intense intents in tents

1. When have you recently been the ringmaster?

I feel like I'm often juggling at least 10 plates and 3 rings at work. The life of a middle manager....

2. When have you recently walked a highwire?

I'm currently kind of stranded in the middle of walking across a deep metaphorical (emotional) chasm on a very narrow path, trying not to freak out and remind myself that if I got to the middle I can get to the other side.

3. When have you recently been an acrobat?

I spent almost half my work hours this week in the children's department, which I don't hate at all, but I canNOT do my actual work in there during Summer Reading. So, I didn't get a lot of forward progress done in getting new books out to the shelves. It's past time to get the new children's librarian on board and we still have another week to go! 

4. When have you recently been a lion tamer?

I am a terrible lion tamer. If this were my job, the lions would bite off my head in 3 seconds and the act would be over. This is why I'm relegated to children rather than dealing with adults, i.e. potential lions.

5. When have you recently been the strongman or strongwoman?

Isn't this where I say this is my full-time life, and has been for the past 8-ish years? I'm tired. Can someone else please be in charge of everything for me for a few weeks?

All of this is to say that, unfortunately, this IS my circus and these ARE my monkeys. 

Sunday Stealing

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Time Travel

What were you doing ...

1. Twenty years ago?

Judging by my ancient blog--yes, I was blogging 20 years ago!--things were interesting. Lots of library gossip, feelings about work (the concept of being behind at that point is very quaint these days), shopping with my only Shopping Friend (miss those days--this was a Restoration Hardware trip), and Words of the Day. 

2. Ten years ago? 

Again, going by what the blog (different one) says, we were heading into Empty-Nesthood. Sparky had just graduated from college and was headed off to his first (ill-fated) job and middle-school projects' judging was going on. I really miss those. Sparky is currently desperate to have ANY other job than the one she currently has, so that hasn't changed as much as I would hope. My job had started to implode due to my new (then) boss listening to people bitching about me, and others. Beast was about a year out from losing his job, and about 3/5s of the way into moving into a vodka bottle.

3. Five years ago?

Beast was at the Bad Place, we were in mid-lockdown, he was on the verge of his hunger strike leading to Round One with hospice (also, first local hospice--they were great), and I was not blogging. I was using a different site for medical updates on Beast. It took another 10 months to get him out of that horrible place, but he at least did start eating once hospice got me into the building for the first time in 3 months. I was getting through the workdays trying my best to put on my Game Face at work and repressing the urge to punch people on a daily basis--not all of whom were patrons.

4. One year ago?

We were living the dream at the Good Place: Beast was in another (mid-cratering into volcanic chaos) hospice program, working on jigsaws puzzles, eating everything on his plate, drinking diet Pepsi and eating Oreos as much as possible. Sparky hated her job. I hated my boss. Same boss the past 10 years, still throwing out my 'sharp tongue' as a complaint.

5. Yesterday? 

Beast has been dead for 37 days, the funeral flowers are mostly dead (the plants are hanging in), Sparky is still working the same place she was 9 years ago and hating it, I'm still working at the same place for the same boss and not particularly happy about it. In fact, I left work 90 minutes early, again, yesterday because I can't deal with people at all. Even the cute little kids were not ameliorating the direness--and I was scheduled in the children's room 5 hours (made it through 4). A coworker suggested I look into FMLA for a few weeks. I'm considering it. We meet with the attorney to get the estate stuff sorted next Monday. Happy Mother's Day!

Bonus! What will you do tomorrow?

I would really like to take a nap on the front porch. And get the last two weeks' worth of laundry folded up. I'm completely out of work trousers, which these days are nurses' scrubs because holyshitPOCKETS!! I will also probably listen to the rest of Sinisterhood catchup eps (currently listening to April 11), and/or some of the months and months of Patreon updates for other pods I support. Maybe I'll even shower and get dressed: it's currently 2:15 and I haven't done either today.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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Volume 600

1. My very first edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge was published on November 10, 2010 (linked here if you're curious). Tell us something about your life from that era. 

Well, now that I've reread the post closest to that date from my previous blog--not the meme-blog--it looks like I was in mid Sandwich-Generation with a teen in the house and a father-in-law at the hospital for the day. I was negotiating Thanksgiving plans and frankly pissed with Katharine and Marie. Looking back, I wasn't being as bitchy as I felt then, just setting boundaries. The email I quoted that I sent to them could have been summed up by, "I've already planned for Thanksgiving at my house. If you can't make it over here, I'll be sorry not to see you." I think I remember caving in to their wishes, God help me!
Also, by the way, I hadn't found Wednesday Hodgepodge yet in 2010.

2. What's a song you love that relates to time in some way? 

The only thing that comes to mind at the mo is "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. It made me cry in the 80s. It would probably make me cry if I listened to it today.

3. May is nearly upon us. When did you last need to yell 'MAY DAY-MAY DAY!!'? 

Yesterday? At my therapist? Right before she whipped out her "note from the doctor" paperwork and informed me that I'm off work till Saturday. I'm ok with that. Frankly, I am fully ready to hand over complete control of my life to anyone else. Not permanently, just for a month or so.

4. How do you feel about food trucks? Is this a dining experience you enjoy?  Do you have a favorite What's something you've ordered from a food truck? 

I don't go anywhere there are crowds of people, so food trucks have never made my list of places to eat. I eat at the Fair, but otherwise I eat at drive-thrus or sit-down places only.

5. We're bidding farewell to April...what are three adjectives you might use to describe the month you're leaving behind. 

Frantic, flaky, funereal.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

As noted above I'm on forced 'vacation' from work for a few days after admitting to the doc that I'm not doing well. I honestly could not possible care less about anything going on at work (my idiot boss and a freaky public masterbating vlogger haven't even creased my brain at all--whatever, guys, just keep me out of it) despite needing to do evaluations for my folks and all the other BS that goes on there. If I could just go in and catalog for 8 straight hours a day for a week, I would be the happiest Cat on the planet.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)

The full spectrum of human experience

A regular feature on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a fun set of questions called the Colbert Questionert, the answers to which, the host claims, reveal who a person truly is. Search YouTube for “colbert questionert” and you’ll find a bunch of fun interviews, like this one with Jennifer Lawrence.

Although many of the questions have appeared multiple times in memes through the years, it’ll be fun to answer them in this arrangement. Conveniently, there are (supposedly) fifteen questions, so they break up evenly for our purposes. Here are the first 5!

1. What is the best sandwich?

I'm very partial to American cheese on white bread with butter on both slices of bread. Add a few potato chips and I'm in heaven. (I'm a very cheap date)

2. What’s the one thing you own that you really should throw out?

Everything in the storage space behind the spare room, barring ... no, just toss it all. It literally hasn't been touched in 5 years.

3. What’s the scariest animal?

For me, that would be a grizzly. I had a spate of reading a bunch of books about bears awhile back and it put the fear of god into me about pissing about in the woods near a grizzly bear, especially a mom or any hungry one. 

4. Apples or oranges?

I prefer fresh apples. If they aren't fresh (like now, for instance) I prefer an orange.

5. What’s your favorite smell?

"Clean." Or baking bread. Or clean babies. Or dogs' paws. I'm just glad to still have a sense of smell that works right.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

Best Things to Talk About 

1. What is the craziest, most outrageous thing you want to achieve? 

I'd like to survive the current era so I can see things improve, so that I can have a sense of pride about something in my country again.

2. Have your parents influenced what goals you have? 

Of course they have. How could they not have done so? One way or another, we're all trying to live up to, or improve on, our parents. I think mine instilled some pretty decent values in us kids.

3. What is a fashion trend you’re glad went away. 

Super low-cut, tight jeans. Corsets. Having to wear high heels and a dress in public.

4. What word or saying from the past do you think should come back? 

"Oh for crying in the RAIN!" my dad said this all the time and I've begun using it instead of swearing out loud at work.

5. What do you bring with you everywhere you go? 

Chapstick. Some things never ever change. And also, more modern-like, my phone.

6. Is there such a thing as a soul? 

Yup. Having met a few people over the years without one, it's pretty fuckin' obvious when it's missing.

7. Is there life after death? 

Depends on your definition of "life." I think so, even if "life" is a matter of memories of those who knew you.

8. Do you think there will ever be a third world war? 

Of course. It will be different from anything seen heretofore, probably.

9. What smell brings back great memories? 

Pine tree bark. Did you know there are chocolate pines and vanilla pines?

10. How would you like to be remembered? 

Fondly. It would be nice if people just DID remember me, to be honest.

11. What kind of music are you into? 

I'll listen to anything. Right now I have The Long Winters cued up on Spotify. But I like everything from bagpipes to rap.

12. What is the biggest surprise of your life? 

How long it feels. How it can suck and be absurdly hilarious at the same time.

13. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Lately, it seems like peanuts is all I eat. But if I could choose, it would probably be sweets, since they are severely limited these days.

14. Where is the most awe inspiring place you have been? 

Samarqand. Hard not to feel minuscule while surrounded by these ancient buildings:

15. Describe your life in six words.

Chaotic, quiet, untidy, frustrating, online, waiting.

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!"

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)

Song #1: "When You're Smiling." What made you smile this week?

I'm listening to "The Dollop" live in Chicago from last March, which is making me laugh  right now about taking the el to Cleveland.

Song #2: "Almost Like Being in Love." We've all had many crushes, but love is rare. How many times have you fallen in love?

I've fallen in love romantically only a couple of times, but I've fallen in love with every single baby I've ever met. That's a lot.

Song #3: "This Can't Be Love." This Rodgers and Hart song was introduced in the play, The Boys from Syracuse. Syracuse is the county seat of Onondaga County, NY. What county do you hail from?

I was born in Denver County, because the hospital was literally a block from the city boundary.

Song #4: "Do It Again." What's something you'd do again, if only you had the time or money? (A book you'd like to reread, a recipe or pattern you'd like to make again, a vacation destination you'd like to revisit, etc.)

I would love to go back to Russia, this time in the summer or fall, but that is not likely to happen. Too bad; St. Petersburg is lovely.

Song #5: "You Go to My Head." Judy forgets the lyrics, but gamely keeps going. Tell us about a recent moment when you chose to keep going, no matter what.

Every day, every minute. Today was a great example of being very intentional about not driving into a tree on the way back from the nursing home.

Song #6: "Alone Together." Is anyone there with you as you answer these questions, or are you alone?

It's me, the Dollop guys, and any vermin who have moved in for the winter.

Song #7: "Who Cares?" This song was written by brothers George and Ira Gershwin. They had a lesser known brother, stockbroker Arthur. Are you more creative and artistic, like George and Ira? Or more analytical and methodical, like Arthur?

I lean toward Arthur, but part of my job is to think creatively, so... I do that too.

Song #8: "Puttin' on the Ritz." Judy sings that The Ritz is the place in New York "where fashion sits." If we wanted to see everyone "all gussied up" in your town, where would we go?

How in God's green hell would I know? It is not likely to be the library, Dollar General, or the nursing home, where I hang out! :)

Song #9: "How Long Has This Been Going On?" Judy sings about discovering how glorious romance can be. Have you made any new discoveries lately? It doesn't have to be as groundbreaking as Judy's. A new podcast or a faster route to work counts, too.

I just found a new true-crime-slash-comedy podcast called Martinis & Murder yesterday. So far it's good. Also Go Fact Yourself! which is a fun quiz-show podcast. And I'm currently in the middle of one of the Charley Davidson books about to read The Good Chapter. (If you've read her series, you know which chapter I mean...ahem).

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Thought Provoking Questions
These are questions suggested by Markandangel

If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?

Hell no! I'll be taking advice from this source, not polluting it with my stupidity!

What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?

Self-awareness.

What are you most grateful for?

Small moments of joy and painlessness.

Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?

Nope.

What do you want most?

Peace.

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

I tend toward doing things right as often as possible; I need to pay more attention to doing the right things regardless of perfectibility.

What has life taught you recently?

Just cutting back on food intake or eating healthier food doesn't cause weight loss. So frustrating.

What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?

I would really like people to spend more time listening with an open mind.

Where do you find inspiration?

Kids and animals, some weather (e.g. thunderstorms) and sleep.

Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?

"Just take it as it comes."

If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Because pride. Ego, if you prefer.

What impact do you want to leave on the world?

Aside from kindness, I'd actually like to leave as little impact as possible. Call me nuts.

What is the most defining moment of your life thus far?

Life continues after tragedy, and there are ALWAYS things to be learned, often from surprising people and events.

In the haste of your daily life, what are you not seeing?

Realistically, if I'm not seeing it, I'm, uh, ... not seeing it.
To answer the implicit question, I'm often very unaware of how set in my ways I am.

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

"I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it.... When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." (Romans 7:15-17a, 19 (NLB))

Paul had one answer for that. I tend to agree with him in the abstract sense: because it feels better to do the wrong thing often. Or it is or seems easier.

What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

Music. Sleep. Venting to a trusted person.

Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?

Only every motherlovin' day! Good God, this is my life. "Regrets, I have a few..."

Has your greatest fear ever come true?

Ayup. Usually with a twist because God's a funny guy.

Why do we think of others the most when they’re gone?

I don't really think I do; I am fairly certain I think about my Mom now as often as I did when she was still around. However, I think we all like to think about past times of our lives that seem much easier than today. I also strong distrust this rosy view of the past. My life wasn't appreciably "better" in my 20s, though some things were easier. Other things were pretty awful and I'd never want to do it again.

What is your most beloved childhood memory?

I've been thinking a lot lately about playing jacks (metal ones!) on the sidewalk in front on my house. We had a driveway pad that was very smooth so my hand didn't get all torn up scooping. I loved jacks....

Hodgepodge Questions

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Volume 342

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

I get up and walk around if I need immediate brainpower. If it's a long-term thing, I do other things and try not to work on it too much consciously.

2. What's under your bed?

Just dust. There might be socks, but I doubt it; it's clean but dusty.

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

Sweet potatoes are right out. I'm not a huge fan of margaritas, so I guess it's chili for me.

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Forms. With due dates that are glaring in my face. I'm in serious panic mode.

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

Sleep, a brisk walk, music, mindless internet, getting a project done.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been away from work for a week. Tomorrow will be my return day. I'm not looking forward to seeing my desk when I arrive....

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Hodgepodge

1. January was National Mentoring Month. Have you ever had a mentor? Been a mentor? How would you rate the experience?

I have been mentored my entire career in various ways. I try to be a mentor to others both professionally and outside of work.

2. What current trend makes no sense to you?

Uhm, well, I'm extraordinarily confused by the amount of mean, nasty, horrible, inhumane and thoughtless behavior being exhibited, in fact flaunted by those in the highest offices of this country.

3. I saw a cartoon on Facebook highlighting a few 'weird' things that make you happy as an adult. The list included-writing with a nice pen, having plans cancelled, freshly cleaned sheets, eating the corner brownie, cleaning the dryer lint screen, and sipping coffee in that brief time before anyone else wakes up. Of the 'weird' things listed which one makes you happiest? What is one more 'weird' thing you'd add to the list?

I like clean sheets, and cleaning the dryer lint screen makes me happy too. Another weird thing I find myself enjoying is when people at four-way stops all do it correctly and fairly.

4. What's the last good thing you ate?

I made chicken for dinner tonight. It was pretty good. The bread I bought today is also REALLY yummy. I like me some good bread.

5. Describe life in your 20's in one sentence.

Absolute confusion interspersed with moments of joy and despair.

6. It's that time of year again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, or general uselessness) in 2018. This year's top vote getters are -- unpack, dish (as in dish out the latest rumor), pre-owned, onboarding/offboarding, nothingburger, let that sink in, let me ask you this, impactful, Covfefe, drill down, fake news, hot water heater (hot water doesn't need to be heated), and gig economy
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

I'm pretty tired of anything coined by a Trump family member, but DUUDE, I've used "hot water heater" since I was a wee tot! Stop taking away my stupid words!

7. What's something you need to get rid of in the New Year?

Procrastination. It's going to kill me. I'm not even overstating that, either.

8. Where do you feel stuck?

With my financial questions.

9. January is National Soup Month. When did you last have a bowl of soup? Was it made from scratch or from a can? Your favorite canned soup? Your favorite soup to make from scratch on a cold winter's day?

I never make homemade soup, and I think the last soup I had was probably from Panera (chicken/wild rice). I love clam chowder, and virtually any cream soup. Broth soups, not so much.

10. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in 2018.

I'm making precisely zero plans, beyond having no expectations about anything, this year.

Brrr

1. Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

A brisk, sunny winter day is lovely, as long as it's not snowing. A hot sunny and not humid day is also lovely. I generally prefer summer just because there's less crap to deal with in terms of clothing, driving, etc.

2. What are your favorite winter activities?

Staying inside with a book and a blanket and a glass of pop.

3. Can you tell me about a time you went skiing or skating?

It's literally been decades since I had skates on. I've never skiied.

4. Have you ever made a snow angel?

Yes. Not recently. Maybe I'll play the neighborhood goofball and do one in the yard tomorrow after the new snow tomorrow.

5. Is your house cold?

It's about 68 in here for another hour or so. Then it will go down to 60 overnight.

6. Do you have a fireplace in your house?

Yup. The last time I tried to use it--last month--I forgot to open the draft and had a flashover that caught my bangs on fire briefly and smoked up the whole house, setting off the smoke alarms everywhere. So, I'm not using it again till I get a lesson.

7. What do you usually do to keep warm in the winter?

Stay inside wearing multiple layers of clothes and blankets.

8. Have you ever gone hiking in the snow?

Yup. Not since I began to fear falling and breaking bones though.

9. Tell me about a snowball fight you had.

I pretty much never had a snowball fight. I got hit with one once with a rock inside (Jeff, the football-head kid in my school, threw it) and that pretty much did it for me. I just throw handfuls of snow.

10. Have you ever looked at a snowflake carefully?

Of course.

11. Do you have a sled? Have you been sledding?

We might have a sled somewhere; we seem to have everything else! I used to go sledding with my dad when I was a kid; there's a street that's a big sweeping hill near the house where I grew up that the city closed off every year for kids to sled on.

12. What do you usually do after a big snowfall?

Wait to get plowed out of the house. We have a long and fairly wide driveway, and I don't shovel.

13. What’s the best thing about winter?

Sweatshirts and socks. And, I guess, lack of humidity.

14. What’s the worst thing about winter?

Being cold ALL THE TIME!

15. Have you ever been in a blizzard?

Yes. About 5 years ago, driving home from a meeting, Beast and I were in a storm when we found ourselves in a complete whiteout. We went off the road, killed a tire on the car, all within about 5 miles from our house. I was updating everything on Facebook as it happened, but I was completely terrified; we literally COULD NOT see anything on the road. A car passed us and we didn't see it (headlights on and all) till it was next to us. I can't even imagine doing this in a wagon 150 years ago!

16. Can you describe ice for me?

Cold, crunchy, slippery, and if you hold it against your skin for too long it will burn.

17. Have you ever slipped on ice and hurt yourself?

Fuck yeah. See #8.

18. Have you ever had to shovel snow?

My freshman year of college, after I got home for break, it snowed on Christmas Eve. Dad and I spent three hours clearing the driveway the next morning. Then after lunch, we went back out and cleared the sidewalks for a couple of hours. Two-plus feet of snow. That was the most exciting time, but I've moved my share of wet stuff over the years. No more, though. My back just can't (and I'm really out of shape).

19. Will you be watching the Olympics?

If it's on at the facility, Beast and I may watch some. I'm not watching here at home.

20. If yes, what are your favorite events?

I like skating and slalom skiing.

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.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Conversation Starters

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

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

2. What shows are you into?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What’s your claim to fame?

Speaking too soon.

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

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

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

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

11. How often do you people-watch?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beijing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Art History

1. Do you look forward to the spring?

I live in the upper Midwest; the promise of spring is what keeps us all alive from Christmas Day on every winter. "Oh, I saw a bird today!" "Hey, we got two days of sun in a row!" "Are those tree limbs faintly green?"

2. Which area of the sciences do you enjoy the most?

I love physiology. Not so much biology, but the function of systems together. How things are built to work as a unit.

3. If you could own a classical statue in the form of any figure from myth, religion, or even modern fiction, who would you choose?

Athena. I would love to have a copy of the Athena that stood in the Acropolis when it was in its heyday. Of course, we don't know for sure what that statue looked like--I'd want a miniature of it, not full-size, for the record--despite the fake in Nashville. Why Athena? The goddess of wisdom and war.

4. Do you have a good relationship with your mother?

Probably the best I've ever had with her. I mean, we never argue anymore ... (sad face) ... she died 8 years ago.

5. What is your favorite mythological story?

Hmmm. Trying to do this without looking at anything to prompt me. I kind of love the story of Apollo driving the sun across the sky every day. And the story of Prometheus bringing fire to humans, and the punishment he suffered for it. Pretty brutal.

6. If you put on a big feast, what would you serve?

Chicken, burgers, brats, lots of salads, cake, pie. Basically summer cookout fare. However, my usual feast "style" is Thanksgiving-based, so turkey, potatoes, stuffing, veggies, bread, pie pie pie.

7. How do you have fun? (What is your favorite 'Earthly Delight'?)

Reading? Traveling for sure. Laughing for sure.

8. Do you often look for hidden messages and meanings?

Most of the time. Usually not in the moment, but later. However, I'm also very prone to reminding myself that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

9. Have you ever received an award or special position?

Yup.

10. If a revolution was about to happen in your country, would you be part of it?

Oh, this is the part that's timely! hee Well, let's put it this way: I visited the Soviet Union at the end of its life as a country. When the U.S. starts to feel like that, I'll be fighting. My dad fought in WW2, I have read extensively about the Holocaust, and when I see that happening here I'll be fighting. I'll let you decide if either of those (or both) scenarios have any application today.

11. Have you ever planned an act of revenge?

Oh, I've done a LOT of planning!! The question is whether I've ever carried any plans out, though, isn't it?
A former boss told me once that the best way to get through a fraught situation is to quietly plan the demise of the person causing trouble. This has stood me in good stead through many meetings since.

12. What is the most dramatic thing you have ever done?

I don't generally DO dramatic. Maybe throwing the bag of trash back at the people who flung it one night decades ago at the lakefront on July 4. All the boys in our group were like, "Sit DOWN, what are you DOING!?!" I've done some really shocking, scary things over the years, but I wouldn't call them dramatic per se.

13. Do you care about your weight?

I care, but it's clear that I don't care enough to deal with it responsibly.

14. Is your life moving too slowly or too fast?

It's really moving at a pretty reasonable speed right now. Parts could go faster. Parts could slow down some.

15. Do you prefer to stay in the shade?

Yes. I'm a pale-skinned, easily-burned person. And, metaphorically, yes.

16. If you could have any mural on your ceiling, what would it look like?

I wouldn't. These have always made me wonder about the people living in the house. Do you WANT people to be staring up while you're talking to them? Or do you expect people to be so bored that they need something to look at while they're visiting?

17. Do you enjoy the countryside?

heh ... Yeah, I do.

18. Are you a romantic?

Nope.

19. What is your favorite historic subject?

Early Church history, c. A.D. 30 to 200. I also like WW2 stuff, as mentioned above. And the Middle Ages. I just like history, can you tell?

20. Do you prefer landscape paintings?

Nope. I've always needed to have some people in the frame to interest me. I have memories of ENDLESS slide shows of landscapes/scenery as a child. "Didn't you take any pictures of PEOPLE, Dad???"

21. Are you interested in social issues?

Uh, yeah. You could probably say that. Those (few) of you on my Facebook feed are probably rolling your eyes and going, "Nonstop, man, nonstop."

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Something different

1. What is a normal thing that took you an embarrassingly long time to learn?

How to pump gas? I was terrified till I was in my thirties of looking stupid at the pump because I didn't know what I was doing. ...because, yeah, the guys inside have time to watch people pumping gas?? smh

2. In what ways are you old-fashioned?

I believe in people doing things for themselves to the extent that they are able and in community to improve culture. I believe in love. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, but not being stupid. I believe in telling the truth, even if sometimes that hurts.

3. What is the best sandwich you've ever eaten? Where did you get it? What made it so delicious?

I suspect the best sandwich I ever had was something made at home and carried up a hiking path to the point where I was super-hungry and ready to eat. I have no memory of this mythic sandwich, but that tends to be when I enjoy food the most: after lots of sweat, outside, great view, good friends nearby.

4. What are you currently not bragging about that you should totally brag about?

We started a MASSIVE reorganization at work on August 1. It has gone in unexpected directions already, and I see that continuing to happen. I haven't lost my shit once yet. This is seriously amazing. Also, the finished product will be awesome, eventually. Give me a decade and it will be completely done!

5. What food have you never tasted and are most interested in trying?

I'd like to try more varieties of Indian and middle-eastern foods.

6. What history facts were you surprised to learn because it was never covered in school?

I never learned about the Sand Creek Massacre despite growing up less than 200 miles from where it happened.

7. What is something that you waited entirely too long to start or stop doing? What made you say "Why did I wait so long?"

It has taken me most of my life to really stop internalizing the opinions of people I don't know or care about. Why do they get to spend so much time in my head in place of people who love me??

8. What socially expected thing do you hate doing the most? What thing about polite society really grinds your gears?

I really hate hypocrisy.

9. What is something about your city that I should know if I'm going to visit? What is the hidden "must see" that you always tell friends and visitors to not miss

Well, there was a very popular movie filmed here in the early 90s that has become a bit of a "thing" to celebrate every year. There's a tour of sites from the movie and other slightly random things. I can do the tour in my sleep at this point.

10. What do you miss most about childhood?

The endless days, and waking up every morning to do it again only different.

11. What "fact" did you learn in school that is not true or no longer true?

...that the President always deserves respect.

12. What's your favorite piece of useless trivia?

I know SO MUCH useless trivia!! From the location of several dozen topics in Dewey Decimal to jersey numbers of football players from the 70s to how to make a white sauce in the kitchen to airport codes for a lot of cities. Really, it's ridiculous that no one will play Trivial Pursuit with me........!!

13. What's your best go to homemade "lazy" meal

Easiest hot food is spaghetti and a salad. The one I like the most is mac n cheese and sausage. However, I'm having a bagel sandwich with two kinds of cheese for lunch and I do that a LOT!

14. What's the title of this current chapter in your life?

"Surgeons and Pain Control for Beast"

15. What is a habit or practice that you learned from your childhood that you didn't realize was "weird" until you were an adult?

Apparently, shouting through the house isn't done by every family. Like, yelling up the stairs for someone--Beast's family apparently didn't do that. Who knew?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Don't Stop (1977)
... because Country Dew recommended Fleetwood Mac
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Since we're not supposed to stop thinking about tomorrow, let's talk about it: What are your plans for Sunday?

We're probably going to church. After that, I don't know. I probably should do some serious house-cleaning, but let's be realistic: I'm not going to do it.

2) Fleetwood Mac was formed 50 years ago in London. Fifty years is considered a "golden anniversary." Do you wear more silver or gold?

Silver.

3) This song is from Rumours, which has sold 40 million copies. Is it in your collection?

Nope. When it was popular, I was (I think) too young to understand its appeal. I like most of the songs just fine now, though. They bring back great memories.

4) It was written by keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie. She was born Christine Perfect, a name that earned her a fair share of teasing when she was a school girl. Do you recall being teased in school? What about?

I got teased for wearing glasses and being a nerd and "too nice." And, a little, for my name, but there isn't anything really awful people can do with it--it wasn't till I was an adult that someone told me it is quite similar to a foreign word meaning "death" or "murder." That was a fun day at work. ;-)

5) Before Fleetwood Mac, she was in a band called Chicken Shack. If you were to order out for a chicken dinner, which restaurant would you turn to?

I'd probably hit the grocery store. We hadn't ever picked up from one of the locals here, but last month I did and it was surprisingly good. However, the people working there lived right down to their usual standard of snarkiness, and I got felt-up (OK, hugged, but he's not someone I had EVER met before!) by a creepy guy who insisted on discussing who got the "last breast." Beast will be picking up anything there in the future.

6) Before she could pay all her bills with her music, she supported herself as a window dresser for a London department store. Do you enjoy walking along, just window shopping? Or do you consider "looking with no intention to buy" a waste of time?

I do not like to window shop. I like to get in, get out, and get home.

7) When she found herself making big money, one of the first things Christine bought was a pair of matching Mercedes for herself and then-husband, John McVie. If you were handed a check for $1 million, what's the first thing you would do with the money?

Pay off the house.

8) The other girl in Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, founded the Soldier's Angel Foundation. She believes in the healing power of music, and so she's proud to provide wounded soldiers with iPods already loaded with music. When you listen to music from your phone, MP3 player or iPod, do you use ear buds or headphones?

I, uh, rarely use anything but CD players and Spotify (on computer) to listen. It makes me nervous not being able to hear what's going on around me when I'm walking or working out. At work, I'm plugged into my computer with earbuds.

9) Random question: Let's pretend your high school reunion is coming up. Which classmate are you more curious about: the one who was your first date, or the one who was too cool to give you the time of day?

I've no interest in seeing my first date, but he's in a different class year from me. And judging by my attendance at the only reunion I've attended, the cool kids are still idiots and drama queens. So, I'd just hang out with whoever was fun and interesting and not an asshole. Pretty much like high school itself. [I am actually Facebook friends with someone I once had a massive crush on--he is a classic case of "thank God I came to my senses!"]

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Greenish Questions

1. What is your current obsession?

Skittles. I've been pigging out on them for a couple of weeks, much to my scale's regret.

2. What’s your go-to coffee place?

I don't drink coffee.

3. Who was the last person that you hugged?

Beast.

4. Do you nap a lot?

Heh, yeah. As often as possible.

5. Tonight, what’s for dinner?

I hate you. This is what I'm trying to avoid thinking about right now. We may be looking at grilled cheese or waffles at this point.

6. What was the last thing that you bought?

Garage light bulbs, propane for the grill, and a toilet seat. Living the big life, eh?

7. What is your favorite weather?

Hot and dry, i.e. zero humidity.

8. Tell us something about one blogger who you think will play this week?

There are days, reading her blog, when I'm fairy certain that Kwizgiver and I are living alternate versions of each other's lives. If we looked more like each other, it would be fun to do twin-switch thing for a few days. :D

9. If you were given a free house that was full furnished, where in the world would you like it to be?

Normally, I would say Ouray, but with the health care situation in my family and this country, I'm going to say Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh/English border.

10. Name three things that you could not live without.

My prescription meds, my glasses, my car.

11. What would you like in your hands right now?

I can't think of a thing.

12. What’s one of your guilty pleasures?

Pottering around mindlessly online.

13. What would you change or eliminate about yourself?

I would learn some self-control over food!

14. As a child, what type of career did you want?

I wanted to be a grocery store checker because of the old cash register buttons ... Clearly, I didn't really get out much.

15. What are you missing right now?

Someone to clean and cook for me.

16. What are you currently reading?

Burley Cross Postbox Theft, by Nicola Barker and Christmas Days, by Jeanette Winterson, the latter on my Nook. That's rather a low count for me.

17. What do you fear the most?

Pain.

18. What’s the best movie that you’ve seen recently?

We saw Wonder Woman last week. It was pretty good (to be read deadpan).

19. What’s your favorite book from the past year?

The Home for Wayward Clocks, by Kathie Giorgio and All Our Wrong Todays, Elan Mastai were each good for very different reasons.

20. Is there a comfort food from your childhood that you still enjoy?

White bread and Smarties. Not together (yuck) but individually. I don't buy either very often. Oh, and Mom's oatmeal cookies, but I don't have her recipe, so finding cookies that live up to this is difficult.

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 Icebreaker Questions

1. Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yes.
I am all of the above at different times. In fact, I am the loudest librarian you've probably met. I can be very outgoing. However, the Real Me is quite shy and fearful.

2. What’s coming up where you’ll see an old friend?

.....I got nothing. I'm not even sure we're going to have a vacation this year, so unless said "old friend" comes to me, I'm gonna just be sitting here with my current friends. Of course, I have some current friends who are old.... Am I overthinking this question??

3. Are you easy to get along with?

I think so. Usually. Unless you're stupid or flat-out obnoxious.

4. Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to them?

I give up on people regularly, but I have a hard time holding myself to the vow to drop them. That's getting easier, but I've only gone "back" to a boyfriend once. It was a mistake.

5. Who was the last person that you had a deep conversation with?

There were a few of those at church this morning. With Sue, with Beast, with Sunday school people, with Sally, with Lee, with Gary....

6. Are you okay with being in a big crowd?

How big? Like a couple hundred people in a church or concert or theatre? Sure. Anything much more than that, then no. I really wanted to go to one of the marches yesterday, but holy shit I would have been hyperventilating the entire time. I don't even enjoy traveling as much as I used to because of the crowds in airports and so forth.

7. Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

I do. Not in the "buy a lotto ticket" kind of luck. I've witnessed miracles and there is literally no earthly reason I'm still alive after a couple specific events.

8. What good thing happened during the summer? (It’s good to think about summer when you are freezing your butt off in January.)

My feet were warm. I miss that these days.

9. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Sure. I mean, why not?

10. Who was your first crush on?

First first was David Cassidy. I was, probably, 8. At most. I remember kissing an album cover. It's been downhill since then. ;-)

11. What are your bad habits?

Nailbiting. Making assumptions. Trying to answer rhetorical questions. Trusting people. Sarcasm. Lack of attentiveness.

12. What’s your favorite part of your daily routine?

Going to bed to read before sleep.

13. Other than your significant other, who are you most comfortable with?

Well, that's a rather ginormous assumption you've got going there... heh OK, I'm qute comfortable with myself. I guess Sparky is in there too. Not really many others, even my besties. See question #1.

14. Has an ex ever told you that they regret breaking up?

Yup. See question #4.

15. Why should your celebrity crush drop everything to be with you?

That would ruin everything!!

16. What would be the hardest to give up and why? Books. TV. Music.

Books. Or, actually, maybe music. I could write and then read my own stuff or read cereal boxes and magazines, but I gotta be able to sing.

17. Do you believe in second chances?

Yes and thank GOD for them, no??

18. What would like to do next in your life?

I'd feel better about answering this if Beast was contributing to the household income.

19. What’s the meanest thing that anyone has ever said to you?

Really? My co-teacher said something at Sunday school today about being as old as Moses today. My co-teacher is older than me, so I just gaped at him. [it was a joke, a lousy one] EVER though? Wow, so many things. Several of them said by my son in angry moments.

20. What’s the nicest thing that anyone has ever said to you?

Many years ago now, in the middle of a conversation about something entirely different, Beast said to me that one of the things he most admires (admired?) about me is how kind I am to others.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Bearded Questions

What is some of your favorite music?

I'm super-basic. "Good beat, easy to dance too" and it's a huge bonus if there's some lyrical content as well. I like Katy Perry, P!nk, Elvis, Rusted Root, The Police, The Supremes, Bruno Mars, Nina Simone....

List your three favorite scents.

Vanilla, Pine, Sage.

How do you ground yourself or recharge?

This is one way. I also read. And sleep.

Any ways you treat or spoil yourself?

I eat far, far too much sugar.

Besides your blog, do you have a creative past-time?

Yes. Somewhere. Where did I put it....?

Share something difficult you've been through.

Life. Really, it's just life. Mine has been easier than a lot of peoples' in a lot of ways, but there've certainly been bumps. Couple of surgeries, couple of giant roadblocks, multiple family deaths. Lots of drama. Lots of good moments too.

What helps you fall asleep?

Exhaustion. Crosswords and reading and puzzles.

What is one strength and one weakness of yours?

Strength in plowing through whatever fresh hell awaits me. Unwillingness to do anything BUT plow through everything. I'll let you figure out which is a strength and which is a weakness.

Have you ever received a letter or written one to someone else?

How old is the person who wrote this question?? I've gotten dozens of letters, and sent a few too. Lately, in fact.

What makes you feel powerful, what breathes life into you?

Joy. Giggles, mine or others. Sunshine is kind of important too.

What's your favorite thing to do at night?

SLEEP!

If you could go back to any era, what would they it be?

I wouldn't want to stay there, that's for sure! It would be kind of fun to see my grandmothers before they were old and creaky, though, and maybe meet my grandfathers for the first time.

Your favorite things to wear at home?

Pajamas, warm socks, T-shirt or sweatshirt. This time of year, a blanket is not unwelcome.

If you could be immortal or have an extremely long life span which would you pick and why?

I don't want to live forever, OR for an extremely long time. I'd trade it in for something useful.

Tell us about something positive you have done for yourself or someone recently.

I've slept. A lot. And done a lot of reading. Not enough of the right kind probably. And I've just "done" for myself as necessary and let the long-term stuff sit around and wait without worrying. It's been a lovely 5-week stretch.

One thing you like about your appearance?

I like my hair. [she glances at a mirror] ...though perhaps not today.

Something that makes you feel better after a hard day?

Sleep. I seem to be on a roll here.

If you have one, name a favorite book & movie.

My favorite book varies daily. Today, I'll go with The Book of Ruth. Movie? My usual answer is "Heathers."

How do you feel about beards? No bonus points. I'm curious.

I ADORE beards! Not the hipster/Old-Testament-y versions big right now, but a nice, short, generally well-groomed beard is delicious. For the record, I loathe stubble--grow it out or shave it off. :-)

Rurality?

You Are Rural

You have a real yin [sic] for the quieter things in life, and as long as you're in nature, you never feel like you're missing out. You are drawn toward a slower pace - one where you can hear yourself think and see tons of stars in the sky. You have a depth that others seem to lack in these modern times. You connect deeply with people, nature, and ideas. You don't get why people are always in such a rush. You believe that life needs to be lived mindfully in order to be appreciated.

How Rural Are You?

Well, I don't think I'm that deep and I certainly DO understand why people are always in a rush. There are plenty of things about cities and "modern life" that I really enjoy!