Saturday 9 x2

(Link in meme-roll)
My Church (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who loves singing along with her car radio. Is that something you enjoy?

Uh, yeah. I'm kind of scary, actually.

2) The video begins with Maren Morris finishing her cigarette before getting behind the wheel. Do you allow smoking in your car?

I'm not sure I know anyone who smokes. Generally, though, no. No smoking in my car.

3) In this song, Maren admits she's lied. What's the last fib you told?

"I'm fine."

4) She mentions having her radio on the FM dial. Are you loyal to a single radio station? Or do you spin the dial?

I'm a spinner, and for at least the end of this cycle, I have access to Sirius XM. More channels; still nothing to listen to.

5) Maren was inspired to write this song while on a long car trip from Nashville to Los Angeles. When do you get your best ideas? (In the shower, behind the wheel, over lunch with friends ...)

When I'm asleep, I guess. Assuming I get good sleep, everything looks more do-able in the morning.

6) She performed this song on Saturday Night Live last year. The host that week was John Cenna Cena. Do you follow professional wrestling?

Oh hell no!

7) In 2016, when this song was popular, Alex Rodriguez played his final Major League Baseball game. He has embarked on a second career as a broadcaster. Would you be comfortable on camera?

Not without a ton of rehearsal. I can barely speak coherently without cameras these days.

8) A 2016 study revealed that 43% of Americans own mutual funds, many in their 401(k)s and IRAs. Are you involved in the stock market?

I'm part of that 43%, and Beast has always taken care of that. Yet another steep learning curve I'm looking at in the next months.

9) Random question: You have something awkward and embarrassing that you simply must tell a pal. You know your friend will not be happy with the news. Would you prefer to deliver it by email, in a phone call, or face to face?

Face to face. I hate stuff like this, but it's better to get it done than let it fester.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Silent Night (1957)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How well do you know "Silent Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Elvis?

I know the whole thing pretty much by heart. 54 Christmases of hearing it more than once will do that that.

2) The Christmas with Elvis album hit the stores in October 1957. Were you already preparing for Christmas back in October?

Nope. I'm not really even preparing for Christmas now. There's not really a Christmas for me this year.

3) Clearly Elvis liked a flocked white Christmas tree. Is your tree flocked, aluminum or pine green? Real or artificial? Or do you skip the whole tree thing altogether?

My tree is fake, green, and in its box in the closet.

4) Back in the late 1950s, Elvis left his hair its natural brown color. In the 1960s he began having it dyed black. Do you have a salon appointment scheduled between now and year end?

I haven't had a haircut since sometime in September. I probably should get in and do that. One more thing I "should" do....

5) Have you ever peeked, looking for a Christmas gift you know is hidden for you somewhere in the house?

Nope.

6) Which do you prefer, candy canes or gingerbread?

I can't really eat hard candy anymore--it hurts my teeth--and I'm not a huge fan of gingerbread. Throw me some home-made fudge, though, and I'll love you forever.

7) Is anyone receiving a home made or do-it-yourself gift from you this year?

Hah. No.

8) Do you wrap holiday gifts in paper, or do you take the gift bag route?

There will be a tiny bit of wrapping with paper to do before Christmas Day for my great-nephews nearby, but otherwise, I think Sparky's getting his stuff in the shipping box in which it arrived.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Look, this year I would really like everyone to find someone who needs a hug, a shoulder on which to cry, and ear with which to listen, or something of the sort. Take the time to do that every day till Christmas. It's free, and God knows we all need someone to recognize our hurts and humanity.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Here-to-Serve 16 Questions

1. Which is worse? Being gossiped about or being lied to?

I work with mostly women. I hate to be sexist, but gossip is EV'rywhere there. I'm pretty much over it, have been for years, but I really hate being lied to. That's been a peeve of mine since high school when my bestiest friend--with whom I'd been friends for a decade at that point--suddenly began to spout ridiculous lies about everything imaginable. Her parents were going through a rough patch, had separated, and I thought at the time the lying was a reaction to that. I still think so, but anyway, the lying drove me nuts. It was just pointless: dates she didn't go on, guys she hooked up with (that she did not, and no, I didn't ask the guys--I knew), prizes she won, diseases she'd been diagnosed with.... She eventually stopped, but I should've paid closer attention: she let me down over and over since then, a couple of times were just enormously hurtful things.
Wow. OK, moving on with my life now. :)

2. What is your favorite "Starbucks" drink? Or if you have better taste, Dunkin’Donuts?

I don't drink coffee in any version, I don't like hot chocolate, and frankly I'd rather have a bottle of pop over high-priced tea.

3. Name an embarrassing moment (Make it good).

Hmm. There are SO MANY from which to choose... I've been reliving that awesome moment in 4th grade lately, when we were playing some tag game in gym class and I ran full-tilt into the side of the school (which was home base) because I was watching behind me to see if I was going to get tagged. Bam, knee first into bricks. I'm pretty sure I bounced. I know the gym teacher had at least two other kids walk me to the nurse's office. I think I probably whacked my head too, but I don't remember that, just all the blood on my leg and the resulting scar. And the total mortification of being such a klutz. A young (teenaged) friend of mine attempted a major league move in gym class last week that ended up with his nose meeting at full tilt. He had to have surgery Friday.

4. Is it hard for you to ask some to forgive you when you have wronged them?

Yes. The worse the behavior the harder to ask.

4. Who do you wish you could meet?

I'm really hoping that once the Obamas get back to my neck of the woods, I have an opportunity to meet Michelle. Or at least perhaps hear her speak live.

5. Best food comes from which country?

Whichever one you're in at the time. Fresh is truly best.

6. Do you like small talk, or deep conversations?

Both have their place in day-to-day life. I probably lean toward preferring deep conversations, but I'm easy.

7. Who do you most want to encourage this year?

Those feeling unwelcome in the U.S. these days.

8. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?

All the advice I listen to involves words like "detachment," "compartmentalization," "let go, let God," or "checking in." All good advice, and mostly stuff I listen to and try to put into practice.

9. How often do you get real sick?

"Real" sick? Not very often, thank goodness.

10. Are you a person who has a whole lot of acquaintances, or just a few very close friends?

Yep.

11. If you could cure a disease, or heal a sickness, which one would you choose?

I would happy to knock Parkinson's Disease right off the list of Horrifying Things That the Body Does.

12. What was your favorite book of 2016?

I've read some great books this year. The best non-fiction was Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nina Bolz-Weber. Best fiction...is harder...but I'll go with The Home for Wayward Clocks, by Kathie Giorgio.

13. What was one of your biggest accomplishments in 2016?

Surviving. Growing, even.

14. If you could be guaranteed a spot on the reality show "Survivor", would you go?

Not even on a guarantee of BILLION-dollar prize.

15. Which is worse? Shopping for Jeans or a bathing suit?

I don't own, and probably will never again own, a swimsuit, so the default answer has to be jeans. But they aren't that big of a deal to shop for, because (again) I'm not fussy.

16. How old was your oldest living relative (still living or in the past)? [editor's note: I haven't got a clue as to what this question means either. That's why it's perfect...]

Both of my grandmothers lived well into their 90s. If that's even close to a coherent interpretation of this question.

And a Merry Question #4 to all!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
If I Knew You Were Comin' (1950)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is performed by a woman who is positively tickled to have unexpected company. How do you feel when people drop by unannounced?

Depends on who they are and how long they stay. I don't mind people stopping by for a visit, but I'd be less calm if someone pulled up and expected to stay a week.

2) She is clearly proud of her skills in the kitchen. Do you enjoy baking? Cooking?

I love baking. I know how to cook and once I'm actually making food, I enjoy it. But the deciding what to make and the shopping and so forth is a nightmare. I don't bake much anymore because I'm the only one who eats what I make...

3) Reference is made to hiring a band. Tell us the last time you were at an event with live music.

My nephew's wedding included a band comprised of his dad, the bride's best friend and a couple other friend. They were quite good, especially knowing they'd not played together ever...until an hour before the reception.

4) After making recordings in the early 1950s, Eileen Barton appeared on daytime TV in the early 1960s -- including a game show called Video Village. Let's say we're all headed to a TV game show taping this morning. Would you volunteer to appear as a contestant? Or would you rather just stay in the audience?

Doesn't it really depend on the show? I'd probably play, though. I'm a bit of a games junkie.

5) In 1961, Ms. Barton got married in Juarez, Mexico. What's the longest distance you've ever traveled to attend a wedding?

I've been to all three of my sister Jean's kids' weddings in England; one in Leeds, one in Leicester, and one in Bristol. I'm not going to both with the mileage, but suffice to say that we combined the first two with longer vacations around England (the first one) and in Italy (the second one). You can read all about the first two here. I didn't keep a journal with this last one.

6) In 1950, when this song was popular, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup. Are you looking forward to the upcoming NHL season?

I couldn't possibly care less about hockey.

7) 1950 also marks the first time anyone in the United States paid by credit card. Do you pay with a credit card to get rewards? If yes, what rewards are you accumulating (points, cash back, airline miles)?

We use a card that gets us miles on United. That's really the only credit card we have.

8) In 1950, an athlete named Florence Chadwick swam the English Channel. Are you a good swimmer?

Nope. I'm not even a passable swimming. I'm good at sinking.

9) Random question: Think about the last "white lie" you told. Was it to spare someone's feelings, or to make your day go more smoothly?

I'm sure it was at work, something about not knowing something some patron was telling me about in great detail, or something being "no problem" when of course, it was a hassle. And it would be for both reasons; why make people feel shitty about something for no reason except to stroke my ego?

Sunday Stealing

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

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I probably wasn't listening to the absolute best that was given, but "Trust yourself" is pretty close to the top of what I remember.

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

Much easier to forget. SOOOOOoooo much easier!

78. First mobile phone?

I didn't get one till about 10-12 years ago. Maybe 2002?

79. Strangest dream?

I have strange dreams nearly every night. No, actually, I'm sure have have strange dreams EVERY night, but I remember only the ones in which I'm enmeshed when the alarm wakes me.

80. Best dream?

See above. I have some really awesomely funny weird dreams....

81. Who is the smartest person you know?

Depends on what we're measuring. Book-smart? Experience-smart? Emotional-smart? I know an awful lot of very smart people, for whom and for which I'm ever-thankful.

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?

It's rare for me to run across someone I can't find some sort of beauty in. There are very few truly ugly people out there, even the ones whose exterior isn't easy on the eyes.

83. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes. Always. It ebbs and flows and right now the tap is WIIIIIDE open.

84. Who do you love? Why?

I'm trying to work on loving everyone. It's not easy.

85. Do you like sharing?

I'm the Queen of Sharing, which is also something I'm working on, and also not easy to change.

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

I posted this to Facebook last Wednesday. Yes I'm a little behind on the origami calendar.....

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?

Sure. Or at the very least a teachable moment.

88. Favorite genre of music?

"Good"--I like lots of genres, including classic rock, heavy metal, rap, R&B, country, folk, indie, Christian, Middle-Eastern, funk, old pop (like Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, Lee), Afro-pop, reggae, ska, house, what my dad called "long-hair music" (a.k.a. "Classical)....

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

"Unfinished."

90. Describe your life in 5 words.

"I don't have a clue."

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Crazy from whose standpoint? Mine when I did it, or looking back on it? Craziest thing I can think of that turned out great and that I never have regretted is going to college 1000 miles from home. In so many ways, that's when my real life started.

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?

The first three I added to my starred list on Spotify are "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel, "Fadeaway" by Da Bodeans, and "Black, White, Tan" by Nicole Mullen. Alphabetically by author (and omitting bands starting with numbers), it's "Wake Up" by Aaradhna, "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust, and "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Alpha by title (and omitting numbered song titles): "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, "ABC" by the Jackson 5, and "Ackee 1-2-3" by The English Beat. That gives you a fair approximation of what my headphones sounds like at work.

93. Are you more creative or logical?

I'm more logical most of the time.

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?

I'm too honest by far about answering people's questions, though I have learned a tiny bit of tact over the years.

95. What are you most proud of?

The growth I've accomplished over the past few years in delineating boundaries, in forgiving myself and others for being human, and for standing my ground.

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?

Joy.

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?

Sleeping. hah OK, or playing with kids. Or reading in the sun.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?

"Hi" usually works for me. Not real creative (see #93), is it? Often I open a conversation with a question: "Can you help me?" "What's your name?" "How do you know [the host or whoever got me there]?" Simple is better.

Sunday Stealing

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

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

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

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

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

52. Favorite clothing store?

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

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

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

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

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

55. What angers you the most?

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

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

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

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

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

58. Are you good at lying?

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

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?

Hebrew. Or ancient Greek.

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

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

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

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

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

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

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?

I do.

64. Tell us a secret.

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

65. How many concerts have you been to?

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

66. Last hug?

Beast, this morning when he got up.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?

Beast.

68. Baths or showers?

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

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?

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

70. What song is stuck in your head?

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

71. Countries you’ve visited?

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

72. What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty, wit, and silliness.

73. What helps you to sleep better?

Earplugs. And my CPAP.

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

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

75. What makes you nervous?

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
All Random

1) Do you prefer your pickle sliced thin, sliced thick, or in a spear?

I like my pickle to be dill. Otherwise, I'm not worried about the shape. Assuming they'll be in a sandwich, of course, I'd like them sliced. I'm really not fussy about pickles.

2) What kind of eggs do you like best for breakfast?

Depends on the day. Some days are omelet days. Some days are over-easy-with-toast days.

3) If you got 2 pennies for change, would you pocket them or leave them on the counter for the next person?

Inside the store, I usually leave them. Drive-thru, they go in my cup-holder.

4) You’re now in charge of the manners for the planet. Tell us the new rules for cellphone etiquette.

Oh, jeez, I'm just not EVEN.... If... No, I can't. The whole issue makes me so twitchy. Be polite: F2F is more important than whatever your phone is doing. That's the etiquette.

5) You’re about to write a novel. What genre will it be (sci fi, chick lit, historical fiction, comic …)?

I'd love to write a mystery. However, I'm pretty sure my strong suit is nonfiction.

6) Is it a bad thing to lie to save a friend’s feelings?

Depends on the size of the lie and how direct. "That shirt is cute" isn't really lie. "You're new haircut looks good" is more of a lie (if it doesn't). "I think your new boyfriend is awesome" when you know he's a serial cheater (or worse)...not ok.

7) Is your big toe your longest toe?

Actually, my second toe is a squidge longer from base to tip. My big toe, weirdly, starts higher.

8) Hot stone massage: yea or nay?

Sure. My therapist uses hot stones regularly. As long as they aren't burn-hot, it feels good.

9) Do you check the mirror before going out?

I mean ... at some point, I have looked in the mirror, yes. We don't have a mirror by either door, though, so I should probably remedy that.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Working My Way Back to You (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) We're celebrating the last holiday of summer with The Four Seasons. Which season is your favorite?

I love autumn. Most of the allergens start going away, and it's less humid (usually) and cools off at night.

2) Before they settled on The Four Seasons, they called themselves The Four Lovers, The Romans and The Village Voices. If you were/are in a band, please share the name. Or just make up a cool name for your pretend band.

Hmm, after some consideration, how about The 35th Seville. Nothing to do with car names or Spain, either.

3) Lead singer Frankie Valli has occasionally fudged the year of his birth. Have you ever lied about your age?

Nope. Never needed to. Never really wanted/want to.

4) Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen ... New Jersey has given us many music superstars. What is your state known for?

The one I grew up in is known for being among the fittest in the country. The one in which I currently live is known for corruption and corn and two very popular former Presidents.

5) In 1965, Frankie was arrested in Columbus, Ohio. But it wasn't his fault! The bandmate he trusted to pay the group's hotel bill neglected to do so. Tell us about a time when your trusting nature got you in trouble.

These days, I'm better about protecting myself, so I'm having a hard time coming up with anything recent that was traumatic. Being lied to pretty much daily for a couple of years by the person I used to trust the most in the world will do that to you.

6) Clint Eastwood directed the movie version of the Four Seasons biography, Jersey Boys. What's your favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

Because I'm weird, I'm going with Paint Your Wagon. His role is unexpected, and he sings!!

Since Labor Day is the holiday established to celebrate the American worker …

7) According to the U.S. Census, more and more Americans are working from home. Are you one of them?

Well, I do work at home sometimes, but I do have to show up at work for 40 hours a week to get paid. Beast works out of the house though, when he's not traveling.

8) Of those of us who work outside the home, 75% travel to work alone. 15% take public transportation and the remaining 10% carpool. How do you get to your job?

I drive, alone. Because local public transportation in this area is practically non-existent, there is basically no other option. At least Beast mostly just walks to work (from bedroom to office).

9) Do you have any big plans for this holiday weekend?

Nope. I'm hoping we get to see Sparky on Monday either here or at his place. We're waiting to hear. We are invited to a 50th anniversary celebration tomorrow as well.

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.

Friday Five times two

(Link in meme-roll)
Shenanigans

1. What’s a memorable prank you were involved in, either as perpetrator, victim, or witness?

   I'm not all that into pranks, having had a few too many played on me as a child.

2. When did you last fool someone into believing something untrue?

   I convince people at the Reference Desk that I find them amusing all the time.

3. What was a secret you accidentally let slip?

   The last one I feel bad about was announcing someone else's pregnancy before she was able to get to everyone.

4. What’s a memorable thing you did when you should have been at work or school?

   Look, this is no longer the biggest excitement of my life. I didn't skip school when I was as student. I rarely skip work unless I'm sick (physically or otherwise). It is still nice to sneak out in the middle of the day, but I just don't do that without good reason.

5. What’s a nice thing you did anonymously for someone?

   I just finished wrapping socks and underwear for our Giving Tree at work. That's what the teenager in the (anonymous) family asked for. :( I'm throwing a gift card in there too.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Likely Story

1. You are awake at 2:30 in the morning on a work night (or school night). What is the most likely reason?

   Insomnia. I clearly forgot to take the melatonin the night before. Otherwise, I'm up in the bathroom for one reason or another.

2. Time Magazine says you are a candidate for 2014’s Person of the Year. What is the most likely reason?

   They've got me confused with someone else, obviously.

3. Your hometown is naming a geographical or civil landmark after you, as in Mary’s Creek or David’s Corner. What is the most likely name of this spot?

   "Cat's Cradle."

4. Your best friend from high school calls to ask a favor. What is the most likely nature of the favor?

   I can't even imagine. We are Facebook friends, but I can't imagine her asking anything of me. She wouldn't have the nerve, I'd hope, after the fabulous job of fucking me over (twice) she's done to me.

5. Twenty-four hours from now, you’ve got a great smile on your face. What is the most likely reason for this smile?

   Packers WIN!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Hey, Soul Sister
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) The video was shot on a street corner in Echo Park in central Los Angeles. If you saw a film crew making a video in your neighborhood, would you stop to watch? Or would you just keep walking?

I'd probably know ahead of time and avoid the area like the plague. Not my circus.

2) The singer says he remembers his girl in every dream he dreams. Do you remember if you dreamed last night?

I'm pretty sure I did, but 15 hours after waking up I can't remember any shreds of them.

3) The band Train is from San Francisco. Have you ever visited The City by the Bay?

Yes, I've been there twice--once when I was about 17 and once about 18 months ago. I love that city, but it's very touristy.

4) Lead singer Pat Monahan got his start in a Led Zeppelin cover band. Can you name a Led Zeppelin song?

I'm not a fan, but it's hard to avoid "Stairway to Heaven."

5) In doing research for this week's Saturday 9, Crazy Sam discovered a publication called Trains, The Magazine of Railroading. What's the last magazine you flipped through?

hah! Two of my family members subscribe to this magazine! I think the last magazine I touched was Consumer Reports, but whether it was at home or at work, I couldn't tell you.

6) Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?

A bit of both, really, hopefully at the appropriate times.

7) Scholars tell us that "To be or not to be" is Shakespeare's most quoted line. Give us another one.

"What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason,
how infinite in faculties, in form and moving,
how express and admirable in action, how like an angel in apprehension,
how like a god!"

8) How do you listen to music on the go? Car radio? CD changer? iPod/mp3 player? Your phone?

I don't, really. When I have to listen to music, I turn on Sirius XM, but it isn't that often. I used Spotify at work.

9) Are you a convincing liar?

Apparently so.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Blues in the Night (1952)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Was last night a good night for you? Or were you singing the blues?

It was ok. Took over 4 hours to settle into deep sleep, and I woke up way too early, but otherwise it was fine.

2) In this song, Rosemary Clooney sings about hearing "big talk" she didn't quite believe. What's the last fib, tall tale or out and out lie you heard?

Right now I'm trying to decide if something someone said last night was true or not. I may just have a touch of paranoia. Otherwise, the standard, "I'm fine" is one I hear every day.

3) Rosemary Clooney has a well-known nephew -- George, the Oscar winner and frequent People magazine cover story. Do you have any nieces or nephews?

I have four of each, and four great-nephews. We seem to be lacking in the girl genes in the latest generation, but I love them all, even though none of them is famous. Well, one is an elected person at city level, but otherwise, no famous people.

4) Ms. Clooney married the same man twice. They married, had five children and divorced. Then three years later, they tried again ... and divorced again. Have you ever been tempted to give it another try with one of your former loves?

I broke up with my high school boyfriend who eventually wore me down and we started dating again briefly. He had far more invested in our future together than I did.

5) Singers as diverse as Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler and Amy Winehouse have said they admired and were influenced by Rosemary Clooney. If you could meet any artist (singer, writer, actor, director, painter, musician ...), who would it be?

It would be a hoot to hang with U2 for a day or two, in the studio and out.

6) 1952, the year this record was a hit, is also the year the "Big Bang Theory" was introduced by physicists Ralph Alpher and George Gamow. That is too lofty a topic for this humble meme, so instead we'll just ask: Do you watch the TV show of the same name?

Nope. I hear enough about it second- and third-hand, thankyouverymuch.

7) Sam Winters just broke her right thumbnail. While she won't go so far as saying it has her singing the blues, she must admit it bugs her. What little annoyances are you dealing with today?

The usual: my pants are too tight, I have too many shoes to store effectively, my house isn't as clean as I'd like (or as tidy), and I'm tired. But really, it's a gorgeous day and I've gotten a fair amount accomplished, so I'm not all that irritated really.

8) The house next door to Sam's has a FOR SALE on the lawn. Are you contemplating a move?

No! Perish the thought. Beast is, however, contemplating a rummage sale. This is nearly as awful as moving, but if it means getting rid of a bunch of stuff we've had stored for over 3 years now from his parents' house, I'm in.

9) What's your search engine of choice: Google, Bing, Yahoo or Ask?

Google.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
White

1. What’s the best white food?

   Derp: mashed potatoes!

2. What’s your favorite white article of clothing?

   I don't buy a lot of white outer clothes. I have some white underwear I like. Oh, and my longjohns.

3. What are your thoughts on telling little white lies?

   I'm fine with kind lies: "Your hair looks good!"

4. What’s an impressive white animal?

   Wolf?

5. What are some songs in your iTunes (or other media player) whose title contains the word white?

   In my Favorites folder in Spotify, I've got "Black and White America" (Lenny Kravitz), "White Rabbit" (Grace Slick, The Great Society), "White Rabbit" (Patti Smith), "Black, White, Tan" (Nicole Mullen). If I include the Likes folder, I add the following tunes: "White Winter Funeral" (Fleet Foxes), "Black and White Days" (Gary Go), "White Foxes" (Susanne Sundfør), and "Black or White" (Michael Jackson). Not as many as I thought there'd be, actually.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Way We Were

1) In honor of Valentine's Day next week, what's the most romantic movie you can think of?

Of those I've seen, I have to hand it to Dr. Zhivago for making frigid cold look sexy, which it's decidedly NOT. But yeah, a great love story, among other things.

2) The Way We Were was a tearjerker. Do you think that most real-life love stories end in heartbreak? Or do you believe in happily ever after?

I do NOT believe in "happily ever after" at all! I do think that love means there will be heartbreak, because no one can live up to the perception of those first heady days of head-over-heels attraction. Eventually, the loved one will do something dumb/hurtful. That's when the rubber meets the road: is it love or just being-in-love-with-love?

3) What's your favorite love song?

"You're My Home" by Billy Joel and "The Sweetest Thing" by U2, though I also really like "Fuckin' Perfect" by Pink a whole lot.

4) In 1993, Barbra Streisand married actor James Brolin, who first became famous as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, MD. Who is your favorite TV doctor?

lol This is going to sound weird, but I really like Dr. G for her no-nonsense attitude and dedication to truth and kindness. In the spirit of the question, however, I'll toss in Dr. Kovač from ER. Ooh, the naughty thoughts about him...!

5) In 2012, Streisand renewed her contract with Columbia, where's she's been recording since 1963. So she's been with the same label for fifty years! Where have you worked the longest, and how long was that?

Well, I've been at my current place of work for 17 years, I've been a mom for 20 (unless you count pregnancy as part of momhood), and a wife for 26.5. I only get financially recompensed for one of those, of course.

6) Sam Winters once worked as a hostess in a chic bistro in Worcester, PA. That's why she frequently gets frustrated by bad service in restaurants -- she's certain she could make it run more smoothly. Where do you find yourself getting annoyed most often?

I don't really get annoyed in retail establishments very often, certainly not at the staff (unless they're just unpleasant or stupid). I do get irritated with other shoppers, however. And drivers who aren't paying attention make me INSANE with frustration! Seriously: hang up and drive!

7) Have you ever taken a polygraph test?

Nope. I wonder if I'd pass?

8) Crunchy, smooth or organic peanut butter?

Smooth. Peter Pan or Jif, either one is fine.

9) Describe your favorite sweater.

It's all stretched out, cozy, comfy, a little snagged and torn in spots, soft and WARM. It's an odd combination of maroons and dark green and blue stripes with a heavy turtleneck. It's also reserved for the really yucky and/or coldest days. Mostly I wear fleece in the winter; less itchy than anything else I can find, though I'm thinking a couple of silk long-sleeved undershirts may be my next purchase. I'm ripping the skin off my arms and torso like mad this year!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Semi Charmed Meme, Part One

1. My uncle once:

...wow, uh, I can't remember a single interaction with any of my uncles. The one who was still alive when I was old enough to remember him was a big husky guy who rarely spoke. I'm sure I was terrified of him at some level, though thinking about him doesn't give me any big scary feelings. He was a kind man.

2. Never in my life:

have I felt comfortable using the word "never" in a thoughtful way. (It literally took me 10 minutes to find something to say here...)

3. When I was five:

I was a shy, quiet little girl, scared of my own shadow.

4. High School was:

fun only in retrospect.

5. I will never forget:

the emotional content of each of the mission trips I've been on.

6. I once met:

the qualifications for being valedictorian and summa cum laude graduation...but not at the same time. ;-)

7. There’s this girl I know who:

doesn't know her power. That applies to most girls.

8. Once, at a bar:

I nearly got thrown out for yelling at the DJ.

9. By noon, I’m usually:

ready for a nap.

10. Last night:

I did my usual sleep-for-two-hours-wake-up-for-an-hour-finally-get-back-to-sleep thing. So annoying.

11. If only I had:

a [stronger] self-censor....

12. Next time I go to church:

I suppose I'll be teaching Sunday School again.

13. Jonathan Frid:

--since I had to go look him up on Wikipedia, I'll just move on past this one.

14. What worries me most:

is stuff that is the most meaningless. The big stuff I seem to be able to drop, but the putzy, stupid stuff hangs on like dandruff.

15. When I turn my head left, I see:

my usual Pile o' Shit on the end table.

16. When I turn my head right, I see:

plate from lunch, Nook, pillows, blankets....

17. You know I’m lying when:

I doubt you would.

18. What I miss most about the 80s:

I miss being 20.

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be:

Kate, of course!

20. By this time next year:

I will be that much closer to turning 50.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Her Head Is Part Missing Meme

1. What is your most annoying habit?

The one that annoys me the most is biting my nails and cuticles. Other people probably would have different answers, including barking at them when I'm stressed out.

2. What habit would you change of your partners? (come on no-one is perfect!) [Editor's note: Not only does it assume you have A partner, but it is written as though you have multiple ones. If you do not currently have a partner or many partners, simply tell us about your last one. BW]

Of ALL my partners (ha ha ha) I would probably change their communication habits. Of my current partner, I would change his back. He needs a brand-new one.

3. Horrors or Chick Flicks?

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of either, but since I haven't made it through a horror movie in decades, we'll go with chick flicks. I'm more inclined to like action flicks or historical documentaries.

4. What is the most outrageous thing you have done in the back row of the movies?

I'm pretty sure I've never sat in the back row at a movie. [thus avoiding the meat--ahem--of the question]

5. When have you lied to get a job?

I haven't. I'm not such a great liar in these circumstances.

6. What one thing is on your list to do before you hit 30, 40, 50 or whatever significant birthday is next?

This presumes I have a List somewhere of Things To Do. I would love to get my photos sorted out, and I would love to get my parents files organized, and I would LOVE for my brother to give me Dad's slides so I could organize and digitize those.

7. Classic or modern films and why?

More important to me that they be GOOD films.

8. If you were a vampire who would be the first person you would bite?

The first person I'd probably drain (and kill) would be...hmmmm, the people I want dead are not people I'd want to bite. Yuck.

9. If you had the power to make one thing better, what would it be?

I would fix the way magazines are currently doing their digital download editions. Some of them are doing fairly well, but the ones I prefer to read are NOT. I'd add to all of them the ability to "tear out a page" for later use.

10. What makes a great blog?

Humor, decent spelling and grammar, limited obsessive navel-gazing, and honesty.

11. What was the inspiration that brought your blog to the blogosphere?

My first "a-ha" was that it was a great way to track my reading. I'd been doing that in paper format for over a decade (I think) before the blog. Now I have an easy way of keeping a formatted list that I can print off--after some horking around to make it pretty on paper--and go back and review at any time.

12. What easily ticks you off (puts you in a bad mood) quickly?

People with shitty attitudes about every-damn-thing. I'm thinking of you, CT.

13. How many children do you have?

I have personally given birth once to a boy. On Fb, I have a son and a daughter--her request. After 6 years of leading our church youth group, and multiple other years of teaching Sunday School, I feel like I have rooms-full of kids.

14. Is there anything you have ever regretted writing on your blog?

Yup. And for the most part I have deleted, rewritten or hidden those things.

15. What’s your favorite blog post you have written this year so far?

I've done 119 posts on this blog this year. I've done approximately 70 posts in other venues. Having now spent 15 minutes grazing through the past three months, I somewhat randomly will assign "favorite" to this post for no reason other than because it's a good snapshot of Life as a Librarian.

16. Do you ever enter other bloggers' competitions, and have you ever been lucky?

Nope.

17. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would you choose and why?

I wouldn't mind a day as Beast since I could probably dispense with one of his problem customers and figure out what the hell he does all day.

18. If you could time travel to any period of history what era would you visit?

Now and here. I certainly would not want to be a woman before about 1960 in any culture.

19. If you had to be genetically modified, would you rather have a third arm, a third leg, a second head or some other modification???

I'd just like to be cloned so I could do two things at once, and do them both well.

20. Which Disney character can you most relate to?

Jiminy Cricket.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 99'er Meme: Part 1

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

I don't use iTunes, but I'll give you the last six and the next six tunes on Jango.
Last six:

1. I Want Candy (Bow Wow Wow)
2. Zarartou (Cheb Mami)
3. Mr. President (LL Cool J)
4. Our Time Now (Plain White T's)
5. Over My Head (The Summer Obsession)
6. Shake It (Metro Station)

Next six:

1. Wire (U2)
2. Sitting on a Fence (The Housemartins)
3. More Than This (Live) (Roxy Music)
4. Castanets (Alejandro Escovedo)
5. Chances Are (Sheryl Crow)
6. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (Alison Moyet)

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

I would love to meet Nelson Mandela.

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

"[believ-]ing our encounter with the Divine to be the definitive one. In..." from The Evolution of Faith (Phillip Gulley), one of the six books equidistant from me.

4) What do you think about most?

I try hard not to think about much.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

"Hmmmmm. Calzone please." from Beast about 3 hours ago.

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

I can't sleep naked, unless I'm really hot or really sick.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Alphabetizing at warp speed? Or, while waiting for a cop to show up, walking by a sign and noting that the handwritten part says "Welome" instead of "Welcome."

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)

Women need to man up; men need to turn down the macho.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Yes. Embarrassing. I have made it a practice never to date or hang around poets or lyricists since then.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

I've hired that out: Sparky takes care of that for me. So, yeah, about ten years. ;-)

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I'm said this a million times: all my fears make perfect sense. To me.

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

I don't think so. Except Kleenex. And a nasopharyngeal tube...well, a doctor did that... medications.... yeah, nothing that shouldn't have gone there, for sure.

13) What's your religion?

I'm an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Impressed? Don't be. Not for that. In all seriousness, I like PCUSA polity because it makes more sense than other options in running life inside a church.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Walking to or from my car. This time of year, it will be done as quickly as safely possible.

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

BE. HIND.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

U2.

17) What was the last lie you told?

I can't think of one. Maybe that I "had" to bug outta church before the service ended this morning. I could've probably stayed and helped put the bells away, etc., but I was worried about Beast and about getting to work on time.

18) Do you believe in karma?

Not. As. Such. If you go over to the right-hand column and search for "believe karma" you can see how I've answered this question a kabillion other times.

19) What does your URL mean?

Really? You must ask this? How long have you been using the internet?

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Greatest weakness: I tend toward a short fuse and not suffering fools gladly. Greatest strength: I laugh inappropriately. For instance, today I was called "the b-word" and "rude-ass" and nearly cracked up at the absurdity of an adult saying "the b-word" instead of just saying "bitch" and the fact that this guy was so far past rude on the Rudeness Scale but calling ME rude-ass.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Still crushing on William Petersen. And George Eads.

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Nope. Can't swim, so I don't even go non-skinny-dipping.

23) How do you vent your anger?

There is yelling, there is crying, there is blood rushing to my face (and if things are really bad, rushing OUT of my face), I see red.... Honestly, all of these things will happen given enough provocation, but not necessarily in the order listed.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

S&Ps. And dust.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Talking on the phone without video. Sparky moves around too much for me to be really comfortable Skyping with him; it causes motion-sickness if I watch him too closely.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

"All of you: shut up, sit down, stop fighting, and hands off everyone elses' stuff!"

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

It would be interesting to meet and talk to librarians from all over the world, specifically those in parts of the world that may not have as much access to libraries as we do here.

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

Alone? Seriously, I'm very much leaning toward Tierra del Fuego. I hear it's about as nice as it gets there about now.

4) What do you think about most?

I try hard not to think about anything much. I'm getting very good at it, too.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

Yuck. I can't think of any musicians I'd want to spend any romantic time with any musicians, since most of those I like are either married or emotionally fucked.

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I'd like to have NOT wrecked my truck last spring.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Judging by how much I've been doing it lately, maybe French-braiding my hair in under 5 minutes.

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

"Does this dress make my ass look big?"

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Not that I'm aware of.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Uhm? Probably within a month or so, but certainly not in any grandiose way; probably at my desk at work. I'm more likely to air-drum or air-piano, to be honest.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I have answered this the same way 4 times in the past on this meme. Feel free to search the site--I've even provided a search box for you in the right-hand column. Go on. I'll wait.

12) What's your religion?

Christian. Or if you want to be sectarian about it, Presbyterian.

13) What is your current desktop picture?

Mighty Mouse in a sea of orange.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Getting in or out of a car.

15) What's the last song you listened to?

...I know the radio was on in the car on the way home from church, but I can't remember a single song. Probably for the best. And all the songs at church today were ones I participated in, so I have no good answer for this.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

U2.

17) What was the last lie you told?

"I'll wait." I didn't.

18) Do you believe in karma?

My answer is buried in this post.

19) What is a saying you say a lot?

You mean, aside from short-and-sweet ones like "SHIT!"? So, then, yeah... ;-)

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Weakness: laziness. Strength: I'm going with Kiril's answer in Sunday School this morning, which was "I'm pretty smart."

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

I guess Mark Harmon. Though I do like the way Brad Pitt looks most of the time.

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.

A Valentine's Day heart.

23) How do you vent your anger?

Yell, scream, pout, growl.... Or, mostly, put on headphones and hope the music washes it away. It didn't work so well yesterday at work.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

LOTS of things, right now. Our house is fairly bursting with stuff we've accidentally collected. I do have a collection of S&Ps, but ... mostly I collect dust.

25) What is your favorite word?

See #19: I'd say I'm in a running tie between "shit" and "crap" depending on locale. Sorry, Mom.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Lies

1. "Everybody lies. But it's alright because nobody listens." is one of Bud's Law's. What do you lie about?

Absolutely nothing. I'm always honest. <--thus proving Bud's point

2. When you purchase a DVD, what besides the the movie itself, what do you enjoy the most? Is it the director's commentary, the deleted scenes, the bloopers or the behind-the-scenes documentary?

I like the deleted scenes and I also appreciate commentary from the cast and/or crew. In fact, sometimes, the 'extras' are better than the actual movie or show.

3. What would you most like to accomplish before the year is over?

I'd like to get my Christmas shopping done....

4. What is your current percentage of online shopping? Is it going to be more this year than last?

What I've done so far has been 80% online. I will need to do some store shopping though, for a couple of things I need to look at before I bring it home.

5. What's left to do at your place (or where you are going)? Is the tree up? ...or maybe you're just happy you found that fave Christmas coffee mug and are calling that good?

The tree is up, but not decorated. We have 5.5 days to get the whole place in order because I'm hosting the library's Christmas party on Friday. I have to figure out Christmas cards. And presents.

6. If you could get worry-free, cost-free plastic surgery, would you? If yes, where?

I would only do this if I were seriously disfigured (car accident, mauled by a neighbor's chimpanzee, etc.).

7. Do you think the child you were growing up, would like the adult you've become?

Depends on the age. I would probably like me as a very young child and an older teen. Not so much the middle ages.

8. What will you miss about 2011?

The first half was ok, and I loved our trip to Italy and England. The second half of the year was abysmally bad. I hope to never go through anything like it again.

9. What is something you'd love to see invented?

Beast and I were talking today...isn't it about time we have some cures for some major diseases--Parkinson's, cancer, AIDS? I know that's not an invention per se but it's the best thing I can come up with today.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Melancholy Man

1. Are you more melancholy on occasion?

Of course! However, thanks to the truckloads of anti-depressants loading into the house, I no longer regularly feel compelled to slit my wrists.*

2. What did you think you looked like when you were a teenager?

As I recall--and since I was there, and since cameras had been invented and improved enough to be useful by the time I was a teen, I can go check if necessary--I looked like a skinny geek with glasses and short hair...when I wasn't being a skinny geek with glasses and two long ponytails covering my ears.

3. Whose advice are you least likely to listen to?

Most members of the public who arrive at the Reference Desk with questions. You wouldn't believe how many people come in looking for astrology books, or biographies of Miley Cyrus, or books on losing weight eating nothing but orange food, and then try to explain to me how to live my life.

4. Tell us about a job that you liked when you were younger.

I loved shelving books as a teenage wage slave at my public library. That was the fun part of the job.

5. Would you lie to someone if you knew the truth would end your friendship or relationship?

Would I?? More like, have I? Of course, in the long run, if you have to maintain a friendship by lying to that person, it's not going to work. It makes it difficult when you want to stay in contact with other family members of the friend in question....

6. What do you have little or no patience for?

Arrogance. And intentional stupidity. And intellectual dishonesty. So, that basically covers most politicians and news commentators.

7. What is there never enough hours in the day to do?

Lately, sleep.

8. What is the most productive thing that you accomplished in October?

I sorted through some long-term job goals, I didn't get sick, and I think I kept most of my commitments to the extent that life didn't interfere with them. Also, not punching that doctor in the ER a few weeks ago should count for something, shouldn't it? He really was a dick.

9. What have you always wanted to learn but haven't yet?

How to play bagpipes. And how to read Greek.

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*This is known as black humor. I never wanted to slit my wrists. Mostly, I just cried copiously, often, and for no apparent reason ... that is, when I wasn't shouting like a fishwife at people I love.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Last DJ

1. Who was [your] favorite DJ and what radio station did you listen to as a kid?

I listened mostly to KHOW and KIMN, with forays into heavier rock on KBPI as I got older. The only DJ I remember by name was Steve Kelley (though, yeah, I had to go here to find his last name) because of his stunts. Unless Dr. Demento counts?

2. What has been the weirdest thing you have worn in public?

Uhm? "Weird" is not really a look I'm going for in public (or, really, anywhere else). I guess it would be the Halloween costume I wore all day at work c. 1990: torn up (flea market) dress, leggings, fake blood, dirt, makeup, and leaves in my hair. I was a zombie.

3. What was the best part of last weekend?

The fact that the funerals were over. And Sparky was home for 4 days.

4. What was the most effective punishment for you as a kid?

Threatening to spank me usually worked. At school, being called out in front of people was the one thing I feared; I craved lack of attention from my peers.

5. Would you lie to your significant other to not hurt their feelings?

Depends on the topic. I probably have done so over minor things like whether they look "fine" or not, but not over anything like "Do you think I have a drug problem?" If asked (IF) I would be honest.

6. We're taking you order for breakfast. What would you like?

Bagel with cream cheese and a couple of slices of bacon.

7. Do you celebrate Halloween? If yes, do tell. If no, why not?

We pass out candy during Trick or Treat hours. Maybe this year we'll actually have jack-o-lanterns again (last year we had a massive fail). And p'raps we'll have The Aimster over for the weekend?

8. Do you hand out candy to the neighborhood kids?

Uhm, yeah. No tracts, no "health food"--just handfuls of candy. Yup yup yup.

9. What's the favorite age you've been, so far?

I am partial to 8. I don't remember being a neurotic mess at that age. Yet.