Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

Thank U, Next (2018) 

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

1) In this song, Ariana Grande thanks her former boyfriends for what they taught her about love, life, patience and pain. Do you believe you have learned more from your successes, or your mistakes? 

Sadly, I seem to only learn from hard times, i.e. mistakes. Right now I'm facing a complete personality overhaul so I don't lose my job.

2) One of the young men mentioned in the song is Pete Davidson, a cast member of Saturday Night Live. SNL has been on for more than 45 years now. Who is your all-time favorite cast member? 

Gilda. Though Kate McKinnon is pretty amazing.

3) Thinking of funny people ... As you can see from the video, Ariana performed "Thank U, Next" on Ellen Degeneres' talk show. Ellen makes people laugh every afternoon. Who in your life can you always count on to make you laugh or smile? 

I got a call Thursday from a friend/acquaintance who knew I needed to buck up. He almost always makes me smile and he did it again on one of my worst days in awhile. I am so fortunate to have so many friends like this. If it's not an actual person, "The Dollop" podcast often makes me cry with hilarity.

4) It looks like Ariana Grande's personal romantic saga will have a happy ending because at Christmastime, she announced her engagement. Do you know anyone who is getting married in 2021? 

Nope. That is, I don't know if I know anyone getting married this year.

5) Ariana loves Harry Potter and named her dogs Snape, Lily and Sirius Black after characters in the J.K. Rowling books. Are you a Harry Potter fan? 

I like the stories.

6) She loves board games, especially Monopoly. Sam isn't crazy about Monopoly because it takes so long. How about you? Are you a Monopoly fan? 

Not really, and for the same reason as Sam.

7) In 2018, the year this song was released, Toys R Us closed all its stores and went out of business. Who received the last toy you purchased? What was it? 

Beast got a mini-sock-monkey for Christmas from me. Oh, and a light/memory game, which I haven't actually seen in his hands yet.

8) Also in 2018, Aretha Franklin died. What's your favorite Aretha song? 

Any song Aretha sang was tremendous. "Chain of Fools" is a favorite, but honestly...ANYthing.

 9) Random question: Are you more likely to shed a tear at a wedding or during a movie?

Both? The vows always make me mushy inside, and there is almost always some pathos that forces me to cry in a movie.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Is There Life Out There? (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who married at 20. It's estimated that the average American groom is 2.5 years older than his bride. Why do you suppose that is?

Cultural conditioning. It still kind of freaks me out that I'm (6 days) older than my husband, to be honest. My parents were two years apart--Dad was older--and that seems to be the rule in most of the rest of my family, except my two oldest nieces who married "younger" guys (one 3 months, one a couple of years).

2) A 2014 study shows the bigger the age gap in a marriage, the more likely the couple is to divorce. What do you think is the reason for most divorces?

Poor communication is where things tend to go awry, at least as far as I can tell. After that, any ol' excuse will do to cause a final break: money, cheating, boredom, child-rearing....

3) Reba's second marriage recently ended. Statistics show that second marriages are more likely than first marriages to wind up in divorce. Why do you suppose that is?

Easy enough to quit again once you've quit once. Kind of like the second murder supposedly being easier than the first. {{It's possible I spend too much time on true-crime, I think.}}

4) This week's featured artist, Reba McEntire, was discovered when she sang The National Anthem at an Oklahoma City rodeo. Have you ever been to the rodeo?

I have! I loved it!

5) Reba dropped out of Southeastern Oklahoma State University to go to Nashville and pursue a recording career. In that way, she's like the woman she sings about in this week's song. "She's done what she should, should she do what she dares?" Do you ever regret a risk or opportunity you didn't take?

Dozens of times every day.

6) Reba's heroine is "dying to try something foolish, do something crazy, or just get away." Does that sound like you? What would you do, just for yourself, if time and money were no object?

I'd like to get away, in an RV, and just travel the country. I doubt that will ever happen, though.

7) Reba recently became a spokesperson for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Whose chicken do you eat most often: Popeye's, Church's, Chick-fil-A or KFC?

KFC. There's no Chick-Fil-A around here (and I doubt I'd give them money anyway), Popeye's is rather spicy (though I love their hush puppies), and I won't eat at Church's because of a bad event at one some 25 years ago.

8) In 2001, Reba starred in her own sitcom. On the show, her character is first an administrative assistant and then a real estate agent. Have you ever tried your hand at either of those occupations? If not, which do you think you would be a better fit for you?

I temped as a receptionist while I was in college. That's the closest I came to administrative assistant. I would suck at real estate; I can't even sell Girl Scout Cookies!

9) Random question: Which of these super powers would you rather have -- extraordinary strength or invisibility?

Still wanting the invisibility. I was told within the last hour by a close friend that I'm "tough as nails" so I think I'm good in terms of strength.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (2006)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Bette Midler sings about the storm that's raging outside. How's the weather where you are today?

Bright blue, sunny skies, but brutally cold. OK, it's warmer than it was earlier this week, but it's still bloody cold!

2) She mentions her gloves. Tell us about your favorite pair of gloves or mittens.

I have glittens--the things that flip the mitten part back so you can use your fingers.

3) Does your home have a fireplace to keep you warm?

We have a fireplace. I even used it this week...and set my bangs on fire because I forgot the whole damper thing. Dumbass.

4) Bette's father, Fred, supported his family as a house painter. Have you ever held a job that kept you outdoors a great deal of the time?

No, thank God!

5) Her mother, Ruth, was a talented seamstress. How about you? Can you sew on a button? Raise a hem? Darn a hole?

I can do all of those things. I haven't darned in a really long time, but I regularly sew buttons and repair things, apply patches, etc.

6) 2017 was a big year for Bette. At the age of 72, she opened on Broadway in the revival of Hello, Dolly! and won a Tony. As we kick off 2018, what would you like to accomplish this year?

Financial clued-in-ness. I'm not stupid, but I feel completely at sea.

7) Bette and her husband Martin have been married for nearly 34 years. Their wedding was officiated by an Elvis impersonator. Are you looking forward to any weddings in 2018?

I don't think so. Well, I mean Prince Harry's getting married, but... {lol}

8) Bette and Martin are very proud of their daughter, Sophie, now 30, who graduated from Yale in 2008. Do you expect to attend any graduation ceremonies in 2018?

I don't think so. The only people I know that are likely to graduate in anything are in master's degree programs or certification programs which don't always lend themselves to giant parties somehow.

9) Random question: Yesterday, who did you spend the most time with?

I was at work 9 hours yesterday, no break for lunch, mostly at my desk in the workroom. After work I came home. The vast majority of my time I spent in my head (as usual) listening to various podcasts. I spoke at length to a couple of people, but mostly kept myself to myself and got on with my job.

Whew, lucky answer

You Should Be Married

You've got the skills and confidence to go it alone in life. But all else being equal, you prefer a partner. You are both easygoing and devoted. You have the patience and forgiveness that makes a marriage last. You prefer socializing one on one to being with a crowd. Even if you're not attached, you're the type to have close best friend. You like to go deep in relationships. There's nothing more satisfying than being close to someone for a long time.

Should You Be Married or Single?

All righty. Pretty good description of me, though right now it's kind of like being married to a ghost.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
... because Joy recommended it
[and if you don't know this song, shame on you and Google it yourself!]

1) The Beatles recorded this after they had taken a three-month hiatus from working together as a band. Do you find you're sharp after taking time off? Or does it take you a while to get back into the swing of things in your day-to-day life?

It takes awhile to get in the groove, BUT my mind is sharper. At least briefly. ;-)

2) During those three months off, John Lennon made a movie called How I Won the War. What's the last movie you watched? Did you view it at a theater, on TV, or from a device like a computer or tablet?

I'm trying to remember the last movie we saw at the theater. I remember sitting there, but I really need to write this stuff down. ... Beast saves ticket stubs, and he says it was Wonder Woman. Which was good!! I have some weird brain-thing that just refuses to "save" movie titles.

3) Paul McCartney and George Harrison both used their time off to make new and different music. Paul composed instrumentals for a movie soundtrack while George studied sitar with Ravi Shankar. Ringo Starr spent those three months with his wife and their two little boys. If you had three months to spend doing anything you wanted, and money was no object, would you try something new (like Paul and George) or just kick back and relax (like Ringo)?

I'm revising my opinion of Ringo because of this info. However, for myself, I expect it would be a combination of hanging out with friends and family, and working on something new and different.

4) Paul recalls what fun it was to dress up in Edwardian-era costumes for the album cover. When did you last attend a costume party? What did you wear?

I don't really do costume, or "fancy dress" as it's known in England.

5) Paul says he came up with the name "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" when Beatle friend Mal Evans told him about this great San Francisco band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. Paul hadn't heard their music yet, but he loved the sound of their six-word band name. Soon everyone would hear of Big Brother. Do you know who Big Brother's famous lead singer was?

Yes I do and I listened to some of her tunes yesterday at work. Love her, miss her.

6) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band appeared on the Billboard charts for 175 weeks. Is this album in your collection?

Yup. Of course. I think it's a requirement to own this if you're at all serious about music.

7) The Beatles are among the top-selling artists of all time in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Would you like to visit Africa?

Yes. Perhaps not those two countries, or at least not ONLY those two countries....

8) 50 years ago, when Sgt. Pepper was first released, the average price for gas was 33¢/gallon. When did you last fill up your gas tank? Do you remember how much it cost?

I paid $2.39 last night when I was driving on fumes after work.

9) Random question: Are most of your married friends happily married?

Those who are married...I would say it's probably 70/30 with happiness on the upper end. I mean, I have a lot of friends in support groups whose marriages sound rocky, but I'm only getting a particular slant, but that's balanced by the people at church who have been married since the Mammoth Era and I don't see that changing.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Ginormous Questions

1. Are you single?

Well, I'm not plural. But I am married.

2. Are your parents still married?

Technically, I guess so. They are both dead, however, so I don't actually know their current status. They never divorced while either was alive.

3. Are you in love?

"In love"=no. I did have a VERY weird dream overnight about this topic involving someone I only know through Facebook and a mutual friend.

4. Do you believe in love at first sight?

I don't. My sister Jean did. Even when she told me--some 15 years after she married the guy--I thought she was insane.

5. Who ended your last relationship?

Lack of attention (and I'm going with friend-relationship, since any ending of dating relationships was 32-odd years ago).

6. Have you ever been hurt by a break up?

Even as the breaker-upper, there's always some pain, yeah.

7. Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

I so hate this question. We break the hearts of others every day over the smallest things: a rude gesture, an eyeroll, a firm "NO!" As a parent, when Sparky was around all the time I sort of felt like the world's biggest heart-breaker. Usually for his safety and well-being, but sometimes because I was tired, or just being ridiculous ("the sound of the fan is SO LOUD--TURN IT DOWN NOW!" about a ceiling fan turned on low), or some confluence of bad timing.

8. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

It's still a secret. Unless the dream last night counts, since that was actually part of the dream.

9. Prefer love or lust?

Prefer love.

10. Prefer a few best friends or many regular friends?

Few besties. My delimiter for friendship seems to be set differently than most people's. I can be friendly to hundreds of people daily, but only about 10 people in my life are what I consider "friends" in that only that many really know the deep, dark, dirty stuff.

11. Wild night out or romantic night in?

Can't I just take a nap?

12. Back in the day: Been caught sneaking out?

Nope. Weirdly, it would have been super-easy, but it never occurred to me.

13. Ever wanted something/someone so badly it hurt?

Yeah.

14. Who are/is your best friend(s)?

Those 10 or so people I mentioned above.

15. Ever wanted to disappear?

This feeling comes and goes a bit like the tide.

16. First attraction: Smile or eyes?

Voice. Shoulders. I guess smile is before eyes though.

17. Prefer intelligence or attraction?

Wait, isn't it possible to have both?? Because I cannot even think about being attracted to someone without a shred of intelligence. You know how there are (I guess) people who are attracted to power? Not me: bring in the brains!!

18. Last phone call you received?

I'm sure it was a telemarketer that I sent right to vm.

19. Last thing you drank?

I'm still working on my Diet Pepsi from lunch at Panera.

20. Before your current one, when was your last relationship?

I so SO hate this question!! I have dozens of relationships that begin/end almost daily/weekly/monthly.

21. Do you and your family get along?

Mostly. My family-of-origin gets along best from several hundred miles apart.

22. Would you say you have a "screwed up life"?

Nope. I've had a decidedly easy and blessed life with a few pretty awful events -- through little of my own doing, may I add.

23. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell.

I once was not allowed in a bar in Milwaukee because I was wearing Harley gear. (hint: Harley engines are built in Milwaukee) WTF, still 25+ years later.

24. Do you trust all your friends?

To greater or lesser extents. I'm gradually learning that my expectations are my problem, not my friends'.

25. Who knows the most about you?

Beast, these days.

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)
The Gal's Meme, Part Two

What did your last text message say?

• The last actual text was "Surgery will be in October at the soonest. He needs to find a [doctor] that will perform the [surgery] so it can be all in one surgery. Ugh." That was Thursday at 4 p.m. from a buddy of mine whose warranty has expired--everything is breaking!
• Last PM (Facebook) I got was "We have already gotten pounds via travel ex and shipped fed ex plus notified our credit cards!" That was yesterday at 4:22 p.m. from my sister being her usual overachiever self.
• Last Googlechat message was "Am here. Managed to get the ink we need. Getting ready to be wired up." That was from Beast Friday at 7:54 p.m. prior to his sleep study.

Are you someone’s best friend? Tell us about your friendship.

I have a few besties. They're all multi-year relationships built on silliness and shared interests and love and inside jokes and tears. I can't really explain any of the reasons why we clicked because they are all quite different in many ways, but they all share the traits of patience and intelligent and wit.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Work. I have to do some original cataloging of some Spanish and self-published stuff. I need to call our family attorney for anappointment to update our wills. I need to contact my school-district "supervisor" for my volunteer position to find out if she wants me there this week. Maybe I'll dust my desk off too. After work, I have an hour-long massage scheduled. Heaven!!

What do you think of when you think of Australia?

I miss Addy. One of the downsides of getting to know people on the internet is that when they stop posting it's often impossible to figure out what happened. Is he alive? Dead? Back to living on the streets? Healthy? (having now noted that he's still tweeting, I would guess he's alive, but it's not much of a personal nature.... :'(

Last person you talked to on the phone? What about?

My endocrinologist's office called yesterday at 11:35 a.m. and asked for Karen (or something else that is not my name, or anything close to it). Wrong number. Oops.

Any plans today? Do tell.

I just started laundry. I need to clean the guinea pig cage. I should figure out something for dinner. [commence discussion about Beast's meeting time tonight and when we should plan to eat] The bed will need to be remade. I'd like a real nap and some Benadryl (late night babysitting and dealing with cats). Oh, and I was going to look at our Color Bible for ideas about what color to paint Sparky's former bedroom.

What makes you happy?

Reading. Writing. Solving puzzles. Playing with kids. Being grateful for all the good things in my life--and there are many!

What’s your favorite room where you live?

I like most of the rooms in this house. Not the laundry room, or the garage, but the rest are good; I even like some of the storage areas! I guess either my bedroom or the living room is at the top though.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?

Allergies and my psycho niece ramping up for the upcoming family travels.

Last movie you saw? Review, please.

We went and saw the new Star Trek movie last week. It was good, but I'm thoroughly confused about the whole timeline of Abrams' version. I just totally don't get what the hell is going on. But the extension of Scotty's role and the friendship he develops with a new character were really good this time.

If you are jealous of anyone, tell us about it.

Not so much. Jealousy isn't the kind of thing that brings a lot of joy to life, and it burns a lot of energy. I try to stay away from it.

What is the most serious relationship you’ve had?

Well, I've been married for 30 years, so I mean....

Should anyone be jealous of you?

I'm sure they should not waste their time being jealous of anyone at all!

What do you usually do during the work day?

Last week for two days I was mostly trying to stay awake! I literally napped twice on Monday with my chin on my hands at my desk. Usually, it's too loud, busy, and weird to even consider that option. The doldrums of summer are upon us. When I'm not sleeping, I catalog new materials for the collection, keep track of materials people are ordering for the collection, keep stats, do random project work ("killing off" dead people, weeding, updating subject headings, cleaning out my emailbox), make decisions about ordering materials for the section I'm responsible for ... and if I'm in the public area, checking books in and out, answering reference questions, showing people how to print (or how to use a computer mouse), handing out bathroom keys, telling tweeners to settle the fuck down, and generally being amazed at the human condition.

Tell us about someone that you really don’t care for.

This is a very Negative Nelly meme. I'm not going to waste anyone's time talking about someone I don't like. Why bother? Much like jealousy, dwelling on people/things/situations I don't like is just pointless.

Do you use the phrase “Have a good one” daily?

I do, for my sins.

How old do you wish you’d be turning on your next birthday? Why?

I have to say that I wish my body FELT more like 30 than 55! But I'll just go ahead and turn 53 in November because there's no other option. I'm not going to start lying about my age at this point!

Do you still like amusement parks? Tell us about your last trip to one.

Wow, I haven't been to one in over a decade! That's fine. I don't like crowds or lines, which is pretty much what you get at amusement parks. And they're usually hotter than blazes and require endless negotiation with whoever you're there with about what "should" be done next....and expensive.

How did you get one of your scars?

I have to say the defining characteristic of most of my scars is Not Thinking Something Through. Except the surgical scars. Those just are what they are.

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Depends on if your alarm clock wakes me up early! Otherwise, I'm a pretty forgiving sort. ;-)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom?

Beast and I were texting as I came home tonight. I think my last was "Np" in response to him telling me he was going to bed, which he did before I got home.

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom?

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

Whenever the alarm goes off. Or, when I need to pee. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays my alarm is set for 7:10. Friday or Saturday (whichever I work), it's set for 6:30. And on Wednesdays it's set at 5:30.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

Not in my neighborhood. I'm careful in areas I don't know.

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day?

This. And Facebook. And read. One or more of the above.

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom?

Beast, of course. Not sure where. He's been sick all weekend, so before that for sure!

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school?

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so?

I love my job. Today, I got to talk to a father and son who have ... some issues but are finally getting things together. And I laughed with another dad when he rolled not just his eyes but his whole head at his two teenagers. I made a homeless woman laugh when I told her she could have a look at the newspaper, but I'd "chase her down" if she didn't bring it back (and then mimed a fast walk)--she told me I was something else. [too true] Another guy, a regular, told me a bunch of random and lengthy stories about trips he's taken. I woke up another regular who was online but asleep. I chased a 2-year-old out of the children's room so his dad and brother could actually leave (and change his diaper--PEEEUWW!). I took photos of a Jedi in her robes with and without her light saber. I got to see a smile on a teen I rarely see smile. It was a great day.

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos?

Who, moi? ...uhm, yes, I am a bit of a "That's what s/he said" person.

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?

Yes, I've met quite a few of these people.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?

I'm married. We talk about sex all the time! [ha ha ha] But that's the only person I do talk about sex with, so....
And yes, it's mututal.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately?

I've been trying to figure out my future for awhile. I don't know what the future holds, and generally I'm fine with that, but lately I seem to be getting thrown into choices I've never thought were available and it's confusing and unpleasant.

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation?

Oh, every day. Today, one of our regulars told me all about his feelings on the President and Hillary...and blah blah blah.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

I wouldn't say "usually" but "often" yeah.

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

Can I? Probably, but since I don't smoke it's not something I've considered learning to do.

T) What are you looking forward to?

My great-nephew Jo is being baptized in a couple of weeks. After that, I guess it's Jesse's wedding in September. Well, and summer and warm weather, too.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more?

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

Yes. Except when I'm being a total bitchface.

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now.

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Laundry Day Meme

Do you know any couples that have been married for a very long time?

Huh. Well. My parents, technically, have been married since 1941, but since they're both deceased... My oldest sister has been married since 1966. I know people who got married in the 1950s. I've been married since 1986.
Here's the takeaway, though: staying married means nothing if it's only because of inertia and fear. Having a years-long relationship is important, but it doesn't have to be a marriage. A good friendship is at least equally as important, someone who knows you when you were just starting to become You. THAT's important.

What are you tired of people telling you?

I'm tired of hearing "shut up!" from the universe at large, but that's because I keep not doing it. Actual, individual things I'm tired of involve the endless library/ian comments and the word, "Sorry." I'm really fucking tired of "Sorry." Don't apologize (again), just STOP DOING IT!

Which type of ice cream do you prefer?

My gut reaction was to say 'home-made' but I'll go with vanilla with my choice of toppings.

Do you have a little sister? What’s her name?

I am the little sister!! I do, however, have a couple of nieces less than 10 years younger than me who sort of fulfilled that purpose in my childhood. Lots of the same perks, less of the concurrent abhorrence. The oldest one turned 47 on Friday; the younger one turned 44 a couple of weeks ago.

What was the last movie you watched on TV?

It didn't make much of an impression as I don't honestly remember. I'm just awful at remembering movies....

If the internet was not available right now, what would you do instead?

What I should be doing even though the 'net is fine: READING! I've got two seriously overdue books that are nowhere near being finished.

Do you complain a lot?

More than I should, for sure.

Name a movie that your favorite actor is in.

At this point, if I said "Star Wars," that would include almost everyone (mostly white people) in Hollywood, wouldn't it? ;)

Do you like your toes?

My toes are awesome!!

Would you rather go to an authentic haunted house or an ancient temple?

Temple I suspect a haunted house would have a terminal case of dustiness, and that doesn't sound fun to me.

Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it?

Huh. The first time I got blackout-drunk with the vomits it was on cheap champagne (13 glasses in half an hour--dumbass). Ruined the cheap stuff forever. I do like a good Dom, but it has to be pricey. It's really the only thing I'm fussy about in terms of taste.

Are there any seashells in your room?

There are!

What was the reason for the last time you went outside?

I was checking to see what Beast was doing that involved thumping and banging near the front porch. The answer: breaking up ice.

Do you like fruity or minty gum?

Minty is preferred.

Are you looking forward to any day of this month?

Tuesday is Groundhog Day, which is a BFD around here. Wednesday is Sparky's birthday. Valentine's Day is approaching. I don't know if I'm really "looking forward" to all of those, but they do mean that winter is closer to ending.

What was the last graduation you attended?

Sparky's, last May. Coldest freakin' day of the month, which was the exact opposite of Beast's and my graduation 30 years ago when it was the hottest freakin' day of the month.

Do you rummage through the $5 movie bin at Walmart every time?

Nope.

What day of the week do you usually do laundry?

Saturday. Though I've got a couple of loads going today to finish up yesterday's work.

Do you like using air fresheners?

I've had the same can in the powder room for 15 years. So, I don't go through much of it, no.

Are your nails ever painted red?

Sometimes. I think this summer is going to bring a whole new palette of colors. My nail polish is pretty old.

When you were a baby, did you have a favorite blanket?

Probably. It never turned into a 'thing' though.

Ever been on a cruise?

Nope. Well, dinner cruises a couple of times, but not real ones.

Would you rather go to Alaska or Russia?

Russia!! I would LOVE to visit St. Petersburg in the summer, and also Irkutsk.

Strawberries or bananas?

Depends on time and season and a lot of other things. Generally, strawberries, I guess.

Are you wearing socks?

Yes. It's winter in the Midwest, damper than blazes out there and my feet are ice blocks. 'Tis the season.

When’s the last time you went to the mall?

Good heavens. It's been a couple of years, I think!

glove slap, I don't take crap! glove slap, shut your big yap!

(Found at Amy's--who also gave it the title)

Can you do any accents other than your own?

I can do Western (because, family) and generic "Southern" and Midland English. And I guess I could do Mexican if I wanted, but I don't.

Do you have a strong local accent?

I'm sure I do, and I hate it. I can actually feel my vocal cords lengthening whenever I go back to Colorado, and I stop talking like I have to say ALL THE WORDS in three minutes. Through my nose.

If evil-doers invaded your country would you rush to the battle-lines to defend the motherland, or hide in a box?

I'm pretty sure that the evil-doers are already here, and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to deal with them. I'll be in my box if you need me.

What's your favourite flower?

Garden roses, with scent. Climbing ones, preferably still on the vine.

Have you ever given blood?

I used to give regularly, have probably done a couple of gallons over time. I don't think they'll have me anymore now though.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Absolutely, if it meant helping find a cure for something that's killing me. If I'm going to die anyway, experiment away--and make sure I have good pain meds! My sister had experimental brain surgery to explore some possibilities inre PD and MSA. And when she died, she sent her brain back to the university where she had the surgery so they could see...whatever they needed to see.

What's your favourite radio station?

KIMN, ca. 1980. Barring that, I will listen to Sirius, or NPR, or if I need to know about local traffic, the local station. The latter is what wakes me up in the morning--which gets me out of bed very fast.

Have you ever slapped someone in public?

Hmm, I don't think so. I only really remember one slap in my history and it was inside with just the two of us. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Have you ever drawn on a sleeping or inebriated person?

I have not. This has never seemed remotely amusing to me.

Can you roll your R's?

Rrrruffles have rrrridges. Yes. I have a theory that this is something you have to learn to do while fairly young. If you don't, it is really awfully close to impossible to learn later. And if you take Spanish as a teenager, and haven't learned this skill, the class is much harder than in needs to be.

Rebound relationships: good or bad?

Immediate-rebounds seem to rarely work out, not that I've seen anyway. But they can be fun!

Would you ever sign a prenuptial agreement?

I have no interest in ever getting married again, so no. If I did somehow lose my mind enough to re-up, I would do a pre-nup.

Is your bellybutton an innie or outie?

All innie. Outies gross me out a little; nothing personal if you're an outie.

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Time:

10:33 a.m.

Scene:

It's another coolish-for-July day, the morning after the Day of Big Explosions, and my 29th wedding anniversary. My dear spouse just rolled out of bed and is still waking up.

Today's plan:

There was discussion of a movie. There was discussion of going out to eat. I'm not sure what we're doing today, but I don't really mind. I need to clean the guinea pig cage.

Listening to:

The boys discuss Breaking Bad (which Beast just finished binge-watching last night), and the A/C blower.

Drinking:

My first can of diet Dr. Pepper.

Thinking about:

We're talking about getting new kitchen countertops, and maybe a new floor since the lino is peeling up, so that's on my mind. And I'm also pondering what I want to accomplish today: sorting magazines in the office, updating GoodReads, watching NASCAR, and general calendar cleanup. Oh, and playing with my new phone. yay

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mysterious Ways (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In honor of St. Patrick's Day (this coming Tuesday), we're featuring one of Ireland's most successful exports, U2. What else is Ireland famous for?

The Magdelen laundries, poverty, the IRA, drinking, being colonized (still) by England, potatoes, The Troubles, singing, and charm.

2) The Dublin studio where U2 recorded this song (and all of Achtung, Baby) is now a music store called Claddagh Records. U2 pilgrims from all over the world travel to the spot (Celia Street, Dublin 2). If we were to visit your neighborhood, are there any landmarks you could direct us to?

Well, first of all, Achtung Babywas recorded in Berlin. Hence the, uh, name of the album. ...not that I'm a GIANT U2 GEEK or anything.....

As to the question, my neighborhood is less than 15 years old, and all houses, so...yawn. I can show you where the failed Molotov fizzed in the street, and the places that were landscape-paint-vandalized a few years back, and the stupid non-road between this subdivision and the next one over. That's about it. We do have natural prairie areas, if you're into that sort of thing.

3) Lead singer Bono is rarely seen without his trademark sunglasses because he suffers from glaucoma. How is your vision? 20/20?

My corrected vision is about 20/20. My regular, uncorrected, vision is appallingly bad, and I found out yesterday that the concerns about glaucoma after my last appointment are just more structural weirdness than actual problem. Thank God!

4) Bono and wife Alison were married in 1982 and are still together today. Who is the longest-married couple you know?

There are some couples at our church that are on 6+ decades. It's rather startling to realize they got married before I was born....THAT LONG AGO! lol

5) When Bono inducted Frank Sinatra into the Grammy Hall of Fame, he applauded the older man's "swagger." Do you think you have swagger?

I was complimented today on the speed of my walking pace. I don't know about swagger, though. I don't really worry about it.

6) Bono has been honored by world leaders, including President Obama and Nelson Mandela and the Pope, for his philanthropy. Here's your turn to brag: tell us something you have received praise for recently.

I have heard from multiple people at work that we have an amazing and beautiful library, even from people whose libraries are bigger and nicer (architecturally and financially, etc.) than us. It's strange. I don't know about me, personally. I'm just trying to get through the days.

7) Clearly Bono is the most famous member of U2. Who else is in the band?

The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen. {softball} I've known those names for over half my life!

8) On St. Patrick's Day, will you wear green?

Yes. I don't really want to be pinched.

9) Will you enjoy a glass of green beer or maybe a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's?

Yuck. I don't like beer or whatever those shamrock shakes are made of. We'll have corned beef at some point during the week, with the fixin's, and I'm noshing on green-and-white sugar cookies right now. Yay.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Stop! In the Name of Love (1965)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their long gloves and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?

Good golly it's been several years. The last family wedding I was at, I'm sure. So, about 2011. Maybe I should buy a dress--I don't own any--for Sparky's graduation....

2) With a record 12 #1 hits, the Supremes remain America's best-selling vocal group. This must have been hard for Betty McGlown, the fourth Supreme, who left the group before they recorded their first song. Can you think of an opportunity you missed?

I don't tend to dwell on missed opportunities. Nothing to be done about them, and there haven't been any major ones like this. No one I dated became famous, or rich, or a criminal. No big jobs or lotteries were missed by some random minor issue.

3) When "the girls" (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Flo Ballard) first started hanging around Motown, founder Berry Gordy was reluctant to let them record. After all, they were still in high school. They refused to give up and eventually convinced him to let them add hand claps and finally back up vocals to recordings by other Motown artists. Tell us about a time when your persistence paid off.

My marriage. That's all.

4) 50 years after its release, "Stop! In the Name of Love" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the lyrics?

Of course. I've listened to that song for my entire life, probably at least 5-10 times each year at least in various formats, editions, and situations.

5) There's a children's playground named in Diana Ross' honor within New York's Central Park. It includes swings, slides, rope bridges and a fountain. When you played in the park, what did you run to first?

Swings. I liked the monkey bars too.

6) Diana stumbled in her high heels and broke her ankle as she left the stage after a November 2012 concert. What do you have on your feet right now?

Black sox. Thinking about adding a blanket to them.

7) Ever the trooper, she honored her commitment to perform at a White House-sponsored Christmas concert just weeks later, even though her leg was still in a cast. Tell us about a time when you "played hurt."

I'm a mom. I played hurt for the first 5 years of my kid's life. One day when he was 3 or so, I remember vividly that I felt sick to my stomach all day. We were on our way to the grocery store and I sat down on the top step from the living room and said, "I'm sorry, kiddo, I just don't think I can do this." I kept it together in a low-impact let's-watch-TV-all-day kind of way till Beast came home from work. Within 5 minutes I was bringing up breakfast and anything not firmly attached to my insides, and Beast was calling the library to tell them I wouldn't be coming to work that night.

8) Young Diana Ross was a good student and a tough competitor who made her school's swim team. Are you a good swimmer?

Hah! I am a good drowner.

9) Diana's older sister, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, was the first African American woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school. Decades ago, Barbara juggled post-graduate studies and raising small children. Are you good at multi-tasking?

Yes. All of my jobs have involved multi-tasking: teaching, mentoring, parenting, librarian-ing...yup. Juggling is me.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Are the majority of your friends married or single?

Hmm. Probably leans toward married, maybe 60/40.

2) Rings are one of the items most frequently pawned. Have you ever visited a pawn shop, either to sell or to buy?

Nope. I only visit pawnshops on TV (Pawn Stars, Hardcore Pawn...)

3) Let's say we want to put a ring on it: What's your ring size?

I have no idea now. When I got engaged, I think I was a 6.5 or something of the sort. My ring has been resized at least once since then, however.

4) Beyonce does commercials for Pepsi. What's the last beverage you drank?

I'm working on a can of the usual Diet Dr. Pepper of course. Do you really ever need to ask?

5) Beyonce also has a clothing line. What are you wearing right now?

Lee jeans and a top with dangly "ties" minus the hoodie that usually goes with them. It's cute, but sounds awful when I describe it.

6) Speaking of clothes, Sam was changing hers this morning when she unintentionally flashed her neighbor. She didn't realize he was working along the fence that runs under her bedroom window. When was your most recent "OOPS!" moment?

I have one pair of underwear that needs to be retired because it doesn't stay up. I had to go into the library workroom Thursday and reach into my pants and pull up the panties. Thank God for high cube walls! Otherwise, I don't think I've flashed anyone recently.

7) Rumor has it Beyonce is pregnant again. Coincidentally, Sam needs to check the Babys R Us registry for a shower present. Who will receive the next gift you give?

More than likely it will be Beast since his birthday is next month, but maybe not.

8) But Sam doesn't actually want to go to the shower and is trying to come up a good excuse. Tell us a time you fibbed [you told] to get out of doing something.

We were invited to a hayride/bonfire last Saturday night, but it rained the whole day and Beast & I got into a huge argument so we ended up bailing on it. Mostly, I didn't want to go anyway because of allergies, but I swear I didn't concoct the day as an excuse! Usually, my lame excuse is more of a generalized "I don't feel good" headache/allergies thing.

9) When did you last go inside the bank and talk to a teller?

Hooo...it's been awhile. I stopped in several months ago to talk about Sparky's educational savings account, which turned out to be NOT that anymore so that was good.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mine Would Be You
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) The lyrics mention his respect for "90 proof and Marlboro Red." What was your most recent drink? When was your last cigarette?

I've never even tried smoking. There is nothing about it that has ever appealed to me in any way. Yuck. (sorry, smokers.... My favorite sister smoked, so it's not like it's a deal-breaker for liking people)
The last drink I had was probably a couple weeks ago: I have a bottle of Stoli stashed (hidden) so that I can have a pop once in awhile when Beast isn't around. If it were out in plain sight, it would be gone before I got more than two drinks, which is about what I had two weeks ago. Welcome to my world. I'll probably have a glass of wine at P.E.O. next Tuesday, God willing.

2) They also reference "singing like crazy fools." What's the last song you sang?

Out loud, it was probably the closing hymn last Sunday. In my head, well, I have had all kinds of stuff running around this week, from Michael Franti to Mozart to Miley Cyrus.

3) Blake Shelton won a Grammy for his performance of this song. Crazy Sam won the award for "most improved bowler" when she was in third grade, and it's now in a closet somewhere. Do you have any trophies? If so, where are they?

I have no trophies. I think I still have the prize certificate for winning the Best Political Cartoon in 9th grade Social Studies, and I won a turkey for Thanksgiving when I was 10 or so. Those are my claims to fame.

4) Blake is currently on tour. The merchandise sold at concerts brings in big money for the artist. Do you have any tour memorabilia (like a poster or t-shirt)?

I have a few T-shirts, most of which are too small for me these days. And we've bought CDs at concerts, too, from the opening acts especially, but not exclusively.

5) In addition to The Voice, Shelton is on TV a lot with his Pizza Hut commercials. What chain restaurant is nearest your home? Do you eat there?

Nearest my home, according to Google, is Subway and the pizza place that just brought us dinner (local, so that doesn't count). I haven't stopped at that Subway since before Sparky graduated from high school, so at least 3.5 years. Next closest chain is the McD's in the city I don't work in; our village (hah) is smack in between two bigger towns. I have indeed eaten food from that particular McDonald's.

6) Shelton has a million-seller CD called Cheers! It's Christmas! What's the first Christmas carol to pop into your head this hot summer Saturday?

"Silent Night" of course.

7) Shelton and Miranda Lambert were married in front of 550 guests. Do you enjoy weddings?

Generally, yes. I don't like over-the-top weddings, where people have obviously tried too hard. My three oldest nieces have had lovely, comfortable, friendly, fun weddings with nobody getting plastered and acting stupid.

8) The wedding took place on a big Texas ranch. Have you spent much time on a farm or a [r]anch?

Nope. No farmers in my immediate circle, though there are several at my church now. While both my parents had green thumbs, they were not interested in working on a farm EVer. Dad especially knew that farms were really REALLY hard work.

9) In 2013 he helped organize a relief benefit concert for victims of the Oklahoma tornado[e]s. Tell us about a charity you support.

Part of our money donated to our church supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and we support it in person as often as we can by visiting PDA sites to help out. Beast was part of a group doing cleanup about a month ago in a town not to far from us that was badly damaged by a tornado recently. The year after Katrina, several people from our church were in the Gulf doing cleanup there (in Mississippi, which was heavily damaged and flooded, but got considerably less attention than New Orleans). PDA works with Red Cross and other grass-roots organizations providing support and funds to people who are already doing the work, like their partnership with churches and organizations in the southwest right now dealing with all the Central American kids flooding the area.
And every year our church produces a simply humongous pile of boxes for Christmas Child. In just over a decade we have packed the equivalent of about 10 boxes per member.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Twenty

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I get butterflies (a.k.a. anxiety) quite often when I'm heading home from work. It's a long bummer of a story.

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage?

I think I had a drink at a P.E.O. meeting a few months ago.

3. Who can you trust?

God. And to a lesser extent, Beast, Amy, Jenny, myself, and a surprisingly large number of people who generally are hiding in the woodwork around me.

4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other?

Uh, wow, it was towards the end of our freshman year in college. So, 31 years ago this month.

5. Favorite band?

U2.

6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently?

That I'm very bad at making changes in my life for myself when I'm not being held accountable.

7. Do you like anyone?

Nope. Everyone sucks. [Did you not see my answer to #3?]

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged?

Hmmm, no I don't believe I do. I know of some engagements, but I don't know the people myself.

9. What's your favorite number?

Gut-favorite: 16. Chosen favorite: 3.

10. Who was the last person to make you cry?

I teared up at church this morning while we honored our retiring financial secretary. We're honoring her--and she's retiring--because she has fully metastasized cancer that means she'll probably be gone by Father's Day.

11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Nope. Went on a couple of weekend church retreats when I was a teenager, but that's all.

12. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. Really, if you're going to ask, listen to my answers, k?

13. What is one thing you miss about your past?

I miss the mountains. Pretty much daily. After 28 years of living in the flat middle of the country, the mountain-ache isn't quite as strong, but not a day passes that I don't think about the smell, the sky, the weather, the lack of humidity, the vastness .... SOMEthing.

14. What is one thing you've learned about life?

It goes on, with or without my attention.

15. Are you jealous of anyone?

Somehow, for the most part, that emotion has mostly died off over the years.

16. Is anyone jealous of you?

You'd really have to ask them.

17. Has a friend ever used you?

Of course. Depending on the usage, it either ruined the friendship, put it on hold for awhile, or barely registered.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend?

Most people say that--if they say anything of the sort at all--which is fine since I'm always hunting for new friends.

19. Who was the last person you drove with?

Sparky went with me to the grocery store after lunch.

20. What are you looking forward to?

... I got nothin'. This should probably worry me, eh?

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.

Blogthings

You Would Be a Terrible Trophy Wife

Trophy wife? No thank you! You couldn't imagine catering to your partner's every whim and need. Nope, you need plenty of autonomy and independence. Even if you do have the goods, you wouldn't want to waste them on being a professional spouse. You prefer a partnership that's more modern. You like the idea of two people balancing one another out. You like the idea of earning your own money in life and the challenge of your own career. If anything, you'd like to have a trophy wife (or husband)!

Would You Make a Good Trophy Wife (or Husband)?

Well, thank God! This is SUCH a relief! hah

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Waking Up in Vegas
Thanks to Cat. [me!] for recommending Katy Perry

1) As she sings about her night in Las Vegas, Katy wonders if she "got hitched last night dressed up like Elvis." Tell us about the last wedding you attended.

I... think it was a couple of years ago: our church secretary's youngest daughter--who was in our youth group the first year we were leading--got married. After the vows were said, the groom surprised her by singing a really lovely song to her. I didn't even know he was such a good singer!

2) Whenever Crazy Sam visits Las Vegas, she stays at the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever been to Las Vegas, Nevada? What about Paris, France?

I have been to Vegas several times, and actually the last time I was there we stayed at Paris the first night. It was a very nice room, although the public areas are a bit ... rococo. Good crepes for breakfast, though! I haven't been to France. It's the one [western] European country I've zero interest in visiting.

3) Do you enjoy gambling? Have you had any success at it?

I lose with appalling regularity, but it's only money, and I only play (video poker) in Vegas.

4) Las Vegas is served by the RTC Bus Service and the Vegas Monorail System connects many of casinos on The Strip. When was the last time you rode a bus or a train?

We took the CTA bus in July when we were doing our anniversary getaway. While riding, we ended up chatting with the people next to us who were from Sheffield. England, that is. Turns out, the wife went to uni in the town where my sister Jean is buried. That was a weird moment....

5) It's not unusual for the mercury to hit 100º in Vegas in August. Which are you more comfortable in -- extreme heat or bone-chilling cold?

I don't mind Las Vegas-type heat (though 100 is getting close to unpleasant) since at least you sweat. However, it's much easier to deal with cold since you can at least put on more clothes. Still, given the option of freezing or baking, I'd pretty much rather bake.

6) As a little girl, Katy Perry sang nothing but gospel. Do you remember any church songs from your childhood?

Remember two things: 1) I went to Sunday School/Bible School from birth through high school, and then worked as the Christian Education intern two summers in college (so I taught Sunday School to all the kids all summer); and 2) You asked:

"This Little Light of Mine", "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" (omg, I just "listened" to the lyrics--how cloying!), "Sunshine Mountain" (what is with sun?), "Jesus Loves Me", "Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord", "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart" (WHERE?),  "Deep and Wide", "Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" (easily the one I hate most now), "Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus", "Rise and Shine", "Children, Go Where I Send Thee", "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", "Father Abraham", "Jacob's Ladder", "Jesus Loves the Little Children", "Give Me Oil in My Lamp", "If You're Happy and You Know It", "The B I B L E", "Rejoice in the Lord Always", "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock" (my favorite, I think), "Zaccheus", "Rejoice in the Lord Always", "Praise Him, Praise Him, All the Little Children", "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands", and of course the songs we learned the books of the Bible to.

7) [Katy] made her film debut as the voice of Smurfette in The Smurfs (2011). Who is your all-time favorite cartoon character?

Mighty Mouse is pretty high on the list. So is Underdog. And my favorite paper cartoon character is Opus by quite a long margin.

8) Do you consider yourself a picky eater?

Not really, though if I really don't like something, I simply won't eat it. I'd rather go hungry, which is just fine with me (and for me, probably!)

9) You receive an invitation to a party that starts at 7:00 PM. When will you arrive?

Somewhere between 6:50 and 7:10. I live in the midwest where "7:00 Start" means just that. If you're late, you lose.