Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

It All Depends On You (1959)

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

1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad?

I'm ok. I don't feel great today, but mood stabilizers are fully engaged, so no tears and no maniacal laughter or shouting.

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget?

I pay the bills and buy what I need to get by. Everything else is gravy. I just don't like to spend money.

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125?

Bold of you to expect society not to implode in the next 100 years... 
I'd guess the religious books will continue on: Torah/Talmud, Christian scriptures, Qu'ran, Bhagavad Gita. They've made it this far after all.

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it?

First permanent full-time job was when I was 24. I worked full-time during summers in college, and part-time pretty much starting at 16 till 24. That job was my first job as a librarian. It was 1988 and I was stoked to be earning a cool $20,000/year. 

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key?

Low key. It's going to be a rough one this year. Possibly permanently going forward. No Beasty to celebrate joint Birthday Week for the first time in 40+ years.

6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy?

I think they are creepy, thought I've never visited one in person.

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now?

Naked feet! I can't stand stuff on my feet anymore; incipient neuropathy is weird.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal?

It fully depends on how far away I'm going and how much I'm spending on travel. If I'm going to the Big City nearby, a few days is plenty. If I'm going over an ocean, book me for a few weeks please. 

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? 

Of those two options, I'd rather watch (some) old sitcoms. Movies do not interest me much.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Can't Stop the Feeling! (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is an upbeat, positive song. Are you feeling upbeat and positive right now?

Having just watched the video for the first time ever, yes. Music is like that.
Overall, when I think about what life looks like, I'm less happy. Work has tanked yet again, the house is a mess, we are not at all ready for winter in the yard/etc., and I'm just so bloody tired all the time.

2) Justin Timberlake is a good dancer. And why not? In this song, he sings he has "good soul in my feet." Consider your own dancing talent and compose your own lyric: I have ___________ in my feet.

'lead weight' seems the most appropriate. I used to love to dance around the living room (when no one was watching). Now that I weigh twice as much, it's harder to get the feel moving.

3) In the video, there's dancing in the laundromat. Do you have dirty clothes in the hamper, or are you all caught up with your laundry?

I'm doing laundry right now. ...in fact, I need to go switch loads. Thanks for reminding me. BRB

4) There's also dancing in the supermarket. What do you need to pick up at the store?

And this reminded me that I needed to update my Amazon Subscribe & Save order because we need Q-tips and laundry detergent. At the store? Maybe some bread? I think we're in good shape overall there though.

5) This song will appear in the upcoming Dreamworks Trolls movie. Some people believe Troll dolls are good luck. Do you have a good luck charm?

I've been known to change clothes when the Packers aren't doing so well, either into or out of team gear.

6) Justin Timberlake loves to dunk Oreos in milk. Crazy Sam thinks this is all wrong -- the way to eat an Oreo is to twist the two halves apart and lick the cream first. Which method do you prefer, Justin's or Sam's?

I'm with Sam on this. And then throw the cookie parts away.

7) Justin admits to some fashion fails. He and Britney Spears wore matching denim outfits that he regrets, and he's sorry he ever tried cornrows. What about you? Can you think of a look you thought was cool at the time, but now it makes you shudder?

Hello most of the 1990s! I really loved the denim shirtdress for a few years--had about 8 of them over the course of time.

8) He is a very good golfer. When were you last on the golf course?

...er, I have played precisely one round of golf in my lifetime. So, that would be 10 (?) years ago or so. I haven't even played minigolf for awhile. OH! But we golf at the library every year, so last March!!!

9) Random question: Think about your romantic involvements. Were you in love with one of them, some of them, or all of them?

Some of them, and some more than others for sure. I got really lucky and married the right one, too.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Consider Yourself Meme

1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself?

I'm an all-American mutt, of the Northern European variety.

2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to?

Not really. My family often behaves/behaved in a stereotypical Italian fashion, and I do love the food and culture. And the fact that it's warmer more often than here.

3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently?

Italian? lol OK, seriously, for more than 30 years, I've wanted to be able to speak Russian, or at least read it proficiently.

4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go?

With my job, I actually could probably move anywhere. I'd want to be near Sparky, though, so I'll stay here.

5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see?

The problem here is that "one event" implies a discrete moment. Most of what I'd like to see is more of an evolution of thought. I'd kill to travel with Paul the Apostle and see for myself what was really going on in the early churches of Asia and Israel and Rome.

6) Have problems sleeping?

Do I? Uh, yeah.

7) Are you free with your feelings?

Many say I'm too free, I'm sure.

8) What is the one outfit/piece of clothing/accessory you own that makes you feel incredibly good whenever you wear it? Why?

Jeans. And I'm not overly fussy about which ones. Just jeans.

9) What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk?

Sleep. Read. Write. Cry. One or all four.

10) Has anyone ever surprised you in a way that let you know you were special? How?

Beast is remarkably good at this. He surprises me often enough to keep me guessing.

11) When you are having a "good day," how do you spread the happiness to others?

Jokes go a long way. Feeding people does as well.

12) What is one thing that puts you in a bad mood, no matter how good you were previously feeling?

Getting yelled at by someone I care about.

13) Would you rather live in a world with or without technology such as computers, cars, airplanes, bombs?

With. I would be dead without technology.

14) If you had to live without either heating in your house or air conditioning, which one would you keep?

I'd keep the heat, but summer's gonna suck. Perhaps we'll go north for three months. WAY north.

15) If you had to own five dogs, what kind would you get?

It would absolutely be five I picked up from the pound. But here's the thing: I'm allergic so this is oging to suck.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Big Bad Meme

Is there anyone else in the room with you atm? What are they doing?

Beast is across the room sorting the week's mail, paying bills, doing some other financial stuff...and watching the Packers play (badly, against Carolina).

Do you show your teeth when you smile, or do you prefer smiling with your lips closed?

I don't really think about my teeth when I'm smiling--I'm pretty sure they show.

Would you rather be told the truth, even if it isn’t what you want to hear?

Yes, ultimately I would.

What is something that you plan to buy, as soon as you’ve saved up the money for it?

We really need a new vacuum. I "donated" our old one to Sparky when he moved out in August. The cleaning ladies do the carpets when they're here, and most of the floors aren't carpeted anyway, but we really need something for cleaning in between their visits.

Do you play Sudoku?

I do. Almost every day.

Have you ever had a migraine?

Yes. They are the pits.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I've finally finished Touch by Claire North. Great concept, good story, but the ending was a bit of a letdown....

What was the last item of clothing you purchased for yourself?

I bought a couple of new pairs of shoes for fall/winter last weekend. Before that, it was a T and a zip-hoodie on vacation.

Your first serious relationship, do you still talk to him/her?

Nope. I'm friends with his brother on Facebook though.

Who is the last person you texted?

Beast.

How close is your family?

Geographically, we're very spread out (all over the U.S.--like 5 separate states) and two countries in Europe. But, surprisingly, we're pretty close as family.

Is there anything too serious to be joked about?

It's impossible to laugh at other people's honest grief. There's humor in grief, to be sure, but not directed outwards at someone who is grieving.

Do you like to understand and have good knowledge of things?

Yes.

What is worse? Back pain or shoulder pain?

Well this is eerily timely....Beast has been suffering from both in the past three weeks. We're far more concerned about the pain that is originating in his spine and causing the fingers on his left hand to go numb almost constantly. I think nerve pain is the worst because nothing really 'fixes' it except morphine (which they don't give outside the hospital or directly under a nurse's care, these days). His arm just aches all the time.

Have you ever almost fallen off of something high off the ground?

Nope. I tend to hold on tight when I'm elevated. Probably has something to do with growing up in the mountains.

What’s one fruit you love in drinks?

Lemon.

What is something simple that you’re afraid of?

The bottom falling out. Y'know when this question comes up anymore, I just sit here for 15-20 seconds trying to come up with something scary...and in this case something "simple" that's scary. The stuff that tends to scary me is not simple. Bats, spiders, death, the dark, heights...nope. Maybe large crowds, but especially in the last month I've had to face some serious fears and come to terms with them and stand my ground just to get on with life. Doesn't mean I'm calm and cool all the time, but I've developed a very large capacity for "bring it."

Has this weekend been good?

Yeah, actually, it's been good. I'm going to finish this and publish it and flop over for my mid-afternoon Sunday nap. That's always good.
I'm NOT, however, looking forward to work tomorrow. Friday was a great day for getting stuff done, but a shit day for dealing with coworkers. I really don't want to see them tomorrow.

How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?

I'm usually up and getting ready to leave the house about 90 minutes before I need to leave.

Last movie you watched in theaters and with whom?

"A Walk in the Woods" last month with Beast. I loved the book. The movie was ok--lovely scenery and Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were funny.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Mood

1. When did you last spend kind of a long time in an unpleasant mood?

   Wednesday was NOT a good day, though, surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as one would expect. The last really lengthy day of bad mood was probably a couple of weeks ago. Despite a very very strange and depressing week, I never really hit Downerville somehow.

2. When you’re in a bad mood, what are strategies you employ for either dealing with it or shaking it?

   I try to find someone to talk to. Or I try to distract myself. Or I take a nap/go back to bed. None of those solutions work every single time, but usually one of them does.

3. What’s a meal you enjoy only when you’re specifically in the mood for it?

   I have to be in the perfect mood for calamari or octopus. And it has to be cooked just right.

4. When you’re in an especially foul mood, how are those close to you most likely to detect it?

   Really? The entire ZIP CODE knows when I'm in a bad mood! It's not a secret.

5. What external forces seem most to influence your mood?

   Other people's moods. I'm overly sympathetic, to say the least.

Sunday Stealing

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

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


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

Are you allergic to nuts or diary products?


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

Do you think age matters in relationships?

Sure, it matters if it matters.

Has anyone ever called the cops on you?

Not...yet. That I know of.

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

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

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

We're married.

Are you in a good mood?

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

Excited for anything?

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

Do you have a hard time controlling your emotions?

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

Do you like your height?

Yes. I like being tallish.

How long have you lived in your current home?

It'll be 12 years next month.

Could you go a week without brushing your teeth?

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

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

Yup.

Own anything from Bath & Body Works?

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty feet?

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

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

Officially, it's 66. Perfect fall evening.

Do you ever actually drink milk alone?

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly

1. Have you ever had a pen pal?

I have! Kim R and I corresponded for a couple of years when I was about 8. She was from Connecticut (so I learned how to spell that early!). Then when I was about 14, Kristina A and I met up via letter--she lived on Long Island and she was allowed to make phone calls so we talked rather more often than most pen pals do. That friendship was far too much of a mis-match to last, however. When I was a junior in high school, somehow Vickie P and I hooked up. She lived in Washington state and was heavily into that early-grunge, post-New Wave scene. We corresponded for perhaps 3 years. There was a guy in Brazil I wrote to briefly while in college--that was just weird, but he was drop-dead gorgeous. There was a girl in Japan in high school named Kumiko--I still have a lovely Japanese doll she sent me. Let's see. Oh, my college roommate had a Swedish penpal with a friend who wanted a penpal, so Elisabeth and I kept in touch for probably 6 years till adulthood and marriage and family and work intervened. And there was a guy who went to high school with a guy I dated briefly in college who turned out to be a better and longer-term friend than the guy I was dating.
Whew. See, I used to write letters. It's eminently possible I've written myself out.

2. What’s your favorite breed of dog?

Yes.
I like pretty much all dogs. I guess I prefer terriers and retrievers and shepherds, having had those breeds. But I'm not going to be picky since I can't have a dog around me for long. I'll take whatever breed I can spend time with!

3. Can money buy happiness?

It buys comfort. That is often easily mistaken for happiness.

4. Do you listen to music when you’re down?

Yes. But I listen to music whenever I can, regardless of mood.

6.Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?

I honestly can.

7.What was the last thing you spent money on?

I dropped $250+ at Meijer yesterday on groceries and a few things for today's party.

8.Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?

Ayup. Stopped dying it 2-3 years ago.

9.Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?

Actually, no one. I PM'd Sparky a couple of times since he is pretty much always in his room and I don't feel like running (or shouting) upstairs for him. But my phone got no usage this weekend.

10.Were you in a good mood last night?

Sure. We watched a DVR'd episode of Whose Line Is It? and some other random stuff. I went to bed relatively early.

11.Do you have a reason to smile right now?

Always. IN spite of current irritation with Sparky's crabbiness about having to miss a D&D session to go to today's birthday party.

12. How often do you hold back what you want to say?

More than I ever used to! Probably not often enough though.

13. Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place?

Yup. It always does, one way or another. We may not like the resulting picture, but there always is one.

14.Are you currently looking forward to anything?

Aside from today's party? lol My second "son" (a good friend of Sparky's from high school) is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. And I do like August and September just because.

15.Do you have any TV shows on DVD?

Most of Outlander--probably 10 episodes--and probably a couple of other things. Deadliest Catch? There'll be a NASCAR race to watch when we get home this afternoon.

Blogthings

You Are Depression

You aren't necessarily depressed, but you do take a more low key approach to life. When it comes to a lot of drama and chaos, you really can't be bothered to jump in the mix. You prefer to keep things on an even level, even if that level is pretty sedate. Sometimes the best action is inaction. You are less emotional than most people, and you find caring too much to be tiring. There is a lot of wisdom in your selective apathy.

Are You Mania or Depression?

Actually, I'm pretty sure I am clinically depressed, but the rest is pretty close too.

Blogthings

You Are Perfectly Positive

No matter what happens, you [try to] stay optimistic and upbeat... possibly to the point of annoying others. Not only do you see the silver lining - you refuse to see the dark clouds. You don't [try not to]let your thoughts get negative. Those around you may feel like you don't take your or their problems seriously, and that may be true. It's more likely, though, that you think there's more than enough negativity in the world. And you don't want to contribute to it. As long as you're not avoiding taking care of your problems, there's nothing wrong with all your optimism and happiness. Just remember that it can seem glib to others who don't have your great outlook. Take a few minutes to empathize with them before you work on spreading cheer.

How Optimistic Are You?

Oh trust me, I'm so NOT this perky (anymore). I used to be, but that was a long time and several family funerals ago. I try not to stay negative because it breeds like maggots inside of me when I dwell on the bad stuff. So I've tried hard to develop, or maintain, the habit of thinking positively no matter what.

Blogthings Explosion

You Should Throw a Barbecue

You love a party that's a casual and easygoing affair, with as many people attending as possible. Unlike most people, you do well with mingling and small talk. You love the vibe of a chatty party. In your opinion, parties are a great way to get to know friends and acquaintances better. When in doubt, you invite someone. You don't think it takes much to make a good party, and you don't stress about it. All it takes is some good food and company. If you could, you'd throw a party every weekend. You're a people person, and being around others helps you relax. Of all the types, you are the best host. Entertaining others is just something you do easily and well.

What Kind of Party Should You Throw?

Well, we were all good till those last couple of paragraphs. I couldn't possibly do a party every week, and I don't know about me being "the best host" though I strive to make people comfy.

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You Prioritize People

When making a big decision, you put others first - both those you know and those you don't know. You believe that every life is important. You aren't going to do something to advance some if it harms others. When it comes to what's right, every person counts. You firmly believe in treating others how you'd like to be treated. And while being self-centered may work out in the short run, it's not good for anyone long term - including the selfish person. Those who don't know you well may be jealous of your kind and compassionate heart. It's not easy for people to be as giving as you are. And while some people may not understand why you're so altruistic, they certainly don't mind being the recipients of your generosity.

What Do You Prioritize?

OK, really , people get jealous of kind people? What is that about?? Oh, and by the way, I can be pretty jealous too.

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Your Ideal Beach Vacation Is Cozy

Your idea of a day at the beach is one that feels as natural and as homey as possible. You dream of living at the beach, and even if you can't live there permanently, you'd like to be there a while. Your dream beach getaway would place you right on the beach with your own private quarters. You'd love to wake up to a beach sunrise and wind down with a beach sunset. And listen to the ocean crashing as you sleep. For you, the beach is a place to get warm and sleepy. Once you get comfortable, you never want to leave. More than any type, you belong on the coast permanently. If it isn't already, then it should be your home.

The Beach Postcard Test

Uhm, no, I've no interest in living near a large body of water. Don't mind visiting, though. I really do love to hear water hitting the shore right outside my bedroom, but I would NOT like it in the winter or during a storm.

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You Are an Online Diary

You like documenting your daily life - the ups, downs, and little things that make it special. You also love to share what's going on in your life with friends, family, and maybe even a stranger or two. An online diary is the perfect way for a more social person like yourself to log the day's events. Just writing things down in a little book seems a bit lonely to you. You like to discuss your life. You may even be the type who resists having a 'diary' or 'journal'. It seems a bit angsty to you. But when you consider it as more of a daily log, then it becomes a lot more appealing.

Are You a Diary or a Journal Quiz?

Well, good to have some confirmation of what I've been doing on Blogger for 9.5 years!

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You Are Strawberry Sorbet

On the surface, you seem shy and mild mannered. You aren't one to really make waves. Deep down, however, you are very robust and confident. You are sure of yourself and who you are. You are refreshing because you are constantly questioning the status quo. You are a natural skeptic. You don't like to make waves unless you have to, but you are also able to stand up to the strongest personalities. You are no-nonsense and very opinionated in your approach to life. You try to see the best in everything, but you don't let your view get crowded by idealism.

What Flavor Sorbet Are You?

Except I really can't stand strawberries unless I'm eating them plain, or with (a little) whipped cream.

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Your Style is Classic

Your everyday wardrobe is timeless, well tailored, and appropriate. You pick clothes well. You make sure to buy items that will last a long time, both in terms of style and quality. You don't like trendy clothes. When you dress up, you go for a tried and true formal look. You don't find formal occasions to be the time to experiment. Because you have a well curated closet of clothes, you tend to have something for every event... at long as you dig deeply enough. When you dress down, you go for a more preppy or basic look. You like your casual attire to be streamlined. Just because everyone is is wearing gym clothes, it doesn't mean you're going to. You save those for the gym.

The Hat Test

Well...no. I am Ms. T-shirt and Jeans. Every day. Even at work.

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You Are a Secondary Color

You blend in and adapt well. You are quite flexible - you can change with the times. You are an adept communicator, especially with difficult people. You know how to smooth things over. You are more of a generalist than a specialist. You do many things well and can wear many hats. You fit in well with any crowd. You immediately take the vibe of every room and adjust appropriately. The secondary colors are: orange, green, and purple. They are made [b]y mixing two secondary colors. Like a secondary color, you are good at handling multiple strong personalities. You mediate well.

Are You A Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary Color?

I chalk this up to my childhood: youngest child in a family of people with Very Strong Opinions. So, basically, I never get to have an opinion, I just have to shut up and [try to] keep the peace.

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You Are Monday

Believe it or not, some people actually like Mondays. And you're one of them. You are in a good place right now, productivity wise, and you can't wait to get back to work each week. You have an amazing amount of drive and focus. You aren't going to give up until you reach your goal. On Mondays, you have a spring in your step. You're ready to get back to making things happen. Traditional success is important to you, and there's a lot that you want to accomplish in your life. And it's likely that you're ahead of the game already. You're willing to work hard to get what you want.

What's Your Day of the Week?

Well, lots of people like to work hard at stuff they like. This week has been bad in terms of motivation. But I do really like Mondays.

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You Are Cheerful

You have a sunny attitude and rarely feel down. You approach the world with wonder and optimism. You know that it's one hundred times easier to find something to be sad about than happy about. But you think happiness is worth the extra effort. At night, you are usually relaxed and content. You're equally happy to be at home or out and about. Unlike most people, you have a good deal of energy left at night. You're great at pacing yourself during the day. For you, solitude is an important part of balance. You don't like too much or too little of it. Of all the types, you need the least amount of solitude. Being around others makes you light up.

The Owl Test

That last line about not needing solitude is soooooo very wrong. And I'm often down, but I'm a whole lot better these days at pulling myself together, and moving forward.

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You Are a White Pizza

You are a[n] calm and easygoing person. You live a well organized and almost chaos[-]free life. You are a very positive person. You are content with your life as is, and you feel like you have a lot. You have simple tastes, and you tend to notice quality above all else. You appreciate a job done right. You are not picky or judgmental though. You have your preferences, but there is nothing snobby about you. You take your commitments and responsibilities seriously. You [try to] always follow through on your promises. Of all the types, you are the most accepting. You see everyone as on their own paths, and you're good with that.

What California Pizza Are You?

I LOVE white pizza!!! And this is somewhat accurate.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The August 20 Question Meme

1. What's for breakfast?

Hmm, well, today it was ice cream cake. WAY too much sugar. I finished my slice about 9 hours ago, and think I've finally kicked the sugar headache.

2. Do you read a newspaper daily?

Nope.

3. What do you do when you can't sleep?

Turn on the light and do a crossword or read a book if Beast isn't home. If he is, I change rooms and do the same thing.

4. Say Type a word that sums up your mood.

Unsettled. If I said it, you wouldn't be able to hear it.

5. Do you remember your dreams?

Some of them. They are almost uniformly bizarre.

6. Name something from your dream last night.

I don't remember; I woke up 10 hours ago or so, and the day has rattled loose the dreams I might have remembered.

7. Name a food that describes you.

Squash. ?

8. Today you are wearing:

I've changed since I got home from work. I'm now wearing short, clamdigger-length exercise pants and a T.

9. What's in your pockets?

No pockets in the pants I've got on. At work, I had chapstick, phone, and work keys in my pockets.

10. Did you sing in the shower today?

I never sing in the shower.

11. What's the last song you heard?

"You're My Home" by Billy Joel.

12. Looking forward to the holidays?

Which ones? Labor Day? Not that much. Frankly, the holidays coming in the next 5 months have the potential for being pretty sad, so actually I'm not looking forward to them except for the ones when Sparky comes home, and only because of that.

13. Where do you want to be this instant?

Asleep. Like Beast, who is sacked out in his recliner. I'm trying to decide if I should wake him up so he can sleep tonight....

14. What's for lunch?

I skipped lunch because of the whole breakfast fiasco. However, I did have a couple of slices of cheese and some crackers mid-afternoon.

15. What's something you would like to do soon?

Get all the stuff out of my closet that I will never wear again. It's ridiculous what's hanging in there that has been hanging there untouched for months (or years!).

16. Reading anything now? What is it?

I just started King's Cross today. I may start on the graphic novel version of The Divine Comedy too.

17. What's for dinner?

Make-your-own-subs.

18. A favorite part of the day is:

...whenever I accomplish something that's been hanging over my head for awhile.

19. Are you happy?

In the very largest sense, yes. In the minutiae, lately I am as far from happy as it is possible to be.

20. Guess how many people will do Sunday Stealing this weekend?

No. :-p

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
The 3 Things Meme

3 Places I Would Pack My Travel Bag For

Oh hell, I'm a travel-whore: I'll go anywhere. These three places are among the top choices though: Colorado, Greece, and England.

3 On-Screen Characters I Love To Watch

Gibbs (NCIS), Grissom (CSI), G (NCIS:LA)

3 Moods That Describe Me The Best

overwhelmed, cranky, indifferent

3 Things I Always Think Of Doing On A Weekend

cleaning, sleeping extra, eating out

3 Things From My Childhood That I Can't Forget

Jumping rope, throwing the tennis ball against the garage door and side of the house, jacks on the (old) porch

3 Things I Would Never Say No To

a good foot massage, well-cooked pasta, great conversation

3 Things I Can't Live Without

air, water, food

Moody...Reds?

Your Primary Mood Color is Red

You are a very passionate and fiery person. You have strong emotions, and you don't hold back. You are bold and quick acting. You aren't afraid to take the first step or make the first move. You are an attention seeker, and you love to be the center of things. You've learned how to entertain people well. You are the type of person who the subject of speculation and gossip, and that's fine with you. You like to be talked about.

What's Your Primary Mood Color?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

About half of this might be sorta true, but that last paragraph is decidedly wrong. In every way.

'Tude

You Are a Little Negative...

You can be negative from time to time, but you rarely go overboard. You have a realistic view of the world, and most people appreciate your honest insights. Like everyone else, you have your darker moods. But when you're feeling super negative, you keep your feelings to yourself.

Are You Too Negative?

And that's why there haven't been a lot of posts on the other blog lately....

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. Do you think that you tend to ask more questions or answer other people’s?

One would think that as a reference librarian, I'd answer more, but I find that I end up asking loads of questions about each person's question in order to get what they need. People rarely come right out with what they actually want for some reason. So, yeah, I ask more than I answer.

2. With how many people are you generally completely honest all the time?

I suppose that depends on one's definition of honesty. I'm straight with everyone to the point of being out of line. Some people take directness (i.e. brutal honesty--heh) differently than others. One of the people with whom I work doesn't understand anything but directness, so I feel like I'm always quite cranky in my interactions with her.

3. Do you think you lose your temper more or less than the average person?

Average. I get annoyed much more easily, perhaps, but I don't lose my temper often. Like, less than a couple of times a year. I'm not a fun person when I'm in full-blown fury. Well...who is?

4. Take the quiz: What’s Normal About You…And What’s Not?

I scored at 60% normal when I took it.

5. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?

That I'm still with my first love. Are all of us?? I don't believe that!

6. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are not normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?

Several: more time than money, cupcake before frosting, rats over cockroaches....

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

1) Finish this sentence: "I hate myself when I fail to live up to my standards."

2) How much time do you spend on the phone or IMing with friends every day?

Phone: less than 10 minutes/day. IMing: probably averages about 15 minutes/day, but very sporadic; some days it's literally hours, and several people at once, but I can, literally, go a week without a single IM.

3) What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Well, some of the drugs need to just be legalized and dealt with more or less as we deal with alcohol. I'd actually be ok with legalizing and then slapping all sorts of taxes and so forth on the lot of 'em. Heroin? Sure: $100 for a hit, $150 for a needle and a hit...no bargaining, no sale prices, nothing like that. And then 80% of the money goes right back into education, without passing through the hands of the U.S. Government.
It'll never happen.

4) What thing about your family are you least proud of?

Our argumentativeness.

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

Public Domain Photo

There are days when I sort of feel like this is how other people picture me: which Cat. fits here to open this door or fix this problem. It's not always a bad feeling--I certainly feel useful and needed!
However, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed. Like when Mom needs to deal with Sparky's school situation, Wife is asked to run a couple of errands, Daughter should be visiting with her sick mom, Cataloger is called on to explain Meebo again to the boss, Youth Leader has to solve a "crisis" with the kids, Clerk of Session needs to decorate tables for a dinner she's coordinating, Daughter-in-Law should be doing SOMEthing useful, Reference Librarian must find "Guns, Germs & Steel" where it isn't on the shelf, Sister really should do some more research on MSA and treatments, and ... yeah. Xanax, please.
I actually don't feel this last thing right now, somehow, in spite of yesterday being sort of that way.

3x Thursday

(Link at left)
Your Qwirks [sic]

1. Name 3 pet peeves of yours. No one said they had to make sense!

1) Lousy, illegible handwriting. I'm not asking for beauty--which can be just as illegible--but I'd like to be able to read the ISBN on that order card, please!
2) House-shaking fireworks set off by anyone other than professionals anywhere near my house on non-holidays. Thank GOD summer is over! But there's no doubt that we'll have smaller 'displays' on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve/Day...sigh...and so on.
3) People who pass me on the road and then slow down. Asshats.

2. Would you consider yourself to be a picky person (this can be in general or about specific things)? How so/how not?

I can be very picky about the most retarded things that don't bother me at all on other days, or when other people do them. It all revolves around how the rest of my life is going, how stressed I am, the general vibe the world has been giving me, etc.

3.Would you consider yourself to be a creature of habit? Why/why not? Do you care? Why/why not?

I am very habituated in some areas. It used to be a personal mission to NOT follow the same pattern every day, but I don't have time anymore. Having specific habits cuts down on the amount of minor decisions that I need to make every day!

Moody

Your Mood is a 5

You're feeling okay. Not great, not bad. Your mood is pretty average right now.

How Does Your Mood Rate?

I'd be closer to a 7 or 8 if I weren't so impatient and easily-annoyed. Wish I could blame it on PMS...but I can't.