Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

All of Me (1932) 

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

1) In this song, Louis Armstrong calls his girl "baby." What's the last endearment someone used when speaking to you? 

Uhm. It was probably one of Beast's caregivers calling me "hon" or "sweetie." Or Beast, but I can't understand his words most of the time. Does Sparky calling me mom count?

2) He sings that losing his love made him cry. Do you cry easily? 

Not as much as I used to, but still more than "normal people" do apparently.

3) Louis was born in New Orleans, a city famous for music and cuisine. What's something you love about your home town? 

The town in which I was born is full of good history that I've only really learned once I moved far away. My current town (where I live) has a award-winning water-ski team. I mean, I really don't care, but we don't got much. Maybe the fact that Capone used to hang out here?

4) At age 11, Louis unwisely fired a pistol during a New Year's Eve celebration and was sentenced to 18 months in a juvenile detention facility. It was there that he met music teacher Peter Davis, who believed in Louis and taught him to play cornet and bugle. Tell us about someone who believed in you and made your life better. 

Ironically, this sounds like the sort of behavior that would fit right into my current town... Anyway, I have been blessed to be white in the U.S. and raised by and around people who thought I was amazing. My parents went without a lot of 'things' to make their kids' lives full of possibility. [I simply cannot imagine ANYONE in my pretty-much white town getting arrested for shooting a gun off]

5) Louis would say that arrest changed his life for the better because it was at the detention center that "me and music got married." After his release, he began playing on street corners, or in honkytonks ... any place he could hone his skills. What is something you have worked hard to be better at? 

I have been working hard all my adult life to be a better person, to be understanding and kind and useful. Often Sometimes it feels wholly futile, but I at least know I'm a better-rounded person than I was 25 years ago even if no one else agrees.

6) In the late 1920s, Louis led a jazz band called The Hot Five. His wife, Lil, believed he was too talented not to receive star billing. He just didn't feel ready. She went behind his back and convinced the management at Chicago's Dreamland Cafe to advertise: "The Hot Five, featuring Louis Armstrong: The World's Greatest Trumpet Player." It worked! At the end of the gig, Okeh Records signed him to a recording contract. Can you think of a time when, like Lil, you were glad you asked for forgiveness rather than permission? 

I have 100% started living this lately, mostly because I've learned not to worry so much about what others (those I don't care about) think. Do the thing, apologize later.

7) In 1932, the year this record was popular, the son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped and killed. This famous case inspired Agatha Christie to write Murder on the Orient Express. Have you read the book? Seen the movie, the remake or the miniseries? 

I have read the book a few times. I think I've seen the movie? The old one, nothing made in the last 4 decades. 

8) Another aviator was in the news in 1932. Amelia Earhart flew 14 hours from Newfoundland to Londonderry. What is the longest flight you've ever taken? 

The longest single stint on an airplane were the trips to Germany, about 8 hours-ish. Mostly we were not staying in Germany, just changing planes to go on to somewhere else. Once to Rome. Once to Moscow. Once to Athens. Maybe elsewhere, I don't remember anymore.

9) Random question: You have the opportunity to travel safely in a time machine. Would you go back to the past, into the future, or say, "no thanks, I'll stay in 2022?"

What a quandary! Probably past, my my OWN past, just to visit, and only back to about 1980.

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
The Random Questions, Part 683

1. How old do you look?

I'd say overall I look my age. As to whether I act my age, well, that's more debatable.

2. Where do you live?

In a house in the middle of the North American continent.

3. Are you waiting for something?

Not exactly. I'm just trying to get through the drama of each day without creating any more of it than necessary.

4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common?

It makes me crazy when people say "jew-luh-ree" which seems to be something most people don't even notice.

5. Do you want/have kids?

I have one absolutely delightful 24-year-old son.

6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion?

I've had moments of seriously wondering if I should walk away from so-called "organized religion" for multiple reasons, but it's rarely been about the structure of the worship. It's almost always other people and my own feelings about/relationship with God.

7. Last shocking news you heard?

Apparently a house blew up early this morning in a town about 20 miles south of us. I found out because several friends in the town where I work (about 7 miles closer than we are) felt the ground shake. That's all pretty weird.

8. What was the last thing you drank?

I know this will come as a surprise, but I'm on my second diet Dr. Pepper of the day.

9. Who do you most look like in your family?

Two of my sisters and I took strongly after our dad and grandma (his mom). The other two kids went to the other side of the family for genes.

10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be?

Energy.

11. Where does most of your family live?

Hah! I guess the majority is in the "midwest" U.S. depending on your definition of that term: but we're in Tennessee and Colorado and Texas, and England, too.

12. Where did you grow up?

In Colorado.

13. Where do you want to go on vacation?

I'm not fussy. This year, I'm not exactly sure there's a vacation going to happen. Beast certainly cannot travel as things stand now.

14. Have you ever had a panic attack?

Yes, I've been introduced to these over the last year or so. Surprisingly, when things REALLY hit the shitter last summer, the panic attacks subsided a bit. So, that was weird.

15. What can’t you wait for?

...still nothing.

16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it?

About ten minutes ago.

17. Have your parents ever smoked pot?

I have no idea if they did. Probably not though--they were pretty straight arrow. I can count on one finger the number of times I saw my mom drink booze.

18. Want someone back in your life?

Of course. At this point in my life, my parents and two siblings are gone. I'd take any of them back.

19. What do you order at the bar?

Vodka tonic with a lime twist.

20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard?

When Beast was at the ER a couple of weeks ago. Again.

21. What are your nicknames?

Believe it or not, Cat is not my given name. Nor is it anything even close to my real name.

22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?

Honey, on tortillas.

23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008?

According to my old blog, my sister Jean was recovering from brain surgery, and my mom had fallen and whacked her head, but things in my immediate vicinity seem to have been fine.

24. If you could go fo[r]ward in time, how far forward would you go?

Not far, maybe a decade or two. Would like to see Sparky as a middle-aged dude.

25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?

Not far, back to when my parents were dating. It would be fun to watch them as kids.

The High School Questions*

1. Did you date someone from your school?

I did.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?

Hell no! I mean...yeah, no.

3. Did you car pool to school?

I mostly walked. Occasionally, there was a friend with a ride on the way TO school, occasionally another friend could bring me home. I mostly remember walking home from school, dropping my stuff and then walking another half hour to work till we closed at 9.

4. What kind of car did you have?

Hah! I had my parents' cars.

5. What kind of car do you have now?

I drive a 2011 (?) dark blue Ford Edge

6. Its Friday night...where are you now?

At a 12-Step meeting, or asleep in bed.

7. It is Friday night...where were you then?

Watching TV or reading.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?

I worked (wait for it) at the library as a shelver.

9. What kind of job do you do now?

I work in a library as a cataloger. So, slight elevation in job duties, though I do some shelving these days too.

10. Were you a party animal?

Uhm, NO!

11. Were you considered a flirt?

I'm not even sure I was considered at all, but definitely NOT a flirt.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?

I was 100% band nerd.

13. Were you a nerd?

Yup. A nerd, a grind, a brain, whatever.

14. Did you get suspended from school?

That would have caused me to be murdered at home. Or so I feared.

15. Can you sing the fight song?

Yes, I can. I later went to school in the state where the tune to my high school song was written, so I still know it pretty well.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher?

Ms. Philippe, Mr. Graebner, Dr. G. are the ones that spring to mind directly.

17. Where did you sit during lunch?

By the windows in the cafeteria. Same place I took the SAT.

18. What was your school's full name?

I think I'll pass on this except to say it was just the city's name. Nothing exciting.

19. Where did you party the most?

At Warren's house.

20. What was your school mascot?

In the midst of the center of the continent, we were the Pirates, fer cryin' out loud.

21. Would you do it again?

High school? Parts of it were great. Most of it was horrible or at least boring.

22. Did you have fun at Prom?

I didn't go.

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?

n/a

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?

Nope. If there were one this year (it's 35 years I just realized) I wouldn't be able to. Not sure what'll be happening five years from now.

25. Do you still talk to people from school?

Yup.

26. What are/were your school's colors?

Blue and white.

______
*For previous answers, see here

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Kathy Aay Questions

1. What is the meaning of your blog’s name?

I've answered that before. Here's one of the times (scroll down to "Rumpelstiltskin"--that was a fun meme!).

2. Why did you start your blogging?

Because in 2004, everyone was doing it. To be honest, I was only going to track my reading. Things rapidly got out of control.

3. What’s your usual bedtime?

I'll be sacking out as soon as the race starts. Oh, you mean at night? I'm usually lights-out by 10.

4. Are you lazy?

Eminently so!

5. Do you miss anyone right now?

I've weirdly been missing my sister Jean and my mom both this week. They are sort of linked in my head anyway--LONG story--but usually I don't get the waa-waas at the same time.

6. How would you describe your fashion sense?

Nonexistent. I'm all about jeans and T-shirts.

7. What are your nicknames?

"Miss", "Ma'am", "Excuse me" seem to be the big ones.

8. Are you a patient person?

I'm so much better than I used to be at this! Only knowing where I came from would you ever think today that I'm at all patient.

9. Are you tight-fisted or frivolous?

Of late, VERY tight-fisted.

10. What magazines do you read?

Entertainment Weekly, Ms., Bookmarks and I page through a couple of others when I have time.

11. Are you stubborn?

Er, yeah. For sure.

12. When is your birthday?

About 7.5 months from now.

13. What book are you currently reading?

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders, by Joshua Foer

14. What phone do you have?

It's a Samsung, about 2 years old.

15. Do you have any pets?

PintoBean is still hanging on, currently noshing on lettuce and living the wild life.

16. Do you have siblings?

I do.

17. Any children or grandchildren?

Just Sparky. He assures me that he'll start having kids by the time he's 30. I'm not sure what the plan is, but as Mom, I'm used to being the last to know.

18. What do you order at Starbucks?

Nothing. Or black tea if it's cold outside.

19. What did you do for your last birthday?

Not . A . Damn . Thing.

20. What’s your occupation?

I'm a librarian, specifically, a cataloger.

21. Do you live in the country or the city?

I live on what someone once called a "house farm" in that we'rd kind of in the country, and this whole development used to be a farm field about 20 years ago. I drive through the country to get anywhere, though.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Racquet Questions

01 What is the worst nickname that anyone has ever called you?

I haven't really ever had a good nickname. My parents deliberately chose names for all of us that are hard (or impossible) to shorten, and the only thing my mom ever called me besides my name was "Grace" when I tripped or something.

02 Have you got a favorite flower?

I like heirloom roses, fresh from the garden.

03 Do you add a sauce, ketchup or other artificial flavorings to your food?

Sometimes. Depends on what I'm eating. I use steak sauce sometimes. We don't go through a lot of ketchup, though.

04 Describe yourself using only words that begin with the letter 'T'.

Tall, tired, temperamental.

05 What is/was your lover's pet name for you?

Yeah, well, we'll be moving on...

06 What is your least favorite color?

Mustard yellow-brown.

07 Who did you vote for in the last election, and did they win?

I voted for HRC. Because I have, yknow, a flippin' brain in my head and no trust in my heart at all.

08 What is/was your grandfathers’ names?

One shared a name with a blue monster on Sesame Street, and the other was the Latinized version of Hitler's first name. Guess what: we didn't give Sparky EITHER of their names!

09 What is the best present you ever received?

Sparky of course.

10 What is 17 1/2% of 97 + 42 x (6 / 2) – 137 ? [Editor's note: Holy shit!]

5.975. You asked, right?

11 What would be the best possible way you could die?

In my sleep when I'm old but still compos mentis.

12 Given the choice of absolutely anything, what would be your dream job?

I love my current job. Really, I do. If I could travel more that would be the best.

13 What position do you sleep in at night?

Usually on my side, and I rarely move. Seriously, I usually roll over once only all night.

14 What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Sooo ... many ... things. If embarrassment killed, I'd be so death so many times.

15 Who is your favorite fictional character?

Thursday Next.

16 What food do you hate most in the world?

Brussels sprouts.

17 When was the last time you were ill?

Knock wood, it's been awhile.

18 If you were transformed into a wild creature, what would it be?

I'd like to be a wolf. I'd probably end up as a cockroach. Or a dung beetle.

19 What was your favorite toy as a child, and whatever happened to it?

I don't remember one specific toy that lasted the whole childhood. My eldest niece got my Barbie doll and that pissed me off; I wasn't consulted. I still have my Raggedy Anne doll. Several stuffed animals have disappeared somewhere. And my jacks. And my jumpropes.

20 What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen?

I have been very fortunate to see a lot of pretty amazing things. Perhaps the best memory I have is looking at the stars while lying on my car outside our mountain cabin with my best friend. Pretty epic.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Take My Breath Away (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When were you last breathless?

Probably the last time I did anything strenuous. I can't remember.

2) This is the love theme from Top Gun, and the romance was between a pilot and his instructor. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

Oh yeah, for sure, starting in about 6th grade.

3) The pilots in Top Gun all had cool nicknames -- including Maverick, Goose, Merlin, Cougar and Stinger. Give yourself a cool pilot name.

Well, let's see: playing off "Goose"--How about "Duck."

4) The actress who played the instructor, Kelly McGillis, owns Kelly's Caribbean Bar/Grill and Brewery in Key West. It's known for its cheese and beer dip appetizer, served with warm pretzels. What's one of your favorite between meal snacks?

I'm not overly fussy; I've been trying to stick to somewhat healthy stuff like applesauce and almonds, but...not very successfully.

5) The group who recorded this week's song is called Berlin, but they're really from Southern California. Have you ever been to Berlin? How about Southern California?

I have not been to Berlin. I would like to visit some of the historical sites there, but I'm not sure when that's on the agenda at this point. I've been to SoCal several times. There's a lot to see. I'd happily force myself to live in or near San Diego. Beautiful city.

6) Lead singer Terri Nunn has a weekly radio show, Unbound on KCSN. How often do you listen to the radio? Do you tune in for music, comedy, news or talk?

I listen to Sirius XM if I have the radio on, but that's rare. I mostly listen to audiobooks or silence or Spotify.

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, PeeWee's Playhouse premiered. While ostensibly for children, PeeWee Herman's show had many, many adult viewers. Do you watch still watch any kid's shows?

I don't these days, no. I watched so many when Sparky was little that I think I'm covered until the appearance of any grandchildren.

8) Robert Pattinson, the actor who played Edward the vampire in the Twilight series, was born in 1986. Have you read the Twilight books? Seen the movies?

I read the first book. OMG so much drama and stupidity and poor writing!

9) Random question: In an alternate universe, which of these professions would you like to find yourself in -- United States senator, Ivy League professor, or [e]minent psychiatrist?

Probably a prof, though not likely in the Ivy League.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK--part 2

26 - Did you have an accident last year?

What sort of accident? I have not been involved in any vehicular accidents, but I've screwed up quite a few things in the past 12 months.

27 - Do you have any famous relatives?

There's a cousin of some kind who used to be a news anchor in Cleveland. ... So, no, not really. ;-)

28 - Did you ever had a kiss under the moonlight?

While I can't think of a specific time, I'm sure in 30 years of marriage (and three years of dating) we've kissed outside at night at least once.

29 - Have you ever been jealous?

Is the sky blue? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course I've been jealous!

30 - How can you prove your love to someone?

Depends entirely upon the person, I suppose, but there's a component of dependability involved. For me, anyway.

31 - What are you thinking right now?

"Why is my stomach SO growly tonight?!"

32 - Have you ever sacrificed something important to you for someone you love?

Head-desk. OF COURSE I HAVE!

33 - Can you live without internet?

I can, but it wouldn't be fun for the first few days.

34 - Have you been so emotional that you can’t find words to explain how you feel?

This is an almost-daily occurrence. I seem to be moving backwards in the vocabulary department.

35 - Did you ever badmouth someone?

hah, this week? Ya think?

36 - What do you prefer, jeans or skirt?

Jeans. I'm completely over skirts. Especially as part of Pantsuit Nation, I'm kinda unlikely to ever wear a skirt or dress again.

37 - Do you have trust issues?

Nope. Well, unless you mean, am I entirely too gullible?

38 - What's something that you made all on your own and are incredibly proud of?

My career. Somehow. OK, I had help from loads of people, but I suspect this would be true of most everything I've accomplished in life.

39 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”?

Beast.

40 - Who was the last person you hugged?

J.T., who came with me today to see Beast on visitation day.

41 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”?

Up to a point. I mean, we are responsible for making sure things happen as they are supposed to, and for keeping things that shouldn't happen from happening.

42 - Do people praise you for your looks?

People rarely notice me except as part of the furniture these days. Which is just fine by me. The things I can eavesdrop on because people don't think I'm there....!

43 - Do you believe in destiny?

No. I really can't even say that word without hearing George McFly proclaiming, "You Are My Density!"

44 - Have you ever thought “I already found my soulmate”?

I don't really believe in soulmates either. Essentially, I don't do much magical thinking.

45 - Do you like nicknames that are from your name?

There really isn't much you can do to shorten my name. And that, my friends, is the reason all of my siblings and I have the names we have. My parents were not into the nickname thing at all!

46 - Could you ever be a vegan?

No way. I like meat too much!

47 - Do you currently have bruises on your body?

I'm sure I do. Where? I'll try to let you know when I discover them. I run into things ALL . THE . TIME.

48 - What should you be doing right now?

Paying bills. Going to bed.

49 - I read in a magazine that shoulder pads are coming back. Are you happy to hear this or do you not find them to be very attractive?

Heh. I don't really care. They're kind of a pain, to be honest, but I like them in jackets sometimes.

50 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough?

I gave this up for Lent this year.

Aesthetics??

(Found God-knows-where on the internet...)
rules: tag 20 followers you want to get to know better
so I'm already breaking the rules: if you want to use this, feel free; just link back

Name/nickname:

Cat.

Height:

I used to be about 176 cm but I'm pretty sure I'm shrinking so, let's call it 175 these days.

Hogwarts house:

According to my results a few years ago, I'm Hufflepuff. Which suits me--I don't want to be any of the others.

Favorite color:

Blue

Time:

4:46 p.m.

Last things I Googled:

"[state] license plates gh"

Fictional character you’d like as a sibling:

Laura Ingalls for sure when I was a kid. Will Riker would be a fun brother, no?

Number of blankets I sleep with:

Just the bedspread. That might be changing fairly soon, however.

Favorite band:

I have so many. Let's go with Billy Joel today.

Dream vacation:

Cruise around the world, first class all the way, with an unlimited budget.

When did I make this blog:

May 2004 ... yikes

How many blogs do I follow:

I've got 150+ RSS feeds that range from blogs to newspaper headlines to email lists.

What do I post about:

Here, it's all the memes. I have a few other blogs dedicated to different aspects of my life. This one and the books list get the most play by far.

Do you get asks on a regular basis:

What's an "ask"? Apparently I don't get any!

Aesthetics:

Clean, clutter-free, wood and leather, simplicity.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Gongerling Meme

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

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

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

2. What is your dream car?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?

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

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

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

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

Sort through the aforementioned piles of crap in this house.

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

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

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. What are you dreading at the moment?

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask Questions Meme

1. What type of criminal would you be?

I would be stealthy and (I hope) never captured. Prison doesn't really seem like my gig.

2. What are you listening to right now?

We're watching the DVR'd NASCAR race from last night. Just had a little banger that took out a bunch of the "name" guys.

3. If you had to choose a stripper name, what would it be?

For myself or someone else? Frankly, I went to school with some girls whose names, looking back, were pretty close to stripper names. None of them became strippers--I'm Facebook friends with several of them. But really, WHY do we (Americans?) name our girls after alcohol and food: Candy, Sherry, Brandy...?

4. If your phone started ringing, who would you hope is calling?

I would know from the ringtone whether it was someone I wanted to talk to. Beast and Sparky have their own specific ringtones. Close friends all share one. People I need to be sure to answer have a separate one. My extended family and "unknown" all play Rachmaninoff, the Sound of Doom.

5. Do you drink alcohol?

Not very often, not anymore.

6. Do you smoke?

My stock answer is always "only when really angry."

7. What is the first thing you notice in someone?

The more often I am asked this question, the more it boils down to threat assessment: is this someone I need to keep an eye on? are they acting goofy? does she seem friendly? are those kids going to run right in front of me when I walk past?

8. Do you get attached easily?

Not like I used to. Too many emotional injuries.

9. Do you like your eye color?

I'm cool with it.

10. Have any stupid human tricks?

I'm full of 'em. Nothing that would make me much money on stage, though. I know a lot of song lyrics, including most classic musicals, and I can tell you the Dewey call number for a LOT of random subjects, and what the individual parts of the longer numbers mean. I can make a fast béchamel sauce without a recipe. I can fold fitted sheets. I can stand on the edge of a cliff and look down without weirding out.

11. Humor me. What physical ideal do you imagine in a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner?

Look, I'm 52 years old and not at my finest physically. At this point, physical attributes in others aren't something I feel I can be too fussy about. Were I in the market, upright and breathing and not currently hospitalized are major selling points. Nice voice is a bonus. Nice eyes too.

12. Any other essential quirks/interests/other you look for in a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner?

Sense of humor is required, along with plain speaking, and kindness and some humility.

13. Have you ever stolen anything?

Yup, but not for years. Except, I suppose, the occasional paper clip or something from work.

14. Any romantic gestures you really like?

I used to tell Beast not to buy flowers because we couldn't really afford them. Now I wish I'd kept my mouth shut because he buys me flowers less than once a year; I trained him too well.:'(

15. What’s your favorite color and why?

Blue. I think it started because blue jeans, and now is because of missing the blues of the sky and mountains of Colorado. Blue and white were my high school's colors.

16. What were you like when you were a kid?

Shy, quiet, a bit of a loner, bookish, kind of a crybaby.

17. What would your dream house be like?

I love the house in which I live now. The only thing I'd like to add is a hot-tub, but I am not thrilled with the prospect of having to clean it. Here's the floor plan of our house. The kitchen island is different, and instead of a pantry we have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. There's a fireplace in the living room between the two side windows. Everything else is basically the same.

18. What last made you laugh?

The guys doing the commentary on the race are killing me. They're really confused about the rules of this race, and Waltrip keeps saying stupid stuff like, "When you're leaking fluid and having trouble steering, it's probably power-steering fluid that's leaking." Derp.

19. Do you have a place you like to go to collect your thoughts?

Bed or the bathroom.

20. What is your favorite word?

Lately, it's been "fuck" and all its cognates. I've totally become a sailor.

21. What is your least favorite word?

"Sorry." It means nothing, nothing, if there's no change in behavior following it.

22. Would you go bungee jumping/sky diving if given the chance?

You bet!!

23. Do you have any siblings?

I have one sister and one brother left.

24. Do you like to dance?

Yes. But not in public.

25. What is your definition of cheating?

Lying about emotional commitments to others.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mama (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Gamal Lewis got the nickname "LunchMoney" in 10th grade because of his round cheeks and because lunch was his favorite part of the school day. What do you recall about lunchtime in the school cafeteria?

In high school, we band people were always cramming food in at record pace because we never got in from rehearsing on time, and the lunchroom was on the other side of the building. In grade school, I just remember the hot lunch line and the fact that I almost always had a lunchbox. The thermos never kept the milk cool. Yuck -- luke-warm milk.

2) His father and uncle were members of the band Inner Circle. Their song, "Bad Boys" was the theme to the reality show Cops. What reality show have you seen recently?

We are addicted to Deadliest Catch, which has just restarted. It's fun to watch because, for the most part, what's happening is real, not scripted, and the guys are just trying to stay alive and make some money. They don't sugar-coat the bad shit either: drug addiction, death, horrific injuries.... These are just regular, occasionally jerky, guys doing their jobs.

3) In this song, Mr. Lewis sings that his mama taught him how to put on pajamas. What did you wear to bed last night?

I put on my summer nightgown last night because it was too warm in the bedroom to wear flannel. But I'm not cashing in the flannels quite yet either. Spring hasn't fully sprung, I'm sure.

4) He claims he can't ever lie to his mama because she'll hear it in his voice. Are you a convincing liar?

Yes.

5) LunchMoney sings that his mama made him chicken soup when he was sick. Do you eat soup all year around, only during winter months, or just when you're battling a cold?

I don't make soup at home very often, maybe 5-6 times a year. And yeah, usually when someone is sick, but sometimes I just feel like a nice chunky chowder for no good reason.

6) The lyrics tell us that when her son was hungry, Mama reliably whipped something up. What's the last food you prepared?

I rolled up some cheese in a tortilla and nuked it for breakfast about 20 minutes ago.

7) He also sings that his mama always made sure he had a few dollars in his pocket. Let's talk about you and money. Did you more recently lend or borrow it?

I guess, technically, I borrowed: charging dinner at Panera last night counts, right?

8) Mother's Day is for grandmothers, too. Sam grew up calling her grandmother "Grandgran." Did you have a nickname for your grandmother?

My mom's mom for some reason was "Nannie," which ended up just being thoroughly confusing because of all the British nanny stuff, and the fact that there was a plethora of people named Nancy in my life as a child. I couldn't ever figure out who any of the "Nan..." people were! And on the other side there was "Grandma"--usually understood to be my paternal grandmother--but also Grandma [last name] who was my Dad's maternal grandmother; she was gone by the time I appeared on the scene, but she came up in conversation an awful lot.

9) To celebrate Mother's Day, Sam is giving away her own mother's favorite candy: Hershey Bars. Would you prefer milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate with almonds?

No dark chocolate for me; either of the others is fine.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
That's What Friends Are For (1985)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is performed by an all-star quartet: Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. You have your choice: which of these four would you most like to see in concert?

I've seen Elton John, and I would again. Maybe Stevie Wonder. I don't like Dionne Warwick at all and I don't even know if Gladys Knight is performing anymore. Back in the day, I'd totally see her and the Pips at their peak!

2) Dionne Warwick was Whitney Houston's cousin. Name a Whitney Houston song.

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody"

3) Gladys Knight owns a chain of chicken and waffle restaurants around Atlanta. When you have waffles, what do you top them with? (Powdered sugar? Butter? Syrup? Fruit?)

Butter and syrup. Yummmm.

4) Elton John has turned his bad eyesight into a hobby, claiming that over the years he has purchased well over than 200,000 pairs of glasses. Do you wear glasses? If so, how many prescription pairs do you own?

I have worn glasses since 3rd grade. I currently have one pair of backup glasses and my Transitions everyday glasses.

5) Stevie Wonder has a scar on his nose from a 1973 car crash. Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yes. Not a ton, but more than 5, I think.

6) Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager were married when they wrote this. Do you know a husband and wife who work together?

I do. One of my coworkers owns a carwash with her husband (and family) and she does the accounting for it.

7) This song celebrates friendship through good times and bad. Tell us about a happy time you recently shared with someone close to you.

I set up a friend (Kel) with one of her oldest childhood friends this week. She recognized one of my friends as the sister of her friend, and I stuck the two of them together in a chat ... and voila! It's especially nice to do that since Kel lost another long-time friend last week to cancer.

8) Now share a time when you were there for a friend through a tough time.

I'm still dragging Beast through some issues. I don't really want to get into it here, but addiction, back surgery, shoulder pain and general emotional shit are involved.

9) Random question: When is the last time you were out of breath?

I was moving tables for a meeting last night and ended up panting and sweaty. Excellent way to start a meeting...

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

You're Beautiful (2005)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The first line is of this song is, "My life is brilliant." Using one word, describe your life.

Busy.

2) This is about a chance encounter between strangers in a crowd, specifically the subway. What "crowded place" were you most recently in?

I was at a rather huge airport a week ago right now.

3) Near the very end of this song, James Blunt sings, "It's time to face the truth." Do you believe you face things head on? Or do you tend to deny or put off the unpleasant?

I always go in headlong. OK, maybe not "always" but I tend to prefer facing things immediately than stew about it.

4) James Blunt went to an all-boys school. Some educators recommend single-sex classrooms because they maintain girls just naturally approach subjects like math and science differently than boys do. Do you agree?

No, I don't agree that separate can be equal. But I get the temptation to justify it.

5) Blunt put his father in charge of his finances. Income taxes are top of mind for many of us this time of year. Do you do your own taxes? Or do you go to an accountant or tax preparation service?

We hired out this time, but normally Beast does them. I do not touch them.

6) In 2005, the year this song was a hit, the sitcom How I Met Your Mother was also popular. Do you know how your parents met?

I do: they went on a blind date set up by friends who eventually married and for whom Dad built a twin to the house in which I grew up.

7) 2005 is also the year Tom Cruise famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this?

On Oprah's show. Which I fortunately missed, live.

8) 2005 was also the year YouTube really took off. What's the last video you watched?

It was something on CNN, actually.

9) Random question ... Which of these high profile jobs would you enjoy more: head of General Motors, CEO of Apple or president of the New York Yankees?

I'd rather continue do my unnoticed job in technical services and a small- to medium-sized library. I've no interest in running anything at all.

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

Little Red Corvette
From the archives.
In memory of Prince (1958-2016)

1) The subject of this song is frankly sexual. Do you blush easily?

Yes. Yes I do.

2) Prince was his real first name (Prince Rogers, to be exact). Growing up, his relatives called him "Skipper." Do you have any nicknames within your family?

We aren't a family that did nicknames. I'm the youngest; that's bad enough.

3) Prince said he was "obsessed" with Mozart and read whatever he can find about the composer. What's the last book you read?

I'm still plugging through The Name of the Rose and a few others.

4) Between Prince and The Beach Boys, the Corvette is a much sung-about car. Tell us about your vehicle.

I drive a 2012 Ford Edge that Beast had as a company car for its first 2 years and I inherited it when he got his new one last year. Actually, maybe it's a 2013.

5) In the 1980s, when Prince was popular, MTV could turn a song into a hit. In 2016, where do you hear new music?

On Spotify. I read a ton of suggestions in Entertainment Weekly.

6) In 1982, when "Little Red Corvette" ruled the airwaves, Braniff Airways shocked the travel industry and threw passengers into chaos by declaring bankruptcy. When did you last fly? Did your trip go smoothly?

I was on a plane last Saturday. It was a good flight.

7) 1982 is also the year Disney opened Epcot. Have you ever been to a Disney park?

I have. I'd like to go back to Epcot--it's the one part of Disney that I really wanted to see while we were there and ended up bailing on because I had a horrible sore throat/cold.

8) 1982 is the year Cheers premiered. The sitcom was set in a bar where "everybody knows your name." Tell us about your favorite local bar or restaurant.

There are several restaurants in the area that we adore. I'm not naming them, since that would sort of defeat the purpose of anonymity.

9) The 1980s were considered a highpoint in professional tennis, with Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe dominating the sport. Do you play tennis?

I used to. I certainly could not manage it anymore: too fat and out of shape, and my knees are not in good shape.

Google Says

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)

1. Type in "Cat. needs" in the Google search:
...to lose weight
Reaction: Well, that's rather rude. Also, true, but jeez.
[[real name result: ...a heart transplant // Reaction: Yoicks I hope not!!]]

2. Type in "Cat. wants" in the Google search:
...to be petted
Reaction: No, not really.
[[real name result: ...perfection // Reaction: Really?]]

3. Type in "Cat. is" in the Google search:
...sneezing
Reaction: The next option is "constipated"--I'll stick with sneezing.
[[real name result: ...a resident of [the state I actually live in] // Reaction: WHHHATTTT? Oh, ok, it's the beginning of a story problem. The next sentence is "[Guy's name] is a resident of [a nearby state]..."]]

4. Type in "Cat. looks like" in Google search:
...Hitler.
Reaction: Not very much, thank God!
[[real name result: ...she is about 7' tall here // Reaction: But I'm not.]]

5. Type in "Cat. does" in Google search:
..n't purr.
Reaction: No, I don't. Sorry.
[[real name result: ...math // Reaction: Not bloody likely.]]

6. Type in "Cat. likes" in the Google search:
...water.
Reaction: Bathing, not swimming.
[[real name result: ...Ziam // Reaction: Noooo....?]]

7. Type in "Cat. hates" in Google search:
...me.
Reaction: No. I don't really hate anyone.
[[real name result: ...it when I post these // Reaction: Probably with good reason.]]

8. Type in "Cat. goes" or “..has gone" in Google search:
...crazy
Reaction: Regularly.
[[real name result is boring]]

9. Type in "Cat. loves" in Google search:
...baby
Reaction: Ahhh, sweet.
[[real name result: ...to pop bubbles // Reaction: I do?]]

10. Type in "Cat. says" in the Google search:
...no
Reaction: Not often enough.
[[real name result: ...so (all scrunched together in a URL // Reaction: I'm afraid to click on the link.]]

11. Type in "Cat. eats" in Google search:
...plastic
Reaction: Not very often, and never intentionally.
[[real name result: ...banana for the first time // Reaction: I'm sure that's fun.]]

12. Type in "Cat. has" in Google search:
...a cold
Reaction: Fair's fair. The first answer is actually "diarrhea" but I'd rather have a cold, thanks.
[[real name result is boring]]

13. Type in "Cat. makes" in Google search:
...weird noises
Reaction: LOLOL yes!!
[[real name result: ...early decision // Reaction: That would be unusual.]]

14. Type in "Cat. can" in the Google search:
...cook banana muffins
Reaction: Yes, though not with any regularity.
[[real name result is boring]]

15. Type in "Cat. will" in Google search:
...not eat
Reaction: This is rarely a problem I have.
[[real name result is boring]]

My real name is boring.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Crazy Random Twenty Meme

Have you ever demolished a wall or building?

I've participated in demolition, yes. My dad was in construction, which often starts with destruction. Beast is a big fan of demo, too. 

If you and a friend both wanted the same thing would you let the friend get it first?

Sure. Of course it depends on what "it" was, and if there was only one "it" left on Earth. And some other vagaries of the situation as they arose.

Have you ever argued over who should pay for something?

I'm pretty sure everyone except my niece Katharine and everyone under age 20 has done this.

Do you have any family heirlooms?

We are stuffed to the gills with family heirlooms. Got rid of several yesterday--they are now Sparky's responsibility. Still have over twice as many as what he took left here.

Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?

Probably not. If I believed in past lives, I'm sure I would have no fun stories of exciting and wealthy past lives. We've always been serfs.

What's your favorite ocean?

I do like the Pacific.

Do you correct peoples mistakes?

Sometimes. I'm getting better at biting my tongue. If it's seriously dangerous, though, I will speak up.

Have you ever helped out an injured animal?

Yes, I've had pets. Also, we took a maimed bunny found in our yard to the vet once. Our dog caught it and broke its back legs, poor thing.

Do you throw bread for the ducks?

Not anymore. They need to learn to fend for themselves.

Do you think babies are little bundles of joy or smelly noisy things?

They are both. Most are in the middle of this spectrum, but there are always outliers that live towards the extreme ends.

Do you give money to buskers?

Not usually. Then again, there aren't a lot of (any) buskers in my area.

Do you ever forward or reply to chain mails?

No. Hate them. Please, if I see another "If you have a sister/aunt/friend..." thing on Facebook I might vomit. And the ones that say "I'll bet none of my so-called 'Christian' friends will post this..." about God -- those I want to kill. With fire!

Do you often have a tune in your head you can't name?

No, I can usually name whatever I've got scrolling through.

Has anyone ever approached you thinking you were someone else?

All . The . Time. I love people who ask--after I've said that no, I'm not [whoever they think I am]--"are you sure?" Yeah, dammit, I'm pretty clear on my family and former workplaces!!

Have you ever starred in an amateur or professional video?

My father-in-law filmed every-damn-thing. Beast did too when we were first married. My brother-in-law took some classic Super-8 of me hula-hooping at about age 8.

Have you ever been in a position of authority?

I'm middle management. And a mom. And a teacher. So, yeah.

If you were ruler of your own country what would you call it?

"In Desperate Trouble"

And what title would you give yourself?

Now that its former owner is retired, "Bumbler-in-Chief" will do.

If you invented a monster what would you call it?

"Cat., Upon Awakening"

And what features would it have?

Really scary hair and squinty, blind eyes. Incoherence is a bonus, too.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Hard Time

1. What’s the story of someone you know who has spent time in prison?

   Actually...I haven't talked to him, but a good friend of ours with whom we used to go to church just was released from prison after serving time for fraud. Fraud committed in Louisiana. So, sort of a joke, really, since he was the only one involved who went to jail, and he is the only Yankee/non-local involved. But he did the crime, he did the time, and now he's out. I hadn't seen or spoken to him since his release, but weirdly Sparky and I saw him with his wife and daughter this morning while we were driving downtown and they were walking home from the Farmer's Market.

2. What is the most official trouble you’ve ever been in?

   Causing a car accident? Saying things I should'nt've that were hurtful and unnecessary certain is right up there, though.

3. What’s the last program you binge-watched?

   Deadliest Catch, I guess. I don't really do this, except to catch up on DVR'd stuff.

4. What would be good prison nicknames for a few people you know?

   Uhm. I'm not really up on prison slang or nicknames, so I think I'll just pass on this.

5. Of the usual prison jobs (library, electrical shop, laundry, cafeteria, gardener, clerical, etc.), which would you ask to be assigned to? Feel free to be creative!

   I fuckin' well better be certified to work in the library!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Very Much Questions Meme

1. What was the last clothing item that you bought?

It's either the socks I mentioned the other day or a package of underwear. I'm a damned exciting person.

2. If you could stay one age forever, what age would you choose?

I enjoyed 27 and 28.

3. When you say “lol”, are you really laughing?

Sometimes. Often, in fact.

4. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the past year?

I've done a TON of work on myself, internally. Seems like it's a lot of backing up to take another run at it, but I do see progress overall. And, of course, the Rose Bowl and Parade were simply awesome.

5. If you started a business, what would it be?

It would involve writing, the internet, research, and/or organizing/cleaning.

6. Do your friends/family/coworkers know about your blog?

Some do. Most do not.

7. How long does it take you to write an average blog post?

Here, about 10 minutes or so. On the rare days I post elsewhere, it takes longer.

8. How do you keep up with the blogs you follow?

Inoreader, now that Google pulled the plug on GReader and Bloglines bailed.

9. What is your bedtime?

I'm usually in bed by 10.

10. Introvert or extrovert?

More introvert than not.

11. What is your biggest wish?

"I always drink to world peace."

12. What is the best job you ever had?

Being a mom has been wonderful. I also really like cataloging at work, and to a great extent, doing reference work.

13. Dog person/cat person/both/neither?

I prefer dogs, but since I'm allergic to both (moreso cats, but dogs too), I'm a "neither" nowadays.

14. If you had $1,000 to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it?

I'd go order new kitchen counters RIGHT NOW.

15. How do you “dress” your toast?

Mostly just butter. Sometimes honey.

16. How do you feel about snow?

As long as I'm inside looking at it, I love snow. When I have to be dealing with moving it, or driving in it, I'm less thrilled.

17. What was the worst job you ever had?

Lately, my current job has been a bear--many many days of sitting in my driveway not wanting to pull out and head to work. Otherwise, my first full-time job was often absolutely awful.

18. What song can you not stop listening to?

"Uptown Funk" gets stuck in my head ALL THE TIME.

19. Love your name or hate it?

I'm ok with it at this point. I used to hate it.

20. How did you choose your blog/twitter handle?

My blog 'name' is a shortened version of my job. My Twitter name is my initials, but I rarely tweet.

Unconscious Mutterings x2

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Science :: Neil deGrasse Tyson
2. Everywhere :: ... and nowhere
3. Seed :: Grow
4. Comedian :: Funny
5. Philadelphia :: Brotherly Love
6. Disillusioned :: Disappointed
7. Rolls :: Rocks and ...
8. History :: ... major [me]
9. Eagles :: "Take It To the Limit"
10. Disappointed :: Discouraged

1. Roller coaster :: Up and down
2. Notification :: Warning
3. Yellow :: ... flag
4. Humor :: Sense of ...
5. Parental :: ... unit
6. Blow :: ...hard
7. Duck :: ... and cover
8. Height :: Weight
9. Wolf :: Coyote
10. Troubling :: Upsetting

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart (1939)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about love at first sight. Do you believe that immediate attraction lasts?

It can. I know people who claim they "knew" immediately when they saw their loved one. It takes work to keep it going, though, I don't care what ANYone says.

2) The lyrics mention "a breath of spring" and robins singing. Now that we're deep into winter, what do you miss about spring?

Green things growing, and the smell of fresh earth; warmer temps, with no bite of cold wind. I do not miss spring rain, however!

3) Though the world knew her as Judy Garland, this week's featured artist was born Frances Gumm and her family called her "Baby." Does your family have any pet names for you?

My family--my parents--were emphatically anti-nickname. It's the reason we all have the names we have. They are, supposedly, unshortenable.

4) Because she was petite -- just 4'11 -- it was obvious when Garland gained even a few pounds and consequently she battled her weight her whole life. Now that we're in the new year, have you made any resolutions about your own diet?

I don't make resolutions, but once my endocrine system is back on to regular functionality after next month's surgery, I really have to address my weight situation.

5) The year this song came out, 1939, was the year Garland's most famous movie, The Wizard of Oz, was released. Which of her three traveling companions is your favorite: Scarecrow, Tin Man or Cowardly Lion?

Scarecrow. He's funniest, funnest, and, ultimately, smartest.

6) Barry Manilow enjoyed Judy's performance of this song so much he did a "dream duet" with her and included it in his recent CD. What performer who is no longer with us do you wish you could have seen in concert?

Nina Simone or Ella Fitzgerald.

7) Judy had a terrible problem with tardiness. Are you usually prompt?

I used to be sort of OCD about this. Over the past decade I've gotten really lazy. I'm usually close to on time, at least. ;-)

8) During World War II, Judy worked tirelessly to entertain the troops. Tell us about a cause that's near and dear to your heart.

Finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease and MSA; the latter killed my sister. They are often related, and they SUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKK.
Alternative, literacy for all, everywhere.

9) The American Film Institute lists Garland as the 8th greatest movie star of all time. Who is your all time favorite actor or actress?

Oh, hell, I don't know. I liked Gene Kelly. Meryl Streep is wonderful. Marlon Brando was gorgeous in his prime.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Little Red Corvette

1) The subject of this song is frankly sexual. Do you blush easily?

I do. VERY thin skin on my face, very northern European, white skin. I turned all kinds of red when I have a glass of wine, too.

2) Prince is his real name (Prince Rogers, to be exact). Growing up, his relatives called him "Skipper." Do you have any nicknames within your family?

I don't, really. Certainly not in my family of origin. Does "Mom" count as a nickname?? ("SKIPPER"??? What the actual heck?)

3) Prince says he's "obsessed" with Mozart and reads whatever he can find about the composer. What's the last book you read?

According to GoodReads, it was A Pet for Fly Guy (Arnold), but the last REAL book I finished was Spell It Out: The Curious, Enthralling and Extraordinary Story of English Spelling (Crystal); I just haven't updated GoodReads yet.

4) Between Prince and The Beach Boys, the Corvette is a much sung-about car. Tell us about your vehicle.

I have a Ford Edge, just like this. It's Beast's previous company car.

5) In the 1980s, when Prince was popular, MTV could turn a song into a hit. In 2014, how do you hear new music?

Spotify, and lists from Entertainment Weekly.

6) In 1982, when "Little Red Corvette" ruled the airwaves, Braniff Airways shocked the travel industry and threw passengers into chaos by declaring bankruptcy. When did you last fly? Did your trip go smoothly?

I went to Vegas to meet Beast at the end of the Builder's Show in January. The flights were fine, uneventful.

7) 1982 is also the year Disney opened Epcot. Have you ever been to a Disney park?

We took Sparky to DisneyWorld when he was 3. I don't need to go back.

8) 1982 is the year Cheers premiered. The sitcom was set in a bar where "everybody knows your name." Tell us about your favorite local bar or restaurant.

Still loving Six Balls, but Izzie's is my weekly spot, and they do know my name. It's a traditional family restaurant, with a sideline in good Mexican food.

9) The 1980s were considered a high point in professional tennis, with Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe dominating the sport. Do you play tennis?

I used to play, badly. Doubt I could do much on the court these days.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Figure Five
This is going to sound lame to quite a few of you, but like many men my age, I went through several professional wrestling phases, and I've recently been reminded of my once-recurring fandom. Although I do not follow the non-sport anymore, I cannot resist listening to interviews with some of the stars of my youth. So this week, I give you five questions inspired by the names and nicknames of great wrestlers.

1. In what way was someone recently rude to you?

Well, being asked yesterday if I was expecting a boy or a girl was pretty out there.

2. What's the most macho thing you've done recently?

Hmm, I was crawling around the floor this morning trying to get a computer to work right. I'm not sure how macho that is. Does snorting about the fact that the library's section of flat roof is fixed count? Flat roofs suck. [Thanks, Dad.]

3. What was the last occasion for which you wore a mask?

I don't wear actual masks. I do wear a few metaphorical masks every day.

4. What's a nice encounter you've had recently with nature?

The daffodils are out, the frogs are singing, the sky is blue, the breeze is warm! And the ticks are here....though that is just hearsay as far as I know personally.

5. Who cuts your hair?

Shantell. She's done my hair for about 15 years now, except when she was on maternity leaves. Then Scarlett took over.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
The Person Who
I tried to write the gist of these questions in the questions themselves, but it got a little awkward, so I'll just explain it here and try to make each question simpler. You know how, in our regular daily existences, we often run into the same people in the same contexts, but don't know them by name? We often think of them as "The Guy Who Breathes Loudly," or "Red-Haired Babe With The Porsche." For each of these questions, please think of how you are referred to by others (perhaps as "The Person Who ___________") who see you in these contexts.

And if that doesn’t make any sense, just answer any questions that pop into your head. I tried.

1. At a business establishment you patronize regularly, what might the employees refer to you as, when they speak of you behind your back?

   I'm pretty sure the Taco Bell people know me as She Who Always Gets Nachos and Something Chicken-y with Her Diet Pepsi.

2. Similarly, at your places of employment, current and/or past, what do either the patrons or brand-new employees who don’t remember your name yet probably refer to you as?

   Plenty of people who know me mess up my name, but if anyone at work can't remember my name I'm assuming they call me The Cataloger, or The Woman Who Sits in That Corner.

3. Aliens have come to earth to observe families and take notes. If each member of your family is listed as the one who __________, which are you? (bonus question: what are the others in your family written down as?)

   I would be Mom, Beast would be Dad, and Sparky would be Son. Not too creative, but there ya go.

4. You meet someone you had a crush on in high school, someone who didn't know you felt that way (let's say you meet him or her in the grocery store, and that the snow is falling Christmas Eve…). He or she doesn't remember your name, but does remember you. How are you cataloged in this old crush's memory?

   One of the Smart Band-Geeky Crowd.

5. If a hobby of yours were to have some kind of club, and if the other club members only knew you by your particular preferences, styles, or behaviors in that hobby, how would they refer to you?

   The Mouthy, Bitchy One.