Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll) 

Sound tracking 

1. What are you listening to? 

Right now, I've got the "Graveyard Tales" podcast on, via Spotify.

2. What are you hearing? 

The furnace just turned on. It's 30 degrees F outside and we're in the path of a day-long snow-storm starting tonight. I'm in the house for the next 48 hours at least.

3. What are you turning a deaf ear to? 

I'm ignoring the piles (and piles, and piles) of paperwork that need to be sorted and (mostly) thrown out.

4. What have you recently overheard? 

I can't think of a thing. I have become pretty good at forgetting anything I hear from patrons at work because of both MYOB and People Be Cray.

5. To whom have you recently lent an ear?

Beast, mostly. I never know for sure what he's saying (aphasia) so it's about all I can do, especially since I haven't been in the same room with him since July. I hate COVID.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Don't Talk to Strangers (1982)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When did you recently have a conversation with a complete stranger? What did you two discuss?

I've been having most of my IRL conversations this week with strangers. We mostly discuss Beast, him being the Center of Everyone's Current Attention at the moment.

2) In the video for this song, a woman is having a "hot" conversation on a corded, rotary dial phone in her bedroom. Do you have a landline? If so, do you have an extension in your bedroom?

I do have a landline still, with long-distance coverage. And there is an extension in the bedroom, which has a curly cord on it! No rotary dials in the house, more's the pity.

3) This week's artist, Rick Springfield, says he wrote this song when he was worried that his girlfriend (now his wife) would cheat on him when he was touring. Would you describe yourself as suspicious or trusting?

I'm far far far far more trusting than I should be. And yet wholly unsurprised by shitty behavior when it happens.

4) He became a daytime heartthrob as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. Do you think it would be cool to have a really attractive doctor? Or would it make you uncomfortable?

I have had a gorgeous doctor. I currently have a doctor who is just absolutely adorable (he used to be gorgeous and then he hit middle age). It makes going to the doctor fun, seriously. However, these were/are both generalists. It would be AWFUL having an attractive gynie. That's where I draw the line! lol

5) He's discussed how sad he was when, as a boy, he had to leave his dog Elvis behind when the family left Australia. While you were growing up, did your family often move?

My parents lived in the house my dad built in 1946/7 until 1994, a year after Sparky was born. Same house for all the kids in my family, same house for 47 years of their 53-year-marriage.

6) In 1982, when this song was popular, Italy won the World Cup. Do you ever watch soccer?

I do, but very occasionally. I love to listen to the commentary in either foreign languages or in "British" because it's quite a lot different from American sportscasts during which THEY NEVER STOP TALKING! I love occasional silence and focus in watching sports.

7) "Smiley," the first emoticon, was introduced in 1982. Do you use emoticons in your communication? Or do you avoid them?

I use them more than I should. I'm such a girl!

8) The Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, in 1982. Do you know any veterans of that conflict? If so, tell us about him or her.

One of my best friends' second husband was a pilot of a helo on the day Saigon evacuated. He's the least-obvious veteran I've ever known. He's also the only person I know well who was in Vietnam. A lot of my brother's classmates were drafted; he avoided it by going to college (and having bad eyesight). I have never asked how many people from his class died there. It might be worth asking.

9) Random Question: Your friends are throwing a birthday "roast" in your honor. Which one quality of yours are you sure will be singled out for laughs?

My OCD, detail-orientation will surely be raised.

Da Doo Ron Ron (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins by stating that he met her on a Monday and his heart stood still. How did your past week start? It may be a lot to expect you to report that you met someone who made your heart stand still, but did anything noteworthy occur?

A lot of things have my heart super-active this week in various respects, but not because I met someone. "Noteworthy"? Yeah, a week ago last night, Beast was airlifted to a trauma hospital with severe head injuries from a fall sometime in the afternoon down the steps in our house. He is still not participating in what the rest of us agree is reality. I've spent at least 5 hours every day since then sitting in his hospital room.

2) While making hit records, Shaun Cassidy also starred as Joe Hardy on the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books have been popular with generations of American kids. Were you a fan?

Oh My God!! I read most of the books, and I watched that show obsessively for the first couple of years. I was In Love with Parker Stevenson, and I have the album this very song is on! Yes, the LP album, played over and over and over on my parents' stereo in the living room. If I had been aware of the sound eyeballs rolling in parental heads made, I'd have never heard a note of the record. But they let me listen.

3) Shaun went to Beverly Hills High School. Over the decades, BHHS has had many good football teams. Do you remember what sports your school excelled at?

Absolutely none that I'm aware of. We suuuuuucked at football, and I ignored all the other sports except wrestling, which I think we were ok in (you'd think I'd know--I was a regular volunteer at meets!). THE BAND however, was the best band in the metro area for years and years.

4) Shaun followed his older half-brother, David Cassidy, into TV/records/teen stardom. Do you have siblings? If yes, what career paths did they follow?

[Aside: David Cassidy was my very first heartthrob. I was, uh, 7? when I fell in love with him.] Marie managed and set up daycares and otherwise worked in childcare her whole career. Oh, she taught for a few years too. Ellen taught middle school and then temped and got her master's degree in business before she died. Jean taught--in Africa--and then got her master's degree in library science and worked in the equivalent of a high school library till she got too ill to work. Mind you, all three of my sisters HAD TO QUIT WORK when they had kids, although maybe it was less of a thing for Jean because she got at least a year of leave after a baby's birth before she had to go back. Socialized medicine dontcha know. The other two, though: women didn't work back then while pregnant or when they have a husband and kids. My brother, Del, was an airport firefighter for most of his career till he became management and then retired a few years ago. He currently works at Lowe's where he just follows directions and makes no decisions whatsoever at work. It sounds lovely.

5) His middle name is Paul, after his maternal grandfather. Tell us something about one of your grandparents.

They all had RIDICULOUS names! When we were looking for baby names for Sparky, it was horrific what our options were for family names. I mean we had to reuse Beast's first name--it's a family tradition--but had free rein on the middle name. Dear God the options! Clarence, Albert, Grover, and the French version of Adolf. Jeebus God!! All we needed was Ernie and Oscar and we'd've had a TV show!

6) Shaun's mother, actress Shirley Jones, reports that he was more than 3 weeks late and born by Cesarean. Have you heard family legends about your arrival into the world?

I was a week late. Mom drank a whole bottle of cod liver oil (or was it castor oil?) so I'd just finally appear! And then when labor did start, apparently everyone in town who was pregnant also went into labor. Mom talked about nearly giving birth to me in the hall because there was a line for the delivery room (remember this was the dark ages of putting Mom to sleep and not letting Dad in the room). I had two friends in high school whose moms were in the hospital giving birth at the same time as my mom was having me. Oh, and she had to beg to stay an extra night because she didn't want to go home to face two teens, a ten-year-old and a baby. I'm surprised she didn't hop a train and ride the rails. It would have been easier in some respects!!

7) "Da Doo Ron Ron" was originally recorded by The Crystals. Can you think of another song that has been a hit by more than one artist?

A lot of the Motown hits from the 60s have been redone (often by white people) since then. The originals are almost always better, although I've a soft spot for Phil Collins' version of "You Can't Hurry Love."

8) In 1977, when this version of "Da Doo Ron Ron" was popular, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak incorporated Apple. Are you Mac or Android?

I am SO Android it's painful! I don't even own an iPod; never have!

9) Random Question: You're exhausted. You collapse into bed and are about to drift into slumber when you hear the drip-drip-drip of the bathroom faucet. Would you kick off the covers and go turn it off? Or would you stay in bed, letting it drip until morning?

Hmm, specifically dripping? I would totally go shut it off. I grew up conserving water. Lots of other things, though--squeaky fans, vents clicking, loud music across the street--I'd stick the earplugs in and go right to sleep.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Stop. Hey, What’s That Sound?

1. What’s a sound you like falling asleep to?

   Silence. I have been known to drift off to sports on TV however.

2. What sounds do you hear right now?

   Star Trek TOS ad, following an ST:TNG episode on BBCAmerica.

3. What actor or actress has a speaking voice you especially like?

   Kathleen Turner's voice was always a favorite.

4. What musical instrument has a sound you find unpleasant?

   I'm not a huge fan of trumpets, but that might be the fault of some of the people I've known who played 'em.

5. What are some great songs about listening or hearing?

   The only one that comes to mind is "The Sound of Silence."

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Five O'Clock World (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1. Think back to Friday. Did it fly by? Or did you find yourself checking the clock and wishing it was 5:00?

It was a busy day. My days are usually packed, and I rarely have time to watch the clock. This is entirely intentionally; I can't think of anything worse than sitting doing nothing.

2. This song refers to the 5:00 whistle that signifies the end of the work day. What's the last whistle, alarm or buzzer you heard?

I was at a high school on Wednesday for a couple hours and heard class-ending bells (really, 'tones' that are not at all bell-like) a few times.

3. In the 1960s, the Vogues often appeared on TV variety shows to promote their record albums. Do you have the TV on now, as you answer these questions?

Nope. I know, shocking! It's quite silent: I can hear the clock ticking, and Beast getting ready to head to church to do sound/lights for a funeral. And the washing machine cycling.

4. "Vogue" means "popular or fashionable." Tell us about something that you feel is in vogue today.

Meanness.

5. Vogue magazine reported that the big Fall/Winter trend was brocade. Describe the latest addition to your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

Brocade???? Holy cats, really?? smh
I bought a peasant-style blouse off Amazon during their post-Christmas sales. It's quite comfy, and I got it for less than half its tagged price.

6. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is such a difficult boss that disgruntled employees nicknamed her "Nuclear Wintour." What qualities do you think make a good boss?

Right now, I'd love to have a boss with people awareness, one that lets his staff get on with things and only gets involved in interpersonal stuff after the employees have tried to work things out among themselves. In general terms, though, honesty, humor, and creativity are imperative.

7. Ms. Wintour was rumored to be the inspiration for the character of Amanda in the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Did you receive any books or movies for Christmas 2015? Did you receive any gift cards that you then used for books or movies?

I did get a couple of books--because Beast knows that I'd better get books or there'll be a problem. I don't think I got any DVDs and no gift cards.

8. "Vogue" was also a dance, made famous by Madonna in her 1990 hit by the same name. Can you name another Madonna song?

"Like a Virgin" was the first thing that popped into my head...followed by Weird Al's rendition.

9. Random question from a Sat9-er: How organized are your clean clothes? (Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?)

Today's laundry day, so most everything clean is put away. Socks are at least ON the boxes in which they're meant to be living, and there's one pair of jeans that I've only worn briefly that's hanging on the clothes rack.

(Advent) Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Scene: Living room.. TV off (YAY) and the room is quiet enough to hear the clock ticking and the furnace cycling. My feet are cold--it's just barely 32 degrees outside--and Beast and I are ensconced in our morning internet perusal. Outside the sun is shining through high streaky clouds.

Today's Plan: We were just discussing this. There's no football of interest on for us today until 7. There's laundry to do. Maybe I can finally clear off my desk and put everything where it belongs, which will first entail FINDING A PLACE for stuff. I hate that. Maybe I should get dressed at some point as well; I'm still in my PJs.

Listening to: Ticky-tacking of keyboards and house noises.

Drinking: Diet Doctor Pepper. I just had a piece of leftover T-giving cherry pie with Cool Whip. Pie for breakfast--how decadent! And that reminds me of Sparky, who brought the pie from his workplace, which reminds of me of the pies he forgot a couple of years ago...and also makes me wonder what career path he's heading down: food/hospitality or forensic chemistry.

Thinking about: A book I'm reading, Christmas purchases and planning, grocery shopping for a fundraiser meal on Tuesday, family, emails to Sunday School kids' parents re next week's Advent reading....I'm sort of all over the map today.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It Don't Come Easy (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This was Ringo's first big hit as a solo artist. Who is your favorite member of his old, very famous group, The Beatles?

I always liked George the best, from the cuteness perspective. John was fascinating and complicated and irritating. Paul pissed me off; he has always seemed like a Teacher's Pet sort of guy. Ringo...well, I never really had strong feelings in any direction about him. He is sort of the Scooby Doo of the quartet, the mascot, the one that's there to amuse and distract.

2) In this song, Ringo sings that you have to pay your dues. Do you belong to any organizations that require you to pay dues?

Yes, I do. I belong to P.E.O. (which I highly recommend to other women). I occasionally join ALA or my state library association when I'm going to a conference that year.

3) He also sings, "you don't have to shout." When did you last raise your voice?

Beast and I had a long drawn-out shouting match last weekend. I think that was the last time. But when I get excited, I do tend to up the volume a bit....

4) Ringo has two piercings on each ear and one tattoo on each arm. Do you have more piercings or body art?

I have two pierced-once ears. That's all. Do scars count as body art?

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra made a recording of "The Lady Is a Tramp" personalized to her. Tell us about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations.

We don't do much for our birthdays anymore, Beast and I--they are six days apart and mostly we just go out to dinner somewhere. So all my memorable birthdays are in days very much past. We spent the weekend in a resort-ish area west of us for our 40th birthdays, about 12 years ago. The problem is that our birthdays are in a weird month to celebrate: it's too cold to do too much outside, and it's not really winter yet most of the time, and everyone is gearing up for holidays.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.

In the past week, I've babysat Beast, been his chauffeur as needed, updated subject headings in our consortial catalog to catch them up to fall 2014 (sigh), bought a lot of prescriptions and pop, and watched a lot of TV.

7) Ringo also did the narration for Ladybird children's books. Do you like audiobooks?

I do. I pretty much always have one going in the car.

8) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. His passion for the genre is reflected in the outfit he's wearing on the sleeve for "It Don't Come Easy." Do you like cowboy movies/shows?

They aren't my go-to favorite. I liked The Lone Ranger and Big Valley and How the West Was Won as a kid, and enjoy the reruns occasionally, but I never got into them as a movie thing. They were pretty much over by the time I was into movies, and honestly ... I grew up "out west" so they didn't really sit well with me. Kind of whitewashed, very racist, not historically-accurate, and bad production values in general. I did enjoy the mini-series for Lonesome Dove but that's because a) I loved the book, and b) the filmed version stuck pretty close to the book.

9) You know what else don't come easy? Nine questions every week. Crazy Sam has heard it all: this meme asks too many movie questions, too many questions about sports, too many questions that sound familiar ... OK, now it's your turn. Help a tired meme mistress out. Contribute a random question that is not about movies or sports (pro or collegiate) and has never been asked before on this meme. Sam will compile these for an all-random Saturday 9 in November. That way she'll get a much-appreciated week off. Thanks for your help!

I've got a few for you:

• When was the last time you rode a school bus?
• Who is your favorite author?
• Describe your dream workplace (office decor, coworkers, whatever).
• Why do you do these surveys/memes?
• How organized are your clean clothes? Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?
• What do you think the Toy of the Year will be this Christmas?
• Where were living the first time you accessed the Internet?

I know it's hard to come up with 'fun' questions every week. I cheat like heck on my site! But you do an excellent job and I have zero complaints. Thank you thank you thank you!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 20Q Meme

1. When you buy a greetings [sic] card are the words or the picture more important to you?

Words. Often it's a two-fer situation, however. [I'm amused that this is starting out as a Brit-meme]

2. What's your favorite kind of cake?

Yes. lol OK, I prefer white cake and frosting, lots of frosting.

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?

I mostly buy things. Crafts are not my thing.

4. You are chosen to have lunch with the President. The condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask?

This is going to be a long, and quiet, lunch if I can only ask one question. I'd probably blow it with "How are you today?" What I really want to know, however, is what he thinks of a Hillary/Michelle (or vice versa) ticket for 2016.

5. Which do you dislike most: pop-up ads or spam email?

Pop-ups. Though, since those have been effectively blocked on my computers and I still get the occasional spam email in various accounts...maybe spam. I just don't understand how spammers make money--who clicks on these things??

6. What was the best party you've ever been to?

Wow. Uh, there've been some really awesome staff Christmas parties in the past: which white elephant sucks the most? But I'm sort of partial to Beast's surprise party for finishing grad school. He was totally gobsmacked when he arrived--and it was our pastor at the time who kept him out of our house while things were set up.

7. Which is worse, being in a place that is too loud, or too quiet?

Too loud.

8. You are offered an envelope that you know contains $50. You are then told that you may either keep it or exchange it for another envelope that may contain $500 or may be empty. Do you keep the first envelope, or do you take your chances with the second?

Go big or go home: I'll be trading. After all, I'm no worse off than I was to start if the second envelope is empty.

9. Do you wish cellphone etiquette was a required class upon purchasing one?

Good God, I just wish people had common sense. While on vacation, I stopped in the bathroom of a restaurant as we were leaving. A woman who had been seated nearby came in a few minutes later on her cell phone WHICH WAS ON SPEAKER! So I rattled the TP holder good and loud, flushed (twice), fumbled loudly the stall door, banged on the paper towel holder. Really, people. Phone calls in the bathroom are NOT . OK.
On the up side, this hasn't happened to me in quite a long time so most people seem to have figured this out. I wonder if this is ever an issue in men's rooms?

10. What's the most messed up food combination that you've had that was actually good?

Uhm. If it tastes good I don't consider it messed up. But getting past the messed-up concept can be a stumbling-block. I don't often feel adventuresome.

11. What's one of your most random pet peeves (something that annoys you)?

Aside from phone calls in public restrooms? hah Slackers. I work with one. She really needs a boot up her ass that will loft her out the door, permanently. Such a freakin' waste of space, air, and salary.

12. When is the last time you had home cooking?

I made chili on Friday. Last of the season. It's quite spicy--chorizo FTW.

13. If you could be a fictional character from a book who would you choose?

Nancy Drew of course.

14. If you could be in a television sit-com, which would you choose?

For various reasons, Gilligan's Island is appealing today. I'd prefer to live on the "other side of the island" though, if at all possible. Maybe me and the Professor could share accommodations....

15. If you could be any animal or creature for one day, what would it be?

Wolf.

16. What's your favorite girl's name?

Jo.

17. What's your favorite boy's name?

David.

18. What's your supermarket of choice?

Meijer. Though I'm a new fan of Peapod, too.

19. If you were to attend a costume party tonight, what or whom would you go as?

Myself, thankyouverymuch. I don't really 'do' costumes anymore.

20. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies?

SweetTarts or Skittles. Well, and a drink.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Ears

1. What is a most pleasant sound to wake up hearing?

Silence. Or birds.

2. What is a most pleasant sound to fall asleep hearing?

Silence. I don't sleep well if there's noise, any noise, unless it's quite steady (like wind).

3. What's a more annoying sound: car alarms or leaf-blowers?

Car alarms.

4. What's a sound most people seem to like but you hate?

What passes for the National Anthem in most cases.

5. What's a sound most people seem to hate but you like?

I like kids playing loud (assuming they're outside).

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. E is for EMAIL: When is the last time your personal email inbox was completely empty?

It's never empty; I have thousands of emails. Now, if you mean when was the last time I was caught up on my email, I can truthfully say, "Sometime within the past 2 weeks."

2. E is for EAR: Do you consider your hearing to be better than average, average or worse than average?

It's getting worse as I age. However, there are certain things I can still hear quietly or from a distance that are surprising: my name (or things that sound like my name), Beast's and Sparky's voices, and sirens. My dad was deaf, and this is a concern for me as well as I age.

3. E is for EARLY: Are you generally early to appointments, late or right on time?

I used to be OCD-like early. Now I'm usually pretty close to on-time.

4. E is for EDUCATION: Which grade of school (or year of college) did you find most difficult and why?

First grade sucked: I was bored and moved from my classroom to study with the 2nd-graders for part of the day. Actually I did that all the way through school, which made the beginning of sixth grade scary as hell since I barely knew the kids my age (and the kids I'd hung with were all in junior high). Freshman year of college wasn't easy at all: I was terribly homesick first semester, and I overserved myself from the liquor supply too often second semester. There was much emesis. Academically, I never had a rough year; a few rough classes, but my grades never suffered.

5. E is for EGG: How do you normally eat your eggs?

Over-medium or scrambled soft.

6. E is for ESSAY: What was the topic of the longest blog post you’ve written?

I haven't the foggiest idea; I don't keep a word count. It's probably either the list of family members or the list of coworkers, but both have been updated several times in the past ten years, so I don't know if that counts.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Whenever I Call You "Friend"

1) How did you meet your best friend?

I met Jen the first day of college band rehearsal; we both played flute. I met Beast not too long after that when he showed up in my dorm room looking for my roommate with whom he shared Chemistry class (to flirt with her). I met Amy at a Data Processing (now Cataloging) Committee meeting when her library was joining our consortium.

2) Mother Winters used to say she loved all us kids equally, but at various times she liked one of us more than the others. Does your "friend ranking" ever shift? Or is the person you think of today as your best friend always #1?

Obviously, I have more than one best friend so there's some shifting around among them sometimes. I don't really rank them anyway.

3) What makes you a good friend?

I'm honest, extremely loyal and try hard to be kind.

4) Think back to your childhood -- what games did you and your friends like to play?

There were few kids in my neighborhood. As a very young child, when there were kids around, most of the games revolved around "playing house" as I recall, or chasing each other around. Later, there was Frisbie, jumping rope, jacks, cars, hide-and seek, etc.

5) Would you rather lose your hair, or the little toe on your left foot? (Yes, you must commit to giving one up.)

Hair. There are always wigs.

6) Think of the phrase, "like nails on a blackboard." What is your least favorite sound?

Screaming. Shrieking.

7) Do you add fabric softener to your wash or place a softener sheet in the dryer?

No. We haven't used fabric softeners of any kind since Sparky had a skin reaction when he was about 6 months old. That would be 20 years, for those keeping track.

8) Showtime, HBO, or neither?

We have HBO. Beast likes Bill Maher. I don't care either way.

9) Have you ever fired a gun?

Not a real one. This is on my bucket list. I've already put my order in my my eldest nephew for this, but he's a little busy.

Sunday Stealing

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The Not So Manly Meme

1. Boxers? Briefs? Boxer briefs? Thongs? Bikinis? Commando?

I do like boy-shorts, but usually wear regular (girl) briefs or bikinis. Thongs are the invention of the devil, and commando is gross.

2. What’s your fussiest personal care routine?

I've tried to de-fuss as much as possible, but I try very hard not to put on deodorant until I've been out of the shower for at least 10 minutes. Otherwise, I can't think of anything much I fuss about, especially in girl terms.

3. Do you have a favorite tool? Power or manual?

There are just so very many ways to go here that are 100% snarky that I can't decide which one to go with. So I'll just say that I really do like screwdrivers, manual if-you-please.

4. Can you change your own oil? Do you?

I could probably figure it out if I wanted to. Beast has always done it for all the cars we've owned. If he weren't here I'd take it to Bob (our regular repair guy) or JiffyLube.

5. What’s the "manliest / 'womanliest" thing you do on a regular basis?

I hate this question on principle. I'm kind of the least "womanly" woman you're likely to meet, and I'm clearly not manly.

6. What’s something "manly" that you never learned how to do?

Pee standing up.

7. Do you ever cry? If so, what’s your trigger?

What isn't my trigger?? I cry all the time. Less than say 10 years ago, though, so by the time I'm dead I'll probably have stopped completely. Today it was the music, the fellowship, and a baptism.

8. Do you have a chivalrous streak? How does it manifest itself?

Uhm. I hold doors for people...?

9. Do you have a chauvinistic streak? How does it manifest itself?

...I'm getting irritated... I'm sure there are times when I'm adamant that certain people act in a certain way, but I really try NOT to do this, at least not SERIOUSLY!

10. What’s your favorite movie?

"Heathers"

11. What’s the dumbest, testosterone-inspired thing you’ve ever seen?

War, any war but especially the one in Iraq, ranks right up there.

12. What quality do you think makes a good man good? Do you have that quality?

Trustworthiness, dependability, kindness, strength of character. I have lots of these characteristics, but they don't often show up at the appropriate times or amounts.... By the way, these are the same qualities that make good women. Just to be clear.

13. Toilet seat up or down?

I don't really give a shit (ha ha), but Beast prefers it down along with the lid.

14. If your significant other is away, do you cook for yourself or eat out of cans and boxes (or rely on local drive-throughs and delivery)?

I tend to nosh when Beast travels. I definitely don't cook, unless it's a matter of heating up leftovers in the microwave.

15. What societal expectation of being a man / women do you most resent?

I'm not a fan of societal expectations of any kind that are based on gender.

16. What’s the best part - societal-wise - about being a man / women?

See previous answer.

17. Will you stop to ask for directions?

Of course. I've done it before, and I'm sure I'll do it again.

18. What’s one thing about your significant other that you just cannot understand, no matter how hard you try?

I don't understand his drive. He's like the Energizer bunny, with added stubbornness.

19. What do you need to have in the shower?

Well, water, I guess.

20. Do you burp/fart/scratch? Do you do anything stereotypically male?

Yup, all of the above. I swear too. And drink. And wear pants. And watch football games and NASCAR. I think Vogue and Mademoiselle are the stupidest goddamn waste of paper, I hate cooking, and I don't crave jewelry and flowers for every ridiculous occasion. But...yup, just checked: I'm definitely a girl.

Sunday Stealing

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

76) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? Honesty, trust, and massive helpings of laughter.

77) How did/could someone win your heart? See above. Also, he looked good in tight pants on the football field. ;-)

78) In your world, what brings on more creativity? ...aROOO? I'm more creative when I'm not thinking obsessively about whatever it is I'm trying to create.

79) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? Going to the college I went to. Everything else has spun out from there.

80) Why did you break up with your last ex? The last guy I dated, if you can call it that, changed schools and it became too complicated. Besides, his ex went to the school he transferred to, so it was an uphill battle.

81) What would you want to be written on your tombstone? "See ya soon!"

82) What is your favorite word? "Hope."

83) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: delusional. Most people. Especially the woman who comes in our library thinking that she's a werewolf; yesterday's comment/question (among the rest of her ramblings) was "Where do Mexicans get their babies?"

84) What is a saying you use a lot? "My head hurts." (usually at work)

85) Are you watching Idol this season? If yes, how do you like it? Nope. Haven't watched a single episode of any season.

86) Were you surprised that House got canceled? Didn't watch it either, though from what I hear it was too smart to be allowed to live.

87) What is your current desktop picture? Mighty Mouse in the center of an orange screen at least on my home computer.

88) If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be? So many options...can't pick just one. Wait: Karl Rove would be ok.

89) What would be a question where you'd not tell the truth? Answering this question would give away my answer to the answer I'd give, no? So, I'll just smile and move on.

90) One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by WEEPING ANGELS. The Weeping Angles aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What would you do? Well now. Are they angELs or angLEs? It does matter. Weeping angLEs would make me think my house is collapsing in the rain. Weeping angELs...pfft, I'd just roll over and go back to sleep; not my problem to solve for sure! [this is an oldie--I remember answering this years ago, though I didn't go back and see what I said then...]

91) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power? Carb-burning. As in, I can eat all the sugar, bread and cookies I want and never gain an ounce, or get diabetes.

92) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again? Let's go with my wedding; I can't remember most of it, just the temperature and everyone in the wedding party sweating.

93) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? Dealing with PsychoBoss on a daily basis for 5 years. On the other hand, there are lessons I learned there that I might not have learned otherwise.

94) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. (let's say that you are both single and available) Who might it be? Honestly? Anyone popular now makes the whole situation sound creepy--I'm not interested in MILFhood. Maybe Billy Joel about 20 years ago. Or, well, Prince same era would certainly be interesting.

95) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? Australia/New Zealand.

96) Do you have any relatives or friends in jail? Not that I'm aware of. Second time this question has come up this week; what does Memeland know that I don't?

97) Who's winning the U.S. Republican presidential nomination? Why? Anyone that Obama can beat. Which isn't saying much given the current crop, is it?

98) Who's winning the next U.S. Presidential election? Oh please GOD, not a Repub!

99) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Fuck right off. OK, actually, IRL I'd probably invite you in for sandwiches.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Follow-up to a question from Episode 37: What is your least favorite Christmas dessert?

Not a fan of mincemeat or Christmas pudding. Or fruitcake. Or most combinations of mint + chocolate.

2. Follow-up to a question from Episode 39: Which cartoon that was popular when you were a child could you just not get into?

Smurfs. Strawberry Shortcake. Actually, I was never into cartoons that much at all.

3. Follow-up to a question from Episode 40: What’s the most embarrassing cell phone ringtone that you've heard someone else’s phone play?

Hmm, there've been so many...circus music, weird songs that people the age of the person owning the phone should know better than to use, guinea-pig meeping (that's not embarrassing, but it makes me and Beast swivel our heads)...anything really LOUD in the library....

4. Follow-up to a question from Episode 44: When you're having a bad day or you're in a bad mood, which song best keeps you in that bad mood or makes it that much worse?

I don't normally listen to music to keep me in a bad mood, but pretty much anything by Rush will cause crankiness. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones can, at times, sustain an angry mood for awhile, and the song "I Hate Everything About You" works as well for that.

5. Follow-up to a question from Episode 48: What was the first time that you remember truly feeling like an adult?

Shopping for boring stuff like furnaces or talking about escrow, much less knowing what escrow actually is. Oh, and when we bought life insurance--at 23--that was pretty adult-y too, but in a good way.

6. Follow-up to a question from Episode 52: When someone first walks into a room, what is the first thing you tend to notice about that person?

Height, which is tied to presence; short people can look big if they have the right personality, and vice-versa. It's really about 'presence.'

Sunday Stealing

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

26) Are you happy with the person you've become? Hmm. I've never thought about it. I guess, in general, yes, though there is plenty of room still for growth!

27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love? Hate: "I'm fine" when clearly it's a lie. Love: happy babies.

28) What's your biggest "what if"? I don't really dwell on these sorts of things. I mean, there's nothing to be done for it now, right?

29) Do you believe in ghosts? In a way. Not the Hollywood, or the horror movie version of ghosts, but I do thing there might be some essential 'something' that hangs around once in awhile.

30) How about aliens? I think there are some living next door. They're super nice.

31) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? Going far away from home to college.

32) What's the worst place you have ever been to? Wow. Well...Rock Springs, WY, isn't great; in fact, much of WY isn't my favorite place. I didn't much like Houston. Parts of Mexico City were dicey.
OH! West York, PA, was not particularly fun to drive through...kind of reminded me of the bombed-out part of the south side of Chicago we drove through by accident many years ago.

33) Can insanity bring on more creativity? No, I think insanity is insanity. However, insanity, like everything else, has lots of different expressions, some of which are prettier than others.

34) Most attractive actor of your opposite gender? From a purely physical point of view, I think Brad Pitt is pretty close to perfect.

35) To you, what is the meaning of life? "You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life." (Albert Camus) or perhaps "Life has meaning only if one barters it day by day for something other than itself." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

36) Define "Art." Art? He owes me money!
Or, a guy with no arms and no legs hanging on a wall.
OK, in all seriousness, for me, art is something created by humans that speaks to the souls of the viewers. 'Course, it may speak of anything, not just beauty.

37) Do you believe in luck? I believe in provident occurrences.

38) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? Honesty, patience, forgiveness, and laughter.

39) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? Great, now I have "If you're happy and you know it..." stuck in my head! Thanks for that.
"Grace Kelly" by Mika makes me smile.

40) Where were you yesterday? Mostly, here. I went in to work for a few hours to make up for some time I missed on Friday, but otherwise I was here.

41) What's the worst injury you've ever had? I don't think I've ever been seriously injured--broken bones, accidents, falls, etc.--but I've had a couple of memorable ER visits caused by illness or my body fuh-LIPping out.

42) Do you have any obsessions right now? Getting the Christmas shopping done, I guess.

43) What's up? Ceiling. Light fixture/fan. Our bedroom. Another light fixture/fan. Attic. Roof. Sky.

44) Ever had a rumor spread about you? Probably. I suspect in high school, the only actual rumors about me were about how much of a grind I was. Since then, I haven't spent a lot of energy worrying about rumors. This is why I will never run for any political office.

45) Do you believe in real magic? I only believe in fake magic.

46) Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? I find it hard to forgive sometimes, yes. And it's the most RANDOM stuff that trips me up. I'm still pissed off, for instance, about stuff other kids did to Sparky in 5th grade, for heaven's sake; that's 8 years ago.

47) What's your favorite (non-pet) animal? Wolf.

48) What is your secret weapon to get people to like you? It's probably got something to do with being secure enough to allow people NOT to like me. Plus, I'm occasionally pretty funny.

49) Where is your best friend? I would presume to suggest that they are all watching football in some way or another this very moment.

50) What do you think is Satan's last name? If you know anything about Hebrew, you would know that this is a bit like asking what the last name of "chair" is.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. One of my favorite things about December is church services. This is the month for good ones.

2. I have way too many ornament(s)! (or too small of a tree...)

3. This is what I'm hoping for today/tonight: relaxation and rest.

4. Can you believe I slept through that noise?

5. Ooh, a Mark Harmon is adorable.

6. Bells are ringing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Beast's safe return, tomorrow my plans include working all day (whee), and Sunday, I want to not embarrass myself playing bells at church!

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Thoughts I've Had This Week

1. My boss is annoying. That sentence is the biggest understatement of the month, and possible of the year.
2. We have a genetic problem in my bloodline that involves getting lost every time one of us approaches the City to the West of Us. Latest victim: Sparky. Beast seems immune.
3. I love working the Reference Desk!
4. ...except when Crazy Patron Hour arrives. Actually, that can be sort of fun, too--"Hindus and Jesus! Hindus and JESUS!! He was in India, you know?!"--depending on which brand of crazy is on offer.
5. "Great Books" means Stuff Written By Dead White Men At Least 125 Years Ago. Still, the library probably should have one free-standing copy of each Shakespeare play, and "Origin of Species" as well.
6. How much do I value my free time? Is now the time? Do I mind if the offer is never raised again? Ugh.
7. Sparky finds his parents deadly boring. We are. OK, moving on.
8. Beast's back seems to be getting better. So are some other things. Finally. Yay.
9. The problem with revolution is that one never really has control of things after the first gunshot.
10. Ghost Whisperer has been renamed, by Beast, Ghost Eyelasher, which makes me laugh a lot. And I can't stop watching this ridiculous show, so laughing is good.
11. Some people are addicted to drugs; I'm addicted to Bejeweled.
12. My family isn't nearly as dysfunctional as other people's families are.
13. Smoke detectors that need batteries sound VERY MUCH like CO detectors that need batteries, especially at midnight, in one's bedroom.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. How can I explain how chaotic this month is becoming? And it's only the 5th of the month, too.

2. Sparky should get outside to weed again. He's slacking off.

3. My hair needs attention.

4. We're probably going to our 25th college reunion at Homecoming in October.

5. My favorite summer fruits are just coming in to season now.

6. Thump crash bang ...what was that?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping more than 5 or 6 hours, tomorrow my plans include work (sigh...), and Sunday, I want to do laundry and also go to church!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven sounds that you hate or find the most annoying.

1. Whining. Kids are the worst, but there are some adults who whine a lot too.
2. Nails on a chalkboard. I would celebrate whiteboards for this purpose alone!
3. That pause after I answer the phone that indicates that the call is from a telemarketer.
4. People yelling and swearing. Not necessarily angrily, I just don't like louts.
5. Screaming, in general, but especially indoors. Inside voice, people!!
6. "No"--in response to a request I make, or a suggestion, or whatever. I mean, really, who wants to hear that? :-)
7. The phone ringing between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. It's never good news.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. I feel achy.

2. News about the arrival of healthy babies is always fun.

3. Right now, I can hear these things: Sparky making breakfast and lunch for himself, Beast packing up to leave (again), and Ruka drinking water.

4. It's Friday and I'm glad I only have to cover one hour on a public desk today .

5. The last time I went to a sports event alone was when Beast was in China and I was at a Little League game.

6. I have a lot of cleaning to do this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting in the visitors' stands and watching my son's team get slaughtered, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to RE-flippin-LAX!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What is the latest song or band/singer that you have discovered to be perfect for your life right now?

The Ting Tings make me laugh. And the lyrics that Lonestar sings are pretty close to my reality on some things.

2) When do you find yourself the most politically incorrect?

I don't always think through what I'm saying before blurting it out, and it ends up sounding exactly the opposite of what I mean. Otherwise, I'm probably the most "incorrect" when I insist on being fair and balanced to people whose main news comes from Fox.

3) What book would you rather had never seen the light of day?

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion which people still insist is true. I'm also not a fan of the Malleus Maleficarum though I'm not sure how many people even know about this one to believe in its factuality. Thank God!

4) 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

These are very similar to the headphones I wear at work : noise-blocking, padded, 'fancy' headphones. They bring me a great deal of happiness because they block out almost all of the twittery, fluttery, noisy gossip that goes on behind me in the workroom.