Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Friday Questions

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have a minor in Spanish, but I've really had to relearn how to speak it properly as an adult. I definitely still hear it better than I say it.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

I'm O+ (boring), and I can't donate anymore. Too much bad ju-ju in my body these days.

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?

As a tiny child, yes, once. I've been in the orchestra of a couple of musicals.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?

Oh yeah. My extended family has been designated the Darth Vader Theme. Beast is a U2 song--wow, that's a bummer, since it's doubtful he'll ever call me again--Sparky is "Crazy Train" from Ozzy, and I've got the doctors and other people like that set up with their own sound. I'm really pathetic, to be honest. Oh, and a small number of best friends have their own ring too.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?

I think we bought our digital camera towards the end of the 90s. It might still be around here somewhere, too.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?

Oh, I don't know. People would undoubtedly say different things about this.

7. Do you talk with your hands?

Yes. Bigtime.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not really. I like 3.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?

2% as a kid, sometimes mixed with powdered milk (yuck). We 'graduated' to skim by the time I was a teen. Now I rarely have milk in the house.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Fruit with a nice light crust.

11. Are you a note taker?

Yup. And a doodler.

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?

We have a shit-ton of coffee mugs which are basically never used since I don't drink coffee at all, and Beast can't drink coffee--and isn't at home anyway. I need to clean the house out, starting some time later than today.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

At home, yes. I guess I do at work too, come to think of it.

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?

I've been employed at my current workplace for just about exactly 22 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?

We flew Denver to Milwaukee when I was a small child. I remember because it was my brother's first flight too and I remember him looking out the window as we landed. I was probably 4.

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Johnny Angel (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a girl sings that she'd rather spend a quiet evening at home than go out on a date. How about you? Do you enjoy quiet time? Or do you prefer keeping a busy calendar?

I would always prefer to stay home, which doesn't preclude a busy calendar by any means. I seriously feel like I have no time for anything much fun lately. Exhibit A: being 3 weekends behind on all the memes!

2) She dreams of how her life with Johnny would be. What did you most recently daydream about?

Being in the mountains far away from adulthood and winter.

3) Shelley never considered herself a singer and is more comfortable acting. A costar on The Donna Reed Show, she was pressured to make this record by the show's producer, who wanted extra exposure for the show by having this song on the radio. Tell us about a time you ventured outside your comfort zone.

I went to the Soviet Union on a dare in college. I was terrified the the whole flight overseas--I'd been overseas, it was the destination--but I can't tell you how glad I am now that I forced myself.

4) Elvis said she was his favorite leading lady, and she appeared with him in three films. What qualities do you appreciate in a coworker?

Humor, hard work / attention to detail, kindness.

5) She met her close friend and fellow teen star Annette Funicello when they were 12 and attended the same Catechism class. What do you recall from your middle-school years?

Being embarrassed every day about ridiculous things. I do remember my math teacher making me keep my hand up in the air for like 10 minutes after I colored the whole palm black with a Magic Marker. The other sort of timely thing is that I had a crush on a guy named Larry when I was in 8th grade (he was a year ahead). I am friends on Facebook with him--really barely acquaintances IRL--and he posted for the first time in months today. Because he just got released from jail. So ... dodged a bullet there maybe?

6) After The Donna Reed Show, Shelly went on to a recurring role on One Day at a Time and was twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on Coach. Her husband is Mike Farrell, who played BJ on M*A*S*H. Which of those four sitcoms would you enjoy binge watching?

I don't really like binging--I get bored after a couple of shows because really they're all the same (with some notable exceptions). Having said that, I'd sit through a few hours of ODAAT or MASH any time!

7) In 1962, the year this song was popular, is also the year Jack Nicklaus began his successful pro golf career. Do you enjoy playing golf? Watching it on TV?

We watch golf, because Beast loves it. I wouldn't ever choose it for myself. I think I'd enjoy playing golf if I were any good, but I'm too competitive to deal with all the randomness and luck of the game.

TWO Random Questions (especially for Harriet):
8) A 2013 study said most Americans will have 12 romantic relationships in their lifetime. Does this mean you've had more or less than your share?

Less. Although how does one define a "romantic relationship" anyway?

9) It's closing time at the mall and you find yourself accidentally locked in a toy store. You call the police and they say someone will be there in about half an hour to rescue you. While you wait, will you play with any toys? (If so, which ones?)

Of course, but seriously: a half hour? Why call? I'll just play all night, sleep with some of the teddies, play with the Lego and board games, and hang out in the bathroom around opening time till it's safe to leave. I promise; I wouldn't even steal anything!!

****************

I'll Be There (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Mariah pledges to "have faith in all you do." Have you recently given someone support or a pep talk?

I do this regularly at work: "You can do this; it's not as hard as it sounds." is a common refrain with people online for the first time. Yes, there are still people who don't 'do' computers! Coworkers, same, though the topic is usually more along the lines of "stand up for yourself!" since I work with a lot of people like me who are terminally co-dependent. And of course Beast needs lots of validation post-surgery; he can't use his left arm for much, and his back is still FUBAR, as is his shoulder. He feels like a drain on resources (his view, not mine), but he's really doing pretty well considering the level of pain he's experiencing all day.

2) Mariah was at the center of a controversy in Times Square on New Year's Eve when she had audio problems and claimed she could not perform. Times Square is at the busy intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. If we went to the busy intersection nearest your home, what would we find? (A store? A church? McDonald's?)

The nearest actually busy intersection to my house is just 2 farm fields, a house and a horse farm. The busiest intersection in the city where I work is probably the one with Walgreen's, McD's, a gas station and a strip mall on the corners.

3) Her nickname in high school was Mirage because she cut school so often. Did you ever play hookey?

I can literally remember every single time I ditched out of school. Both were in college.

4) Mariah doesn't apologize for spoiling her dogs, who have been known to travel by limo. Do you know anyone who treats his/her pets like people?

I try to assume that all my pet-loving friends are perfectly normal. But there is one friend that I'm pretty sure is clinically insane about her dog. ;-)

5) Mariah has something to fall back on. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hair sweeper in a salon. When you get your hair cut, do you socialize with the stylist?

A "hair sweeper" is an actual job title? Wow, I have skills I had no idea I had! My hair person is a friend, so yeah. She and I have been discussing for years life as wives of alcoholics. Her husband died--at 45ish--last year from that. Mine is still around, so far.

6) When married to her first husband, Mariah went vegetarian. Tell us about last night's dinner. Would it qualify as a vegetarian meal?

Nope. I had leftover KFC chicken and biscuits.

7) This week's song was introduced by The Jackson 5. Think of your favorite Michael Jackson song. Did he record it solo or with his brothers?

My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror" so alone. However, I also really enjoy "ABC" with the whole gang.

8) In 1992, when this song was popular, The Mall of America opened. Located in Minnesota, it's the biggest mall in the nation, with more than 400 stores. Think about the last thing you purchased. Were you shopping out of necessity, or for fun?

Necessity at Aldi's Thursday after work. I don't shop for fun. {{shudder}} Unless you count Amazon Subscribe and Save which I did this morning, but again that was things like laundry detergent and toilet paper.

9) Have you ever shoplifted? (Don't worry. We won't tell.)

Yes, but the statute of limitations has expired at least 5 times since then.

****************

Magic (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

Yes. I actually love that place because it's just full of Teh Weeeirrrrd! I go for the "show" along the sidewalks of the Strip. It's free and way more entertaining the anything in a theater!

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

And I love this place most of all. We try to get there every time we are in Vegas because it reminds me so much of home. If I could live anywhere, that would be on the top 10 list. To answer the actual question: I find nature beautiful in small and large ways almost daily.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

Medium to medium-rare.

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

I've had a lot of people, including Beast, tell me they don't know how I deal with "home life" right now over the past year or so. Is that praise? I don't really live for praise, though it's nice when it happens.

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

Kangaroos. I haven't ever been there, so what can I say in my defense?

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

OMG--I have am a totally office-supply whore! Pens! Paper! Calendars! It's an out-of-body experience for me in those stores.

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are trying to learn more about us?

I think there is intelligent life besides us in the universe. I don't think they have the slightest interest in us.

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

Intelligence.

Saturday 9 x3

(Link in meme-roll)
Mr. Boombastic (1995)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a rather shameless come-on by an accomplished ladies' man. Do you enjoy flirting?

Flirting is fun. Yes, I enjoy it, though it's almost entirely "window shopping" these days, except when I'm flirting with Beast.

2) Shaggy sings that he's like a turtle coming out of his shell. Do you think turtles, snakes and lizards make good pets? Or would you prefer a companion animal that has fur or feathers?

I'd prefer a furry pet, but since I'm allergic to almost all furry things, it looks like any future pets will not have any. I have a friend who owns a tortoise that she adores. Kind of thinking about that. Or nothing.

3) He also sings that if you don't feel like driving, you should hand him the keys. Are you comfortable letting others drive your car?

Last week, I would've probably said no, but as we are down to one car now, Beast is driving mine and ... yeah, it's bugging me a little.

4) He tries to woo the girl with the promise of a bubble bath. Do you enjoy relaxing in the tub? Or do you view baths and showers as simply part of your hygiene routine, like brushing your teeth?

I love baths, but I don't get time to soak very often anymore. Showers, though, are strictly business. Clean and out.

5) Born Orville Burrell, Shaggy took his stage name from his shaggy hair. Using your hair as inspiration, what would your stage name be?

Lately, the best adjective would be "sweaty."

6) Sam admits she hadn't thought about this 20+ year old song in years, until she heard it on a Chase Bank commercial. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, checkwriting dropped more than 50% between 2000 and 2010. Who received the last check you wrote?

It was our last (as in final) cleaning service appointment a few weeks ago. I don't pay most of the bills, and I never carry the checkbook.

7) Which would you prefer to receive in a birthday card: a $25 check or a $20 Target gift card?

Check. There's no longer a Target very nearby.

8) Sam's mother refuses to pay bills online. All the news stories about data breaches scare her. Have you ever been hacked? If so, did it take long to get the situation resolved?

Yes, we've had our credit card hacked a couple of times, but nothing worse than that. Fortunately, the bank caught it immediately. Yay, for credit security checks.

9) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you made that you wish you could undo.

Some incredibly stupid things I've said to people over the years would be nice to "take back."

+ + + + + + + + + +

September in the Rain (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song refers to "leaves of brown." Can you see any leaves outside your window? What color are they?

We're still rockin' the green in our yard. There are trees down the road from us that are turning, though. One is almost completely red.

2) It also mentions whispered words of love. What did you say last time you lowered your voice?

Pretty sure I told Beast I love him quietly a few minutes ago. He's got a very upset stomach today and is feeling yucky.

3) Clearly this song is about a treasured romantic memory that took place in autumn. Think about your favorite romantic memory. In what season did it take place?

We've had some very good vacations in the fall over the years. Probably something to do with our birthdays both being in November... 😏

4) This week's featured artist, Julie London, was famous as a singer and actress. Less prominent in her bio is her appearance as a "pin up girl" in Esquire magazine when she was just 17. What's in your resume that you'd prefer to de-emphasize or gloss over?

About the only thing I'd leave off would be my stint as a paper carrier when I was a SAHM with Sparky when he was little.

5) Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was named "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956. If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose?

Of all time? It would be fascinating to watch Elvis perform c. 1957-58.

6) She became well-known to another generation when she appeared in the 1970s TV show Emergency! The younger actors credited her for keeping everything calm on the set. Who has a calming influence on you?

Beast.
Yeah, I know. Too easy.

7) Her Emergency! costar was her husband, Bobby Troup, and the show was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb. Do you have an ex that you're on very good terms with?

Nope. My exes have been out of my life for over 30 years. It would be really awkward to talk to most of them.

8) Julie was a chain-smoker since she was a teenager and in the 1950s recorded a jingle for Marlboro cigarettes. Yet in the 1970s, when she saw Bobby Troup's health negatively effected by smoking, she pressed him to quit. Tell us about a time you found yourself in a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.

I'm currently trying get Beast to understand that he needs to schedule his glucose his checks and do them, but I'm not doing mine. OTOH, my situation is way less dire than his. So far.

9) Random question: You have won an all-expenses paid trip to an exclusive resort in the Hawaii. When you get there, you discover that the private beach is bathing suit optional. Do you swim nude?

I don't swim. At all. So, no.

+ + + + + + + + + +

One Night in Bangkok (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is from the play Chess. It's been said that the most successful players are fluid in their thinking. Do you consider yourself flexible or set in your ways?

Depends. In some ways, I'm super flexible about things. In other ways, I'm very much not. I'm trying to work through why some changes irk me when others are practically unnoticed.

2) Nigel Short, a real-life chess grandmaster, used to wear a t-shirt that said, "He who cares, wins." Do you always play to win? Or do you play board/card games or sports for the fun of it?

I want to win! I try to keep myself from being horrible--some other family members are far worse about winning than I am!--but sometimes I just get angry about bad luck.

3) The singer is in Bangkok for an important tournament. He maintains that he doesn't mind missing the sights and dismisses Bangkok is just another "crowded, polluted stinking town." Do you find big cities exciting? Or do you think of them as noisy and dirty?

I like visiting cities. I love London, and San Diego, and even parts of Chicago and Athens and Rome. But I would never want to live in one all the time.

4) Air pollution has reached serious levels Bangkok. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma or another condition that could be aggravated by pollution?

Yup. Thank goodness I'm not interested in Thailand!

5) To reduce traffic, commuters travel through Bangkok on ferries that make regularly scheduled trips up and down the Chao Phraya River. When was your last boat ride?

Hmm. It's been awhile. With the lack of swimming ability comes what I consider to be a healthy fear of falling out of a boat. So I rarely get onboard.

6) Round trip airfare between ATL and BKK is $1750. If we gave you a travel voucher for that dollar amount, how would you spend it?

Well, I wouldn't go to Bangkok, that's for sure! It's tempting to consider Tierra del Fuego.

7) The Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok has a McDonald's onsite. When you go somewhere new, do you find it comforting to be surrounded by what's familiar? Or would you prefer to try new things?

We did eat in McDonald's near Heathrow earlier this month when we first got to England, but after that we stayed strictly away from American 'cuisine.' Generally, I'll try local favorites; it doesn't always work out but I often discover things I subsequently love!

8) One of Bangkok's most popular restaurants is DID, which stands for Dine in Dark. The dining room at DID is 100% light free -- cell phones must be stored in the lobby to avoid distracting from the experience -- so customers eat their four course meal without seeing it. This heightens the diner's sense of taste and smell. When you prepare a meal, do you put a great deal of care into its presentation?

Nope. And I am not at all interested in eating in the dark, either.

9) Random question: Think about your last professionally prepared meal. Did you dine in, carry out, or have it delivered?

We ate lunch out on Thursday. At Taco Bell. 👍

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Feisty Twenty-five

Do you like to see it snowing outside?

If I don't have to go outside and drive anywhere for a few days, I do like to watch snow falling. If there will be driving, I just start worrying about that.

Do you tell your family you love them enough?

I tell them whenever I see them. I mean Beast and Sparky. My family of origin doesn't do the "love" thing unless things are in dire straits. Beast's family is better at that, but we don't see them often anymore.

Do you like getting jewelry or do you not wear any?

I like earrings; I wear them pretty much every day, and I have TONS. I'm not really into expensive jewelry, but I have a couple of pricey rings and necklaces. I don't wear a lot of necklaces--I tend to forget to grab one.

Do you watch a lot of NFL football?

I do. It's on right now, in fact, as I write this, gearing up for the Pats/Broncos game.

Have you ever used the word ‘lame’?

I don't use it much. The way people feel about the word 'retarded' is kind of the way I feel about 'lame.' Maybe I've just known more people with physical disabilities than mental disabilities? I don't know, but 'lame' feels rude.

Are you/Were you in a band? If so, what was your band name?

I was in marching band. There's just not a great big push for flute players in rock bands, Jethro Tull and Chicago excluded.

When is the last time you went to the doctor?

Nag nag nag! Jeez! I'm going Wednesday, OK? Jeez. lol

Do you own any shirts with a peace symbol on it?

Hmm. I don't think so, not anymore. I certainly used to! Might have to remedy that one of these days.

Would you ever go to Japan?

If you paid for it, and I could fly first class, then I would.

What was the last thing you went to Walmart for?

I don't remember. Maybe pillows, and then a random-grab lunch from the deli and pop cooler.

Ever gotten in a car accident?

Uh, yeah. Probably 5 or 6. Thankfully, nothing very exciting or dangerous.

Have you ever been in a choir?

Yes.

Do you like the color of your eyes? If not, what color would you want them?

I have hazel eyes. I've always wished they were more green, or at least green more often. But I'm not fussed enough to spend time on it these days.

When was the last time you went ice skating?

I believe I was approximately 13. That makes it pretty close to 4 decades.

Do you like to brush your teeth?

Do I like to? Well, I don't hate it...it doesn't hurt or anything, and it's necessary. This is a little like asking whether I like brushing my hair....

Have you ever had a surgery?

Yup. Couple of times. Anesthesia is weird.

Do you look older or younger than you actually are?

I think I look pretty much my actual age. I might not act like it, though. ;-)

When is the next time you’ll be up on stage?

I think I'm liturgist next weekend. Does that count?

Where did you spend your last birthday?

I think I worked. If not I was right here on the couch probably doing something like this, or reading.

What is the last show that you watched a full episode of?

We watched Property Brothers all afternoon and evening yesterday. No breaks. It was ... weird and not what I would have preferred but I didn't have the remote.

Do you know anyone who lives in Utah?

Wow. Random. I don't think so? My sister lives about 90 miles from Utah for half of the year, but I don't think anyone else I know is there. If so, they're keeping shtum.

Is there anything you need to work on doing soon?

There are plenty of things I need to deal with, including laundry, serious house-cleaning, and figuring out vacations. And losing weight. Always.

Do your feelings get hurt easily?

It depends. Sometimes, with some people, I seem primed to take things all wrong. Most of the time, shit runs right off me.

Do you, or do you know someone who has taken karate lessons?

Sparky took tai kwon do for a year or so when he was a kid. He wasn't great, but he liked watching himself in the mirrors. ;-)

Were you ever a boy or girl scout?

I was a Girl Scout for a couple of years in grade school. It was fun, but I never did any of the camping or whatever. And I sucked at selling cookies.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics tell us about a young man who stopped at a bar named Webb's before heading home. What's the last restaurant or bar you visited? What did you order?

This cracks me up because there's a chain of coffee shops in Milwaukee called George Webb, or Webbies. I never put that together before now. OK, anyway, last place I ate out was the Pub, two blocks from my workplace, last night. Sort of a late birthday dinner. I had soup and salad. Beast only had half a bowl of soup. He's not eating well/much at all.

2) In this video, Vicki Lawrence is obviously lip synching. If you had to participate in a competition, would you do better at karaoke or lip synching? And what song would you choose to perform?

I wouldn't do either, being generally not comfortable with performing. If I were forced, I'd go with lip syncing, probably something by Melissa Etheridge or Joan Osborne.

3) Back when this song was popular, so was the Rubik's Cube. Can you solve that 3-D puzzle?

Nope. I never even really tried. Not in my wheelhouse at all.

4) Vicki Lawrence is a hyphenate, meaning she's a comedienne-actress-singer. Using hyphens, describe yourself.

Sister-mom-librarian-wife-SundaySchoolTeacher-friend-blogger.

5) Back in the early 1970s, songwriter Bobby Russell first offered this song to Cher, who refused it. Give us the name of a song Cher did record.

"Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" thought I'm afraid the first thing that popped into my head was "Believe."

6) Vicki Lawrence won her first big break playing Carol Burnett's kid sister because of her resemblance to the star. Have you ever been told you look like a celebrity?

Uh, no. I do look like everyone's next door neighbor or something though. People are always asking if I'm [names] or if I used to work at [places].

7) She also starred on Mama's Family in the role of matriarch of an argumentative Southern clan. As we head into the holiday season, do your plans involve a lot of family time?

We've got at least 7, maybe 9, people coming for Thanksgiving, including Sparky and two little people. It'll be fun. We don't usually do much extended family stuff at Christmas, but I'm assuming Sparky will be home at least.

8) After The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family, Vicki became a staple on daytime TV. She hosted Win, Lose or Draw and was a contestant on The Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Do you watch much daytime TV?

Not anymore. I work during the week.

9) Random question provided by a Sat 9er: Bugs/insects. Do you like 'em or fear 'em? Tell us something/anything you know about them.

Not a fan of insects. I live in an area where they're really just annoyances; not too many dangerous ones (except, of course, ticks and skeeters spreading Lyme disease and so forth). I'd still like them all to be eaten by bats and spiders.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (1970)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song asks, "Does anybody really care about time?" How about you? Do you pride yourself on being punctual? Or don't you really care?

I do like to be on time, but I don't get nearly as worked up about being late the way I used to. I realized about 10 years ago that no one is likely to die because I get someplace late. Then again, I really need to get better about timing my travel better.

2) The lyrics refer to a stranger asking the time. When is the last time you conversed with someone you didn't really know? What did you two talk about?

I was at a funeral yesterday and didn't know most of the family.

3) According to the Top 40 tracker Tunecaster, this song knocked Tony Orlando and Dawn's "Knock Three Times" out of the #1 spot on the charts in January 1971. Are you familiar with "Knock Three Times?"

Less so than this song, and less so than their "Yellow Ribbon" song.

4) Chicago is not only the name of the group but also of the midwest's largest city. Chicago is the proud hometown of such luminaries as Bill Murray, Michelle Obama and Derrick Rose. Does your town have any favorite sons or daughters?

The city in which I grew up has very few claims to fame, unless you count the "municipal area" in which case I could count The Lumineers, Tim Allen, Trey Parker, The Fray, Kip Winger, and Karl Rove. Where I live now has zero famous people, though a lot of gangsters hung out in the area 80 years ago.

5) The group Chicago was originally known as The Chicago Transit Authority, after the city's public transportation system. When is the last time you were on a bus or a train?

I was on a train last month. Been about two years since I was on a city bus.

6) Four of the original seven bandmembers are still with the group … after 48 years! What's the longest you stayed at the same job?

I've worked for my current employer since early 1996. Never have I been as uninterested in it as much as I do right now.

7) Lead singer Rob Lamm confessed that, at times, being in a band has been hard for him because he is by nature a loner. How about you? Are you more introverted or extroverted?

I am NOT an extrovert at all. I can fake it for awhile, but I prefer being alone or in a small group.

8) This summer, Chicago will be touring with Earth, Wind and Fire. Have you seen/will you attend any concerts in 2015?

Nope. Not a fan of crowds. Maybe something local, but nothing big.

9) Random question: What's the last mess you cleaned up?

It's part of my job some days: cleaning up vomit/poo/pee or sorting out other people's stupidity. I washed dishes after church and I need to clean the guinea pig house out soon.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Who is the first performer you saw live in concert?

The Beach Boys after a Denver Bears baseball game. This was probably 1980 or so.

2. Who is the most recent performer you saw live in concert?

I think, embarrassingly enough, that was Boston last summer. Beast is a major fan. I've been to several Boston concerts, and Styx concerts, another favorite. Sigh.

3. Have you seen more musicians or comedians in concert?

I haven't been in a comedy club in at least 15 years, and prior to that probably only a handful of times. So, music wins!

4. Who is your favorite living performer — musical or comedy — you’d love to see live but haven’t yet?

I would love to see Melissa Etheridge in concert. I'd also love to go to a Gogol Bordello concert, but I'm a little afraid of the crowd I might find myself in.

5. Who is your favorite deceased performer — musical or comedy — that you most wish you’d been able to see live in concert?

Elvis. Bing Crosby. The Beatles. Mozart. Those would top the list.

6. Do you think most concerts are too loud or just right?

The older I get the "too louder" they get. Fortunately, I'm willing to sit in the highest tier at an outside show--farthest away from speakers--these days.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Believe

1) In 1998, Cher became the oldest woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 with "Believe." She was 52 at the time. At what age do you think you did hit/will hit your prime?

I'm hoping it's either right now or quite soon.

2) Cher is as well known for her outrageous outfits as for her singing. What's the latest piece of clothing you added to your wardrobe?

I bought $150 worth of tops from Kohl's in November, and some shoes from Famous Footwear. I can't remember which was technically the first purchase of those two. Oh, and I bought some sale-priced Christmas sox when I ordered my 2014 calendars from Amazon on Boxing Day.

3) Cher credits her unique looks to her diverse ethnicity. Her father was Armenian and her mom is English/German/Cherokee. From where did your ancestors come?

Northern Europe is our best guess. My grandfather was French Canadian, and the rest were German/English/Scots-Irish/Dutch/"other" as far as we know.

4) When she was a little girl, Cher produced and starred in a schoolyard production of Oklahoma. Were you involved in drama or theater in school?

I was a rat in the Pied Piper of Hamelin in grade school, and after that I was in the band or pit orchestra only.

5) Cher is open about her plastic surgery, speaking freely about having had her breasts 'done', her nose bobbed and her teeth straightened. If you could change one physical feature about yourself, which would it be? And what would you never change, under any circumstances?

I would like to have all the fat sucked out of my body. Permanently. And I wouldn't change my nose, even though it's a flesh-colored ice-cube right now.

6) There's a stubborn rumor, often denied, that Cher had a rib removed so that she could maintain her long and lean silhouette. What's the most outrageous thing anyone has said of you?

Oh fuck, I don't know. I don't listen to people who say shit like this about others.

7) When she was a kid, Cher practiced her autograph. Do you have a clear, legible signature? Or is it more of a scrawl?

My mother and father strongly promoted good penmanship, and I still have a nice signature UNLESS I'm signing on one of those electronic doohickeys at a store.

8) Cher asks, "Do you believe in life after love?" Crazy Sam's question is easier and less profound: Do you believe in luck?

I do, I totally believe in luck and circumstance. For the record, I also believe in life after love.

9) Did you make any resolutions for 2014?

Nope.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) When are you at your best?

I actually do best when I'm under pressure, when I absolutely have to suck it up and perform.

2) What albums did you listen to the most while growing up?

Pick a 50s musical, any 50s musical! My Fair Lady, Sound of Music, The Music Man...all memorized before I was 8. Also, a Reader's Digest set of music, S&G's Bookends album, and Jesus Christ Superstar which I pretty much knew by heart before I was teenaged. And then there's A Chorus Line, Evita, Godspell....

3) If God was about to send a thunder bolt down to earth to strike someone dead, who would you wish for it to be?

I wouldn't really want to wish someone dead, but if we could have some major electronic hassle happening to the Republican Party for the next...oh...25 or so weeks, I'd be ok with that.

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

I'm actually watching American Pickers right now, so this fits right in. Also, it reminds me of the area in Colorado where my oldest sister lives: lots of apple and peach orchards. Not New Zealand, but oh well. Now I'm hungry for a fresh apple....

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Spooky

1. Does anything about Halloween “spook” you?

Nope. I'm not wild about kids stealing jack-o-lanterns from porches and busting them up, but it doesn't spook me.

2. What is the favorite costume you have ever worn for Halloween?

Probably the zombie. I went all out that year at work: bought a second-hand dress to destroy, wore loads of fake blood and gray-green make-up all over. Awesome. Much better than the lame M&Ms that two coworkers chose.

3. What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Seeing the little kids on our porch.

4. What one topic is (or was) the most painful to discuss with your parents? Why?

With Dad, it was politics; he was liable to get emotionally torn up about raising 5 left-wingers. With Mom, it was how I lived my life. I never felt like I was good enough; she was always finding something to be critical about.

5. What was the happiest day of your life? Do you think you'll ever top it?

College graduation, wedding day, several days with Sparky as a child, many of our vacations ... I can't find One Perfect Day that stands out, but I've been fortunate enough to have had many. And I hope to have many more.

6. What animal would you like to be able to communicate with?

Birds. I would love to know what they talk about. About five minutes ago, one flew into the glass on a window, then perched on the sash and looked in at us for a good ten seconds. Why?

7. In what way do you come nearest to perfection (as you define it)?

When I'm not thinking about being perfect, just trying to improve on past performance.

8. Do you have any recurring nightmares?

Not anymore.

9. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be and why?

See question #4. As a parent now, I understand what Mom was about, but OMG...just once I would have appreciated an unqualified "attagirl" from her. What is the most frustrating is that I keep doing the same thing to Sparky and seeing the hurt and frustration on his face that I experienced.

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. Have you ever been asked to speak in front of an audience? If so, what was the occasion and how do you feel you did?

Yes. I've spoken at church innumerable times, in front of kids and the whole congregation, I teach the occasional class at the library, and I've spoken to a small group at a conference. As long as I have a script, I'm good to go, although extemporaneous spouting is not unknown either. Generally, I do fine, and am doing better as time passes since I am getting better at suppressing emotion in the midst of speaking.

2. If you were asked to appear on David Letterman’s show, do you have a "Stupid Human Trick" you could perform?

Sure. Don't we all? I can stack up to 2 to 3 feet of books of varying shapes on my left hand and arm and carry them around the library as I shelve them. Thankfully, this would bore a national audience, and Dave, so I'm in no danger of having to appear on TV. For which I'm grateful. I'm not a fan of these shows (anymore).

3. If you were asked to be in a circus, would you be more comfortable as a clown, a trapeze artist, a tightrope walker, a juggler, an animal trainer, or the ringmaster?

Ringmaster. I'm not coordinated or physically talented enough for any of the others.

4. Take the quiz: What Circus Act Should You Perform?

When I did this I was supposed to walk on stilts. Hah. Not bloody likely.

5. How old were you the first time you visited a circus? How did you like it?

I think I was 6 or 7, and all I remember is the guy sitting next to us who smoked Marlboros and a very odd right ear.

6. How often would you describe your real job as a "circus"? Do you think it seems to be getting more or less like a circus?

It has it's circus-like moments, but mostly (at its worst) it's closer to a girl's bathroom in junior high school.

3x Thursday

(Link in blogroll)

List and describe 3 things that you've accomplished this year that mean something to you. Why are they important?

1. Helped Beast's mom. I'm not going into details, but it was a time when things needed doing and I'm proud of the way I handled them.


2. Didn't freak out when my boss made her anouncement this month.


3. Got a little further along the road of getting over myself.

For a change, this wasn't even that hard!

Circus

You Should Walk on Stilts

Your biggest talent is your ability to make people laugh. And like most comedians, you'll do anything to get a people roaring. You know how to work a crowd. You are witty, but you are also great at physical comedy. But you'll leave the daredevil stunts to other people... you don't need them to get your applause.

What Circus Act Should You Perform?

I dunno about biggest, but I do like to make people laugh. Sad and pathetic. However, I'm SO not getting on stilts, not this week especially! I've injured myself 3 times in as many days.