Adapting

You Are Pretty Adaptable You know when it's time to be flexible, but you also know when to stand your ground. You assess every situation as it comes. You've got a lot that's working for you in your life. You're willing to improve, but you're not going to throw it away for the lastest thing. People may say that you should be more adaptable, but it's likely that they just want you to adapt to their ways! Above all, you tend to be a realist who is living in the present. You know a good opportunity when you see one, but you also can sense when something is a waste of time.

Are You Adaptable?

I would like to think that this is true. I'm not real sure about what other people think, though.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Tide Is High (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was originally performed in 1966 by a Jamaican band called The Paragons. Jamaica is the most popular vacation destination in the Caribbean. What's your ideal vacation? (Relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in a new city, skiing the slopes, spending time with family, etc.)

Some combination of all of this, though these days, sitting on a sidewalk chair and watching people is a lovely way to spend time.

2) In this song, Debbie Harry sings that she's not the kind of girl who gives up easily. How about you? Do you hang on stubbornly? Or do you know when to say "when?"

I'm a little stubborn, but I'm slowly learning my limits.

3) Blondie is a group that took it's name from the lead singer's most identifiable characteristic, her hair. If your band was named after your hair, what would it be called?

Graying-Brown. I don't think we're going to get much play.

4) Before her career as a singer took off, Debbie supported herself as a waitress. She even served drinks while wearing bunny ears and tail at The Playboy Club. Have you ever worked in food service?

Extremely briefly, a very long time ago. It's hard work, and not for me at all.

5) Debbie points to David Bowie as a major influence on her music and career. What's your favorite Bowie song?

Hmmm....I'm not a big fan of Bowie's music. Maybe "Money" I guess.

6) In 1980, when this song was popular, the best selling issue of Rolling Stone featured Robert Redford on the cover. Who is your all-time favorite actor?

I like Sandra Bullock.

7) In 1980, Ted Turner revolutionized how we watch TV when he introduced CNN. Do you have any subscriptions services in addition to cable -- like Hulu, Amazon Prime or Netflix?

Nope.

8) John Lennon was murdered in 1980. Today there's a specially landscaped section of Central Park called Strawberry Fields in his honor. If you had a day to spend in New York, what would you want to see?

Central Park would probably take at least a week to explore. And Ellis Island. And Broadway. Otherwise, I've no reason whatsoever to go to NYC. Beast would probably want to hit the 9/11 memorial site too.

9) We're going shopping! Which do you need to add to your wardrobe: underwear, shoes or a swimsuit?

I never wear swimsuits, and I'm set for undies for now. So, oh darn oh shucks, we get to go shoe-shopping!! I love shoes.....!

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 Icebreaker Questions

1. Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yes.
I am all of the above at different times. In fact, I am the loudest librarian you've probably met. I can be very outgoing. However, the Real Me is quite shy and fearful.

2. What’s coming up where you’ll see an old friend?

.....I got nothing. I'm not even sure we're going to have a vacation this year, so unless said "old friend" comes to me, I'm gonna just be sitting here with my current friends. Of course, I have some current friends who are old.... Am I overthinking this question??

3. Are you easy to get along with?

I think so. Usually. Unless you're stupid or flat-out obnoxious.

4. Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to them?

I give up on people regularly, but I have a hard time holding myself to the vow to drop them. That's getting easier, but I've only gone "back" to a boyfriend once. It was a mistake.

5. Who was the last person that you had a deep conversation with?

There were a few of those at church this morning. With Sue, with Beast, with Sunday school people, with Sally, with Lee, with Gary....

6. Are you okay with being in a big crowd?

How big? Like a couple hundred people in a church or concert or theatre? Sure. Anything much more than that, then no. I really wanted to go to one of the marches yesterday, but holy shit I would have been hyperventilating the entire time. I don't even enjoy traveling as much as I used to because of the crowds in airports and so forth.

7. Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

I do. Not in the "buy a lotto ticket" kind of luck. I've witnessed miracles and there is literally no earthly reason I'm still alive after a couple specific events.

8. What good thing happened during the summer? (It’s good to think about summer when you are freezing your butt off in January.)

My feet were warm. I miss that these days.

9. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Sure. I mean, why not?

10. Who was your first crush on?

First first was David Cassidy. I was, probably, 8. At most. I remember kissing an album cover. It's been downhill since then. ;-)

11. What are your bad habits?

Nailbiting. Making assumptions. Trying to answer rhetorical questions. Trusting people. Sarcasm. Lack of attentiveness.

12. What’s your favorite part of your daily routine?

Going to bed to read before sleep.

13. Other than your significant other, who are you most comfortable with?

Well, that's a rather ginormous assumption you've got going there... heh OK, I'm qute comfortable with myself. I guess Sparky is in there too. Not really many others, even my besties. See question #1.

14. Has an ex ever told you that they regret breaking up?

Yup. See question #4.

15. Why should your celebrity crush drop everything to be with you?

That would ruin everything!!

16. What would be the hardest to give up and why? Books. TV. Music.

Books. Or, actually, maybe music. I could write and then read my own stuff or read cereal boxes and magazines, but I gotta be able to sing.

17. Do you believe in second chances?

Yes and thank GOD for them, no??

18. What would like to do next in your life?

I'd feel better about answering this if Beast was contributing to the household income.

19. What’s the meanest thing that anyone has ever said to you?

Really? My co-teacher said something at Sunday school today about being as old as Moses today. My co-teacher is older than me, so I just gaped at him. [it was a joke, a lousy one] EVER though? Wow, so many things. Several of them said by my son in angry moments.

20. What’s the nicest thing that anyone has ever said to you?

Many years ago now, in the middle of a conversation about something entirely different, Beast said to me that one of the things he most admires (admired?) about me is how kind I am to others.

Blogthings

Your Color Code is Yellow

You are a ton of fun, no matter what is going on in life. You feel like you were put on this planet to have a good time. You see each moment as an adventure, and you refuse to get stuck in a rut. You are always up for doing something new. You are a very persuasive person, but you convince with your actions - not your words. Everyone wants to be living the kind of life you live. You have friends pretty much everywhere you go, and if not, you make new ones easily. You always prefer life as a shared experience.

What's Your Color Code?

There's an awful lot of NOPE here.

Sunday Stealing x3

(Link in meme-roll)
The Alice Through the Looking Glass Meme

If your life was a book, what would be its title?

Plot? What Plot? seems about right.

Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

I see weird people DAILY. You want weird coworkers, weird family members, weird members of the public, weird neighbors? I have someone--at least one person--in each category. Mostly, I enjoy Teh Weeerd. Sometimes, it makes me want to punch walls. Today was about half and half.

What is a special thing that someone once did for you?

I think the trick here is to notice the special things more than it is to expect big gestures of love from people. Possibly the nicest thing someone's done for me this week is driving me from work to pick up Beast after he had a diabetic situation Friday night. But the flight attendants on the plane, the car driver, and others I don't even know about were spectacularly on-point last Monday on our trip home from vacation.

If you could erase someone off the planet, who would it be?

My first reaction was political. Instead I'll just say that I'm not going to be sad when Crazy Cat Woman retires from my workplace in less than a month.

What’s a big goal that you have?

I have never been a Big Goal person. I'd like to retire someday. That's looking more and more like it will be some fairy-tale distance away.

If you could time travel and meet yourself at 16, what would you tell yourself?

Like I would listen to someone my age at 16?? I'd probably just pat myself on the back and suggest being a little more careful around booze and people who love it.

If it were the last day of your life, how would you spend it?

With kids. It would be wonderful to just sit around and play with some toddlers or babies, read them some books, get some sticky hugs and kisses...what a way to go.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I would kind of like to meet Tammy Duckworth. She seems like the kind of straight shooter in person that I like in public office. I'd like to tell her that not only do I appreciate her service in the military, but I appreciate her service to our country since she came back home.

What is one thing that you would never do that others you know have done?

I'm pretty sure that I'll never drive drunk.

What is one romance depicted in film that you’d love to experience?

Wow. Uhm. I'm not much of a romance-watcher. The Tracy-Hepburn dynamic, though, that is fun.

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

"O.M.G." (and not in any theological sense)

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

Really, any random newborn is pretty awesome. It may be the last time we are every fully ourselves, right after birth, before we start wearing other peoples' expectations.

What was the best experience in your life?

I've had a lot of good experiences. One of the best was getting my mom giggling during church in the middle of quiet prayer and then both of us giggling through the Lord's Prayer. It was strange, epic, and 100% unlikely.

If you could rule the world, what would you change?

So . Many . Things. Certain famous people who talk bullshit will be wearing a lot of duct tape over their mouths until they learn how to STFU when they have nothing productive to say.

Where were you when you heard the news of 9/11?

At church. Beast called while I was doing some volunteer work. I got in the car and turned on the radio while I headed home, turned on the TV when I got there and got a call from our brand-new pastor who had no TV service. So I watched the second tower fall with him and his wife, who was totes panicking: "I need to go to the grocery store! We need to stock up on food!"

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The Martial Arts Meme

Who was the last person that you held hands with?

Beast. Yesterday, I think.

Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yup. All of the above on varying occasions.

Who are you looking forward to see[ing]?

I can't think of anyone I'm desperate to see. I just finally met all but one of my great-nephews and -nieces, so it would be nice to see the only remaining unmet one. I'm not sure about going to Texas anytime soon though, and my understanding is that his parents are perhaps not together anymore. This makes me sad, but I'm treating it as rumor till I hear from someone definitively.

Are you easy to get along with?

Usually. Unless you're an idiot. Then I might be a little hard on you.

Have you ever given up on someone, only to let them back into your lives? Why?

Yes. Once. I shoulda stuck to my guns, but fortunately it wasn't a huge waste of time.

If you were ill, which TV doctor or nurse would you want to take care of you?

Honestly, if I were terrifically and suddenly ill, Johnny Gage's presence at my side in the ambulance could probably manage to put me back on the road to health before even arriving at the ER.

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Yes, it does. I'm so my parents' kid. Having admitted that, I tried very hard to keep my personal ooshiness out of sight whenever Sparky was in need of straight talk. The need to be honest definitely trumped the prude in me.

Who was the last person that you had serious conversation with?

Beast, after I got home from work today. Life is fraught right now and sometimes emotions boil over.

What was the last text message you received about?

Last Fbook PM: "Fair. :P I've just started throwing 'yins' into casual conversation."
Last text: "Yea. She makes a good date."
Last Google Hangout: "Almost got a ticket for not using hands free"
WhatsApp: "Haha! Guess that's a nice sort of problem to have?"
Not one is from the same person and they are all completely unrelated issues, but there is some sense of continuity there.

Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

I completely believe in miracles! My life is full of them. Luck too, mostly of the good variety. I have to say, though, that this is another case of seeing what you look for and getting back from life what you put out into the world.

What good thing happened this summer?

Uhm. It was not exactly a stellar summer. I found some serenity and some freedom. Sparky got out of a lousy roommate situation and into a new apartment of his own. And then a EEEUUUGGGE implosion for Beast at the end of summer from which we'll be recovering for quite awhile. We still haven't seen all the final ramifications as yet. So I'm learning some more about patience, too.

Convince us why we should or should not believe in life on other planets?

You can believe whatever you want, as far as I'm concerned. Until we actually find life in space, you have that option. I find it hard to believe that we're alone, as big as the universe is, but I also doubt extraterrestrial life will look anything like us, should we ever run into it.

Who was your first crush on?

David Cassidy. I was 9. Or maybe 8.

Favorite part of daily routine?

Washing my face, brushing my teeth, putting on pajamas, and climbing into bed with my Nook to read or puzzle.

Do you like your neighbors?

Of the ones I know, all but one are good people. We have some new people we haven't met yet. And the neighborhood Dirty Old Man is (YAY!) moving. Or at least the house is for sale.

What’s your worst feature?

My teeth. They are really getting yellow as I age. :(

Have you ever had trust issues?

Huh. Not until the last few years. I'm still horribly gullible, though.

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The "Doing Questions Like It's 2003" Meme

Tell us about your pets. If you don’t have one, share why you don’t.

We have one lazy little guinea pig named Pinto. He's a cutie, but he will be the last. I'm retiring my zoological chores when he dies.

Name three things that are close to you.

Physically close? I'm surrounded by heaps of stuff that have accrued as I unpacked last week. There are three things here I need to mail tomorrow, a book about the discovery of Richard III (brought home from vacation), and a half a liter of Diet Coke that I've been working on all afternoon.

How was the weather for your summer?

It was good. Too muggy here at the end, but I can't complain about the temperatures: they never got wildly out-of-control hot.

What was the last film you saw? Did you like it?

We went and saw the last Star Trek movie when it came out. It was ok. I like the original timeline better.

Tell us about the last trip that you took.

We just got back last Monday from visiting my English family and attending the wedding of my nephew there. He was married in Bristol in probably the weirdest and yet the most fun wedding I've ever attended. Then we spent about a week driving to my nieces' homes in northern and central England and meeting and getting to know their kids. The weather was wonderful, and the kids were great, and it was good to see people I haven't been able to spend time with in 5 years.

Where do you buy groceries? Why?

Meijer, mostly, and increasingly Aldi. And a local standalone grocery. And a local chain that's only in the immediate metropolitan area in which I live. Mostly in that order.

Tell us something that you did today. Or will do if you haven’t had your morning coffee yet.

I worked. Today was Crazy Cat Woman's and Supplies' last Sunday to work before they retire. I'm sad that Supplies is going--in spite of her politics being 180 from mine, I've really come to like and admire her--but CCW can't leave soon enough. Anyway, I found the provenance of an unusual photo of JFK and Jackie for a patron. That was fun.

Have you pulled an all-nighter?

Kinda did that a couple of weeks ago on the flight to England. I might've gotten an hour of sorta-sleep on the plane. Maybe. At most. Before that was probably the last overseas flight, or staying up with family emergencies.

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi & Coke?

Yep.

Tell us about your siblings. How many and what do they do?

Tell ya what. Here's my family. Go read. It's current. This is not a question I love answering.

What’s the oldest thing that you own?

Several pieces of furniture. My grandparents' china (boxed in the basement). Some books that are well over 100 years old--nothing fancy or worth money, I hasten to add!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Fool on the Hill (1967)
Unfamiliar with today's song? We can't help you. The YouTube copyright police have removed the Beatles' version. [But I found a tribute video with the original song here today. Who knows if it'll still be available later.]

1) Friday was April Fool's Day. Did you pull any pranks? Did anyone put anything over on you?

I shared a post on Facebook about football that was a prank--and 'got' Beast with it, and I think a church friend who didn't bother to click through--but otherwise I did my usual play-it-cool-and-stay-out-of-the-crossfire. I'm not a huge fan of pranks.

2) The practice of playing tricks on one another on April 1 dates back at least to the 14th century and Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales includes a mention of it. Geoffrey Chaucer has been called England's greatest poet. Quote a bit of poetry for us. (It doesn't have to be English, or great.)

This one's for my Dad:

A wonderful bird is a pelican.
His beak can hold more than his belican.
He keeps fish for the week
Inside of his beak,
But I don't know how the helican. (Dixon Lanier Merritt)

It was, invariably, quoted with punctuation from Mom: "[DAD'S FIRST NAME!]"

3) Beatle Paul is a huge Elvis fan and is happy to own the bass that was played on Elvis' 1954 recording of "That's All Right, Mama." Tell us about one of your prized possessions.

Since all of our kitchen cupboards had to be emptied yesterday* and the contents are mostly still sitting in the dining room patiently waiting for re-stowage....I'll go with my Sunbeam stand mixer. I grew up with my mom's 1950s-era version and when we got married young and poor I bought a cheap lightweight mixer for kitchen tasks. What a cheap piece of crap: plastic, impossible for mashing potatoes, and just junk. So somewhere along the line when we had money to blow, Beast bought me a Sunbeam for Christmas. And it was a very good gift--still works beautifully and is heavy enough to take care of just about anything, even bread dough (I have bread hook attachments).

4) In contrast to his easygoing persona, Sir Paul has been described by former band mate Ringo Starr as strong willed and "determined to get his own way." Do you consider yourself strong willed and determined? Or are you more easy going?

Yes. I'm mostly very easygoing, but I have a temper and a tendency to lose it over the most ridiculous stuff. And I do like to get my own way, in true Youngest Child fashion; my choice of profession didn't help either as I also like to be "right" about answers.

5) The Beatles once bought a Greek island, planning to live and record there, but sold it after a few months because it started to seem like a bad, expensive idea. Tell us about a purchase that gave you buyer's remorse.

We once had a Plymouth Voyager. From the standpoint of having room to cart Sparky's baby equipment around on vacation, it was great. Otherwise...man, I really hated that car....!

6) Legend has it that the Beatles officially broke up in Disney World. John Lennon was staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort when he received and signed the court papers that dissolved the group. Have you ever conducted business while on vacation?

Huh. Of course. In this day of smart phones and 24-hour internet email checking? Beast actually has a job for which he's "on call" whenever customers need him, so he's always doing stuff on vacations. This upcoming vacation will be interesting in that we are limited to one device to check all our accounts, which means sharing, which means potential problems. So I've pretty much decided I'm going dark for the duration. Hurrah.

7) George Harrison loved puttering around in the garden and dedicated his autobiography to "gardeners everywhere." Do you have a green thumb?

I do not. I have, somehow, managed to keep a lovely little cactus-y thing and its offshoots (all gifts) alive for about 5 years now. And some other really easy plants are still alive through no 'fault' of my own. I have killed more houseplants in my lifetime than anyone I know.

8) Ringo regrets not having saved more Beatles memorabilia, which he realizes now would be worth a fortune. Are you a pack rat?

We have a great deal of shit in storage in this house. (She says, looking at the dining room and all the collected crap sitting there. Why do we need four (FOUR!) different sets of wine-glasses??). I will be winnowing while putting things away.)

9) Random question: Which do you prefer, Girl Scout cookies or Boy Scout popcorn?

Nothing against popcorn, but cookies FTW!!

*We had new countertops installed so all the lower cupboards needed to be cleared for access and so things didn't get broken. I posted the before photo on Facebook about how the old counters were going away hurrah hurray, and got immediately guilt-tripped by two nieces to the effect that our old stuff is better than their current counters. Gotta love family.

BEFORE

AFTER

CLOSE-UP and blurry

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Don't You Care? (1967)
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) What's something that seems to fascinate everyone else, but you just don't care about?

Instagram. Why?

2) The lyrics refer to "the times we cried and laughed." Which did you do more recently, cry or laugh?

I laugh far far more than I cry, always. But sometimes that laughter is either in spite of tears or to hide the tears.

3) In the song, our hero seems surprised that his girlfriend doesn't believe him. Are you more believing and trusting, or suspicious and skeptical?

I'm a weird blend of naive and skeptical. I don't love being cynical, but I do tend to see through people's BS far more often than not.

4) This song is just over two minutes long, which seems short for a song but awful long when Sam is waiting for her chicken soup to heat in the microwave. What's the last thing you heated in a microwave?

Hmmm. Mashed potatoes Tuesday night? I think?

5) This week's band, The Buckinghams, was one of the first acts to perform at Chicago's premiere summer festival, The Taste of Chicago.* Let's think ahead: Have you made any plans for Summer 2016?

Nope. I'm intent on trying to get a week in March to go visit a friend who just bought a house in Minnesota.

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, Rolling Stone magazine published its first issue. What magazines do you subscribe to? Do they arrive in the mail, or do you read them online?

Entertainment Weekly, Ms., Presbyterian Outlook, and BookMarks. I still read the paper versions most of the time.

7) Country star/American Idol judge Keith Urban was born in 1967. Are you watching the final season of American Idol?

I haven't watched any American Idol, except in clips on other shows or on YouTube.

8) In 1967, the average cost of a movie ticket was $1.25. By 2015, it had risen $8.60. What's the last movie you saw in a theater?

SW:TFA. We're probably going to see it once more this afternoon.

9) Random question: Sam's taking everyone out to dinner and she's buying. Would you prefer the steak or the lobster?

Can't I do surf n turf? Actually, I think I'll go with steak; I usually get about 3 bites of lobster before I feel full and sort of sick. So rich.

__________
*Though back in 1970, it was called ChicagoFest.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The One You Love (1982)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
In memory of Glenn Frey (1948-2016).

1) In this song, Glenn explores one of the great romantic conundrums. This week, Saturday 9 is confronting it, too. If you had to choose, would you prefer to be loved, or to be in love?

It's good to be loved. I mean, don't get me wrong, loving others is great, but right now I'm feeling needy and in need of some TLC. Not sick, just blerghy.

2) The song describes an awkward moment: an old boyfriend calls when a woman is on a date with someone new. To whom did you last say, "I can't talk now?"

I just don't answer if I can't talk. Cell phones have that nifty "ignore" feature. Actually, I'm excellent at ignoring old-fashioned ringing phones too.

3) The lyrics talk about heart vs. head. When you find yourself in that predicament, which usually wins -- heart or head?

It totally depends on the situation I'm (slowly) getting better at letting my head at least make an appearance before I pop off emotionally. In a crisis, I generally do shut down and go with practical, head-based responses, especially if I'm responsible for the situation, i.e., the only adult in sight.

4) This song was from Glenn Frey's solo album, No Fun Aloud. What fun stuff are you looking forward to this weekend?

The Broncos play tomorrow, against The Evil Empire. We're also having a guest music group at church so that will be fun.

5) Glenn Frey was born in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. The Motor City is known for car manufacturing. Is your car domestic or foreign?

We are a double-Ford family, triple if Sparky's involved in the list. This is VERY weird, since my family was Toyota, Chevy, Olds, Subaru, and Honda from childhood through my mid-20s. Then we bought a #%)@ing Plymouth Voyager, which SUCKED, so I was really really anti-Detroit at that point. But I love me our Fords! They are easy to drive, easy to fix, easy to use, and built to last.

6) The popular 1990s sitcomHome Improvement was set in Royal Oak. Are you handy around the house?

My dad was a builder and cabinetmaker with 4 daughters out of 5 kids. We all grew up handing THAT wrench or THOSE pliers to Dad, or HOLDing THIS STILL while he affixed it in place. I dug a 10x10x10 septic pit at 8,000 feet above sea-level with Dad when I was 20 and he was 64, by hand, then lined it with cinderblock, mixed home-made (from river gravel) concrete to hold it together, all in a week. Yeah, I know my way around fixing, building, repairing, finagling, and what shit should look like when its done. We're watching HGTV's Property Brothers right now, and yes I do inspect the work and sneer when they do idiotic shit.

7) Glenn Frey co-founded The Eagles in 1970. What's your favorite Eagles song?

I can't think of any Eagles songs I don't like, but my personal favorite for the humor is "Get Over It." Here's the video. Enjoy. Don't make me find your inner child....lol

8) The Eagles helped define "California Rock," but in recent years Glenn and his wife lived in Tribeca. Have you ever been to New York? If so, did you like it?

Haven't been, never really wanted to visit, but I think at some point I really must see it.

9) Glenn wrote "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to the City" for the iconic 1980s TV show,Miami Vice. What else comes to mind when you think of the 80s?

Big hair, Aquanet, oversized shirts, Oliver North, Phil Collins, MTV, pegged pants, elf-boots, yuppies, long skirts, Thriller, Madonna, neon colors, skinny ties, Jheri curls, and the fear of Reagan blowing us all to kingdom come.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Balance

1. When opposing forces in your life pull you in different directions, how do you recenter yourself and find balance?

   Quite often I come apart at the seams. I don't handle opposing forces well at all. Just ask, oh, ANYone at work!

2. What are often the greatest threats to your overall balance?

   I worry far too much for my own good. And I tend to fight battles that are not really mine to be involved in.

3. If you could add just a little more of one thing to your life and have a little less of another, what would they be?

   I would like to have more self-motivation, and a lot less laziness.

4. What are pluses and minuses of hanging out with mercurial people, and what are pluses and minuses of hanging out with even-keeled people? Which tend to populate your social groups most?

   Even-keeled people tend to be reliable and unsurprising, which is lovely. Mercurial people are, perhaps, more fun, but also can be annoyingly inconstant. If it isn't obvious, I prefer calm to mercurial, and gravitate to that side of the human spectrum for friendship.

5. What’s your greatest challenge in maintaining a balanced diet?

   Pretty much, just doing it. So many more easily-made bad choices.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part four

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I probably wasn't listening to the absolute best that was given, but "Trust yourself" is pretty close to the top of what I remember.

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

Much easier to forget. SOOOOOoooo much easier!

78. First mobile phone?

I didn't get one till about 10-12 years ago. Maybe 2002?

79. Strangest dream?

I have strange dreams nearly every night. No, actually, I'm sure have have strange dreams EVERY night, but I remember only the ones in which I'm enmeshed when the alarm wakes me.

80. Best dream?

See above. I have some really awesomely funny weird dreams....

81. Who is the smartest person you know?

Depends on what we're measuring. Book-smart? Experience-smart? Emotional-smart? I know an awful lot of very smart people, for whom and for which I'm ever-thankful.

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?

It's rare for me to run across someone I can't find some sort of beauty in. There are very few truly ugly people out there, even the ones whose exterior isn't easy on the eyes.

83. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes. Always. It ebbs and flows and right now the tap is WIIIIIDE open.

84. Who do you love? Why?

I'm trying to work on loving everyone. It's not easy.

85. Do you like sharing?

I'm the Queen of Sharing, which is also something I'm working on, and also not easy to change.

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

I posted this to Facebook last Wednesday. Yes I'm a little behind on the origami calendar.....

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?

Sure. Or at the very least a teachable moment.

88. Favorite genre of music?

"Good"--I like lots of genres, including classic rock, heavy metal, rap, R&B, country, folk, indie, Christian, Middle-Eastern, funk, old pop (like Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, Lee), Afro-pop, reggae, ska, house, what my dad called "long-hair music" (a.k.a. "Classical)....

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

"Unfinished."

90. Describe your life in 5 words.

"I don't have a clue."

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Crazy from whose standpoint? Mine when I did it, or looking back on it? Craziest thing I can think of that turned out great and that I never have regretted is going to college 1000 miles from home. In so many ways, that's when my real life started.

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?

The first three I added to my starred list on Spotify are "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel, "Fadeaway" by Da Bodeans, and "Black, White, Tan" by Nicole Mullen. Alphabetically by author (and omitting bands starting with numbers), it's "Wake Up" by Aaradhna, "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust, and "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Alpha by title (and omitting numbered song titles): "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, "ABC" by the Jackson 5, and "Ackee 1-2-3" by The English Beat. That gives you a fair approximation of what my headphones sounds like at work.

93. Are you more creative or logical?

I'm more logical most of the time.

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?

I'm too honest by far about answering people's questions, though I have learned a tiny bit of tact over the years.

95. What are you most proud of?

The growth I've accomplished over the past few years in delineating boundaries, in forgiving myself and others for being human, and for standing my ground.

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?

Joy.

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?

Sleeping. hah OK, or playing with kids. Or reading in the sun.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?

"Hi" usually works for me. Not real creative (see #93), is it? Often I open a conversation with a question: "Can you help me?" "What's your name?" "How do you know [the host or whoever got me there]?" Simple is better.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Q & A Meme

1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again?

I'd probably take more religion classes and fewer communication courses.

2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an indepth conversation?

Are the President or the First Lady celebrities? If not then I guess I'll go with Bono or Rachel Maddow.

3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be?

Sitting in my living room, desultorily scanning the internet, reading books, and eating sugar cookies. Maybe doing some authority control work or cataloging. Nothing that involves a lot of people F2F most of the time, that's for sure!

4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert?

Tiramisu.

5. How many pairs of jeans do you own?

I only 3 pairs of blue jeans but only one pair fits me. I have three pairs of non-blue jeans that I wear for work.

6. What is your favorite flower, and why?

Heirloom roses, the big floribunda type. With scent.

7. What book has most changed your life?

I don't remember life before the Bible or the Little House series, so I don't know if it changed my life. The books that have changed my worldview are legion though: The Book of Ruth, Atticus, Plainsong, From Here to Eternity, The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Nicholas & Alexandra. Actually, perhaps that last one is the most telling, as it really ignited my interest in Russian history 30 years ago, which I still enjoy today.

8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it?

I do not like raw (or plain stewed) tomatoes alone. I will eat them in salsa because they're unrecognizable, but I really can't stand the taste, the scent, or the texture of them. {{shudder}}

9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land?

It would be whatever the longest flight from the west coast towards Australia/New Zealand would be....

10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo?

Hell. No. It's not happening.

11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth?

I'd love to know where Gloria (college) ended up, and Teri (high school).

12. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?

Taos.

13. Name three of your guilty pleasures.

Sugar cookies, blogging, naps.

14. The best kind of cookie is:

Heh. Lofthouse iced sugar cookies. And my mom's oatmeal raisin cookies from when I was a child.

15. What do you value most in other people?

Tactful honesty.

16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?

Most everything in my life has had a silver lining. I'm still trying to figure out how the death of my niece's first baby (and her near-death) can be a positive though. Everything else....I wouldn't be who I am now without those things happening.

17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?

Ouray. Ydra. Moosehead.

18. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler?

I think I'm a good mixture of both, but I'm virtually certain that most people think I'm more of a feeler.

19. Name three things you are thankful for right now.

Football (though not the game we're slogging through now--Jets v. Dolphins at Wembley), autumn weather, diet Dr. Pepper.

20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?

....wowwwWWWW! Yes, about 40 years ago!

21. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

I think so? I know I always sing along if they aren't trying to be all cute with the tune.

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.

Another from Amy

(Swiped from Amy)

What's your favourite biscuit to dunk?

I don't really dunk--I don't drink a lot of milk--and I don't like the crumbs falling off into the milk. Loss of perfectly good cookie!

Which would you rather have if you had to, a broken leg or a broken arm?

Arm. Left arm. I don't have time to figure out crutches.

Do you read a daily newspaper?

Nope. Not for years. I read the local headlines in my local paper in InoReader so I know generally what the latest gossip is.

Do you watch the news on TV?

I catch it on Today in the morning before I go to work. Sorta.

Have you ever had anything published?

Nope.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Sure. I haven't really experienced it, I don't think, but "like at first sight" yes.

How many remote controls do you have in your house?

Oh jeez. Uh, three in this room. Probably at least that many downstairs. One upstairs in our room for my clock--which is totally silly.

Have you ever been in a hot tub or sauna?

Yes. Multiple times, on multiple vacations. We used to vacation with people who wouldn't even consider it a vacation without a hot tub on site.

Have you ever had chicken pox?

Yes, when I was 6, and a very bad case it was too. They hit in the middle of winter during a multi-day power outage.

Do you own a lava lamp?

No I do not. My brother had one when I was little. It was fascinating, but I don't have time for fascination for that sort of thing.

What is your one major weakness?

My mouth. I need to STFU more often. That seems to be my lesson for 2015.

What's been the best decision you've made in your life so far?

Having a kid. I didn't used to want one, and the whole labor thing was absolutely AWFUL--as bad as advertised on Little House on the Prairie--but I'm glad, so very very glad, to have Sparky in my life.

What's been the worst decision you've made in your life so far?

Staying at my first full-time job for as long as I did. On the other hand, had I bailed, I wouldn't be where I am now so...

What words do you always struggle to spell type correctly?

Anything with a 'q' in it. And "vacuum." And because I type them often, "video," "recording," "juvenile," "literature," and "fiction."

On a scale of 1-10, how happy would you say you are?

Right this second: 6. Generally, though I'm at 7 or 8.

On a scale of 1-10, how smart would you say you are?

Book-smart: 10. Actually, practically: 7.

On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?

I think I'm a 10. Apparently, I'm more often closer to 3.

On a scale of 1-10, how devious would you say you are?

Usually, 4, but there are stretches that are full of 10.

On a scale of 1-10, how awesome would you say you are?

Most of the time I think I'm a 7. But I have dark moments of 1-ness.

On a scale of 1-10, how devilish would you say you are?

Oh, really, that's probably a 2 or 3. At most.

On a scale of 1-10, how nice/caring would you say you are?

10. Except when I'm a stone bitch.

On a scale of 1-10, how bitchy would you say you are?

In quantity, probably 2. In intensity, probably closer to 12.

On a scale of 1-10, how polite would you say you are?

9. I'm Midwestern, yo.

On a scale of 1-10, how attractive would you say you are?

6 and falling.

If you could be any famous person who would you be and why?

I wouldn't want to be famous, so this isn't the easiest question. I'd like to be famous for doing something really boring but awesomely useful.

What's your favourite animal beginning with the letter A?

Albatross. "Bloody albatross!!" lol

What's your favourite item of clothing beginning with the letter B?

I'm rather partial to bras.

Just noticed that this is post #7205. Over 11 years, that works out to 655 posts each year. Yikes!!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Best Thing About Me Is You (2010)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) What would you say is your best quality?

Well, normally I would say something like 'focus' or 'attention to detail.' Lately, however, I'd go with "Trying Very Hard to Keep Up."

2) In this song, Ricky sings that he's "allergic to tragedy." Do you suffer from any allergies?

I'm allergic to a ton of things. Nothing that will kill me on contact, thank God, but being around cats, dogs, corn pollen, dust, mold, morphine, June grass, and random other stuff. Essentially, in August I'm allergic to everything.

3) Benadryl, the popular allergy medication, is sometimes used to treat insomnia. What do you do when you can't sleep?

I take melatonin every night at dinnertime. That helps. I also use Tylenol PM whenever necessary. Benadryl alone doesn't have much effect on me after so many years of taking it for allergies. On the occasions when I wake up in the night, I read, do a crossword, or get up and try sleeping in the spare room or on the sofa in the living room.

4) The lyrics to this week's song encourage us, "Don't wait until mañana." Are you a procrastinator?

I am very much a procrastinator. Sigh....

5) Ricky Martin is a judge on The Voice ... Mexico, aired on Mexican television. When you watch competition shows like The Voice, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol, do you usually agree with the judges? Or do you think you could do a better job?

I don't want any of these shows. They generally piss me off. especially when it comes to the judging.

6) Ricky tells interviewers that when he was very young, he'd sing in the family kitchen, pretending a wooden spoon was his microphone. Crazy Sam admits to lip synching into a black Magic Marker. When you gave imaginary concerts, what did you use as a microphone?

I don't think I ever needed a mic. I was usually 'starring' in musicals.

7) Ricky began working at the tender age of 9, performing in commercials. How old were you when you received your first paycheck?

First paycheck was about February of 1980. I was just over 16.

8) Ricky does yoga to stay in shape. Have you ever tried yoga?

I have tried modified yoga. I would love to do it for real, but there just isn't anywhere local that fits my schedule.

9) Ricky is of primarily Spanish descent, with a little French mixed in. When you think of French cuisine, what comes to mind?

Frogs' legs. Sauces. Snootiness. I'm not interested in it, really. I prefer Spanish and Mediterranean food in general. ;-)

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Marshmallow World (1963)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. This song likens fluffy clouds to marshmallows. What does the sky look like where you are today?

It's dark now, but it was partly cloudy in the morning and then got cloudier over the course of the afternoon. I think. I was at work most of the day, so I could be wrong.

2. The lyrics refer to snowballs. Have you ever been in a snowball fight?

Yes. I lost.

3. Chionophobia is fear of snow. What phobias do you have?

I'm not a fan of large crowds.

4. In 2004, Canadian school children raised money for charity by setting a new world record: the most snow angels made in 24-hour period. Have you ever participated in a fundraising stunt?

Nope, but that one sounds sort of fun.

5. When marshmallows were first introduced, they were used for medicinal purposes. Specifically to soothe sore throats. What do you take when your throat is bothering you?

Tylenol. Or stronger.

6. Marshmallows are an important ingredient in the Rice Krispies Treat recipe. If you were asked to prepare something for a bake sale, what would you make?

Bar cookies of some kind.

7. Darlene played Danny Glover's wife in the Lethal Weapon movies. Do you enjoy action movies?

I loved those movies. So silly. Generally, action movies that take themselves very seriously I do not like.

8. Darlene's father advised her to always, "shoot for the stars." Share some good advice you've received.

"Don't pick up snakes."

9. Will you be returning/have you returned any holiday gifts?

Nope. It's all good.

Kentucky Rain (1970)
Next Thursday, the 8th, would be Elvis' 80th birthday, so we're celebrating The King. Here is this week's song.

1. In this song, Elvis hitchhikes across Kentucky. Have you ever hitched a ride?

Hell no!!

2. Elvis received his first guitar for his 11th birthday, even though he'd asked his parents for a bicycle. As an adult, how often do you ride a bike?

Not in ten years. Too hilly around here.

3. When Elvis was a child, his family was very poor, often living in rooming houses or public housing. His classmates teased him for being "trashy," which left him shy. Were you more shy or outgoing as a kid?

Shy. Totally shy. Even with friends I was shy.

4. While in high school, Elvis mowed neighbors' lawns with a push mower and a sickle. According to The Home Depot, one of today's most popular mowers is a gas-powered Cub Cadet with a self-mulching feature. Tell us about your lawn mower.

This is somewhat of a sore subject. We have gas walk-behind, and a gas rider that hasn't been functional for two summers now, but Beast won't just replace the damn thing!

5. In the 1950s, Frank Sinatra dismissed Elvis as, "deplorable." Yet by the time of Elvis' death, he had revised his opinion and said, "Elvis was the embodiment of the whole American culture." Tell us about something or someone you changed your mind about.

I'm watching football right now, so I'm going with the fact that I used to like the Seahawks.

6. After Elvis was discharged from the Army, his first performance was on a Sinatra TV special, sponsored by Timex. Do you wear a watch?

Nope.

7. Coinciding with Elvis' 80th birthday, there will be an auction of Presley-related memorabilia at his home in Graceland. One item up for bid is a plush toy he gave to an Army buddy's wife in 1958 for the baby she was expecting. Do you know anyone who is looking forward to a baby in 2015?

Yes, one of my nieces, Marguerite, is pregnant again, due in June.

8. None of the items being sold at the Graceland auction actually belonged to Elvis at the time of his death. Everything left to daughter Lisa Marie remains in her possession. Do you have something you cherish that was given to you by a close relative?

Loads of things. My mom's turquoise ring, for one.

9. The US Postal service sold more than 500 million of the Elvis commemorative stamp. According to the Census Bureau, that was two stamps each for every man, woman and child in the United States. When is the last time you visited the post office?

The last time I went inside the building was probably 3-4 months ago, but I was only checking our mailbox. I haven't stood in line there for a very long time.

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

1) This song is one of Billy Idol's biggest hits. Can you name another?

"White Wedding" among others.

2) When is the last time you danced around your home?

Probably when I made dinner last week. I tend to get a little goofy while stirring.

3) In this song, Billy says he dances with his own reflection. Is there a mirror in the room you're in right now?

Not as such, just a lot of glass (pictures, clocks, etc.).

4) Dancing with Myself is also the name of Billy Idol's 2014 autobiography. Let's say you're going to write your life story. What do you title it?

I have no idea.

5) This month, Billy resumes his 2014-15 concert tour in New Orleans. Have you ever been to Louisiana?

Yes. Yes I have. Once while in utero, once on our way to East Texas, and once on a mission trip. It's hot there. All the time, apparently.

6) In 1980, when "Dancing with Myself" was first popular, VHS players were all the rage. Do you still have yours?

Yup. Right next to the DVD player. I think we used it last month too to watch "Scrooged."

7) In 1980, The Love Boat was getting good ratings. Have you ever taken a cruise?

Not yet.

8) Sally Field won her first Oscar in 1980 for the movie Norma Rae. Five years later she won a second Oscar for Places in the Heart and delivered one of the most quoted acceptance speeches in Academy history. Do you remember what she said?

"You like me! You really like me!" [Look ma, no Google!]

9) In 1980, People magazine named Stephen King one of the most intriguing people of the year because he had two big paperback bestsellers -- The Dead Zone and The Shining. Do you have a favorite Stephen King book?

I loved his book of advice about writing. And his collection of short stories Just after Sunset was really good.

Blogthings

You Are Social

You prefer to study with a buddy or even in a group. You like to bounce ideas off each other. You get bored, sleepy, and unmotivated if you have to study alone for too long. You don't like to fly solo. Having study friends keeps you focused and motivated. You even enjoy a little bit of healthy competition. You can study the night away with the right group of people. You like to make studying fun!

What's Your Study Style?

I was a History and a Communication major, so study groups weren't overly helpful since most tests were essays and I can (could?) bullshit away for an hour on almost any topic. But it was fun to get together and talk stuff out for other classes. I group-studied with Beast and his chem-major buddies occasionally. OK, I was writing about Orestes while they discussed double-bonds and so forth, but it was more fun that writing about Orestes alone in my dorm room!

Blogthings

You Are a Tricycle

You are easygoing and relaxed almost all of the time. You enjoy taking life at a slow pace. You don't like being stressed, and you believe that peace is attainable for almost all of us. It's all about perspective. You are light and playful in almost every aspect of your life. It bums you out to be too serious for too long. You see the good in everyone, and you are quite nonjudgmental. You pride yourself on being compassionate and forgiving.

Are You a Unicycle, Bicycle, or Tricycle?

OK, why is this tricycle-y behavior, I wonder? I'm not peaceful, though. And I flip-flop between serious and silly fairly easily.

Blogthings

You Are Sneakers

You are super casual and sporty every season of the year, and this is especially true for summer. You know how to rock a lot of modern looks, and you never shy away from accessories that are a bit bolder. You are active, free spirited, and ready for an adventure at a moment's notice. You love to be spontaneous. You aren't afraid to break the rules, and you like a good challenge. You are even a bit of a daredevil.

What's Your Summer Shoe Personality?

Not so much, no. I don't 'do' the accessory thing very well, but I don't mind breaking rules.

Blogthings

You Are Investigative

More than anything else, you are a thinker. You are love learning for its own sake and thinking through things. You are not a person of action, at least, not until you've researched and analyzed things completely. You always think first. You prefer to work individually, and you often get completely wrapped up in your own projects. You enjoy being self-directed. You have interesting ideas, and you tend to be a very independent person. You draw your own conclusions, even if others believe the facts are in.

What's Your Holland Personality Type?

"Holland personality," eh? OK then. At least this is fairly accurate. I even had red glasses frames a few decades ago!