Sunday Stealing (x2)

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10 Questions with Nigel

1. What's your life's motto?

I don't know that I have a motto. The most frequent life advice I give is "Don't be a dick" but I don't know that that's a motto. Lately, it feels like I should be following the "Fight for your own stuff" but I hate that too.

2. Where were you living 13 years ago?

Right here. Different furniture, same house. Apparently, I had just finished entering all my reading history into GoodReads (at least the previous 20 years' worth), and have since added 2500 books. A  LOT of those are from childhood and generally before I started actively keeping track.

3. Is anyone jealous of you?

How in the world would I know? Right now, I very much doubt anyone wants to be in my shoes. I certainly don't.

4. Where were you when you heard about the 9/11 terror attacks?

Beast called me at church where I was doing some volunteer work, alone in the building, to tell me to go home and turn on the news. The first building fell while I was on the way--I had newsradio on--and I nearly got T-boned by someone else racing home. Then our new pastor and wife came over because they didn't have their TV (cable, blah blah) set up and we all gaped, and Pastor's Wife kept saying she needed to go to the grocery store to 'stock up.'

5. Do you consider yourself kind?

I try. Beast told me one time that he thought I was, and I treasure that comment.

6. Can you change your car's oil?

I mean, I probably could, but there's no way I'm starting this project at age 61 when Bob does it just fine and checks out all the other important things while he's in there.

7. What's the last thing you heard about your first love?

My actual IRL "first love" or my first crush? lol David Cassidy has been dead for 8 years, and my first boyfriend ... I haven't checked facebook recently. I'm friends with his brother though, so I presume I'd hear if something happened to 'boyfriend.'

8. Have you ever been burned by love?

Are we comparing scars? I won't win any contests, but I have been in therapy for a decade-and-a-half. 

9. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

What is this 'cash' concept of which you speak?? 
Actually, I always pay the cleaning crew at the house in cash, so Thursday.

10. Do you hug your friends?

If they want me to. I always want to hug people, but one of my coworkers has become EXTREMELY germophobic and touch-phobic, so I try to keep my hands strictly to myself around her. Otherwise, I tend to tap people's shoulders or forearms for their attention if I don't want to verbally interrupt them. So yeah. I got two hugs in 5 minutes from people at work Friday.

Sunday Stealing

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Best Things to Talk About 

1. What is the craziest, most outrageous thing you want to achieve? 

I'd like to survive the current era so I can see things improve, so that I can have a sense of pride about something in my country again.

2. Have your parents influenced what goals you have? 

Of course they have. How could they not have done so? One way or another, we're all trying to live up to, or improve on, our parents. I think mine instilled some pretty decent values in us kids.

3. What is a fashion trend you’re glad went away. 

Super low-cut, tight jeans. Corsets. Having to wear high heels and a dress in public.

4. What word or saying from the past do you think should come back? 

"Oh for crying in the RAIN!" my dad said this all the time and I've begun using it instead of swearing out loud at work.

5. What do you bring with you everywhere you go? 

Chapstick. Some things never ever change. And also, more modern-like, my phone.

6. Is there such a thing as a soul? 

Yup. Having met a few people over the years without one, it's pretty fuckin' obvious when it's missing.

7. Is there life after death? 

Depends on your definition of "life." I think so, even if "life" is a matter of memories of those who knew you.

8. Do you think there will ever be a third world war? 

Of course. It will be different from anything seen heretofore, probably.

9. What smell brings back great memories? 

Pine tree bark. Did you know there are chocolate pines and vanilla pines?

10. How would you like to be remembered? 

Fondly. It would be nice if people just DID remember me, to be honest.

11. What kind of music are you into? 

I'll listen to anything. Right now I have The Long Winters cued up on Spotify. But I like everything from bagpipes to rap.

12. What is the biggest surprise of your life? 

How long it feels. How it can suck and be absurdly hilarious at the same time.

13. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Lately, it seems like peanuts is all I eat. But if I could choose, it would probably be sweets, since they are severely limited these days.

14. Where is the most awe inspiring place you have been? 

Samarqand. Hard not to feel minuscule while surrounded by these ancient buildings:

15. Describe your life in six words.

Chaotic, quiet, untidy, frustrating, online, waiting.

Sunday Stealing

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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.

Sunday Stealing

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The Put Your Questions in the Box Questions

1. Where were you three hours ago?

Right here, trying to figure out my day. It's been a weird weekend of just feeling slightly ...off most of the time: headache, GI stuff, overheated (inside with A/C).

2. Make a confession.

I went to a memorial service for a former co-worker yesterday. I didn't speak to one of her sons because he caused her so much grief when she was alive that I just couldn't. Judging by his comments during the service, he hasn't really changed. I escaped afterwards ASAP, skipping the church luncheon, because I'm still very conflicted about the co-worker; she was a difficult person but also smart, kind in her own way, and a wonderful baker. And I was instrumental in getting her fired 5 years ago.

3. Bad habits?

Laziness is winning this race handily.

4. Favorite color?

Blue. Almost every shade of blue: robin's-egg, sky, navy, teal, midnight, turquoise, milky, denim. Bring on the blue! My top is in the lighter range (baby boy or pale sky), but I'm not overly fussy.

5. Can you drive?

Yes. I am the only person in the house doing that these days, so it's a good thing. Beast lost his license last fall, and he shouldn't be driving anyway as he can't actually feel or control his feet very well. Hence the advance to cane and now walker to get around. I live with an 90-year-old (he's actually 53).

6. 3 pet peeves.

Intentional stupidity.
People who are just mean-spirited and nasty toward others.
Humidity.

7. Last person you hugged.

Beast. Of course.

8. Something you miss.

I miss my dad right now.

9. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?

I seem to be song-free right now, which is fine. Something will come along. In fact, if I go read everyone's answers, I'll end up with one of those for sure.

10. Favorite quote.

"It is not your job to complete the task of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to desst from it." [Mishnah]

11. Favorite band.

Probably U2. It cycles.

12. Something you're excited for.

I had to take in a ring for repair and resetting a couple of weeks ago. It's ready--I should go get it. The payoff is even better due to the jeweler being next to Olive Garden, so we'll probably pick up some OGtogo.

13. Favorite movie.

Shoah

14. What type of phone do you have?

Samsung. It's about 3 years old now--but it still works so why change it? Works fine.

15. Favorite animal.

Wolf. Or if we need a specific entity, then Pintobean our cavy.

Friday 5

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Grabby

1. There’s a convenience store nearby and you have a small case of the munchies. What do you grab?

   If it's hot out, I'll probably get Cheetos or chips. If it's winter, chocolate.

2. You’re about to get on a plane and someone just stole all your reading material, but there’s a newsstand nearby. What magazine (of likely available titles) do you grab?

   I always stock up on trashy gossip rags: Us, People, Star, etc., when I go on a trip.

3. On a regular work day, where do you grab lunch and what do you get if you don’t bring a lunch from home?

   I've become a recent devotee of Wendy's. Good burgers, but also really good salad, BIG drinks, and they serve diet Dr. Pepper!

4. Instead of a lunch, you decide you need a quick nap during your workday. Where can you grab 40 winks?

   I will go to the park, or the cemetery, near my workplace, park and either kick back in the car, or get out and lie in the grass if it's super-hot. If I can't leave the building, I have tried napping in the workroom, but we have zero comfortable furniture, so I have to be wiped out to achieve a Power Nap.

5. How close to your head is your cell phone when you’re asleep in bed?

   It's within a foot or so of my head with only the phone volume turned up. I use it for my alarm clock, so it has to be pretty close so I can hear it through the earplugs.

Sunday Stealing

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The Ginormous Questions

1. Are you single?

Well, I'm not plural. But I am married.

2. Are your parents still married?

Technically, I guess so. They are both dead, however, so I don't actually know their current status. They never divorced while either was alive.

3. Are you in love?

"In love"=no. I did have a VERY weird dream overnight about this topic involving someone I only know through Facebook and a mutual friend.

4. Do you believe in love at first sight?

I don't. My sister Jean did. Even when she told me--some 15 years after she married the guy--I thought she was insane.

5. Who ended your last relationship?

Lack of attention (and I'm going with friend-relationship, since any ending of dating relationships was 32-odd years ago).

6. Have you ever been hurt by a break up?

Even as the breaker-upper, there's always some pain, yeah.

7. Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

I so hate this question. We break the hearts of others every day over the smallest things: a rude gesture, an eyeroll, a firm "NO!" As a parent, when Sparky was around all the time I sort of felt like the world's biggest heart-breaker. Usually for his safety and well-being, but sometimes because I was tired, or just being ridiculous ("the sound of the fan is SO LOUD--TURN IT DOWN NOW!" about a ceiling fan turned on low), or some confluence of bad timing.

8. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

It's still a secret. Unless the dream last night counts, since that was actually part of the dream.

9. Prefer love or lust?

Prefer love.

10. Prefer a few best friends or many regular friends?

Few besties. My delimiter for friendship seems to be set differently than most people's. I can be friendly to hundreds of people daily, but only about 10 people in my life are what I consider "friends" in that only that many really know the deep, dark, dirty stuff.

11. Wild night out or romantic night in?

Can't I just take a nap?

12. Back in the day: Been caught sneaking out?

Nope. Weirdly, it would have been super-easy, but it never occurred to me.

13. Ever wanted something/someone so badly it hurt?

Yeah.

14. Who are/is your best friend(s)?

Those 10 or so people I mentioned above.

15. Ever wanted to disappear?

This feeling comes and goes a bit like the tide.

16. First attraction: Smile or eyes?

Voice. Shoulders. I guess smile is before eyes though.

17. Prefer intelligence or attraction?

Wait, isn't it possible to have both?? Because I cannot even think about being attracted to someone without a shred of intelligence. You know how there are (I guess) people who are attracted to power? Not me: bring in the brains!!

18. Last phone call you received?

I'm sure it was a telemarketer that I sent right to vm.

19. Last thing you drank?

I'm still working on my Diet Pepsi from lunch at Panera.

20. Before your current one, when was your last relationship?

I so SO hate this question!! I have dozens of relationships that begin/end almost daily/weekly/monthly.

21. Do you and your family get along?

Mostly. My family-of-origin gets along best from several hundred miles apart.

22. Would you say you have a "screwed up life"?

Nope. I've had a decidedly easy and blessed life with a few pretty awful events -- through little of my own doing, may I add.

23. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell.

I once was not allowed in a bar in Milwaukee because I was wearing Harley gear. (hint: Harley engines are built in Milwaukee) WTF, still 25+ years later.

24. Do you trust all your friends?

To greater or lesser extents. I'm gradually learning that my expectations are my problem, not my friends'.

25. Who knows the most about you?

Beast, these days.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Getting to Know You Questions

1. What is your occupation right now? How long have you been there?

I've been a librarian for almost exactly 29 years (I started my first full time job in June of 1988). The job I'm at now is my second full-time gig, second job so to speak.

2. Favorite rock band. Ever.

The one I go back to most often is The Beat--usually The English Beat here. They just make me happy.

3. What are you listening to right now?

We're catching up on last night's SNL. I love Melissa McCarthy so much.

4. Last person you spoke to on the phone. What was it about?

Sparky called me this morning to wish me happy Mom's Day.

5. How old are you today? Or make up a question. This one bites.

I'm 53.5 + two days. Friday was my mother-in-law's birthday.

6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

Football. This probably comes as a huge shock to everyone.

7. What is your favorite drink?

This is probably going to be an even bigger shock: diet Dr. Pepper.

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?

I did for about 10 years when it first started to get gray streaks. Once it seemed like it was less streaky, I stopped. I was still in my 40s, but at this point people describe me as "that gray-haired woman at the library"--and I'm not EVEN the oldest person there! I'm considering doing something like green or blue though.

9. Favorite food?

Carbs: sugar, bread, pasta. All the carbs!

10. What is the last movie you watched?

At the theater is was La-La Land. I really want to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2, but I'm not sure how that's going to happen unless I go alone. Beast isn't doing well.

11. Favorite day of the year?

I love days like today: 65-70 degree temps, no humidity, sun. I also really enjoy [School] Project judging day. And Thanksgiving.

12. How do you vent anger?

I talk. It's not the best possible way. I've also been known to shout (ahem) and/or cry, but I do that less these days as, apparently, it scares the shit out of my coworkers and causes me to get bad performance reviews. Now that I have becoming emo-free* at work, I'm back to my usual levels on reviews.

13. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Depends on the age. My jumprope, jacks, toy cars, and various dolls are probably up there, as are the many many library books I read.

14. Living arrangements? (Of course your pets count. Geez!)

I live with Beast and Pintobean. One is a human male, one is a male guinea-pig.

15. What was the last thing that you cried about?

I got a little teary with the African kids that came and sang at our church last week. But see * for why I don't really cry as much as I used to.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

I'm friends with someone who went to the same babysitter after school as I did in the 70s. She's a couple of years older than me, but that matter way more in 1972 than it does now!

17. What did you do last night?

Caught up on DVR'd TV shows and played games on the laptop. And watched a race, including a really fucking scary wreck. By rights, several of the drivers should have been permanently incapacitated. Sounds like they are all walking away, more or less.

18. What are you most afraid of?

Pain.

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived? What's your favorite?

I've lived in the midwest my entire life, either the far Western part or the middle/northern part. I like Colorado best.

20. What is your favorite flower? (Ugh. Quite the note to go out on. But hell, we steal the questions. I guess you get what you pay for.)

Home-grown heirloom roses. But I'm not fussy; just don't bring white lilies!

__________________
*i.e. heavily medicated with psych drugs

Sunday Stealing

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

1 - Who was the last person you texted?

I responded to a (small) group Facebook PM this morning; this and my phone messaging are now linked so it's ridiculously easy to text the wrong person by accident from my phone now! However, this one was legit. My reply: "I'll defer to Leslie on this , but I will campaign for you guys too. And as long as it's not on a Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll totally be there." This in response to an out-of-state friend whose husband has just written a book and is looking to do a bookstore visit at our local indie to publicize it. I know the owner. And "Leslie" works there.

2 - When is your birthday?

In 6 days.

3 - Who do you want to be with right now?

No one. I will have the house to myself for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow for the first time in MONTHS! I can't wait!

4 - What sports do you play?

I don't.

5 - Who is the first person in your blogroll?

"First"? It's alphabetized, and I can't even remember who got added when. A couple of those listed are mine, so I guess those would be the oldest.

6 - What is your favorite song at the moment?

I woke up with P!nk's "OMG" on repeat play in my head this morning. While I did hear it (in headphones) at work this week, it isn't the song one would expect me to be humming, not of late. Disclaimer: do NOT click on that link if you are in a PG-rated location!!

7 - If you were stranded on an island, who do you wish to be with?

MacGyver, preferably the old one, not the current one. But he doesn't need to RUSH getting us rescued, just that he's able to do it eventually.

8 - What do you feel right now?

The of-late ever-present sinus headache. Slightly chilly feet (it's 64 degrees and the front door is open ON NOVEMBER 6!! Crazy weather!). And the laptop keys. Because yes I am that literal.

9 - What chocolate is your favorite?

Cadbury. Which is now owned by Kraft, so it's going to get crappy. After that, I'll be heading to Germany for my choco fix.

10 - How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have?

Cue massive increase in headache pain. Jeez, I'm nearly 53; when will this question just stop!?

11 - Why did you create a blog account?

Because I'm a huge copycat and all the Kool Kids were doing it!

12 - Who is your favorite blogger?

Amy. I never know what I'm going to get when she posts, but it's always ALWAYS interesting.

13 - Where do you want to be right now?

As always, I would love to be in the Colorado mountains somewhere in a cabin with a very comfy bed, snuggling in for a mid-afternoon nap next to a cuddly puppy.

14 - What do you want to be in the future?

Alive. One of the kids in Sunday School today said that her plan for adulthood is to "live until [she] die[s]." I call that a pretty good life plan.

15 - When was the last time you cried? Why?

Friday at my meeting because I was having a mini-pity-party for myself.

16 - Are you happy?

Driving home from Sparky's yesterday, I found myself thinking that life is Pretty Damn Good right now (then): between the weather, the beautiful skies and trees, Beast snoring next to me in the passenger seat, knowing Sparky's doing all right, on a good road with sensible drivers, the smell of burning leaves around us......

17 - Who do you miss?

This weekend, it's my dad. Yesterday would have been his 97th birthday. He died when he was (just barely) 75. I miss him.

18 - If you were given a chance, would you like to have a different life?

There've been a lot of books of late that talk about being reborn in the same body over and over and what you could change and what you would change once you know what those changes do to the rest of your life. I'd love to do that. Except for having to suffer the loss of good people over and over again....

19 - What was the best thing you were given?

Overall, it has to be a stock of strength: physical, emotional, spiritual.

20 - Who was the last person who called you?

Looks like the last incoming call was a reminder on Wednesday about an appointment on Thursday.

21 - What is your favorite dish?

I'm making homemade mac n cheese tonight with hot dogs for Beast as a bye-bye meal. It is my favorite, hands down, too. My favorite LITERAL dish is perhaps the one I make that meal in. :-)

22 - Who is your best friend?

I have a lot of superb friends, and I feel blessed for every one of them and for every single thing I receive from them not to mention the minimal things I'm able to do for them.

23 - What is your biggest regret?

How much I've let fear rule my decisions.

24 - Have you ever avoided your partner?

Well of course!

25 - Who do you spend crazy moments with?

Anyone willing to put up with me!

Saturday 9

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Tubular Bells (1973)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) According to Reader's Digest, The Exorcist is the scariest movie of all time. Have you seen it, and if so, did it scare you?

I was not yet 10 when it came out, but my brother went...and had to leave to throw up halfway through. He was more scared than his girlfriend. Anyway, I've read the book. It's scary. Not Stephen-King-scary, but pretty good. I don't "do" horror movies at all.

2) The Exorcist has been made into a TV series on Fox, premiering last month. Have you become a fan of any of the season's new shows?

Nope.

3) "Tubular Bells" is a popular ringtone for both Android and iPhone. What's your ringtone?

My default is a riff on "Who Are You" by The Who. My extended family gets Rachmaninoff, people to whom it applies get "Help Me Rhonda" or "Awesome God" or "Work Work" or "You've Got a Friend." Beast and Sparky share "The Sweetest Thing." All of which goes a long way toward saying I'm that nerdy.

4) As Halloween approaches, do you watch more scary shows and movies?

Nope. Well, I mean, most of what we watch has a Halloween-themed show every year, but no I don't do scary.

5) Do you have any recurring nightmares?

Nothing beyond 'trapped at work' dreams.

6) Have you carved a jack o' lantern this year?

Nope. Doubtful that we will, either. We need to go get a few punkins at least tho.

7) Do you like the taste of pumpkin seeds?

I do, but not enough to make my own.

8) What will the trick or treaters who knock on your door get?

Right now I've got all non-chocolate, non-nut stuff. We're on our way to get those punkins and I'll pick up another bag or two of candy as well.

9) A Halloween "let's pretend:" Back in the 1950s, a home in your neighborhood was the site of a gruesome murder/suicide. Relatives retained ownership of the house but declined to live there. During the ensuing decades, a legend grew: The tragic couple haunts the halls. Generations of schoolchildren insist they heard strange sounds and saw curtains often move mysteriously. Now the house is about to be demolished. A local charity is raising money by sponsoring a Halloween sleepover. Would you be willing to stay in this haunted house over night?

Sure.
Look, the first house we bought was the site of a murder-suicide by the just-previous owners. After moving in, we chose a dog from the pound and brought her home. She was never a fan of our bedroom--where the killing happened--so at first we thought about ghosts and woo-woo and all that. Then we took up the cheap carpet and discovered that the floor had never been properly cleaned underneath it, and the previous carpet pad wasn't replaced either. Once Beast--my hero, seriously--got the pad out and the floor cleaned and then sanded down and stained, our puppy was much happier about being in there with us. She just didn't like the scent of death.
So, no, I don't really believe in ghosts or hauntings, though I do believe that when something like this happens inside a house or other building, it does change the place in a non-physical way. Hard to explain what I mean, but it's not something I'm afraid of, just aware of.

The Queen's Meme

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The Hodgepodge Meme

1. Do you have a favorite chair in your home? Why is it your favorite place to sit?

I love my little corner of the couch. I can do pretty much anything from here, including parts of my job. Plus, I can sleep here.

2. You've been given a billboard space on the highway of life. What is the ONE word you'd place on the billboard to describe your life right now?

"Unplannable"

3. Do you own a string of pearls?

Not real pearls. I'm not a big fan of pearls, really.

4. Whose initials would you carve on a tree?

No one's! Leave the damn trees in peace, people!

5. Could you go without your cellphone for an entire day?

Sure. I've done it on days I've left it either at home or in the car when I get to work.

6. If you could pre-install an app on every human being born today, what would that built-in app be?

Kindness.

Saturday 9

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

1) This video begins with Adele and her flip phone. Is your cell phone a simple or a smart phone?

I've got a smart phone, and I'm addicted to it. Not sure what we're going to do when we're overseas!!

2) As soon as her cell is fully charged, Sam disconnects the adapter from the outlet to save electricity. Are you careful about conserving energy?

I literally NEVER unplug my chargers from the wall. So, no. I'm actually embarrassed by the amount of electricity we could save by doing some very basic things. Oh well...the time for that may be coming.

3) Adele sings that she must have a called a thousand times but her former lover never picked up. Think about the last call you made. Did you get through? Did you leave a voice mail? Or did you just hang up?

I called Beast yesterday morning to see about meeting up for lunch. He picked up.

4) Adele brews a cup of tea in the video. How often do you drink tea1? Year round? Only in winter? Never?

Rarely. In the winter, sometimes. I'll drink more tea in the next month than I will for the remainder of 2016!

5) Adele told Glamour magazine she like two sugars in her tea. Do you watch your sugar intake?

I am trying to do so. Today was NOT a good day in that department....sigh.

6) This song is about reaching out to someone and extending an apology. When is the last time you said, "I'm sorry?"

I'm sure I said it to someone at work today. Like many American women, I over-apologize. The last time I meant it was yesterday when I did the usual "open mouth, insert foot" thing at the aforementioned lunch date.

7) Adele was a heavy smoker who enjoyed the habit and didn't quit until 2015, after doctors convinced her it contributed to her chronic throat problems. What's something you know you should do for your health?

See #5.

8) Even though she is one of the world's highest-earning entertainers, she recently had her credit card rejected while shopping at H&M. She admits she was "mortified." Have you ever experienced that moment at the counter when your card was rejected?

Not in public, but my card was rejected over the phone while buying Sparky's college laptop 5 years ago this summer (too big a charge which triggered the hold). And a few weeks ago again--with an out-of-state attorney--the card was held because of "suspicious" activity. Clearly I need to send more money to out-of-state attorneys. THAT was embarrassing!

9) Random question: When you were a kid, did you keep a neat or messy bedroom?

In retrospect, it was fairly clean. The routine was that every Saturday morning was housecleaning day. Mom did the laundry and the rest of the house while I was stuck in my room all morning supposedly tidying and so forth. I wasn't THAT messy, but I didn't exactly kill myself cleaning most days. Once we ate lunch, I was free to do other activities. Mostly that meant going to the mall with Mom and then the library. What the hell did we need at the mall EVERY BLOODY WEEK!?!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Gal's Meme, Part Two

What did your last text message say?

• The last actual text was "Surgery will be in October at the soonest. He needs to find a [doctor] that will perform the [surgery] so it can be all in one surgery. Ugh." That was Thursday at 4 p.m. from a buddy of mine whose warranty has expired--everything is breaking!
• Last PM (Facebook) I got was "We have already gotten pounds via travel ex and shipped fed ex plus notified our credit cards!" That was yesterday at 4:22 p.m. from my sister being her usual overachiever self.
• Last Googlechat message was "Am here. Managed to get the ink we need. Getting ready to be wired up." That was from Beast Friday at 7:54 p.m. prior to his sleep study.

Are you someone’s best friend? Tell us about your friendship.

I have a few besties. They're all multi-year relationships built on silliness and shared interests and love and inside jokes and tears. I can't really explain any of the reasons why we clicked because they are all quite different in many ways, but they all share the traits of patience and intelligent and wit.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Work. I have to do some original cataloging of some Spanish and self-published stuff. I need to call our family attorney for anappointment to update our wills. I need to contact my school-district "supervisor" for my volunteer position to find out if she wants me there this week. Maybe I'll dust my desk off too. After work, I have an hour-long massage scheduled. Heaven!!

What do you think of when you think of Australia?

I miss Addy. One of the downsides of getting to know people on the internet is that when they stop posting it's often impossible to figure out what happened. Is he alive? Dead? Back to living on the streets? Healthy? (having now noted that he's still tweeting, I would guess he's alive, but it's not much of a personal nature.... :'(

Last person you talked to on the phone? What about?

My endocrinologist's office called yesterday at 11:35 a.m. and asked for Karen (or something else that is not my name, or anything close to it). Wrong number. Oops.

Any plans today? Do tell.

I just started laundry. I need to clean the guinea pig cage. I should figure out something for dinner. [commence discussion about Beast's meeting time tonight and when we should plan to eat] The bed will need to be remade. I'd like a real nap and some Benadryl (late night babysitting and dealing with cats). Oh, and I was going to look at our Color Bible for ideas about what color to paint Sparky's former bedroom.

What makes you happy?

Reading. Writing. Solving puzzles. Playing with kids. Being grateful for all the good things in my life--and there are many!

What’s your favorite room where you live?

I like most of the rooms in this house. Not the laundry room, or the garage, but the rest are good; I even like some of the storage areas! I guess either my bedroom or the living room is at the top though.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?

Allergies and my psycho niece ramping up for the upcoming family travels.

Last movie you saw? Review, please.

We went and saw the new Star Trek movie last week. It was good, but I'm thoroughly confused about the whole timeline of Abrams' version. I just totally don't get what the hell is going on. But the extension of Scotty's role and the friendship he develops with a new character were really good this time.

If you are jealous of anyone, tell us about it.

Not so much. Jealousy isn't the kind of thing that brings a lot of joy to life, and it burns a lot of energy. I try to stay away from it.

What is the most serious relationship you’ve had?

Well, I've been married for 30 years, so I mean....

Should anyone be jealous of you?

I'm sure they should not waste their time being jealous of anyone at all!

What do you usually do during the work day?

Last week for two days I was mostly trying to stay awake! I literally napped twice on Monday with my chin on my hands at my desk. Usually, it's too loud, busy, and weird to even consider that option. The doldrums of summer are upon us. When I'm not sleeping, I catalog new materials for the collection, keep track of materials people are ordering for the collection, keep stats, do random project work ("killing off" dead people, weeding, updating subject headings, cleaning out my emailbox), make decisions about ordering materials for the section I'm responsible for ... and if I'm in the public area, checking books in and out, answering reference questions, showing people how to print (or how to use a computer mouse), handing out bathroom keys, telling tweeners to settle the fuck down, and generally being amazed at the human condition.

Tell us about someone that you really don’t care for.

This is a very Negative Nelly meme. I'm not going to waste anyone's time talking about someone I don't like. Why bother? Much like jealousy, dwelling on people/things/situations I don't like is just pointless.

Do you use the phrase “Have a good one” daily?

I do, for my sins.

How old do you wish you’d be turning on your next birthday? Why?

I have to say that I wish my body FELT more like 30 than 55! But I'll just go ahead and turn 53 in November because there's no other option. I'm not going to start lying about my age at this point!

Do you still like amusement parks? Tell us about your last trip to one.

Wow, I haven't been to one in over a decade! That's fine. I don't like crowds or lines, which is pretty much what you get at amusement parks. And they're usually hotter than blazes and require endless negotiation with whoever you're there with about what "should" be done next....and expensive.

How did you get one of your scars?

I have to say the defining characteristic of most of my scars is Not Thinking Something Through. Except the surgical scars. Those just are what they are.

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Depends on if your alarm clock wakes me up early! Otherwise, I'm a pretty forgiving sort. ;-)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Gongerling Meme

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

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

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

2. What is your dream car?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?

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

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

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

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

Sort through the aforementioned piles of crap in this house.

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

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

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. What are you dreading at the moment?

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask Questions Meme

1. What type of criminal would you be?

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

2. What are you listening to right now?

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

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

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

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

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

5. Do you drink alcohol?

Not very often, not anymore.

6. Do you smoke?

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

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

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

8. Do you get attached easily?

Not like I used to. Too many emotional injuries.

9. Do you like your eye color?

I'm cool with it.

10. Have any stupid human tricks?

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

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

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

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

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

13. Have you ever stolen anything?

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

14. Any romantic gestures you really like?

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

15. What’s your favorite color and why?

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

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

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

17. What would your dream house be like?

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

18. What last made you laugh?

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

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

Bed or the bathroom.

20. What is your favorite word?

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

21. What is your least favorite word?

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

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

You bet!!

23. Do you have any siblings?

I have one sister and one brother left.

24. Do you like to dance?

Yes. But not in public.

25. What is your definition of cheating?

Lying about emotional commitments to others.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Carry A Tune Meme

Do you own a tablet of any kind?

I have a Nook. Beast does as well. And his new work computer is a Microsoft Surface Pro.

What’s something people always assume about you that isn’t true?

That I've read every book in the library where I work. It's also possible that many people think my only emotional setting is anger. It's definitely not!

On a scale of 1-10, how much do elevators scare you?

I guess that would be a 1. Unless I can go to 0.

When you’re upset, do you vent to people or do you keep to yourself?

Heh, I think we can all acknowledge that I'm a venter. I've been working on trying to keep some things from spewing. It's haaaaarrrrrrrrrrd.

Have you ever watched a meteor shower?

Yes. I imagine it would be wonderful out in the country, on a mountain or something. In town, on our back porch was underwhelming.

Do you tend to put things off until the last minute?

Uh...er... yes.

How do you react to random strangers suddenly trying to make conversation with you?

I live in the Midwest. People do this ALL THE TIME! As do I. It's expected! ;-)

Do you have a lucky number?

I have numbers I really like, but I don't really do the "lucky number" thing. 3 is good. So is 16. And 8.

Would you go out to dinner with Oprah?

If she's buying, sure! It better not be a Weight Watchers meal, either!!

Did you ever play sports?

I was on the 7th grade girls volleyball team, and the 8th grade basketball team. Hated both, though I wasn't as awful as I thought I was then.

Do you feel guilty if you throw food away?

YES! Holy cow, this makes me nuts, and I do it all the time because I'm not my mom, who kept food WELL PAST it's possible safety date.

Do you think you could make it as a baker?

Sure. I love baking. It's eating the stuff that causes the problem. And making time to do it and cleaning up.

Are you one of those people who are wearing scarves with everything?

Not with everything, no, but I have learned the joy of scarves in the winter in a drafty, chilly building.

Have you ever been in a castle?

I have! Many times! Well, many castles I guess. German, Chinese, Scottish, Russian, English and Italian. And one American that I can be fairly sure that no one reading this has heard of much less visited.

When you were little, did you ever play with Playdoh?

Not until my nieces had it. I missed Playdoh for myself by about 3 years.

Would you rather write a mystery or love story?

Mystery. I'm pretty sure I could toss together a decent love story in about 18 hours' worth of work. A mystery would take more time. Really, though, I'd rather write a good book, regardless of genre, and that will take more than 18 hours for sure.

Tell me about your worst fashion mistake:

Every day, my friend, every day.

Do you hate it when people smoke around you?

I'm allergic, so yeah, it's not my favorite. I'm not all militant about it, but I will move away as far as possible from smoke.

How are you wearing your hair right now?

I have short hair, so it's the same everyday. Today it's pretty flat and blah, kind of like my attitude. Having just looked at a picture I just posted on Facebook, however, "flat" is a relative term. My hair is just curly enough to be fluffy even when it's having a shitty day.

When’s the last time you were sick?

I haven't felt very good all week, but I haven't been actually sick for awhile. Knock wood.

Would you rather have OJ or milk with your breakfast?

Neither! OK, I'll go with OJ, but it had better be fresh and pulp-free!

What were you doing thirty minutes ago?

Cleaning the guinea pig cage. I think?

Do you own any school related clothing articles?

I'm wearing pajama bottoms from my college alma mater right now. They are orange and blue, so it's a color scheme I can get behind today. (I don't have anything that is Panthers, though I really like them too.)

Would you rather call people or have them call you?

I'd rather not talk on the phone, period. Text, email, IM...unless you're my son. :-)

Can you carry a tune?

Once I had my surgery last winter and recovered, my voice came back! I can sing. Not great, not solo-worthy or anything, but I can sing.

Who was the last person who unexpectedly texted you?

Maybe one of the people at one of my meetings. Not a huge surprise: I had called her in a bit of a panic. I didn't expect her to text. It's all good. For now.

Who do you text the most?

Beast. Sparky is a close second.

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.

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)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part two

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself.

Everything I keep thinking of I think of a reason that it wouldn't be bad with others. Seriously, the only thing I can think of is going to the bathroom, which--if you've ever had a toddler in your life 24/7--is actually something worth looking forward to. Anyway, other options I came up with and discarded are napping, reading, etc.

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)

Mountains. No contest.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning?

I don't. There's no good way, there are only less-annoying ways.

28. How was your day? What did you do?

It's only 2:50! OK, granted it looks like it's nearly sunset because it's so stinkin' foggy again today... I was at church by 7, taught Sunday School, went to the worship service, came home, started laundry--I think we need a new washer, yay, not--ran to the mini-mart for milk for mac-n-cheese tonight...this. I'm going to be napping sometime soon. And there's a memorial service for the mom of a friend tonight that I should go to, but I really feel lousy. We'll see.

29. What did your last text message say?

The last PM I sent Sparky was "np" last night. The last text message was probably to Chris yesterday telling her I would be late for our meetup. And the last GChat was "In case ur awake....omw home" to Beast yesterday afternoon.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

Sometimes. Not always.

31. Who was the last person you called?

Pepper. Yes, that's her real name--well, I mean, that's the name she goes by not something I made up.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list.

A personal chef. A personal trainer. A personal pilot and plane. And washer that empties and spins the water out.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for?

I shudder to think...!

34. Winter or summer?

Autumn. If it's summer in the mountains, then summer. If it's humid...shoot me.

35. What is a quality that all people should have?

Oh, no. Uh-uh, you are NOT going to get me telling people what everyone should be like. All people should be who they were created to be, which may (and does) end up being irritating and inconvenient an awful lot of the time.

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be?

I have an awful lot of books, and slightly fewer S&Ps. I'd like a large collection of chores completed, but that's not likely.

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

Beast's shoulder/spine. How much and how badly I need to lose a lot of weight. How absolutely exhausted I am all the time--I'm sure this is due to a medication swap a couple of weeks ago. How we are the only house in our neighborhood with no holiday decor in sight. A friend's son who nearly died last weekend. You know, the usual stuff.

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

Lowered expectations of others, reasonable expectations of yourself, and chocolate.

39. What are some phrases you say often?

"Really?" "Hey..." "...just..." "I'm sorry, what?"

40. Favorite food?

Iced sugar cookies.

41. What is your wish for the world?

That we could all just get over our egos and accept ourselves and others as they are, not how we think they should be.

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

Something horrible happening to Sparky. Large, unruly crowds. Active shooters in the workplace. A long lingering death.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

A picture of a local landmark? No, actually, I think it was probably the gun violence chart for last night's Facebook post. Last week's stats: 455 incidents, 122 of which had 0 injuries. 130 people died. 284 were injured.

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)?

Babies. Love lighting up faces. Ouray.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

I like it. My stomach, however, no longer tolerates it well.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Dislike gore. Suspense is ok.

47. Do you like to travel?

YES!! I wish I could do it all the time!!

48. Any regrets?

What's my time frame? I think I'm regret-free for the last 15 or so minutes.

49. Do you like rain?

I like rain that starts and ends in reasonable time frames. So this multi-day drizzle thing that's been going on for the weekend is not my thing at all.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
All Random

1) Do you prefer your pickle sliced thin, sliced thick, or in a spear?

I like my pickle to be dill. Otherwise, I'm not worried about the shape. Assuming they'll be in a sandwich, of course, I'd like them sliced. I'm really not fussy about pickles.

2) What kind of eggs do you like best for breakfast?

Depends on the day. Some days are omelet days. Some days are over-easy-with-toast days.

3) If you got 2 pennies for change, would you pocket them or leave them on the counter for the next person?

Inside the store, I usually leave them. Drive-thru, they go in my cup-holder.

4) You’re now in charge of the manners for the planet. Tell us the new rules for cellphone etiquette.

Oh, jeez, I'm just not EVEN.... If... No, I can't. The whole issue makes me so twitchy. Be polite: F2F is more important than whatever your phone is doing. That's the etiquette.

5) You’re about to write a novel. What genre will it be (sci fi, chick lit, historical fiction, comic …)?

I'd love to write a mystery. However, I'm pretty sure my strong suit is nonfiction.

6) Is it a bad thing to lie to save a friend’s feelings?

Depends on the size of the lie and how direct. "That shirt is cute" isn't really lie. "You're new haircut looks good" is more of a lie (if it doesn't). "I think your new boyfriend is awesome" when you know he's a serial cheater (or worse)...not ok.

7) Is your big toe your longest toe?

Actually, my second toe is a squidge longer from base to tip. My big toe, weirdly, starts higher.

8) Hot stone massage: yea or nay?

Sure. My therapist uses hot stones regularly. As long as they aren't burn-hot, it feels good.

9) Do you check the mirror before going out?

I mean ... at some point, I have looked in the mirror, yes. We don't have a mirror by either door, though, so I should probably remedy that.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Gag Me Meme

Do you have a sensitive gag reflex?

Not particularly, definitely not as bad as people who can't help clean up a "situation" because they're afraid they'll contribute more vomit. I once worked with someone with nearly-grown children who told me she couldn't handle when the kids got sick because then she would too. WTF? It's not fun, but really?

Where are you the most ticklish?

Like I'm gonna TELL you? Hah! I learned young that you don't give that kind of info to your older brot.... uhm, enemies!

What was the last situation to upset you?

Sparky made a comment on Facebook yesterday upon which one of his friends commented. I responded and was let us just say underwhelmed by his attitude toward my response, education, my job, and me. I left quickly thereafter; Beast continued the conversation private, but about 45 minutes ago he finally threw in the towel. There is no one so ignorant as a know-it-all recent college grad.

Have you ever had an online argument?

Oops, well, yes. This was only the most recent. I am, actually, much quicker to call myself out when things devolve. I also am VERY unafraid of the Block function on Facebook. Some people are just irritating on purpose, and whether they mean to be or not, I don't need more hassle than I've already got.

Do you like to listen to music while filling out surveys (memes)?

Nope, usually it's TV. Right now it's my Howie (Long) and crew on FOX NFL. I love Howie...sigh

How long do you spend on the phone each day, on average?

Talking on the phone? Less than 1. I don't like talking on the phone, but I use my phone for a lot of other things besides phone calls.

Is anything in your hair right now, like gel, hairspray, etc.?

Nope. It's still too humid for product. Once winter really arrives, I'll start using gel again.

When was the last time you were up before the sun? Do you like wearing sunglasses? Why or why not?

What do these questions have to do with each other, really? I'm up before sunrise about 50% of the time overall. Unless you count insomnia in which case, I'm up before the sun every night. My sunglasses are my glasses--they have magic lenses that darken in sunlight. I haven't ever worn sunglasses in my life, except Rx ones.

Last show you watched?

We're watching foo'baw now, just switched to the Cowboys-Eagles game. Hi, CC! [she and my bro live in Dallas; she's originally from Philly]

Next vacation you’re going on?

We're doing a run through the Ozarks next month. I'm going to Mansfield, MO. If you need to ask why there, you're clearly not addicted to the childhood books I am.

Do you regret doing anything you’ve done this week?

How about just today?? I regret stuff almost hourly. Nothing major today, to be fair, but there are some things I wish I'd've done yesterday that are still looming. And some other stuff that I missed the boat.

Last night you felt?

Yes. I did. { snerk }

What are you wearing right now?

Gray cotton capris, gray T-shirt that says "Born Free" on it, underwear, jewelry and a hair clip to keep my bangs off my face.

Have you ever kissed underneath the stars?

Yup. In fact, that's where most of my early kisses happened.

What are you doing now?

Watching TV and answering circular questions.

What plans do you have for tonight?

The Pack plays tonight!! We'll probably order a 'za to eat while we watch. And we need to tidy up the house for the cleaning ladies this week.

What’s the very first thing you do when you wake up, other than breathe?

Look at the clock and figure out if I need to get up or if this is one of the usual many false-alarms: 12:28, 3:12, 5:01...

Do you like reading?

Huh. Yeah. It's ok.

Do you ever think about stuff and start crying?

I occasionally think about people and cry. Things? Not so much.

Have you ever kicked a vending machine?

Uh, no. That would be counterproductive. Remember, I grew up in the era of "TILT" on pinball machines....

Do people consider you smart?

Probably. Except people who think they're smarter than me. ;-)

Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone?

This sounds like some sort of existential question that I'm not really equipped to answer today. Anyway, I think Beckett died before the Internet Age was upon us.

Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you?

Very much so. While I wouldn't say I'm hyper-aware, I am usually pretty clear on where people are and what's going on in a broad sense.

How much money did you spend yesterday?

Not a thin dime. I didn't leave my yard, and I didn't shop online.

Is there anything in your past that you’d like to try again?

Sure. Lots of things. I've a long and storied past, some events of which would be a blast to relive.