Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

Misc questions 

1. Which is more romantic: an expensive, glittering bouquet OR flowers that were hand picked as they grew beside the parkway? 

I am far from fussy, especially these days. But I'm less likely to sneeze at greenhouse flowers.

2. Do you know yourself well enough to understand why you feel the way you do? 

Years of therapy have helped with this.

3. Which do you do more often: let movies, songs and books put your feelings into words for you or put your feelings into words by yourself? 

Of late, it's been "feel the feelings all the time." I don't really see too many movies and reading has been hard this year.

4. Do you believe celebrities when they are endorsing a product? 

I don't pay a lot of attention to ads, and I'd like to think the person in the ad means nothing, but I just got stung by ThirdLove so I guess I do sometimes.

5. What kind of movies do you wish were made more often?

Good ones. It would be nice if we (the audience) would refuse to see the crappy ones.

6. Does fashion matter to you? 

Not really.

7. Should politicians be held to the same legal standards as everyone else? 

Of course they should! Some might argue they should be held to a higher standard.

8. If you became president, whom would you invite to sing at your inauguration? 

My go-to would be a classmate of Sparky's who sings at our church. But I have no interest in running for any office whatsoever.

9. Do you try to write/say what you are feeling in a true and simple way? 

Yes.

10. What is your worst daily habit? 

Sleeping. I just got up from an afternoon nap.

11. If you had your choice which one TV show would you have canceled? 

If I never heard another word about the whole "Game of Thrones" debacle, it will be too soon.

12. Do you like the taste of sweet or salt? 

I strongly prefer sweet, but I'm currently eating salted peanuts.

13. Are you very precise about what words you use to describe your feelings and thoughts?

I try to be. They aren't always read or heard precisely, though.

14. What do you feel the most guilty about? 

Presupposing I feel guilty about anything (a pretty solid presupposition in my case, but still....), I had a long moment of "why isn't Beasty living here?" this morning.

15. Do you meditate?

Not as such. I ponder, I pray, I focus on the clock ticking...

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Bah Humbug!

TV show I loathe:

Pretty much any current sitcom gets on my nerves.

Movie I loathe:

I cannot get through even the first scene of "A Clockwork Orange." It's horrid.

Music genres I loathe:

I'm not much of an opera fan, and I totally don't understand traditional Asian music.

Magazine which annoys me:

Anything marketed toward women that sells ads

Makes me cranky at restaurant:

Bad food, slow/bad service. I'm really pretty mellow, but jeez, dudes, you have one job.... [I had a bad experience at an old favorite place last night]

Makes me cranky in public:

Mean people being mean.

Makes me impatient at home:

Myself.

Makes me impatient at work:

...so much that I can't even get into it, but it's all around people being horrible.

Celebrity I hate:

This month, that has to be virtually anyone famous who has a penis.

Music artist I hate:

I can't stand Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.

I could care less about:

I've lost track of all the people under 25, the Vanessas and the Chrises--I'm just super-confused by everyone.

Blogger's habit that annoys you:

I admit, I'm a bit snobbish about spelling and grammar. Not the picky stuff, but if you can't get through a sentence without an error, maybe blogging isn't your thing. [Note: I'm not talking about anyone currently involved in this meme in any capacity.]

Feature on your blog you hate:

Why would I keep it on my blog if I hated it?

Politician that you hate:

Every . Single . Republican . in . Washington.

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

It's beginning to look a lot like....

1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

I love the carols on Christmas Eve, and the joy in kids' faces.

2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?

I haven't sent cards in a decade.

3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

I find them endlessly amusing.

4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

If there are kids or pets, go for it. Otherwise, it's a bit over-the-top IMHO.

5. How soon do you start shopping?

Normally, I shop all year, but I've tailed off in the past few since I only buy for Beast and Sparky (and a few things for kids). This year, I only started the weekend after Thanksgiving.

6. Real or fake tree?

Fake.

7. When do you put up your tree?

Normally, something at the beginning of December. This year, not at all.

8. When do you take down your tree?

Early January.

9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type)

Our current fake tree is too small. I'd like one that's another 2-3' tall so I could get all the decorations on again.

10. What do you top your tree with?

A star. Because, among other reasons, I'm in an extended boycott of commercial angels.

11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?

Nope.

12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?

Usually, yes. Not this year.

13. Do you hang up stockings?

Usually yes. Not this year.

14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s)

This is not my thing. Beast has a whole thing with all the kids' TV shows and a few of the movies. Me, I'd rather skip them all.

15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you don't like

I don't really understand why "The Sound of Music" is a Christmas movie--it's not!--though I love the movie itself.

16. Favorite Christmas Song(s)

"Away in a Manger"

17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up

I'm not that sick of anything this year. Yet.

18. Give or Receive?

Give.

19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?

Eggnog.

20. Ham or Turkey?

Ham.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Art History

1. Do you look forward to the spring?

I live in the upper Midwest; the promise of spring is what keeps us all alive from Christmas Day on every winter. "Oh, I saw a bird today!" "Hey, we got two days of sun in a row!" "Are those tree limbs faintly green?"

2. Which area of the sciences do you enjoy the most?

I love physiology. Not so much biology, but the function of systems together. How things are built to work as a unit.

3. If you could own a classical statue in the form of any figure from myth, religion, or even modern fiction, who would you choose?

Athena. I would love to have a copy of the Athena that stood in the Acropolis when it was in its heyday. Of course, we don't know for sure what that statue looked like--I'd want a miniature of it, not full-size, for the record--despite the fake in Nashville. Why Athena? The goddess of wisdom and war.

4. Do you have a good relationship with your mother?

Probably the best I've ever had with her. I mean, we never argue anymore ... (sad face) ... she died 8 years ago.

5. What is your favorite mythological story?

Hmmm. Trying to do this without looking at anything to prompt me. I kind of love the story of Apollo driving the sun across the sky every day. And the story of Prometheus bringing fire to humans, and the punishment he suffered for it. Pretty brutal.

6. If you put on a big feast, what would you serve?

Chicken, burgers, brats, lots of salads, cake, pie. Basically summer cookout fare. However, my usual feast "style" is Thanksgiving-based, so turkey, potatoes, stuffing, veggies, bread, pie pie pie.

7. How do you have fun? (What is your favorite 'Earthly Delight'?)

Reading? Traveling for sure. Laughing for sure.

8. Do you often look for hidden messages and meanings?

Most of the time. Usually not in the moment, but later. However, I'm also very prone to reminding myself that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

9. Have you ever received an award or special position?

Yup.

10. If a revolution was about to happen in your country, would you be part of it?

Oh, this is the part that's timely! hee Well, let's put it this way: I visited the Soviet Union at the end of its life as a country. When the U.S. starts to feel like that, I'll be fighting. My dad fought in WW2, I have read extensively about the Holocaust, and when I see that happening here I'll be fighting. I'll let you decide if either of those (or both) scenarios have any application today.

11. Have you ever planned an act of revenge?

Oh, I've done a LOT of planning!! The question is whether I've ever carried any plans out, though, isn't it?
A former boss told me once that the best way to get through a fraught situation is to quietly plan the demise of the person causing trouble. This has stood me in good stead through many meetings since.

12. What is the most dramatic thing you have ever done?

I don't generally DO dramatic. Maybe throwing the bag of trash back at the people who flung it one night decades ago at the lakefront on July 4. All the boys in our group were like, "Sit DOWN, what are you DOING!?!" I've done some really shocking, scary things over the years, but I wouldn't call them dramatic per se.

13. Do you care about your weight?

I care, but it's clear that I don't care enough to deal with it responsibly.

14. Is your life moving too slowly or too fast?

It's really moving at a pretty reasonable speed right now. Parts could go faster. Parts could slow down some.

15. Do you prefer to stay in the shade?

Yes. I'm a pale-skinned, easily-burned person. And, metaphorically, yes.

16. If you could have any mural on your ceiling, what would it look like?

I wouldn't. These have always made me wonder about the people living in the house. Do you WANT people to be staring up while you're talking to them? Or do you expect people to be so bored that they need something to look at while they're visiting?

17. Do you enjoy the countryside?

heh ... Yeah, I do.

18. Are you a romantic?

Nope.

19. What is your favorite historic subject?

Early Church history, c. A.D. 30 to 200. I also like WW2 stuff, as mentioned above. And the Middle Ages. I just like history, can you tell?

20. Do you prefer landscape paintings?

Nope. I've always needed to have some people in the frame to interest me. I have memories of ENDLESS slide shows of landscapes/scenery as a child. "Didn't you take any pictures of PEOPLE, Dad???"

21. Are you interested in social issues?

Uh, yeah. You could probably say that. Those (few) of you on my Facebook feed are probably rolling your eyes and going, "Nonstop, man, nonstop."

So very wrong..........

You Are the Executive Branch

You have a ton of charisma, and you are well liked among different types of people. Your star just shines a little brighter. You are a visionary, and you don't like to get bogged down in the details. [this is absolutely dead wrong!!] That's what delegating is for! You are a willing and able leader. People trust you to do the right thing, even if you secretly feel unsure. You see the big picture, and you tend to look towards the future. You are optimistic that things can change for the better.

What Branch of Government Are You?

Great, I'm wearing an orange shirt, so I am indeed channeling Our Great Orange Leader today. Fuck.

Though I don't think this really sounds a lot like me.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Angel (1998)
... because Bev recommended it
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Sarah McLachlan wrote this song about someone she barely knew. She read the obit of Jonathan Melvoin, keyboard player for the Smashing Pumpkins, who died of a heroin overdose. What's the most recent news story that touched you deeply?

I have actively and methodically spent the last 7 months trying to disengage my emotions from the news because otherwise I would be locked in a small padded room screaming. However, Dumpster's pronouncement re transgender people this week got my attention, and I'm so gratified to see so many people telling him to fuck right off about that. 

2) Ms. McLachlan performed this in tribute to Linda McCartney at the 1999 Concert for Linda. She was expressing her hope that, in death, Linda found relief and peace after a long and painful battle with cancer. What do you think happens to us when we die?

I'm pretty sure our souls do whatever souls do and move on and don't care about what stupid things we're up to back here. At least I really hope so. I think after death, we all deserve some fun and joy no matter what our lives were like.

3) Daytime dramas General Hospital and As the World Turns used this song on-air after a major character died. Do you follow any "soap operas?"

I used to watch GH when I was in high school, back just after the whole Luke and Laura storyline. And I worked with some DOOL fans who insisted on watching at lunch in the library workroom back in the 80s/90s. Since then, no.

4) In 2007, Sarah donated her recording of this song to the ASPCA. Do you have a pet? If yes, how did you get it (shelter, pet store, etc.)?

We've gotten all our guinea pigs at a pet store, except the three that were born here after our "two males" turned out to be a boy and a (pregnant) girl.

5) She admits she can't watch those ASPCA commercials, where her recording of "Angel" plays over sad photos of animals. Is there a TV commercial that really gets to you (in either a good or a bad way)?

Yeah, I don't even try to watch those or the "kids need help" ads. I leave the room, fast forward past them, or mute them. I do not need more guilt in my life.

6) In 1994, Sarah was stalked by an obsessed fan. Tell us about a time you were really frightened. In retrospect, was your fear commensurate with the threat?

Usually, I react with a little more drama that necessary. However, sometimes I'm fairly calm in the face of crisis. Fear? I'm usually not afraid till later.

7) Sarah was adopted by Jack and Dorice McLachlan. Though she has a friendly relationship with her birth mother, she always considered Dorice her mother and sees herself behaving with her son the way Dorice did with her. Is there anyone in your family that you feel you resemble, either physically or by behavior?

My mother and I were too similar in personality to ever get along well. I'm trying to develop more of my dad's traits as an adult, although he certainly had plenty of less-than-admirable habits. I got my temper from both of them; this is pretty much awful. I look just like my dad's mom, apparently, whom he also resembled.

8) McLachlan is one of the founders of Lilith Fair, a summer concert series designed to showcase talented female performers. Do/did your summer plans include an outdoor concert?

Nope. I don't do crowds, I rarely do concerts, and I really don't like outdoor concerts like this at all.

9) Random question: Which of these men would you most like to be seated with at dinner -- Clint Eastwood, Prince William or Jimmy Fallon?

Jimmy Fallon. I'd probably not be able to eat a bite from laughing, but what a hoot. Prince William...well, that would be mortifying, thanks! And Clint? Uhm. Maybe 30 or so years ago....

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight No Chaser

1. What keeps you on the straight and narrow?

   My conscience generally reminds me that I don't want to go to jail. Or be a jerk.

2. Who in your life is a real straight shooter?

   Most everyone in my family, and a couple of coworkers.

3. How straight are your teeth and hair?

   My hair is randomly curly/wavy, but not kinky-curly. My teeth are 40 years out from braces: still pretty straight, all things considered.

4. What’s a good song with the word straight in its lyrics or title?

   "Straight From the Heart" jumped immediately to mind. I'm not a huge Bryan Adams fan, but that song was pretty unavoidable when it first came out.

5. What’s something that needs straightening?

   A lot of people's attitudes seem to be ruffled of late. Including mine.

Tiny Gestures

1. What might you put in a small, pretty glass bottle as a romantic gift to someone?

   Well, I wouldn't put it in the bottle, but I might give someone perfume/cologne.

2. Someone you care very much for is leaving for a long time but will be back. What small object (not a photo) might you give him or her to remember you by?

   If pressed, I might just give them a small stone, nothing special, just to keep in their pocket to remember me by.

3. If you were to leave a small mark in your current residence, as lasting evidence that you lived there, what would you leave, and where would you leave it?

   Before the builders put up the sheetrock I ran around and Sharpie'd a cross on most of the door jambs of the house I'm currently in. When things are dire, it can help knowing that God's around.

4. What would you like to toss into the fires of Mount Doom?

   The Trump family.

5. Those adopt-a-star things are gimmicky rip-offs, but if they weren’t, and someone gave you one as a gift, what would you name it?

   I wouldn't name it. I let the astrophysicists of my acquaintance get on with things.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Procrastination Tool Questions

1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Of the chain variety, it's Olive Garden. Of the local or one-off places, there are just too many. Some are good because they know what I'm going to order when I walk through the door, some are just unremittingly excellent in terms of quality food, some I like because of the location/view/memories. And some don't exist anymore. :'(

2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?

Pasta in all it's varieties.

3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

Heh. Yeah, I've had a couple of rather major surgeries. And then there's childbirth, which was not C-section, but the kid pretty much had to be yanked out forcefully.

4. What is the last heavy item you lifted?

Uhm. I hauled in 5 bags of groceries this morning in one trip. Before that, it was probably something at work last week.

5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Nope. Thanks, I can pass on that. [Unless you mean anesthetic, of course]

6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

Nope.

7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I'd probably dump the last part. I wish I'd never added it. And no, it's not because I don't love my husband; I just don't like his last name.

8. What’s your goal for the year?

Survival. Get Beast fixed.

9. Last person you hugged?

Sparky when he arrived this morning.

10. First place you went this morning?

Uhm, the bathroom?

11. Do you always answer your phone?

I rarely answer my phone. I have ringtones set for people I want to talk to and otherwise just ignore the ring.

12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

I'll let you know when I wake up in a couple of hours.

13. If you could change your eye color what would it be?

I like my eye color, actually.

14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday?

I will be needing some winter clothes at that point.

15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Is "terrified" an option?

16. Do you have any saved texts?

I don't really delete texts too often. Maybe I should do some of that during the race today.

17. Ever been in a car wreck?

Yup. Nothing huge, no injuries, thank God.

18. Do you have an accent?

Of course I do. Everyone does.

19. What was the last song to make you cry?

I almost had to pull off the road listening to Kelly Clarkson's version of "It's Quiet Uptown" the other day. I was majorly ugly-crying.

20. What did you do last night?

Ordered pizza, noodled around online, not much.

21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

Yeah. Yeah, I have.

22. Current hate right now?

Need I actually say it? I'm more than disappointed in our political representation these days.

23. Met someone who changed your life?

So MANY people!!

24. How did you bring in the New Year?

I have no idea. It's usually pretty boring around here. We just go to bed. The neighbors tend to set off fireworks, of course. Because fireworks go off all the time around here. "Look the sun came out!" "Look someone got a promotion!" "Look we have things to blow up for no reason!"

25. What song represents you?

I'll go with "Georgy Girl" because [insert long family story here].

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Stars and Stripes Forever by The Muppets
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. Though our song choice is humorous, we honor their sacrifice in our hearts.

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

Nope. There are a lot of flags flying though. Ours will be out tomorrow and Monday.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial Day (then called Decoration Day) was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents?

No. And I kind of hope I never have to at this point. I'd love (LOVE!) to meet Michelle Obama, though.

3) According to the AAA, 36 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend?

Not at all. We have church tomorrow, maybe a movie, probably dinner out, then just hanging out on Monday then 1100 miles of racing. Monday we'll do the movie and dinner out.

4) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

I love my mom's potato salad. Can't buy it anywhere. She used red potatoes, onions, mustard, mayo and some other stuff that I can't quite figure out.

5) Have you packed away your winter clothes? Or is the weather still so changeable that you still may need something warm?

In this state you don't really pack them away so much as push them back where they are retrievable when the temperatures hit 40 in July. Last summer, August felt like October. ETA: I have put away my winter shoes: No More Boots! Hello Toesies!!

6) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

Nope. It's only about 65 degrees out. Front door is open. I need to go up and open some windows and do some cleaning/dusting before Sparky arrives.

7) This week, we are featuring the Muppets. Jim Henson made the first Muppet out of an old coat, and he used ping pong balls for the eyes. Do you have a talent for do-it-yourself/arts and crafts projects?

I do NOT. I am reasonably good at "finagling" to make things work but not at creativity.

8) Random question: Think of the last thing you bought. Did you get a good deal?

The last thing I bought was gas. And, it being Memorial Day weekend, the price was higher than usual. Oh well.... I was down to 20 miles on the tank, so needs must.

9) Crazy Sam needs your help: What song or a performer would you like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer? You'll begin seeing your suggestions as Saturday 9 themes in mid-June. Thanks!

I think some Ariana Grande would be nice. Haim's "Want You Back" is good. "Something Just Like This" (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay) is good. Harry Styles' "Sign Of The Times" is pretty good. Imagine Dragons' "Believe" is great. ANYTHING from the Hamilton soundtrack would be a blast!!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Over/Under

1. What’s a film you consider overrated, and what’s a related or similar film you consider underrated?

I went to see "La La Land" in the theater over the winter. It was cute, with a lot of great music, but as a movie? Not the greatest I saw last year. "Hidden Figures", however, was amazingly good even though I didn't understand a word of the science/math stuff!

2. What’s overrated about the area in which you live, and what’s underrated about it?

   What is over-rated is how friendly people are (not so much until you are 'known' in town). Under-rated... I would say that we take for granted the good roads and transportation options, and the amazing hospitals in the general vicinity.

3. Whose talent or skill is overrated, and whose is underrated?

   I think we can probably agree now that Trump has over-promised and overrates himself on what he can/will deliver as POTUS. All the people actually trying to get good work done on any given day in D.C. are underrated, and it's criminal.

4. What item in the supermarket is overrated, and what’s underrated?

   Yogurt is overrated! OMG, the smell of the yogurt being eaten around me every day in the workroom at work! Yuck. Fresh walnuts are underrated. I just rediscovered them. Delish.

5. What’s utterly terrific except for one or two things?

   Cheese. There's very little cheese I don't like, though I'm not a huge fan of runny stuff (like brie).

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Racquet Questions

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

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

02 Have you got a favorite flower?

I like heirloom roses, fresh from the garden.

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

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

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

Tall, tired, temperamental.

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

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

06 What is your least favorite color?

Mustard yellow-brown.

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

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

08 What is/was your grandfathers’ names?

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

09 What is the best present you ever received?

Sparky of course.

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

5.975. You asked, right?

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

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

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

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

13 What position do you sleep in at night?

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

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

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

15 Who is your favorite fictional character?

Thursday Next.

16 What food do you hate most in the world?

Brussels sprouts.

17 When was the last time you were ill?

Knock wood, it's been awhile.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Cool Guy Questions

1.) When was the first time you ever swore or said something profane?

I was probably 10 or so. I can't remember precisely, though I know it wasn't at home. I'm sure it was showing off for someone at school.

2.) Have you ever had unrequited feelings for someone? Have you ever been friendzoned?

Well of course. And yes. (and in most cases thank God)

3.) What's a false assumption a lot of people have about you?

That I'm quiet. Hah. So MUCH hah!

4.) Have you ever questioned your sexuality?

Not exactly, no.

5.) If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

Nope. Next....

6.) What did you do on December 12th last year?

I have no idea for sure. Nothing on Facebook or the calendar, so I'm going with "work, meeting chauffeur."

7.) When was the last time you truthfully told someone you hated them?

I don't think I have said that since I was very young. I don't really mean it when I say it, and I only say those words to people I love. ... Yes, I'm weird.

8.) What is your opinion on this song? What about this song?

I can't open the first one, but I generally like Linkin Park.

9.) In less than four sentences, describe the entire plot of the last book you read.

Scottish detective goes to London as an "expert" in serial killers. He has no idea what he's doing really, but ends up solving the case, bedding a comely woman, and breaking up his daughter's budding romance with a crook. Oh and the killer is nuts. Good enough?

10.) Describe the appearance of the most untrustworthy person you can think of (they can be a person you've met or a made up person). Are they male or female or neither? What about their appearance makes them untrustworthy?

Probably nothing about their appearance makes them untrustworthy because they probably look like a perfectly normal person. They are the most scary people out there.

11.) What is the most cringe-worthy thing you've ever seen?

The last week in politics.

12.) What is your biggest regret?

Not one of my big things. It doesn't do any good to regret except to swear not to do it again.

13.) Do you have any cousins? When was the last time you saw them?

I have two on my mom's side and four(?) on my dad's. I haven't seen them in over 30 years.

14.) Describe the worst birthday you've ever had.

Well this last one wasn't great: I worked, came home to an empty house. No card no gift no call.

15.) When was the last time someone provoked you to the point of violence?

I don't hit people, except I suppose in self-defense. And I haven't been violently angry in a physical sense in awhile.

16.) OH NOES!!!! Someone has gotten you to drink a truth potion and now you have to truthfully answer every question you are asked!!! What's the worst possible question someone could ask you?

Like, no. Just no.

17.) Describe, in detail, your first serious relationship. Describe how it ended.

We were in high school, a year apart. I was good friends with his brother. They didn't get along well at all. I realized early on that I wasn't as into him as he was into me. I broke up with him. Twice. Because, yes, we got back together briefly. Then he got angry and started trying to piss me off by attempting to date my friends. smh High school is so much fun.

18.) Introduce your best friend. Tell the story of how you met.

I think it's safe to say in every case it was happenstance.

19.) To the introduced friend, has our interviewee lied in any of these questions? Are you surprised by any of these answers?

I don't lie in my answers to memes. If I feel I might need to do so, I skip the question or otherwise avoid answering. ;-)

20.) To finish up, what is your biggest irrational fear and how did you get it?

I don't like big crowds. I don't think this is irrational at all, honestly, but it does keep me from doing some things, like attending concerts and going to rallies.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Questions to Make Your Hands Clammy
Ha. I was pleased with this week’s theme. I wrote the questions and then checked my archive, and apparently it’s such a good idea that I thought of it two years ago. I was pleased that I didn’t repeat myself. If five questions aren’t enough for you this week, and if you never answered those, feel free to tack those questions onto these and make it a Friday 10!

1. Who's been a ray of sunshine lately?

   Honestly? Me. I mean, I feel like fresh hell most days, but this has been a weird week at work, and for the most part I sort of feel like I was the only person not losing my shit on an hourly basis.

2. When do you next expect to be stuffed to the gills?

   Oh hell who knows. I eat too much too often. It's got to stop.

3. Among people you know, who can really tell a whale of a tale?

   My brother Del is a great storyteller.

4. What’s something you’ve been herring good things about?

   heh, I love a good pun...
   Not so much from D.C. Hoping tomorrow's marches go well across the country.

5. Which of the S.S. Minnow's passengers or crew do you think you'd get along best with?

   Mary Ann, of course. Or the Professor.

Blogthings

Your Democrat Name Is: Emily Ava

What's Your Democrat Name?

Your Republican Name Is: Angelina Connie

What's Your Republican Name?

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.

I'd like to know my Independent name, because I'm not enthralled with this.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Ballad of Gilligan's Island (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is about the fateful cruise of the S.S. Minnow. If you had a boat, what would christen it?

The "S.S. Please Don't Sink."

2) "No phone! No lights! No motorcar! Not a single luxury!" To Sam, those sound more like everyday essentials than luxuries. If you were shipwrecked with the gang, what standard amenity would you miss the most?

I would have a lot of issues with no lights and (more important) no plumbing or medical treatment.

3) The uncharted isle was in the Pacific, near Hawaii. Have you ever been to our 50th state?

Nope. Someday. Sparky's been there so if I can talk him into being a tour guide that would be fun.

4) Natalie Schafer, who played Mrs. Howell, refused to divulge her age. Are you honest about how old you are? Or do you fudge it?

I turn 53 (officially) in about two hours. Don't care who knows it.

5) Gilligan's Island featured many dream sequences. (Like the one where Gilligan dozes off and dreams that he's Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.) Have you had any vivid dreams lately?

I've had some of my usual weirdola dreams. Nothing that linear in terms of storyline, but lots of back and forth with what seems like every person I've ever met: college friends, middle school teachers, patrons from my first job, coworkers from now...and my son being multiple different ages at once. It's truly weird.

6) The pilot was filmed in November, 1963, in Honolulu. The cast and crew were actually onset when they learned of President Kennedy's assassination.* Because on location filming was so expensive, they couldn't afford to take any time off. Tell us about a time when you had to work, even though your heart and head weren't in it.

THIS WHOLE WEEK FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING ON. What a nightmare.

7) During the show's run, Mary Ann (Dawn Wells) was the clear fan favorite, receiving twice as many love letters as Ginger (Tina Louise). Have you ever written a fan letter (or posted a fan tweet or Facebook post)?

I have written two fan letters, one by myself and one with a friend, both of them to musical acts. I don't even remember if I got answers. I sure as hell hope the recipients shredded the letters!!

8) Sam chose this week's song because it was going through her head, over and over again! Tell us a song that burrows into your head and stays there.

Pretty much every song by P!nk has had it's day/week on permanent repeat. Today it's been Christmas songs. Because it's November (she says drily).

9) Random question: You went to a discount store and got an amazing bargain -- a pair of dress shoes for just $4.99. You go to a formal event and someone compliments you on those great shoes and asks where you got them. Do you tell the truth?

Of course. I'm from the Midwest; one does not NOT mention bargains when one has scored something like this!! [If I didn't like the person, I'd probably lie like a rug, though...lol]

*That's why, in the credits for the black and white seasons, the flags are at half-staff when The Minnow leaves the harbor.

Hokey Pokey with the Queen

(From Mimi, The Queen of Everything)

1. Who should run for United States President in 2016?

I'm fine with Hillary. It's time, she's due. And as for the Repugs, well, they certainly have got what they "paid" for: divisiveness and hatred and low-wattage "intellect."

2. Have you ever gone to a party and snooped in the medicine cabinet?

I believe I have, once. Only once because it made me feel icky, so I've never done it again. Of course, this doesn't count if I'm actually looking for something I need, like toilet paper.

3. Why are Happy Meals happy?

Because they know they're going to kill you eventually.

4. Have you ever done the Hokey Pokey?

Uh, yeah, a few times. It was, literally, the only dance my dad knew how to do.

5. What song sticks in your head and drives you crazy?

I've got nothing stuck there now, which is nice. Often it's a random song I heard at work on Spotify, or (when I used the radio as an alarm clock) the song that woke me up. Katy Perry gets stuck too often, and P!nk. And hymns: most recently "Amazing Grace."

6. Do you dance like a lunatic around the house when no one is looking?

...I've been known to do this, yes. I grew up doing this in my living room, actually: put on a record and perform the whole thing in front of the living room window. Did I think no one could see in??

7. Have you ever been involved in a food fight?

I've been present for one. I don't think I participated in it. The mere thought of food on my clothes and in my hair makes me a little ill to be honest.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Neither Here nor There

1. What’s something you have a love-hate relationship with?

   Sweets. I love 'em. My pancreas, not so much.

2. What’s an issue you’ve teeter-tottered on?

   To be honest, I've waffled on Hillary over the years. She's not my favorite, but she's also not int he bottom 50% of options.

3. What was the topic of your most memorable back-and-forth with someone?

   "Most memorable"? All I can think of right now is politics, because I feel like I'm drowning in them again. I'm just so bloody tired of arguing.

4. In personal and professional relationships, which end of the give-and-take do you seem to do more of?

   Overall, I hope, I think, I'm pretty balanced. Today, it's been all give with one person though.

5. Which of your recent days was the most up-and-down?

   That would totes be the past 24 hours: like 1 p.m. to 1 p.m. or so. Life ... changed. Certainly for the person mentioned in #4. I hope.

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Controversial Questions Meme

1. Would you do a recreation[al] drug if all were legalized? (Not a “for or against” question…)

If it were prescribed and controlled, then yes. What I fear about recreational drugs is the non-standardization more than anything else. God knows what's been put in that baggie with the weed!

2. Are you happy that the U.S. Supreme Court once again upheld a woman’s right to abortion?

Yes. And to be clear: they affirmed that it is MY RIGHT to decide what happens in my body, and no one else's. I don't need anyone's permission to make medical decisions. AND to be clearer: this doesn't mean that I'd actually GET an abortion. Well, I wouldn't now, for sure, because I can't get pregnant, but yeah....even way back.

3. Would our country cope any differently with a woman president?

Probably about as well as we've "coped with" a non-white president. YMMV

4. Do you believe in the death penalty?

Not really. It's never been proven to be a deterrent and it is so unevenly applied to mostly minority and poor defendants that I think it's dangerous.

5. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

There are "already" places it has been, duh. And yeah. See question #1 above. Regulate it, tax it, and make it boring.

6. Do you believe in God?

Yup. Mostly. Except when I'm being combative.

7. How do you feel now that same-sex marriage is legalized?

Who people marry doesn't actually affect my health or well-being; does that happen to others? I'm very happy that people who love each other can announce their relationship to the world and share the benefits that legally are attendant to that. Mostly because I have enough issues of my own to deal with: I do not need to solve other people's perceived problems as well. Happier people make for a better society, anyway.

8. Do you think it’s wrong that so many Hispanics are moving to the USA?

Oh jeebus pete, hell, for crying out loud. No. I think too many STUPID people have already taken up residence, so I'm quite happy in thinking maybe that ignorance will be diluted by good, hard-working people who WANT to be here!

9. A 12-year-old girl has a baby… should she keep it?

Is she in any way related to me? ... No? Well, then it's none of my business at all, is it? [If she were my daughter et al., we'd have to have some serious discussions of what her life was going to entail if she brought a baby into the house--it would suck balls, frankly, for everyone--but more importantly...how the HELL did she get pregnant?! And why?!]

10. Should the alcohol age be lowered to 18?

I'd be ok with that. It was when I turned 18 and (most of) my friends survived, as did I. When it went up to 19 a year later, it was right after I turned 19. And then in two years I was grandfathered in when it rose to 21. It's ridiculous, frankly, to think that 18-year-olds aren't drinking.

11. Should the wars in Middle East be called off?

I don't see how you can "call off" a war. It's not like a soccer game, is it? It would be nice if the people in the area could be left alone for a decade or two in order to sort their shit out amongst themselves. In my lifetime, there has never been peace there. That's sad.

No 12.

13. Do you believe in spanking your children?

I have spanked my son. Surprisingly, it does hurt the spanker as well as the spankee! So I didn't do it much, and I didn't do it for good reasons most of the time, so it was pretty futile.

14. A mother is declared innocent after murdering her 5 children in a temporary insanity case… what do you think?

I think we can all agree that a parent who kills their children is insane and needs help. Whether we agree that that excludes them from prison is really the issue. I don't know. I just feel so very sad for EVERYONE in situations like this, including the offending parent--while also being very angry, of course. There are no winners, no matter what the legal outcome is.

15. Would you want to prosecute someone for burning their country’s flag as a method of protest?

Nope. This is such a dorky thing to get worked up about. I mean, it's FABRIC for crying out loud. We do far more damage to our country every day we ignore the Constitution. The flag is beside the point.

16. It’s between you and a person who is being kept alive (with NO hope) by life support machines… one has to die? Who?

Dude on life support has got to go, sorry. Easy choice. If it were ME in that situation, I would hope it would be just as easy a decision. Pull the plug.

17. Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

I have no doubt that these questions will provoke some interesting answers. I'm eager to see what people say. Will I judge people for their replies? Probably. Do I expect others to have opinions on my opinions? Sure. But I'm not going to fret.
Or argue in the comments. So I will be attentive with the delete button if necessary. Pretend you're in my living room having the discussion.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Jackals Meme

Question 1: Who is your favorite Musical Artist?

My regular go-tos include Melissa Etheridge, Billy Joel, Tobymac, U2, and musicals. However, I listen to lots of different stuff because I'm very easily bored.

Question 2: What is your favorite album by that Artist?

Uh, woops. I don't really have a favorite album. I've been jonesing for a little Chorus Line lately, so I should probably go dig that out.

Question 3: Who is your Favorite Blogger?

I subscribe to close to 150 feeds; of those, there are maybe 6 that I visit literally every time they post: Kwizgiver, WTIT, Amy, Gal, local news headlines, and Awful Library Books. There are others who are close to making the cut, but right now I have 363 articles to catch up on, so...yeah. I'm a nerd.

Question 4: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what is interesting about them?

I can't pick one person. Mostly, today, I'd like to go back a few decades and hang out with my dad when he was young.

Question 5: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Adult. Seriously, I didn't have big plans; I just wanted to stop having my parents boss me around. Silly me--I had no idea how dull adulthood is for very long stretches at a time!

Question 6: What is the most interesting piece of Trivia that you know?

This, you're asking a librarian?? I know so much trivia I can't even pick a direction in which to start. If we want random library stuff..., 641.5 is the Dewey Number for cookbooks, 796.357 is the number for baseball, and Melvil Dui (a.k.a Melville Dewey) was very interested in spelling reform.

Question 7: If you could live in any point of history when would it be and why?

Now. I wouldn't like to have been a woman at any other point in history.

Question 8: What do you think of the election in the U.S. so far?

I try very hard not to. I mean, my (British) niece Facebook-messaged all of us in the family the day Ted Cruz dropped out: ""Wait, so Trump really COULD BE PRESIDENT?!" Yes, we've all been told we could be president when we grew up, but none of us wanted the dumbass throwing spitwads from the back row to be in charge, did we?? [Disclaimer: I might or might not have been that dumbass at some point in my educational career....]

Question 9: What is your favorite TV drama? What do you like about it?

Favorite is probably "Criminal Minds" in reruns. Why? One word: Shemar. OK, and a photo, so you know what I mean:

Question 10: What is the most interesting job you've ever had?

I love my job now. It's rarely truly boring, there's always some kind of drama going on, the vast majority of my coworkers are outstanding people working their asses off, and I get to answer random questions all day (some days) and see all the new materials first (most days). What's not to like?

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
See You Later, Alligator (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) Crazy Sam's mother is terrified of alligators. Just looking at a photo of one of those scaly reptiles gives her the creeps. Is there a member of the animal kingdom that scares you?

I'm not a huge fan of bugs bigger than my hand. I'm fine with regular-sized Midwestern USA critters, but I draw the line at anything I can't cover with one smack.

Also, earwigs. ...shudder...

2) Gators are carnivores, but they aren't picky. If meat isn't handy, they'll munch on fruit. Are you particular about your diet? For example, do you try to eat gluten free, low sodium, etc.?

Nope. I'm trying to cut back on sugar, but not having universal success.

3) In Spain, this song was a hit under the title, "Hasta Luego, Cocodrilo." Say something else in Spanish.

¿Cómo se dice "I don't want to" en español?" Tengo un grado menor de la universidad en español, pero es sobre todo en la literatura española y no tanto hablar. Mi sobrina británica y su marido viven en España, pero yo creo que van a venir de nuevo a Inglaterra este año con sus bebés gemelas.

4) When this week's artist, Bill Haley, was a little boy, he made a guitar out of cardboard and pretended to play that until his parents got him a real one. Tell us about something you wantedso badly when you were a kid.

I was 12 when I finally got my first bicycle. I'd wanted one for, literally, 5 years at least.

5) Early in his career, Bill did whatever it took to get the gig. When singing cowboys were popular, the Michigan native pretended to be a cowpoke and renamed himself, "Silver Yodeling Bill." Have you ever fudged on your resume or fibbed in an interview?

I've certainly been interviewed for jobs I was eminently unqualified for, if that counts.

6) When his career was going well, Bill was generous and loved to give extravagant parties at his home, which he called Melody Manor. Do you enjoy playing the host?

I do.

7) Bill was blind in one eye, the result of a botched operation when he was a child. Since the blind eye wandered and didn't focus, he always wore a curl over the opposite eye, hoping to draw everyone's attention to the other side of his face. What is there about your appearance that leaves you self conscious?

I used to be very skinny as a kid. That has swung to the opposite at this point in my life--I'm embarrassed about how much my stomach sticks out.

8) On the other hand, what is it about your appearance that pleases you, and that you would never change?

I love my nose, even though it's big, and my hair.

9) In 1956, when this song was a hit, Elvis Presley exploded onto the music scene and displaced Bill as rock's top artist. The press and public assumed Bill was jealous of Elvis, but in reality he liked Elvis a great deal. Are you jealous by nature?

Nope.

Kiss from a Rose (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

1) This song is from the movie, Batman Forever. The movie Batman v. Superman will be out later this month. In that matchup, who do you support -- The Caped Crusader or The Man of Steel?

I'm fairly agnostic about the situation.

2) "Rose" became a popular name in the 19th century, when parents also began naming their daughters "Iris," "Violet," "Daisy" and "Lily." Do you know anyone who has a flower name?

My niece, mentioned above, is named a variation of this very name. It's a lovely name, and totally doesn't fit her, even at 30+. As a young teen she tried going with "Roz" which is better, but it didn't stick. Her sister has a middle name based on another name for "Daisy", named for her (other side of family) grandmother. I know a couple of other "Rosies" and it sees like I might know a "Lily" or something similar, but I'm drawing a blank.

3) This week's artist, Seal, has something to fall back on. At his parents' insistence, before he pursued music he got an associate degree in architecture from a small college in Westminster. What's the last grade you completed?

I have a Master's Degree: MLIS.

4) Seal wrote this song back in the 1980s but didn't really like it very much. His producer discovered it when they were looking for material to complete Seal's second album and the result was several Grammys. Tell us about a time when something turned out better than you thought it would.

Raising our son. He's become quite an awesome young man.

5) Ex-wife Heidi Klum is not the only model in Seal's life. He also dated Tyra Banks. Can you name another famous model?

Naomi Campbell. Lauren Hutton. Mark Wahlberg.

6) Seal is currently involved with yet another model, Australian Erica Packer. Between them they have seven children. How many siblings do you have, and are you the oldest, youngest, or in the middle?

I'm the youngest of 5.

7) Seal's birthday was back on February 19. Let's think about your birthday. If you could have any type of cake you wanted, what would you request?

Traditional wedding cake with homemade buttercream frosting and a lot of it!

8) In 1996, when this song was popular, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents in a crime and trial that dominated the news in Los Angeles. What are people in your town talking about?

Home rule. We're about 600 people short at our last census so the city is doing another one next month to see if we've crossed the threshold.

9) Random question: There's an old saying, "Like nails on a blackboard." Sam can't recall ever hearing nails on a blackboard, but she knows she hates the sound of a dripping faucet. What sound bothers you the most?

Oh, nails on a blackboard is bad! Chewing aluminum foil, though, is bad on so many different levels besides sound that it wins, hands-down.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Upper Body

1. What’s got you scratching your head?

   I'm pretty confused about politics right now. It's like the GOP-Goes-to-Vegas--the weirdest show on earth right now. It's entertaining and actually a bit scary.

2. What’s the big news in your neck of the woods?

   The election was a bit of a problem this week. They've changed the check-in process to electronic and between that and a new County Clerk not knowing her shit, there were some issues. Two people I spoke to on Tuesday had problems voting properly, and the County Supervisor had to get an order to keep the polls open an extra 90 minutes...except not all the polling places were contacted to inform them so they closed at 7 like usual. And some didn't open on time because the building custodians weren't there early. And the technology issues were difficult to resolve because the Clerk wasn't picking up the phone ... all day.
   
   I personally had no trouble: in fact this week was the first time in the 11 years I've lived here that the people at the polls included me in the conversation while I was there. I guess I'm officially a 'local' now, even if I did still (again) ask for a Dem ballot.

3. What has everyone else raising an eyebrow, but is only getting a shrug of the shoulders out of you?

   The political debate between Hilz camp and the Bern-ers. Really, as long as it's not a Repug, this year I'm going to celebrate in November.

4. What are you keeping an eye on?

   Myself. Only myself. Or trying to. Harder than you'd think, though.

5. What’s something you’ve done an about-face on recently?

   I'm trying like hell this year to differentiate between the important things in life, what's my problem to solve and what's not, and keeping my damn opinion to myself unless asked.

Ticket to the Weekend

1. How many traffic tickets have you received, and what was the first?

   I've gotten two, both in the last 10 years. The first was for speeding in a local community notorious for speed traps, the other was for inattentiveness when I plowed into my neighbor's work truck a couple of years later. Ironically, both of these were while Sparky was either learning to drive or in his early driving years. He was with me in two accidents while he was in high school--the other one was not my fault. Otherwise, I've never had accidents or tickets. Haven't since then either, probably in 5-6 years. Knock wood.

2. What are some of the ticket stubs you’ve held onto?

   Hmmm, when I was scrapbooking, I kept all that kind of stuff. Now, not so much. I did notice the ticket stub for "A Walk in the Woods" on my dresser this morning--we saw that last fall.

3. What have you seen because someone had extra tickets?

   Several years ago, one of my coworkers had tickets for a kids' version of Wizard of Oz in the Big City to the East. I still use the string bag that I got that day for day-traveling. It was a very good show, and the tickets were for the 2nd row. Weird sitting that close in a theater that big.

4. What have you won in drawings or raffles?

   Very damned little. Beast is the raffle-winner in the family, not me. Honestly the only thing I remember winning was a turkey at Thanksgiving when I was around 12.

5. How do you and your friends usually handle a restaurant bill?

   Depends on the situation. We either split it or get separate checks, though it's really dependent on a lot of things, including how much cash either of us has.