Sunday Stealing x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Never Have I Ever

1. Have you ever had chicken pox?

I had the chicken pox when I was in Kindergarten during one of the worst snowstorms of my childhood. It was so bad it was literally the only time I ever remember losing power in the house for multiple days. What this meant was being buried in heavy, itchy wool blankets on the couch while being instructed not to scratch the itches.

2. Have you ever shopped in Home Depot?

I have, quite often. I sort of feel like I need to switch loyalties to Lowes now that my brother works there, but HD is much nearer!

3. Have you ever spied on your neighbors?

Only from my front porch or the street. I do enjoy driving around in winter--during Christmas light season--peering in people's windows from my car but I never have felt the urge to peep.

4. Have you ever ridden in a limo?

Yup. I think that time of my life is over now though.

5. Have you ever had a pet fish?

I seem to recall bringing a fish home from a school carnival at some point, though I have no memory whatsoever of what happened afterward if I did.

6. Have you ever lied about your age?

When I was just under the legal age to drink, I did a few times. The "problem" is that when I was 18, the drinking age where I was was 18. They raised it to 19 weeks before I turned 19, and then in two years they raised it to 21 not too long before I turned 21. So, I never really had to lie. I've never been carded and rejected. My life is so hard!

7. Have you ever fired a gun?

Not a real gun. I had a cap-gun as a kid though. Loved that pistol!

8. Have you ever been ice skating?

Yes, once. I do not like falling down and I'm not at all graceful, so it really wasn't much fun.

9. Have you ever played golf?

Yup. I didn't suck.

10. Have you ever hidden on Halloween because you had no candy for trick or treaters?

Of course! When the candy is gone, it's gone.

11. Have you ever made a prank call?

Oh, dear, I spent some quality time doing weird phone tricks and calling people when I was 11 or 12. That was back in the day when you could actually dial your own number, hang up real fast, and the phone would ring and "connect" you with "yourself." And good old running refrigerators. ;-)

12. Have you ever gotten a tattoo?

Nope. Not interested. I tend to appreciate scars more than tats.

13. Have you ever had a massage?

For several years, I was getting a massage every month. That time in my life is probably over as well.

14. Have you ever locked your keys in the car?

All . The . Damned . Time . Seriously, I was never so glad to start driving a car as I was when I got my Ford Edge with the numerical door lock. I have not gone more than 3 months without having to use it to rescue my keys in the past 2-3 years!

15. Have you ever ridden a horse?

Yup. I would like to do it again, though I was fairly terrified.

16. Have you ever been to the circus?

Yes. Twice in America and once in Russia. I preferred the Russian one.

17. Have you ever been to Europe?

A few times. Right now, all other things being equal and assuming I could get a good job, I'd move to England in less than a heartbeat.

18. Have you ever built a fire?

Yes. Not too badly, either.

19. Have you ever been skydiving?

No, and I think it would be silly to start now. I'd probably kill myself. I've always wanted to, though, and one of our regular long-time patrons at the library took herself skydiving for her 70th birthday this summer. I was seriously impressed; she is quite retiring and quiet and sort of nervous. Props to her!

20. Have you ever bought something at a garage sale?

Yes, but not for a VERY long time!

21. Have you ever walked in on someone having sex?

Seems like that should have happened at least once in college, but I must have suppressed the memory.

22. Have you ever faked an injury to get out of something?

Of course. It's really been more of a case of playing up minor injuries/illnesses than total fabrication.

23. Have you ever been to a nude beach?

This is something I fear happening by accident, not something I'd do on purpose!!

24. Have you ever received a speeding ticket?

I have, indeed.

25. Have you ever run a marathon?

I've run INTO a Marathon (gas station), but I can't run from the house to the street so a marathon is not likely anytime soon.

Today is a Fashion Show

1. A way to win your heart

Tell me funny stories about yourself and make faces with/at little kids in public.

2. Something you feel strongly about

Donald Trump is a twat. [be assured that I do not use that last word lightly--I find it extremely offensive, and use it here only because what I want to call him is a word I simply cannot bring myself to type]

3. A book you love

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As an adult, I have found comfort in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

4. Five pet peeves

1. Loud talkers in places that really ought to be quiet (like hospital waiting rooms).
2. Entitled people of any age over about 5; the younger the age, the more forgiving I am.
3. Days when I hit every M-F'in light red, or I'm behind someone who refuses to speed up on a stale green.
4. Pennies.
5. Having to be a grown-up when all I want to do is be age 8 again.

5. What you ate today

Two breakfast burritos from McDonald's and diet coke. A cherry danish. A Quarter-Pounder, fries and another diet coke. A corner piece of day-old birthday cake. Half a can (so far) of diet Dr. Pepper, a hoagie roll with margarine and two Pop-Tarts. Don't judge me.

6. How important do you think education is?

Vital.

7. Five people you find attractive

Mike Tomlin.
Ryan Reynolds.
Sandra Bullock.
Helen Mirren.
Shemar Moore. (I mean, really!)

8. What you wore today

Gray clam-diggers, purple T-shirt, underwear, crocs sandles, and my "Care Team" ID tag.

9. Something you always think “what if” about

I really don't do this; I mean, there's literally nothing I can change about the past, so why worry about it. It can be a fun game, but it can bite you in the ass too.

10. Something you’re proud of

Sparky, though I can only take partial credit there. My career and my serenity; those are ALL on me, with a lot of help from my friends.

11. Something you lust after

Sleep.

12. A word/phrase that makes you laugh

There's a part in our readings at meetings that cracks me up every time we get together: "[12-step program], as such, ought never be organized..." Now THERE is an organization that is perfect for me!!

13. A quote you try to live by

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

14. Something you like and dislike about yourself.

I like that I don't get hysterical very often. I dislike that I feel guilty about everything.

15. A problem that you have had

Making myself do things BEFORE they are due. I hate how much I procrastinate myself into boxes.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Something different

1. What is a normal thing that took you an embarrassingly long time to learn?

How to pump gas? I was terrified till I was in my thirties of looking stupid at the pump because I didn't know what I was doing. ...because, yeah, the guys inside have time to watch people pumping gas?? smh

2. In what ways are you old-fashioned?

I believe in people doing things for themselves to the extent that they are able and in community to improve culture. I believe in love. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, but not being stupid. I believe in telling the truth, even if sometimes that hurts.

3. What is the best sandwich you've ever eaten? Where did you get it? What made it so delicious?

I suspect the best sandwich I ever had was something made at home and carried up a hiking path to the point where I was super-hungry and ready to eat. I have no memory of this mythic sandwich, but that tends to be when I enjoy food the most: after lots of sweat, outside, great view, good friends nearby.

4. What are you currently not bragging about that you should totally brag about?

We started a MASSIVE reorganization at work on August 1. It has gone in unexpected directions already, and I see that continuing to happen. I haven't lost my shit once yet. This is seriously amazing. Also, the finished product will be awesome, eventually. Give me a decade and it will be completely done!

5. What food have you never tasted and are most interested in trying?

I'd like to try more varieties of Indian and middle-eastern foods.

6. What history facts were you surprised to learn because it was never covered in school?

I never learned about the Sand Creek Massacre despite growing up less than 200 miles from where it happened.

7. What is something that you waited entirely too long to start or stop doing? What made you say "Why did I wait so long?"

It has taken me most of my life to really stop internalizing the opinions of people I don't know or care about. Why do they get to spend so much time in my head in place of people who love me??

8. What socially expected thing do you hate doing the most? What thing about polite society really grinds your gears?

I really hate hypocrisy.

9. What is something about your city that I should know if I'm going to visit? What is the hidden "must see" that you always tell friends and visitors to not miss

Well, there was a very popular movie filmed here in the early 90s that has become a bit of a "thing" to celebrate every year. There's a tour of sites from the movie and other slightly random things. I can do the tour in my sleep at this point.

10. What do you miss most about childhood?

The endless days, and waking up every morning to do it again only different.

11. What "fact" did you learn in school that is not true or no longer true?

...that the President always deserves respect.

12. What's your favorite piece of useless trivia?

I know SO MUCH useless trivia!! From the location of several dozen topics in Dewey Decimal to jersey numbers of football players from the 70s to how to make a white sauce in the kitchen to airport codes for a lot of cities. Really, it's ridiculous that no one will play Trivial Pursuit with me........!!

13. What's your best go to homemade "lazy" meal

Easiest hot food is spaghetti and a salad. The one I like the most is mac n cheese and sausage. However, I'm having a bagel sandwich with two kinds of cheese for lunch and I do that a LOT!

14. What's the title of this current chapter in your life?

"Surgeons and Pain Control for Beast"

15. What is a habit or practice that you learned from your childhood that you didn't realize was "weird" until you were an adult?

Apparently, shouting through the house isn't done by every family. Like, yelling up the stairs for someone--Beast's family apparently didn't do that. Who knew?

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.

Friday 5 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Big Latin

1. Ad infinitum is Latin for “to forever.” What’s something in your life that continues ad infinitum?

Missing family members who are no longer available to call and chat with and hug.

2. What’s something (mostly) only fellow alumni know about one of your alma maters?

Five years ago I would have mentioned "schlags" but apparently those aren't done anymore. So I guess I'll just have to go with all the haunted buildings on campus. Or, oh hey, Convocations!

3. In what way did you carpe diem today (or yesterday, if you’re doing this early)?

I bailed on Sunday School and worked an extra couple of hours so I can leave early on Wednesday and go shopping on my way to pick up Sparky from the airport later this week.

4. In flagrante delicto means “in a blazing wrong” or “while the crime is blazing.” What’s something you remember being caught red-handed perpetrating?

I can't think of anything much. I was a pretty well-behaved kid, as well as a very good liar. Oh! There was the 2-week long lie about swimming lessons when I was about 11.....

5. What is so far your magnum opus (great work; masterpiece)?

Can I call that Sparky?

Beside Ourselves

1. Besides cookies, muffins, and ice cream, what’s something chocolate chips are good in?

I have been known to eat them right out of the bag. Also, the mini ones are good in cake and pancakes.

2. Besides official holidays and your birthday, what’s the best day of the year?

I like July and August a lot, so one of those 62 days.

3. Besides toilet paper and pantry items, what’s something in your house you make sure never to run out of?

It's never a good thing for us to run out of cheese or bread.

4. Besides relatives, teachers, and coaches, who gave you the most memorable advice growing up?

Can I say siblings? They are all way older than me and always have plenty of advice. And other people's parents were helpful at times too.

5. Besides junk mail, subscriptions, greeting cards, and stuff you ordered online, what’s something great that came in the mail recently?

I still subscribe to several magazines, so let's count those.

Song Stuff

1. What’s a song that reminds you of your parents?

The Depression, and people who have lived in Colorado their whole lives: they have a certain drawl that sounds like my folks. My dad: puns. Oh how he loved puns. ;-)

2. What’s a song that makes you think of food?

"Bringing in the Sheaves" reminds me of Thanksgiving.

3. What’s a memorable song from a movie soundtrack?

I grew up memorizing musicals of the 50s through the mid-70s. So, hmm, there are a lot from which to choose. I can't pick one, and I can't pick anything from a straight movie either. Sorry.

4. What was your favorite song from 2014?

Either "Happy" or "Bang Bang." I still haven't heard "Let It Go" all the way through. Can you tell there are no young girls in my household?

5. What are your favorite songs for when you’re behind the wheel?

I love John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, or TobyMac, or Melissa Etheridge. Loud. For road trips. Or a good book on CD.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Super Duper Love
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here. [oh how I adore Joss Stone]

1) The lyrics say, "I'm as proud as a girl can be." Tell us about something you're proud of.

I'm proud of dealing with depression and health issues, both in the past and currently. I may not be doing it all "right," but I'm doing my best.

2) This song is from her first CD, The Soul Sessions. She's told interviewers that the first CD she ever owned was by Aretha Franklin: Greatest Hits. So while we're talking firsts, do you remember your first CD (or tape or record)?

The very first record I ever bought was the 45 for "Seasons in the Sun" and the first full record was a compilation of rock songs, only one of which I ever heard anywhere else. Buzarre.

3) Last year, two men were convicted of plotting to kill Joss Stone. Even though she had (fortunately!) never even met the men, she still had to testify during their trial. Have you ever had to speak to a judge?

Yes, when I was very young, too. hah My mom worked in the county court, so I met the Judges (Rolis (sp?) and Gately) when I was under 10. Terrifying. Otherwise, the only time I've been in a courtroom was for jury duty (I was excused). I may have talked to a judge who wasn't at work. Anything is possible, no?
But who the hell plots to kill a singer??

4) Joss is frequently in the British press because of her friendship with Princes William and Harry. Who among your friends leads the most exciting life?

I don't really have too many exciting friends. I'm not exactly interested in drama. However, I do have a small group of friends in their early 20s and THAT is fun to watch. Also, my nieces and nephews who have small children are living eventful lives. Exciting? I don't know; more than me, for sure.

5) Because of dyslexia, Joss had trouble in school and dropped out when she was 16. What's the last grade you completed?

I have a Master's degree in Information and Library Science. yeehaw

6) She provided the voice of the villainness for the James Bond video game, Blood Stone. Do you have a Playstation or Xbox?

Sparky has an Xbox. We have the Wii here at home.

7) Sam is especially crazy this morning because she can't find her phone. What's the last thing you misplaced?

My peace of mind was pretty well shot Thursday night all night. I think I lost the jar of pickle relish I bought a couple of weeks ago; just replaced it tonight.

8) After composing this Saturday 9, Sam is off to Lowe's to pick up some heavy duty indoor/outdoor trash bags. Will you be in any stores this weekend?

Just got home from Meijer's for groceries. I think I'm done for the weekend.

9) Do you consider yourself more book smart, or street smart?

Definitely way more book smart, but I've got some street too.

Late Saturday memes

(Both are linked in the meme-roll)
Patrick's Place -- Saturday Six

1. How many flashlights do you own?

We probably have close to two dozen scattered around the house, in virtually every room. I even have one at work plugged in and charging under my desk. We lose power (at home and at work) often enough that this is important.

2. When did you last use a flashlight?

Last night when I was bringing the laundry up to our room after Beast was asleep. I needed to see where not to swing the basket as I passed his feet.

3. When is the last time you lost power at your home?

Within the last month. Like I said, it happens fairly often. I don't even pay a lot of attention anymore; we have a generator, and even when Beast is out of town, I have directions on how to connect it up to the house electrical panel if we're dark for more than a few hours. I haven't had to do that (yet) this year, though.

4. How many light bulbs do you have installed in various fixtures in your home right now?

In counting them up, I get about 42 on the main floor (and porches and garage) of the house, about 32 upstairs, and I didn't even try to deal with whatever is going on downstairs in the basement! So, yeah, about 100. And why do they seem to all go more or less at the same time? I did not include Christmas tree lights, by the way. lol

5. Of those, how many bulbs are the new "CFL" bulbs?

At least half. Some of our lamps don't accept the shape/size of the CFL bulbs, and several of our fixtures require really odd-shapped (smaller- or larger- than standard) bulbs. Where we can, we use them.

6. If you could eliminate either the old-style Edison bulbs or the new-style CFL bulbs, which would get the axe and why?

I'm not really much of a fan of either. The new ones are dangerous if they get broken, and the older ones are designed to fail. The old original Edison bulbs were much better in terms of conservation. Really hate fluorescents, though, 100%!

Saturday 9 -- Band on the Run

1) This song is about a band of musicians that escapes on an adventure. Do you consider yourself spontaneous and adventurous?

Of the two people currently living in this house, I'm way, way, WAY more spontaneous. But we're both rather adventurous in slightly different ways. We like a good challenge.

2) Paul McCartney and Wings traveled all the way to Lagos, Nigeria, to record Band on the Run. That's a long, long way from London. What's the farthest from home you've ever been?

Beijing.

3) Wings featured Linda McCartney on keyboards. Paul said that when Linda died, after almost 30 years together, he lost the love of his life. Who is the love of your life? Or have you yet to meet him/her?

Well, I've been married 27 years, have known Beast fairly well for three years before that... So I guess that means Beast is the love of my life. In the words of Tevye & Golde: It doesn't change a thing / But even so / After twenty-five years / It's nice to know

4) Paul has said he's very proud of Band on the Run, his most successful post-Beatles album. Brag a little. Tell us something you're proud of.

I'm really proud of my son, for whom I can't completely claim credit, but it is nice to see him getting more mature and dealing with the pitfalls of life with some calm and sensible ways. We talked today for the first time in almost two weeks and he has been dealing with a helluva a lot of not-good-things this past week, without once calling us to whine.

5) Paul's birth certificate reads "James Paul McCartney." He's named for his father, Jim. Are you named after anyone?

I'm, supposedly, named after a friend of one of my sisters. They 'suggested' it to my parents because the girls felt my parents' name-choosing skills had been shown to be lacking in the extreme. I'm not so sure the name I ended up with was any worse than anything my parents would have picked. My dad, after all, had had a sister named "Rowena" which is a delightful name, not that I have any idea that they'd've used it!

6) Paul enjoys oil painting in his spare time. What's one of your hobbies?

Wasting time.

7) 20 Forthlin Road, Paul McCartney's boyhood home, has been turned into a museum by the British government. It's a modest 2 bedroom cottage, with a drainpipe that Paul used to climb to sneak in after curfew. How would you describe your childhood home?

My dad designed and built it--it's one of two in the world with the same floor plan. Two bedrooms on the main floor, a full basement with another (big) bedroom, a playroom and lots of storage (and a second bathroom). When I arrived on the scene rather tardily, Dad added a room above the garage that became the master bedroom (it is a GIANT room: probably something like 12 x 30'). The hallway to the bedrooms on the main floor curves to create enough space; if the corner had been squared, there would be no hallway.

8) Paul is 5'11". How tall are you?

I'm about 3" shorter than he.

9) Actor Christopher Lee is on the album cover. He played Dracula in a series of movies in the 1950s and 1960s. Who is your favorite vampire?

I'm not really much into vampires, having seen 'Salem's Lot at an impressionable age. I find the whole concept way past creepy, medieval in all the bad ways, and kind of nauseating. And that's just the 'traditional' vampires; do NOT get me started on the more modern 'sparkly' variety!!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What specific thing have you done that impressed yourself?

Well, so far I haven't killed anyone. I am learning patience, which is startling. I've raised a pretty cool son who shows no likelihood towards a life of crime or otherwise doing anything stupid with far-reaching negative consequences. I've been married for 27 years... That enough?

2) Tell about a family saying that no one outside your family knows? Where did it come from?

There is that whole story around the naming of (simplified) our house in the mountains. The whole family was sitting in my parents' living room tossing out ideas. At some point someone got a dictionary and eventually everyone got punchy; someone tossed out "Minotaur: half man, half bull" and the room erupted in laughter. I thought it was awesome that an off-color joke got that kind of reaction in front of my parents (I was 11 or 12), my mom put on her I Very Much Disapprove Face, and the name stuck. You absolutely had to be there to get why this was epic; it sounds ridiculous.
Then there's my nephew's teenaged comment from the back seat of the car a couple of decades ago: "This family is so pathetic." This was said in such a tone of deep dismay and heartfelt disgust that it's still trotted out whenever someone does something really stupid. Pretty sure he still feels this way about his family now at times, too, even when he's participating in the stupid.

3) Is the glass half empty or half full? And by the way, what is in the glass?

Tonight, right now, it's half empty. Generally, however, I'm a half-full kind of person. If there's anything in the glass right now, though, I'm pretty sure it's shit.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo © Cat. 2012

I took this on Pier 39 in San Francisco last fall. It cracked me up and reminded me of a friend who is an RPG-er.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
13 Things I Remember About This Night 19 Years Ago

1. We ate at Applebee's, which--then--was a pretty hip place to eat.
2. I had my usual chicken tortilla salad thingy.
3. At the time I thought perhaps this wasn't quite the best foundation for the next day's work.
4. We also were very aware that this was the last night of that life.
5. Packing. I took the most ridiculous stuff: pajamas (not a nightgown), a robe, music...a full suitcase. Dumb.
6. I felt ridiculous climbing into the hospital bed feeling not at all sick, albeit hippo-sized and -shaped.
7. The night nurse was very calming. Probably about 45 or 50, matter-of-fact and sensible.
8. I started feeling kinda achy and crampy in the early morning hours, but kept trying to sleep. It was Just One More Thing after 41 weeks of Things.
9. The morning nurse came to check on me at about 7 and informed me that this was decidedly not Just One More Thing; this was THE Thing.
10. However, nothing much was really happening and I didn't feel that bad.
11. Once Beast got there, we started patrolling the halls. Those stomach cramps were getting a little bit more intense.
12. ...and then they stopped getting intense. So about noon, we rolled in the big guns....
13. ...and that's about the time when things got ridiculously painful.

Ten hours after that, Sparky was born. While there's NO WAY I'd want to do those ten hours EVER again, the payoff has turned out pretty well:

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
a bike I'll never ride

[01] When was the last time you felt a deja vu type moment?

The other day I woke up from such a vivid dream that it took me awhile to figure out what was real and what was part of the dream. Not really deja vu, but I haven't had one of those in quite awhile so this will have to do.

[02] Have you ever posted pictures online of food you've prepared?

Nope. Or, I should say, I doubt it. Cooking is not something I care about taking pictures of, much less posting them!

[03] In what manner do you sleep? (Side, stomach, back?)

Usually side. I should sleep on my back more--it would probably help my shoulders not hurt so much.

[04] Who was the last person who made you feel proud?

Sparky regularly does that. Actually, Beast has had his share of moments in the past month too, not that I had anything to do with his good behavior.

[05] What were you last dressed as for Halloween?

A mom passing out candy at her front door.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)


1. Beware of hubris.

2. I'm not prepared to deal with snow. [yet]

3. And since we are talking about it, I'm not looking forward to winter at all, either.

4. Do you believe in spirits?

5. Where I put that envelope I have no idea. I hope I mailed it.

6. Homemade stew is one of my favorite meals when it's cold out.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting a full night's sleep (I hope), tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping, seeing Amy, talking to Sparky, and carving pumpkins, and Sunday, I want to catch up on things around the house!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?

Oh, today, I guess. Nothing major. I pat myself on the back whenever I don't say what I'm thinking at work.

2) In public restrooms, do you hover or sit?

Sit. Please. I do not get this issue. Unless, of course, the seat is a) missing, or b) filthy.

3) If you could take back something you did to someone, what would it be?

Well, to be honest, I'd like to take back whatever I've done to piss my brother off so much. Seeing as how I don't know what it/they was/were, I can't though. P-A much, dude?

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

Looks like a window in a rainstorm. Or sorta like dust after a bomb. Not that I've seen the latter, so we'll go with the former. And that, in turn, reminds me of this poem.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I'm So Proud

1. What are you proud of?

My son, my husband, the work I do, even myself sometimes.

2. What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize? How did you win it?

The only thing I've ever won, that I remember, is a Thanksgiving turkey when I was about 13. It was sheer luck; I don't even remember entering the contest.

3. Tell us about something you've done that in retrospect was a waste of time.

There are some people that I should have been much more forthright with from the git-go.

4. How old were you when life changed the most for you? How did it change?

It just keeps happening. It changed when my brother went to college, when I was 8. It changed when I decided to go to college 1000 miles away from my parents. It changed when I met Beast (though I barely noticed). It changed when my dad died.... In fact, the rate of change seems to be increasing, which I'm not thrilled with.

5. Tell us about a place you that you've been that you considered to be very tranquil.

Moosehead Lake, Maine, is absolutely the quietest place ever. I miss it.

6. Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?

I don't watch the news, because they never tell me anything I want to hear or care about. Except the weather. And emergencies.

7. If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it? Why?

I would love to rename the town in which I live, though my choice for a name would definitely be considered insulting by all, but at least it would be an HONEST-TO-GOD full-fledged community at least.

8. What is something about which you've always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?

Why are we so much meaner to people we are close to than strangers?

9. When you can't go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?

I move to a different venue and read or do crosswords for as long as it takes.

Brag, Gratitude, Desire

(swiped from Alison, who swiped it from here)

1. How have you totally impressed yourself, turned yourself on, pleased yourself, or otherwise created magic lately? That’s a BRAG.

I remained very calm all day yesterday in spite of not hearing from Sparky all day. And I caught up at work last week, from 5 weeks of total hellishness.

2. For what are you thankful? What blessings are right here? What blessings are on their way and you want to give thanks in advance? And what currently-challenging situations in your life are you going to affirm as blessings in shit-brown wrappers? Those are GRATITUDES, or "grats" for short.

I'm grateful for most people doing the best job they can at work, for pilots who fly safely, drivers who are attentive, and for professionals for making things work for their clients.

3. And what are you craving? Yearning for? Realizing the world needs? What marching orders from the universe are written on your heart in the form of desires? From wanting "this headache to go away" to yearning "to know my divinity" to realizing "I want to be a mother," no DESIRE is too big, too small, too "selfish" or too far-reaching.

I want to learn to ride a motorcycle.

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in meme-roll)

Breakfast
What is something hanging over your head this week?

Three full carts of books at work + my boss being her normal weirdo self = the Sword of Damocles.

Lunch
Name at least five things you do that you are proud [or] "well-pleased" of.

Surviving winter this year (again), my son, my husband, the girls who are graduating from youth group this year, my work ethic, those moments when I keep my temper (and my mouth shut).

Dinner
What is something you are always wanting to do, but never seem to be able to?

Work on my mom and dad's papers and photos. I have GOT to get on that!

Midnight Snack
What is your best way to cope with stress?

Unfortunately, it seems to be eating. Doing crosswords or getting immersed in a good book help too. When I combine 2 of those with a hot bath, I'm in good shape!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

PLAN! STAY on the plan!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Last Resorts

1. What’s something you wear only when you’re just about out of clean clothes?

Huh--not bloody likely. I'm a girl, or at least enough of a girl that I have more than enough clothes to last me for close to a month, but I do laundry once a week.

2. Who’s someone you hang out with only if nobody else is available?

That's not how I operate. If I don't want to hang out with someone, I don't hang out at all.

3. What’s something you eat only when the budget is really, really tight?

Hamburger Helper.

4. Who’s someone you call for help only if you absolutely must?

Any of my siblings. It's a pride thing.

5. What’s something you’ll watch on television only because it’s slightly better than watching nothing?

Again, I'd rather just turn the damn thing off, or I'll turn on an XM station and listen to music. I almost never only watch TV anyway; it's only background noise.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) If you had to exchange souls with someone you know for one day, who would you pick?

I have to go with Beast. Sometimes I just don't understand his reasoning at all.

2) When were you happiest to come home?

There have been some horrendous ends of vacations over the years...in 1984, when our flight from England was cancelled and we had no luggage is the one that springs to mind.

3) What is your favorite part of the yesterday?

The weather was STUPENDOUSLY wonderful! Great day to pick up garbage along our stretch of the state highway... heh

4) What has been your greatest accomplishment in life so far?

Managing--with Beast's considerable help--to produce a wonderful teenage son.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Looks like a party is about to take place. It sorta looks like these clothes are already at the party, people-less. Or maybe it's the window of a store. Or maybe the clothes are about to leap from the window.... I think I've been watching too much CSI, eh?

Friday Fun

(Link in blogroll)
The Fives Edition

1. What are the last five books you have read?

Just One Look, by Harlan Coben (on CD)
In the Frame, by Helen Mirren
Motorcycle Jackets, by Rin Tanaka
Dakota, by Martha Grimes
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick

2. Name five places in the world you would love to go to.

Places I haven't visited yet: The Serengeti, Australia, Alaska, the Ozarks, The Netherlands, Venice.
Places I have visited, but would like to return: St. Petersburg, Florence, Ydra, Ouray, Door County.

3. Name five people who have strongly influenced your life, both good and bad,… not counting family!

PsychoBoss, Dr. Cope, Les @very, Trud, Jenny.

4. Name five things you have accomplished that you are proud of, big or small!

Graduating from high school and college magna cum laude.
Getting my master's degree.
Outlasting PsychoBoss.
Surviving my emotions.
Being married for 22 years (nearly).

5. Name five things you still want to do in your life.

Fly in a small plane (or just "fly a small plane" hee)
Learn to let things go.
Read the Bible cover to cover.
Travel the county in an RV for an extended period of time.
Go to a movie alone.

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

What one burden in life do you think should be shared equally by everyone?

The care of those portions of society who can't survive without help: the old, the young, the medically-challenged.

What do people like about you?

Oh, it just has to be my suave and charming personality, my fabulously decadent dinner parties, and the generous payola!
Or, it could be my sarcasm, cynicism, and willingness to laugh.

What is the most embarrassing thing your parents ever did to you?

When I was a kid, the mere fact that everyone thought my parents were my grandparents was a permanent embarrassment for me. Nowadays, it's not abnormal for kids to have older parents, but when I was born my mom had almost-totally white hair, and my dad was well on his way too. And they LOOKED like grandparents, in a way that today's 50-year-old-parents-of-an-elementary-schoolchild just...don't.

Ten on Tuesday

(Link at left)
10 Greatest Accomplishments in Your Life

1. Marching in the Rose Parade.
2. Graduating magna cum laude from college.
3. Getting my Master's degree in just over 18 months.
4. Sticking it out at my first 'real job.' I did what I promised myself I would and outlasted PsychoBoss (at the cost of a lot of my sanity).
5. Sparky.
6. (Nearly) 21 years of marriage.
7. All the years of teaching Sunday School, both as a teen and as an adult.
8. Learning to control my temper (usually).
9. Acceptance of my relationship with my mother.
10. Keeping in contact, sporadic though it may be, with old friends.