Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

All Shook Up (1957) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

Chosen because January 8 is the anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth.

1) In this song, Elvis shares quite a list of maladies: he's itching, his hands are shaky, his knees are weak, he has chills ... How are you feeling this morning? 

Mmm, whoops, I'm doing this at 7 pm. I was ok this morning, albeit super not-motivated for work.

2) He also mentions being "tongue tied." The dictionary defines it as, "unable to speak freely, as from shyness." Do you often find yourself tongue tied? 

Yes. I also get tangled tongue if I think too hard about what I'm trying to say.

3) Even after he was wealthy, Elvis never lived away from his parents. At one point Graceland Mansion was home to four generations of the family: his grandmother, his father and stepmother, Elvis, his wife and daughter. Have you ever lived in a multi-generational household? 

Only as a child. I'd murder members of my family of origin if we lived together. Sparky could move back in and that would be fine.

4) Thinking of family, Elvis Presley was a distant cousin of President Jimmy Carter. Both of their family trees can be traced back to the 18th century and Thomas Preslar (before the surname was changed to Presley in the early 1800s). Have you traced your ancestry? If not, is it something you'd like to do?

My mom was big into genealogy. I have all her paperwork and help people with their genealogy at work all the time, and I give zero shits about doing the work for my own ancestry.

5) As an adult, Elvis never wore denim (except for a movie role). That's because when he was in school, his classmates teased him for "dressing poor" in jeans and coveralls. Is denim a big part of your wardrobe today?

Not anymore. I wear elastic pants, almost all yoga pants or nurses' scrubs, always now. This is shocking: I had to work so hard to get to the point where I could wear jeans as a kid that I never ever thought I'd give them up. And here I am, with a fat tummy that doesn't do well with zip-up pants.

6) Before becoming famous, Elvis drove a truck in and around Memphis. Have you ever had a job that kept you behind the wheel most of the day? 

Nope. Once upon a time I wanted to be a truck driver. It never happened, sadly.

7) In 1957, the year this song was a hit, the Allstate Mechanical Freight Set was popular, too. Kids would wind up the engine and watch it pull two cars and a caboose around the track. To enhance the realism, sparks would shoot from the engine's smoke stack as it rumbled by. Did you ever play with a toy train? If not, tell us about a childhood plaything you remember fondly. 

I never cared a bit about trains, despite family that worked for the railroad and other family that are mental about trains. I was into toy cars though, metal ones.

8) The best-selling book of 1957 was Peyton Place, a scandalous tale of life in a small New England town. Do you suppose there are enough steamy stories behind closed doors in your town to fill a novel? 

There are plenty of steamy stories in my community's library to write several novels.

9) Random question: Can you do 10 push ups? 

You're funny, Gal. lol

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Tea and Q&A

1. What is your middle name and what is a middle name you'd rather have instead? Why?

My middle name is biblical. It's fine, old-fashioned (obviously) but not horrible or weird. It's a little hard to say with my first name--too many repetitive sounds. The only name I'd change it for is my mom's middle name, which was Josephine.

2. How would you spend $1MM (you have to spend every penny!)

I'd pay off the mortgage. I'd pay Beast's bill at the nursing home for the next few years. I'd buy Sparky and me new cars. And I'd hire someone to come over EVERY DAMN DAY to help me sort through the shit in my house.

3. Yellow light - speed up or slow down??

I usually slow down. This is the only thing I got dinged on in my one-and-only road test; I sped up on a "stale green light."

4. What was the last movie you saw and what did you like/dislike about it?

The last movie I saw was the latest Star Wars thing. I'd like to go see Black Panther in the theater one of these days, soon.

5. If a movie was made about you, who would portray you in that movie?

I'd love Sandra Bullock to portray me. But Julia Roberts ' laugh is closer to mine.

6. What is the strangest thing you've eaten and what did it taste like?

There are some things I ate in foreign countries that I didn't inquire all that deeply about.

7. What color is your bathroom?

Builder white. At least the master bath is. The others have been painted; the other full bath is pale yellow, I think, and the powder room is pale green.

8. If you could vacation anywhere in the world RIGHT NOW, where would it be and why?

Somewhere warm. Greece? The Caribbean? I'm not all that fussy.

9. What is your least favorite thing to cook?

Anything complicated and fussy.

10. What is the dish you make that your family rolls their eyes at?

I have an absolutely AWFUL time with chicken; it virtually never gets cooked through the first time out of the oven.

11. What are three things on your bucket list?

I don't have a bucket list. I'd like to travel across the whole US in an RV, and I'd like to live in England for an extended period of time, and I'd like to have grandchildren someday.

12. How many skeins of yarn do you think you are currently hoarding?

Good yarn? None. I probably have about 3 skeins of dirt-cheap yarn around somewhere though.

13. Today is my birthday. What virtual gift are you going to give me?

The gift of my absence.

14. What is your favorite candy?

Twizzlers, Smarties, Skittles....not so much chocolate.

15. What is your favorite time of the day and why?

I love early mornings on days I don't have a shit-ton of work to do.

16. If you could call in sick for a day, what would you do with the time?

Sleep. Fill out forms. Visit Beast. Catch up.

17. How much did your last crafting run cost you?

Less than $15. My "crafting" is embroidery, so I just got a couple of floss packs.

18. Can you play a musical instrument and if so, which one?

I can figure out the tune on a piano with sheet music. I used to be able to play flute. And I play bells at church once in awhile.

19. What is your least favorite craft that you still do? Why?

If I'm not enjoying it, why the hell would I do it?

20. If you could have any job for just one day, what would it be and what would you do?

I'd love to be Queen of the World for one day and fire about 80% of the politicians in the world.

From Smellyann

1. What is more difficult for you, looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when they are telling you how they feel.

I find it hard to look in people's eyes, period. It's just disturbing, unless I know you really really well, and I'm struggling to hear your voice.

2. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. WHY were you angry? Do you still feel the same way?

I almost drove off the road in October when my sister said ... some things. I briefly lost my vision at 70 mph I was so gobsmacked. And yes, I'm still fucking pissed off at her.

3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You have enough time to make one phone call. Who do you call? What do you tell them?

I'm calling Sparky. Beast no longer has access to a phone he can answer. And I'd apologize for dumping everything onto Sparky, still in a state of flux and confusion.

4. You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? What do you do with your remaining days? Would you be afraid?

I would tell Sparky. I would probably tell my boss. And perhaps a couple of other people. And I'd bust my ass to get All The Things done so Sparky can figure it out without me.

5. You can have one of the following two things. Which do you choose? Why? Love and Trust.

Trust, because it's hard when you've gotten screwed to trust again.

6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you that if you are late just one more time you are fired. Do you take the time to save the dog’s life? Why? Why not?

I'm saving the dog's life. Fuck my boss if he can't figure out priorities like this. HOWEVER: I would never get to the point of being on that thin of a line at work, either. Responsibility is important.

7. Would you rather be hurt by the one you trust the most or the one you love the most?

Well, I've been destroyed by both. I think I'd rather have broken trust overall, but it's a pretty tight race and I'd rather not do either.

8. Your best friend confesses that he/she has feelings for you more than just friendship. He/she is falling in love with you. What do you (or did you) say?

"Forget it. I'm a mess right now and in no position to deal with more bullshit. Back off!" and then I'd disentangle myself from them because they aren't a good friend if they're fucking me up right now with this.

9. Think of the last person you know who died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour more of life back, but you have to give up one year of yours. Do you do it? Why? Or Why not?

Nope. Because I deserve my time and the person I'm thinking off is probably better off now.

10. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?

Maybe. I hope so. I try, but often fail, to be the friend I'd want to have.

11. Does love = sex?

Not usually.

12. Your boss tells your co-worker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your co-worker has a family to support and no other means of income. Do you go to your boss and offer to leave the company? Why or Why not.

Nope. I too have a family to support and no other means of income.

13. When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt regardless of how difficult it was for you to say? What did you have to tell the person?

I don't pussy-foot around anymore. I tell people the truth, at least as much of it as I think they can deal with. I had to have the discussion with Beast today about why I'm not bringing him home. This comes up at least weekly. He was really angry and frustrated with me when I left tonight. My brother-in-law last week asked me quietly if he should hide any empty booze containers he found so Sparky wouldn't see them; no, there'll be none of that in this house! Never, ever again!

14. What would be (or what was) harder for you to tell a member of the opposite/same sex – you love them or that you do not love them back.

It's hard to tell someone that my feelings don't seem to be the same level of intensity as theirs, whichever direction. I find it shatteringly hard to say, "I don't really like you 'that way', sorry." But it's also painful to bust out with an "I Love You" and get slammed, but I guess I'd still rather do that. Most people are nice and don't make it into a worse situation than it absolutely has to be.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
As Long as We Got Each Other (Theme from Growing Pains)
... because it's Father's Day weekend
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is the theme from the 1980s sitcom, Growing Pains. Alan Thicke played Dr. Jason Seaver, one of TVs popular dads. Who is your favorite TV dad?

Well, Michael Landon as "Pa" is certainly up there. There was a show in the 70s called Apple's Way that I loved and the dad on it was good. I never liked much liked the shows where the dad was an idiot, although I love Tim Allen and I tried to like his show, I really did!

2) Joanna Kearns, who played Jason's wife, reports that she teased her costar by calling him, "Al," a nickname he hated. Is there someone in your life that you enjoy needling?

Only everyone I know, and occasionally even patrons I know fairly well. But I rarely mess with their names.

3) For most of the series, the Seaver children each represented a "type." The oldest, Mike, was the trouble maker. The daughter, Carol, was the brainiac. Young Ben could be very high maintenance. Which of the Seaver kids were you most like when you were growing up?

Carol, except I was much less of a jerk.

4) In the song, BJ Thomas sings about being "the luckiest dreamer who never quit dreaming." If you could have any dream come true this Saturday, what would you wish for?

Having awakened in the early hours with a headache that has since morphed into head-, upper back- shoulders-, and right wrist-aches, I'd settle for pain relief. I might even be willing to pass it along 100% to Beast if that happened, though to be fair he doesn't seem to be as sore as usual today.

5) When he mans the grill, Sam's father proudly wears the "Kiss the Chef" she gave him for Father's Day years ago. Tell us about a gift you gave someone that was a hit.

The T-shirt quilt Sparky received from us for high-school graduation is probably the one I like the most. He still uses it on his bed 6 years later, and somehow it's practically pristine even after four years in dorms!

6) Sam's dad takes his grilling very seriously and jealously guards his special marinade recipe. Do you have a secret you haven't even shared with family members?

My family-of-origin really knows very little about my life, to be honest. And there are a few things Beast doesn't know, nor Sparky.

7) He recommends using a grill basket when barbecuing vegetables so you don't have to worry about them falling through the grill. Share one of your culinary tips with us.

Add a sploosh of olive oil to the water when you boil pasta and the noodles don't stick together, which means you can make twice what you need for that meal and have leftover noodles for tomorrow. You can even make multiple batches, cool them, put them in freezer bags and have them ready to go for later in the month. (I'm all about saving time.)

8) Sam's father hates it when she swears. What's the last curse word you used?

I don't know for sure, but odds are it was "fuck." It seems to be the word of the year, even bigger than usual. It is awfully enjoyable to say in a lot of circumstances.

9) Sam's father satisfies his afternoon sugar craving with an almost endless stream of Butter Rum Lifesavers. When you crave a snack, do you usually want something sweet or salty?

Sweet. It's SUPER-rare for me to crave salty, but I'll eat almost anything sweet.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Ssssssh!

1. What’s something sneaky you’ve recently done?

   I don't do much sneaky stuff anymore. Maybe eating junk food?

2. Who or what do you feel the need to tiptoe around?

   I've gotten far more careful about everything I say at work to my coworkers. It's sad. But necessary.

3. What’s the dirty secret about the field in which you work?

   Most people who go into library work seem to be slightly deranged.

4. What was the subject or your last whispered conversation?

   It was, undoubtedly, something snarky during yesterday's meeting at work.

5. What’s recently snuck up on you?

   End-of-budget-year is April 30. I'm so not ready to deal with "next year."

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Some Guys Have All the Luck (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Do you consider yourself lucky?

Oh for sure! No doubt. I should be dead a few times over--the fact that I'm not is, if not luck, a miracle.

2) When did you last risk money in a game of chance (lottery, raffle ticket, slot machine, etc.)? How did you do?

I don't play the lottery. I don't play slots around here. When I'm in Vegas, I through some money away, but never more than $100 or so. I only do raffles to support the cause the raffle is raising money for.

3) There's a major football game this weekend. Will you be watching? Do you have any money riding on the outcome?

No money on it, but I'm really hoping Atlanta can whup those Pats. I'll be watching the ads.

4) The composer of this song, Jeff Fortgang, is an interesting guy who's had two disparate careers: first pop musician, then Yale-educated clinical psychologist. It's possible that many of the patients who see him for help with anxiety or depression have no idea that he wrote this song. What's something your coworkers (or, if you're not working, casual friends) would be surprised to know about you?

I've worked with several of the same people for over 21 years. I'm not real sure there's anything that would be surprising to them. At this point, perhaps the mere fact that I used to be skinny (and I was VERY skinny as a kid).

5) Similarly, fans are often surprised to learn that this week's featured artist, Rod Stewart, is a history buff who loves reading about WWII. Is there a period of time or historic event that has captured your interest?

I have read an awful lot (pun intended) about the Holocaust, both the 'mechanics' of it and the human cost of it.
I've also read a lot of stuff about 'the historical Jesus' and the very early years of people believing he was ... something.

6) Rod met his current wife as the result of a dare. Penny Lancaster, then in her 20s, spotted the decades-older celebrity in a bar and only approached him because her friends bet her she didn't have the guts to talk to him. Are you, like Penny, vulnerable to peer pressure? Can your friends talk you into doing things you might not otherwise do?

I'm vulnerable to dares like this, though less-so than when I was young. However, I'm also really stubborn and if I don't want to do something I can be a total "party pooper." If it doesn't fit in my ethos (or if I just don't wanna for whatever reason, tbh), I'm not going to be dared into it!

7) Rod vividly recalls being 11 years old and going to see Little Richard perform in a film comedy called The Girl Can't Help It. When you were a kid, did you enjoy going to the movies? What do you recall seeing?

We didn't go to movies too often. I can only think of about 5 that I saw: "Tora, Tora, Tora!" (I thought it was a bullfighting movie--uh, no), "Paint Your Wagon", "The Apple Dumpling Gang", "Herbie the Love Bug", "The Lady and the Tramp".... There may have been more, but I sure doubt it.

8) The lyrics tell of when Rod's car overheats and he calls a friend, who doesn't come through. Tell us about a time recently when you were there and helped a buddy out.

Uhm. I do this often enough that it's not really memorable. Sorry. I don't keep score on this. The only thing I can think of is that a coworker nearly passed out at lunch Thursday, and a couple of us sat her down and fussed over her till she felt ok--and extracted a promise to get to the doctor ASAP.

9) The lyrics mention that "some guys do nothing but complain." Who do you know who is like that? Do you have a friend, relative or coworker who just always seems to find fault?

OMG. One of my former coworkers was the WORST! Just awful. I feel kind of bad because we have been told that since retiring, she has developed serious dementia, so now we're all wondering if the earlier behavior was a cover. It was, however, a nightmare to deal with day to day.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Very Forceful Questions

1. Do you have/have you had any pets?

When I was a wee tot, we had a parakeet named Peppy who lived in a cage in the dining room. I barely remember Peppy, so I was probably under 6 when he died. When I was 10, I started coming home to an empty house after school, so my parents got a dog to "protect" me. Tippi was also fabulously patient--till he got old--and willing to dress up in my clothes and bark like a crazy rabid dog whenever the doorbell rang. We had to have him put down when I was about 24 because he had started biting people when they touched him. My 2-year-old nephew was spending a lot of time with Grandpa & Grandma and there were little kids next door--plus the little doggy had horrible arthritis and was blind as well. That was a rough day. We had finches for awhile after we got married, which was fun but when they had babies, and then more babies, it got massively out of control. Then when we bought our first house, Beast and I hit the pound and picked out our little angel-dog Shady. OK, she was a Shepherd-lab-something mutt, but she really was the most adorable, loving, kind-hearted, joyful dog I've ever known. Also a little fraidy-cat, but that's ok. It was about 5 years later when I finally had to face reality: I'm allergic to dogs. By then, we also had a child who loved that puppy, so she stayed and I sniffled. We went on vacation when she was about 14 and she stayed with a friend/coworker--where she died! OMG this is not a good plan, people. Coworker couldn't reach us for like 10 hours, when Sparky found out he imploded, and it sorta killed the remaining vacation. OK, so no more dogs because Mom sux, but Sparky got two guinea pigs that Christmas and we've had succeeding guineas since then. We're on our last one now. Poor little guy--I don't see him lasting much past winter. Then we're done. No more pets. Except pet rocks. Although, honestly, if I end up alone in the future, I will be getting a little rat-dog of some kind.

2. Do you play video games? If so, do you have a favorite video game series?

Not really. I used to love playing The Sims and Sim Civilization, but I can't operate the controllers on video games to make those games work if I'm not using a computer keyboard. And the new PC versions don't work right either.

3. Any unpopular opinions on anything?

Heh. Well, considering I got yelled at Monday by a patron with a program beef (I have nothing to do with programming), called an ambulance 3 hours after that for a patron who was struggling to breathe, and then had to deal with full-bore Crazy in all its various incarnations for the rest of the week, topped off by a call to the police today to help us eject one of the Crazies (who turned it into a totally horse-and-pony show by refusing to cooperate and having to be practically dragged out)...I don't really care if I'm popular in my opinions. I'm just trying to survive each day with my dignity and sanity intact.
But I do hate Trump if that counts.

4. Do you have a favorite gem? If yes, has anyone ever bought you jewelry with that gem?

I have several sapphires, which I like: two rings, some earrings, and at least one necklace.

5. Favorite story genres?

I really like mysteries and good thrillers that aren't all car chases and technology.

6. What was once a secret that you can now share? (The original question was "What kind of fruit do you hate" which is type of question that I think "who cares?" so I just change them.)

I'm married to a wonderful man who is struggling with alcoholism.

7. Do you like reading?

Uh, yeah, a bit ...?

8. What time is it for you now[;] what are you usually doing at this time of the day?

It's currently 6:10 p.m. During the week I'm just leaving work. Weekends are variable. Right now we're watching our DVR'd Packer game. I expect the actual life game is pretty close to over, so I've turned off Facebook.

9. What character on TV or in film is most similar to you? You can go with looks or personality. Or you can make a quip and go to the next question.

Sandra Bullock's character in "Miss Congeniality." (I wish)

He's a featured player!

10. What's something weird you wanna do? It cannot be weirder than Mr. Watermelonhead.

Is taking classes at a seminary weird? Kinda? If not, then going on an archaeological dig?

11. Have you ever accomplished a New Years Resolution?

Nope. I haven't made one in decades, either.

12. Is there any music artist you look up to?

I have a great deal of respect for Bruce Springsteen, and not just for his career either. I think he's a genuinely good person with some personal demons.

13. Are you allergic to anything? If yes, what?

As mentioned above, dogs. Also, and worse, cats. Pine trees, some grasses, corn pollen. Nothing too tragic. Unless I live in the middle of the world's Corn Belt with 76 cats. [I don't have cats at least, but I do live in the middle of a lot of cornfields.]

14. When was the last time you took a swim? Who else was with you?

I don't swim. I do make sure that if I'm near deep water, there is someone nearby who CAN swim.

15. Would you rather have the ability to sleep for as long as you want, or have the ability to never have to sleep?

Nope, I'll be hibernating all winter, given even the slightest encouragement. I love sleep!

Sunday Stealing

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

50. What do you spend most of your money on?

I'm fairly certain that the biggest single chunk is housing, followed closely by food. I used to be really careful about shopping grocery store sales, and buying generic and waiting for things to go on sale. I sure as hell don't do that anymore, though mostly out of laziness. I do coupon shop with online coupons at the store I intend to shop on a given day, but we are rather brand-loyal on some things (like pop, which is a staple in this house).

51. Would you rather visit the past or the future?

Future! OK, yes, it would be lovely to see my parents pre-wrinkles and white hair. It would be weird to see my grandparents when they were young. But I really do want to know what happens to all these babies in my family in about 40 years!

52. Favorite clothing store?

I don't enjoy clothes shopping anymore. When I was a young, skinny thing, I really did, but now that nothing really fits right...it's depressing. So, I get my clothes in passing when I notice something I like, or when I need something specific, at Kohl's, F&F, Target, WallyWorld...wherever.

53. What is the best advice you can give to those who are feeling down?

Get some sunlight. Eat some veggies and fruit. Sing a silly song. Take a nap. Be gentle with yourself. Cry when necessary. See a doctor if you can't pull it together. Dance like no one is watching. Plan a vacation. Play with a happy child. Pray. Meditate. Do something kind for someone else. Do some writing or drawing or puzzles of some kind. Read a book. Whatever has made your soul sing in the past, try that again. Breathe, just for five minutes. Then another five.

54. How often do you think about your future? Does it scare you?

No. I worry about some stuff in the immediate future, but not about the Big Picture Future. I know I can't force things to be different, so I work on controlling my reaction when things go to hell. For instance, in the past couple of months, two kids I know have been dealing with some terrifying health issues (one had an aneurysm leading to a stroke at age 14, the other is a newborn with (pre-)cancerous tissue and organs that aren't working right as a result). I can't fix either of those issues. I can only do practical things to help support the families and pray (a.k.a. rage at God) like a crazy person, and keep my own footing stable. I suck at that last part especially.

55. What angers you the most?

Sick kids ranks right up there. It's totally NOT OK when kids have horrible medical problems. It's really NOTTTTT.
Also, intentional stupidity and meanness make me pretty unhappy.

56. When was the last time you got majorly angry?

December 23, when I told my idiot brother-in-law that if he EVER touched me again after I asked him to stop, I was going to punch him in the face. Been wanting to say that for about 45 years, so don't feel at all guilty. It will be interesting to see how things go the next time we're in the same room together. [and no, nothing seriously creepy--he was touching my arm last month--has been going on for 45 years, but he just doesn't respect boundaries at all]

57. When was the last time you got really sad?

I try not to go there. I seem to carry "sad" with me; it's always in stock at the der Katzenhaus. If I let myself think about stuff going on, I'd be prostrate in a rubber room. I'm sad about Ben's death. I'm sad that Beast is still having some (minor) recovery issues, I'm sad for Sparky's girlfriend's medical issues, I'm sad about the two kids I mentioned above, I'm sad about the homeless folks in the library all the time now, I'm sad for all the people whose lives are miserable through no direct cause of their own, I'm sad for people who make craptastic choices that ruin their lives....see why I don't dwell. I had a big wave of it threaten to overwhelm me yesterday while reading an email about this sick baby. It's really no fair at all for this family to have to go through this shit; they've already dealt with a ton of health stuff. No fair no fair no fair. ...and now I'm crying. Great.

58. Are you good at lying?

Ironic that I was driving home just about an hour ago thinking how much I miss playing poker because it's really a game of sanctioned lying--and I'm very good at that part. ;-)

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?

Hebrew. Or ancient Greek.

60. How many languages can you speak and what are they?

I got English down, most days. Some Spanish--I understand better than I speak. Pig Latin? Ubbi-Dubbi? Dewey? MARC?

61. How often do you go to parties? If you don’t, what do you do instead?

I loathe parties. I'll go, I'll even end up having a decent time usually, but they exhaust me.

62. What books do you plan to read this year?

My GoodReads goal is set at 100 again. I snuck past that last year, so it's doable. In 2014, somehow I read 126, and in 1996 I hit 173, but that includes what I was reading to Sparky, and it's probably way the hell higher than that for most of his early years. We got 15-20 books at the library every couple of weeks, and figure another 60 (at least) books of my own, that's a LOT of books under my eyeballs, usually more than once through.

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?

I do.

64. Tell us a secret.

It's only a secret because at this point I haven't needed to tell anyone, but I'm done with teaching Sunday School after this year. I started doing this when I was 13ish, so nearly 40 years ago. It hasn't been 40 years straight, but easily 25 years over time. I like kids a ton--duh!--but I'm tired. I'd like to get back to "grown-up" Sunday School, too.

65. How many concerts have you been to?

Honestly? I was in band for 7 years of my educational career. My siblings were involved in music, my parents had Symphony season tickets when I was a kid, we were subscribers to a piano series for a couple of years awhile back....I've probably been to hundreds of concerts over my lifetime. If we're just talking rock music, then less than 15; I'd say less than 10, but that might be a lie.

66. Last hug?

Beast, this morning when he got up.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?

Beast.

68. Baths or showers?

I love a good soak in the tub, especially a very hot soak on a cold day, when I can drain and refill with more hot water a few times. But showers for everyday.

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?

I am not, nor have I ever been, anything approaching ambitious. I like to work hard, but it's not out of ambition. Just hate being bored.

70. What song is stuck in your head?

None right now, and I'm fighting like hell to get past this question before something jumps in!!!

71. Countries you’ve visited?

Mexico, England, Scotland, Switzerland, USSR, Mongolia, China, Poland, Italy, Canada, Greece, Germany. I think that's all, in chronological order.

72. What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty, wit, and silliness.

73. What helps you to sleep better?

Earplugs. And my CPAP.

74. What is the most money you have ever held in your hand?

Several thousand dollars. This buying and selling of houses causes checks of ridiculous amounts to be flipped back and forth quite regularly. In actual cash-money-bills: maybe $500? I don't know. Back in the old days when you couldn't use credit cards overseas, I had lots of money in traveler's checks for some of those trips overseas.

75. What makes you nervous?

"Do have some time we can talk later?" strikes the very fear of God into my soul. No, no, let's just get this over with NOW!!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Take a Letter, Maria (1969)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, R. B. Greaves gets a shock when he gets home from work. When is the last time you were surprised? Was it a happy or sad surprise?

Well, finding out on Wednesday that my name hit the watchdog list where I was slandered and lied about by people who have made life hell for a library about 60 miles from here...that was a surprise. Probably shouldn't have been; this crew is batshit nuts.

2) Mr. Greaves sings that he didn't get home until "about a half past ten." That's a very long workday. No wonder his wife felt neglected! Have you ever had trouble maintaining balance between homelife and career?

I have that problem quite a lot, yes. And I have spent many years not getting home till (nearly) 10. Then again, that's because I was working the closing shift, so yeah.

3) According to the song, "Maria" is a secretary. Have you ever worked in an office?

Yes. And yuck. And this song is so indicative of an era I'm glad is gone...

4) In today's office, R.B. Greaves wouldn't ask Maria to "take a letter." Instead, he'd keystroke his own email to his wife and cc his lawyer before hitting, "send." Think of another phrase, like "take a letter," that we seldom hear anymore because of technology.

"Typewriter eraser." No, kids this is not white-out.

5) "Maria" is mentioned in many songs ("Maria" from West Side Story, "Maria, Shut Up and Kiss Me" by Willie Nelson, "How Do Solve a Problem like Maria?" ...) but Crazy Sam discovered few, if any, "Samantha" songs. Does your first name figure prominently in any lyrics?

It does not. My first name is rather unusual. A name very similar to mine has a few however, none of which I'm going to detail, but they include songs by Frank Sinatra, Bat for Lashes, Billy Joel, and Flogging Molly. Quite the mix.

6) 1969 was the year that Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon. Do you believe in life on other planets?

I don't not believe it's possible, but I have no proof either way.

7) In 1969, the Beatles performed publicly for the last time as a band, on the roof of Abbey Road studios. When did you last climb up onto your roof?

That would be never. Our roofs are steep, probably a good 40 degrees. There's no reason for me to be there, and it would be stupidly dangerous.

8) Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries sold at a brisk pace at Christmastime in 1969. Were you a fan of these books? If not, tell us about a book you remember enjoying when you were young.

I loved loved those books! I also liked The Bobbsey Twins (same syndicate that did ND and HB). And Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. And, of course, the Little House books.

9) Random question: Do you consider yourself old fashioned?

In some ways, maybe. Mostly, though, no.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
California Nights (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Lesley Gore premiered this song on an episode of Batman. She played Pussycat, the protegee of Catwoman. (That explains her outfit in the video.) How many of Batman's nemeses can you name?

Joker, Penguin....several others. I don't really follow comics. Not my geekdom of choice.

2) At least five actors have played The Caped Crusader already (Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale) and Ben Affleck will play him in 2016's Batman vs. Superman. Who is your favorite Batman? (If any Batmen were inadvertently omitted, Sam apologizes.)

The Batman movies I've seen I've enjoyed just fine. Michael Keaton and Christian Bale were especially good, but Adam West will always be my nostalgic favorite.

3) Unlike most superheroes, Batman doesn't have any superpowers. This Saturday, you're more fortunate. We're bestowing any superpower on you that you want. Which would you like?

Invisibility.

4) Though she's singing of warm California nights, Lesley Gore was a New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and, in February of this year, dying in Manhattan. Which coast have you spent more time on, the West Coast or the East Coast?

West by far. I've never 'touched' the Atlantic from this side, though I've seen it at the airport in Boston.

5) Not many people know that while she was making records, Lesley was also a student at Sarah Lawrence and graduated with her BA in 1968. What's something we would be surprised to know about you?

People IRL would be surprised at how much time I've spent blogging in the past 12 years.

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, the best selling new camera in the United States was the new Polaroid Swinger. Think about the most recent photo you took. Did you use a camera, a tablet, or a phone?

Phone. I take phone photos almost every day.

7) The big fashion trend of 1967 was bright tights, in shades like Hot Pink, Shock Orange and Grass Green. Tell us about something you wore when it was trendy but now you look back and think, "Oh, God, that was awful!"

I've never been that trendy, or changed what I like to follow the crowed, but the recent trend in short shirts (that don't cover my butt) has been a very bad idea for me..

8) In 1967, drivers complained about "gas wars." The price was unpredictable and would rise and fall, day by day, as much as 30¢ per gallon. How much does it cost you to fill up your tank today?

Hah! The price of gas went from $2.79 to $3.09 for us last weekend. Summer prices have arrived, I guess. And I've finally gotten myself into a habit of filling my tank every Wednesday morning so I don't run myself down to panic-empty. As a consequence, I'm almost never filling the tank completely anymore. I usually run $20-30.

9) Random question: Are there dishes in your kitchen sink right now?

Yes, thanks to Sparky. Though, since he is also filling the dishwasher and running it regularly, I'm not really complaining.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Sizzle Says Meme

1. If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life?

I would love to travel for months at a time, all over the place by train, by mobile home, by plane, by car. I'm not fussy. But I want to be able to stay for awhile in one place and really dig deep in local stuff.

2. Money is just that - an object, so why aren’t you doing it?

That is an excellent question...

3. What’s better: horses or cows?

Depends: better for what? Horses to ride and as companions. Cows for milk and dinner and heavy labor.

4. What do you think the secret to happiness is?

Being confident in and true to yourself and having good friends who will be honest and have fun with you.

5. When was the last time you had a dream that you either remember well or did not want to awake from? Can you share a bit?

I've had some weirdly realistic stress dreams about work and my boss lately. It's not always easy to separate the dream from reality, which makes work a little weird till I do a quite double-check.

6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Alive. [I've answered this a million times on this blog. Feel free to search.]

7. Complete this statement: Love is…

...ALWAYS having to say you're sorry! (and meaning it)

8. Can you tell a good story?

I can. And do.

9. Can you remember your last daydream? What was it about?

I don't daydream, unless you mean dreams-during-naps. Which I'm hoping for once this meme is done. I hear a pillow calling my name.....

10. If you were to thank someone today, who would you thank?

I thank people every day. Don't you? I thanks the kids in Sunday School this morning, and the waitress at breakfast, and Beast for paying for breakfast... But realistically: thank you to my friends, those of you I know without a doubt have got my back, no matter what. I need that solid foundation right now.

11. If you could be anyone's mojo, whose would you want to be, and why? (For those you do not know what mojo is, it's personal magnetism; charm.)

Wait, am I "being" the mojo or the person? If it's the person, it's my nephew James since he seems fairly indestructible.

Friday Five times two

(Link in meme-roll)
Shenanigans

1. What’s a memorable prank you were involved in, either as perpetrator, victim, or witness?

   I'm not all that into pranks, having had a few too many played on me as a child.

2. When did you last fool someone into believing something untrue?

   I convince people at the Reference Desk that I find them amusing all the time.

3. What was a secret you accidentally let slip?

   The last one I feel bad about was announcing someone else's pregnancy before she was able to get to everyone.

4. What’s a memorable thing you did when you should have been at work or school?

   Look, this is no longer the biggest excitement of my life. I didn't skip school when I was as student. I rarely skip work unless I'm sick (physically or otherwise). It is still nice to sneak out in the middle of the day, but I just don't do that without good reason.

5. What’s a nice thing you did anonymously for someone?

   I just finished wrapping socks and underwear for our Giving Tree at work. That's what the teenager in the (anonymous) family asked for. :( I'm throwing a gift card in there too.

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Likely Story

1. You are awake at 2:30 in the morning on a work night (or school night). What is the most likely reason?

   Insomnia. I clearly forgot to take the melatonin the night before. Otherwise, I'm up in the bathroom for one reason or another.

2. Time Magazine says you are a candidate for 2014’s Person of the Year. What is the most likely reason?

   They've got me confused with someone else, obviously.

3. Your hometown is naming a geographical or civil landmark after you, as in Mary’s Creek or David’s Corner. What is the most likely name of this spot?

   "Cat's Cradle."

4. Your best friend from high school calls to ask a favor. What is the most likely nature of the favor?

   I can't even imagine. We are Facebook friends, but I can't imagine her asking anything of me. She wouldn't have the nerve, I'd hope, after the fabulous job of fucking me over (twice) she's done to me.

5. Twenty-four hours from now, you’ve got a great smile on your face. What is the most likely reason for this smile?

   Packers WIN!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random 20

1. Have you had an argument with anyone recently? If so, do you still have issues with that person?

Beast and I had a pretty intense discussion yesterday. Do we still have issues? Yes. Was yesterday's resolved. I think so.
Otherwise, I haven't had an argument with anyone. My temper is gradually becoming more biddable.

2. Are you talking to anyone while filling this in? How about texting/chatting on Facebook?

I'm alone in the house with two guinea pigs. Beast is on his way home from church after a post-church meeting. He just told me via text he's stopping for gas, via text, so he will probably be walking in the door at some point while I'm still filling this out.

3. Have you done something recently that helped someone else, in any way?

I taught Sunday School this morning, so there is a faint hope that something I said stuck for one of those squirrels. Also, I helped a few people on Friday at work, it being my job and all.

4. Who was the last person to pay you a compliment?

Vickie.

5. Is there anything that’s happened in the past month, that you wish you could go back in time and change?

Pretty much every day there's something I wish had happened differently.

6. What colour is your purse/wallet?

My wallet--I don't carry a purse--is dark green leather with the Packer "G" embossed on it. It has black polka-dot duct tape holding a seam together inside.

7. What’s the closest item to you that’s black?

The laptop inside is almost all black, except for the screen right now. The screen of my cell is black. Some shoes on the floor in front of the couch are black. The background on the footstool is black. The text of the magazine open next to me is black. I think that's all.

8. Think about what you looked like 5 years ago. How did you look different, compared to the way you look now?

I had longer, differently-colored hair, and I was probably 20 lbs. lighter. Probably less wrinkly and my skin hadn't started to have that weird 'old' texture around my throat and upper chest. Different glasses too.

9. Before Facebook became popular, did you use any other social networking site, like Bebo or Myspace?

I had--probably still have?--a MySpace account, but I couldn't figure out why, or what to do with it. I signed up for Friendster, but never used it. Mostly, I blogged and emailed.

10. Has someone of the opposite sex ever sung to you? If so, how did you respond to it?

Actually yes. I can't remember the details, to be honest, because I was totally mortified.

11. When did you last hug someone of the opposite sex?

This morning, maybe at church? If not, I did hug Beast before I left for Sunday School.

12. Have you ever seen the film “Casablanca”? Did you like it?

I really really need to watch this film! It's one of the few "you have GOT to see it!" things that seems like something I'd actually enjoy.

13. Do you have a relative whose name begins with ‘L’? Tell me about him/her.

One of my sister's real name--as opposed to her blog name--started with L. She was a fun, intense, thoughtful, 'spicy' person and I miss her sense of adventure and positive attitude and honesty more than I can explain. She died 19 years 10 months ago and one day ago, which was about 25 years longer than most people expected when she was about 21. Anyone who says that grief gets easier with time isn't telling the whole truth. I don't cry every day anymore, but I'm starting to tear up right now. Shit.

14. Are you a secretive person?

Uhm, yes. I prefer to call it "super-private" but whatever.

15. When did you last eat?

I had half a donut after church which seems to have carried me well for the past two hours. I should probably go get something a little more substantial, but I'm really not that hungry.

16. If you were going to buy a present for a special person, what would you generally choose?

I almost always try for useful things, or fun things. If it's useful AND fun, so much the better. I bought $350 worth of Christmas ornaments at Hallmark yesterday for gifts. Because I'm totally insane...

17. If I’m going to buy you a box of chocolates, which kind should I definitely NOT get?

I do not like fruit and chocolate together. And mint chocolate is not my thing either. Otherwise, I'm not too fussy.

18. Is there something you generally always ask for help with?

Yardwork. Being outside near growing things here brings on allergies like gangbusters. I also usually as for help with lifting large unwieldy things because I don't trust my sense of balance even without carrying anything!

19. If you had to give up your phone or your computer, which would it be?

Oooh. I can use both for almost everything, but I'd have to Skype everyone with my computer. So, I'll go with keeping my phone. But I can't really surf the net effectively on my phone. Or post to Blogger. ;-)

20. Has anyone called you gorgeous/beautiful today?

Not that I'm aware of. That's fine: I have a big-ass zit erupting on my nose, so I'm not feeling too beautiful today anyway.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What's the most significant secret you've ever kept? Did the truth ever come out?

I'm a big NON-believer in secrets. I've seen them cause so much damage over the decades in families and people. However, there are a few secrets I have kept. One regards the attraction a friend of mine has (had?) toward one of my relatives. It's a not a "secret" in the sense that it's probably easily visible to anyone with a brain and eyeballs, but since my relatives are often lacking in brain-power.... There are some other more important things that I keep quiet about, just because it's probably none of my business that I even know about it in the first place.

2) Create a new recipe with just five ingredients.

Does it have to be new? I make a mean tuna casserole with whatever's in the pantry (besides noodles and tuna, of course). There's also the famous "leftovers omelet" or "leftovers sandwich", but I'm not sure those count either. One must remember that my sister and her husband once made pizza out of frozen bread dough and several cans from another sister's pantry (corn, mushrooms, etc.). It wasn't awful, but it was definitely weird. So I learned from that: you can make a meal out of an almost infinite variety of "whatever you've got" plus seasonings and spices, and Worcestershire and/or soy sauce. ;-) One recent cooking adventure was frozen chicken strips coated in whole-wheat flour, paprika, parsley and peppercorns [those were the spices I grabbed--could have been lemon-pepper, oregano, and ginger, among other options) with a little olive oil drizzled over the top and baked. Throw a salad together and eat.

3) What's your favorite place in the world?

There's a little crevice in the cliff-side across the highway from the house we used to own in the mountains of Colorado that I used to hike up to with my dog when I was a kid. Two house-sized boulders had rolled together and created a cleft with a perfect little sitting area. Assuming I could get back up the hillside nowadays, sans dog, of course, I think I could pass some great time thinking and reading there....

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. 2013

I took this photo last summer while standing in line to scan and pay for groceries at Meijer. The sign cracked me up: "Pet Baby," really? Sparky was rather embarrassed at my photo-snapping, which made it even funnier.

Blogthings Explosion

You Are Out of this World Dreamy

Of all the types, you are the most likely to enjoy staring up at the stars. You like to daydream, even at night. You find the universe beautiful, and you feel lucky whenever you have a starry night when you can see so much of it. The planet you are most connected to is Jupiter. Your expansive and optimistic mind is a good fit with this planet. Like Jupiter, you are multifaceted and a big believer in abundance. You don't put limits on your imagination. When you look into space, you feel calmed and humbled by your small place in the universe. It's a beautiful thing. You don't necessarily even think of the universe or what's out there... you just like to meditate on the stars in the sky.

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Well, this is a lot of bullshit. I'm far from dreamy anymore, and the stars have never been my thing in general.
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You Are a Cherry Croissant

You are an outgoing, friendly, and even sweet person. People are drawn to your personality. You tend to be happy and easygoing. You are an optimist, and you don't find it difficult to find the sunnier side of life. You tend to be up on the latest trends, mostly because you enjoy trying new things and experimenting. You aren't snobby about your trendiness, but you love to introduce your friends to your latest discoveries and hot spots. You are creative and discerning. You have great taste, and this carries over to anything that you create. You have a strong and unique perspective. You are usually one of the first to spot something that's great or worth your time.

What Flavor Croissant Are You?

Well, ok, this is better. I don't think I have great taste as far as what society thinks, but then again, I don't really care. And I am pretty optimistic and fairly easygoing. Up to a point.
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You Are Somewhat Playful

You believe that there's a time for work and a time for play. And you rarely mix the too. You aren't a stick in the mud. You like to have fun, but you don't like to goof off when it's time to be serious. You are rarely the instigator of fun, but you're happy to go along with most amusing plans. You are a good sport. You think it's important to be able to let go and blow off steam. If not, stress will get to you eventually. You are open to a lot of new experiences, and you tend to be one of the easygoing ones in your group of friends. You are joyful and upbeat. You have the energy required to be a playful person when the time is right.

Are You Playful?

I have a nasty habit of not being able to separate work from play, and I'm pretty competitive which can mean I end up being a poor sport so some of this isn't true. A lot of it is, though.
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You Are an iPad

You are tech savvy and probably even a little addicted to the internet. You spend a good amount of time online. You're the type of person who would like to have the internet with you wherever you go, and you don't want to compromise browsing experience. You are a bit of an introvert. You like the internet for its brain[i]er nature, and you may contribute in your own way. You likely fancy yourself a writer or producer of some sort. You are driven to create and leave your mark online. Like most iPad users, you probably think an iPhone is great - but you need a device with more screen space and features. And since you're a bit of a homebody, you don't mind luggin' your iPad around with you. You're probably just going from room to room.

Are You an iPhone or an iPad?

Aside from the part about this being all about Apple--a company I'm not a fan of--it's pretty accurate.
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Your Birth Color is Red

Above all else, you have a huge amount of energy. You just require less downtime and rest than most people. You have courage when others lack guts. You are willing to take a risk, especially when you might get all the glory at the end. You are passionate in all aspects of your life, especially romance. When you find the perfect partner, you don't let anything stand in your way. You have plenty of passion in love, but you lack extreme infatuation. You seek a more mature, deep love than just a crush or fling offers. You have a lot of inner strength, and that strength is sparked by your drive. You are willing to work hard and be tenacious today in order to harvest the fruits of your labor tomorrow.

What's Your Birth Color?

Always up for a risk, but I'm not crazy. I can be a hard worker, if motivated properly.
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You Are JOMO

Your personal motto can best be described as JOMO: 'Joy of Missing Out' You know what makes you happy, and it's the little things. You are content with your life as is. You follow your own path, and you rarely feel jealous of other people's lives. You may be missing out, and that's fine. In fact, you care so little about missing out that you may refuse invitations that sound fun just because you're not up to it. Most everyone should strive to have your Zen attitude. You don't suffer from the chains of desire. Just make sure you're not getting too complacent. You may have contentment, but you need a little excitement too.

Are You Yolo, Fomo, or Jomo?

Finally, one that totally fits. Definitely not much here that's way off-base.
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You Don't Get Enough Nature

Nature is fine, but it's not really a priority for you. You enjoy a nice sunny day like anyone else, though! You don't make time to get outside, and it shows. Whenever possible, you tend to prefer modern climate control. There is a lot that the indoors has to offer - like comfortable couches and fast internet. Being outside is called 'roughing it' for a reason. You're a city person, and there's nothing wrong with that. But maybe you get out and smell the grass. Or trees. You are cultured and quite intellectual. You tend to prefer mental experiences to physical ones. You can appreciate the beauty of nature, but you often rather appreciate it through art than real life.

Do You Get Enough Nature?

This is very timely, and accurate.
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Your Wisdom is Well Rounded

You are a deep thinker, and you consider every issue carefully. You have the patience to think something through. You are the most introspective of all types. You have important insights and profound understanding. You are healthy and prosperous. You credit your ability to turn inward in helping you thrive. You are both oriented toward the future and the past. You think the future has a lot to offer but that you also can learn from history. You tend to be very good with money, even though you aren't materialistic. You simply make smart choices. You rarely give into impulse or whim. If you seem to make a rash decision, it's because you've secretly been thinking about it for a while.

What Makes You Well Rounded?

OK, another good fit. I'm not always careful, but pretty often.
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You Should Travel to the Present

You're not unadventurous, you just really dig the present. You'd love to travel around the world as it is right now. Or even better, you'd like to see the current world on an alternate timeline. Alternate courses of history fascinate you. You think that there is enough to see in the present if you were able to go anywhere. You don't need to add time travel to the mix. You'd be happy to be able to jot [sic] off to any corner of the world you feel like visiting ... and that you'd be able to come home just as quickly. If you had to travel through time, you'd like to do it as quickly as possible. You don't want to be away for long. Things are going so well for you that you'd like to stay in and savor the present as much as possible.

When Should You Travel in Time?

Yes, I like to travel. Time travel would be fun too, as long as it's 100% safe that I'd come back here.
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You Are a Banana

Like a banana, you are tender-hearted and sensitive. And the more someone gets to know you, the softer and sweeter you are. You are loving, gentle, and compassionate. You touch others with your warmth, empathy, and understanding. You are mild-mannered and find it easy to get along with almost anyone. You help harsher personalities mellow out. You are vulnerable and sensitive, but you avoid letting others hurt you with your somewhat hardened exterior. You are tough when you need to be. You value harmony and togetherness. You like to be in a relationship and usually adore your partner. You don't make waves. If someone annoys or insults you, you rather walk away than cause a scene.

What Island Fruit Are You?

Yeah. The only people this isn't real true about is my family (of birth).
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Your Past is Your Soul's Secret

Most people don't know much about you. You don't share a lot about how you were raised or where you come from. You believe that the past is the past, and there's no use reopening old wounds or reliving old glories. You keep your past a secret because you don't think it's relevant. You don't necessarily have anything to hide. You think it's a bit self-absorbed to tell everyone your life story. If you're asked, you give people a very abridged version of events. If your past was less of a secret, you might be surprised how quickly you bond with people. You may have more in common with those around you than you realize. You don't have to bear [sic] your soul or spill your guts to give people more context about where you come from and who you are. They probably want to know more about you!

What's Your Soul's Secret?

Well this couldn't be wrong-er. In case you hadn't noticed I talk endlessly about myself. Sure, there are some dead zones, but not all that many. Not after 9 years of blogging!! :-)

Mysterious Me

You Are Somewhat Mysterious

You are an honest and straightforward person, but you maintain a good balance. You will tell people what's on your mind and what's going on in your life, but you don't engage in TMI (too much information). You believe that some things should be private. You don't disclose your deepest secrets, and you don't expect others to. You are a firm believer in boundaries. How much you share depends on who you're with, and you always keep something to yourself.

How Mysterious Are You?

I don't agree with all of these (obviously); mostly I'm used to people giving out way too much information to me, and I know I'm guilty of the same on a semi-regular basis.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Mixed Bag Meme

1. How many songs are in your library?

I have a little more than 100 albums downloaded. That's at least 800 songs. I don't use iTunes, and I'm begging Sparky to walk me through Spotify while he's home. Otherwise, though, I'm all about Pandora, and Stereomood.

2. Do you like Christmas music?

Yes. I haven't listened to much this year, so I'm not overly annoyed by it.

3. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?

Ms., Bookmarks, Entertainment Weekly, and uhm, there's another...oh, Real Simple.

4. What is your favorite scent?

Vanilla. Baking bread. Lavender. (NOT all together!)

5. Do you give money to charity?

Yup.

6. What is your theme song?

Lately, I can't get "Mele Kalikimaka" out of my head. But in general, it would probably be "Georgy Girl."

7. What's in your wallet?

No Capital One cards. Money, credit cards, and other random ID-type things. The usual, y'know. I took most of the discount cards out in November and never put 'em back in.

8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?

I'd call it a tie. This is better than it ever used to be--I used to be an Open-Mouth-Insert-Foot kind of gal.

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?

Aside from the things that are weighing Beast down, I'm pretty good. Oh, and the leftovers from the cold I got two weeks ago are STILL hanging around.

10. Do you have a good body-image?

Probably better than I oughtta, considering the body I'm working with.

11. How are you spending your holidays?

Quietly. We bought veggies and deli stuff at the store today, and that's pretty much what we'll be eating for the next few days, except for the requisite Chinese tomorrow night....

12. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?

I found a new-to-me BBC show called "New Tricks" recently, which is totally cracking me up.

13. Tell us a secret?

I spent too damn much on stuff again this year.

14. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?

See #6 up there....

15. What’s your favorite item of clothing?

I bought a pair of 'exercise' pants at the Dollar Store a couple of days ago that are awesomely comfy AND they fit right!

16. Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?

Only with sugar added.

17. Is Santa real?

As real as we want him to be.

18. What should you be doing right now?

Taking a nap. I may do that after the Packers finish destroying the Titans....

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
apples and oranges

[01] How would you describe your personal style?

"Haphazard."

[02] Do you need some sort of sound in order to sleep?

I prefer silence.

[03] Who is the last person you travelled over two hours to see?

That would be the Texas contingent of my family, in January.

[04] Are you to be trusted with a secret?

If you tell me it's a secret, it's a secret. I've learned this lesson.

[05] What kind of Girl Scout cookies do you like?

Tag-a-longs. Yummmyyyy.

Sunday Stealing BONUS

(Link in meme-roll)
The MONDAY Bonus Holiday Meme

1. If the moon were to be mistaken for a celebrity, who would it be?

I dunno; ...Selena Gomez? [No, I don't know why.]

2. What's a ghost to you?

I don't know any ghosts at all, so they are no one to me.

3. If you had to do anything with your sworn enemy, what would it be?

I don't have one of these either, so I guess they'd have to hang with my ghosts.

4. Oh no, Marge Simpson got kidnapped by aliens! What do you say to the aliens to get her back?

I think Marge is more than able to take care of her own self, and perhaps being with the aliens will give her a much-needed rest from the men in her family.

5. Have you ever had lunch together with your neighbor?

Uhm, no, not lunch. Dinner, though, yeah. I've had dinner with several of them.

6. If you had to pick your own personal theme song, what would it be?

More than likely it would be a Weird Al song....

7. Describe what's sexy to you.

Self-confidence, not cockiness, sense of humor, willingness to be a fool sometimes, and intelligence.

8. A vampire suddenly knows all your secrets. What do you do?

That would be shoocking, since I don't believe in real vampires. I don't really have a lot of deadly secrets, so {{shrug}}.

9. If had to have a role in a movie, what kind of character would you prefer to play?

Someone funny.

10. You have to read a coworker's (or friend's) very personal diary. You pick the person. Who is it and why?

I would love to know if V. kept a diary and read it now. She had a long, adventurous, amazing life.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Have you ever felt like you were competing with someone close to you for the affection of the same woman or man?

Hmm, no. Well, ok, maybe my siblings, I suppose, but I don't think that counts. I don't consider romantic love a competitive sport.

2) What secret would you really like to share with your dad or mom, but don’t feel as if you can?

There were SO MANY things I couldn't share with my folks, specifically my mom. Now it's either too late, or she found it all out, depending on what happens after death.

3) What's your 'guilty pleasure' TV show?

I guess Ghost Whisperer qualifies. It's pure crap, but I can't stop watching.

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

My first thought was "guys boxed in THAT?" followed quickly by "He's so tiny!" and then "Stop looking at that and giggling, silly old woman!"

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Blabbermouth Meme

1. When you were a child did you ever blab a family secret and get in trouble for it later?

I didn't talk much to anyone as a young child, so I can't even imagine who I'd've told anything. By the time I was able to construct coherent sentences and converse with strangers, the "family filter" was firmly in place.

When I was around 10 the family finances were dicey, and I must have picked up on that and started saying, "We don't have one of those" or words to that effect often. I remember my best friend's mom saying at a Girl Scout meeting--when I informed her that "we don't have any" darning needles (for a craft)--"You live in that BIG HOUSE and there's nothing in it?" I think I stopped talking to grownups again for awhile after that. [my house wasn't that big, but in comparison to their house ours probably did seem like overkill]

2. Have you said anything in the last 24 hours that you regret?

Yup. In fact, I asked Sparky to delete my voicemails to him last night without listening to them. I was bitchy in both of them.

3. Have you ever blabbermouthed something to a significant other that in hindsight you really should have kept to yourself?

Oh yeah. And I'm not giving out details.

4. Have you ever written anything on your blog that you wish you could take back?

Well, yeah. That's why I use the delete and edit buttons. I'm aware that the original thought is still around somewhere in cyberspace, but it becomes more difficult to find as time passes.

5. Are you the blabber or the blabbee? Tell us your most embarrassing blabbermouth moment.

I talk too much, or at least it seems that way because I live with two very close-mouthed men. On the other hand, I do feel sometimes as if I am the repository of many people's vents. I can't think of any particularly horrible moment when I opened my mouth and inserted my foot, but then I come from a repressed, WASPy environment where talking about feelings is saved for the Angry Moments; that's when I say stuff that's better left unsaid. I do try, for various serious reasons, to not pass along information that is not mine to share (i.e., no gossiping). Mostly, I fail, or so it seems to me. I know I gossip WAY less than most of the people at my workplace, however, so...I occasionally feel like I'm ahead of the game there at least.

6. Who is the biggest blabbermouth tattletale in your household?

Well, me. See #5. In my larger family, it's probably my oldest sister, but not in a particularly negative way.

7. You are the Blog Paparazzi! Which blogger's real photograph are you most interested in getting?

I'm picking Christopher, since he's probably the most interesting-looking by most cultural norms. ahem [that's a compliment, Chris]

8. If you could hire the loudest and most skilled blabbermouth in the universe to do your talking for you and advertise it well, what message would you like to spread to humanity? Don't hold back.

"Mind your business! Be nice! Don't do stuff that would make your mother cringe!"