Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

January, Part 2 (Misc Questions) 

            

 1. Can you eat with chopsticks? 

I can, but not well and I'd likely starve to death if I tried.

 2. Could you tell real money from counterfeit? 

Probably. I don't see a lot of money anymore. Plastic and EFTs are my best friends.

 3. What do you think about school uniforms? 

I see both sides of the question. I would've hated hated hated them, but I think that's the default student setting.

 4. What ancient civilization would you most like to visit? 

I would like to know about the Incan Empire.

 5. What would make a great new Crayola color? 

There are never enough choices for blue. 💙

 6. If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? 

Nope.

 7. What do you get in trouble for the most? 

Saying things. I have (yet another) post-it reminder on my monitor at work that just says STFU.

 8. Do you blow your nose in public? 

I mean, if necessary. ??  These days, it's a hassle, though so I have to find a closed room.

 9. If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go? 

Quick note to all: money isn't real. Our imaginations make it worth things.

 10. Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child? 

Probably. I don't recall being a particularly "happy" child, although I had a wonderful childhood.

 11. Who knows more ... you, or your parents? 

My parents are dead these many long years hence. So, me, by default, which is frightening.

 12. What instrument would you like to be famous for playing? 

Bagpipes.

 13. Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars? 

Nope. Add a B to the amount and I'd totally consider some very vanilla sex. No weird shit.

 14. Are you completely in control of your body? 

Hah! Not even close.

 15. What is the coolest web site you know of?

I'm enjoying Blogger again.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Alec Clayton

1. If there's a personal god, what quality would you most like that person to have (and why)?

This question confuses me. Maybe I'm out of practice on answering questions. I'm going to answer, instead, what is the most important to me quality of God. That is, especially this week, that he is always there, always reliable, always forgiving, always putting up with whatever my current attitude is. That is big.

2. What's your death-row meal?

There would be pasta. Basically a good Italian meal, with wine and cheese and meat and fruit and bread and good dessert, all perfectly cooked.

3. Assuming we make it through this outbreak with minimal loss of life, what do you think our big takeaway should be?

We need to take care of each other.
(but I'm not optimistic in the Big Picture; OTOH, my local community is absolutely wonderful)

4. Whom do you find yourself missing more than you would've predicted?

Well, I dreamed last night about two of my three sisters, which was weird since one of them is dead and the other one I think just shows up, with her husband, to irritate me. In the last month, I've also dreamed about my mom regularly, a first since she died 10 years ago, and holy crap do I miss being able to sit with Beast and kick him into gear!!

5. What brings you the most joy? Not happiness, not contentment -- JOY.

Laughter. Real laughter: silliness, giggling, gut-busting. Doesn't have to be me laughing: watching it on Zoom or YouTube works almost as well.

6. Do you find yourself regretting anything you've said or done on social media?

Only everything.

7. What are your favorite and least favorite things about your body and face?

Least favorite: size. Favorite: its sturdiness, my toes, my hair, my mouth.

8. ...and your life?

Least favorite: Let me count the ways, but the big one is not being able to see (or help) Beast in any way. Favorite: my job, my friends (I'm very lucky), my house.

9. How's the self-isolation affecting your libido?

ha ha ha ha....my husband's been in a nursing home now for over 2 years. What libido?

10. Which three places in the physical universe would you most like to visit?

The Valley of the Kings, all of Australia, Mars.

11. On whom did you have a crush years ago? Have you ever told them?

So many... Some of them know and we laugh about it. Some I'll take to the grave.

12. How have your religious views changed since you were in high school?

I'd like to hope I've gotten kinder and more understanding of others.

13. If you could change one law, what would it be?

Can we just legalize cannabis everywhere in the U.S. for crying out loud! I'm not even going for a big one here, just this.

14. If you could add one commandment to the original ten, what would it be?

"Pull your head out of your ass!"

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.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Cool Guy Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.) Have you ever questioned your sexuality?

Not exactly, no.

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

Nope. Next....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The last week in politics.

12.) What is your biggest regret?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like, no. Just no.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

good manners are made up of petty sacrifices

(Swiped from Amy)

What are your favourite smells?

"Clean." Vanilla. Fresh bread.

Can you go a whole day without caffeine?

I can, but you really don't want to be around me on that particular day.

Who knows more about you than anyone else?

Normally, I'd say Beast, and that's still probably true, but others are creeping up...or he's sliding down a bit lately.

What song did you last listen to?

I have no idea. Something on Spotify. I don't remember what the last song was because that was more than 20 minutes ago. I've taken to listening to old radio shows on Sirius XM in the car. My CD player is fubar and regular radio just pisses me off.

Do you have a crush on anybody?

Not really. Nah.

Do you like The Beatles?

Yeah. Don't listen to 'em much these days, but I like 'em.

If you could choose one color to wear for a whole year, what color would you choose?

Blue.

Do you cook often?

Not more than a couple of times a week.

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

The last one at a theater was the last Star Trek. It was ok.

Can you sew?

Yes, I can. I enjoy it about as much as my mother did.

What is your favorite fruit?

Strawberries.

Are you health conscious?

Yeah, not unless I have to be.

Go do the Kinsey Scale Test, what number result did you receive?

I flunked. Seriously. My result reads as follows: "The test failed to match you to a Kinsey Type profile. Either you answered some questions wrong, or you are a very unusual person."

Do you curse a lot?

I think that answer is a definite yes.

When was the last time you had a pint of beer?

About 2 weeks ago for lunch at a pub I ordered a shandy. I'm not sure it was a full pint of beer, but it's the only beer I've had in decades.

Are you pro life or pro choice?

I like to think I'm trustworthy enough to care for my own body, and I like to give others the benefit of that doubt too. I'm wholly pro-choice.

Is there a certain food you often crave for no reason?

"For no reason" would mean there's no payoff. I mostly crave sweets, and there's definitely a payoff. Unfortunately, I also have developed high blood sugar and keep getting cavities.

What was the last book you purchased?

I bought a ton of them on vacation. I don't know which one was last.

Where was your last vacation?

England.

Do you shave your pits?

It's been known to happen. Better I do it than force someone else to do it!

Did you ever play Seven Minutes in Heaven?

Nope. Never even heard of it till I was too old to play it.

Girls, when was the last time you went out without a bra? Guys, when was the last time you went shirtless in public?

How are these even...? Whatever. I never go braless in public.

Have you ever broken a bone? If so, how did it happen?

Not that I had medical attention for. My fingers are randomly crooked, and I have no doubt in my mind that I seriously damaged my tailbone a couple of years ago.

How do you like your eggs?

Over easy, with buttered toast.

What was your last argument about and who with?

I'm sure it was with Beast, though I'm trying like hell to stop taking the bait.

Sunday Stealing x3

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

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

Plot? What Plot? seems about right.

Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

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

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

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

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

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

What’s a big goal that you have?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

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

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

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

What was the best experience in your life?

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

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

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

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

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

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The Martial Arts Meme

Who was the last person that you held hands with?

Beast. Yesterday, I think.

Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

Yup. All of the above on varying occasions.

Who are you looking forward to see[ing]?

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

Are you easy to get along with?

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

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

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

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

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

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

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

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

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

What was the last text message you received about?

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

Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

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

What good thing happened this summer?

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

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

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

Who was your first crush on?

David Cassidy. I was 9. Or maybe 8.

Favorite part of daily routine?

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

Do you like your neighbors?

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

What’s your worst feature?

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

Have you ever had trust issues?

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

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The "Doing Questions Like It's 2003" Meme

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

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

Name three things that are close to you.

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

How was the weather for your summer?

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

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

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

Tell us about the last trip that you took.

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

Where do you buy groceries? Why?

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

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

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

Have you pulled an all-nighter?

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

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi & Coke?

Yep.

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

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

What’s the oldest thing that you own?

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

From Amy

(This Amy)

What is more difficult for you, looking into someone's eyes when you are telling them how you feel, or looking into someone's eyes when they are telling you how they feel?

In general I prefer to look at people when THEY are talking. I'm easily distracted by facial tics and nonverbals and I'd never finish what I need to say if I looked at the reaction while I was saying it.

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

I really haven't been ANGRY for awhile. That's amazing to say! I spent much of 2014 and 2015 in a whirl of furious defensiveness and paranoia. I think the last time I really lost my shit at all was when someone at work got all condescending at me. It's the same person who always does that when put on the spot; I should know better than to rise to the bait after 20 years. However, to my credit, instead of stomping around and being childish, I simply said, "Please don't use that tone with me." She told me to "just go home." So I did.

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?

Are you kidding? In stressful moments, I can barely get my phone logged in, much less actually use it as a phone! By the time I get my brain sorted to do this, I'd be a crispy critter already. But thanks for that great thought as I prepare for an 8-hour flight on Monday...

You are at the doctor’s office and he 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?

If it's going to mean a noticeable decline over that month, I'd have to tell people: Beast, Sparky, work. If it meant dropping dead suddenly I'd probably make sure my insurance was paid up, my will and burial wishes were clear and findable, and then get on a plane to someplace lovely.

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

I don't think you can have either without the other. It's a little symbiotic. However, since I've actually been thinking about what trust means in my life lately, I'll take the love, as in GIVING it to others. I guess I'd rather receive trust.

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 if you are late even once more, you are fired. Do you take the time to save the dog's life? Why or why not?

Weirdly, I just heard about something like this scenario being put to the test at a seminary, and most everyone failed. Massively. So while I say I'd stop and do something for the dog, I am realistic enough to know that I probably wouldn't. That's assuming I even noticed the situation in the first place!

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

I'd really rather not be hurt, honestly. Having been hurt regularly and most often by someone I thought I could trust, whom I also love, I will say that the failure in trust is a difficult blow. I know he still loves me.

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) do/say?

I'd ask for a chance to think and then I'd shut up so I didn't say anything hurtful. This does mean different things depending on which friend we're talking about. Frankly, for most of my besties, it would be odd after this many years to find that out.

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

The last person I know who died didn't necessarily deserve an hour of extra time.... The last person that I love who died would kill me for doing something like this, so I'd be sacrificing a lot more (I hope) than a year!

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

If this question was reworded to read "Am I a good friend to myself?" I would say that generally yes and improving.

Does love = sex?

Absolutely not! Some love sometimes includes some kind of sexual component, but most love a lot of the time has zero to do with sex.

Your boss tells your coworker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your coworker 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. Because I like my job and the newest employee at my workplace couldn't do what I do, so that would be a ridiculous thing to do.

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

I am not exactly shy about this. And I'm learning to be much more up front, but less confrontational, about this kind of thing. Better to get it dealt with now that wait for it to fester.

What would be (or what was) harder for you to tell a member of the opposite sex, you love them or that you do not love them back?

I really struggled to say "I love you" when I was younger because my family doesn't haul that one out and use it very often. On the other hand, I seem to have had no problem being mean; my family is better at that...?

What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up? Why would it be hard to lose?

My independence.

Excluding romantic love, when was the last time you told someone you loved them. Who were they to you?

I think I texted a friend this yesterday. She had some family stuff going on, and she is just a kind person and she says it all the time too.

If there was one moment and one time in the last month what would you change and why?

Whatever one moment I choose, I'm virtually certain it would involve shutting up this time around.

Imagine it is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside, you hear someone walking around outside your window. WHO do you wish was there with you?

The police. Whom I would have already called.

Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying? Why or why not?

Of course. Because being homeless doesn't preclude someone's right to have a life.

You are holding onto your grandmother’s hand and the hand of a newborn that you do not know as they hang over the edge of a cliff. You have to let one go to save the other. Who do you let fall to their death? What was your rationale for making the decision?

My grandmother has been dead longer than the author has been alive. Save the baby.

Are you old fashioned?

Yes. Except in terms of gender roles. Unless that could be interpreted as Ancient Fashioned.

When was the last time you were nice to someone and did NOT expect anything in return for it?

At work. Every damned day. I expect very very little from my public service interactions, so every time someone doesn't yell at me or talk nonsense to me or otherwise act weird, I'm very grateful.

Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a broken heart, or never loved at all? Why?

I'll always go for love. Why would you only get one chance at love? We have multiple chances for love every fucking day!

If you could do anything or wish anything, what would it be?

I would really love for people to CALM THE FUCK DOWN and stop taking everything so damned personally. The world does not revolve around any single one of us. Get real and get over it.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Surf City (1963)
... Because Melissa suggested Jan and Dean. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When the song was written, "Surf City" was a fictitious town.* Tell us a song that is set in a real place.

One of my favorites is "Wolf Creek Pass" by C.W. McCall. My brother and I have it memorized, and he does it with the same panache as McCall, whose name was really Bill Fries. We sort of got hooked on his work when he became mayor of the tiny mountain town where we had our "cabin" when I was a kid; he wrote a number of songs about that area, which we also have permanently etched in our brains. And yes, I spoke to him a few times. And yes, I've been over Wolf Creek Pass; it's all true, except the cigar part. ;-) To my surprise, Fries is still alive (age 87!) and living in Ouray. Another reason to move there!

2) In the song, Jan and Dean sing about riding around in a 1934 station wagon, which means the car was 29 years old when the song was recorded. How old is your vehicle?

I think it's a 2013.

3) Are you good on a surf board?

Well, seeing as I can't swim, it would probably be somewhat foolhardy for me to check and see, eh?

4) When you spend time out in the sun, are you careful about applying sunscreen?

If I plan ahead, yes. I'm so rarely out in the sun anymore, though, that it's a bit of a moot point; I'm allergic to everything this time of year and mostly run from car to building to car to home.

5) Dean's original partner was Arnie Ginsburg. When Dean was drafted into the Army, Arnie didn't feel like waiting so he abandoned show business and went back to college. Today he holds several patents. What is something you wish someone would invent?

Earmuffs that selectively drown out Trump and other insane and hate-filled people.

6) Jan was a perpetual student who juggled college with recording. He not only graduated from UCLA, he completed two years of medical school at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Have you ever considered going back to school?

Yes. It's been in the back of my mind for 30 years. I don't think I could deal with the other students these days though.

7) In 1966, Jan was sidelined by a serious car accident. During the years that he was unable to perform, partner Dean became a graphic artist. He designed logos and album covers for Steve Martin, Diana Ross and others. Do you feel you respond most to words, pictures, or music?

Words, by quite a long stretch. Pictures are dead last--I don't remember graphically at all. Music is fairly strong though.

8) In 1978, CBS made a TV movie about Jan and Dean. If they approached you about a made-for-TV movie of your life, who would you like to play you?

I've always gone with Sandra Bullock in the past and I see no reason to change.

9) Random question: Growing up, how did you learn about the birds and the bees? (From books/the web, from parents, from your friends...)

Friends and the "classes" we did in 5th and 6th grade (and the booklets we got). In 8th grade, I had to get my parents' permission to take "Family Living" and my mom couldn't sign the form any faster than she snatched it from me to do!

__________________
*Huntington Beach changed it's name to Surf City in the 1990s.

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Controversial Questions Meme

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Do you believe in the death penalty?

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

5. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

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

6. Do you believe in God?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Should the alcohol age be lowered to 18?

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

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

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

No 12.

13. Do you believe in spanking your children?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Monsters in the Closet Meme

Do you usually sleep with your closet door open or closed?

My closet door is open all the time because it has a furnace vent in it. Beast's door is usually closed.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?

You bet I do! I give them to the local homeless shelters.

Have you ever ‘done it’ in a hotel room?

Uh, I've done a LOT of things in hotel rooms, including the infamous "It" and more than once.

Where is your next vacation?

The next one I know for sure is in September. Family wedding. On a farm. Near Bristol.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

Nope. None of my names have EVER shown up on a sign, and besides, I just don't get the attraction..

Who do you think reads these?

"These..." memes? Or what? I tend to read the answers of people who tag themselves.

Do you have a calendar in your room?

I do.

Where are you?

I'm on the sofa, as usual. Front door is open. Back door is open. I'm going outside to sit on the porch when I'm done with this.

What’s your plan for the day?

Porch. Possible nap. Leftover white pizza. It's possible I will hear from my child. Maybe.

Are you reading any books right now?

I've got 8 going at the mo. Actually, no: I finished one before I went to sleep last night. Don't worry; I have another cued up to replace it. ;-)

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Sometimes. Why do we do this?

Have you ever peed in the woods?

Of course. It's not very glamorous, especially in February.

Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?

All the time.

Do you chew your pens and pencils?

No, but I have been known to carry them in my mouth when my hands are full, or busy.

What is your “Song of the Week”?

This week? Hmm....I'm still humming "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" from church this morning. That wouldn't be a bad one.

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Of course!!

Do you still watch cartoons?

Nope.

What's your favorite love movie?

I'm not a big rom-com person. Perhaps "The Big Chill" or something along that line.....

What do you drink with dinner?

Pop. Or water.

What do you dip Chicken Nuggets in?

My mouth. I don't eat them with sauce.

What is your favorite food/cuisine?

Italian.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

"Shoah", "RHPS", "Heathers", "The Matrix"....there's a few more.

Last person you hugged/kissed?

Beast.

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

Yup.

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

Hell no.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Wisdom

1. Some people say you should never mix business with friendship. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I'm very good friends with several people with whom I work. Sure, there are some occasional problems that crop up, but by and large, I spend more time with them than I do with anyone else in my life, so it's pretty natural. But, we aren't the kind of friends who hang out and party together after work very often. Or maybe that's just me.

2. Some people say you should never let ‘em see you sweat. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I think this is true in some instances, like doing an important presentations. Sometimes, though, it's perfectly ok to let people know you're struggling.

3. It is often said that you should never put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I'm a Class A Procrastinator, which is really bad. Sometimes it catches up to me, but mostly I cover pretty well. If I had to go back to school and follow that kind of schedule, I'd be dead, though. There's no way I could finish the classwork.

4. It is often said that you should never get romantically involved with someone at work (there’s a cruder way of putting it, but I’m declining to use that selection of words). What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I don't have personal experience myself, but I've seen it turn out ok, and I've seen it turn out very badly. More the latter than the former. And if the situation involves cheating on a spouse, it's NEVER good.

5. What piece of wisdom from your own life should be a catchy proverb for others to live by?

   Avoidance just makes the hard parts of life longer and harder.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Little Red Corvette

1) The subject of this song is frankly sexual. Do you blush easily?

I do. VERY thin skin on my face, very northern European, white skin. I turned all kinds of red when I have a glass of wine, too.

2) Prince is his real name (Prince Rogers, to be exact). Growing up, his relatives called him "Skipper." Do you have any nicknames within your family?

I don't, really. Certainly not in my family of origin. Does "Mom" count as a nickname?? ("SKIPPER"??? What the actual heck?)

3) Prince says he's "obsessed" with Mozart and reads whatever he can find about the composer. What's the last book you read?

According to GoodReads, it was A Pet for Fly Guy (Arnold), but the last REAL book I finished was Spell It Out: The Curious, Enthralling and Extraordinary Story of English Spelling (Crystal); I just haven't updated GoodReads yet.

4) Between Prince and The Beach Boys, the Corvette is a much sung-about car. Tell us about your vehicle.

I have a Ford Edge, just like this. It's Beast's previous company car.

5) In the 1980s, when Prince was popular, MTV could turn a song into a hit. In 2014, how do you hear new music?

Spotify, and lists from Entertainment Weekly.

6) In 1982, when "Little Red Corvette" ruled the airwaves, Braniff Airways shocked the travel industry and threw passengers into chaos by declaring bankruptcy. When did you last fly? Did your trip go smoothly?

I went to Vegas to meet Beast at the end of the Builder's Show in January. The flights were fine, uneventful.

7) 1982 is also the year Disney opened Epcot. Have you ever been to a Disney park?

We took Sparky to DisneyWorld when he was 3. I don't need to go back.

8) 1982 is the year Cheers premiered. The sitcom was set in a bar where "everybody knows your name." Tell us about your favorite local bar or restaurant.

Still loving Six Balls, but Izzie's is my weekly spot, and they do know my name. It's a traditional family restaurant, with a sideline in good Mexican food.

9) The 1980s were considered a high point in professional tennis, with Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe dominating the sport. Do you play tennis?

I used to play, badly. Doubt I could do much on the court these days.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Zones

1. Those silly TV programs showcasing supposedly funny videos often feature unexpected blows to someone’s Man Zone (you know, crotch shots). How amusing do you find these videos?

Not so much. Like anything else, seeing the same thing over and over gets old fast.

2. Athletes today often talk about being “in the zone,” attaining that state of mind where everything is both automatic and excellent. When did you last find yourself in the zone?

I get there occasionally at work, but not too frequently. People like to interrupt me even with headphones on.

3. What time zone do you live in, and is there anything especially good or bad about it?

Central. I can't think of anything wonderful except that I don't have to stay up to 11 to see the end of the 'adult' prime-time shows. That's just nuts. But I DVR a lot of stuff anyway these days, so it's not as big a deal.

4. An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may result in the production of sexual fantasies or sexual arousal (not to mention orgasm). What typically non-sexual part of your body is an erogenous zone?*

Like I'm going there online?? hah

5. Where can you get a really good calzone?

I'm not a big calzone fan. I like ponzarottas better. And the best place for those is my former college town.

* Alternate question in case #4 is too personal or #5 is too stupid: In the Star Trek universe, a neutral zone is an area between claimed territories in space where bordering governments agree not to tread (else war is declared). Where in your personal or professional life are the neutral zones?

I would make that the drive to and from work. And, at work, when I have my "Leave me alone" cap on. 

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 5000 Question Meme Continues... Part Six

121. Have you ever lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye?

Yes. My dad. I learned a great deal from that though, and now quite often when I say goodbye at the end of a visit, I mean "Goodbye, just in case this is it." Twice it has been.

122. How do you feel about women in politics?

This is a ridiculous question. The same as men in politics, I don't "feel" any particular way about it; I just hope they're doing their jobs well.

123. Would you rather have an indoor Jacuzzi or an outdoor pool?

Jacuzzi. Though to be honest I have a dream of putting a hot tub on our back porch. After enclosing it, of course. ;-)

124. What things are you interested in that you study or read about regularly?

Early Church history. And I like realistic mysteries.

125. Would you consider yourself to be intelligent?

Yes.

126. Would you consider yourself to be wise?

I have moments. They are fleeting, but pleasant.

127. Have you ever given or received a lap dance?

No.

128. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person?

Of course I have. I speak to them regularly. I would even speak to them if they didn't come in the library every day.

129. Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring?

Sure. Not around here--there's no subway except sewers.

130. If you could add 70 years to your life but only by making some random person die 70 years sooner would you?

No. Why would I want to live that long?

131. Can you identify any of the following lyrics?

A: Nothing to kill or die for...

Yes, Mr. Lennon, I'm aware of your song.

B: Late comings with the late comin' stretcher...

No clue.

C: I could make a film and make you my star...

Ugh, no. I don't specifically recognize this one, but I'm familiar with the sentiment.

132. Are you worried about North Korea?

In a vague way. I can't really take them seriously, but I guess I should stop that.

133. Would you rather be a world political leader or a talk-show host?

Talk-show host. No contest. I have no interest in being in charge of anything political.

134. Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote?

Yes. Back in the day I actually wrote letters semi-regularly.

135. Have you ever sent someone a surprise though the mail?

Yes. Her daughter had to remind her who I was. lol

136. Are you looking forward to any dates right now? Vacation perhaps?

Not really. I'd like to be done with this class, and I'm kinda noodling stuff around for Beast's and my 50th birthdays later this year...and of course Katherine's baby's birth in the summer. That's it for this year.

137. Of all animated movies, which is the best one you've ever seen?

I love "The Lion King." Gosh, I should totally get that out and re-watch it.

138. What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving?

John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, .fun, Queen, random boyband stuff... Anything with a solid beat and lyrics that are sing-along-y.

139. What do you think is the most amazing thing that anyone has ever accomplished?

ANYONE?! Are you fucking serious?? This question is insane, so I'm going with an insane answer: I'm watching Hardcore Pawn right now, and the most amazing thing is that no one has gotten shot (yet).

140. What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you?

Be himself. Be charming without an ulterior motive. Be funny, but not mean. Be helpful but not pushy. This goes for anyone, not just guys, by the way.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Blue Christmas

1) Do you ever suffer the blues during the holidays?

Yes, to a certain degree. They exhaust me eventually. And there is a lot of sadness that has happened from mid-November through the first of January in the past. So...yeah, and a lot of joy, too. I just try to keep focusing on the latter, but the former does flit in at times.

2) More than 18 million visitors have toured Elvis' home, Graceland. Have you ever been there?

Nope. Not interested in the least.

3) Elvis dyed his naturally light brown locks black. Do you dye your hair?

Not anymore. The gray is all real, folks!

4) He also insisted his young girlfriend, Priscilla, dye her hair jet black. If your lover asked you to change your hair, would you?

At this point in my life, no. Beast wouldn't ask me to; never has.

5) Elvis served his country at an Army base in Friedberg, Germany. Have you ever been to Germany?

Yes I have. To an army base, even.

6) Elvis famously had an affair with Ann-Margret during the filming of Viva Las Vegas. Have you ever indulged in a dalliance with a coworker?

Fuck NO! Aside from the detail of primarily working with women, which is not the way I swing...no, I just...ick. If I ever worked with the visual equivalent of Elvis or Ann-Margret, though... (hah)

7) Thinking of his movies ... Elvis was, by and large, unhappy with his film career and once said, "The only thing worse than watching a bad movie is being in one." Are you happy with the way your career is going/has gone?

Yup. Also REALLY happy it hasn't been filmed!

8) Elvis lost "the battle of the bulge" toward end of his life. Are you happy with your weight?

No, I'm afraid that's one area where Elvis and I have a great deal in common, although the source of the weight is completely different.

9) As a teenager, Elvis worked as an usher at a movie theater. What was your first job?

Babysitting. Then I shelved books at the library when I turned 16.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Good Morning, Heartache

1) Do you come up with your brightest ideas early in the morning or late at night?

Not so early in the morning, but morning for sure.

2) Are you more likely to feel romantic at night or in the morning?

That seems to have nothing to do with time whatsoever.

3) Do you shower in the morning, after work or before bed?

Morning is for showers, in general. Bedtime is for a long soak in the tub.

4) Billie Holiday was just 44 when she died. Is there an artist whose early demise surprised and saddened you?

Early death of erratic musical geniuses doesn't surprise me at all. Speaking broadly of 'artists' I was saddened particularly at Heath Ledger's death a few years ago.

5) Billie was known as "Lady Day." Do you have a cool nickname? (If not, feel free to give yourself one right now.)

Does "Cat." count? Otherwise, I have no nicknames whatsoever, unless "Mom" is a nickname?

6) When was the last time you had the blues?

Not feeling too joyful today, or yesterday. Actual "blues" though...probably a few weeks on that draggy awful feeling.

7) Crazy Sam is eating Trader Joe's Snickerdoodles as she composes this. What's the last snack food you ate?

Huh, you caught me: I just had breakfast "dessert" of a Lofthouse iced sugar cookie. Orange on top. Yum.

8) Do you worry about preserving endangered species? Or do you believe in survival of the fittest?

Yes. Both. I totally believe in the latter because it's what happens, yo. It would be a shame if humans killed off some of the pretty animals, but I also know things will be ok eventually.

9) Would you ever hire a lawyer who runs commercials on TV? Do you know anyone who has?

Nope. I have my pick of attorneys, actually. Never thought I'd say I had so many friends who are lawyers!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Who Are you? Part 3 & 4 – Is it over yet?

Part 3: Past
34. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

The one that changed me the most was the five years from 1993 through 1997. Baby, move to a new state and no outside-the-home employment, death of two family members, surgery, other medical issues. It sucked, but wow did I learn a lot.

35. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Surviving all that without getting stuck in the middle of things (for too long).

36. What is your greatest regret?

That I didn't spend more time with Ellen before she died, and that I didn't take more (and better) photos of Sparky with my dad before he died.

37. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

My evil doings tend to be fairly small-scale, but (unfortunately) daily. The one thing I wish I could undo is not being very nice to a very strange girl in my high school English classes.

38. When was the time you were the most frightened?

I have the gift of not being aware of how out-of-control dangerous a situation really is until after I've extricated myself, or someone else has extricated me. Probably the one time I was in the most danger physically was when I slid off a wet road in the rain a few years ago, tore through a farmhouse's front yard, avoided the massive tree trunks, and got back up on the road surface with no damage to anything but their lawn. I did have to pull over for a few minutes and gather my wits before I could continue home.

39. What is your best memory?

I'm fortunate to have too many from which to choose.

Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?

Optimistic for the most part, with a strong self-protective cynical streak.

41. What is your greatest fear?

Any of my recent dreams coming true. Not that they've been particularly bad, though a few have been, but they have all been so completely strange that if they actually occurred, it would mean that I'd have gone completely crazy.

42. What are your religious views?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

43. State a random opinion?

Does it have to be my random opinion? ;-)
I think it's pretty hypocritical for those who are voting to decrease government spending to get upset when their personal benefits get cut.

44. What are your views on sex?

I'm for it.

45. Are you able to cook?

There's some question of that, but tonight's dinner was pretty damn good: black bean bake with cheesy tortillas baked inside.

46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?

Forget that any one of the rest of us are human too.

47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?

Don't really think I believe in soul-mates. I definitely believe in love of all kinds.

48. What do you believe makes a successful life?

Being able to see possibilities for good in any situation and working to make it occur.

49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?

Mostly, I'm very honest. Too honest, many would say. I'm what you might call "excitable." Or worse...

50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?

Of course I do. Who doesn't? I try to be aware of them. Sometimes I don't realize they're there until I say or do something completely stupid, though.

51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?

I don't think I could carry out a long-term, planned assault on an innocent person. I probably couldn't kill anyone, unless it was heat-of-the-moment and in the course of defending myself or my loved ones. I could NOT plot out any kind of demeaning, hurtful, torture for someone, though. Not for real.

52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?

I would hope that I'd be willing to die to protect my loved ones, and the beliefs for which I stand.

Lots of Curiosity in this Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Have you ever been arrested?

Nope. Never spent time in custody. Hoping to keep that record intact untill I die.

2) In what ways would you like to change the world?

I'm trying to keep my corner of it from imploding at any given moment by trying to be kind. I'm actually nicer in person than on the blog(s).

3) Has a book ever brought you to tears?

Only about twice a month for most of my life.

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

This nail needs driving--it's a hazard to feet and the structural integrity of whatever it's supposed to be holding together.

+ + + + + + + +
1) What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you as a result of procrastinating?

I can't right now think of a specific incident, but there've been a few missed opportunities, for sure.

2) Are you a member of the Mile High Club?

Nope, though I did grow up in the Mile High City, so if we stretch the definition... lol

3) What's worse, extremely cold weather or extremely hot weather?

I hate hot+humid. Abhor it! Otherwise, I don't mind hot. But it's easier to deal with cold--you can always find ways to warm up, but it's hard to cool down.

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

I find butterflies really interesting. This one is unusually un-colorful, but still lovely.

+ + + + + + + +
1) Describe your "good china," whether you actually own any or not.

I have both of my grandmother's china sets, plus my parents'. We use the latter on Thanksgiving: it's beige with pale green outer rims, very '50/'60s-standard. I love them. I didn't ask for china when we got married: seemed silly to ask for dishes we'd have to store for 10 years.

2) When are you happiest?

When I'm relaxed and accomplishing something important (to me).

3) If you could turn into two people right now, what are the first two things you'd want to do?

I'd go on vacation, like, permanently. And the other one of me would stick around and keep earning money to pay for that vacation.

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

There was a day when hang-gliding looked like the most fun ever. Now, this photo kinda scares me: what if you impaled your glider on one of the arms of the turbines?? So, yeah, I'm too old for this I think.

+ + + + + + + +
1) You discover that the person you're head-over-heels about loves good homemade & handmade desserts. What will you concoct when you have this person over?

Hmm, looks like it's apple crumble all around with (maybe even homemade) whipped cream on top.

2) What would you leave in your will for the person you care about the most?

My money, and the name of a good attorney/accountant. OK, seriously: family mementos and a big mess to clean up. It's only fair, right? Reality is somewhere in the middle of all this, of course.

3) What do you consider to the most valuable thing you own: when you were a child/teenager/now?

When I was a child, it was probably one of my toys, maybe my jacks. As a teen, probably my diary. Now...probably this computer. Or...jeez, maybe my family Bibles?

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

Huge much? Since I know the photo is actually of a prison, it astounds me that we (still) spend so much money in our (used broadly here: this is in Australia) culture on locking people up.

+ + + + + + + +
1) How often do you clean between your toes?

Directly and intentionally? Not real often, but then again, they don't really get that dirty.

2) What is your favorite way to waste time at work without getting caught?

I've been known to check Facebook. I read through random interesting-looking books quite regularly (is that really time-wasting, though?). Oh, and there's the regular chit-chat with coworkers.

3) If you could have had the starring role in one film already made, which movie would you pick?

So tempting to say Maria in "The Sound of Music".... I can't think of any other heroines I'd want to be. Well, ok, maybe Professor McGonnigle.

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

Awesome to see strong black women running things. The world would be a better place if we saw more of this, I think.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Meme 250 - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

1. Do you ever feel like you are nowhere?

No, I always know I'm somewhere, though quite often I couldn't define for anyone where in the world (or elsewhere) that is.

2. Do you keep your cool no matter what is going on around you?

In emergencies, I'm pretty good. As soon as things calm down a bit, though, I tend to flip out. However, in stressful non-emergencies I'm variable: sometimes calm and clear-headed, but sometimes completely insane.

3. Do you feel that career should be more important than your love life?

No. Of course not.

4. In what way do you feel that you are unique?

In the usual way: DNA.

5. Do you feel that there is a part of you that you need to hide from most people?

I do try to keep my temper in check; most people don't really need to see that.

6. Have you ever held on to a relationship even though you truly knew it was already over?

It ain't over till it's over....

7. Would you say that you are a winner in this game of life?

I'm definitely closer to the winner end than the loser end.

8. Can you tell us about a time when you were broke and yet still happy?

When Beast and I were first married, that pretty much summed things up.

9. Do you think staying celibate between relationships important?

Important for me? Well, I can't honestly speak to that since it's been awhile "between relationships," and I wouldn't deign to speak for others on this particular issue. For one thing, how does one define and "relationship"?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Moves Like Jagger

1. Who makes the best moves in your life?

I'm just happy at this point that Beast can actually move at all again!

2. Tell us about a time where you had to be selfish with your time, and felt guilty about it (whether it was time taken from your children or a significant other.

This summarizes motherhood, especially when mom is working outside the house. Many, many times I needed to be two places at once. Let's see: Sparky's first day of school, when his idiotic teacher told him to walk home even though he was supposed to take the daycare van. He ended up sitting outside our empty, locked house till the van found him.

3. Do you feel that you can create more sex appeal or that it's just a given?

Me?? ha ha ha In general I think people are sexiest when they aren't trying too hard to be sexy.

4. Do your religious beliefs really influence your behavior?

I should hope so!!

5. Do you feel there are some things in a significant other that you can't change because of their sex?

I think men are either built or are socialized not to communicate the same was as women. It's a problem. We're working on it.

6. Do you see a younger less secure person when you gaze in the mirror?

No, I see me.

7. If you have ever been pregnant, or have been with a woman who was, how did [a]ffect your sex life?

Well, aside from the last few weeks--i.e., the "hippo phase"--it didn't much.

8. What would you like to work on to become a better person?

I would like to have more push to get things done without having to have a deadline. Mostly in personal stuff, not work-related things.

9. When did you think that you understood the sacrifices that people in the military make on behalf of their country?

I was about 8 when we left Saigon. There was a POW released about that time and a very famous photo of his arrival back in the States shows his family running toward him on the tarmac of the airport. I'm pretty sure that was the first news story I read start to finish. I couldn't imaging living without my dad at that point in my life. And after I read the article, I realized a lot of kids my age were doing just that...forever. Which made me think about the fact that my dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, and had he not survived, I wouldn't even exist...it was pretty meta for a kid.