Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)

Spill It!

This week is less a steal than a cheat. These are AI-generated responses to the request: "What should I ask to get a stranger to open up?"

1. If money wasn't an issue, would you move to a new home?

If money weren't an issue, I'd pay to move my house and (some of) its contents to another location.

2. Do you listen to different music when you're happy than when you're sad?

Oh, for sure. Driving to and from the nursing home in March after The Call, I instinctively turned Spotify to some Old Timey hymns and sang along to a few. Nothing else would have worked, and silence would not have been good. My usual fare of podcasts was right out of the running.

3. What's your favorite way to unwind after a tough day?

Jigsaws online, reading, CBD, and perhaps a hot bath.

4. What's the first book you remember from childhood?

There was this big (14" or so square-ish) book shaped like a barn that when you opened it had a half-dozen or so little books inside the "stable doors" behind which I could read about the animals in that pen, so a pig story, a horse story, etc. I loved that book so much.

5. What made you smile today?

My kid playing her stupid Stardew on Twitch. And also some memories while catching up on these memes, as well as some other people's answers to said memes.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Listen to the Music (1972)
Because Zippi requested it.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics say, "What the people need is a way to make them smile." What song lifts your spirits and makes you smile every time you hear it?

Almost anything by Katy Perry: "Roar" for instance. Or Pharrell Williams' "Happy." Or almost anything by Bruno Mars.

2) Lead vocalist/composer Tom Johnston reports that he's made a lot in royalties because so many radio stations use this as a jingle. Tell us a jingle that sticks in your head.

I can still do the old McDonald's "Two all-beef patties, special sauce...." thing. And "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" for that matter.

3) The Doobie Brothers got their start in San Jose, California. San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, thanks to all the tech companies that have headquarters there. Let's talk about the device you're on right now: are all your applications up to date?

They are. I just had this puppy in the shop a couple of weeks ago, so I think things are still relatively clean.

4) When they were still a local band, the Doobie Brothers had a strong following among bikers. Are you attracted to biker culture?

I own stock in Harley Davidson. My father-in-law worked for them. Bikers are ok by me, as long as they aren't lawbreakers.

5) This week's song is from Toulouse Street, which is considered their "breakthrough" album. Tell us about a moment in your own life that you consider a "breakthrough."

I've been thinking about this brainwave for a few weeks: when I was about 12 or so, after a(nother) screaming match between my mom and me, I remember being in my room and suddenly realize that we butted heads so often because we were so much alike. This was not great news, all things considered since I was pretty angry with her, but it did help me understand and deal with some of her (and my) peculiarities going forward.

6) In 1987, the Doobie Brothers did a benefit performance for Vietnam Veterans at the Hollywood Bowl. Next to the Beatles, it was the fastest-selling ticket in Hollywood Bowl history. Which group do you listen to more often -- the Doobies or the Beatles?

Doobies. Not sure why, but they rotate around my Spotify more often than the Beatles.

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, Wranglers were America's best-selling jeans. Are you brand-loyal to one jeans manufacturer?

I mostly wear Lee blue jeans, and GV color jeans.

8) Grocery stores saw seafood prices fluctuate wildly in 1972 because of a series of confrontations between the United Kingdom and Iceland regarding fishing rights in the North Atlantic. (Iceland won.) What was the most recent seafood dish that you enjoyed?

Hmm. I can't think of any seafood....oh, yeah, I had crab rangoon with my takeout Chinese last weekend.

9) Random question: Which of these "top ten" lists would you prefer to be on -- the sexiest, the smartest or the richest?

Smartest.

Sunday Stealing

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

What’s your favorite word or phrase?

"Actually..." In my head, it's probably more Anglo-Saxon and concise than that. I often mutter, in a British accent, "Fuck right bloody off, arsehole!" while smiling at people. I need to stop that before I get to England as THEY will bloody-well understand me and chastise me. :)

Tell us about a person who made you smile today.

I spent my afternoon at the birthday party of my 3-year-old great nephew Eli--though this photo is from a couple of months ago. Same shirt today though. lol He is as sweet-tempered as he looks in this photo, very huggy and kind-hearted.
His 10-month-old brother Jo is also dead-adorable, but that one is going to be a pistol once he gets upright and moving. We're going on vacation next month with them. It's going to be interesting; he should be walking (i.e. running) by then.

What were you doing at 8 am this morning?

(as opposed to 8 a.m. last night?) I think I was just leaving the bathroom and going back to bed. Not that I slept more, naturally.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

I was just starting this. It's been kind of a nutty half hour--making something to eat, seeing Beast off to a meeting, finding the photos of the boys, watching the women's gymnastics from the Olympics....

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I love Thanksgiving. I love the reason for it, and I love the food and all the family gatherings.

Tell us about a visit to another country.

We're going to England in 29 days. My nephew Jesse is getting married near Bristol. We're renting a house with my niece and her family (above) and her parents (my sister & bro-in-law). We might not kill each other. It's probably the first time I've gone overseas without a mapped-out plan of what is available to do in the area. I have a couple of lists of sites and restaurants, but otherwise, TOTALLY playing it by ear, and that's fine.

What is the last thing you said aloud?

"Bon voyage!" to Beast as he left. Being silly: he'll be back by 9.

What was the last thing you had to drink?

I'm working on Diet Dr. Pepper now. Just finished some Diet Coke from McD's.

What are you wearing right now?

Army green clamdiggers and a white (with some blue) T-shirt, over the requisite underwear. And a layer of sweat.

What was the last thing you ate?

Some angel food cake bites. I should get some fruit salad to go with, since that was the deal.

Have you bought any new clothing items this week?

Nope.

When was the last time you ran?

I can't even remember.

What’s the last sporting event you watched?

Still watching women's gymnastics on TV.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

...mountains. Please. Alone.

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on Facebook?

I posted something in a Facebook group an hour or so ago. Need to do my "who died in a gunfight today" post after I finish this meme.

Ever go camping? If yes, tell us about one time.

I have. There are not enough words in English to express the amount of dislike I have for camping. No plumbing, no heat or a/c, bugs, animals snuffling around outside, dirt, hard ground... And allergies. Every . Single . Time.

Do you have a tan?

I have some connected freckles on my arms. That's about the best I get.

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet?

...maybe that's where my mind went. (no, otherwise)

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sweets.

Friday 5, delayed*

(Link in meme-roll)
The Force Which Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower

1. When did you last have to force your way into something?

   I honestly can't think of a thing! I had some trouble opening a jar of spaghetti sauce the other day, but in terms of Big Stuff, I'm most trying to force myself to stay OUT of things.

2. What’s something you’ve recently used physical force on?

   That jar mentioned above. Various cleaning projects. Humping books around the library. I don't really do a ton of "forcing" things; it seems counter-productive.

3. What was the last food you had to force down your throat?

   Me? Having to force myself to eat? Ha ha ha. Probably the last thing was a couple of months ago doing the prep for a colonoscopy. Not because it was horrible-tasting, but really, drinking 2 gallons of water in about 5 hours isn't fun.

4. When did you last have to force a smile or a laugh?

   I do this every day, all the time. It's more like a nervous tic now.

5. What are the best and worst things about the Star Wars movies?

   Best is the different ways it gets people to talk about some pretty major issues, coming at them from lots of different angles that appeal to lots of different kinds of people. Worst is, hands-down, the wooden scripts. And I'm not a fan of the overall lack of non-cis non-white, non-human, characters. For a big galaxy, most everyon looks and behaves suspiciously like WASPland.

* I left the house yesterday at 7:30 a.m. and returned home at about 9:40 p.m. I took a look at these questions at that point and the TITLE of this week's post confused me so much that I went to bed. 😲

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Big Bad Meme

Is there anyone else in the room with you atm? What are they doing?

Beast is across the room sorting the week's mail, paying bills, doing some other financial stuff...and watching the Packers play (badly, against Carolina).

Do you show your teeth when you smile, or do you prefer smiling with your lips closed?

I don't really think about my teeth when I'm smiling--I'm pretty sure they show.

Would you rather be told the truth, even if it isn’t what you want to hear?

Yes, ultimately I would.

What is something that you plan to buy, as soon as you’ve saved up the money for it?

We really need a new vacuum. I "donated" our old one to Sparky when he moved out in August. The cleaning ladies do the carpets when they're here, and most of the floors aren't carpeted anyway, but we really need something for cleaning in between their visits.

Do you play Sudoku?

I do. Almost every day.

Have you ever had a migraine?

Yes. They are the pits.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I've finally finished Touch by Claire North. Great concept, good story, but the ending was a bit of a letdown....

What was the last item of clothing you purchased for yourself?

I bought a couple of new pairs of shoes for fall/winter last weekend. Before that, it was a T and a zip-hoodie on vacation.

Your first serious relationship, do you still talk to him/her?

Nope. I'm friends with his brother on Facebook though.

Who is the last person you texted?

Beast.

How close is your family?

Geographically, we're very spread out (all over the U.S.--like 5 separate states) and two countries in Europe. But, surprisingly, we're pretty close as family.

Is there anything too serious to be joked about?

It's impossible to laugh at other people's honest grief. There's humor in grief, to be sure, but not directed outwards at someone who is grieving.

Do you like to understand and have good knowledge of things?

Yes.

What is worse? Back pain or shoulder pain?

Well this is eerily timely....Beast has been suffering from both in the past three weeks. We're far more concerned about the pain that is originating in his spine and causing the fingers on his left hand to go numb almost constantly. I think nerve pain is the worst because nothing really 'fixes' it except morphine (which they don't give outside the hospital or directly under a nurse's care, these days). His arm just aches all the time.

Have you ever almost fallen off of something high off the ground?

Nope. I tend to hold on tight when I'm elevated. Probably has something to do with growing up in the mountains.

What’s one fruit you love in drinks?

Lemon.

What is something simple that you’re afraid of?

The bottom falling out. Y'know when this question comes up anymore, I just sit here for 15-20 seconds trying to come up with something scary...and in this case something "simple" that's scary. The stuff that tends to scary me is not simple. Bats, spiders, death, the dark, heights...nope. Maybe large crowds, but especially in the last month I've had to face some serious fears and come to terms with them and stand my ground just to get on with life. Doesn't mean I'm calm and cool all the time, but I've developed a very large capacity for "bring it."

Has this weekend been good?

Yeah, actually, it's been good. I'm going to finish this and publish it and flop over for my mid-afternoon Sunday nap. That's always good.
I'm NOT, however, looking forward to work tomorrow. Friday was a great day for getting stuff done, but a shit day for dealing with coworkers. I really don't want to see them tomorrow.

How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?

I'm usually up and getting ready to leave the house about 90 minutes before I need to leave.

Last movie you watched in theaters and with whom?

"A Walk in the Woods" last month with Beast. I loved the book. The movie was ok--lovely scenery and Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were funny.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly

1. Have you ever had a pen pal?

I have! Kim R and I corresponded for a couple of years when I was about 8. She was from Connecticut (so I learned how to spell that early!). Then when I was about 14, Kristina A and I met up via letter--she lived on Long Island and she was allowed to make phone calls so we talked rather more often than most pen pals do. That friendship was far too much of a mis-match to last, however. When I was a junior in high school, somehow Vickie P and I hooked up. She lived in Washington state and was heavily into that early-grunge, post-New Wave scene. We corresponded for perhaps 3 years. There was a guy in Brazil I wrote to briefly while in college--that was just weird, but he was drop-dead gorgeous. There was a girl in Japan in high school named Kumiko--I still have a lovely Japanese doll she sent me. Let's see. Oh, my college roommate had a Swedish penpal with a friend who wanted a penpal, so Elisabeth and I kept in touch for probably 6 years till adulthood and marriage and family and work intervened. And there was a guy who went to high school with a guy I dated briefly in college who turned out to be a better and longer-term friend than the guy I was dating.
Whew. See, I used to write letters. It's eminently possible I've written myself out.

2. What’s your favorite breed of dog?

Yes.
I like pretty much all dogs. I guess I prefer terriers and retrievers and shepherds, having had those breeds. But I'm not going to be picky since I can't have a dog around me for long. I'll take whatever breed I can spend time with!

3. Can money buy happiness?

It buys comfort. That is often easily mistaken for happiness.

4. Do you listen to music when you’re down?

Yes. But I listen to music whenever I can, regardless of mood.

6.Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?

I honestly can.

7.What was the last thing you spent money on?

I dropped $250+ at Meijer yesterday on groceries and a few things for today's party.

8.Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?

Ayup. Stopped dying it 2-3 years ago.

9.Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?

Actually, no one. I PM'd Sparky a couple of times since he is pretty much always in his room and I don't feel like running (or shouting) upstairs for him. But my phone got no usage this weekend.

10.Were you in a good mood last night?

Sure. We watched a DVR'd episode of Whose Line Is It? and some other random stuff. I went to bed relatively early.

11.Do you have a reason to smile right now?

Always. IN spite of current irritation with Sparky's crabbiness about having to miss a D&D session to go to today's birthday party.

12. How often do you hold back what you want to say?

More than I ever used to! Probably not often enough though.

13. Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place?

Yup. It always does, one way or another. We may not like the resulting picture, but there always is one.

14.Are you currently looking forward to anything?

Aside from today's party? lol My second "son" (a good friend of Sparky's from high school) is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. And I do like August and September just because.

15.Do you have any TV shows on DVD?

Most of Outlander--probably 10 episodes--and probably a couple of other things. Deadliest Catch? There'll be a NASCAR race to watch when we get home this afternoon.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The One Thing Meme

One Thing .....
that makes you smile: silly kids.

that makes you cry: dead kids.

that you love to do on the weekends: not set an alarm. Hasn't happened this week though....

that you do for only yourself: this thing right here.

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: ...uhm, air? The only that fits in my underwear drawer is underwear.

that you do before going to sleep: take off my glasses and pull up the blankets.

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: look at the clock.

that's in your purse: ....I don't use a purse, but I have lots of random cards in my wallet: business cards, loyalty cards, etc.

that you actually LIKE to clean: dishes. I like the camaraderie of washing and drying together.

that you DETEST cleaning: not a huge fan of mopping/sweeping/vacuuming floors.

that other people would find odd about you: I'm 51 years old and sitting on the couch with my feet under me like someone half my age. I can't sit in a chair properly even at work. I prefer sitting curled up, or on the floor.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: ...maybe a green blouse for Tuesday.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: finish God's purpose for me.

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.

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

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)
One Thing .....

that makes you smile:

Babies, or little kids, giggling. I find it difficult not to join in.

that makes you cry:

Lately? EVERYdamnTHING. I haven't gotten through a day in the past week without some tears. Wish I could figure out WTF is up with me.

that you love to do on the weekends:

Nap

that you do for only yourself:

Nap. If repeats aren't allowed, eat. Or breathe. Or... yeah, other things.

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear:

Surprisingly, the only thing in my underwear drawer IS underwear. Maybe some dust?

that you do before going to sleep:

I take off my glasses whenever I sleep, even in the car, or on the couch.

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking:

Well, the obvious answer here is that I pee.

that's in your purse:

I don't carry a purse. I don't own a purse, even. I have a lot of carrier bags (one for meetings, one for Bible Study, several for groceries) but no purses.

that you actually LIKE to clean:

I enjoy washing dishes.

that you DETEST cleaning:

I hate the whole process of cleaning floors: picking everything up, moving furniture, waiting for the mopped parts to dry...and watching them get dirty IMMEDIATELY.

that other people would find odd about you:

I suspect the fact that I read close to or over 100 books a year would disturb, confuse and even repel some people.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill:

I ... do not know. There's literally nothing I want or need, that I've been holding out for. Maybe a bus ticket...? Or I'd just turn it over to one of the good organizations in town: Kiwanis, the women's shelter, a youth organization, something like that.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die:

Live. I would really love to see Sparky happily ensconced in adulthood, married to someone he loves who loves him, with kids. If even some of that happens, I'd be content. Otherwise, I don't have specific plans for the next 30 or so years. Hang out, listen to good music, read good books, eat good food, help others, laugh a lot, learn more....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
more of an update for me, as I've answered all these questions previously ...
POST #6300!!!

1. Where was your profile picture taken?

The one at the top of this blog is a stock photo that came with the template. I love it. The one I use for my Blogger profile is the same one I've used since I started blogging almost 9 years ago: it shows Mt. Abrams (another stock pic), a view that means everything good in the world to me. My Facebook profile pic is currently a bizarre boombox I saw in a shop while on vacation last year; my cover photo there is a roadside photo taken 5 years ago in Duluth while on a mission trip with the high school kids from our church. I think that's all my profile pics. [sorry, if you aren't a Facebook friend, you'll have to trust me...*]

2. Name someone who made you laugh today.

The Sunday School kids were totally wild today. I'm giving the edge to Martha (age 3) and Peyton (age 8, I think) for being 100% honest and 100% on-task-without-knowing-it.

3. Do you believe exes can be friends?

Sure. Maybe not besties, but there is always room for civility. 'Course, it depends on everyone putting away their egos and defensiveness, so it's rare.

4. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?

I drink about 25 oz. minimum per day of the diet variety. I love Dr. P with every fiber in my tastebuds.

5. Who was the last person you took a picture of?

The most recent picture in my phone that has people in it is Beast and me in Cali a couple of weeks ago. Unless you count the uncooked turkey on Thursday, of course.

6. Are you upset about anything?

Nope. If I should be, I'd prefer if you didn't tell me till tomorrow, at this point, ok?

7. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?

Nope. Not with an attitude like that. Go on with you, go live on a pillar in the desert.

8. Are you a bad influence?

I have been accused of that on occasion. It seems to come as a surprise to people, somehow.

9. Night out or night in?

In. I don't like the decibel level that is usually involved in nights out.

10. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?

Heh. Perfectly wrong or a perfect bitch, maybe....

11. What song is stuck in your head?

None. Thank God; I'm watching football intently now in order to NOT think of any earworms!!!

12. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?

My bedroom window, where I am most likely to be, would require the use of a ladder visible from the street, and the windows are locked, always, so...that would freak me out so completely that I'd probably hurt myself racing to the back of the house! Downstairs, whoever it is is out of luck; I'm unlikely to hear you. So, basically, leave me alone at 2 a.m. unless you call first.

13. Do you smile a lot?

Yes. I've got the wrinkles to prove it.

_____________
* I took pity on you (lol):

Weird boombox

Duluth Roadsigns

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Forget You

1. Have you ever felt that you needed to just forget an ex-lover?

Well, YEAH! Hard to do, though.

2. Spring picnics and cookouts are here! What would you want to have on your plate as you head back to the table?

Fresh fruits and veggies. Can't wait till they start appearing.

3. It's St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Do you celebrate? Drink Green Beer? Go out?

We're set for corned beef and potatoes (no cabbage) tonight. No green beer. Yuck. Not sure but we may be reheating the corned beef tomorrow...rough day for Beast.

4. Did you remember to wear green today?

Of course I did; it was required at work today, pretty much.

5. What phrase or saying do you over use?

"So yeah" and "really" come to mind.

6. If you could (or could have) change(d) something about your relationship with your parents, what would it be?

I would ask more questions about their early lives, take notes, pay attention. I wish I could have gotten closer to Mom, but she had major walls up, and then ... so did I.

7. If the NCAA Men's or Women's Final Four basketball tournament was played in your hometown arena or within easy driving distance from where you live, would you try to attend one of the games?

Hell no. I can't stand basketball! Nor do I like crowds of drunken sports fans.

8. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

Baby giggles. Happy kids. My loved ones happy and healthy.

9. We've asked this before: What else is on your mind? Go ahead and rant.

I'm very tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop; I'm beginning to think that the shoes are on the feet of a millipede. It just never ends. And I'm getting very worn down. Basically, I need to get over this.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
stupid phone

[01] What keeps you awake at night?

Worrying, being cold, and also, occasionally, needing to pee or being hungry.

[02] What object in your sight makes you smile?

Sparky's mostly within sight, so we'll go with that.

[03] What temp is it where you are?

Inside, probably about 70; outside 27.

[04] What is the last word you had to look up to find the spelling?

I struggle with -ants and -ents and their relatives. I'm sure it was one of those. Been awhile though, since I have a spell-check for almost everything I write.

[05] If you could replace one electronic device in your home, what would it be?

With a new electronic device, I presume. Maybe my phone? I dunno.

Smiley?

You Are a Nose Smiley

You are a very detailed oriented person. You feel happiest when all your ducks are in a row. You are conventional and orthodox. You are the most normal person you know. You like to work hard, but you also value your downtime. You seek balance in your life. You are smart to the point of being a genius. You are very learned.

What Smiley Are You?

OK, well then, except I never use this particular emoticon.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
St. Patrick's Day

1. St. Patrick's Day is March 17th (Thursday). Do you celebrate and wear green? Drink Green Beer? Ignore it?

I don't drink beer when it isn't green, so yeah...not. As for wearing green, someone pointed out to me that she's wearing orange since she's a Protestant. I've watched the Orangemen march and they disgust me, but the opposing side isn't much better, so I'm thinking I'll wear blue. Or red. Or black and white.

2. If a leprechaun told you that you could have any amount of money from his pot of gold but it had to be a specified amount for a specified item, how much would you ask for and what would it be for?

I'd request several billion dollars specifically to help Japan rebuild.

3. One of the symbols of St. Patrick's Day is the leprechaun. Name a celebrity that you think would look good as a leprechaun. Name a celebrity that would look ridiculous as a leprechaun. Is there any one celebrity that would make a really scary leprechaun?

Good: Elijah Wood (of course). Bad: Uma Thurman or Magic Johnson. Scary: Jim Carrey. He's a scary anything.

4. For a prize of $1,000,000,000 you are challenged to make yourself a costume for a St. Patricks Day party. The ONLY rules are that you aren't allow to use clothing and it has to be green. Using anything other than clothing, describe your costume to us using ANYTHING else in the house.

Duct tape. And I'm having Grace make it; she's made numerous articles of clothing and other things out of duct tape for years.

5. What day of the week is your busiest? Tell us about your schedule.

Wednesdays, I'm up at 5:30 a.m., out of the house at 6:10 for Bible Study, to work by 7:45 or 8, work till 5, head to church for dinner at 5:30, and bell choir at 6:30 rounds out the activities. I'm usually home by 7:45 or 8.

6. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

Baby giggles.

7. Of all the clothes you own, what do you feel most comfortable wearing, and why?

Pajamas. Or jeans and a T-shirt if I'm leaving the house.

8. On what television show—-either past or present—-would you like to make to make a guest appearance, and what role would you play?

I would have loved to have been on Gilligan's Island as Mary Ann's cousin or something like that.

9. What else is on your mind? Go ahead and rant.

This has been a horrible Lent so far: the collective-bargaining bill in Wisconsin, the NFL talks backfiring, and topping it all is the horrendous news out of Japan yesterday and today. I totally want a do-over. Feels like I didn't get a choice on what to give up this year; I'm giving up my peace of mind by default.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
How's It Gonna Be

1. How's it gonna be in 2011 for you?

Well, I'm kinda hoping that the ONLY family news is about weddings and other happy stuff. Not sure how that's gonna play out though.

2. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

Laughter, conversation, relaxing.

3. What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Oh, wow, that's a little major for the way I'm feeling tonight. How about we just legalize and tax the hell out of EVERYthing and put every single dime of the tax money into public education?

4. What thing about your family are you least proud of?

Our stubbornness and tendency to get angry about stuff because we are unable to get over ourselves. Case in point: tonight. It's a little tense around here. [me, I'm so tired I can't think]

5. What part of the holidays are you really looking forward to?

Everyone being happy again.

6. Who is the last person you high-fived? Why?

Rach, this morning after she told Jet that if he was going to throw up to go "the other direction" (i.e., towards Sparky). Long story. And no, no one threw up.

7. Have you ever made out at a drive-in?

Heh, no.

8. If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to?

Right now? Sparky. He needs it more today.

9. Tell us about that time when you were the “life of the party”.

Well the was that time when I was getting teased for some reason about not being able to hold my alcohol, so I downed a shot of 180-proof vodka on an empty stomach (then chug-a-lugged a Coke to counter it...college kids are D.U.M.). Two hours later, I was definitely not sober but I wasn't wearing a lampshade or anything; and meanwhile, the boys who had been teasing me were puking in the dorm showers after taking their own challenge. Idiots.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Your Smiling Face

1. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

Sunshine. Baby giggles. Puns.

2. What's the biggest lie you've ever told?

Oh hell, I don't know. I've told the same lies so many times that they have to count for something big, right? Like, "I'd love to do that!" "I'm fine. How are you?"

3. Do you hold a grudge?

I have a good long-term memory, but in the general sense, I'm ok with letting go of grudges. There are a couple of stand-out exceptions, however....

4. What is the worst job you've ever had?

I temped one summer during college, and one of the assignments I was sent to involved sitting at a desk and not being allowed to do anything. Finally, just before closing time, they let me do about 15 minutes of basic filing. The sense I got was that they were afraid I'd fuck things up and would rather pay me to touch nothing. Little did they know. Their loss. I wrote 2 or 3 long letters to friends while I sat there, bored out of my mind.

5. What would be your dream job?

My current job, minus the annoyances of course.

6. What is the happiest event you've experienced?

My former boss's wedding was the best ever. There was maturity and joy and silliness everywhere.

7. What is the saddest thing you've experienced?

Nathanael. Babies shouldn't die.

8. Do you tend to exaggerate or underestimate?

I try hard not to exaggerate verbally because I know I'm prone to it. On the other hand, I'd always rather have too much (paint for the walls, food for a party, whatever) instead of not enough.

9. List the cars that you have owned. Give us just a few words about each one.

I guess the Pinto counts, though I sort of 'inherited' it when I married Beast. lol It was a Pinto. 'nuf said, I think. Then we had a Chevy Monza. Trust me, it was a step DOWN from the Pinto.
Traded that in for the Toyota pickup. Loved that truck. It was pure awesome. First new vehicle we bought as a couple.
At some point we bought a Dodge Omni. Cute car, ridiculous to think it was big enough for us at that point in our lives.
...which is why we traded it in for a minivan when Sparky was born. I hated that damn thing, but it kept us going for the first 6 or 7 years of parenthood.
At some point, we bought a Honda Accord to sort of replace the truck because it was falling apart. Literally rusting apart. The dude backing into the side of it didn't help either. We eventually sold it to a friend's teenage son. Weird to see it tooling around town for awhile before he moved somewhere else, or killed it, or it fell into a pile of rust. Anyway, loveloveLOVE the Honda!
And then we bought a Ford Ranger (pickup) to replace the minivan because I fucking hated it and had a temper tantrum about it. We had fixed about every system in that van at least once: AC, doors, heat, you name it. Stupid van. Stupid Chrysler. Never, ever, again.
We still own the Honda and the Ranger after 10+ years, although Beast now drives a company car because of his job, so Sparky has taken de facto ownership of the Honda since he got his license.

Smiley

You Have Your Ideas to Smile About

The thing that makes you happiest is your own little inner world. You always have a new thought that delights you. All you need in this life is your imagination. You can never be too bored or too depressed. People make [sic] think you are a bit of a flake or that you have your head in the clouds. They truly don't understand what makes you tick and why you're smiling. If people could read your mind, they would be truly amazed!

What Do You Have To Smile About?

Huh. Yup.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What is the most hideous scent you can think of?

I can't stand the smell of creeping charlie. And skunk...omg...just, omg...especially up close.

2) If you were a character in any spy novel, who would you be?

Well, of course, I'd be the strong, silent, heroic type. Ever notice that this character is always male? Yeah, that's why I don't read many spy novels. If we expand this a little to include mysteries, I want to be V.I. Warshawski (not the Kathleen Turner incarnation).

3) Whose smile can most easily persuade or seduce you?

Oh, I'm really pretty easy: a joy-filled kid can get me to do anything. Fortunately, most of 'em don't realize it or my life would be hell.

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

For some reason, this first reminded me of the refugees after our departure from Vietnam. Then I wondered if it was a Somalian pirate launch. Whatever it is, it gives me the willies--I'd never get on that boat willingly.