Sunday Stealing

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The Disappearing Questions

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

We saw "La La Land" last weekend. We were underwhelmed, to say the least. No clue why it's getting accolades--except that it's a movie about how wonderful Hollywood is. But it's not that good.

2. What book are you reading?

Blotto Twinks And The Riddle Of The Sphinx, by Simon Brett; Where the Shadows Lie, by Michael Ridpath; The Oxford Book of English Detective Stories, (ed. by Patricia Craig); Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, by Svetlana Alexievich.

3. Favorite board game?

Trivial Pursuit. Or Life.

4. Favorite magazine?

Ms.

5. Favorite smells?

Pine. "Clean." Vanilla.

6. Favorite sounds?

Giggling. Hymns. Wind.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

Pain. Pain in those I love is actually THE worst.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

It's a toss-up between "Can I snooze?", "What am I wearing today?" and "What stupid shit did SCROTUS to overnight?"

9. Favorite fast food place?

KFC, Arby's. and Taco Bell. Our TB has been closed since before Halloween. Just reopened at the end of last week. I can't WAIT to drive-thru this week!!).

10. Future child’s name?

There are no children in my future, except grandchildren. And I don't get to name those.

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?

"...spend more and still complain about being poor."

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I do. Elsie my library cat.

13. Storms – cool or scary?

It's a matter of scale, is it not? I don't mind some thunder-bangers, but I'm not a fan of tornado weather.

14. Favorite drink?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Mixed-drink? Stoli & tonic with a lime twist.

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?

"....travel much more often!"

16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

Yes. Well, more on cooked broccoli than raw, I guess.

17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I'd like a nice electric blue, to be honest.

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?

Suburban Denver, suburban Milwaukee, and ex-urban Where-I-Live-Now.

19. Favorite sports to watch?

Football. Gymnastics.

20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

I like Bud. He's funny, classy (usually, lol), smart, and interesting. And likes music.

21. What’s under your bed?

Dust, used Kleenex, electrical cords ... mostly dust.

22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Sure. Maybe I'd screw up less. Or differently. But I probably wouldn't have my memories to remind me of what worked.

23. Morning person, or night owl?

I prefer mornings overall.

24. Over easy, or sunny side up?

Over easy.

25. Favorite place to relax?

Up in the mountains in a meadow. Me and the sky and grass and sun.

26. Favorite pie?

Cherry? Banana-cream? Really, I just like pie.

27. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Birthday cake. Peppermint. Bubble gum. Or just plain vanilla with butterscotch topping.

28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?

Depends how buried in other things I am. I'm unlikely to get very far today.

Friday 5

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Stop. Hey, What’s That Sound?

1. What’s a sound you like falling asleep to?

   Silence. I have been known to drift off to sports on TV however.

2. What sounds do you hear right now?

   Star Trek TOS ad, following an ST:TNG episode on BBCAmerica.

3. What actor or actress has a speaking voice you especially like?

   Kathleen Turner's voice was always a favorite.

4. What musical instrument has a sound you find unpleasant?

   I'm not a huge fan of trumpets, but that might be the fault of some of the people I've known who played 'em.

5. What are some great songs about listening or hearing?

   The only one that comes to mind is "The Sound of Silence."

Saturday 9 x 2

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See You Later, Alligator (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear ithere.

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

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

Also, earwigs. ...shudder...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I do.

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

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

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

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

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

Nope.

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

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

I'm fairly agnostic about the situation.

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

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

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

I have a Master's Degree: MLIS.

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

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

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

Naomi Campbell. Lauren Hutton. Mark Wahlberg.

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

I'm the youngest of 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9

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Five O'Clock World (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1. Think back to Friday. Did it fly by? Or did you find yourself checking the clock and wishing it was 5:00?

It was a busy day. My days are usually packed, and I rarely have time to watch the clock. This is entirely intentionally; I can't think of anything worse than sitting doing nothing.

2. This song refers to the 5:00 whistle that signifies the end of the work day. What's the last whistle, alarm or buzzer you heard?

I was at a high school on Wednesday for a couple hours and heard class-ending bells (really, 'tones' that are not at all bell-like) a few times.

3. In the 1960s, the Vogues often appeared on TV variety shows to promote their record albums. Do you have the TV on now, as you answer these questions?

Nope. I know, shocking! It's quite silent: I can hear the clock ticking, and Beast getting ready to head to church to do sound/lights for a funeral. And the washing machine cycling.

4. "Vogue" means "popular or fashionable." Tell us about something that you feel is in vogue today.

Meanness.

5. Vogue magazine reported that the big Fall/Winter trend was brocade. Describe the latest addition to your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

Brocade???? Holy cats, really?? smh
I bought a peasant-style blouse off Amazon during their post-Christmas sales. It's quite comfy, and I got it for less than half its tagged price.

6. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is such a difficult boss that disgruntled employees nicknamed her "Nuclear Wintour." What qualities do you think make a good boss?

Right now, I'd love to have a boss with people awareness, one that lets his staff get on with things and only gets involved in interpersonal stuff after the employees have tried to work things out among themselves. In general terms, though, honesty, humor, and creativity are imperative.

7. Ms. Wintour was rumored to be the inspiration for the character of Amanda in the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Did you receive any books or movies for Christmas 2015? Did you receive any gift cards that you then used for books or movies?

I did get a couple of books--because Beast knows that I'd better get books or there'll be a problem. I don't think I got any DVDs and no gift cards.

8. "Vogue" was also a dance, made famous by Madonna in her 1990 hit by the same name. Can you name another Madonna song?

"Like a Virgin" was the first thing that popped into my head...followed by Weird Al's rendition.

9. Random question from a Sat9-er: How organized are your clean clothes? (Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?)

Today's laundry day, so most everything clean is put away. Socks are at least ON the boxes in which they're meant to be living, and there's one pair of jeans that I've only worn briefly that's hanging on the clothes rack.

Hodgepodge Questions

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1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

We didn't watch it (I pretty much never do anymore), but I love Linus deeply and truly, but and Schroeder is just adorable. [ETA: too many buts]

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind." ~ Linus Would you agree?

Yes. Today I need a big pumpkin patch with absolutely no people in it, just dogs, a blanket, and a box of Kleenex.

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind?

There are times when I really wish we had a piano. The sound of noodling around on a slightly out-of-tune piano ... I miss that. Electronic keyboards are not the same.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least) - see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec?

I would love to see the Ice Hotel, and going dogsledding sounds fun (for about 10 minutes). I'd love to go for another troika ride too; scroll down to Lake Baikal for the one I've been on. It was delightful and having latkes and vodka and doing the Chicken Dance around a blazing fire with Russians was surreal and hilarious.

4. Who or what keeps you humble?

I'm pretty capable of humiliating myself myself, but should I need help my family and friends stand ready to burst my balloon of self-importance.

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain.

I do like decorating the tree, now that we have a pre-lit one, but I have a hard time motivating myself to get started.

6. Gingerbread - yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

Nope. Not a fan. Not at all. I mean, I'll eat some if its offered but I can totally live without it.

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year?

Well, shopping and wrapping needs doing, eh? And it would be nice if Beast could get through a day without crying in pain a few times before 2016 commences.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am sick unto illness over the latest mass shooting. What the hell? Today is the first day I really feel like I live in Israel, in a police state, in a place where I am eminently unsafe in the world, since 9/11 and that was just flat-out panic and hysteria. I'm not panicking--this happened thousands of miles from me today--but there are far FAR too many ARMED nutjobs out there in the world. I realize that others in this country are in more danger on a moment-by-moment basis than me, but who the HELL shoots up and tries to bomb a disabled adult work-site?! Or, an elementary school? Or a health clinic (oh, wait that's been going on for multiple decades, no news there, really--pay attention people).....or a post office (oh wait...), or a fucking SPA?! Jesus God the world has lost its mind!
Also, hey, all you CC-licensed people: you are not living up to your promises of keeping the rest of us safe. Get with it or turn in your fucking guns, morons*.

__________
*if you choose to engage in pushing a pro-gun agenda in the comments just a reminder that I do delete crazy talk without prejudice

Sunday Salon

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Scene:

Living room. Overcast outside, dim inside except for the blazing light over my shoulder. It's a sunlamp, so it's meant to be bright. Seems a little extra-super-shiny today.

Today's Plan:

Church, then breakfast. Beast has mowing. I need to catch up my reading on GoodReads, and probably do some laundry. Also, the cleaning crew is coming on Tuesday, so I should tidy things up. The guinea pigs need attention as usual. And maybe a nap?

Drinking:

The dregs of last night's DDP.

Listening to:

The clock ticking, my fingers tippy-tapping on the keyboard, and the computer fan. It's very very quiet. Even the fridge isn't running. Beast left early to run the sound booth at church.

Participating in:

Life. I have (grand) jury duty this week. It's scheduled twice a week all month, but they've already told me it'll probably be only one day a week. Also, our database at work will be down tomorrow and Tuesday, which means there is practically nothing I can do in terms of my usual job. Maybe I'll write a procedure manual finally! Actually, my plan is to work on my weeding. It's that time of year: time to clear the shelves of the dreck.

Blogging about:

Just memes lately. I'm so tired all the time that I just don't have the push to be particularly creative. I was set to pick up my CPAP Friday and then ... balls were dropped, insurance was unclear on coverage, etc. The end result is that I might be sorted by mid-September.

Giving thanks for:

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity. That's supposed to revert this week so I'm grateful for a break today. Glad our pastor is back from sabbatical today.

Sunday Salon

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Scene: Living room. 8:23 a.m. Beast is upstairs showering. We've checked in our sleep overnight and recovery from yesterday's moving day. Looks like a cloudy, potentially-rainy day outside.

Today's Plan: We're off to church in 20 minutes. Then home where I will rearrange what's left in Sparky's room, sort and start laundry, and clean the guinea pig cage. Beast needs to do the bills. We'll probably watch a race.

Drinking: I should just skip this one: the answer is always the same. Diet Dr. Pepper straight from the can.

Listening to: It's very quiet in the house: clock ticking, laptop keys tick-tacking as I type, and the laptop fan. I love living where it's quiet. I can hear Beast getting ready and feeding the piggies. He's got his usual "drainage cough" which he refuses to see a doctor about....

Participating in: The usual. I got a jury duty summons this week for the entire month of September; it's for grand-jury, rather than petit, which explains the longer time for service. Also, kinda more fun from my perspective.

Blogging about: The usual. Spending more time on Facebook and reading other people's stuff than writing my own. I did finish a couple of books this week, so I need to update the reviews on GoodReads and transfer them to the book blog.

Giving thanks for: I'm really pleased at the place Sparky moved into yesterday. It's very small but adorable and full of character. We got to meet one of his longest-term college friends--but not his roommate, weirdly, even though he was supposed to have been there "all day"--and I snuck in some religious quotes by lining his dresser drawers with wrapping paper with Bible verses. God's got his back, even though he doesn't seem to "need" God right now. So today is my first official full day as an Empty Nester.

Saturday 9

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Hungry (1966)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Are you eating anything as you respond to these questions?

Nope, though I'm thinking I should go make a bagel or something now that I'm "allowed" to eat post-empty-stomach-pill.

2) Paul Revere and the Raiders performed in Revolutionary garb. Have you ever worked at a job that required you to wear a uniform?

I had a set of polo shirts I wore at a summer job when I was in college that identified me as staff. Otherwise, no. I've made it a habit for several years now to wear nothing but Summer Reading Program T-shirts while the program is going on at work. I've got about a dozen at this point.

3) The "Paul Revere" of Raiders fame was born Paul Revere Dick in Boise, Idaho. What else is Idaho known for?

Well, potatoes, of course. And crazy people with guns living in 'compounds.' And fantastic scenery.

4) The original Paul Revere was a silversmith by trade, known for making church bells. Can you hear church bells from your home?

Nope. No churches with bells (or carillons) within about 6 miles of here. I miss that.

5) In April, 1775, Paul Revere literally rode into history when he galloped into the night, spreading the word that "the British are coming." Name another Revolutionary War-era hero.

We'll go with the lesser-known Ethan Allen. It used to thoroughly confuse me that there's a furniture company named after him. I never understood the connection. Having now wiki'd the company, I've found that the only connection is Vermont.

6) Historians tell us that Revere's famous "midnight ride" actually took place between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. When is your usual bedtime?

I'm usually in bed around 10 and asleep by 11.

7) Earlier this year, officials from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts uncovered a time capsule buried in 1795 by Paul Revere and Gov. Sam Adams. It included coins and newspapers. If you were to bury a time capsule that reflects American life in 2015, what would it include?

Kim K's book, random current technology, newspapers from the past two weeks, perhaps some money, and the Pulitzer winners.

8) Will you attend a fireworks display during the 4th of July weekend?

Nope. We can see 5-6 towns' shows from our backyard--and hear the nearest one (which is visually blocked by trees).

9) What's your preferred way to celebrate Independence Day -- a parade, a picnic, or both?

Pretty much not much. We might cook out. Otherwise...it's just another summer day that we don't have to work (for pay). Yay.

And now I'm eating that bagel.....

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. S is for SACCHARIFEROUS: You’re presented with a tray of sweeteners for your coffee: if you had to choose, are you more likely to select real sugar, Equal, Sweet-N-Low, Splenda or Truvia?

I don't drink coffee. I don't add anything to tea when I drink it, unless I'm sick and then it's honey (which then turns it into "medicine" instead of tea). But if I could figure out how to cook with Truvia, I totally would.

2. S is for SALSA: Which type of salsa do you prefer: watery with some vegetable and spice pieces, paste with everything ground in evenly, or little liquid with big vegetable/spice chunks?

Paste, i.e. like dip, if it's purchased. I really don't like most homemade salsa because it's too watery most of the time. However, the best salsa I've had has been made by people using their grandparents' recipes; not watery, not all ground up, just a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

3. S is for SAVINGS: Do you feel like you’re putting enough money in your savings month to month for the future?

Yes. Plus I have state pensions from two states (ok, one of them might keep me in cat food for six months if I'm careful, but it's there!). And of course, this supposes that my state won't have spent my pension before I can start drawing it.

4. S is for SLANG: What’s a slang word that particularly annoys you?

"Like." I used to be ok with it, and I use it more than I should also, but there are a couple of kids in my Sunday School class who, like, say "like", like, every, like, second word, like, like a, like, tic. I like the kids, but I want to smack them every time they do this.

5. S is for SNARK: Do you find the majority of snarky comments you see online to be funny or rude?

If I know they're TRYING to be snarky, it doesn't bother me; I mean, look at the tag to my blog's description! But there is a line between snark and snottiness, and it's probably NOT the same for everyone. I think it depends on each person's cultural sensibilities, so I expect the Northeasterners living in cities to be WAY more tolerant of high snark levels than a sheep rancher in Wyoming or a Baptist preacher in small-town Mississippi.

6. S is for SOUND: What’s the worst sound you’ve ever woken up to?

"Get up get up, get in the basement NOW NOW NOW! I'll get [Sparky]!" at about 1 a.m. ten years ago.

Friday Five BONUS!!!

(Link in meme-roll)
Set 1

1. What did you dissect in high school?

   We started with cow eyeballs (I didn't get to keep the lens boo hoo; another girl in my group did) and then moved on to cats. Dissection was awesome!!

2. In what non-bathroom places have you relieved yourself?

   Just the woods. Oh, and of course, when I was really young there were diapers and such and some accidents till I got the hang of the whole thing. Oops, and in hospital there are sometimes other arrangements made.

3. When you first understood the concept of sexual intercourse, what did you think of it?

   "Uhm, eeewww!" I have to say. it is not the most dignified or organized act in the world.

4. If you're a neat person, what's something you're messy about? If you're a messy person, what's something you're neat about?

I'm rather hopeless when it comes to leaving stuff where I last used it. However, I do have a routine at work when I go home: everything is off the main work area of my desk: pencil, eraser, bookweight and sticky notes. Task list is in front of the computer. Monitor and lights are off. Nametag is on the overhead shelf cover. I used to be REALLY SUPER organized at my desk, but things have gotten rather out of control in the last few years.

5. What did you like best about high school geometry (the subject, not the teacher, classmates, or whatever)?

   I liked the math parts. I hated with a steaming-red passion the proofs. I also liked that our teacher, Mr. Smith, always ended up with a chalk mark on his butt from leaning on the chalk tray while lecturing; it was endearing.

6. What item at a salad bar gets you the most excited?

   REAL blue cheese crumbles. Though I have to say "excited" and "salad bar" aren't words I've ever really considered in the same sentence.

7. Do some brands of bottled water taste better than others?

   Not really. Water is water, as long it's not local city water. That stuff tastes awful!

8. If you could be employed in one of the technical jobs in film-making, what would you choose?

   I think perhaps doing research would be my forte, no? That, or checking on costuming details.

9. How do you feel about couples (married or dating) having joint email accounts or joint Facebook accounts?

   I think it's really lame for young people on Facebook; get a life of your own, for creep's sake! For older people who may not really 'get' technology, though, I'm much more forgiving.

10. Which character from The Wizard of Oz do you best relate to?

    Oh, I'm definitely the scarecrow. Used to be the lion, when I was a kid. And the tin man? Completely foreign to me, in every way. I have, at times--especially as a parent--like the Wicked Witch. Dorothy, Toto, and Glinda: never. I often feel like the Wizard while at the reference desk.

Set 2

1. What's on your toilet tank?

   In the powder room, a dishtowel with fishes on it. In the master bath, mussel shells in a basket and...er, something else...having trouble picturing it. In Sparky's bathroom, I think there is Kleenex and an allan wrench set (no clue...something Beast left in there, I think).

2. What's on the dashboard of your car?

   Nothing. I hate having stuff slide around up there. So it's just dust.

3. What's on top of your fridge?

   A plastic cup with dry-erase markers for the fridge calendar, and an empty Dom Perignon box.

4. What's on your front porch?

   Two chair skeletons, a small table, a lobster-trap box and two planting bowls with dead plants in them. And NO SNOW!!!

5. What's on your bathroom sink?

   On the counter next to the sink in the powder room is a mini etagere with African pieces on it, a PartyLite candle stand with a giraffe, a Bath & Body Works soap dispenser, and a Merkt's cheese lid with a bar of soap in it. Our bathroom: Kleenex, three bottles of lotion (one's almost empty), two face wash containers (both nearly empty), hand soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and plastic cup. Oh, and my Nook is charging. Usually my weekly pill sorter is there as well. And a magazine/book. Sparky's: Beast's electric beard trimmer, a soap dispenser...and I think that might be it.

6. How have you personalized your space at work?

   I should take pictures of my cube. It's mostly dominated by a big READ poster with Patrick Stewart and photos of my favorite little kids (mostly family).

7. What's the most you've spent on one meal out, and was it worth it?

   We ate at the top of the John Hancock building last summer, which I'm sure was ridiculously pricey, but well worth it. And there was as steak place that ran us $400 (for four people) for the meal, not counting the bar tab, about 15 years ago.

8. What's the greatest height you've looked down from?

   I've been in airplanes.... Also, the Rockies. And yeah, the aforementioned Hancock Center. The London Eye. Several capitol domes before they were closed to the public....

9. What animal have you seen in the wild that most people see only in books, in other visual media, or in zoos?

   I've seen plenty of coyotes, deer and little critters around my house. Buffalo.... OH! The safari park in Ontario was lovely; we got to stand around the pond and watch the elephants bathe, and we saw giraffes, lions and other big cats, monkeys, etc. And there's an exotic animal rescue site fairly near us where I saw ligers and lions and dog-wolves and a bear or two.

10. Among songs in your iTunes (or other media player), how many contain the word "eye" or "eyes," and which is your favorite?

    "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" by Nina Simone, I think.

Set 3

1. Who looks nice but is actually mean?

   I can't think of anyone I know who looks nice and is mean; mostly, people become how they act to me, so...mean behavior makes for mean-looking.

2. Who looks mean but is actually nice?

   Lots and lots of people, but see above.

3. What are your thoughts on red velvet cake, or on the plethora of red-velvet-flavored stuff out there nowadays?

   I like real red velvet cake, but it's getting a little out of control.

4. What's the most ridiculous name you've ever heard for an actual band?

   Pretty sure The Dead Kennedys or Bikini Kill have to be up there, but Toad the Wet Sprocket wins as far as I'm concerned.

5. Who in your life seems to be great at everything except romantic relationships?

   Oh, HELL no, I'm not going there! OK yes, my brother doesn't have a stellar track record...

6. What's a really appetizing sound?

   Sizzling on a grill.

7. Who in your life has a voice you really had to get used to?

   There's a woman who comes in the library whose voice is like grinding metal and glass. It is simply AWFUL, tone, pitch, over- and undertones, kinda whiny...everything. She makes my ears hurt.

8. What's a sound you hear in your neighborhood that would puzzle newcomers but which you barely even notice anymore?

   Oh, I suppose the sounds of Little Baghdad, or the popping at the shooting range during the fall might be off-putting.

9. A dentist's drill make a sound that most of us can barely tolerate, but it means something is being done for someone's well-being. What's another sound like that?

   Uhm, hello, SIRENS?!

10. Of the sounds you hear when out on a walk, what's the best?

    When I'm out walking in my neighborhood, all I hear is the wind blowing and the occasional barking dog. And cars driving past. Sometimes there are kids out playing in their yards, but not often; I suppose that would be my favorite.

Set 4

1. What was the name of your college's sports teams, and what did you think of that name?

   We were the Pioneers; Sparky is currently a Pioneer. It's not a great mascot.

2. What was your favorite thing about your college specifically?

   Everything! I loved college. OK, specifically? The size of the campus, and the nooks and crannies in the library.

3. What was your least favorite thing about your college specifically?

   The campus radio station was in the basement of one of the dorms. It was filthy--I'm not sure I could actually stand being in there nowadays--and dark and gross and showed exactly what the college thought of it.

4. Where was the best place on your college campus (or near campus) to get lunch?

   We always ate at the grill when we didn't want "dining room food." Both were in the Union. Well, actually, they still are, but now there are some other healthier options too, like a salad center and a juice bar. They have an Au Bon Pain on campus now too.

5. Where was the best place on your college campus to spend time alone with someone?

   Well, those nooks and crannies in the library, for one. ;-) And the language lab where I did my work-study; very little traffic there.

6. Which of your college sports teams was the most competitive? Which was the least?

   We sucked at football. The men's and especially women's basketball teams, though, were and are still good.

7. What organizations did you belong to on your college campus, or what campus jobs did you have?

   I think I've kind of answered this. I didn't join a lot of organized groups, but I went to a lot of their parties and functions.

8. What was the best thing you could get fro[m] a vending machine on your college campus?

   I'm...not even sure we had vending machines...? Oh, wait, yeah there was one near the laundry room in my dorm. Candy bars, I guess.

9. What’s something you did in college that your parents would have disapproved of?

   Drinking, yo.

10. If you HAD to pick one, which of your college instructors was the hottest?

    Probably Mr. V--English prof of the floppy-haired, head-in-the-clouds, clueless romantic-poet variety. Nice guy, and he wasn't particularly clueless or romantic-poet-like. Most of the other profs were OOOOOOLD (like my age now), so there wasn't a lot of sighing really going on.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Ears

1. What is a most pleasant sound to wake up hearing?

Silence. Or birds.

2. What is a most pleasant sound to fall asleep hearing?

Silence. I don't sleep well if there's noise, any noise, unless it's quite steady (like wind).

3. What's a more annoying sound: car alarms or leaf-blowers?

Car alarms.

4. What's a sound most people seem to like but you hate?

What passes for the National Anthem in most cases.

5. What's a sound most people seem to hate but you like?

I like kids playing loud (assuming they're outside).

Patrick's Place

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Saturday Six

1. What do you hear around you right this minute?

L&O:Criminal Intent is on. Vincent D'Onofrio is "not flirting" with a suspect in the disappearance of a girl whose parents were murdered.

2. Whose laughter do you most enjoy hearing?

Sparky's. And any random baby's.

3. Whose voice do you miss hearing most?

My dad's.

4. If you had to pick a recorded song or tune as your personal theme song, which would you choose?

Going back to the old favorite: "Amazing Grace."

5. How many alarm clocks do you use to wake up on time?

Just one. At a time, I mean. On the road, my phone acts as my alarm clock.

6. Which musical instrument creates what you consider to be the most poignant sound?

Cello.

Blogthings

You Are Clairaudient

You have the ability to hear. You can pick up on little details in the background that others miss. Even when you're in a noisy, chaotic environment, you are able to overhear and process so much. You don't mean to be an eavesdropper, but there are things you just can't block out. And you remember every word you hear for a long time. You can replay total conversations in your mind from years ago... even ones that you didn't actively participate in. You get overwhelmed if you're around a lot of people talking - as you automatically listen to all of them. In order to unplug completely, you need as much quiet as possible. You don't even want background noise around.

How Are You Psychic?

I'm not psychic, but I do pay a lot of attention to sound. However, I don't retain stuff unless I see it written down.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Currently...

Thinking about: leaving for Mother's Day Dinner very shortly (can I finish this first??).

Feeling: hungry but content.

Reading: a book on the English language, a mystery (on CD in the car), and a couple of religion-y books that I've been plowing through slowly for awhile.

Listening to: at this moment, I can hear a lawn mower, and fingers on keyboards: mine and Sparky's.

Wondering: about whether Ham and Kate will have a boy or a girl.

Looking forward to: finding out the answer to above, and also the actual permanent arrival of spring (it's barely 50 out right now...brrr)

Missing: my mom and mother-in-law.

Watching: NOTHING! Just this screen.

Eating: I've had a mini-bagel, a handful of mini-rice cakes and about 3 cups of celery today. I'm ready for dinner!!

Making me happy: the fact that my son's home and the sun is shining and I have a (general) plan for the day.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday 6

1. N is for NAME: Were you ever tempted to change your name, and if so, which name would you rather have had?

This is the sort of question that gets my goat every time. Close to 50% of the population does does change names at least once in their lives. Yes, I have changed mine. I have days when I totally regret the change, and days when I wish I'd've changed it to something totally different. But I'm too lazy, and cheap, to do it again.

2. N is for NATURE: What do you enjoy most about being in the great outdoors?

Silence. Or at least, the lack of the sounds of people talking. I like the sound of wind, of animals, and even traffic, preferably distant.

3. N is for NEWSSTAND: If you had to purchase a magazine at a newsstand, which title would you be most likely to buy?

If I'm shopping at a newsstand, I'll be buying People or Us for a flight or another long, boring period of time.

4. N is for NICKEL: If a president were to replace one of the current presidents on our coins, which one would you like to see immortalized on our currency next?

Anyone but Reagan (or Taft or Harding) would be fine. OK, I'd love to see Obama on money, but not right now of course.

5. N is for NOSE: Which aroma from the kitchen is your favorite?

Baking bread, or any other baking, really. I'm a sucker for baked goods. 

6. N is for NUT: When you’re ready for a snack, which variety of nut is your favorite?

Cashews right now. I like almonds too. Filberts are nice. I'm really pretty non-particular, though I go through phases of preference. Next up may be fresh walnuts, for all I know.

Monday Listicles

(Link in meme-roll)
10 Sounds That Drive Me Bonkers

1. The background music for "How It Works" on Discovery. Bad porn music + 80s videogame "soundtracks" = me leaving the room.
2. Endlessly barking dogs
3. Car horns
4. Whining
5. Arguments
6. People yelling into their cell phones
7. Babies/Children who need attention but have been ignored so long that they're desperate
8. Stealth giggling. Call me paranoid. ;-)
9. People yapping about non-work stuff when I'm trying to focus on something (in the workroom, i.e. my "office")
10. Squeaky chalkboards

OK, so these are arranged more by location than anything else, although #1 is definitely #1-most-annoying! After that, it's mostly home-based noises, and then not-home, and then specifically work.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
apples and oranges

[01] How would you describe your personal style?

"Haphazard."

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

I prefer silence.

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

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

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

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

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

Tag-a-longs. Yummmyyyy.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 99'er Meme: Part 2

26) Are you happy with the person you've become?

Mostly, when I haven't done something completely idiotic, which is becoming slightly less common.

27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love?

I don't like whining; I love giggling.

28) What's your biggest "what if"?

What if I'd gone to my first-choice college?

29) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

I believe there are things in the universe we have yet to explain, and it wouldn't be a complete shock to me if spirits and/or aliens were involved. Then again, I wouldn't be overly shocked if they were not involved.

30) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.

I'm sitting on the left end of the couch, so my right hand pretty much touches nothing unless I touch the surface of the couch. Left side, I've got an end-table with all sorts of stuff on it: gum, pop can, germ-x (no clue, actually, why that's here), nail file, CDs, etc., etc.

31) Smell the air. What do you smell?

Mostly I smell the microwave heat pack I have on my shoulder; it's not pleasant. It smells like hot dampness.

32) What's the worst place you have ever been to?

Hmmm. I can't think of any one place where I've spent a long time in hell, but Beast's high school reunion wasn't much fun, and neither were the airports in the former Soviet Union when our flights were delayed. The former was just really uncomfortable because it was abundantly obvious that we were not welcome (especially me). The latter...ugh, I remember a 5-6 hour delay in some airport (Tashkent? Samarkand? Omsk?) that was, essentially, closed: no food (or drink), nothing at all to do, conference chair seating, just enough heat to keep us from freezing, no suitcases....this was before anyone had handheld video game access 24/7, and the only things around to read (in English)were books and papers on how wonderful Soviet culture had been for Russia. And we were the only people around at the point in our trip when we really didn't want to see each other anymore. It was awful.

33) Choose: East Coast or West Coast?

Of North America, West.

34) Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?

Glerg. What a horribly-worded question! I think this depends on individual taste. Pitbull isn't hideous. Bruno Mars is cute. Enrique Iglesias is also not unattractive. I think Cee-Lo Green is cute, for that matter. However, I think I have to give this one to Larry Mullen, in the all-around.

35) To you, what is the meaning of life?

...Do what is right, and love mercy, and walk without pride with God....

36) Define: Art.

The guy hanging on the wall.

37) Do you believe in luck?

How else to explain a whole helluva a lot of my life?

38) Patriots or Giants? Or, who gives a rat's ass?

Choice 3. I really really do not want the Pats to win; I can't stand Belichick, nor Brady.

39) Will you watch the game? If yes, with who?

Yeah, watching it alone with Beast for the first time in a decade or more.

40) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

I am definitely old enough to drive, and I've been in a couple of accidents and quite a few near-accidents.

41) What was the last book you read?

Finished The Evolution of Faith last week; haven't blogged it yet.

42) Do you like the smell of gasoline?

I do.

43) Do you have any nicknames?

Just "Cat." Well, and "Mom" of course.

44) What was the last movie you saw?

No clue. Not my thing to track this.

45) What's the worst injury you've ever had?

I don't think I've really ever been 'injured' badly, just life and illness.

46) Have you ever caught a butterfly?

Nope.

47) Do you have any obsessions right now?

Yes, but I'm not going into them here. They're a little too close to the surface to deal with right now.

48) What's your sexual orientation?

Straight.

49) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

Yes, remember, I was a teenage girl.

50) Do you believe in magic?

I believe, as mentioned above, that there are things that are unexplained, that I can't explain, but no I do not believe in Harry Potter World.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Seven
Name seven of [the] listed eleven sounds today’s kids have probably never heard that you remember most clearly.

1. Gas Station Driveway Bell [I didn't even notice this had gone away!]
2. Film Projector [especially the end of the film--wakka wakka wakka...flippp-ppp-ppp]
3. Cash Register [cha-CHING!]
4. Broken Record 
5. Manual Typewriter 
6. TV Channel Selector
7. Record Changer [gosh, I miss that sound, another one I hadn't thought of for awhile]

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven sounds that you hate or find the most annoying.

1. Whining. Kids are the worst, but there are some adults who whine a lot too.
2. Nails on a chalkboard. I would celebrate whiteboards for this purpose alone!
3. That pause after I answer the phone that indicates that the call is from a telemarketer.
4. People yelling and swearing. Not necessarily angrily, I just don't like louts.
5. Screaming, in general, but especially indoors. Inside voice, people!!
6. "No"--in response to a request I make, or a suggestion, or whatever. I mean, really, who wants to hear that? :-)
7. The phone ringing between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. It's never good news.