Sunday Stealing

January

Taken from League of Extraordinary Penpals 

1. What are your plans for January? 

I have no big plans. I need to do the annual guardianship report for the courts this week. I get installed as an elder in front of the (Zoom) congregation next Sunday. I am desultorily shopping for Sparky's birthday present.

2. What do you want to see happen in 2021? 

I would like to see Biden surprise me with being less of a centrist than he clearly is.

3. What would you give a 5 star rating? 

Medical professionals.

4. Do you have writing goals for 2021? 

Just this sort of thing. I'm de facto editor for Sparky's writing, so that, too.

5. How do you feel about memoirs? 

I think they are probably really therapeutic to write. Many don't need to be published, and fewer are useful for anyone else.

6. If you could join any musical group who would you choose? 

The Go-Gos. The Bangles. The Spice Girls. Basically, girl groups, preferably managed by women.

7. What are your favorite genres across all media? 

I like suspenseful reads and movies. Not gory, especially not movies, but well-written twisty stuff.

8. What candle scents are your favorite? 

"Clean" scents. I've got a STRONG vanilla one going right now.

9. How well can you mimic other accents or voices? 

I do it mostly unconsciously, and often.

10. What books are on your TBR list in 2021? 

I'm in a a Michael Connelly and Louise Penny phase right now, and I'm struggling to read anything very deep, so it's looking like a lot of pretty formulaic mysteries otherwise.

11. When do you decide it’s time to upgrade/buy something new? 

When whatever-it-is stops working right, or just gets very worn out, or holey.

12. Why is your favorite color your favorite color? 

Blue. Forever and always.

13. Who understands you the best? 

lol--no one
Maybe you-all?

14. Do you write letters? 

Not anymore. Occasional emails and lots of texts.

15. How do you keep going when times are hard?

Guilt over failing other people.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

All Shook Up (1957) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You're funny, Gal. lol

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It Don't Come Easy (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This was Ringo's first big hit as a solo artist. Who is your favorite member of his old, very famous group, The Beatles?

I always liked George the best, from the cuteness perspective. John was fascinating and complicated and irritating. Paul pissed me off; he has always seemed like a Teacher's Pet sort of guy. Ringo...well, I never really had strong feelings in any direction about him. He is sort of the Scooby Doo of the quartet, the mascot, the one that's there to amuse and distract.

2) In this song, Ringo sings that you have to pay your dues. Do you belong to any organizations that require you to pay dues?

Yes, I do. I belong to P.E.O. (which I highly recommend to other women). I occasionally join ALA or my state library association when I'm going to a conference that year.

3) He also sings, "you don't have to shout." When did you last raise your voice?

Beast and I had a long drawn-out shouting match last weekend. I think that was the last time. But when I get excited, I do tend to up the volume a bit....

4) Ringo has two piercings on each ear and one tattoo on each arm. Do you have more piercings or body art?

I have two pierced-once ears. That's all. Do scars count as body art?

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra made a recording of "The Lady Is a Tramp" personalized to her. Tell us about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations.

We don't do much for our birthdays anymore, Beast and I--they are six days apart and mostly we just go out to dinner somewhere. So all my memorable birthdays are in days very much past. We spent the weekend in a resort-ish area west of us for our 40th birthdays, about 12 years ago. The problem is that our birthdays are in a weird month to celebrate: it's too cold to do too much outside, and it's not really winter yet most of the time, and everyone is gearing up for holidays.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.

In the past week, I've babysat Beast, been his chauffeur as needed, updated subject headings in our consortial catalog to catch them up to fall 2014 (sigh), bought a lot of prescriptions and pop, and watched a lot of TV.

7) Ringo also did the narration for Ladybird children's books. Do you like audiobooks?

I do. I pretty much always have one going in the car.

8) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. His passion for the genre is reflected in the outfit he's wearing on the sleeve for "It Don't Come Easy." Do you like cowboy movies/shows?

They aren't my go-to favorite. I liked The Lone Ranger and Big Valley and How the West Was Won as a kid, and enjoy the reruns occasionally, but I never got into them as a movie thing. They were pretty much over by the time I was into movies, and honestly ... I grew up "out west" so they didn't really sit well with me. Kind of whitewashed, very racist, not historically-accurate, and bad production values in general. I did enjoy the mini-series for Lonesome Dove but that's because a) I loved the book, and b) the filmed version stuck pretty close to the book.

9) You know what else don't come easy? Nine questions every week. Crazy Sam has heard it all: this meme asks too many movie questions, too many questions about sports, too many questions that sound familiar ... OK, now it's your turn. Help a tired meme mistress out. Contribute a random question that is not about movies or sports (pro or collegiate) and has never been asked before on this meme. Sam will compile these for an all-random Saturday 9 in November. That way she'll get a much-appreciated week off. Thanks for your help!

I've got a few for you:

• When was the last time you rode a school bus?
• Who is your favorite author?
• Describe your dream workplace (office decor, coworkers, whatever).
• Why do you do these surveys/memes?
• How organized are your clean clothes? Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?
• What do you think the Toy of the Year will be this Christmas?
• Where were living the first time you accessed the Internet?

I know it's hard to come up with 'fun' questions every week. I cheat like heck on my site! But you do an excellent job and I have zero complaints. Thank you thank you thank you!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
That's All (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the lyrics, Phil Collins sings of a time he was wrong when he thought he was right. Tell us about a recent time when you got it wrong.

I got WAAAAY over-involved in a conversation on Facebook today that I really should've walked away from. It wasn't my issue, and I ended up getting irritated with stupid people saying stupid things, and then getting pissed and feeling like an idiot for popping off at people...and then wondering why I got so involved in someone else's drama in the first place. Gah....

2) The song is addressed to a lover that Phil clearly feels is contrary. When he says, "day," she says, "night." Is there anyone in your life who seems to disagree with you all or most of the time?

...uhm. It's possible that I'm that guy. {facepalm}

3) This was Genesis' first Top 10 hit in the US. Can you name another Phil Collins or Genesis song?

"Sussudio." "Illegal Alien." "Invisible Touch." "I Can't Dance." "Follow You Follow Me." "In the Air Tonight." "Abacab." "Jesus He Knows Me." I was a bit of a fan back in the 80s, yo.

4) Phil Collins is a model train enthusiast. Is there anything special that you collect?

By default, I have a large-ish S&P collection, though compared to some most of the people in the pictures at that link, I'm a mere piker!

5) Collins was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. At the ceremony, he delivered the commencement address. When did you last give a presentation or deliver a speech?

Hmmm. I guess it's been awhile. I did a couple of Sundays' worth of liturgy at church in the spring. I'm up again this fall at some point. I will probably pontificate at the next meeting of the catalogers in my consortium. ...
Oh, snap! I talk at meetings every week!! Though, technically, it's not a speech. I've led the meetings a couple of times, and actually this reminds me that I do need to come up with something for next week about "Forgetting."
Also, Sunday School starts up again tomorrow, so I guess I'll be talking there, too.

6) One of Phil Collins' early solo albums was called, Hello, I Must Be Going. He took the title from a song in the 1930 Marx Bros. movie, Animal Crackers. What's the last black and white movie or TV show that you watched?

Honestly? I find black-and-white to be difficult to watch. I struggle with b&w photography too. It's not a snob thing: it's just hard for me to focus properly. I can't think of a black-and-white show/movie I've watched in the past year, unless we happened across a Twilight Zone or something by accident.

7) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to build spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop? Tablet or phone?

I'm on a 7!?-year-old Gateway laptop (the sticker on the bottom says 2008--holy shit! I need a new computer!). Haven't ever owned a Mac--see no reason to change that now. It's too hard for me to type fast on a tablet or phone, so I only use those for texting or very quick Google searches.

8) 1983 is also the year when McDonald's introduced McNuggets. What's your favorite chicken recipe (assuming it's not McNuggets)?

My mom's baked chicken "recipe" is pretty good. And the recipe I got at my bridal shower from a neighbor lady--whose daughter was my flute teacher--for hot chicken salad is awesome. I've been craving it for awhile, but I need to gather the ingredients.

9) In 1983, President Reagan signed the bill making Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday a holiday. What's your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. Relatively low-stress, revolves around food and family and football, and doesn't involve presents or endless decision-making on what to serve people. It's all programmed: just add people!

when a true genius appears in the world...

(Stolen from Amy)

What would be your biggest achievement to date?

It's not job-related, though I've done well there, for sure. I would say the big achievements of my life have been extremely personal: raising a child to adulthood who shows promise of being a Very Good Person, staying married for 29 years through a fair number of bumps and stumbles, maintaining my faith, discovering that I'm OK and Good Enough.

Do you prefer baths or showers?

Baths. I love a good soak with a good book and bubbles.

Are you a good liar?

I was always amazed as a child at the bald-faced lies my mom (seemed to) believe. Later, I have wondered if she was content to let me stew in my guilt and bad judgment. I've certainly done that with Sparky at times. As an adult, I lie -- white lies, mostly -- almost daily: answers to questions such as "How do I look?" and "Aren't you glad to see me?" and my most common response "It's great to see you!"

Are you a good judge of character?

Eventually. Sometimes I try to hard too see the good side of things when I really should just let the situation be what it actually is.

Are you any good at charades?

I think so, but this is really more of a function of how well your teammates know you, or rather, how well you connect with them. I also haven't played charades in many decades.

How long could you go without talking?

Seeing as how I regularly talk to myself, not long. How long could I go without speaking to another person? DAAAAAYYYYSSSS (and it sounds like heaven!).

Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?

I didn't win it; Beast did. I'm pretty sure all those prizes have been relegated to the garbage long since.

Why does it always rain on me?

Because you're too stupid (or pathetic) to remember to bring your umbrella.

Why doesn't it ever seem to rain on me?

And we have achieved some level of incompatibility here....

Have you ever sailed a boat?

I've been on probably 10 boats total in my entire life, ranging from rowboat to large lake-vessel. I'm not a fan of being out in the middle of big water because of the whole (not) swimming thing. Big boats I'm ok with. I white-knuckle the rowboat and canoe options.

Do you have a lawyer?

Do I need one? What have you heard?!
I have one very good friend who is a (non-practicing) attorney, I work with a woman whose husband is a good criminal attorney, and I know a couple of other attorneys who mostly practice family law and do wills and that sort of thing. One works for the nearest Judicial District. So, I think actually I'm set, should I need legal advice.

Do you buy people presents to bring back when you go on holiday?

As a rule, when you become a parent and take trips without the child(ren), it's a good idea to bring back something for your offspring. So in that respect, yes. I also try to bring something back to snack on for people at work. And if I see stuff for my friends, I'll snag it too. But I'm not always on the lookout, I fear.

Are you the sort to step in and try to break up a fight?

Only to shift it to somewhere I don't have to deal with it. My go-to when people start posturing is, "Don't get blood on the carpet! If you're going to fight, take it outside." And that's if I'm in a position of authority at work or somewhere. If I'm out in public, I would be most likely to call 911 on adults or older teens, and maybe start hollering at kids. I stay completely out of anything involving an animal fighting. Always.

Have you ever been in a fight?

Have you met my family?! We have been known to fight over the stupidest things, verbally. There's not a lot of hitting, though. The last time I hauled off and smacked someone was 12 years ago when Sparky did something asshatted and I spanked him, which was also the ONLY time I spanked him. It hurt my hands and wrists, so yeah. I've been in one fight per se on the playground in 5th (?) grade with Jeri J.

Have you ever started a rumour?

I don't think I've done it intentionally or maliciously, but I'm sure I have been involved in untoward speculation that has gotten out of hand. I'm not proud of that.

Have you ever heard any outstanding rumours about yourself?

No. I kind of wish I would. As far as I know for sure, no one talks about me. Which, in all seriousness, is probably just fine.

Do you own a paddling pool?

I don't even know WTF this is!

What potential talents do you think you might have if you worked at them?

Writing, organizing, copy-editing, teaching.

glove slap, I don't take crap! glove slap, shut your big yap!

(Found at Amy's--who also gave it the title)

Can you do any accents other than your own?

I can do Western (because, family) and generic "Southern" and Midland English. And I guess I could do Mexican if I wanted, but I don't.

Do you have a strong local accent?

I'm sure I do, and I hate it. I can actually feel my vocal cords lengthening whenever I go back to Colorado, and I stop talking like I have to say ALL THE WORDS in three minutes. Through my nose.

If evil-doers invaded your country would you rush to the battle-lines to defend the motherland, or hide in a box?

I'm pretty sure that the evil-doers are already here, and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to deal with them. I'll be in my box if you need me.

What's your favourite flower?

Garden roses, with scent. Climbing ones, preferably still on the vine.

Have you ever given blood?

I used to give regularly, have probably done a couple of gallons over time. I don't think they'll have me anymore now though.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Absolutely, if it meant helping find a cure for something that's killing me. If I'm going to die anyway, experiment away--and make sure I have good pain meds! My sister had experimental brain surgery to explore some possibilities inre PD and MSA. And when she died, she sent her brain back to the university where she had the surgery so they could see...whatever they needed to see.

What's your favourite radio station?

KIMN, ca. 1980. Barring that, I will listen to Sirius, or NPR, or if I need to know about local traffic, the local station. The latter is what wakes me up in the morning--which gets me out of bed very fast.

Have you ever slapped someone in public?

Hmm, I don't think so. I only really remember one slap in my history and it was inside with just the two of us. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Have you ever drawn on a sleeping or inebriated person?

I have not. This has never seemed remotely amusing to me.

Can you roll your R's?

Rrrruffles have rrrridges. Yes. I have a theory that this is something you have to learn to do while fairly young. If you don't, it is really awfully close to impossible to learn later. And if you take Spanish as a teenager, and haven't learned this skill, the class is much harder than in needs to be.

Rebound relationships: good or bad?

Immediate-rebounds seem to rarely work out, not that I've seen anyway. But they can be fun!

Would you ever sign a prenuptial agreement?

I have no interest in ever getting married again, so no. If I did somehow lose my mind enough to re-up, I would do a pre-nup.

Is your bellybutton an innie or outie?

All innie. Outies gross me out a little; nothing personal if you're an outie.

More from The Gerb

(Swiped from Amy)

Do you like TV talent shows?

Only in small servings when showing actual talent. In other words, I watch the good bits on YouTube that other people have culled out of the hours of crap.

How many hats do you own?

I own about a dozen, probably. Beast has me by a factor of 40-50. We have so-bloody-many hats....

Are you any good at pool?

Not really. I haven't played in eons, even though we have a good table in our basement. From my standpoint, it is useful primarily for folding laundry and hiding under during violent weather.

What's your favourite accent?

Italian. And West African.

In O's and X's, which do you normally pick?

I like X better than O. Deep-seated, childhood fear of circles.

Do you prefer blue or black inked pens?

I prefer the look of black ink. But really, either is fine, and I would rather use a pencil for most things.

Do you have popcorn with a movie?

We usually buy a bucket when we go see a movie at a theater, yes.

Do you have a piggy bank?

Yes. She's about 2 feet tall and hand-painted by Ellen. That is where all my foreign currency lives. I probably have collectible coins in there at this point: marks, rubles, pounds, etc.

What's the fastest you've ever travelled in a car?

I have a terrifying and shameful memory of going close to 100 in traffic in a car with friends on our way to ...something. We did a 30-minute drive in about 10 minutes. And endangered a good number of other people in the process.

Have you ever been hit on by someone of the same gender?

I have, perhaps, but am generally so very clueless about this sort of thing that it didn't become obvious until much later.

Have you ever flown first class?

Yes. Twice, both longish flights. I would do it overseas in a heartbeat. The mere thought of being in economy for a trip to, for instance, Australia, makes my skin crawl.

Who would you say are more attractive, English or Europeans?

Again, I have to remind Americans that the English don't see themselves as 'actual' Europeans, regardless of the fact that their island is part of the general continental area we all have decided to call Europe. To answer the question, the British people in general--as a race--are not all that attractive. I prefer ... other Europeans when it comes to looks.

How long has your longest ever phone call been?

Several hours, probably close to 4. This was well over 15 years ago. I haven't been on the phone for more than an hour in forever--unless we count telecons/webinars. I just don't like talking on the phone. Not my thing--maybe it's genetic? My sister hated the phone too.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Would You Rather Meme, part two

1. Would you rather go to a movie or to dinner alone?

   I've done dinner alone. I've never been to a movie alone. I need to remedy that. So I guess it's movie.

2. Would you rather always say everything on your mind or never speak again?

   Lately, I've been trying to do the latter, but I'm congenitally built to do the former.

3. Would you rather make a phone call or send a text?

   Text. I'm not big on phone calls.

4. Would you rather read an awesome book or watch a good movie?

   Book, of course.

5. Would you rather be the most popular person at work or school or the smartest?

   Smartest, but I'd like to not be a jerk about it.

6. Would you rather put a stop to war or end world hunger?

   I suspect that a positive way to end the causes of war would eventually sort out hunger.

7. Would you rather spend the night in a luxury hotel room or camping surrounded by beautiful scenery?

   Hotel. I hate camping.

8. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?

   Space. I would love to go to space. And seeing as how I can't swim....

9. Would you rather go deep sea diving or bungee jumping?

   See previous question re swimming. So bungees it is.

10. Would you rather be a kid your whole life or an adult your whole life?

    It's tempting to say kid, but really kids get shit on so regularly by the world that I'm going to say adult.

11. Would you rather go on a cruise with friends or with your spouse?

    I'm pretty torn on this one. Can't I go with both?

12. Would you rather lose your keys or your cell phone?

    Cell phone. Missing keys would make me nuts.

13. Would you rather eat a meal of cow tongue or octopus?

    Octopus, properly fried up.

14. Would you rather have x-ray vision or magnified hearing?

    Honestly, neither. My hearing is already too acute, and I don't really need to see through stuff.

15. Would you rather work in a group or work alone?

    Alone.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. When you want to refer to a Coke or Pepsi generically, would you be more likely to say “soda” or “pop”?

I grew up saying "pop" but when I went to college, I had to learn to say "soda" or people laughed at me. Once I left that state and moved 75 miles south, I was back to "pop" with great relief. I still say "soda" in combination with other words sometimes though: "soda can", "case of soda", so it's a hard habit to break.

2. When it comes to meal at midday, would you be more likely to say “lunch” or “dinner”?

If it's hot, at least a little fancy, and homemade, it's "dinner." If it's a sandwich or other cold, or fast-prep, food, it's "lunch." And if it's cold, or fast-prep food in the evening, "supper." I'm not nearly this careful, really, but that's how I grew up. Since I work till 9 some nights I often screw up and say I'm going on my "lunch break" at 5.

3. When it comes to the final meal of the day, would you be more likely to say “dinner” or “supper”?

Oops, jumped the gun. A hot, fresh, complete meal is "dinner" and cold, leftovers, or quick-prep is "supper," though again, I'm not orthodox in my speech habit about this.

4. Do you call the interstate a “highway” or a “freeway”?

I grew up with all main roads with numbers being "highways." If there was differentiation between "highway" and "interstate," we just named the road: "I-70" or "The Valley Highway" or "6th Avenue." Then I went to college and learned that the interstates were "freeways," which I found weird, but tried to blend in. THEN I moved to this state where there is a major distinction between "freeways," "tollways," and numbered roads--"routes" (short 'o': "rowt", not "root"). Some of the old, old roads are "highways" as well as numbered "routes." And all the interstates have names (a couple of Presidents as well as a few locally famous folks) AND numbers, so listening to traffic in the Giant City To The East is like listening to a foreign language until you figure out all the names--some of which even have nicknames!--and what number matches the name. I'm still not entirely sure after 20 years where some of these roads are.

5. Are you more likely to refer to a vacuum cleaner as a “sweeper” or a “vacuum”?

No, they are "vacuums" unless I'm in England with my family there, where they are "Hoovers" even if they aren't branded. "Sweepers" are those little self-propelled things used in restaurants to clean under tables during the day, though I just recently found this out when I kept calling the one we have at work the "thingie."

6. When you cook food outdoors over the fire, do you call it “grilling” or “barbecuing”?

"Grilling." And we do it on a "grill." "Barbecue" to me is a specific type of food involving slow-cooking with sauce over heat, or the cooker used to make it. I don't make (or eat) barbecue very often; way too intensive and fussy for me to spend time making, and usually a nightmare of a mess to eat.

And here's one for fun:  how do you pronounce the work "creek" as in a small flowing stream? My sister and I fight about this one endlessly because I think she sounds intentionally hick-ish now, even though we grew up saying it the 'real' way. It comes up because she lives about 50 feet from a really lovely rocky creek. ;-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Roar
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) The lyrics begin with Katy singing about when she used to "hold her tongue." Tell us about a time when you didn't speak up, but wish you had.

Most of high school was like this. I still find myself tongue-tied when one of my family members (usually my brother) says hurtful things. I have a hard time standing up for myself with siblings, an outgrowth of being the youngest of the crew.

2) The lyrics mention both lions and tigers. In addition to the big cats, the video shows a monkey and an elephant. If we were going to the zoo today, which animal would you want to see first?

The wolves and the penguins. I also love watching the seals swim around; they're so flirty.

3) Lions and tigers are carnivores. If we were having steak for dinner, would you order it rare, medium or well done?

I'm a firm medium girl: a little pink is fine, and definitely not burnt at all.

4) Lots of photos are snapped at the zoo. Did you take your last picture with a camera or with your phone?

To be honest, I'm not exactly sure where my camera is. I pretty much only use my phone.

5) The "Roar" video takes place in the jungle. The average temperature all year around in the rainforest is a humid 80º. The typical September day in Juneau is 49º, dry and sunny. Which sounds more comfortable?

Juneau. No contest. I absolutely LOATHE humidity.

6) In her youth, Katy took dance lessons at the local recreation hall in Santa Barbara. Crazy Sam took tap dance lessons as a girl, too. What about you? Were you sent off to dance class? Music lessons? Art class?

I wish. My parents didn't have the money, or, really, the inclination to do this sort of thing. OK, I did have piano lessons for a year or so as a child, and then when I took up flute they paid for lessons on that. Otherwise, nope. I'd've killed for dance lessons.

7) Katy recently passed Justin Bieber as the most followed person on Twitter. What's the last message you re-tweeted?

I haven't used Twitter regularly in almost 2 years, although it might have been a reply-retweet asking why these French people keep sending me shit. My Twitter handle must mean something in France...

8) Congratulations! You just won the lottery! Do you want it in a lump sum, or would you prefer payments over the next 25 years?

Lump sum, then I'd set up a trust or something to "pay" me in installments. I want to get the taxes on it paid now.

9) Did you get 8 hours sleep last night?

Probably the closest I've been to 8 hours in over two weeks, but no. I was in bed before 10, read for awhile, checked to see if Beast was coming up to bed--"in a couple minutes"--and decided to wait for him, waited for over an hour before he finally came up, and then was pissed off and couldn't get into deep sleep till 2 or 3. Yes, I know this defines all kinds of pathology. ...sigh... I woke up from my not-very-deep doze at about 9. What I wouldn't give for 8 full hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Blogthings

You Are a Talker

You are a people person, and you have more friends than you can count. You get along with everyone. You have mastered the art of smoothing over any social awkwardness or boredom. You are extremely magnanimous and charming. At work, you tend to network well and know as many people as you can. You inspire others and are the first to volunteer for something. Your home is full of life and people. It may be a bit chaotic at times, but it is always a fun place to be.

Are You a Thinker, Doer, Talker, or Observer?

I do like people. But I like my alone time too, and I'm actually pretty shy and socially awkward with new people. That means I'm readily able to spot other people's social awkwardness and try to cover for them if necessary.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
My Life
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) This song begins with the story of a man who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a comic. What comedian always makes you laugh?

Bill Cosby. Richard Pryor. George Carlin. Steven Wright. Emo Phillips. Wanda Sykes.

2) The lyrics say, "You don't need to worry about me 'cause I'm alright." Tell us about a time when you had to reassure your family or friends.

I'm the baby of the family--I've spent my life saying this. Usually the words "leave me alone" are involved as well.

3) This song was the original theme of the Tom Hanks sitcom Bosom Buddies. Tom Hanks is a direct descendant of Nancy Hanks, Abraham Lincoln's mother. Is there anyone noteworthy, celebrated or infamous in your family tree?

My dad always said that if we went back too far we'd find horse thieves and murderers. Otherwise, I don't think I'm related to anyone of import and that's just fine with me.

4) Before going solo, Billy Joel was in bands called The Echoes, The Emeralds, The Hassles and Attila. What do you think would be a good name for a band?

I suck at this sort of thing. Moving along.

5) Billy Joel wrote one of his most famous songs, "Just the Way You Are," for his first wife, Elizabeth. Even though they divorced more than 30 years ago, fans still demand he perform the song in concert. Do you go out of your way to listen to songs that remind you of a long-ago lost love? Or do you avoid them?

Depends on my mood. Mostly I listen to them, unless I'm in a blue mood overall.

6) In 2008 Billy Joel had to return a $3,000,000 advance for his memoirs because he didn't finish them. Have you ever read a celebrity tell-all?

Of course. They are generally disappointing. The worst, by far, was Shirley Jones' book that came out last year. So much there I never, ever needed to know!

j7) Billy Joel was in a motorcycle accident and did irreparable damage to his left thumb. Are you comfortable on a motorcycle?

I can't drive one, but I enjoy riding on them for short trips in warm weather. We own stock in Harley-Davidson, so I'm all about HOGs.

8) In addition to riding cycles, Billy enjoys sailing in Oyster Bay. Do your summer plans include time on a boat?

Nope. I can't swim and (smallish) boats freak me out.

9) Billy Joel is a popular college commencement speaker. If you were asked advice from the Class of 2014, what would you say?

Get a job, any job; you can be picky and get a better job once you have a regular paycheck. Pay off your loans, don't be a jerk, don't do things you know aren't right, and take care of your parents, especially if they helped pay for your education. Be the person you wanted to be when you were ten.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
90, part 1

1. What was the highlight of your week?

Staying calm, going to meetings, and no anxiety attacks. I'm counting from Monday morning. Things could change any second.

2. Whose car were you in last?

My own.

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?

Today. I mean, Beast is home for a couple of days. ;-)

4. What color shirt are you wearing?

I'm in the teal Tshirt from the 2010 Triennium (though I don't know anything about the site I snagged the photo from).

5. How long is your hair?

Fairly short. I can grab enough to pony at my nape, but only just, and it really wouldn't stay in..

6. Are you good looking?

I don't think so. I'm not butt-ugly, though, either.

7. Last movie you watched?

Can't remember. It's been awhile since I was in a theater.

8. Who were you with?

Probably Beast. Or Sparky.

9. Last thing you ate?

An untoasted bagel with Swiss and American cheese.

10. Last thing you drank?

I'm currently working on my second diet Dr. Pepper of the day.

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?

Last Sunday. ... No, really; it's semi-constant.

12. Who came over last?

No one. Well, we had a political caller on Friday asking if we'd put a sign in our yard for our state rep when the election gets closer.

13. Are you happy right now?

Hmmm, that is the $64,000 question. I'm not unhappy....

14. What did you say last?

"You sleepy?" to Beast because, well, he looks it.

15. Where is your phone?

My cell is on the charger in the dining room. The nearest landline extension is between me and Beast on the table where it lives.

16. What color are your eyes?

Hazel.

17. Are you left-handed?

Nope.

18. Spell your name without vowels:

"Ct. Str." No, that's not my real name. I will say, however, that my full last name has three vowels and ten consonants which might explain why I don't do these kinds of things, eh?

19. Do you have any pets?

Two guinea pigs.

20. Favorite Vacation?

One of them? Can't choose just one. There've been a lot of good ones. Maybe our trip to England/Greece/Germany (the EGG trip) when Sparky was 8. It was pretty spectacular. I don't even remember any arguments.

21. What do you dislike currently?

Things that are out of my control, and having to accept that.

22. What are you listening to?

Right now, NASCAR is running at Pocono.

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?

The assurance of recovery.

24. What is your favorite scent?

Vanilla. I also like the smell of 'clean.'

25. Who makes you happiest?

Silence and a good book.

26. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Reading. No, wait; I think I was asleep, finally, by then. Thank you, melatonin!

27. When is your birthday?

November.

28. Who has the same phone as you?

Beast has the exact same phone. He also has the next 'edition' for his work phone. It's a little confusing--there's not a great deal of visual difference between the Samsung 3G and the 4G. At least he has different cases for them, though.

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?

I don't swim, but the last time I was in, or even AT, a pool for any reason was probably close to a decade ago.

Patrick's Place

Saturday Six

1. C is for CABLE: Do you pay for cable or satellite television or have you "cut the cord"?

We have DirecTV as we have for the past 11+ years. We have had to call for service...uhm...three (?) times. One time a guy had to come do something with our antenna because of a problem we'd called about. He was punctual, timely, efficient and inexpensive. Otherwise we literally have never had major trouble. How do you beat that? Our cable company was called at least once a year, and the guys they sent out were jerks and expensive and dumb.

2. C is for CACOEPY: Which common mispronunciation do you find most annoying?

"Jew-ler-ee" (jewelry), "Reel-uh-ter" (Realtor), and "Nu-kyuh-ler" (nuclear) make me completely crazy. Really people. Really? They are some of the words in English that are pronounced exactly as they are spelled and we can't even do it right. gah

3. C is for CANDLE: At which age do you think it's appropriate to stop placing a candle for every year on someone's birthday cake?

When the cake catches fire, you've passed the optimum year. Some people are really silly about the number, so it's probably tactful to stop at about 25 or 30. Frankly, if you could've gotten 50 candles on my cake last year, I'd've been all for it! That would have been one giant cake! :-)

4. C is for CENT: Do you think pennies should still be minted or should we just give up on the single cents?

I think that if we instituted a VAT instead of the current system of taxing, we could make the prices all end in 0 or 5 and just not need pennies. Otherwise, we're pretty much stuck with them.

5. C is for CHAIR: Describe your favorite chair in your home?

Beast's recliner is pretty comfy, but I have to give favorite status to the blue chair in the basement, formerly Amy's. It's really comfy and tall and screams "Sit here and read a book!" to me. However, I mostly sit on the sofa because it is comfy and located in a better place in the house from which to organize things. Also, right now, it's warmer in this room!

6. C is for CORN: What’s your favorite way to eat corn?

I'm not fussy--I love corn! However, I'm allergic to the pollen so as much as I like it fresh off the farm, shucking it is a pain and even handling it to cook can be problematic. My sister's allergic to eating corn, so the fact that I'm "only" allergic to the pollen makes me happy whenever I eat it. However, I think I may be developing some problems with corn additives in foods, not as bad as my sister's problems, but a general I-don't-feel-so-hot thing. This is annoying, but I can still eat corn, cornmeal, and corn tortillas, so I'm not complaining.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
I.D.

1. What was the last t-shirt you acquired because it identified you as a member of a specific group? (you know, like a faculty t-shirt if you're a teacher, or a class t-shirt if you're a student, or a volunteer t-shirt for some event you helped with…)

Well, I bought a Packer training season polo last month...does that count? Otherwise, I guess it was the shirt similar to this I bought at a library conference exhibit.

2. What was the last event for which you filled out a HELLO MY NAME IS nametag?

All of us at work wore our Pirate Names on these things on Talk Like a Pirate Day last month.

3. Besides websites and personal computers, how many things do you have passwords or combinations for in order to prove you're authorized?

Our garage door, our safe, phones (home, work, cell), the bank, a couple of rewards cards I use when I'm shopping... I think that's it. Or all I can remember right now.

4. What was the last thing you wrote your name on so that people would know it belonged to you?

Oh, hell, I don't know. Something at work, probably, a form or God knows....

5. What was the last thing you put your name on so people would know you supported a cause, or were a member of a side?

Hmmm, not sure.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Who Are You Meme

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Normally, my answer for this is "intentional stupidity" but I think I need to get over this because I really see it too often to dwell on it; all it will do is shorten my life. So...pet peeve...let's see. I think I'll go with cold feet, which I have right now. But! I can do something about that.

2. Where and when were you born?

I was born nearly half a century ago at Porter Memorial Hospital, in Denver.

3. Where did your parents meet?

They were set up on a blind date by friends Lucille and Richie; Richie was Dad's friend and...hmmm, maybe Lucille went to church with Mom? I'm not sure. Anyway. Lucille was the school secretary at my high school when I attended there, and she and her husband lived in the only other house with the same floor plan as the house in which I grew up. Yes, my dad built them both.

4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like in four words?

Sigh....
Marie: serious, oldest, healthiest, bossy
Ellen: funny, tactless, redheaded, dead
Jean: librarian, English, idealistic, dead
Del: male, firefighter, irritating, loud

5. Where do you live now, and with whom?

I live in northern Flyover Country with Beast and the two (guinea) pigs. And Sparky, when he deigns to come home from college.

6. What is your occupation?

I'm a librarian at a small-to-medium-sized public library.

7. Write a full description of yourself.

Uhm, sorry, no. Read the damn blog(s).

8. To which social class do you belong?

OK, I have been REALLY good so far, but I can't maintain the snark-free answers when faced with this. Don't you know we have no class in America? (in all senses) We are a classless society, y'all. Actually, I do sort of believe this, in the permanent, immutable, can't-ever-leave-the-class-you're-born-into sense. In the poor/rich/middle, of course we have classes.

9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?

I have a great deal of dis-ease, a bucketload of allergies, and virtually no physical strength. But my brain? My brain is in pretty good shape, all things considered.

10. Are you right- or left-handed?

Right. Which isn't to say I don't actually HAVE a left hand....

11. What does your voice sound like?

I think I have a very weird accent, a blend of western overlaid with midwest, but I try to keep my voice under control. I do whinge a lot, though. Hate that.

12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?

You mean aside from the big Anglo-Saxon guns? I guess the winners might be "Actually", "Really," and "and."

13. What do you have in your pockets?

I'm not currently wearing anything with pockets. Normally I have chapstick and my phone in my pockets. If I'm at work, I also have my work keys.

14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?

You left out tics. ;-) None of my mannerisms or habits are at all strange or annoying to me, though I'm sure others find them BEYOND irritating and bizarre. Probably better to ask them. I do have a very loud laugh when I'm surprised by something, and when I'm drifting off to sleep my feet waggle around. That has driven Beast nuts for 26 years now.

Which brings us full-circle back to feet. Tra-la.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. Do you think you have the same accent as most of the people who live in your neighborhood, or do you sound like you’re from somewhere else?

I think I sound like I'm from somewhere else sometimes, but less so than I used to. I've lived in the Midwest now for over 25 years, so that Western drawl-thing is pretty faded. Unless I'm talking about or to family or Colorado people.

2. Have you ever been mistaken by a stranger as being from somewhere other than your place of birth? If so, what’s the farthest from your hometown one has guessed you’re from?

No one has ever really mentioned this to me. This makes me think I sound so wackadoo that people know I'm "not from around here."

3. If you had to come up with a name for the dialect you hear most often, what would it be?

Midwest nasality. People around here TOTALLY talk through their noses. Makes me nuts. I fear the nasal, and I am sure I do it. :'(

4. Take the quiz: What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

You Speak General American English!

60% General American English 20% Upper Midwestern 5% Dixie 5% Midwestern 5% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Yup, that about sums it up, although I think I have more than 5% "Midwestern" in me.

5. What regional word or expression common to your area do you find yourself using most often?

I'm kind of afraid that I'm losing my "th" sound, as in Sout' Side. I try not to. What I do find myself doing is talkingreallyreallyfast likeeveryonearoundheredoes.

6. Which regional word or expression common to your area do you hate the most?

I loathe with a passion the AAAA sound as it exits the nose when saying sAAt, mAAth, rAAck (rock), stAAAAp! (stop!), etc. OMG this grates like nails on a chalkboard to me!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Money Grabber

1. Has anyone ever intentionally ripped you off? Or perhaps unintentionally?

Have you heard the phrase caveat emptor? Isn't this all about American business practice? Yeah, I thought so. There are a lot of scams out there; I've been taken in by some in the past. And I'm sure people are all over the intentionality spectrum here.

2. When was the last time that you made a quip that fell completely flat and embarrassed you?

Oh, regularly. I frequently engage brain AFTER speaking. Not by best trait.

3. When you go to sleep, does it you need to be absolutely quiet or do you need a little noise (radio, TV, music or white)?

SILENCE! I keel you! (pace Achmed) I wear heavy-duty earplugs and sleep fabulous. Prior to my discovery of earplugs, I didn't sleep well at all. On the other hand, I have no problem whatsoever napping during a football game or NASCAR race in surround sound. Go figure.

4. Do you have a memorable "ripped clothing" moment in your life? No? How about in someone else's? (Come on, you know you have something to contribute!)

I don't think I've ever worn anything that tore embarrassingly, but Beast was playing around at friends' years ago and fell into a tomato stake which missed his skin but tore the front pocket out of his shorts. It was ... not good.

5. What's changed on your blog since its inception? ...a redo? ...a change of pace? ...or is it still business as usual?

What hasn't? When I started blogging--OMG almost 8 years ago!--I had two blogs: one for my reading list, one for daily life. Since then the latter has split, cloned, and spread into about 10 other blogs including this one. It's sorta like my real life. I've also redesigned the look of the blogs repeatedly, though not for awhile.

6. Can you remember where you were in life ten years ago? If you could travel back in time and whisper something to yourself ten years ago, what would it be?

Ten years ago, Sparky was in 3rd grade, Beast was working for the first incarnation of his job here (his company has been bought out, twice, since then), I was working nights and weekends at the library. If I could travel back in time, I'd probably tell myself to buy Apple stock, and be more patient with Beast & Sparky. Not that I'd listen.

7. Okay, let's have it! What's the craziest, most impulsive thing you've ever done?

Throwing garbage back at the people who'd pitched it towards us...on the 4th of July at the lakefront 20 years ago. Everyone I was there with was horrified, thinking I'd started a fight with a bunch of drunks, but they backed down. Never mess with a pissed off librarian!

8. If you were having a bad day what or who would you turn to for comfort?

Books, bath, bed. Any or all of the above. Maybe Beast, if his day hadn't sucked as well.

9. According to the song White Rabbit, "one pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small". If you were offered these pills today, which pill would you take and where would it take you?

Small, of course. Though I'd probably just wave it at my mouth--I just want to be a little smaller, not minuscule!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Twenty-Fiver Meme

1. Tell us about something that made you laugh last night.

We were watching Parking Wars. There are some crazy-ass people out there; you just have to laugh.

2. What were you doing at 8 PM last night?

Probably watching Parking Wars and playing on Facebook.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Driving back from FIL's.

4. What happened to you in 2006? (Feel free to republish an old post from '06.)

That was the year of the planned migration to S!rs!. It was also the year Katherine was pregnant. And we all remember how that ended.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

Something in response to something Beast is looking at on Failblog.

6. How many beverages did you have today?

I'm on my third can of DDP.

7. What color is your hairbrush?

One is silver and blue, the other is black. Yes, I have too. Long story.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

Gas. Woo, my life=exciting, eh?

9. Where were you last night?

We ate dinner with FIL and Beast's cousin D who is visiting for the weekend. Then we came home and sat around watching NASCAR and Parking Wars and playing online till I was so tired I could barely walk upstairs.

10. What color is your front door?

White.

11. Where do you keep your change?

Pennies in the car door, everything else in my wallet. The guys have receptacles in the kitchen for change.

12. What’s the weather like today?

Muggy, but thankfully cooler.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

Bubble gum.

14. What excites you?

Kids, good writing, beauty, animals, accomplishing something hard, pride.

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Thinking about doing that next summer. Cut, as in short, not a trim. I'm due for a trim/color in a few weeks.

16. Are you over the age of 35?

Yup. Guess I can run for President any ol' time now, eh?

17. Do you talk a lot?

Not really. More than I should, sometimes, for sure.

18. Do you watch Franklin and Bash?

Nope.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

I've known quite a few people named Steve, not too many of whom ever used their full name.

20. Do you make up your own words?

Not intentionally, or at least not often.

21. Are you a jealous person?

Nope.

22. What does the last text message you received say?

Shit, I dunno; my phone's the in the kitchen and I'm not getting up for it to answer a meme question. Sorry.

23. Where’s the next place you’re going to?

Uhm, sleep?

24. Who’s the rudest person in your life?

I suppose this is really about what my tolerance is. My brother is up high on the list. So is T., at work. I'd rather deal with her behavior, which is kindhearted at least, than his, which is just bitter.

25. Are you crushing on anyone that you shouldn't be?

Nope. I do not have time or energy for this right now.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Questions

1. Are you through with all of the stress associated with the Holidays and the New Year?

I am so through with it! :-) Now gearing up for Sparky's birthday in 3 weeks or so.

2. What is the stupidest thing about New Year's resolutions?

Bothering to make them.

3. We hear that Michael Vick has been given the use of a car in return for promoting a car dealership. Would you ever buy a car from that dealership? (in case you don't know about Vick, check out Wikipedia- you may need to scroll down a bit)

Sure, but since I don't live ANYwhere near there it's unlikely to happen. Listen, the guy's served his time, apologized, seems sincere in his remorse, and isn't falling back into it. Yet. Can we move on?

4. Do you think that eating too many carrots turns the skin orange?

It does, but you have to eat them by the bucketful. Sparky has eaten 5 lbs./week for years and his skin remains reddish-white.

5. Have you ever witnessed someone stealing from a store?

Well, yeah: me, 35 years ago.

6. What is the worst thing you can say to a bus driver?

Oh, I can think of many things that would be bad to say to anyone driving, and a few things that one shouldn't say to ANYone. Several of these things overlap.

7. What grosses you out about feet?

Feet don't gross me out. Not any more than other parts of the body.

8. The highlight of your perfect day would be what?

Laughing a lot.