Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Groundhog Day

1. What’s your favorite Bill Murray performance?

   I mean, it's kind of hard to NOT say Groundhog Day because of local ties, but I was reciting stuff from Caddyshack the other day, so... Really, I just love the man.

2. What’s been a highlight of your winter so far?

   I hate winter. Even Christmas this year didn't alleviate that.

3. What’s there to look forward to in the next six weeks?

   I can't think of a thing. Lent is starting this week, so that's the next six weeks. Oh, wait: paczkis on Tuesday.

4. Too early for flapjacks?

   Today? Well, honestly, it's never EVER too early or late for flapjacks. Hmm, maybe that's lunch tomorrow....

5. If someone in a bar asks to buy you a drink (and let’s just say for the sake of the question you are amenable), what do you order?

   Stoli tonic with a lime twist.

Rockit

1. What’s your favorite instrumental hit song?

   Well, let's start with Bach.

2. What’s a good movie with rockets in in it?

   Uhm? This is really not a way I tend to categorize movies. So, er, Toy Story?

3. In 1977, Voyager I took off on its very long journey, loaded with two golden records containing sounds meant “to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth, and are intended for any intelligent extraterrestrial life form, or for future humans, who may find them,” according to Wikipedia. The contents were chosen by a committee chaired by Carl Sagan, but if Dr. Sagan called you today (you know, from beyond) and said there was room for ten more minutes of music and he was letting you choose it, what would you fill the ten minutes with?

   Bruno Mars.

4. What’s something you know about constellations?

   I can usually spot Orion's Belt (thanks, Beast, one of our early "dates") and that's about it.

5. When did you last spend time in a rocking chair?

   Our rocking chair is full of pillows and lap rugs, so it's been awhile here. Elsewhere? I can't think of anything recent.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Thinking Out Loud (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artist, Ed Sheeran, was discovered by Elton John. Tell us your favorite Elton John song.

Not the orgy in Disneyland one...but maybe "Benny & the Jets"? There are a lot of good, old ones.

2) Ed's arms are covered in tattoos, so clearly he doesn't suffer from trypanophobia, or the fear of needles. Do you get nervous when the doctor gives you a shot?

I don't get nervous, but I really don't like seeing the needle go in. Or looking too closely at needles IN my body (i.e. IVs, or {{shudder}} acupuncture).

3) One of his tattoos depicts a Heinz Tomato Ketchup label. What condiments are in your kitchen right now?

From memory, I think... 2 bottles of ketchup (no clue), two varieties of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, A1, soy sauce, and some kind of hot pepper sauce like Tabasco. And probably others I don't remember.

4) Spotify named Sheeran the most-streamed artist in the world for 2014. Do you use Spotify? Pandora?

I use Spotify every single day at work to keep me from murdering the people around me in my cubicle. I have a Pandora account, but haven't used it in eons.

5) Ed celebrated his success by purchasing a farm near Suffolk, England. Would you prefer to live in a rural, suburban or urban area?

Can I have a place in each? I like (some) cities, and I like the country, and suburbia is a decent halfway point for shopping and "life stuff" (gyms, medical offices, etc.).

6) In this song, Ed sings about kissing "under the light of one thousand stars." Were you able to see the stars last night? Or was it it too cloudy or overcast?

I honestly don't remember. I did see planes lined up to land at the Big Freakin' Airport 35 miles east of us, but I don't remember seeing stars. I was mostly busy driving.

7) Ed is a natural red head, a trait he shares with only about 2% of the population. Does red hair run in your family?

Sparky in high school physics,
5 years ago. Yay electricity!!

Sparky has auburn hair (see photo). My dad had the same color hair as Sparky, though I only remember it as white. And Beast's brother's beard came in ginger even though he's a dark blond on top. I know a TON of natural gingers, though. It's weird.

8) One of Clairol's most popular shades is a red (Nice 'n Easy Natural Light Auburn). Have you/would you dye your hair?

I used to dye it, but gave it up about 3 years ago. I don't like the maintenance and the cost, and I really do NOT mind having my (very apparent) gray hair show. It's moving toward half and half at this point. It's not awful. I like white hair!

9) Random question: Look at the windows in the room you're in. Are they covered in curtains or blinds?

Blinds. Curtains are dust-collectors. To be honest, so are these blinds. It may be time to clean them or replace them. Oops, actually, there are curtains in the dining room--cafe style, so we have some actual privacy in there while eating.

Saturday 9 times two

(Link in meme-roll)
Lucky Star (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. Have you ever wished upon a star?

Yes, but not for at least a couple of decades.

2. In the 1980s, Madonna considered her wrist bangles one of her fashion trademarks. What's one of your fashion trademarks?

Jeans. Cute (but comfy) shoes.

3. Though she got good grades, Madonna could be disruptive at school, known for turning cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel?

Never, EVER, could. I'd be hospitalized if I tried nowadays.

4. Her high grade point average earned her a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan, home of the Wolverines. Do you follow college football?

I do only because Beast does. We're going to the Rose Bowl this year, which I couldn't care less about, and the teams...meh: Oregon and Florida State.

5. Madonna co-starred in the movie version of Dick Tracy. Do you enjoy comics?

Not so much. I don't mind reading the occasional graphic novel--my favorite is the fairy tale series by Bill Willingham. But the Dick Tracy thing cracks me up. I know far too much about him.

6. She played Argentinian First Lady Eva Peron in the biopic, Evita and directed a movie about Wallis Simpson. What famous 20th century woman do you wish you could meet/could have met?

Eleanor Roosevelt. I suppose I could hold out hope that Madonna will actually get around to a movie about her, right?

7. Madonna authored a children's book called The English Roses. Tell us about a book that had a big impact on you when you were a kid.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang--book my sister was reading me when I first figured out reading.

8. One of Madonna's "vocal idols" is Ella Fitzgerald. Who is your all-time favorite female singer?

Nina Simone. Or maybe Melissa Etheridge.

9. Madonna once did a Pepsi commercial. What beverages are in your refrigerator right now?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Of course.

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 Feliz Navidad (1970)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. "Feliz Navidad" is Spanish for "Merry Christmas." Can you wish us happy holidays in a language other than English or Spanish?

Buon natale!! And if you prefer Cyrillic: Счастливого Рождества!

2. According to ASCAP (the American Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers), this is one of the 20 most played holiday songs of the last 10 years. What's the most recent carol that you heard?

I can't remember. Well, actually, since I accidentally had my volume up when I linked to the video above, it was the very beginning of this one.

3. Which Christmas song do you hope you never hear again?

Anything by Johnny Mathis.

4. This week's featured artist, José Feliciano, was honored to perform this song at the tree lighting ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. If you were to win a trip to our nation's capital, which sites would you visit?

The Holocaust Museum, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Wall. Oh, and of course the Library of Congress. I missed all of those on the first trip there.

5. As a very young child, José taught himself to play the accordion. If you could suddenly, easily learn to play any instrument, which would you choose?

I keep thinking about taking piano lessons again, but I need a better arrangement for the keyboard in our house--bad chair currently.

6. José says that hearing early 1950s rock on the radio made him want to become a singer. What's your favorite music genre?

Good melody tied to matching lyrics. Or cleverly, not.

7. At 17, José had to drop out of school to help support his family. Too young to enter bars, he played guitar in coffee houses for tips. Have you ever worked a job where you regularly received gratuities?

The only job where I got tips I wasn't allowed to keep them.

8. José and wife Susan have been together for more than 40 years. Who is the happiest married couple you know?

I'm going to give this to an older couple at church who married about 20 years ago, second marriage for both, and who, at least to start with, celebrated an anniversary every month because they didn't think they'd live long enough to hit double digits in annual celebrations. They are so freakin' cute.

9. Jose wrote and performed the theme of the 1970s show, Chico and the Man. What's your current favorite TV show?j

I'm really enjoying the new NCIS in New Orleans. However, I got a call last night from a friend saying I need to watch The Librarians because it's "really funny." Hmmm.

Blogthings

You Are Phoenix

You are incredibly resilient, and no one should count you out, ever. When you're at your worst, you rise up and surprise people. You are constantly remaking yourself and rising from the ashes. You haven't failed more than most people, but you have had more comebacks. You are driven to be independent and self-reliant. There is nothing you hate more than being trapped. You are a natural healer, and you know how to overcome your wounds - both physical and emotional.

What Constellation Are You?

Of course I wouldn't get a constellation I've actually heard of....

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

My perception is that we're less racist, less homophobic, slightly less sexist, and more open about the existence of bad things (abuse, disease, etc.).

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Two words: "helicopter parents."

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

"Star light, star bright/First star I see tonight/I wish I may, I wish I might/Have the wish I wish tonight."

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

I don't listen to the radio, so if a song is overplayed it would be because I'm listening to it over and over. The one that comes to mind immediately is Pink's "Fuckin' Perfect" (not the edited version).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Not since I lived at home in my teens. It's just way too much work when DQ is right around the corner and is actually less horrific from a nutritional standpoint than homemade is.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

Encourage them and then let them take ownership. Generally. Of course, there will always be a few who just need to be pushed because they don't really want to work for whatever reason. I find the carrot approach tends to work better than the stick, though the stick is way more tempting to use, and easier in the short run.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Sometime in the last six weeks. I know we lost power at least briefly overnight once this summer, and we were out for a couple of hours another time. We lose power all the damn time, so it's hardly noteworthy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really hate allergy season. I really totally completely loathe corn pollen. And I don't feel good. And my eyes are completely fubar.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Everybody is a Star

1. Did you ever think that you'd be a star? If yes, doing what?

Not really. This has not been an aspiration of mine at least in terms of fame. I like being very good at what I do, however, so if that makes me a star ....

2. Tell us about the last time you had a romantic dinner.

Uhm. Maybe at the Mill? A few months ago? The one meal I had alone with Beast in Vegas wasn't all that romantic.

3. Tell us about your worst job interview.

I didn't get the job. I knew I was WAY underqualified within about three questions, but they were very pleasant and finished the interview and I got a tour of the facility at the end. OK, so maybe that wasn't the worst. Maybe it was the group interview at another place where I was qualified, but felt completely cowed by having three people firing questions at me from a rubric they were using. Really freakin' uncomfortable. Didn't get that job either. lol

4. Tell us about your stupidest date.

I'm still--25 years later--not sure this was a date, but I went over to a guy's apartment to listen to import records. That's all we did. It was...random.

5. How much in common do you think you should have with a romantic partner?

More than Hollywood thinks, but less than what your parents would probably say.

6. Tell us about a favorite meme that you loved but no longer posts.

I loved Friday's Feast. I miss it a lot. It was just a very clever concept.

7. How did you get into blogging?

It's all Amy's fault.

8. Do you share all your fantasies with a significant other?

Yeah, not.

9. What change in your life would you like to happen this year?

I'd like to magically lose a great deal of weight (without being sick, by the way--I'm not a moron).

Friday Fiver

(Link at left)
But in your dreams whatever they be

1. Do you like looking at stars?

In a general way, yes. I really don't care the slightest bit about constellations, though I can find Orion and (eventually) the Big Dipper.

2. Who do you say "I love you" to?

People I love. OK, stop. I really only say it to people I've gotten to know as an adult. We don't "do" love in my family--though I've become better at saying it to my eldest nieces in the past year or so.

3. Did you say "good night!" to anyone last night?

Of course. Every night. With a kiss. THAT, my friends, is a family tradition (we don't do love, but we do put a lot of stock in goodnight kisses).

4. When is the last time you felt blue?

Tonight. Our high school colors are blue and white. I have blue scribbles on my hands.
In the emotional sense...uh, don't remember. Flashes of blue only, mostly, of late.

5. Tell us one of your dreams:

Here ya go. Have fun.

Monday Madness

(Link at left)

1. How many times a month/year do you see the sunrise?

If the question is how many times I notice the sun coming up, probably about 10 times a year. In the winter, I'm up before the sun almost every day. If/when I go to early bird Bible study, I do occasionally notice it rising--in the middle of the discussion. I do love to be awake and able to just watch the sun crest the trees that are between the house and the horizon. I should take the time to do it more often.

2. How many times a week/month do you see the sunset?

Possibly about twice that of the sunrise. Beast is a BIG sunset freak, though; he will sit out on the back porch and (ugh) smoke a cigar while watching the colors. I need mountains before I get impressed.

3. Do you go out at night and "gaze" at the stars?

I can probably count on both hands the number of times in my life I've intentionally gone outside and looked at the stars. Lights. In the sky. Okay. Orion, Big Dipper, North Star. Moving on.... Very dismaying to Beast.

4. Do you ever look for star clusters, such as the big dipper, etc?

I can find the two I named, and the north star. That's about it. Yawn.

5. Do you look for planets at night (with or without a telescope)?

Nope. Can't be bovvered.

6. Are you able to see the northern lights where you live? If so, about how often do they come around?

We've seen them a couple of times, I think. They are pretty amazing. Very eery.

7. Do you like going outside during a thunderstorm and watching the lightening?

I do like being out in storms, not so much for the lightning itself but for the electricity in the air and the ozone-y smell. I used to love walking in the rain, too, but glasses kind of ruined that.

8. Do you have any really neat weather pictures? PLEASE, feel free to share them!

I don't think I have any online. I have a lot of weird snow photos: Snow on Easter, Snowdrifts in the driveway, Unbroken Snow in the backyard, [Dog] buried in snow (it was THAT DEEP!), not so much anything else, and they are all non-digital. Sorry.