Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Money Time Questions

1. What are five passions that you have? (If you have less than five, tell us where you do have an interest.)

Literacy, history, kids, reading, learning.

2. List up to ten random facts about yourself.

1. I have hazel eyes.
2. My feet are currently freezing.
3. My house currently smells like smoke and burnt food.
4. Those last two are connected: I'm burn-cleaning the oven. It stinks and it's not really warm enough to have every door and window open.
5. There's a nap in my immediate future.
6. I ate a whole package of Twizzlers yesterday.
7. My eyesight is lousy.
8. These questions make my mind go blank, so it's taking me bloody-forever to do this. Ugh.
9. I need to get the oil in my car changed this week.
10. My feet are still cold.

3. List five people (personal, historic, living or dead) who have had a major impact on your life or the way you think.

Jesus, my parents (that's one, right?), Corrie ten Boom, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Les (my pastor as a kid).

4. List 5 things you'd tell your 15 year-old self, if you could.

1. Stand up for yourself.
2. Listen to your conscience.
3. No one likes a know-it-all.
4. Your instincts are good: if you think someone is lying to you, the probably are.
5. Not everything is your fault.

5. What is a major strength that you have? (You can list more than one. Staying with our no rules approach.)

I read people pretty well.

6. What is a major weakness that you have? (You can list more than one. STILL staying with our no rules approach.)

I second-guess myself.

7. Describe the family dynamic of your childhood versus your family dynamic now.

I'm the adult child of an adult child of an alcoholic. My childhood, aside from the floating anger from one parent, was pretty good because my parents worked hard to make it so. Life today is, maybe, becoming pretty good because my alcoholic husband is not currently drinking.

8. What popular notion do you feel that the world has most wrong?

That any of us is all the center of the universe.

9. Name three things that always cheers you up when you are down.

Babies' giggles, music, reading.

10. Name three things would you like to be remembered for?

Loving kids, being a good worker, making killer mac'n'cheese.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Ask, ask, ASK

1 - Who was the last person you texted?

I responded to a (small) group Facebook PM this morning; this and my phone messaging are now linked so it's ridiculously easy to text the wrong person by accident from my phone now! However, this one was legit. My reply: "I'll defer to Leslie on this , but I will campaign for you guys too. And as long as it's not on a Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll totally be there." This in response to an out-of-state friend whose husband has just written a book and is looking to do a bookstore visit at our local indie to publicize it. I know the owner. And "Leslie" works there.

2 - When is your birthday?

In 6 days.

3 - Who do you want to be with right now?

No one. I will have the house to myself for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow for the first time in MONTHS! I can't wait!

4 - What sports do you play?

I don't.

5 - Who is the first person in your blogroll?

"First"? It's alphabetized, and I can't even remember who got added when. A couple of those listed are mine, so I guess those would be the oldest.

6 - What is your favorite song at the moment?

I woke up with P!nk's "OMG" on repeat play in my head this morning. While I did hear it (in headphones) at work this week, it isn't the song one would expect me to be humming, not of late. Disclaimer: do NOT click on that link if you are in a PG-rated location!!

7 - If you were stranded on an island, who do you wish to be with?

MacGyver, preferably the old one, not the current one. But he doesn't need to RUSH getting us rescued, just that he's able to do it eventually.

8 - What do you feel right now?

The of-late ever-present sinus headache. Slightly chilly feet (it's 64 degrees and the front door is open ON NOVEMBER 6!! Crazy weather!). And the laptop keys. Because yes I am that literal.

9 - What chocolate is your favorite?

Cadbury. Which is now owned by Kraft, so it's going to get crappy. After that, I'll be heading to Germany for my choco fix.

10 - How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have?

Cue massive increase in headache pain. Jeez, I'm nearly 53; when will this question just stop!?

11 - Why did you create a blog account?

Because I'm a huge copycat and all the Kool Kids were doing it!

12 - Who is your favorite blogger?

Amy. I never know what I'm going to get when she posts, but it's always ALWAYS interesting.

13 - Where do you want to be right now?

As always, I would love to be in the Colorado mountains somewhere in a cabin with a very comfy bed, snuggling in for a mid-afternoon nap next to a cuddly puppy.

14 - What do you want to be in the future?

Alive. One of the kids in Sunday School today said that her plan for adulthood is to "live until [she] die[s]." I call that a pretty good life plan.

15 - When was the last time you cried? Why?

Friday at my meeting because I was having a mini-pity-party for myself.

16 - Are you happy?

Driving home from Sparky's yesterday, I found myself thinking that life is Pretty Damn Good right now (then): between the weather, the beautiful skies and trees, Beast snoring next to me in the passenger seat, knowing Sparky's doing all right, on a good road with sensible drivers, the smell of burning leaves around us......

17 - Who do you miss?

This weekend, it's my dad. Yesterday would have been his 97th birthday. He died when he was (just barely) 75. I miss him.

18 - If you were given a chance, would you like to have a different life?

There've been a lot of books of late that talk about being reborn in the same body over and over and what you could change and what you would change once you know what those changes do to the rest of your life. I'd love to do that. Except for having to suffer the loss of good people over and over again....

19 - What was the best thing you were given?

Overall, it has to be a stock of strength: physical, emotional, spiritual.

20 - Who was the last person who called you?

Looks like the last incoming call was a reminder on Wednesday about an appointment on Thursday.

21 - What is your favorite dish?

I'm making homemade mac n cheese tonight with hot dogs for Beast as a bye-bye meal. It is my favorite, hands down, too. My favorite LITERAL dish is perhaps the one I make that meal in. :-)

22 - Who is your best friend?

I have a lot of superb friends, and I feel blessed for every one of them and for every single thing I receive from them not to mention the minimal things I'm able to do for them.

23 - What is your biggest regret?

How much I've let fear rule my decisions.

24 - Have you ever avoided your partner?

Well of course!

25 - Who do you spend crazy moments with?

Anyone willing to put up with me!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Mad Hatter's Meme

What’s the meaning or inspiration of your blog’s title?

My first blog was called Sweet Dreams. It wasn't a big stretch that when I created a blog just for memes to make the rhyme thing happen.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

I generally can think clearly in emergencies. My auto-pilot mode is solid.

What do you consider your biggest weakness?

I chatter too much and I'm far too opinionated.

Tell us why we should like your favorite band.

You can like whoever you want. I like a lot of different bands for many different reasons. But U2 is one of those "good band for many reasons" bands.

Who is your favorite model of all-time? Why?

Uhh? That one guy... OK, no really, I don't even.

Does it bother you when people talk about their pets? Why?

Not really. I mean, if they're way too gooshy-smooshy about them, it gets old. But I'm not likely to get irritated at people talking about their kids, so pets are fair game too.

Tell us about your favorite holiday.

I love Thanksgiving. It's really all about family and gratitude and food. I can get behind all of those things! It only lasts one day, there's no ridiculous month-long decor that needs doing. It's just perfect.

What was the last fabulous meal that you ate? Where were you?

I haven't had "fabulous" for awhile, but yesterday's impromptu stop at Applebee's was good. Haven't been there in a very long time. In fact, maybe I'll have the leftovers for lunch.

What’s your lucky number and why?

I pretty much don't believe in lucky numbers. I do return to 3, 8, and 16 often though. Wish I knew why the latter two were involved; I totes get 3.

What are five things you hate?

The smell/taste of liver; mean/catty behavior; selfishness; nails on a chalkboard; endless gray wintry days.

What are five things you love?

The sound of kids unselfconsciously giggling; reading; the smell of cooking food; the taste of sugar; sunny autumn afternoons.

Tell us a secret you can because other than us, who’ll read this anyway?

I really do only watch car races for the wrecks. (OK, it's truck racing this afternoon--same thing)

What is the favorite body feature of yourself?

I like my hands and feet and hair.

Is there a tattoo that you want? If you don’t have one, gun-to-your-head so you have to get one, what would it be?

I'm not much interested in tattoos. If I had to get something, it would probably be my son's initials somewhere bony: ankle or hand.

What do you love about yourself?

I love that I'm tough and stubborn and willing to stick the hard stuff out.

What do you hate about yourself?

I hate that I have a hard time making decisions so often.

Who is someone you miss?

My dad, my sister Ellen, MIL and FIL and Mom. Lately it's been my sister Jean, since I'm going to her son's wedding this week and she often despaired that he would ever have enough sense to make it to adulthood. We are harrrd on our men in my family!

Friday 5, delayed*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom?

Beast and I were texting as I came home tonight. I think my last was "Np" in response to him telling me he was going to bed, which he did before I got home.

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom?

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

Whenever the alarm goes off. Or, when I need to pee. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays my alarm is set for 7:10. Friday or Saturday (whichever I work), it's set for 6:30. And on Wednesdays it's set at 5:30.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

Not in my neighborhood. I'm careful in areas I don't know.

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day?

This. And Facebook. And read. One or more of the above.

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom?

Beast, of course. Not sure where. He's been sick all weekend, so before that for sure!

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school?

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so?

I love my job. Today, I got to talk to a father and son who have ... some issues but are finally getting things together. And I laughed with another dad when he rolled not just his eyes but his whole head at his two teenagers. I made a homeless woman laugh when I told her she could have a look at the newspaper, but I'd "chase her down" if she didn't bring it back (and then mimed a fast walk)--she told me I was something else. [too true] Another guy, a regular, told me a bunch of random and lengthy stories about trips he's taken. I woke up another regular who was online but asleep. I chased a 2-year-old out of the children's room so his dad and brother could actually leave (and change his diaper--PEEEUWW!). I took photos of a Jedi in her robes with and without her light saber. I got to see a smile on a teen I rarely see smile. It was a great day.

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos?

Who, moi? ...uhm, yes, I am a bit of a "That's what s/he said" person.

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?

Yes, I've met quite a few of these people.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?

I'm married. We talk about sex all the time! [ha ha ha] But that's the only person I do talk about sex with, so....
And yes, it's mututal.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately?

I've been trying to figure out my future for awhile. I don't know what the future holds, and generally I'm fine with that, but lately I seem to be getting thrown into choices I've never thought were available and it's confusing and unpleasant.

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation?

Oh, every day. Today, one of our regulars told me all about his feelings on the President and Hillary...and blah blah blah.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

I wouldn't say "usually" but "often" yeah.

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

Can I? Probably, but since I don't smoke it's not something I've considered learning to do.

T) What are you looking forward to?

My great-nephew Jo is being baptized in a couple of weeks. After that, I guess it's Jesse's wedding in September. Well, and summer and warm weather, too.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more?

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

Yes. Except when I'm being a total bitchface.

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now.

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sixteen Tons (1955)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 16 tons = 32,000 pounds, because there are 2,000 lbs. to a ton. Without looking it up, do you know how many ounces are in a pound?

Yup. 16. Because, babies.

2) The singer describes himself as having "a mind that's weak and a back that's strong." Think about yourself. Which feels more powerful today, your body or your brain?

I'd say it's a wash. I'm still waking up.

3) The poor chap in this song has money troubles. Are you good at sticking to your budget?

Yes. I'm pretty cheap.

4) Tennessee Ernie Ford snapped his fingers as he recorded this song. It's been said that while it's possible to snap your fingers of both hands, the noise is louder with your "dominant hand." (So if you're a rightie, the finger snap will be louder with your right hand.) Try it yourself. Did you find this to be true?

Sounds is about the same, but the timbre is stronger on the right; it's more controlled. Never thought of finger-snaps having timbre....

5) Mr. Ford appeared as "Cousin Ernie" in three episodes of I Love Lucy. What's your all-time favorite sitcom?

I like a lot of the 60s ones: Gilligan's Island, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie. To be honest, the only one after that I can remember scheduling my time around was M*A*S*H. I haven't watched proper sitcoms in ages; the laugh-track makes me want to hurl, and the humor is dumb. Oh, I did like Family Ties back in the day.

6) Tennessee Ernie took the money he made from his performing career and invested in a California cattle ranch. Think back to the last beef you ate. How was it prepared?

I can't even remember the last beef, so it was probably a burger.

7) Mr. Ford passed away at age 72 in 1991. That year, Dr. Seuss also died. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Oh the Places You'll Go although Jesse Jackson's reading of Green Eggs and Ham has a very warm place in my heart.

8) Gene Roddenberry also died that year. Mr. Roddenberry is best known as the creator of Star Trek. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?

Picard. No contest. Of TOS, probably Scotty or McCoy.

9) Random question: We're having smoothies. What's your favorite?

I can't get past the texture of these things, so I'll just have water, thanks.

Blogthings a.k.a. Too Tired to Think up Real Answers

And yes, I am way behind...oh well....

You Are Blintzes

You are fun-loving and even a little decadent at times. You love to indulge! You are curious about the world and quite adventurous. You almost always [would] rather go with the unknown than the known. You are easygoing, but you also always appreciate a job well done. A little extra effort goes a long way with you. You don't expect much from this world, so you're constantly finding sweet surprises every day. You are easily delighted.

What Traditionally Jewish Food Are You?

This works for me. I love blintzes!

You Should Adopt Dasher

You are an easygoing and friendly person, and you get along well with other genuine types. Dasher is both quick on his feet and reliable. You appreciate a pal who is as dependable as you are. Dasher is steady and responsible, but never ambitious. In him, you'll find an efficient sidekick. And if you ever get into holiday trouble, Dasher would get you out of there in a flash.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Should You Adopt?

OK, then. I just like his name; it makes him sound speedy and reliable, and fun.

You Are Caroling

You are an emotional, giving, and caring person. You can't help but express yourself, sometimes even through song. You like being part of a group, and you don't need to stand out. Communing with others is often enough for you. You rarely think of yourself; you're just the type to spread joy and peace to everyone around you. You have fun in life, especially when you're around good people. It doesn't take much to lift your spirits.

What Holiday Tradition Are You?

I do love caroling. We haven't done it for years, and I missed the reboot last month. I hope we do it again next Christmas.

You Should Spend Christmas Eve in Amsterdam

You're looking for a varied experience on Christmas Eve, and no city like Amsterdam can deliver. You enjoy a lot of traditional holiday activities, but you also walk the line between the naughty and nice list. You love to wander around a both vibrant and quiet city for Christmas Eve, and Amsterdam's dark nights are perfect for you. And if you have some last minute shopping to do, you'll find something cool at Amsterdam's funky outdoor markets.

What City Should You Spend Christmas Eve In?

A bit unexpected, but I wouldn't mind going to Amsterdam. Maybe, just, not at Christmas. ;-)

You Are Thoughtful

You are a pensive and even philosophical person. You think about the meaning of everything. You're likely to be happy to spend New Year's Eve alone or mostly alone. You have your books and thoughts to keep you company. Your attitude for the new year is one of quiet reflection. Your new year will bring a lot of personal growth in your life, even without any resolutions!

What Do Your New Year's Plans Say About You?

I do hope that last line is true, and in good and not painful ways.

You Should Toast to Friends

You feel like your life would be empty without the cool people in it, and you are thankful for your friends every day of the year. You love to have solid people that you can rely on, and you enjoy being there for them in their best, worst, and most ordinary moments. You may not have a ton of friends, but the ones you have are near and dear to you. It's all about quality. You'll raise a glass of any drink you have on hand to toast to your friends. You're always ready to toast to them.

What Should You Toast To?

I would totally toast my friends!! They are the best.
But this question reminded me of Andie McDowell in That One Movie: "I always drink to world peace."

Your Introvert Strength: Patience

You value your time, but you usually don't mind waiting for something or someone important. You know that everything unfolds at its own pace, and you can keep productive and busy until the time is right. You are rarely bored, even if you have nothing to do. You can always daydream or relax while you're waiting. You are empathetic and kind to the world. You know that you aren't perfect, and you don't expect anyone else to be either.

What's Your Introvert Strength?

I do get bored, but lately, it's perfectly acceptable to nap when I don't have anything with me to read. I am a LOT more patient than I ever used to be, that's for damn sure!

Your Gratitude Makes You Resilient

You may or may not have a lot to be thankful for in life at any given time, but that's not really the point. For you, gratitude is a practice... not an evaluation. You can always find someone and something to be grateful for. Life is about what you have and how others have helped you. You never let a good deed or good moment go unnoticed. You are resilient because you count your blessings. You trust that you can get through anything.

What Makes You Resilient?

Well, yes.

Your Winter Scent is Orange

You are bright, optimistic, and vibrant. You try not to let winter get you down, but it's not exactly your favorite season. You like to be wherever the sun is shining. If you could swing it, you wouldn't mind spending winter on a balmy island. You do your best to bring some color to a dreary winter day. You'll do whatever it takes to get until [sic] spring. You like sights, tastes, and scents of a warmer place. You can dream of sunnier days if you can't get away to them.

What's Your Winter Scent?

I do like orange. In fact, I have some orange-scented bath stuff, and it's calling to me for right now.

Blogthings

Flexibility Energizes You

You see the world as a place full of opportunities and promise. You love to keep your options open. You aren't the type of person who needs a plan. In fact, too much scheduling can weigh your energy down. You need as much freedom as possible, and you won't squander it. You put your time and energy to good use. You don't have expectations about the future, and you are always ready to change course. You try to leave space for new experiences and adventures.

What Energizes You?

Well, I do like to plan, but I'm pretty good at winging it, too. Sort of depends on what "it" is, doesn't it? I plan if I'm speaking about something complicated in public. I plan vacations. But I don't freak out if I have to speak extemporaneously (and briefly), nor do I stick to the plan if something else comes up on vacation.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Spring has arrived, about 6 weeks early.

2. I'm in the market for a strong back available for transplant.

3. I forgot to water the plants on Tuesday!

4. Cheese and crackers for dinner is delicious! And easy.

5. Heads, shoulders, knees and toes. Eyes and ears and mou-uth and nose, headandshoulderskneesandtoes!

6. Walking is my favorite form of exercise when it's warm enough out not to wear a coat! And also, not humid.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending 4 hours alone, quietly so as not to wake Beast and maybe doing some dusting, tomorrow my plans include Skypng with Sparky, and maybe more dusting, and Sunday, I want to clean the guinea pig cage and (I hope) enjoy a clean house. Maybe I'll even make a hot meal for the first time since last Saturday night!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

"All of you: shut up, sit down, stop fighting, and hands off everyone elses' stuff!"

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

It would be interesting to meet and talk to librarians from all over the world, specifically those in parts of the world that may not have as much access to libraries as we do here.

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

Alone? Seriously, I'm very much leaning toward Tierra del Fuego. I hear it's about as nice as it gets there about now.

4) What do you think about most?

I try hard not to think about anything much. I'm getting very good at it, too.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

Yuck. I can't think of any musicians I'd want to spend any romantic time with any musicians, since most of those I like are either married or emotionally fucked.

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I'd like to have NOT wrecked my truck last spring.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Judging by how much I've been doing it lately, maybe French-braiding my hair in under 5 minutes.

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

"Does this dress make my ass look big?"

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Not that I'm aware of.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Uhm? Probably within a month or so, but certainly not in any grandiose way; probably at my desk at work. I'm more likely to air-drum or air-piano, to be honest.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I have answered this the same way 4 times in the past on this meme. Feel free to search the site--I've even provided a search box for you in the right-hand column. Go on. I'll wait.

12) What's your religion?

Christian. Or if you want to be sectarian about it, Presbyterian.

13) What is your current desktop picture?

Mighty Mouse in a sea of orange.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Getting in or out of a car.

15) What's the last song you listened to?

...I know the radio was on in the car on the way home from church, but I can't remember a single song. Probably for the best. And all the songs at church today were ones I participated in, so I have no good answer for this.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

U2.

17) What was the last lie you told?

"I'll wait." I didn't.

18) Do you believe in karma?

My answer is buried in this post.

19) What is a saying you say a lot?

You mean, aside from short-and-sweet ones like "SHIT!"? So, then, yeah... ;-)

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Weakness: laziness. Strength: I'm going with Kiril's answer in Sunday School this morning, which was "I'm pretty smart."

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

I guess Mark Harmon. Though I do like the way Brad Pitt looks most of the time.

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.

A Valentine's Day heart.

23) How do you vent your anger?

Yell, scream, pout, growl.... Or, mostly, put on headphones and hope the music washes it away. It didn't work so well yesterday at work.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

LOTS of things, right now. Our house is fairly bursting with stuff we've accidentally collected. I do have a collection of S&Ps, but ... mostly I collect dust.

25) What is your favorite word?

See #19: I'd say I'm in a running tie between "shit" and "crap" depending on locale. Sorry, Mom.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

What is your greatest strength? Stubbornness.

What is your worst weakness? Obstinacy.

Is your favorite time the past, present or the future? I suspect I'm right in the middle of it.