Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)

Spill It!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. What made you smile today?

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

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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1. What's something you're curious about right now? 

I am quite UNcurious about almost everything right now. Too much stress in my life, so I'm keeping the focus on the next step I need to take. ... Once I figure out what that is.

2. If you could plan the perfect girl's weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months? 

Bwaahh ha ha ha ha ha
No.

3. What's the most unique item in your refrigerator right now? 

I just found some prosciutto that I forgot I bought. How long is too long to keep prosciutto? I also keep my Ozempic in there--because I'm diabetic! Not because I have a strong need to be skinny.

4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging? 

Everydamnthing. Maybe less work-related stuff today (though I have my annual eval today so that could change--every conversation with my boss has a tendency to piss me off in some way or another), more house-related stuff (guys are here working on some repairs that should've been done Weds, but then ... wasn't).

5. Do you collect anything? If so why that? 

My stock answer for this is "dust." I also have quite a healthy collection of salt-and-pepper containers. All covered in DUST. 😇 Generally though, I have too damn much of everything; if you need it, ask me and I probably have at least one. It's stupid. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Despite everything--or maybe because of everything--I have yet to really break down and sob for hours. I guess (going back to question #1) I am a little curious about when that dam will break. I don't WANT to do it, but it's going to happen eventually.

Sunday Stealing

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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.

Friday 5

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Shadow

1. When have you had to choose the lesser of two evils?

   Every day. It's a constant battle, in greater and lesser proportions.

2. When have your good intentions resulted in something awful?

   Mostly this happens when I don't think through what consequences might be. I often try to help people by doing stuff for them, when really they'd be better served doing it themselves in order to "own" it.

3. In your experience, have two wrongs ever made a right?

   Maybe not a right, but sometimes a not-so-bad.

4. When have you had to let virtue be its own reward?

   This usually involves me not trumpeting around how wonderful I handled something.

5. What is the worst toll stress has ever taken on you?

   The last four years haven't been good. I've gained a lot of weight, added some interesting awful habits to my repertoire (which I'm trying to un-add), screwed up my long-term health, and it's not over yet.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Suck it, Nerds!

What would you totally eat right now?

We're sort of redoing Thanksgiving dinner right now (we didn't celebrate till yesterday): Beast is having mashed potatoes (round 2 3 4? I'm having stuffing and a piece of blueberry pie (shortly).

Do you always wear a certain piece of jewelry?

Pretty much always have on my engagement and wedding rings, and my anniversary ring.

What kind of jeans do you like?

Lee. Also, Gloria Vanderbilt for "fancy" jeans.

What's something on your want list?

I would like to be more organized in my use of time.

Is animal print tacky?

Depends on when/where it's used. I only wear it in a very ironic way.

Give me a good quote that you like.

My, Miss Bossy Boots! OK, here ya go: "Quotation, n: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another." (Ambrose Bierce)

Do you bite your nails?

Yes, and it's been a rough month or two...they are very short.

What kind of smells do you like?

I like the smell of clean. And babies; I got a my baby-smell fix yesterday yay!

Do you wear perfume or cologne?

I do: either VS or Gossip.

What do you think is overrated?

Baseball, and most movies.

Next movie you want to see?

I really really need to learn to read ahead...sigh. I'm kinda jonesing to see "Catching Fire.

Would you change your eye color if you could?

Nope. I don't mess with my eyes unless absolutely necessary.

And what are your goals for the remainder of this year?

I'd like to keep the stress level extremely low.

When is the last time you were at the hospital?

About 55 days ago bringing Beast home.

Who introduced you to your current significant other? If you’re single, who introduced you to your last ex?

Beast was in the same chemistry class freshman year of college as my roommate and decided he wanted to get to know her better so he showed up in our dorm. She ignored him completely but I talked to him and he just kept coming back. Eventually, we started talking more seriously, and then dating.

This is, somewhat fittingly, the Devil's Post: Number 6666. ROFLWTFBBQ!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge (a bit late)

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1. What lesson has failure taught you?

Take some time, then get back up, and start again. All three steps are equally important.

2. What decision are you glad you made?

Sticking around. At least, so far.

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

Hell no! It may, MAY, go up next weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join? How would I "join" solitaire? lol I'd be up for some poker, but I haven't played Old Maid in a really long time. How about Egyptian Rat Screw, though, instead.
5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?

I eat. Unless it's REALLY high stress, and then I don't eat at all because my stomach is too unsettled.

6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?

I've done this a couple of times, generally because something was either exceptionally good or really awful. It's not a habit though.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?

I can't remember anything specific, but I had a short chat with a couple of co-workers about work-stuff that was ok.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just served notice on Facebook that I'm done with games (again). I brought home the latest Elizabeth George book which clocks in at well over 700 pages. And there's holiday stuff coming, and other things I need to be doing that are actually productive.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Perfect Totient* Meme
In honor of our blog post number #111! The Perfect Totient Meme aka the You-make-me-feel-like-a-natural-number meme. I will demonstrate my spectacular mathematical mind. Be amazed.

1. (1) Name one thing you can't live without.

Air. And there's a LOT of it blowing around out there tonight.

2. (1+1=2) Name 2 things you'd rather not do this week.

Say goodbye again to Sparky, and have any further interactions at all with my boss. Neither of these is fated to go my way, however.

3. (1+1+1=3) Tell me 3 reasons you need a vacation.

Beast's back, work, and winter weather.

4. (11) It is the 11th hour of your life and you have one hour left on Earth. What do you do?

If it's the 11th hour of my life, that means each hour is actually worth about four years, so I've got some time to get things tidied up. Right?

5. (1x1x1=1) Name one thing you'd rather do alone than in a crowd.

Just about anything at all is better alone than in a crowd, imo.

6. (111) One hundred (and) eleven is the natural number following 110 and preceding 112 AND a perfect totient number. A perfect totient number is an integer that is equal to the sum of its iterated totients. What makes the totients so iterated?

I don't have a fucking clue what this question is talking about. Actually, that's not fair: I understand everything up to "...iterated totients."

7. (NINE 11) What is your emergency?

Having called 911 twice for Beast and the cops (non-emergency) from work once in the past two weeks, I'm kind of hoping I don't have to talk to any people in uniforms with vehicles that use flashing lights in a VERY long time.

________
* So I learned a new word here: totient. Not that I have a bloody clue what it actually means, but at least I know it's not a typo.

Patrick's Place

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Sunday 7

Name the seven ways your job is most likely killing you.

1. Toxic boss.
2. Shift work hours.
3. Indoor air quality (and I would append, temperature).
4. Workplace incivility (I hasten to add that 98.3% of that is not from my coworkers!).
5. Lack of exercise. *
6. Chronic pain. *
7. Lack of sufficient insurance (or other) benefits (not on the list).

My job is secure, but the lack of job security in my workplace and the ever-present push to reduce costs--when we already operate on a shoestring--is as difficult as the last 4 of the items on the list.
_______
* I will, however, add that this is as much my fault as my workplace's.

Saturday 9

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Watching the Wheels

1. What do you see when you are watching the wheels go round?

I would probably see myself getting motion sick if I stared at turning wheels. In my mind, I see lists of things I should be doing, rotating around.

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones?

Survivor and TAR. Used to love Real World back when it wasn't a booty call every second of the day.

3. What's your favorite all time reality show?

First few seasons of Real World are great, especially New York and London. I loved London. ...sigh

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked?

They are edited to make a story. Are stories fake? I dunno. They are as fake as real life.

5. What does your personal neon sign say to the world?

"Busy working (no really I am"

6. Ever seen a neon sign with certain letters burned out so that it said something unintended?

Not anything real, no. The bowling alley in town usually has at least one letter out: B WLIN or BOWLI G or B LING or whatever.

7. What gives you a headache? Could be a scent, a sound, someone's actions - anything.

Too much perfume will do it. Dust. Tension. Crying ugly.

8. What song, artist or album in your music collection would you pull out and play if you wanted to give your roommate/neighbors a huge, head-splitting headache?

"I Hate Everything About You"

9. What do you do to relieve stress?

This. Read. Sleep. Baths. Massages. Those are the default responses: honestly, I don't have a good way. Suggestions are welcome.

Why I haven't been here much lately:

You Are Driven Stressed

You have a lot of stress in your life, but a lot of it is your own doing. You put a lot of pressure on yourself. You have high standards, and you won't stop until you meet them. You can become work and goal obsessed. You sometimes suffer from too much micromanagement. Slow down and give yourself a break. When it comes to stress, you are your own worst enemy.

What Kind of Stressed Are You?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist [how ironic is this?]

And there you have it...

...but now I'm going to go ahead and do some Saturday memes....

Thursday 13

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Stress Busters

1. Drink enough water and eat nutritiously, including snacks.
2. Find something funny to watch or think about.
3. Check posture. Stretch and straighten out the spine. Stand up tall if you've been sitting.
4. Think back to childhood: what was enjoyable then? Whether it be reading, dancing, running, or playing with paper dolls, schedule time to allow your freedom of expression this way.
5. Slow down. Intentionally talk more slowly and move more slowly for a few minutes, until you feel your heart rate decrease.
6. Go outside. Even standing in the sun for five minutes may help.
7. Lower expectations of yourself and of others. Make achievable goals.
8. Take a deep breath. Count to 10. Take another one. Count to 10 again.
9. Plan a reward after a stressful day. Put it on your list along with the other things that have to be done. And don't cross off the reward till you feel rewarded.
10. Say 'no' more often, and teach yourself not to feel bad about it.
11. Let go. Don't allow yourself to ramp up. As someone once told me, "If you don't want to get bitten, don't pick up any snakes."
12. Do something aerobic. Go for a walk around the building, climb a few flights of stairs, run out to your car and back...something that gets your heart going in a positive way.
13. Do one thing on The List. Pick one you can do fairly quickly and just get it done. That may energize you to find something else to work on, and maybe finish. Etc.

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in meme-roll)

Breakfast
What is something hanging over your head this week?

Three full carts of books at work + my boss being her normal weirdo self = the Sword of Damocles.

Lunch
Name at least five things you do that you are proud [or] "well-pleased" of.

Surviving winter this year (again), my son, my husband, the girls who are graduating from youth group this year, my work ethic, those moments when I keep my temper (and my mouth shut).

Dinner
What is something you are always wanting to do, but never seem to be able to?

Work on my mom and dad's papers and photos. I have GOT to get on that!

Midnight Snack
What is your best way to cope with stress?

Unfortunately, it seems to be eating. Doing crosswords or getting immersed in a good book help too. When I combine 2 of those with a hot bath, I'm in good shape!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

PLAN! STAY on the plan!

Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)


Q1 - Feelings: Do you believe anyone else can be responsible for how you feel/your feelings, or do you believe only you can be responsible for how you feel?

I think situations cause reactions, but we are responsible for at least attempting to deal with the way we handle the situation AND our reaction(s)/emotion(s). This isn't to suggest I'm always that great at doing this, however.

Q2 - Pamper: What do you do to pamper yourself when you're tired, stressed, and worn out? How about when you're feeling on top of the world for having accomplished something you worked really hard to achieve?

I go far away from people, to the extent I can. Sometimes (usually) it's just psychological distance. If only I could fit it in to my schedule. Mostly in practice, I spend more time in bathrooms. Which is why a hotel room is a luxury.

When I do something awesome, I reward myself with food. Because that's perfectly healthy!! I try to fix the situation in my mind for the next really sucky day, too, to remind myself I don't suck ALL the time.

Q3 - Deal: What's the best buy or deal -- the biggest bang for the buck -- you recall ever receiving?

My husband. He was free.

Q4 - Trade: The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), colloquially known as "Cash for Clunkers," has helped an estimated 250,000 Americans receive a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher toward to the purchase of a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when trading in a less fuel efficient vehicle. Eligibility requirements for vouchers include that your 'clunker' be less than 25-years-old, receive 18 or fewer miles per gallon, be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in, and be in drivable condition. Based on those criteria, do you have a vehicle that qualifies for Cash for Clunkers?

Nope. Sorry, we're too energy efficient. I might be able to sneak the truck in, but it's usually over 20 mpg. The Honda is closer to 30, and the Impala doesn't belong to us (company car) and I have no clue what the mpg is anyway.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday 6

1. Take the quiz: What Does Your Address Say About You?

Your Address Says You're Energetic

Right now, life seems to be brimming with opportunities... and you're excited for all of them. You are productive and creative. It makes you feel good to stay busy. At your best, you have a full schedule and lots to do. At your worst, you feel bored and aimless. Idle hands make you a bit crazy!

What Does Your Address Say About You?

And my response: ha ha ha.

2. How seriously are have you worked in the past month to change your life for the better, rather than living with the status quo?

My life, over the past month, has been a bit more occupied with reacting to major life changes (family illness/death, friends' illness/imminent death, new job responsibilities, potential unemployment in the household, changes in household responsibilities, you name it). I haven't seen status quo for six weeks. Not sure I'll recognize it when it pops up again.

3. How much has your life felt like it is "brimming with opportunities" in the past month, and have you seriously considered taking any of them?

Oh, there are loads of opportunities at work. I'm trying to jump on all of them, but it's getting more and more difficult as the stress ratchets up.

4. How important is becoming wealthy and successful, and has its level of importance changed at all in the past year?

I'm not at all interested in material wealth as a goal, but I would like to achieve (self-defined) success. The definition of success has been mutating lately, yes.

5. If your life could be placed on a scale that would balance between “work hard” and “play hard,” which side would be heaviest?

Work. Especially right now.

6. How much do you feel right now that you’re at some kind of crossroads?

I've found that in general the less one notices that things are changing, the more they actually seem to have changed looking back. Having said that, I'd say that right now I've got some pretty cataclysmic changes going on. I don't have a 4-way crossroads facing me; more like a five-level, six-lane cloverleaf intersection. Sigh.

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Breakfast
What is looming on your to do list right now?

HOME: family archives (I must get it all back out and finish it), cleaning my desk, organizing the kitchen bookshelf...
WORK: Finish Continuations spreadsheet and check it, finish figuring out new ordering system, CATALOG for a change!, learn how to do evaluations, clear my desk off, redesign my workflow and that of Tech Service as a whole...
So, yeah, not much. Mind you, all of this is hanging fire RIGHT NOW, not in the next few months. I need a drink now.

Lunch
What was your life like this week?

Frustrating, sad, annoying--with spots of joy.

Dinner
What is a fear you currently have?

That my eyes are going to stop functioning completely. I feel like they are (pardon the analogy) limping along with blisters, ready to give out at any second.

Midnight SnackWhen is the last time you took time for yourself?

Far. Too. Long. Unless you count dorking around on the computer, of course.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

Break the habit of checking Fb at work, turn off Twitter at work, tone down the ADD stuff, and focus!

Holiday stress

Having Too Much To Do Is What Stresses You Out About the Holidays

You love the holidays. You love them so much that you end up taking on too many responsibilities. Your heart is in the right place, but you don't have the time to get it all done. Consider doing a little less. Don't bake that last batch of cookies or go for that Christmas Eve shopping run. You'll still be giving the people you love what they want most ... time with you!

What Stresses You Out About the Holidays?

I'm not as bad as this makes me sound...but I have tendencies... ;-)

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

If you could choose only two movies to watch ever again, what would they be?

Fiddler on the Roof and Shoah were the first two to pop into my head. That's weird, and not-so-random.

What have you found to be the best way to relieve tension?

Exercise or sleep.

If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude?

Hell no. First of all, I can't swim, so using the water as a cover-up wouldn't work for me. Second of all, nude beaches are definitely out of my life permanently at this point. Third: aaahhhhh, my eyes!!!! :-)

Lots of Blogthings

You Have a Fairly Strong Willpower

Temptation doesn't get the better of you all that often. If you set your mind on a goal, you'll do your best to achieve it. And while you don't have a perfect record with willpower, you do okay. If you fall off the wagon with something, you're usually not off the wagon for long.

Is Your Willpower Strong?

Hah! HAH!

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

Your Fitness Type: Serene

You find exercise to be a great way to relieve stress. Getting fit is important to you, but not as important as clearing your mind. Try exercise that has a mind-body connection, like yoga or tai chi. You may also enjoy exercising in nature - whether it's hiking or swimming or taking a long walk.

How Should You Get Fit?

Yeah, ok, right, whatever.

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

You Are Ready, Willing, and Able to Commit

You are not scared of commitment in the least. In fact, there's a good chance that you're already committed to someone you love. You are willing to give up a little freedom for relationship stability. And once you're in a relationship, you'll do almost anything to make things work.

Are You Afraid of Commitment?

Whew--what a relief!! ;-)

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

What Your Sunglasses Say About You

You are down to earth, stable, and practical. You see the world as it is. You accept facts easily. You need to be shaded from overly dramatic and problem prone people. You feel sunniest when things are calm and peaceful.

The Sunglasses Test

Yup yup yup.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

What do you do when you are feeling very sad or depressed?

What, like now? huh
I cry a lot, I get angry a lot, I over-react a lot, and I don't sleep well. Those are the symptoms. I try to find small pockets of time in which to relax, I listen to good music, and I read and play on the computer to try to counteract all the crap.
Sometimes these things even work!

Who was your first crush?

First celeb crush was David Cassidy. First person I knew: J!m Ph!ll!ps.

If given a chance to skip work for a day (without repercussions), how would you spend the entire day?

I'd probably take a nap. Realistically, I'd spend it with family doing something. Maybe a movie. It would be lovely to go for a walk, but I can't be outside for long right now.

Friday Fill-In

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1. I'm looking forward to another normal work-week next week.

2. I don't handle stress very well.

3. Candy is something I could eat every day.

4. Warmth and sunlight have been missing from my life since December. I'm totally ready to crack!

5. Summer, here I come! (...eventually...)

6. I don't have any tattoo(s).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching The Sarah Conner Chronicles from Monday on tape , tomorrow my plans include dropping Sparky off at school at 7 (yes, on a Saturday) and then working 8 hours , and Sunday, I want to go to church and rehearse for Youth Sunday with the high school kids!