Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5! Please copy these questions to your webspace. Answer the questions there; then leave a comment below so we’ll all know where to check out your responses. Please don’t forget to link us from your website!
1. What’s better in its middle than in its edges, beginnings, or ends?
Pie.
2. Why is a sunrise better than a sunset?
I can see them from the comfort of my bed. 😁
3. What’s better in retrospect than when you experienced it?
Missed flights and other adventures while traveling, having little kids living with you, and (quite often) childhood.
5. What was the first thing you unwrapped in 2021?
The first thing I opened this year was a can of diet Coke, followed by a new package of (Gouda) cheese. I don't think I've, technically, 'unwrapped' anything at all. Wait! No! I opened all my pill bottles this morning to fill the weekly sorter! My life is super-interesting, no?
1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?
Of course: I like disco, and people crap on that all the time.
2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?
Today is my brother and his wife's birthdays, and their wedding anniversary. They celebrated by moving into a brand-new house. My sister's is Tuesday. Four of my friends had birthdays today, another four tomorrow and in the following ten days there are 11 more, not counting my sister. See why I no longer send cards??
3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight?
I have a notebook somewhere with this in it. I think that year it was Larry C. and Ron M. I'm Facebook friends with both of them now. The world is weird.
4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?
It's been awhile since I had a kitchen accident. Having said that, I will undoubtedly do something stupid this week. I haven't even had a sunburn this year.
5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?
Ten bucks? I'd probably buy lunch for a friend. What I need right now, today, is about $30,000 to pay the nursing home for the last three months.
6. What are you most excited about right now?
I'm a little excited about the prospect of moving, but mostly I'm dreading all the work. Otherwise, I honestly have nothing big to look forward to as far ahead as I look.
7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military?
My dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, stationed in Lake Charles, LA, because he had hearing loss and wasn't allowed to go overseas, thank God!
8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?
I struggle daily against this, and I'm much better about leaving things undone, or badly done, these days. I do not have time (or energy) for perfection.
9. Do you like sour candy?
I love sour candy!!
10. Are all-nighters something you have grown used to?
I haven't done an all-nighter in a long time, at least not in the sense of staying up partying. I've stayed up at hospitals all night, and I've stayed up with insomnia for hours. I'm tired all the time, whether or not I sleep 8 hours or 10 or 4.
11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving?
My glasses darken when I'm in the sun, so yesss...?
12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?
Nope. My mother never was able to train me to do this.
13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?
T-shirts and loose pants/shorts (elastic waist). I've given in to the expanding waist 100%.
14. Are you good at painting nails?
I'm ok at it. I'm probably better at doing other people's, and my toes, than my own fingers.
15. Smoothies or slushies?
Slushies. I loathe thick, chunky drinks, unless it's a malt!
1) This week's song was performed by James Cagney in the famous movie of the same name. Do you plan on going to the movies this holiday weekend?
Nope. There's nothing on I want to see. We've hit the midsummer drought of Anything With a Brain.
2) Though known for his larger-than-life screen presence, Cagney was only 5'5". How tall are you?
At my tallest, I was 5'8". I've shrunk some in the intervening decades, at least in height.
3) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits this holiday weekend?
This is unlikely. Beast already partook last week, leading up to yet another fall (second this week) and yet another ambo ride to ER where they pronounced him uninjured and drunk. But only kinda drunk, not blotto and blacked out. So yay for that. {that's sarcasm font}
4) American history was one of Crazy Sam's best subjects in school. Science was her worst. In which class did you earn your worst grades?
Gym.
5) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?
In the rare event that I know I'm going to be outside for awhile, I try to remember, but I'm so rarely outside that it's not much of an issue.
6) Mosquito bites can be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?
Nope. See #4. (although I haven't noticed them being a problem yet around here, so maybe we just haven't hit the hatching period yet)
7) Emergency rooms report an increase in wrist injuries in summer, with people falling off bikes and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching hard-hit softballs. Have you recently been to the ER or Urgent Care?
Oops, jumped the gun in my answer to #3. Yeah, Friday night (technically, Sat. early a.m.). And last month. And sometime in March (?), and.... I practically know all the staff by name.
8) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?
I don't think so. I don't have any in the house that I know of.
9) Atlanta hosts a 10K Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July. Are you a runner?
No. I doubt I could run to the end of our driveway without dropping to the ground. I used to love to run, but that was in a place of low humidity and I was fit.
(Link in meme-roll) The Getting to Know You Questions
1. What is your occupation right now? How long have you been there?
I've been a librarian for almost exactly 29 years (I started my first full time job in June of 1988). The job I'm at now is my second full-time gig, second job so to speak.
2. Favorite rock band. Ever.
The one I go back to most often is The Beat--usually The English Beat here. They just make me happy.
3. What are you listening to right now?
We're catching up on last night's SNL. I love Melissa McCarthy so much.
4. Last person you spoke to on the phone. What was it about?
Sparky called me this morning to wish me happy Mom's Day.
5. How old are you today? Or make up a question. This one bites.
I'm 53.5 + two days. Friday was my mother-in-law's birthday.
6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football. This probably comes as a huge shock to everyone.
7. What is your favorite drink?
This is probably going to be an even bigger shock: diet Dr. Pepper.
8. Have you ever dyed your hair?
I did for about 10 years when it first started to get gray streaks. Once it seemed like it was less streaky, I stopped. I was still in my 40s, but at this point people describe me as "that gray-haired woman at the library"--and I'm not EVEN the oldest person there! I'm considering doing something like green or blue though.
9. Favorite food?
Carbs: sugar, bread, pasta. All the carbs!
10. What is the last movie you watched?
At the theater is was La-La Land. I really want to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2, but I'm not sure how that's going to happen unless I go alone. Beast isn't doing well.
11. Favorite day of the year?
I love days like today: 65-70 degree temps, no humidity, sun. I also really enjoy [School] Project judging day. And Thanksgiving.
12. How do you vent anger?
I talk. It's not the best possible way. I've also been known to shout (ahem) and/or cry, but I do that less these days as, apparently, it scares the shit out of my coworkers and causes me to get bad performance reviews. Now that I have becoming emo-free* at work, I'm back to my usual levels on reviews.
13. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Depends on the age. My jumprope, jacks, toy cars, and various dolls are probably up there, as are the many many library books I read.
14. Living arrangements? (Of course your pets count. Geez!)
I live with Beast and Pintobean. One is a human male, one is a male guinea-pig.
15. What was the last thing that you cried about?
I got a little teary with the African kids that came and sang at our church last week. But see * for why I don't really cry as much as I used to.
16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
I'm friends with someone who went to the same babysitter after school as I did in the 70s. She's a couple of years older than me, but that matter way more in 1972 than it does now!
17. What did you do last night?
Caught up on DVR'd TV shows and played games on the laptop. And watched a race, including a really fucking scary wreck. By rights, several of the drivers should have been permanently incapacitated. Sounds like they are all walking away, more or less.
18. What are you most afraid of?
Pain.
19. In how many areas of your country have you lived? What's your favorite?
I've lived in the midwest my entire life, either the far Western part or the middle/northern part. I like Colorado best.
20. What is your favorite flower? (Ugh. Quite the note to go out on. But hell, we steal the questions. I guess you get what you pay for.)
Home-grown heirloom roses. But I'm not fussy; just don't bring white lilies!
__________________ *i.e. heavily medicated with psych drugs
(Link in meme-roll) Along Alone Again, Naturally (1971) Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.
1. Friday was St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Did you celebrate with green beer or a green milkshake?
Hell no. I did have Irish Soda Bread, brought to work by a coworker. I don't add green to food that shouldn't have it, though.
2. Did you remember to wear green?
I did. Of course; too many childhood pinchings to dare to forget green on St. Pat's.
3. What color do you look best in?
I have a purple sweater that I got at a resale shop last fall that someone told me this week is a good shade for me. I try to avoid red, since I tend to have a bad case of red-face even without it. And I think I do OK with teal/turquoise.
4. This week's featured artist, Gilbert O'Sullivan, was born in Waterford, Ireland. Waterford is famous for Waterford Crystal. Do you have glassware that you save for special occasions?
We have two full (glass-front) cupboards full of glassware we basically never use: beer mugs, martini glasses, luncheon dishes. I just can't get rid of them.
5. This week's featured song includes the line, "To think that only yesterday I was cheerful, bright and gay." How were you feeling yesterday?
Yesterday was ok. I got a fair amount of work done, attended to some great tunes while reorganizing the worms and spiders sections of our Dewey books. (That was probably meaningless--Dewey has updated most of the animal sections, so I'm working through the 'corrections' in our books--someday maybe I'll fix the collection itself....)
6. It begins with reference to a wedding that didn't quite come off because the bride left the groom at the altar. When were you most recently at church? Was it for a holiday service, a regularly scheduled service, a special event (a wedding or baptism)?
I teach Sunday School, so I'm there every Sunday, including last week. I'll be there tomorrow as well. I'm the Donut Lady.
7. In 1971, when this song was popular, Malibu Barbie was a big seller for Mattel. This doll had a perpetual tan. For a human to achieve this, a tanning bed or self tanner is usually required. Have you used either method to give yourself a tan?
Nope. I've got that northern European white skin with freckles and when hit by sun it mostly just burns, peels, and goes back to white-with-maybe-two-more-freckles. I've probably given myself enough sun damage from tanning with baby oil as a teenager. I don't need more. Also, self-tanning (spray) is ORANGE! Ick.
8. In March, 1971, James Taylor appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. What's your favorite James Taylor song?
"You've Got a Friend"
9. Random Question: What word or phrase do you hear yourself saying too often?
"Actually" (ack-shul-lee) or "derp." I swear a lot too, though.
(Link in meme-roll) Surf City (1963) ... Because Melissa suggested Jan and Dean. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) When the song was written, "Surf City" was a fictitious town.* Tell us a song that is set in a real place.
One of my favorites is "Wolf Creek Pass" by C.W. McCall. My brother and I have it memorized, and he does it with the same panache as McCall, whose name was really Bill Fries. We sort of got hooked on his work when he became mayor of the tiny mountain town where we had our "cabin" when I was a kid; he wrote a number of songs about that area, which we also have permanently etched in our brains. And yes, I spoke to him a few times. And yes, I've been over Wolf Creek Pass; it's all true, except the cigar part. ;-) To my surprise, Fries is still alive (age 87!) and living in Ouray. Another reason to move there!
2) In the song, Jan and Dean sing about riding around in a 1934 station wagon, which means the car was 29 years old when the song was recorded. How old is your vehicle?
I think it's a 2013.
3) Are you good on a surf board?
Well, seeing as I can't swim, it would probably be somewhat foolhardy for me to check and see, eh?
4) When you spend time out in the sun, are you careful about applying sunscreen?
If I plan ahead, yes. I'm so rarely out in the sun anymore, though, that it's a bit of a moot point; I'm allergic to everything this time of year and mostly run from car to building to car to home.
5) Dean's original partner was Arnie Ginsburg. When Dean was drafted into the Army, Arnie didn't feel like waiting so he abandoned show business and went back to college. Today he holds several patents. What is something you wish someone would invent?
Earmuffs that selectively drown out Trump and other insane and hate-filled people.
6) Jan was a perpetual student who juggled college with recording. He not only graduated from UCLA, he completed two years of medical school at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Have you ever considered going back to school?
Yes. It's been in the back of my mind for 30 years. I don't think I could deal with the other students these days though.
7) In 1966, Jan was sidelined by a serious car accident. During the years that he was unable to perform, partner Dean became a graphic artist. He designed logos and album covers for Steve Martin, Diana Ross and others. Do you feel you respond most to words, pictures, or music?
Words, by quite a long stretch. Pictures are dead last--I don't remember graphically at all. Music is fairly strong though.
8) In 1978, CBS made a TV movie about Jan and Dean. If they approached you about a made-for-TV movie of your life, who would you like to play you?
I've always gone with Sandra Bullock in the past and I see no reason to change.
9) Random question: Growing up, how did you learn about the birds and the bees? (From books/the web, from parents, from your friends...)
Friends and the "classes" we did in 5th and 6th grade (and the booklets we got). In 8th grade, I had to get my parents' permission to take "Family Living" and my mom couldn't sign the form any faster than she snatched it from me to do!
__________________
*Huntington Beach changed it's name to Surf City in the 1990s.
(Link in meme-roll) Sara Smile (1976) ... Because Kwizgiver suggested Hall & Oates. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This was Hall & Oates' first #1 hit. Can you name another of their popular songs?
"I Can't Go For That" which (today) makes me laugh just typing it. And "Rich Girl" and so many others. These two were really the soundtrack of my formative years.
2) Darryl Hall and Sara Allen were a couple for 30 years, and he wrote this at the beginning of their long relationship. That makes this a very public love letter. Are you good at writing love letters? Would you rather tell the person how you feel, face to face? Or do you let your actions speak louder than your words?
I'm better at communicating "on paper" but I think I'd rather hear this sort of thing F2F, so I go that route most often.
3) In the song, Darryl and Sara are waiting for the sunrise. Did you see the sunrise this morning? Or did you sleep in?
Hah! I was up at 6:45 when Beast got up, and then reset the alarm for 9. No sunrise for me today!
4) Both Hall & Oates hail from the Philadelphia area. Hall is a native of suburban Pottstown, which was a stop on the Reading/Philadelphia rail line made famous in Monopoly. Do you like playing board games?
I *adore* board games! Or actually games of all kinds--except maybe "Candyland" at this point--but rarely have the opportunity to play.
5) John Oates grew up a few miles away from Pottstown in North Wales. Decades ago, North Wales' biggest employer was a cigar factory. Do you like the smell of a cigar?
A good cigar smells delicious. But I loathe the taste of kissing someone who's smoked any cigars at all.
6) Daryl Hall now hosts a music show, Live from Daryl's House, that you catch free online. Do you typically watch shows from your computer, pad, phone or TV set?
Still watching on the TV. Old-school. But this show looks like it might be worth a watch at work.
7) Hall & Oates are currently on tour. Are you seeing/have you seen a concert this summer?
Nope. I'm not a huge fan of crowds, although I do like live music. However, post-Nice, I'm feeling extremely skittish about large crowds.
8) Daryl and John have been friends for 50 years, even living together at the beginning of their careers when money was tight. Another successful duo of the rock era, Simon & Garfunkle, also met as teens but they forever seem to be feuding. What do you think makes for a lasting friendship/partnership?
There is some kind of chemistry that has to stick, but also humility and lack of ego. It's very much like a marriage; you have to keep the long view in mind and stick to taking responsibility for your own shit.
9) Random question: Are you quick to try new things?
Depends on what sort of things we're talking about. Sometimes, yes. Other times, not so much. I honestly can't figure out any pattern: some foods I'll try (hummus), others make me gag at the thought (apples and strawberries and lettuce). Some technology yes (DVR yay); some, no (Instagram? Why?). Some fashion is cool; some of it just makes me laugh, or cry. I try to be open though.
I'm a midwesterner, so a fair amount compared to (for instance) southern Europeans, New Yorkers, etc. If you get close enough to me that I can smell your breath when you talk, you're too close. Especially if you had spicy/oniony food recently. Or, for cryin' out loud, BOOZE! Back the fuck right off!
chamomile: describe your sleep schedule
I shoot to head to bed by 9:30 so I can be asleep before 11. I'm usually awake at some point between 1 and 4 for an hour or so (usually more), and I'm out of bed no later than 7:30, though it varies from day to day. Often, I'm working on 5-6 hours average for several nights running. Or less.
dandelion: when you make wishes who are they for?
World peace. Me and Andie McDowell. Maybe there's something in the water around here....
elderflower: do you get sick often?
Define "often." I don't, not really, but I often feel like death in the colder months of the year, mostly psychosomatic.
fennel: how do you feel right now?
I'm exhausted. Considering I've had the last three days off work, I feel like I need a vacation! This semi-nursing situation at home just sucks. So much to worry about, all the time.
ginger: what animal do you act like?
I fear I am very much like my nickname on line. And often, not a very nice feline, either.
ginseng: post a photo of somewhere you feel calm
I don't have a picture of my bed, asleep. Or the driver's seat of my car on a country road with the sun shining and no worries.
green: list your top 3 motivators
1. Fear. 2. Love. 3. Stubbornness.
hibiscus: do you like when people try to start a conversation with you?
That is 100% dependent on the person. In general, when I'm out in public doing my own thing, no. At work, I don't mind, up to a point. And if you're creepy, do not talk to me. Ever.
kava: post your favorite color scheme
I like blue. Seriously, throw me in a blue room, or a room with blue furnishings and I'll be fine.
lavender: does physical activity help you relax?
Mindless stuff does...until it doesn't. I get antsy and bored if I do too much mindless physical stuff.
lemon: how differently do you behave when you're by yourself versus when you're with others?
I hope it's not a lot different. I suppose I talk to myself more when no one's around, since there's no one else to talk to. ;-)
matcha: do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
Sunrise.
mint: what song gives you energy?
Almost anything by Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, or Pink will do.
nettle: is there anything you do when you feel guilty?
I get defensive and irritable.
oolong: where do you see yourself in five years?
Here is fine. I do hope that Beast isn't on Round Three of back pain. I'm tired of this.
peppermint: are you self righteous?
I can be, yes.
rooibos: if a conversation bothers you, will you speak up about it?
Oh, probably. I seem to have lost a lot of my etiquette filters over the years (assuming I had any to start with).
white: do you think family is important?
If your family isn't totally toxic, yes. Family is the most important thing, unless they are horrible people. I'm not, for a change, being flippant either. My family has a few nutjobs, but I love them all--when I don't want to bash them on their heads--and I know they've got my back. But we also tend to be generally rational, ethical, kind, and law-abiding.
Where do you rank October among the twelve months of the year?
I'd put it in the top 3.
What time is the sun coming up where you live, and how does it affect your life or schedule?
It's rising slightly before 7 these days. The only real effect I can think of is that it's right in my eyes when I'm sitting in the living room in the morning. And of course, it means winter is coming. Boo!
How do you manage to get enough fresh air and exercise in bad-weather months?
Hah! I don't get much of that in the rest of the year, so there's no big change for me!
Holidays and weather aside, what are the best and worst things about the autumn months?
Best is the smell in the air, the lower humidity, the crisp, cool nights, the light.... Bad things: occasionally brutally cold, and the sense of impending winter.
What are some good songs for the soundtrack of the season?
...this is why I don't really do mixtapes. I freeze up and can't think of anything. All that comes to mind are Halloween songs for kids!
Not particularly, definitely not as bad as people who can't help clean up a "situation" because they're afraid they'll contribute more vomit. I once worked with someone with nearly-grown children who told me she couldn't handle when the kids got sick because then she would too. WTF? It's not fun, but really?
Where are you the most ticklish?
Like I'm gonna TELL you? Hah! I learned young that you don't give that kind of info to your older brot.... uhm, enemies!
What was the last situation to upset you?
Sparky made a comment on Facebook yesterday upon which one of his friends commented. I responded and was let us just say underwhelmed by his attitude toward my response, education, my job, and me. I left quickly thereafter; Beast continued the conversation private, but about 45 minutes ago he finally threw in the towel. There is no one so ignorant as a know-it-all recent college grad.
Have you ever had an online argument?
Oops, well, yes. This was only the most recent. I am, actually, much quicker to call myself out when things devolve. I also am VERY unafraid of the Block function on Facebook. Some people are just irritating on purpose, and whether they mean to be or not, I don't need more hassle than I've already got.
Do you like to listen to music while filling out surveys (memes)?
Nope, usually it's TV. Right now it's my Howie (Long) and crew on FOX NFL. I love Howie...sigh
How long do you spend on the phone each day, on average?
Talking on the phone? Less than 1. I don't like talking on the phone, but I use my phone for a lot of other things besides phone calls.
Is anything in your hair right now, like gel, hairspray, etc.?
Nope. It's still too humid for product. Once winter really arrives, I'll start using gel again.
When was the last time you were up before the sun? Do you like wearing sunglasses? Why or why not?
What do these questions have to do with each other, really? I'm up before sunrise about 50% of the time overall. Unless you count insomnia in which case, I'm up before the sun every night. My sunglasses are my glasses--they have magic lenses that darken in sunlight. I haven't ever worn sunglasses in my life, except Rx ones.
Last show you watched?
We're watching foo'baw now, just switched to the Cowboys-Eagles game. Hi, CC! [she and my bro live in Dallas; she's originally from Philly]
Next vacation you’re going on?
We're doing a run through the Ozarks next month. I'm going to Mansfield, MO. If you need to ask why there, you're clearly not addicted to the childhood books I am.
Do you regret doing anything you’ve done this week?
How about just today?? I regret stuff almost hourly. Nothing major today, to be fair, but there are some things I wish I'd've done yesterday that are still looming. And some other stuff that I missed the boat.
Last night you felt?
Yes. I did. { snerk }
What are you wearing right now?
Gray cotton capris, gray T-shirt that says "Born Free" on it, underwear, jewelry and a hair clip to keep my bangs off my face.
Have you ever kissed underneath the stars?
Yup. In fact, that's where most of my early kisses happened.
What are you doing now?
Watching TV and answering circular questions.
What plans do you have for tonight?
The Pack plays tonight!! We'll probably order a 'za to eat while we watch. And we need to tidy up the house for the cleaning ladies this week.
What’s the very first thing you do when you wake up, other than breathe?
Look at the clock and figure out if I need to get up or if this is one of the usual many false-alarms: 12:28, 3:12, 5:01...
Do you like reading?
Huh. Yeah. It's ok.
Do you ever think about stuff and start crying?
I occasionally think about people and cry. Things? Not so much.
Have you ever kicked a vending machine?
Uh, no. That would be counterproductive. Remember, I grew up in the era of "TILT" on pinball machines....
Do people consider you smart?
Probably. Except people who think they're smarter than me. ;-)
Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone?
This sounds like some sort of existential question that I'm not really equipped to answer today. Anyway, I think Beckett died before the Internet Age was upon us.
Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you?
Very much so. While I wouldn't say I'm hyper-aware, I am usually pretty clear on where people are and what's going on in a broad sense.
How much money did you spend yesterday?
Not a thin dime. I didn't leave my yard, and I didn't shop online.
Is there anything in your past that you’d like to try again?
Sure. Lots of things. I've a long and storied past, some events of which would be a blast to relive.
(Link in meme-roll) Hello, Dolly (1964) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song is about a woman returning to the town where she was happiest. How many towns have you lived in?
Technically, six, though at 8 addresses.
2) Crazy Sam played Ernestina in her high school production of Hello, Dolly! and still remembers one of her lines: "Hey, you with the big ears! What are you doing after the show?" Tell us something that you memorized for school that is still rattling around in your brain.
"About above across after against along around among at..." from Mrs. White's list of prepositions we had to memorize in 7th grade.
3) This week's featured artist, Louis Armstrong, got his start entertaining diners on riverboat dinner cruises. Have you ever taken a dinner cruise?
Yes, actually, on Lake Erie for MIL and FIL's anniversary dinner many years ago.
4) Armstrong took his nickname, "Satchmo," from "Satchel Mouth" -- a slang term for someone with a wide mouth, which Louis believed was his most distinguishing feature. What do you think people notice first about you?
These days, it's probably my weight. I'd like it to be my smile.
5) In 1936, Louis became the first African American to get featured billing in a Hollywood movie. Have you seen any of this summer's big movies?
Nope.
6) When "Hello, Dolly" composer Jerry was growing up, he was close to an aunt named Belle who encouraged his love of music. Tell us about one of your aunts or uncles.
The only one I have any firm memories of is Aunt Miriam, my dad's sister. Her kids were only slightly older than me. There were my mother's brothers, but they were gone before I was old enough to have any memories of them...and family conflict essentially cut us off anyway before I was 6. Aunt Miriam was pretty uptight and "weird" but she did buy Marcia (her daughter) and me sno-cones once, which I remember my parents being pissed off about for some reason.
7) Though famous for composing the scores of Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry Herman can't read music. Can you?
Yes I can. Since I was a wee tot.
8) Now retired, Mr. Herman lives in Miami. This is Miami's "wet season," which lasts into October. When did it last rain where you are?
Tuesday? I think? It's been chilly and cloudy a lot this week, with some gully-washers.
9) Random question: Have you suffered a sunburn this summer?
(Link in meme-roll) Bubbly (2007) ... because Jodi suggested Colbie Caillat Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) Singer Colbie Caillat says this song was inspired by a trip to "the beach and having a wonderful day with a person you like." Have you been to the beach yet this summer?
Nope. And I probably won't be. Beaches are not my thing, though I don't really have anything against them either.
2) Are you careful about applying sunscreen?
Yes, although I'm outside so rarely in the summer because of allergies that it's kind of a non-issue. I don't even think we have any in the house at this point. Beast never puts any on. smh
3) Colbie made her TV debut in a 2009 episode of Saturday Night Live. Are you a big SNL fan?
I'm not a "big" fan, but I watch it semi-regularly.
4) "Bubbly" is often a synonym for champagne. When's the last time you enjoyed a glass of bubbly?
Good gosh, probably my 20th wedding anniversary. We had a bottle of Dom. That was 9 years ago, and we won't be having any alcohol next year.
5) Colbie sang the National Anthem at the third game of the Red Sox/Cardinals World Series in 2013. How is your favorite baseball team doing so far this season?
What is this "baseball" of which you speak? I haven't watched a game in two years, live or on TV. Baseball is really not my thing.
6) In 2005, Ms. Caillat tried out for Season 4 of American Idol but was eliminated very early in the process, before she could even audition for Simon, Paula and Randy. The winner that year was Carrie Underwood. Are you a Carrie Underwood fan?
She's ok. Better than some of the other folks that show has produced.
7) In 2007, when "Bubbly" was popular, actress Yvonne deCarlo died. She was best known as Lily on The Munsters. If you had to choose (and yes, this Saturday you have to), would you rather hang out with Lily Munster or Morticia Addams?
Morticia. Of course. There's no contest.
8) In 2007, MySpace was faced with a serious challenge from Facebook, and it's obvious which social network won. Did you have a MySpace account? If so, do you still post to it?
I ... think I did have one, though I rarely used it.
9) Random question: Which have you had longer, your ironing board or your plunger?
Ironing board. Once you have one, short of natural disaster or losing it in a move, you really never need another one. Plungers...they do wear out, or rather, age out.
(Link in meme-roll) American Pie (1971) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In the lyrics, Don McLean refers to having once been a paper boy. When you were a kid, what job or household chores did you do for spending money?
My family didn't work this way. Everyone did chores as requested/assigned because we were part of the household. This meant we always had to ask for money from Mom & Dad. Yes, it pretty much sucked. I started babysitting at 12 for other people's kids for money.
2) Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye. What's the last drink you ordered?
It's been months since I've had a drink of any kind. I would assume the last time I got one at a bar/restaurant was a Stoli tonic, lime twist. It's my usual. I may snag a glass of wine at a meeting this Tuesday night, but it always makes me overheat and turn bright red, and it takes about this much booze to get me tipsy anymore so maybe not.
3) He drove to the levee but it was dry. When is the last time it rained where you are?
Yesterday/overnight. It's "unseasonably cool" today and they can't decide what the weather is going to do for the weekend. Even within the same forecast online there are multiple answers.
4) When McLean was working on the song, he wrote the lyrics out in long hand. It took him 16 pages of lined notebook paper. Today it's a laptop/smartphone/tablet world, and Sam can't remember the last time she hand wrote anything longer than a sign on her front door that read, "Bell broken. Plz knock." What about you? What's the last thing you wrote with pen or pencil?
I take notes regularly at meetings which serves the benefit of keeping my mind occupied so I don't fall asleep AND keeps my mouth shut. I write, in pencil, in books daily at work. I write notes to people on scratch paper, take reserve requests and spell words for people to copy and write people's login information down.... I hand-write a lot. Not in big chunks anymore, but a lot. And still practice my penmanship. I'm such a throwback!
5) McLean's most recent CD is called "Addicted to Black," in reference to Olivia inThe Twelfth Night. Quick! Without looking it up, name another character from Shakespeare.
Polonius.
6) Don was born in New Rochelle, New York, which was named one of The Best Walking Cities in America by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). What about your neighborhood? Is it easily walkable?
There are no sidewalks in my neighborhood, but also minimal traffic. We're one of those island subdivisions that you wouldn't drive through unless you're visiting someone or live here. And our house is at the very back, so there's literally NO reason to drive on our street unless you live on it or are visiting (or lost--quite likely). It's walkable. People here walk it, with and without dogs. I've walked it. But it doesn't go anywhere, just circles. On the other hand, we have two parks in the subdivision and people drive kids to them. smh
7) In 1971, the year this song was popular, Walt Disney World officially opened. Have you ever been to DisneyLand or Disney World?
Been to both. Would like to return to Epcot and Animal Kingdom since the latter was brand-new when we were there and not quite finished, and the day we went to Epcot I felt very ill and we bailed at lunchtime after "Germany." Zero, or less, interest in seeing anything else.
8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie. This doll was a "sun-loving California girl" and had a distinct tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed?
Well that's not where I thought this question would go! I had a Malibu Barbie as a child, but I will never, ever use a tanning bed. I have stark white northern European skin and have done enough damage to it with the, yknow, actual sun.
9) American Pie is also the name of a 1999 movie. Have you seen it?
I love old bricks. Growing up, Dad had used old bricks to build two large planters on either side of the front porch steps. Mom put petunias in them every summer. Mostly she took care of them too, but I often was delegated to watering duty. There were always a lot of those bricks laying around our yard; Dad had had to disassemble the incinerator when I was very little because burning garbage was banned; because he was my dad, part of the Greatest Generation, raised in the depths of the Depression, he saved them. We used them for building forts and redoubts for the army men and the Matchbox cars, or to write on the sidewalk with instead of chalk.
By the way, these were solid (i.e. no holes), narrow bricks, not modern house bricks. I can't find a photo of what they looked like, but as I recall they were perhaps 1.5" thick and maybe 2.5" wide and 9-10" long.
(Link in meme-roll) I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
1) This week's song was performed by James Cagney in the famous movie of the same name. Do you plan on going to the movies this holiday weekend?
No. I've been noodling around going to the drive-in this summer at some point, though.
2) Though known for his larger-than-life screen presence, Cagney was only 5'5". How tall are you?
Between 171 and 172 cm.
3) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits this holiday weekend?
We're a dry household these days when Beast is around.
4) American history was one of Crazy Sam's best subjects in school. In which class did you earn your best grades?
History and English were my favorites, but I did ok in Science and Math for the most part as well. And music and art. The only class I didn't get solid As in was gym.
5) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?
Yes. But I'm also not outside much this time of year.
6) Mosquito bites can be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?
Nope. See above re outside time. I did have a couple long-life bites in May.
7) Emergency rooms report an increase in wrist injuries in summer, with people falling off bikes and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching hard-hit softballs. Have you ever had a sports-related injury?
One of my middle fingers is crooked from jamming it into a basketball during practice in 7th grade. That was my only basketball season. I also got hit the face with a baseball in gym class in junior high, but all it damaged was my glasses. Good excuse to sit out the rest of baseball rotation!
8) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?
Yeah. I usually eat them right out of the package, cold. Or I cut them up into mac 'n cheese.
9) Atlanta hosts a 10K Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July. Are you a runner?
(Link in meme-roll) Walk This Way If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.
1) This song is about a young man who takes advantage of his "big chance at a high school dance." Share a memory from your high school years.
I actually don't remember going to any dances in high school, for what it's worth. So I'll share that I helped out the wrestling team, not so much as a trainer but organizing meets, timing matches and generally hanging out with cute underdressed and sweaty boys. It was ... difficult. (not)
2) Lead singer Steven Tyler is the son of a working mother (mom Susan was a secretary). Did your mother work outside the home?
Yes, she did. She was a clerk in the county court, taking people's payments for court costs and fines for misdemeanors (mostly). She worked in the county where a recent shooting occurred so I got to think about whether she'd've had to deal with the crazy. She also worked HARD for no pay as a mom, wife, and home-maker. She almost never took a sick day from work, either. This apple fell a long way from the tree, but I was always terribly proud of her.
3) Onstage, Tyler takes colorful scarves from around his neck and drapes them over the microphone. Do you accessorize your outfits with scarves and belts? Or do you prefer to keep things simple?
I prefer simple, but I've got a small collection of scarves. Belts, not so much--I have lost my waist somewhere along the way of life.
4) Tyler confessed to having a massive crush on Jennifer Lopez, his fellow judge on American Idol. Do you think a coworker has ever had a crush on you?
I would think that would be fairly unlikely. I work with primarily women, and to my knowledge only one has been gay. The guys I've worked with...? No, just no. I have been hit on a couple of times over the years by patrons, and one of them recently slapped my ass.
5) Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry says seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 inspired him to go into music. How did you end up in your chosen profession?
My sister is a librarian. In high school she and my brother worked at the local public library as shelvers, and I did when I turned 16 too. Libraries just sucked me in. And now I have a niece who is a librarian as well. Working on a couple of other people in the family too.... ;-)
6) Perry's hobby, breeding horses, is very lucrative. What are your hobbies?
Blogging, reading, Facebooking, and crosswords. Nothing lucrative there.
7) Aerosmith performed before their biggest-ever TV audience when they played the Super Bowl halftime show in 2001. Are you a football fan? If so, do you prefer college football or the NFL? What teams do you root for?
I love football!! Really, love it. I'm all about the Packers, and really don't care much about college teams, though I cheer vaguely for the Buffs.
8) Now that we're into summer, the days are longer. When is the last time you watched the sun set?
On my way home from Al-Anon last week. I think. Maybe it was on my way TO the meeting now that I think of it.
9) What time did you go to sleep last night?
Uhm....I was in bed by 10, probably asleep by 11, woke up again at about 1, went to the bathroom and read for over an hour before I talked myself into trying to go back to sleep for the rest of the night. Morning. Whatever. Just another normal night.
1) When was the last time that you got dressed up, or to borrow from Mr. Timberlake, "fixed up to the nines?"
I think it was probably the last wedding I went to, which was (I think) Jessie & Jay's about 18 months ago. I don't do "dressed up" too often. The last time I wore a dress was probably Rosellen's wedding three years ago.
2) Justin Timberlake is known for his threads. Do you try to keep up with fashion trends?
Nope. I buy what's comfortable and looks nice. Though I do like fun shoes, as long as they don't break the bank.
3) While on tour, Justin has a cigar roller on call so that he and the band can enjoy a "gentleman's club" atmosphere back stage. Do you enjoy the smell of a good cigar?
Stipultaing the "good cigar" part, I don't mind them burning/being smoked too much, but kissing a cigar-smoker is icky, even if it's been several days since the last one.
4) Justin appeared on Star Search when still in grade school, and he's been working ever since. When Crazy Sam was that age, her only "job" was to load the dishwasher and for this she earned her $1/day allowance. Did you work when you were a kid?
I helped a little around the house and ran errands for Dad when he was fixing stuff, and I was 100% responsible for cleaning my room every Saturday morning of my life. No pay.
5) JT has appeared several times on Saturday Night Live, a show that premiered before he was born. Who is your most favorite ever SNL castmember of all time?
Of all time? That's pretty hard to choose. I really liked Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Bill Murray was good. Gilda Radner was exceptional. And loads of others.
6) Justin is a very good golfer (6 handicap). Will you play this summer?
I don't golf. I haven't even mini-golfed in several years. I watch tournaments when Beast is interested, so I know the big names well enough to dislike some of them, but it's still really boring as far as I'm concerned.
7) A round of golf requires hours outside in the elements. Have you ever endured a painful sunburn?
Yes, several times, but never because of golf.
8) When they were young, Justin dated Britney Spears. Obviously, it's been easy for him to keep up with her successes and problems over the years. Do you wonder how one of your exes is doing?
Only in a vague way. It has been over 27 years since I dated them and I haven't seen them at all in hat time.
9) Ever since his days with N'Sync, Justin Timberlake has supported music education. Did your grade school offer music classes? If so, do you remember any of the songs you learned then?
We had music alternating with gym every day in elementary school. Somehow I missed the signup in 5th or 6th grade for band, but we sang every other day. I liked it, but it was totally uncool. Hence, I was totally uncool. Bill K. once turned around in the middle of a song and asked why in the HELL I was singing, so I stopped for the day. Sigh...peer pressure. He was a such a little shit....
ANYway, we sang through the music books, but the only songs I remember are the national songs ("America the Beautiful" etc.) and "Git Along Little Dogies" and "Home on the Range."
1) "Sweet Caroline" has been sung during every Boston Red Sox home game since the 1990s. (Click here to watch Neil Diamond lead the fans in the first game after April's bombing.) Do you know the words well enough to sing along?
I do know all the lyrics--it was played ENDLESSLY on the radio when I was a kid--but I'm not clear on what this song has to do with the Bosox. Wikipedia is no help.
2) Do you have a favorite major league baseball team?
I will cheer for the team for the city where Sparky was born, and the Rockies, if pressed, but I haven't been to a professional game in over a decade.
3) Budweiser is the "official beer of major league baseball." Do you reach for a cold beer on a hot summer day?
Nope. Unless I just need a can to reduce swelling--that's the only reason I'd reach for a beer myself.
4) Every season, more than a million Vienna Beef Hot Dogs are consumed by baseball fans at Chicago's Wrigley Field. When you get a hot dog, what do you put on it?
A tiny bit of ketchup, a big slurp of mustard, and some fresh onions if they're available, unless they have gotten soggy.
5) The odds of a fan in the stands being hit by a baseball are 300,000 to 1. The odds of winning the lottery are (approximately) 1 in 12,000,000. Do you play the lottery?
Nope. But I was hit by a softball in junior high during gym class. Broke my glasses, and got me out of playing the rest of softball 'season' in gym.
6) Though his song has been adopted by faithful Boston Red Sox fans, Neil Diamond was born and raised in New York City. Have you ever visited The Big Apple?
Nope. Someday. Maybe.
7) Baseball players are notoriously superstitious. For example, the Cubs' Matt Garza eats Popeye's fried chicken every day that he pitches. Joltin' Joe DiMaggio touched second base with his foot every time he ran on or off the field. Do you have any superstitions?
Like my fears, all my OCD behavior makes perfect sense. To me. :-D I'm very leery of mentioning the really super-crazy patrons at work by name because whenever I do they seem to show up within the next day or two to wreak mayhem on the staff.
8) A ball signed by Babe Ruth can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Have you ever asked a celebrity for his/her autograph?
No. Wow, I really am a loser in this meme!
9) Baseball means summer and summer means sun. Are you working on a tan, or do you slather on the sunscreen?
"Baseball means summer"? Not to me... I'm rarely outside in the summer anymore due to allergies. Although so far this summer hasn't been bad. Then again, the corn hasn't pollinated yet, so I've still got a few weeks of relative joy, in spite of being allergic to other stuff outside.
(Link in meme-roll) 40 of The Most Random Questions Meme, Part Two
21) What's something you've always wanted?
Long straight hair that always looks perfect.
22) Do you have hairy legs?
Not so much; I've shaved recently.
23) What does "Semper Fidelis" stand for?
It doesn't STAND FOR anything; it isn't an abbreviation. It MEANS "Always faithful." And yes, I knew the translation without checking, even without having any Latin lessons, or anyone in the Marines or any of the several others who use this as their motto. ;-)
24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
I can't swim. But ocean, if I could. Certainly NOT the lake near where I live!
25) Do you wear a lot of black?
I wear black 2-4 times a week in some part of my wardrobe.
26) Describe your hair:
Ironic in view of the first answer I gave. My hair is wavy/curly (more at the wavy end of things), dark brown and turning white, which means the white hairs are even more twisty than my usual hair texture. Awesome. It's also too short to ponytail anymore.
I'm not a huge fan of bugs, but I'm not afraid of them. I live in a not-tropical climate, so there aren't too many bugs to fear around here except killer mosquitoes and ticks.
28) Are you an adult?
Most of the time.
29) Do you own or rent?
We have a mortgage.
30) Do you have a tan?
Hah! Perish the thought. I have faint freckles at this point.
31) Are you addicted to TV?
Not really. The computer, but not TV.
32) Do you enjoy spending time with your In-laws?
My parents-in-law are dead, but I loved spending time with them. Beast's brother is being a bit of a dickhead lately, and all the folks who have married-in are about as usual for them. On balance, the answer is yes.
33) Are you a sugar freak?
Uhm, yes.
34) What happened to Larry King?
?? Several heart attacks, even more marriages, and old age aren't enough??
1) What's the weirdest dream you remember having recently?
I was at my high school (which was NOT my high school in most ways, but had components similar to all three of my schools through age 18) with Beast and Sparky, and I kept missing one of my classes--I only had four so maybe I was in college??--and had a test I was sort of freaking out. Or maybe it was because I had missed the class, since I couldn't find the room it was in. Or something. I don't know. No stress in my life, eh?
2) Have you ever had a crush on a member of the sex you aren't normally attracted to?
I probably had a few teacher-crushes that never got crazy. Otherwise, no, I don't think so. Definitely not in the kissy-crush kind of thing.
3) What vegetable do you most resemble?
(Couch) potato, of course.
4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Sunset? End of the year? Beach, ocean, lake, water of some kind. It even sort of looks like the parking lot--or whatever that is in the center--is flooded. Very watery. It's a peaceful picture, if a little disturbing.
