Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Is There Life Out There? (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who married at 20. It's estimated that the average American groom is 2.5 years older than his bride. Why do you suppose that is?

Cultural conditioning. It still kind of freaks me out that I'm (6 days) older than my husband, to be honest. My parents were two years apart--Dad was older--and that seems to be the rule in most of the rest of my family, except my two oldest nieces who married "younger" guys (one 3 months, one a couple of years).

2) A 2014 study shows the bigger the age gap in a marriage, the more likely the couple is to divorce. What do you think is the reason for most divorces?

Poor communication is where things tend to go awry, at least as far as I can tell. After that, any ol' excuse will do to cause a final break: money, cheating, boredom, child-rearing....

3) Reba's second marriage recently ended. Statistics show that second marriages are more likely than first marriages to wind up in divorce. Why do you suppose that is?

Easy enough to quit again once you've quit once. Kind of like the second murder supposedly being easier than the first. {{It's possible I spend too much time on true-crime, I think.}}

4) This week's featured artist, Reba McEntire, was discovered when she sang The National Anthem at an Oklahoma City rodeo. Have you ever been to the rodeo?

I have! I loved it!

5) Reba dropped out of Southeastern Oklahoma State University to go to Nashville and pursue a recording career. In that way, she's like the woman she sings about in this week's song. "She's done what she should, should she do what she dares?" Do you ever regret a risk or opportunity you didn't take?

Dozens of times every day.

6) Reba's heroine is "dying to try something foolish, do something crazy, or just get away." Does that sound like you? What would you do, just for yourself, if time and money were no object?

I'd like to get away, in an RV, and just travel the country. I doubt that will ever happen, though.

7) Reba recently became a spokesperson for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Whose chicken do you eat most often: Popeye's, Church's, Chick-fil-A or KFC?

KFC. There's no Chick-Fil-A around here (and I doubt I'd give them money anyway), Popeye's is rather spicy (though I love their hush puppies), and I won't eat at Church's because of a bad event at one some 25 years ago.

8) In 2001, Reba starred in her own sitcom. On the show, her character is first an administrative assistant and then a real estate agent. Have you ever tried your hand at either of those occupations? If not, which do you think you would be a better fit for you?

I temped as a receptionist while I was in college. That's the closest I came to administrative assistant. I would suck at real estate; I can't even sell Girl Scout Cookies!

9) Random question: Which of these super powers would you rather have -- extraordinary strength or invisibility?

Still wanting the invisibility. I was told within the last hour by a close friend that I'm "tough as nails" so I think I'm good in terms of strength.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Getting to Know You Questions

1. Would you prefer to be smart or happy, and why?

Happy, but I suppose that would get tiresome after awhile. I dunno. I think there's no way to pick just one of these since situations and needs change so frequently.

2. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?

Invisibility.

3. What is your biggest regret in life so far?

Just one? I have so many....

4. If you could marry a fictional character, who would it be and why?

My first answer was going to be Almanzo Wilder, but he's not really fictional. So...Robert Parker's Spenser. (or Hawk)

5. If money and career were no object, where in the world would you choose to live?

Right now, as winter approaches, pretty much any random Greek island, or specifically Ydra.

6. What’s the last book you read that you simply could not put down until you finished?

I can't think of anything that's grabbed me like this for awhile. I mean, I've read some good books, but my life has been so fragmented this year that sustained, unputdownable reading is not happening.

7. What television show do you plan your day around in order to see it live?

I don't watch anything live. Even football games get DVR'd so we can skip ads. OK, maybe SNL...naw, we DVR that too.

8. What extracurricular activities or sports did you participate in when you were in high school?

I was in Band, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. I was in a couple of clubs too but nothing real time-intensive.

9. Of all your pet-peeves, which is the strangest?

I'm not sure I'd notice if they were that strange, would I? Honestly, I can't think of any weird peeves. Maybe people who claim to be Christian but clearly don't let it affect their actual behavior toward others. Ever.

10. Is it better to beg forgiveness or ask permission?

As a Mom, I must say that it always better to ask permission. As a human being, I'd rather ask forgiveness.

11. If you inherited or won a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Pay off the house. Put the rest in an IRA or something similar.

12. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

The most mortifying moment was whipping around at work because I had HAD it with a coworker interrupting me... and it was my boss who was trying to get my attention. I saw the next few months and years in startling clarity in that moment. Weirdly, accurately, and horrifying.

13. Which fictional character do you believe is the most like yourself?

Jo, from Little Women. Or at least I wish.

14. Are you superstitious? If so, what are you most superstitious about?

I would love to say no, but I do knock wood and other silly things like that.

15. Do you believe it is vital to everyday life to know what is happening in the world around you?

I've made it this far without knowing everything that's going on, so ... Seriously, I do think one should try to keep track of the Big Wide World in general terms so as to not do too much navel-gazing.

16. What is the nicest thing anybody has said, or you believe they would say, about you?

Beast told me several years ago that he was amazed at how kind I am. I was floored. I certainly never would have said that about myself.

17. What are your life and career goals in 5, 10 and 15 years?

I'd like to be alive. Perhaps in 15 years I'll be able to retire. The way things are going though, that's not necessarily likely.

18. Would you rather live in a large house in the suburbs, or a tiny apartment in the city with an excellent view?

Can't I have both? Really, I'd rather be in the suburbs, but not in a large house. Smaller is better.

19. What are you[r] three weaknesses?

I have way more than just three!! The first three I thought of are my big mouth, my inability to let sleeping dogs lie, and my impatience.

20. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Smart, anxious, middle-aged.

21. Which is more logical to follow—your heart or your head?

Logic = head.

22. Are you spiritual or religious in any way? If so, how?

Yeah, I am. But I'm less than interested in converting anyone. I just want people to not be hypocritical and horrible.

23. If you could have any career possible, what would it be?

I like my current career. Although hanging around doing nothing all day has its perks as well.

24. Have you ever been arrested or contracted any diseases?

... How are these related? I've gotten a speeding ticket. And of course I've had diseases: strep, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathryoidism, various eye issues, influenza, pneumonia, German measles, chicken pox, hyperglycemia.... What a ridiculous question.

25. Which is better—a novel or a movie?

Depends on the book or movie in question. Usually, the book, though.

Blogthings

Your Uniform is Gray and Red

You are the last person that others would suspect of being a superhero. You are a very private person, and you don't meddle in the concerns of others. You would be pretty reluctant about being a superhero, until you reached your breaking point. And no matter what, you'd remain anonymous! You may try to stick to your own affairs, but you are always ready to step up when no one else will. You are highly energetic and passionate about changing the world. You are a person of great courage and confidence. You never second guess yourself, and you are able to jump right into action when the time is right.

What Color is Your Superhero Uniform?

Not a terrible combination of colors, and I like the description as well.

Sunday Stealing

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

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

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

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

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

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

   Text. I'm not big on phone calls.

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

   Book, of course.

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

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

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

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

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

   Hotel. I hate camping.

8. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?

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

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

   See previous question re swimming. So bungees it is.

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

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

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

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

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

    Cell phone. Missing keys would make me nuts.

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

    Octopus, properly fried up.

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

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

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

    Alone.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
California Nights (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Lesley Gore premiered this song on an episode of Batman. She played Pussycat, the protegee of Catwoman. (That explains her outfit in the video.) How many of Batman's nemeses can you name?

Joker, Penguin....several others. I don't really follow comics. Not my geekdom of choice.

2) At least five actors have played The Caped Crusader already (Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale) and Ben Affleck will play him in 2016's Batman vs. Superman. Who is your favorite Batman? (If any Batmen were inadvertently omitted, Sam apologizes.)

The Batman movies I've seen I've enjoyed just fine. Michael Keaton and Christian Bale were especially good, but Adam West will always be my nostalgic favorite.

3) Unlike most superheroes, Batman doesn't have any superpowers. This Saturday, you're more fortunate. We're bestowing any superpower on you that you want. Which would you like?

Invisibility.

4) Though she's singing of warm California nights, Lesley Gore was a New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and, in February of this year, dying in Manhattan. Which coast have you spent more time on, the West Coast or the East Coast?

West by far. I've never 'touched' the Atlantic from this side, though I've seen it at the airport in Boston.

5) Not many people know that while she was making records, Lesley was also a student at Sarah Lawrence and graduated with her BA in 1968. What's something we would be surprised to know about you?

People IRL would be surprised at how much time I've spent blogging in the past 12 years.

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, the best selling new camera in the United States was the new Polaroid Swinger. Think about the most recent photo you took. Did you use a camera, a tablet, or a phone?

Phone. I take phone photos almost every day.

7) The big fashion trend of 1967 was bright tights, in shades like Hot Pink, Shock Orange and Grass Green. Tell us about something you wore when it was trendy but now you look back and think, "Oh, God, that was awful!"

I've never been that trendy, or changed what I like to follow the crowed, but the recent trend in short shirts (that don't cover my butt) has been a very bad idea for me..

8) In 1967, drivers complained about "gas wars." The price was unpredictable and would rise and fall, day by day, as much as 30¢ per gallon. How much does it cost you to fill up your tank today?

Hah! The price of gas went from $2.79 to $3.09 for us last weekend. Summer prices have arrived, I guess. And I've finally gotten myself into a habit of filling my tank every Wednesday morning so I don't run myself down to panic-empty. As a consequence, I'm almost never filling the tank completely anymore. I usually run $20-30.

9) Random question: Are there dishes in your kitchen sink right now?

Yes, thanks to Sparky. Though, since he is also filling the dishwasher and running it regularly, I'm not really complaining.

Blogthings x2

Your Superpower is Intellect

You are one smart cookie, and you are constantly engaged with the world. You think through everything. You aren't afraid of hard problems or hard subjects. Whenever you can't figure something out, you're ready to hit the books ... or Wikipedia. You believe that being smart takes work, and you are willing to put the time in. You don't settle for pat answers. You are willing to challenge the status quo when the time is right. You like to prove everything for yourself.

What's Your Secret Superpower?

Otherwise known as being really annoying to a lot of people. This is definitely me.
And Very Unique is awfully annoying to me.

+ V + V + V + V + V + V + V + V + V + V + V +

You Should Go to London

You wouldn't necessarily consider yourself a normally fashionable type. Your sense of style is very unique. Whether you are more punk, rocker, casual, or posh, you tend to rock a style that is all your own. You pay attention to fashion, but you don't always follow it. You know what looks good on you, and you make your own rules. In fact, you're the type who's more likely to inspire a runway look than to have one inspire you!

Where Should You Go to Fashion Week?

Whatever. I'm going to London! Don't care about fashion a whit, but while you-all sit and watch emaciated people prance about, I'll be at the British Museum, or the Tate, or riding the tube, or...well, pretty much anywhere else.

Blogthings

You Could Develop Invisibility

You are an incredibly observant person, and you have a real head for [some] details. You remember everything. You are quite clever and even a bit sneaky. You're the type who likes to work behind the scenes. You aren't one for attention, but you do still want to do good in this world. You just prefer to be anonymous. You are more adventurous than you might seem, and you want to be able to travel everywhere, completely undisturbed.

What Superpower Could You Develop?

What I've been saying for years!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?

I would certainly travel more!! Especially if we're talking about me just flying around or having my own plane. I wouldn't want to fly commercially much more often than I do now. Unless I could fly first class every time.

2) Share a story about your worst date ever.

Yesterday I talked about holding up the rear-end of a car while my date changed a tire. That was actually one of the more fun dates. I'm not sure this was a date, but I was invited over to a guy's apartment in college to listen to British new wave albums he'd brought back after a semester abroad. It was ... really uncomfortable. I couldn't figure out if I was there for the music or ... something else.

3) If you could have personally witnessed one event in history, what would you want to have seen?

It's not an event, but I would have loved to see the Americas prior to the European invasion, say about 1480. I'd use my recently-acquired flight skills to spy on lots of people, in North and South America. Maybe let them know how to make guns and bullets and strategic defense....and to stay the HELL away from these people who arrive in a decade and their infectiousness.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.Public Domain Photo 

Here we see a knee. I can't tell if we see a break; don't think so. Maybe some distension.
Anyway, my right knee is bugging me a lot lately. I really must lose some weight, or I will be signing up for knee-replacement within another decade or so. Worse than my knee this weekend, though, was my left wrist which felt like it needed to "pop" all day yesterday. And just achy and sore and carpal-tunnel-y. Sucks to be old-ish.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. I is for IAMATOLOGY: Which home remedy do you have the most success with?

Vitamin C. If I pound it immediately upon feeling slightly sick, I am guaranteed to kick it completely or knock it back substantially.

2. I is for IATOPHOBIA: Which type of doctor or medical expert do you fear visiting the most?

I'm not a huge fan of the eye doctor or the OB/GYN, but I don't really fear any of my doctors.

3. I is for ICON: Of the software icons on your computer, which one do you find yourself clicking on the most?

On my desktop it's definitely Chrome. Nothing else even comes close.

4. I is for INSTRUMENT: Which musical instrument would you be willing to ban from the world?

I'm not a big fan of the soprano sax, but I wouldn't ever try to ban music, even if I don't understand it.

5. I is for INVENTOR: What product do you like enough that you'd like to shake the hand of its inventor?

Book weights.

6. I is for INVISIBLE: If you had the chance to become completely invisible for a week, where's the first place you'd go?

Hmm...not sure. I'd probably hang out at work on a day when I was supposed to be there and see what people say about me not appearing (so to speak). Actually, though, I don't think I have much of a stake in finding this stuff out, so maybe I'd just go sit in random courtrooms and listen to cases, or visit a jail, or take some classes.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Generic Meme

1. What did you want to be when you were little?

Bigger, or rather, older.

2. Would you prefer to have a large group of friends, or a small group of friends? Why?

I would prefer to have precisely the friends I currently have in more or less the same arrangement. I'm not averse to new friends of course, but I don't suppose I have a great deal of control over this.

3. What is your fashion "style"? Or what type of clothes do you wear on a daily basis?

I like jeans. Various sorts of T-shirts. I'm really more interested in shoes than anything else to do with fashion.

4. If you could live anywhere where would you live?

OK, here's the scoop: the official outside temperature right now is -2, but it feels like -24. The low temperature is supposed to hit -18 (so do the windchill math there in your head). Tomorrow's high is supposed to top out at -13 with windchills in the -50 range. So, long story short--I need to move somewhere else in January and February at least.

5. What is your biggest hope for the next year?

I would like to see a lot of recalibration.

6. When you pass by reflective surfaces do you check yourself out?

Yup. Mostly my hair.

7. Favorite genre of movie as well as TV show?

Crime. Nothing overly violent, but I watch what I read most.

8. Top favorite books? (limit of 5)

The top five listed in my GoodReads list are:

1. The Hiding Place (ten Boom)
2. The Little House Collection (Little House, #1-9) (Wilder)
3. The Book Of Ruth (Hamilton)
4. The Yellow Wallpaper (Gilman)
5. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)

9. Have you ever taken a cooking class?

No, but I've actually thought recently that it might be a good thing to consider.

10. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Focused, loyal, opinionated.

11. Favorite animal?

Wolf.

12. What is your dream job?

The one I currently have.

13. If you could go back in history to any moment that you did not live, what would it be and why?

I'd love to meet Laura Ingalls about the time she and Almanzo were stepping out.

14. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

Invisibility. I like to be unnoticed, and eavesdropping is kinda fun.

15. What is your favorite movie?

Shoah.

16. What is your best childhood memory?

Jumping rope, playing jacks, playing tennis against the side of the house, playing cars in the stepping stones in the yard...

17. What is your favorite part about blogging?

I've found that, quite often, once I've vented about something, or at least mentioned it, it stops being such a major focus of my brain.

18. What is your favorite quote?

Tonight it is this one:

"Pluto is cold; Chicago in January is merely inconvenient." ―Mark Blumberg

19. What song do you feel like describes your life the best? Why?

"Brave and Crazy" (Melissa Etheridge) simply because life requires both of these. Especially lately.

20. Would you describe yourself as shy or outgoing?

Depending on the day and time, I can be either. And sometimes both.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
My Random Randomness Meme, part 3

1) What room are you in?

Living room.

2) Can you solve a rubix cube?

No, though I can spell it properly.

3) Are you psychic in any way?

There are some occasional incidents that are randomly freaky but probably just coincidence.

4) What star sign are you?

Scorpio. Comin' up, yo!

5) What's your favorite color?

Blue.

6) What's your lucky number?

I don't really believe in "lucky" numbers, but I like 3 and 16.

7) Do you have any chores that should be done now?

Always. There's a load of laundry each in the washer and dryer.

8) Did you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other toy?

Yes. I have a small pink mouse that was purchased at the Denver train station when I was very little.

9) What was the last thing you bought from a vending machine?

I bought animal crackers for "dinner" last Monday before a meeting.

10) What shoe size are you?

9-10 women's.

11) How many pairs of shoes do you own?

That's along the lines of asking my age, only in my case, I'm more likely to tell you my age than the size of my shoe collection. It might be that I don't know exactly, or that I can't count that high.

12) If you were prime minister/ruler of the world what laws would you make?

"Be kind", "Do unto others, etc.", "Stop with your ego trip already."

13) If you were a super hero what powers would you have?

Invisibility.

14) ...and what would your hero name be?

Invisibrarian?

15) ...and what outfit would you wear?

How would that matter? I'd be invisible!

16) What was your last dream about?

I don't remember. First time in several days--I've had some weird waking-up dreams this week. Today, I was just so freakin' tired that I wasn't even dreaming. Yay for sleeping 4-7 a.m.!!

17) What would you do if you won the lottery?

Not tell anyone except Beast, and our accountant for as long as possible.

18) Would you like to build/design your own house?

Been there, done it. It turned out even better than I could have dreamed. I love this house! We have the floor plans--if we ever move, I'm voting we rebuild it at the other end.

19) Which form of public transport do you prefer?

I love riding on trains. Show me a subway or commuter rail and I'm all about it! I especially love The Tube in London, but I've also ridden the Metro/a in Beijing, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rome, D.C. and Chicago (not the L, just Metrarail).

21) Can you juggle?

Only metaphorically.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. Would you rather read the newspaper from a physical paper or online? Why?

I would rather not read a (daily) newspaper in any format. I've gone off them completely. Beast now gets the Nearest Giant City paper on his Nook. The local daily is ridiculous, though I enjoy the local weekly as it generally sticks to events that matter to me and stays out of reporting national and/or international stuff which I can find out about online.

2. Would you rather be part of the Addams Family or the Munsters family? Why?

I always liked the Addams family better--they were simply trying to live their lives and get through the day; the Munsters were far too campy for me to take seriously.

3. Would you rather take a cruise to the Bahamas or Alaska? Why?

Right now, Alaska. Actually, I've no real interest in going anywhere tropical for any extended period, though I wouldn't mind going through the Panama Canal someday...on my way to Alaska. {{snort}}

4. If you had to choose one of them, would you rather be shorter or taller than your current height? Why?

I would like to be about an inch taller. I know, I know...but I like being tall! Plus, 175 cm is such a nice even number.

5. Would you rather give up your favorite beverage or your favorite food for good? Why?

Much as I like Dr. Pepper, I think I'd have to keep the food. However, I'm more likely to be told I have to give up the food....sigh.

6. Would you rather be able to read people’s minds or know the future? Why?

Look, to a greater or lesser extent, once you've got 30 or so years under your belt, you can do both of this things to an astounding degree. It's not particularly fun to know that the idiot being stupid on his motorcycle is bound to turn into road pizza at some point, or to know that the teenager who just sneered at you thinks you're too old to remember being young. It's depressing. I'd rather have amnesia about some things, to be perfectly honest.

RevGalsBlogPals

(Link in meme-roll)
Friday Five: Women's Retreat Edition!

1. Name a woman author you very much love to read.

I love Anne Lamott. I love Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love Sue Grafton, Anne Bradstreet, Diana Gabaldon, Sara Paretsky, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth George, Emily Dickinson, Margaret Coel....

2. Name a woman from the Bible with whom you would like to enjoy a nice long coffee talk.

I'd love to learn a little more about Leah. And Mary the Magdalene. Yes, that's two. I'm not good with picking one. Oh, and Lot's wife, prior to the salt thing.

3. Name a famous woman from history with whom you would like to have lunch.

Abigail Adams. And then maybe Caroline Ingalls tomorrow.

4. Name a living famous or infamous woman with whom you would like to go out to dinner.

Aung San Suu Kyi, but I think we'll skip dinner and go for a walk somewhere.

5. If you could be SuperWoman (o.k., I know you already ARE) what three special powers would you like to have?

Invisibility, time travel, self-duplication.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
It's time to stop caring that you're so congested

1) If you were a villain in a movie, what would your catch phrase be?

"WALK! DON'T RUN, WALK!!"

2) Marc and Angel Hack Life recently posted a list of "10 Things To Stop Caring About Today." What is something you care too much about that you wish you didn't?

How other people are feeling. SometimesI wish I just could turn off the empathy.

3) On Tuesday, NBC announced that it was canceling its new show "Playboy Club," making it the first cancellation of the TV season. What show do you hope is next for cancellation?

Y'know, actually, I'm pretty much ok with just that. What a LAME idea for a show!

4) Many media outlets have been asking this question a lot this week... Which Halloween costume do you think will be overdone this year?

Chris Christie? Mitt Romney? No clue.

5) If laughter really is the best medicine, what is the worst poison?

Grudges.

6) What do you think is the most powerful word in the English language?

"Help."

7) Today (Oct. 5) is World Teacher Day. Describe the person who was your favorite teacher when you were in school.

I had a plethora of good teachers. I don't want to single any of them out, but to be honest I remember more good teachers than awful ones.

8) This week a list of the "20 Most Congested Cities in the U.S." was released with Oklahoma City and Birmingham, Alabama, listed as the most congested. Do you suffer from seasonal allergies that often leave you congested?

lol HELL YEAH! This year has been horrendous! Also, none of the cities in which I've lived is on that list. W00t!

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)

1) If you could turn invisible, what would you do with this ability?

I'd probably listen in on some conversations that are none of my business, after which I would have more problems than I currently do.

2) If you could fly, how would you do it? Wings? Rocket pack? Purely under your own power, like Superman?

Purely under my own power. I don't want to have to deal with wings or rockets.

3) If you could tranform into other people, look however you wanted, how would you choose to look, or who would you turn into?

I think I'd probably look pretty much like myself...only 50 pounds or so lighter. ;-)

4) If you could turn into an animal, which animal would it be?

Wolf.

5) If you had superpowers, would you use them to become a vigilante superhero, fighting crime?

Depends on what they were. Maybe.

hmm this may have explained many factors on thursday that led to a decision

(Found here)
again, I must point out that I do not make up the titles.

Centaur:
[ ] You are rather wild, and let your instincts run you.
[ ] You get drunk a lot.
[ ] Bravery and boldness is second nature to you.
[ ] You have a deep love for astronomy and the universe.
[ ] You like to read your daily horoscope.
[x] You have a high level of pride in yourself.
[ ] The best place for you to be is in the woods.
[x] You are spiritual.
[ ] The horse is your favorite animal.
[ ] You are possessive and territorial.
Total: 2

Elf:
[ ] Your ears are slightly pointed at the tips.
[x] You are very intelligent.
[ ] Your five senses are extremely keen.
[ ] Your weight is quite a bit lighter than the average person at your particular height.
[ ] You always wear elegant clothes, and speak as politely as possible.
[ ] You are most at peace when you are gazing at something beautiful, like nature.
[ ] You look very young for your age.
[ ] You rarely get sick.
[x] You are a very hard worker.
[ ] Above all other superpowers, you would love to read minds or see the future.
Total: 2

Fairy:
[ ] You are happy a lot of the time.
[ ] The best superpower to you would be to fly.
[x] You are very shy.
[x] You love nature.
[x] You are always willing to help others, even if you might not be the best to offer aid.
[ ] You are young and short.
[ ] Dancing is one of your favorite pastimes.
[ ] If someone ticks you off, you are very clever with getting them back.
[x] Your clothing isn't always presentable, but you are comfortable with what you wear.
[ ] Circles are a wonderful symbol of unity to you.
Total: 4

Gnome / Dwarf:
[ ] You are excellent with crafts and handiwork.
[x] In social situations, you tend to be a little awkward.
[ ] You are short for your age.
[ ] You are an isolationist.
[ ] You love to play practical jokes on people.
[ ] You are extremely fascinated with jewelry.
[ ] You look older than your age.
[x] You love the woods and the mountains.
[ ] You are well off, or come from a family that is well off.
[x] You have a short temper.
Total: 3

Harpy / Siren:
[ ] You are best at talking bad about people behind their backs and not to their face.
[ ] When you are annoyed, you will go to a great extent to torment whoever did so to you.
[ ] You often take things that aren't yours.
[x] You are easily angered.
[x] Death fascinates you.
[x] You are female, or a feminine-looking man.
[x] You associate yourself with the wind element.
[x] You can switch quickly between your light and dark side.
[ ] You love to trick others.
[x] You have a ravenous appetite.
Total: 6

Mermaid / Merman:
[ ] You love the beach more so because of the water than the shore itself.
[ ] Fish are some of the most beautiful creatures to you.
[ ] The ultimate superpower to you would be to breathe underwater.
[ ] You enjoy looking at ships, but not riding them. You like ships for traveling, not hunting in the sea.
[ ] You are good at swimming.
[ ] You like to collect shells.
[ ] You use sea items as jewelry or decoration.
[ ] You enjoy learning about the ocean and the life inside it.
[ ] You are extremely against ocean pollution.
[ ] Legs on land are not as important as a fin in the sea.
Total: 0

Vampire:
[ ] You're a night person.
[x] You have a fascination with blood.
[x] You are extremely pale.
[ ] You wish you had a bat as a pet.
[ ] You are not religious at all.
[x] Tight spaces are not scary or uncomfortable for you.
[ ] The sun's glare annoys you all too often.
[ ] You hate food with lots of garlic in it.
[ ] To you, a kiss on the neck is more romantic than a kiss on the cheek or lips.
[ ] You don't like sharp objects near you.
Total: 3

Werewolf:
[ ] The full moon is the most beautiful scene to you. (along with the sight of any other celestial bodies)
[ ] You have a lot of body hair.
[ ] The ability to shapeshift is the best superpower to you.
[ ] You prefer gold over silver items.
[x] You lack self-control.
[ ] You find it easier to have sympathy for animals than for humans.
[x] You have a deep respect for wolves and wild dogs.
[x] You like to be alone.
[ ] You have a terrible secret, and you only tell people you trust 100% about it.
[ ] You'd rather be outdoors than indoors.
Total: 3

Wizard / Witch:
[ ] You love chemistry.
[ ] You are intuitive and good at analyzing people, to the point that people seriously or jokingly say you're psychic.
[ ] The most amazing supernatural power to you is controlling the elements.
[ ] You are a nature lover.
[x] You have a strong sense of responsibility.
[x] You spend a lot of time alone.
[ ] You usually hang around with a certain animal all the time when you feel lonely.
[ ] You are spiritual, but not necessarily religious.
[ ] Cooking is one of your favorite things to do.
[ ] You enjoy learning about Wicca and the occult.
Total: 2

Zombie:
[x] You are pale.
[x] You are hungry a lot.
[x] Many activities you do every day make you feel mindless, or like a drone.
[x] Most of the time, you or a part of you is cold.
[ ] You love to eat meat.
[ ] You would resort to cannibalism if that was the only source of food.
[ ] You make grunts and moans a lot.
[x] You enjoy learning about psychology because you study the brain.
[ ] You usually walk slow.
[x] You are not afraid of seeing a lot of blood or getting a lot of blood on yourself.
Total: 6

Satyr / Faun:
[x] You are very passionate about the things you like.
[ ] You like to get drunk and dance.
[ ] You're very amorous.
[x] You like art and music.
[x] You enjoy feasting with friends.
[x] You love nature, but more for the animals then the trees and plants.
[ ] You like getting rowdy and having a good time.
[x] You laugh a lot.
[ ] You love the chase almost as much as the capture.
[ ] You wish you had horns.
Total: 5

Which makes me a Harpy/Siren-crossed-with-a-Zombie. Not quite sure what to think about this...

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
We're Not Laughing At You, We're Laughing With You
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color of doom, and the number 999.

1. You walk into a room, someone turns and looks at you and laughs. What do you do?

Check for gappy/unzipped clothes and toilet paper on my shoe and then just carry on. Maybe my reputation precedes me....

2. You find an egg, take it home and keep it warm. It hatches. What type of dinosaur is it? Do you keep it and name?

Ooh, I loved this book when I was a kid!! I'd go with a Pterodactyl.

3. Which superhero would you want to be related to and why?

Batman. All that money + he knows Morgan Freeman and Maggie Gyllenhall.

4. A drunken sailor comes up to you on the pier...he begins harassing you in a most repulsive way....what'll be your defense?

Cell phone. 911. Walk away.

5. Entering a CLASS A piano bar, you're encouraged to sing atop the grand instrument...you grab the microphone and sing.....

...and just then I wake up from this nightmare. Pass. This is not my fantasy.

6. If you were a character in a Dr. Seuss book/movie, who would you be and why?

I'm definitely Horton.

7. If you have just been called to be a substitute in the Winter Olympics for your country (apparently everyone else was busy), what sport(s) will you compete in?

Something minor that no one watches. I might be able to manage curling. Uh, yeah ... cross country skiing? Snowshoeing? Nah, I wouldn't last 5 minutes. I hope I wake up soon from this nightmare too.

8. Did the audience from the piano bar in question #5 applaud when you were done with your song?

I dunno. I woke up before I even sang.

Supah!

You Would Be a Crafty Superhero

You are naturally curious and even a bit of a snoop. You like to have dirt on everyone - both enemies and friends. You get bored easily and need excitement in your life. You like having problems to solve. Through lots of life experience, you understand the world well. You can often predict what people will do before they even think of doing it. You are a shapeshifter who fits in with almost any group. You can get along with anyone. You're quite flexible. You are a true intellectual. You are thirsty for knowledge, and you are curious about the world.

What Kind of Superhero Would You Be?

I'm amazed at how accurate this is, considering how short it is.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What would you change about your workplace?

I desperately want to move my work area to an office that is NOT the workroom behind the circ desk. In other words, I want a Technical Services Department separate. Before that happens, though, I want to get rid of CT. I can't possibly share an office with that woman.

2) If, for the good of mankind, you could reverse one scientific discovery, what would you choose?

Well, the nuclear/atomic bomb, duh!

3) What is the dumbest thing people do to make themselves better-looking?

Surgery, done solely for beauty, is ridiculous. Running right on its heels, injected poison under the skin.

4) If you worked with one person with X-ray vision, who would you least like for it to be?

Eeew, no one!!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. Public Domain Photo

I think of youth group. Right now, today, everything is reminding me of youth group since I should be working on stuff for that, not doing this. We play a lot of card games. Oh, well.

Friday's Feast

(Link in blogroll)

Appetizer
When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?

I prefer not to have to wash dishes, so directly from can or bottle is fine, provided the top of the can isn't gross. If it's been 'out in public' (i.e., not enclosed in a box) I try to remember to at least rinse it off in the sink.

Soup
What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?

Nothing on network TV. Jay Leno and David Letterman are so beyond prehistoric. Actually I'd probably watch Craig Ferguson, but I'm never up that late with the TV on. Generally, when I have the TV on after 10, I'm watching some kind of true crime show on Discovery or elsewhere. Great planning, just before bed!

Salad
Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.

The teenage girl last night at the library who interrupted me while I was telling off her and her friends to compliment me on my shoes. Brilliant distraction. I was giggling when I walked away--in my sparkly shoes.

Main Course
Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?

I don't work full-time, but I'd absolutely prefer to work large chunks on fewer days. Then again, that's just not going to happen where I work, so you can kiss that idea goodbye right now!

Dessert
If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?

Exhausted Middle-Aged Woman, able to snore loudly given 5 minutes (or less) of sitting quietly. I'm reminded of the bit from "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" where the players all had to introduce each other as superheroes. Of course there were a lot of things like "Flatulent Man" and so forth.