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.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Halloween Meme

1. What is the worst treat to get when trick-or-treating?

Toothpaste, or Jack Chick tracts.

2. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?

I don't really do horror films, so none. Either I'd be saying I want to be a victim or a crazed killer. Neither appeals.

3. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho? (why)

In real life or as a costume?? IRL=alien. Costume=zombie.

4. How many Halloween, Friday the 13th, or Nightmare on Elm Street movies combined do you have on dvd?

Not a single one, thanks. Even Beast hasn't bought them, and he will at least sit through them!

5. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?

Psycho is definitely up there. In a different direction entirely, Platoon and Shoah are also terrifying.

6. Lamest costume you have worn on Halloween?

I haven't worn a costume in quite some time, so ... those. We are costuming tomorrow at work though, so I'll be "did up."

7. Favorite Halloween treat?

I liked all the variety of things in the bag, to be honest. Except lollipops--I never really "got" suckers. I mean I got them to eat, but the attraction frankly escapes me.

8. Friendly-faced jack o’lantern or scary one?

Don't really care, but it should have something to do with Halloween, yes? So "Hamilton" pumpkins, "C" (Cubs or Cleveland) pumpkins, random letters on pumpkins....no. They're very artistic and all (sometimes) but NOT Halloween-y.

9. Have you ever had nightmares about a scary movie character chasing you?

I did as a child. I don't have too many "chasing me in terror" dreams anymore. My bad dreams are usually stress, yelling, and falling.

10. Best thing about Halloween?

Are you kidding? The candy of course! For me, I like the kids' costumes as they wander the neighborhood too.

11. Strangest Halloween custom you’ve heard of?

I can't help but feel sorry for countries without pumpkins. England has a lot of carved turnips, and it just doesn't work as well. (Even if that's where the whole tradition started, apparently)

12. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?

Uhm. I'd say Beast and I are about tied on this. One thing I really hate is having to work till halfway through trick-or-treat hours .... I miss all the little kids.

13. Are you superstitious? If so, name at least one superstition of yours.

I'm not really. I do try hard not to say certain patrons' names out loud at work because even when they've been gone awhile, it seems to bring them back in the building. I'm not kidding, either: Red-Faced Man was gone for easily 3 years, and no sooner did I bring him up than (boom) two weeks later he reappeared. smh

14. What's your best Halloween memory?

I really enjoy handing out candy to kids. There was one year that was so warm that I literally had the screen-door window open like a Dutch door handing candy over it.

15. At what age were you allowed to go trick-or-treating by yourself?

Probably about 10. I don't honestly remember, but I had to be done before it got dark.

Saturday 9

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Tubular Bells (1973)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) According to Reader's Digest, The Exorcist is the scariest movie of all time. Have you seen it, and if so, did it scare you?

I was not yet 10 when it came out, but my brother went...and had to leave to throw up halfway through. He was more scared than his girlfriend. Anyway, I've read the book. It's scary. Not Stephen-King-scary, but pretty good. I don't "do" horror movies at all.

2) The Exorcist has been made into a TV series on Fox, premiering last month. Have you become a fan of any of the season's new shows?

Nope.

3) "Tubular Bells" is a popular ringtone for both Android and iPhone. What's your ringtone?

My default is a riff on "Who Are You" by The Who. My extended family gets Rachmaninoff, people to whom it applies get "Help Me Rhonda" or "Awesome God" or "Work Work" or "You've Got a Friend." Beast and Sparky share "The Sweetest Thing." All of which goes a long way toward saying I'm that nerdy.

4) As Halloween approaches, do you watch more scary shows and movies?

Nope. Well, I mean, most of what we watch has a Halloween-themed show every year, but no I don't do scary.

5) Do you have any recurring nightmares?

Nothing beyond 'trapped at work' dreams.

6) Have you carved a jack o' lantern this year?

Nope. Doubtful that we will, either. We need to go get a few punkins at least tho.

7) Do you like the taste of pumpkin seeds?

I do, but not enough to make my own.

8) What will the trick or treaters who knock on your door get?

Right now I've got all non-chocolate, non-nut stuff. We're on our way to get those punkins and I'll pick up another bag or two of candy as well.

9) A Halloween "let's pretend:" Back in the 1950s, a home in your neighborhood was the site of a gruesome murder/suicide. Relatives retained ownership of the house but declined to live there. During the ensuing decades, a legend grew: The tragic couple haunts the halls. Generations of schoolchildren insist they heard strange sounds and saw curtains often move mysteriously. Now the house is about to be demolished. A local charity is raising money by sponsoring a Halloween sleepover. Would you be willing to stay in this haunted house over night?

Sure.
Look, the first house we bought was the site of a murder-suicide by the just-previous owners. After moving in, we chose a dog from the pound and brought her home. She was never a fan of our bedroom--where the killing happened--so at first we thought about ghosts and woo-woo and all that. Then we took up the cheap carpet and discovered that the floor had never been properly cleaned underneath it, and the previous carpet pad wasn't replaced either. Once Beast--my hero, seriously--got the pad out and the floor cleaned and then sanded down and stained, our puppy was much happier about being in there with us. She just didn't like the scent of death.
So, no, I don't really believe in ghosts or hauntings, though I do believe that when something like this happens inside a house or other building, it does change the place in a non-physical way. Hard to explain what I mean, but it's not something I'm afraid of, just aware of.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Jamming (1977)
... Because Eloquent Obi suggested Bob Marley. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In Jamaica, "jamming" means to celebrate. What's going on in your life today that's worth celebrating?

Hmm. We went to a "Celebration of Life" service this morning for a 22-year-old. I don't care what you call it--it's hard to not cry when someone dies that young. Otherwise, we're celebrating being all together as a family for about a day--but sitting in the living room together on our individual electronic devices and ignoring each other. 😳

2) The group that became famous as "The Wailers" originally called themselves "The Teenagers." What was trendy when you were a teenager (clothes, music, etc.)?

Tight pants on men, lots of hair on everyone with LOTS of hairspray, (not where I lived, but ...) punk music, the beginning of skinny ties, and Laura Ashley. Oh, and how could I forget: Gunne Sax!!

3) Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley were very close. In addition to being bandmates, they were friends in elementary school and later became family (Bunny's dad and Bob's mom had a daughter together). Who has known you the longest?

Outside of my family members, that would be Laura; we met when we were in Kindergarten. That would be 47ish years. And since I'm Facebook friends with her brothers and mom--them too, by sorta-definition. But neither of us married into the other's family. That seems kind of...icky.

4) Does the person you named in #3, the one who's known you longest, know you best?

Not so much anymore. Which is fine. But she still knows a LOT of my secrets, whether she remembers any of them or not. We can literally say a word on Facebook and know the other one will laugh LOUDLY when she reads it. One of them is "ruthless." hee

5) Bandmate Peter Tosh became an avid unicycle rider. What's your favorite form of exercise?

I hate sweating. Right now, breathing makes me sweat--I'm not sure if there's something wrong with me or it's really that humid even inside with the a/c on. So I'm not exercising at all. When it's bearable, about the only thing I do hate is either walking or basic stretching: Pilates or yoga.

6) Bob Marley was known for his signature dreadlocks. When were you last in a stylist’s chair?

I think it's been about 2 weeks. Hang on, I'll look ... July 15th.

7) Marley's charisma is credited for popularizing reggae music the world over. Are you a fan?

I love good reggae. But I also have about a half-hour time limit for nonstop reggae; after that I need a break with something else. Like a palate cleaner when tasting wine. I like ska and reggaeton too.

8) Mr. Marley is one of the highest-earning dead celebrities, and manufacturers pay his estate to use his likeness to sell their merchandise. What dead celebrity have you seen recently on a t-shirt, mug, poster, etc.?

Does Leonard Nimoy as Spock count? If so, this morning on a T-shirt Sparky brought home. If not....uh...I can't think of anyone.

9) Random question: Have you ever had your palm read?

Not professionally. I went through a period of obsessing about learning this when I was younger. I have a 1/4" break in my life line about halfway down it. I've always wondered what that meant. Now that I'm fairly certain I've passed my halfway point....I still don't know!!

... it stays with you

(from the Aimster)

Have you ever been to Legoland®?

Perish the thought! We have a Lego (technically, Duplo) table at work, and I think I've developed a strong repulsion toward the firm because of all the cleanup I've had to do around it over the years. Not to mention the zillions of pieces I've picked up at home. And at other kids' houses when I've babysat. ...I used to like Legos, too.

Have you ever done something heroic?

Nothing I would consider heroic. I suppose the definition of heroic is rather malleable though, so what I would call heroic might not fit your concept of it. And vice versa.

Have you ever built a snowman?

Considering I've lived in snowy climates my entire life, I've created surprisingly few of these. Like, maybe two?

Do you have any lucky items, objects or traditions?

I keep my one-year coin in my wallet and take it out occasionally to ponder. I should get a two-year coin next month. I always have Chapstick (or something like it) in my right front pants pocket. I actually feel a little freaked out if it's not there--this is a 25-year or more habit. I think I may have some other tics that I'm totally unaware of.

Do you have any superstitions?

There is a patron whose name NO ONE is allowed to speak at work! Somehow, whenever we mention that "E.E." hasn't been seen in awhile ... she shows up within the next 48 hours. There are some other work things that we all subscribe to. I do touch wood when I say something that might bring bad luck.

What's your favourite Movie quote?

" I don't patronize bunny rabbits." (Heathers)

Do you wear sunglasses indoors to look cool or stylish?

Nope. I don't actually own sunglasses per se.

Are you a hat person?

I like hats, but I really hate hat-hair, so I don't wear them very often at all.

Do you prefer digital or rotary/analogue clocks?

I'm not fussy. I do, however, like clocks to either match exactly with the rest of those in the building, or be set differently ON PURPOSE. For instance, the clock on my nightstand is set, intentionally, 10 minutes ahead of 'real time.' All the clocks at work say something different. It makes me nuts.

Have you ever been to a gym?

WTF? What planet did you grow up on that you didn't have to take gym class every goddamn year of your educational career?!
Of course. I've also been to a YMCA and a couple of workout centers. I am so very worldly.

Have you ever been wolf-whistled in public?

Yes. Ugh. The first time was when I was, like, 11 and sitting in my front yard. {{shudder}}

Have you ever been approached by someone who knew you but you couldn't remember them for the life of you?

Yes. Well, technically, no. Lots of people recognize me, some of them legitimately know me from work. I'm horrible at faces and names though so that does happen. And then there are the people who ask me if I used to live in [town I've never heard of] because I look just like the [grocery store clerk, school principal, librarian, whatever] there. It freakin' happened at the DOCTOR last week for cryin' out loud!

What do you do to keep fit?

I don't.

How often do you wash your ears?

Every time I wash my hair.

Could you go out with someone who had a child from a previous relationship?

As I've said before, I'm sure Beast would frown upon this arrangement. If there were no Beast in my life, I would think it would be pretty much impossible for me to date someone suitable who didn't have kids. At this point, said kids would likely be adults. It would be interesting.

How much would it cost to buy your love?

Depends on the day. Today, 50 cents and my phone number might do it.

What's the scariest thing you've ever done?

Hospitalizations count, right? Also, dealing with some of the bullshit Beast has pulled over the last 5 years has been ... harder than anything I could've imagined.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Mash Up Meme

1. What’s overdue for a good cleaning?

My desk and the immediate area surrounding it. The one at home is always a little untidy at best, and the one at work is a nightmare. I haven't properly cleaned it since my new boss started over 2 years ago. All those bloody slips of paper, notes to myself, tags so I don't forget, projects.... At home it's magazines, mail, and things to file.

2. What’s overdue for some kind of professional examination, service, maintenance, or upkeep?

Sparky's car needs to have new brakes. Beast is getting a new riding mower tomorrow. And we're discussing new kitchen countertops. We also need new flooring out there.

3. Who’s overdue for a phone call or letter to you?

To me? I never expect cards/letters/phone calls. From me? Just about everyone.

4. What’s overdue for an appearance in your neighborhood?

QUIET! It's bloody noisy around here for the weeks leading up to and following Independence Day.

5. Who’s overdue for a good comeuppance?

The entire Bush (II) administration.

6. What’s a gross food you like anyway?

Well, if I thought it was gross, really, would I like it? lol But there was a thing on someone's Facebook wall yesterday about hot dogs being the equivalent of food garbage, and I like them just fine.

7. Who’s an unlikeable person you like anyway?

I find it hard to dislike on a deep level most of the homeless people who use our library. They are, some of them, really fookin' annoying, but they're sort of family at this point.

8. What’s an unpleasant task you enjoy performing anyway?

I don't mind cleaning toilets.

9. What’s a dumb song you enjoy anyway?

Oh, pretty much every pop song I know the lyrics to. Most of the early Jackson 5 oeuvre, for instance.

10. What’s a lousy restaurant you frequent anyway?

McDonalds counts?

11. What's your favourite Sci-fi film/program etc?

Favorite film is probably The Matrix, and TV show has to be Star Trek: The Next Generation.

12. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading?

No. Nor even an improper one.

13. Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you?

Of course I have. It's a prerogative that is required once you hit 50, not to mention for all parents!

14. Have you ever done something really unbelievable, only to have no one around to see it?

All the time. Quiet fist pumps in the air at my desk happen pretty regularly. I don't always feel the need to brag.

15. If you were famous would you want a statue or a building named after you?

Neither really, but if I had to, it would be either modern-art version of me, or a building, like maybe a library? lol

More from Amy

(This Amy)

1. Have you ever been admitted to hospital?

   Yes. Aside from being born, which I wouldn't really call "admission," I've been on the rolls as a patient three times: childbirth, abdominal surgery, and parathyroid surgery. I suppose, since I go to the hospital for lab tests regularly, those could count too. Oh, hey: I spent last Saturday night sleeping in the hospital too! Sleep study. Freaky-weird.

2. Have you ever had any brushes with the law?

   I've gotten one speeding ticket and have been involved in three accidents in my life, one of which resulted in a ticket. Otherwise, my mom worked for the county court, so whenever I visited her at work, I saw cops, and once barely avoided a (legit) ticket because the cop that stopped me knew Mom. [I did not ask to be excused; I really should have gotten cited--it was a stupid, stupid mistake and could have been fatal. The cop was practically spitting in anger.] And I see cops fairly regularly at work because of situations that arise there. I also had to go with Mom at least once when she was subbing for a bail bondsperson...yay sitting in chairs outside the county lockup while she did paperwork. I was about 7.

3. Can you solve Sudoko puzzles?

   Yes, yes I can. Very relaxing, and I like the electronic version(s) best.

4. What's the most unusual conversation you've ever had?

   There are the weird conversations that develop with close friends and family that involve giggle fits. Then there are the truly bizarre and often a little terrifying conversations with crazy people at work. I had a hilarious, giggle-inducing conversation with a patron yesterday that was incomprehensible and impossible to explain except that it included goofball offspring, lemurs, the children's librarian's situation at storytime on Tuesday, helicopter parents, Morgan Freeman, and early-onset forgetfulness. The woman's daughter thought we were insane--and then she started giggling too, while made me nearly cry with laughter. Good times.

5. Do you prefer liquid soap or bars of soap?

   I don't think we have a single bar of soap in the house except the stuff Beast brings home from hotels that goes into Christmas Child boxes. Which I need to start sorting out.

6. How do you have your eggs?

   The edible version? If so, scrambled soft with LOTS of salt. Or over easy with lots of lightly toasted and buttered wheat bread. Can you tell I eat in diners a lot? I know how to order. If not edible...my eggs are all gone, probably via medical incinerator.

7. Do you often read your horoscope?

   If it's the only thing in front of me, I'll read it. And then, invariably, snort. I used to create star charts for people back in the day, but I mostly liked it for the methodical, mathematical graphing functions. The "meanings" are ridiculous. Except, I do have a bit of a scorpion sting sometimes....

8. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading?

   It would be interesting. I've always wanted to go in to someplace like that and flat out lie and see if they caught me.

9. What's the ultimate cake topping?

   Lots and lots of butter-and-powdered sugar frosting. Like, LOTS of it.

10. Do you suck or bite lollipops?

    Suck till small, then chew up the last bit. But I hardly ever eat hard candy like that anymore. It happens when people's teeth get old....I used to chew on ice too, but that has fallen away as well.

11. Do you prefer to wash in the mornings or evenings?

    Wash what? I wash my face morning and bedtime. I shower in the mornings (or really anytime as long as I've got a few hours before sleep so my hair can dry). I bathe--when I have time for a soak--before bed. I do laundry....whenever it needs doing. I wash dishes when they need washing. I wash my car in the mornings, preferably. This is a weird question.

12. Have you ever danced in the rain?

    I used to love to play in the rain as a kid. Then I got glasses. It's just not fun to wear glasses in the rain.

13. Have you ever sworn at an authority figure?

    In anger? As in "F off you motherf'ing f'tard!"? No. I was in a rather, uhm, tense discussion with my boss yesterday during which I used the word "bullshit" multiple times, but I wasn't exactly saying it TO him. The phrase I recall repeating was "I don't like hearing that kind of bullshit when...." But I don't remember EVER absolutely going off, straight up, on ANY authority figure since that one day in 1983 when Mom & I got into it over her lunch break from work. I tend to manage to keep hold of the shreds of sanity enough to know it's a bad idea to terminally infuriate the people who can fuck you over with a simply finger-snap.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sweet Caroline

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.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. G is for GAME: Which game were you best at playing when you were a child?

I was astoundingly good at jacks, and jumprope, once upon a time. And cat's cradle--does that count as a game?

2. G is for GHOST: Do you believe that ghosts exist, whether you've seen one or not?

I work with someone who is sure her house has multiple ghosts. I think she's nuts, although to be honest, this is the only area she exhibits symptoms of insanity--it every other way she is very sensible. Clearly, I don't believe in hauntings, though I suspect certain people leave strong impressions on places.

3. G is for GLOBE: What country anywhere around the globe would you most like to visit?

I'd love to go to Egypt. But it never seems safe.

4. G is for GRILL: What's your favorite food to have grilled outdoors?

Beast made some AWESOME steak the other night on the grill.

5. G is for GRITS: Have you ever eaten grits, and if so, do you like them?

I ate them one time, when I was about 10. Granted, the person who made them had no idea what she was doing, but they were...uhm, bad.

6. G is for GUM: Which brand is your favorite chewing or bubble gum?

I'm living on Eclipse peppermint. I go through a car cup or two every month.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
'Til I Hear It From You

1. If someone, that you trusted, told you that your lover was cheating, would you believe them or not?

If I trusted this other person, I would. I don't trust a lot of people, though, so I'd require a great deal of proof. Oh, and by the way, this plays in nicely with a situation Beast found himself in this week. I'll wait for him to tell it, and then copy it over.

2. What is something that you are disappointed about right now?

My job. I really, really love my work. I really really LOATHE my workplace though.

3. Jonathan Frid, who was the original Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows from 1967-1971, passed away in Canada at the age of 87. Who is your favorite vampire?

I'm not a fan.

4. Should there be age limits on social networking sites such as facebook?

Nope. There might need to be parental limits, though, as in, if you're too stupid to check on your kids' Facebook postings, you deserve every stupid thing they do to embarrass themselves and you.

5. Tell us about your pets. Do you have one that you wish would run away?

I have two guinea pigs, and no I do NOT want them to run away, because that would involve chasing them under furniture. They are annoying though: always hungry.

6. Do you ever have a hard time with morals?

Not mine. Other people's, yes. <--sarcasm

7. Did you make 'a plan' the first time you made love or did it just happen?

It was a Very Major Plan. Big, Organized, and of course it blew up 7 ways from Sunday at the end. Beast and I are nothing if not overly-planning people.

8. Do you agree that fame is lousy or would you love to give it a try? Why?

No, no, nonono! I don't have any aspirations to fame.

9. Do you believe in forever, as in 'love forever'?

I could spend the rest of the day answering this question, but suffice to say that it would depend on what kind of love we're talking about, and whether you believe in God. Which I do. So yes. But not like pop-music love, not at all. Think: kids, parents, puppies.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. When do you first recall learning about the Titanic disaster?

I can't point to one specific moment, but I did grow up in Denver where the Molly Brown House is a tourist attraction about a woman whose fame (in Colorado) goes well beyond the Titanic. And there was that musical, for which we had the album....

2. When did you first watch the motion picture Titanic?

I think I've seen most of it over many times it's been on TV in the past few years. I never paid to see it specifically though. Hokey. WAAAAYYY hokey.

3. Would you feel any superstition about boarding a ship that was so confidently branded as "unsinkable"?

Not superstitious. I would presume they'd done their due diligence. Yeah, because I'm that dumb.

4. Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, where did you go?

Nope. Someday.

5. If you could go on a cruise to any location on a luxury ship, which area would you most choose?

I would love to take a LONG Mediterranean cruise.

6. A handful of intended passengers had some change of plans that kept them off of the ship prior to its launch. Have you ever experienced such a "lucky break" that kept you out of an ill-fated trip?

Not that I'm aware of.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
You've Got Mail

1. From whom did you get your last e-mail?

I guess that would be the email I forwarded from work to my Gmail account about church stuff. Before that, it was something at work about the Children's Department. Whee.

2. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a theater?

I haven't sat in a theater for a movie in a long time, so...no clue. It was, I think, with Sparky?

3. Have you ever seen a ghost?

Not that I'm aware of.

4. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry?

Oh for FUCK's sake...the timing on this...yeah, oh yeah, that plus a bunch of other painful things.

5. What are you most afraid of?

The same things I always say when I'm asked this question in a meme...

6. What do you do when you are bored?

This. Facebook stuff. Read. Sometimes I even just sit and stare into space.

7. Other than the author of this mess of a meme, whose blog are you most curious to see their answers?

Whoever I've got time to go read, I suppose. I'm not overly social in this way.

8. Name three thing from your bucket list.

Ain't got one.

9. Who was the last person who complimented you on how you looked, that actually was a surprise?

Hmm. Not sure. Honestly, no clue whatsoever.

10. Do you remember Berleen?

Uhm, I remember her name. Never actually met her F2F.

11. What was the last concert that you attended where the band was much better than you imagined?

The opening act U2 had the last time was so much better than the one they had the time before that. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the good band, just the crap one.

12. What’s the next band you’re either planning to see or want to?

I think my concert days are pretty near done. I don't enjoy the crowd thing.

13. What were the last things do you imagine that Kimber threw off the roof?

Her shoes? Does she throw things off the roof on a regular basis? If so, she oughta move here; she'd fit right in in my town.

Wednesday Weirdness

(Link in blogroll)

1.) What is your significant other's worst habit?

Being a know-it-all. O.M.G.--it makes me NUTS.

2.) What piece of clothing that isn't lingerie or an undergarment do you have that you feel especially sexy/handsome in?

I have a couple of camisoles that fit the bill.

3.) If you could drink ONLY two beverages for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

DDP and (clean) water.

4.) What is your worst habit?

Interrupting (especially know-it-alls!).

5.) Are you superstitious in any way?

Not really. The superstitious stuff I do is mostly habit.

6.) What kind of shopping do you hate doing most? (Grocery shopping, clothes shopping, shoe shopping, etc.)

All shopping is evil.

7.) What was a "fad" you remember from your childhood?

Pet rocks. Before that, ironing long hair to straighten it.

Monday's a Bitch

(Link in blogroll)
Random Joy

1. Do you make an effort not to step on cracks?

Not anymore. I used to be a little weird about this, though, when I was in elementary school.

2. When was the last time you got caught in the rain?

It was still raining a bit last Thursday night when I left work. I haven't been caught in a downpour in awhile, though.

3. What was the last movie you saw?

Plock (I've come to hate this question)

4. What would you say is the nerdiest thing about you?

The fact that I can identify virtually any ST:TOS ep in 10 seconds or less? My memorization of large chunks of vintage British comedy? The fact that I know the difference between verso and recto? My insistence on semi-proper spelling and grammar? My glasses? Nerdiness is me!

5. You work on a large cruise ship. There an explosion in the engine room and the ship is sinking. There is only enough room for 30 people in the rescue boat and including you there are 31. You are the only person capable of driving the boat, and the people are demanding you choose the one who stays behind. Time is running out. How do you pick the person who you will leave to die?

I'd ask for volunteers. I'd ask who can swim. I'd make sure whomever was left had a life vest and flaregun. If no one volunteered, I'd probably pick a healthy youngish adult who would be fit enough to stay afloat in the water until rescue arrived. And yes, I am sexist enough to admit I'd look at the guys first.
(But, dude, a large cruise ship would have WELL OVER 31 people on it!)

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) Who is the biggest hypocrite you have ever met?

Probably my brother. No, I think I'll go with Dean, my brother-in-law. I think addiction makes one into a huge hypocrite.

2) "I usually cry daily, but right now all that does is mess up my eyes more, so I'm trying very hard not to."

3) Name some of your superstitions and explain why you think you believe in them.

I tend to knock wood when I say something like "It's been awhile since anyone at work got sick" in order to prevent it. I don't think I really believe in it; it's just a habit. I can't think of anything else, but I know I have a few others, but I really do consider them all habits, not superstitions that I actually believe in.

4) What one thing in your life would you most like to complete?

Learning and achieving my purpose for being.

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 love statuary. I 'get it' in a way that a lot of 2-dimensional art doesn't really work (as well) for me. I like seeing the shape emerge from the block of marble, the parts emerging from the forms in the case of bronze, and how the parts work together to keep it stable. I also like seeing the intricacies of the design: look at the folds in Hamilton's coat and the ruffles of his cravat! Awesome.