Sunday Stealing

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A Quiz for Grown-Ups

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Here are the ones that are currently on the chopping block: part of DirecTV (the premium channels), SiriusXM, some subscriptions on Beast's Nook, and I just need to renegotiate our cell plan.

2. What do you really want to be doing right now?

WANT: napping. NEED: gathering paperwork for taxes, financial purposes, and Medicaid application.

3. Why did you choose the shirt you have on now?

It was on the top of the pile in the closet.

4. Thoughts on gas prices?

This is something I just don't dwell on. I'm glad I'm buying less than I was for most of September-December.

5. First thought when the alarm goes off in the morning

".....nooooooooo..."

6. Last thought you have before you go to sleep?

I have no idea, I'm usually asleep by then.

7. Do you miss being a child?

I miss it pretty much daily at this point.

8. What errand/chore do you despise the most?

See #2 under NEED. Man, my relationship with money is pretty much totally fucked up.

9. Up early or sleep in?

I love sunrises, but seeing them means going to be before I leave work in parts of the year. Which isn't practical, right? So I'll sleep in when I can.

10. Favorite lunch meat?

Bologna. I'm low-rent.

11. What do you get every time at Trader Joe’s?

I've never been in a Trader Joe's. See answer just above.

12. Beach or lake?

Don't, uh, lakes have beaches? Because...well, yeah. I'd rather be in the mountains, all the same.

13. Ever crashed your vehicle?

Yup. I strongly recommend against it.

14. Strangest place you've brushed your teeth?

I seem to remember brushing in a lake or river as a kid once. Also, with fizzy bottled water in St. Petersburg, because the water there is beyond scary.

15. Somewhere you've never been but want to go?

Africa, specifically Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia.

16. At this point in your life would you want to start a new career?

Hell no! That doesn't mean I won't be, but I'm not in for anymore giant changes.

17. Do you own your own house?

Well, I pay on the mortgage every month, so not really.

18. Do you have a go-to person?

Not so much, not anymore.

19. Are you where you want to be in life?

Oh, you crack me up. ... Not.

20. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?

I didn't watch cartoons much, and when I did it was mostly the Warner Bros. or Hanna-Barbera shorts.

21. What has changed since you were a child?

Almost everything.

22. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?

Absolutely not! Hell to the no, no way, uh-uh.

23. Are there times you still feel like a kid?

I feel ignorant fairly often, but rarely in a childlike way.

24. Did you have a pager?

I didn't. Beast did.

25. Were you the type of kid you want your kids to hang out with?

Hah. Yeah, actually, I was. So was Sparky.

Friday 5

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One is Silver; the Other Gold
I pretty much never ask year-end questions at year’s end, but I like these. So let’s do it. I love year-end reflection!

1. Who made you laugh most in 2017?

   Most often, I'm sure it was Beast. Most deeply, I have to kind of give this to the podcasts I've found in the last few months: The Dollop and My Favorite Murder, among others.

2. What’s something you learned or discovered in 2017?

   How to listen to podcasts (thank you, Spotify); how to 'listen' to my phone in the car (see "podcasts). More importantly, I got a big smackdown on thinking I have any of the big stuff in life under anything close to control.

3. In what way was 2017 better than 2016?

   I quite honestly cannot think of even one improvement, personal or national, this year. It's been hell.

4. What was your most pleasing purchase in 2017?

   About the only thing we've bought of value this year was medical care. I have a couple of new articles of clothing that I like, but I can't think of anything important and life-changing other than medical stuff. OK, I was pretty impressed with myself for buying, loading, and using water-softener salt all alone. 🙌

5. When in 2017 were you pleasantly surprised?

   I have unbelievably amazing friends. I mean, I knew this, but the settling out of who's reliable and who isn't there is interesting, and mostly positive.

Saturday 9 x 2

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Don't Talk to Strangers (1982)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When did you recently have a conversation with a complete stranger? What did you two discuss?

I've been having most of my IRL conversations this week with strangers. We mostly discuss Beast, him being the Center of Everyone's Current Attention at the moment.

2) In the video for this song, a woman is having a "hot" conversation on a corded, rotary dial phone in her bedroom. Do you have a landline? If so, do you have an extension in your bedroom?

I do have a landline still, with long-distance coverage. And there is an extension in the bedroom, which has a curly cord on it! No rotary dials in the house, more's the pity.

3) This week's artist, Rick Springfield, says he wrote this song when he was worried that his girlfriend (now his wife) would cheat on him when he was touring. Would you describe yourself as suspicious or trusting?

I'm far far far far more trusting than I should be. And yet wholly unsurprised by shitty behavior when it happens.

4) He became a daytime heartthrob as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. Do you think it would be cool to have a really attractive doctor? Or would it make you uncomfortable?

I have had a gorgeous doctor. I currently have a doctor who is just absolutely adorable (he used to be gorgeous and then he hit middle age). It makes going to the doctor fun, seriously. However, these were/are both generalists. It would be AWFUL having an attractive gynie. That's where I draw the line! lol

5) He's discussed how sad he was when, as a boy, he had to leave his dog Elvis behind when the family left Australia. While you were growing up, did your family often move?

My parents lived in the house my dad built in 1946/7 until 1994, a year after Sparky was born. Same house for all the kids in my family, same house for 47 years of their 53-year-marriage.

6) In 1982, when this song was popular, Italy won the World Cup. Do you ever watch soccer?

I do, but very occasionally. I love to listen to the commentary in either foreign languages or in "British" because it's quite a lot different from American sportscasts during which THEY NEVER STOP TALKING! I love occasional silence and focus in watching sports.

7) "Smiley," the first emoticon, was introduced in 1982. Do you use emoticons in your communication? Or do you avoid them?

I use them more than I should. I'm such a girl!

8) The Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, in 1982. Do you know any veterans of that conflict? If so, tell us about him or her.

One of my best friends' second husband was a pilot of a helo on the day Saigon evacuated. He's the least-obvious veteran I've ever known. He's also the only person I know well who was in Vietnam. A lot of my brother's classmates were drafted; he avoided it by going to college (and having bad eyesight). I have never asked how many people from his class died there. It might be worth asking.

9) Random Question: Your friends are throwing a birthday "roast" in your honor. Which one quality of yours are you sure will be singled out for laughs?

My OCD, detail-orientation will surely be raised.

Da Doo Ron Ron (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins by stating that he met her on a Monday and his heart stood still. How did your past week start? It may be a lot to expect you to report that you met someone who made your heart stand still, but did anything noteworthy occur?

A lot of things have my heart super-active this week in various respects, but not because I met someone. "Noteworthy"? Yeah, a week ago last night, Beast was airlifted to a trauma hospital with severe head injuries from a fall sometime in the afternoon down the steps in our house. He is still not participating in what the rest of us agree is reality. I've spent at least 5 hours every day since then sitting in his hospital room.

2) While making hit records, Shaun Cassidy also starred as Joe Hardy on the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books have been popular with generations of American kids. Were you a fan?

Oh My God!! I read most of the books, and I watched that show obsessively for the first couple of years. I was In Love with Parker Stevenson, and I have the album this very song is on! Yes, the LP album, played over and over and over on my parents' stereo in the living room. If I had been aware of the sound eyeballs rolling in parental heads made, I'd have never heard a note of the record. But they let me listen.

3) Shaun went to Beverly Hills High School. Over the decades, BHHS has had many good football teams. Do you remember what sports your school excelled at?

Absolutely none that I'm aware of. We suuuuuucked at football, and I ignored all the other sports except wrestling, which I think we were ok in (you'd think I'd know--I was a regular volunteer at meets!). THE BAND however, was the best band in the metro area for years and years.

4) Shaun followed his older half-brother, David Cassidy, into TV/records/teen stardom. Do you have siblings? If yes, what career paths did they follow?

[Aside: David Cassidy was my very first heartthrob. I was, uh, 7? when I fell in love with him.] Marie managed and set up daycares and otherwise worked in childcare her whole career. Oh, she taught for a few years too. Ellen taught middle school and then temped and got her master's degree in business before she died. Jean taught--in Africa--and then got her master's degree in library science and worked in the equivalent of a high school library till she got too ill to work. Mind you, all three of my sisters HAD TO QUIT WORK when they had kids, although maybe it was less of a thing for Jean because she got at least a year of leave after a baby's birth before she had to go back. Socialized medicine dontcha know. The other two, though: women didn't work back then while pregnant or when they have a husband and kids. My brother, Del, was an airport firefighter for most of his career till he became management and then retired a few years ago. He currently works at Lowe's where he just follows directions and makes no decisions whatsoever at work. It sounds lovely.

5) His middle name is Paul, after his maternal grandfather. Tell us something about one of your grandparents.

They all had RIDICULOUS names! When we were looking for baby names for Sparky, it was horrific what our options were for family names. I mean we had to reuse Beast's first name--it's a family tradition--but had free rein on the middle name. Dear God the options! Clarence, Albert, Grover, and the French version of Adolf. Jeebus God!! All we needed was Ernie and Oscar and we'd've had a TV show!

6) Shaun's mother, actress Shirley Jones, reports that he was more than 3 weeks late and born by Cesarean. Have you heard family legends about your arrival into the world?

I was a week late. Mom drank a whole bottle of cod liver oil (or was it castor oil?) so I'd just finally appear! And then when labor did start, apparently everyone in town who was pregnant also went into labor. Mom talked about nearly giving birth to me in the hall because there was a line for the delivery room (remember this was the dark ages of putting Mom to sleep and not letting Dad in the room). I had two friends in high school whose moms were in the hospital giving birth at the same time as my mom was having me. Oh, and she had to beg to stay an extra night because she didn't want to go home to face two teens, a ten-year-old and a baby. I'm surprised she didn't hop a train and ride the rails. It would have been easier in some respects!!

7) "Da Doo Ron Ron" was originally recorded by The Crystals. Can you think of another song that has been a hit by more than one artist?

A lot of the Motown hits from the 60s have been redone (often by white people) since then. The originals are almost always better, although I've a soft spot for Phil Collins' version of "You Can't Hurry Love."

8) In 1977, when this version of "Da Doo Ron Ron" was popular, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak incorporated Apple. Are you Mac or Android?

I am SO Android it's painful! I don't even own an iPod; never have!

9) Random Question: You're exhausted. You collapse into bed and are about to drift into slumber when you hear the drip-drip-drip of the bathroom faucet. Would you kick off the covers and go turn it off? Or would you stay in bed, letting it drip until morning?

Hmm, specifically dripping? I would totally go shut it off. I grew up conserving water. Lots of other things, though--squeaky fans, vents clicking, loud music across the street--I'd stick the earplugs in and go right to sleep.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Consider Yourself Meme

1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself?

I'm an all-American mutt, of the Northern European variety.

2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to?

Not really. My family often behaves/behaved in a stereotypical Italian fashion, and I do love the food and culture. And the fact that it's warmer more often than here.

3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently?

Italian? lol OK, seriously, for more than 30 years, I've wanted to be able to speak Russian, or at least read it proficiently.

4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go?

With my job, I actually could probably move anywhere. I'd want to be near Sparky, though, so I'll stay here.

5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see?

The problem here is that "one event" implies a discrete moment. Most of what I'd like to see is more of an evolution of thought. I'd kill to travel with Paul the Apostle and see for myself what was really going on in the early churches of Asia and Israel and Rome.

6) Have problems sleeping?

Do I? Uh, yeah.

7) Are you free with your feelings?

Many say I'm too free, I'm sure.

8) What is the one outfit/piece of clothing/accessory you own that makes you feel incredibly good whenever you wear it? Why?

Jeans. And I'm not overly fussy about which ones. Just jeans.

9) What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk?

Sleep. Read. Write. Cry. One or all four.

10) Has anyone ever surprised you in a way that let you know you were special? How?

Beast is remarkably good at this. He surprises me often enough to keep me guessing.

11) When you are having a "good day," how do you spread the happiness to others?

Jokes go a long way. Feeding people does as well.

12) What is one thing that puts you in a bad mood, no matter how good you were previously feeling?

Getting yelled at by someone I care about.

13) Would you rather live in a world with or without technology such as computers, cars, airplanes, bombs?

With. I would be dead without technology.

14) If you had to live without either heating in your house or air conditioning, which one would you keep?

I'd keep the heat, but summer's gonna suck. Perhaps we'll go north for three months. WAY north.

15) If you had to own five dogs, what kind would you get?

It would absolutely be five I picked up from the pound. But here's the thing: I'm allergic so this is oging to suck.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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1. October 21, 2015 is Back to the Future Day. Did you see the movie? The sequels? In the second film, Doc takes Marty into the future to prevent Marty's future son from making a mistake. They leave 1985 and land on a 'skyway' on October 21st, 2015. So tell us, what were you doing in the fall of 1985?

I've seen all the movies at least a couple of times each. I'm not much of a fan of the sequels, to be honest. I was in my senior year of college, turning 22, desultorily planning my wedding for the next summer that fall. So long ago...

2. If time travel were possible, would you want to go to the future? The past?

I would like to visit the past. Incognito. Briefly. The future? Hmmm, maybe 100 or years from now. I don't want to see my own future. Or my son's.

3. We're not flying cars, but some of the technology imagined in the 80's film has indeed come to pass in real life 2015-flat screen TVs on the wall, tablets, fingerprint recognition, video conferencing, online banking, 3-D movies, motion controlled video games, drone cameras, and smart glasses (Google glass). Do you worry technology is growing at a rate so fast we'll soon be unable to keep up with it's [sic] demands? Do you think the Internet does more harm than good?

Nope. I like technology. It keeps me alive.

4. Your favorite dish prepared in a slow-cooker? Your favorite fast food?

We make a good chili in the crock-pot. Just about time to start doing that again, too. Fast food? I'm jonesing for some BK cinnamon rolls right now.

5. No time like the present, down time, face time, pressed for time, in the nick of time, make time, mark time, or just in time...which timely saying most relates to your life right now?

Down time. On vacation all week, mostly watching Beast sleep through his pain. I did go shoe-shopping today and found a couple new pairs to bring home.

6. Tell us about a place you went as a child or younger person that's no longer there or is now something else. How does that make you feel?

Growing up in Denver, THE place to go was Elitch's. It's still a thing to go to in Denver, but they moved it across town about 30 years ago. I just can't bring myself to go to the new site. Part of the weird fun of going there as a child was that it was in "a very bad part of town"--it way too safe now. Also...just no. They got rid of my favorite-est ride before they moved, so the hell with them. :-)

7. Describe your comfort zone.

On the couch, laptop or book in hand. Preferably some diet Dr. Pepper nearby. Or in bed reading or playing on my Nook.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been working on a cleanup project for work while I've been home this week. I'm over a year behind cleaning up subject headings in our database, so I'm doing that. Currently plowing through changes in headings for mythological folks (Cassandra, Hercules/Heracles, Scheherazade, Odin...) along with the usual randomness. I could go into deep detail here, but suffice to say that the Powers That Be have decided that fictional and mythological characters are now to be treated as if they were actual people. There has been a LENGTHY debate recently about the "author" of this book, whose heading now reads: Kirk, James T., 2233-2371. Just to clarify, this is one for a former (real) U.S. President: Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. It's hysterical what people will argue about.

Saturday 9

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Careless Whisper (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) You can't miss George Michael's gold hoops in the photo above or in the "Careless Whisper" video. Are you wearing any jewelry right now?

I have Fimo clay earrings in. I just took off a couple of necklaces. Oh and my wedding, engagement and anniversary rings, of course.

2) Though the label says this hit is performed by "Wham! featuring George Michael," George Michael is the only member of the pop duo who appears in the video. Do you remember the name of the other guy who was in Wham?

Andrew Ridgeley. Who is still freakin' gorgeous, even almost hairless on top!

3) Much of the video was filmed on Watson Island, a man-made island near South Beach. Have you ever been to Miami?

Nope. I have zero interest in Miami.

4) Born Georgios Panayiotou, George Michael is of Greek descent, the son of the Greek restauranteur in East London. When you think of Greek cuisine, what comes to mind?

Spanikopita, grape leaves, moussaka, ouzo, phyllo dough, gyros, feta cheese, dolmades....

5) Today he lives in a tony suburb called Highgate, and his neighbors are Kate Moss and Sting. Tell us about one of your neighbors.

One of our neighbors, Nancy, just moved out this week. We are getting new neighbors. I hope there are kids.

6) George Michael fans can purchase officially licensed merchandise from his website, including an iPhone cover with his photo and signature. Tell us about your cell phone. Is it Apple or Android? Is it a smartphone?

I have a 2.5-year-old Samsung that I adore. I rarely use it for calls, but I text/IM/PM, take pictures, Facebook, play games, make lists (shopping and otherwise), check weather, listen to music, read books....OMG. How did I live without it?!

7) George Michael sang Stevie Wonder's "You and I" for Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton. What's your favorite love song?

I'm not a huge fan of love songs. I do like "Fuckin' Perfect" and "The Sweetest Thing."

8) In 2014, George had a health scare. He was rushed to the hospital for tests and released the next day. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

Nope. I suspect most of the time the whole ambulance ride is 'wasted' on the people who need it the most.

9) Known for hard partying in his youth, George is now in his 50s and says he's quite happy to spend his evenings eating takeout and watching DVDs. Are you doing any socializing this weekend?

I had a day-long women's retreat today, which was fun, and the weather was beautiful so being outside was delightful. Tomorrow is Confirmation Sunday, and then there's a party we're invited to for one of the kids afterwards. The first two weeks of May are crazy-busy for us this year.

Friday 5

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Extinction

1. What’s the coolest of the extinct animal species?

I would've liked to have seen a dodo bird before we killed them all off.

2. What classification (however you want to define that) of human being seems to be an endangered species?

The variety that has empathy with others.

3. How do you feel about the disappearance of the neighborhood video rental store?

We still have one!! I have no idea how they make money especially since they are competing heavily with us at the library.

4. What’s an older technology that you consider better than a newer technology that’s replaced it?

We have a fax machine at work that just faxes. It works great, if slowly. The fancy printer/scanner/copier/fax machine...never can get the damn thing to send a fax. And don't get me started on my dishwasher here at home--hand washing gets things cleaner!

5. What no-longer-available snack item do you miss most?

I can't think of anything American, but I do miss British Kit-Kat bars. They just taste better. I really wish we could get Kinder eggs here; the chocolate's not great, but they are fun.

Friday 5

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Juice

1. What’s your favorite juice?

   I really like cranberry juice. On occasion I like grapefruit too, but I can't drink it anymore because of meds.

2. Blend fruit juice with fresh or fruit, (sometimes) ice, and other ingredients and you get a smoothie. What’s your favorite smoothie?

   I don't think I've ever had a smoothie. They seem vaguely icky to me, not drinkable. Unless you count Orange Julius a smoothie.

3. Juice in some contexts means credibility, the respect of others, and influence. In what way have you recently earned juice among your peers?

   Probably by keeping my cool while dealing with calling 911 and waiting with the drunk, passed-out guy till the authorities arrived to take him to the hospital? I dunno. Or by not blowing my stack at work generally since I got back after surgery.

4. How satisfied are you with your mobile phone’s charge capacity?

   I'm fine. My phone and I are tight.

5. What are your thoughts on Kool-Aid and Tang?

   I never had a problem with Tang as a child, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't drink it now. Kool-Aid is too damn sweet even for me.

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Marshmallow World (1963)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. This song likens fluffy clouds to marshmallows. What does the sky look like where you are today?

It's dark now, but it was partly cloudy in the morning and then got cloudier over the course of the afternoon. I think. I was at work most of the day, so I could be wrong.

2. The lyrics refer to snowballs. Have you ever been in a snowball fight?

Yes. I lost.

3. Chionophobia is fear of snow. What phobias do you have?

I'm not a fan of large crowds.

4. In 2004, Canadian school children raised money for charity by setting a new world record: the most snow angels made in 24-hour period. Have you ever participated in a fundraising stunt?

Nope, but that one sounds sort of fun.

5. When marshmallows were first introduced, they were used for medicinal purposes. Specifically to soothe sore throats. What do you take when your throat is bothering you?

Tylenol. Or stronger.

6. Marshmallows are an important ingredient in the Rice Krispies Treat recipe. If you were asked to prepare something for a bake sale, what would you make?

Bar cookies of some kind.

7. Darlene played Danny Glover's wife in the Lethal Weapon movies. Do you enjoy action movies?

I loved those movies. So silly. Generally, action movies that take themselves very seriously I do not like.

8. Darlene's father advised her to always, "shoot for the stars." Share some good advice you've received.

"Don't pick up snakes."

9. Will you be returning/have you returned any holiday gifts?

Nope. It's all good.

Kentucky Rain (1970)
Next Thursday, the 8th, would be Elvis' 80th birthday, so we're celebrating The King. Here is this week's song.

1. In this song, Elvis hitchhikes across Kentucky. Have you ever hitched a ride?

Hell no!!

2. Elvis received his first guitar for his 11th birthday, even though he'd asked his parents for a bicycle. As an adult, how often do you ride a bike?

Not in ten years. Too hilly around here.

3. When Elvis was a child, his family was very poor, often living in rooming houses or public housing. His classmates teased him for being "trashy," which left him shy. Were you more shy or outgoing as a kid?

Shy. Totally shy. Even with friends I was shy.

4. While in high school, Elvis mowed neighbors' lawns with a push mower and a sickle. According to The Home Depot, one of today's most popular mowers is a gas-powered Cub Cadet with a self-mulching feature. Tell us about your lawn mower.

This is somewhat of a sore subject. We have gas walk-behind, and a gas rider that hasn't been functional for two summers now, but Beast won't just replace the damn thing!

5. In the 1950s, Frank Sinatra dismissed Elvis as, "deplorable." Yet by the time of Elvis' death, he had revised his opinion and said, "Elvis was the embodiment of the whole American culture." Tell us about something or someone you changed your mind about.

I'm watching football right now, so I'm going with the fact that I used to like the Seahawks.

6. After Elvis was discharged from the Army, his first performance was on a Sinatra TV special, sponsored by Timex. Do you wear a watch?

Nope.

7. Coinciding with Elvis' 80th birthday, there will be an auction of Presley-related memorabilia at his home in Graceland. One item up for bid is a plush toy he gave to an Army buddy's wife in 1958 for the baby she was expecting. Do you know anyone who is looking forward to a baby in 2015?

Yes, one of my nieces, Marguerite, is pregnant again, due in June.

8. None of the items being sold at the Graceland auction actually belonged to Elvis at the time of his death. Everything left to daughter Lisa Marie remains in her possession. Do you have something you cherish that was given to you by a close relative?

Loads of things. My mom's turquoise ring, for one.

9. The US Postal service sold more than 500 million of the Elvis commemorative stamp. According to the Census Bureau, that was two stamps each for every man, woman and child in the United States. When is the last time you visited the post office?

The last time I went inside the building was probably 3-4 months ago, but I was only checking our mailbox. I haven't stood in line there for a very long time.

Dancing with Myself (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is one of Billy Idol's biggest hits. Can you name another?

"White Wedding" among others.

2) When is the last time you danced around your home?

Probably when I made dinner last week. I tend to get a little goofy while stirring.

3) In this song, Billy says he dances with his own reflection. Is there a mirror in the room you're in right now?

Not as such, just a lot of glass (pictures, clocks, etc.).

4) Dancing with Myself is also the name of Billy Idol's 2014 autobiography. Let's say you're going to write your life story. What do you title it?

I have no idea.

5) This month, Billy resumes his 2014-15 concert tour in New Orleans. Have you ever been to Louisiana?

Yes. Yes I have. Once while in utero, once on our way to East Texas, and once on a mission trip. It's hot there. All the time, apparently.

6) In 1980, when "Dancing with Myself" was first popular, VHS players were all the rage. Do you still have yours?

Yup. Right next to the DVD player. I think we used it last month too to watch "Scrooged."

7) In 1980, The Love Boat was getting good ratings. Have you ever taken a cruise?

Not yet.

8) Sally Field won her first Oscar in 1980 for the movie Norma Rae. Five years later she won a second Oscar for Places in the Heart and delivered one of the most quoted acceptance speeches in Academy history. Do you remember what she said?

"You like me! You really like me!" [Look ma, no Google!]

9) In 1980, People magazine named Stephen King one of the most intriguing people of the year because he had two big paperback bestsellers -- The Dead Zone and The Shining. Do you have a favorite Stephen King book?

I loved his book of advice about writing. And his collection of short stories Just after Sunset was really good.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Describe a time when you felt vengeful.

Anytime someone goes after my son, I pretty much go apeshit at least internally. Even though he's technically an adult now, I don't see this changing. Ever.

2) Are you a sports fan? Tell us about fandom. If you’re not, tell us why not.

I love football, mostly because Beast used to play, and then I also grew up watching it with my dad. I like the brutality and the pseudo-scientific factors--the hard hits and the measuring with chains for instance. It's really beautiful to watch when a team is working together. And of course, I like the history of the Packers, their traditions, and what they stand for. How can you not like a team that arrives at training camp like this?

3) What was the best thing that happened to you this weekend?

I got a new Nook!!

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

It reminds me of old, classy stadiums that weren't all about jamming a gazillion fans under a dome, but about providing an attractive and comfortable place for an experience.

Blogthings

Your Laptop Personality is Varied

You are addicted to your laptop, and there's little you don't do with it. You get a lot of use out of technology. It's likely you work, shop, socialize, and decompress online. And you're often always doing a little of each. You are an insanely good multitasker, and people are impressed by how much you can accomplish. You are a whiz at online research. It may seem like you're goofing around half the day, but no one knows what you have going on in all those windows!

What's Your Laptop Personality?

I think this is pretty accurate. Ahem. Especially that part about online research. lol

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. T is for TACHOMETER: Which instrument do you use the least in your car’s instrument panel?

My car has a completely insane instrument setup. There are about 10 menus of things to mess with, from mileage and ambient lights to song listings and Bluetooth settings. I know I haven't used everything, but I wouldn't even want to guess what that is. Probably something to do with the backup camera, since I love it and wouldn't want to turn it off.

2. T is for TAUOMACHY: Do you feel that bullfighting should be banned because of cruelty or that it’s a reasonable sport in other cultures?

I'm not a fan. I think a sport in which the purpose is the torture of an innocent animal is morally questionable regardless of how you feel about PETA, I think.

3. T is for TECHNOPHILE: What is your favorite gadget?

I love my phone. A lot.

4. T is for TETANIGENOUS: Are you up to date on your tetanus shot? (Does this question make you want to schedule an appointment?)

Yes, I am. I think I'm on the 0 years.

5. T is for TONETICS: Which mispronunciation annoys you the most these days?

Still annoyed about "nu-kyoo-ler" but at least our President now says it right. I get pretty irritated at "jew-ler-ee" too, but right now I can't think of anything that I hear wrong every day.

6. T is for TUROPHILE: What’s your favorite variety of cheese?

I love hard sandwich cheeses, "hard" meaning at least mozzarella-hard. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of soft cheese like Brie and other smellier varieties, but I could make a week's worth of meals out of the cheese section at the average English supermarket. American stores simply SUCK in comparison. My sentimental favorite cheese is Wensleydale.

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Computer Firsts!

1. When did your family get your first computer?

I think it was around 1989? 1990? Maybe even 1991? I'm not sure. Windows 3.0 ahoy!

2. What type of computer was it?

It was an Acer brand, as I recall. I'm not even sure whether it came with a mouse....

3. What were your favorite things to do on your first computer?

Games: Tetris, on 5 1/4" floppies. And we signed up for Prodigy right away because my parents--in their 60s!--already were using it. We had basic Prodigy email from the git-go. smh It's amazing, really.

4. When did you/your family first connect to the Internet?

Oops, jumped the gun. See above.

5. How did you spend time online when you first connected?

I spent WAY too much time in a Star Trek chat room called Ten Forward on Prodigy chatting with other ST:TNG nerds.

Blogthings

You Are Android

You love technology, but you don't feel the need to follow the crowd when it comes to tech trends. You instead prefer to weigh all your options, figure out what's best for you, and get your own unique gadget. It's likely that you have a bit of a head for science, engineering, or programming. You have very specific technological needs. You want to customize whatever gadgets you own, and you don't like limitations. You definitely don't want a cookie cutter phone. You are probably the type of person who enjoys sci-fi / fantasy, a good pizza, documentaries, and even a little Shakespeare every now and then. You're quite pop culturally savvy and have a broad range of interests. No one would accuse you of being a snob.

Are You Android or iPhone?

Are You Android or iPhone?Well, all of this is good news. I'm far from scientific and engineering is NOT my thing at all! But yeah, I like my own personalized stuff.

Blogthings Explosion

(I'm nearly caught up on these...really!)

You Are Free Spirited

You are a wanderer and a traveler. Nothing makes you feel more alive than being out on the open road. You never can predict where your life is going next, and you're cool with that. You like a life of experiences. If you were a musician, you would have a deep repertoire to draw from. You could play live for hours at a time. And it's likely that the songs you liked best would be the ones you wrote on the road. Performing would inspire you. You rock because you have a spirit of openness and excitement in all aspects of your life. You don't approach anything with negativity. If something doesn't work out, oh well! It's just another adventure for you to look back on one day.

The Guitar Test

Startlingly accurate. There are a few duds here, but the overall picture is the way I try (hard) to face the world.

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You Are a Philosopher

You fall under the water element. Like water, you are fluid and reflective. You are both observant and curious. You like to see where everything is going. You are less dogmatic than most people. You don't have a set idea of how you want things to go. You are open and adaptable. Unlike others, you realize how little you can control in life. You are modest and objective. You don't spend too much time congratulating yourself about anything. Instead, you think more about what you appreciate in others. You love ingenuity and creativity.

What Elemental Archetype Are You?

At my best, yeah. I do, despite my best intentions, certain expectations of what is coming down the pike, but I've slowly tried to wean myself of that worldview....

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Your Birth Flower is a Chrysanthemum

Like a chrysanthemum, you are bursting with cheerfulness, color, and optimism. You see the world as an abundant place. There is plenty of joy for anyone who wants it. You are quick to laugh, smile, or crack a joke. You love to lighten the mood whenever possible. You are a great friend, and you're always looking for more partners in crime. You have the best time with your pals. If you fall in love, you tend to keep it a secret for a long time. You make your move slowly. You usually won't indicate your feelings unless you are sure they are mutual. You don't like to make others uncomfortable.

What Does Your Birth Flower Say About You?

...whereas this one is oddly off in almost every way.

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You Are in the Early Majority

You aren't the earliest adopter when it comes to technology. You like to wait things out a bit. You love new things, but you want to wait until they are proven. Being on the cutting edge is expensive! You may feel like you're the last person you know to get on board with a new idea or thing, but you're still rather early when compared to the general public. It's likely that you know about something a while before you decide to go for it. You like to do your due diligence. You are open to new ideas, and it's likely that you're quite active in your community. You have your ear to the ground. If someone recommends something to you, you'll probably check it out. And if you like it, you'll pass on the recommendation.

Are You An Early Adopter?

Yup.

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You Are Serious

You are the type of person who is happiest when you're grounded and into your routine. You like predictability. You don't mind having responsibilities and jobs to do. If anything, being needed helps you stabilize your life. You are honest, loyal, and ethical. You can be depended on [try] to do the right thing no matter what the circumstances. You believe 'what goes around comes around', and you try to set a good example for others ... even if they're behaving poorly. You take things seriously, but not too seriously. You surprise others with your offbeat humor and ability to make fun of yourself. You give everything your all, including having fun. You do well socially, especially in more structured situations.

The Modern Painting Test

And we end with a clear winner.

Blogthings Explosion

You Are Out of this World Dreamy

Of all the types, you are the most likely to enjoy staring up at the stars. You like to daydream, even at night. You find the universe beautiful, and you feel lucky whenever you have a starry night when you can see so much of it. The planet you are most connected to is Jupiter. Your expansive and optimistic mind is a good fit with this planet. Like Jupiter, you are multifaceted and a big believer in abundance. You don't put limits on your imagination. When you look into space, you feel calmed and humbled by your small place in the universe. It's a beautiful thing. You don't necessarily even think of the universe or what's out there... you just like to meditate on the stars in the sky.

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Well, this is a lot of bullshit. I'm far from dreamy anymore, and the stars have never been my thing in general.
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You Are a Cherry Croissant

You are an outgoing, friendly, and even sweet person. People are drawn to your personality. You tend to be happy and easygoing. You are an optimist, and you don't find it difficult to find the sunnier side of life. You tend to be up on the latest trends, mostly because you enjoy trying new things and experimenting. You aren't snobby about your trendiness, but you love to introduce your friends to your latest discoveries and hot spots. You are creative and discerning. You have great taste, and this carries over to anything that you create. You have a strong and unique perspective. You are usually one of the first to spot something that's great or worth your time.

What Flavor Croissant Are You?

Well, ok, this is better. I don't think I have great taste as far as what society thinks, but then again, I don't really care. And I am pretty optimistic and fairly easygoing. Up to a point.
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You Are Somewhat Playful

You believe that there's a time for work and a time for play. And you rarely mix the too. You aren't a stick in the mud. You like to have fun, but you don't like to goof off when it's time to be serious. You are rarely the instigator of fun, but you're happy to go along with most amusing plans. You are a good sport. You think it's important to be able to let go and blow off steam. If not, stress will get to you eventually. You are open to a lot of new experiences, and you tend to be one of the easygoing ones in your group of friends. You are joyful and upbeat. You have the energy required to be a playful person when the time is right.

Are You Playful?

I have a nasty habit of not being able to separate work from play, and I'm pretty competitive which can mean I end up being a poor sport so some of this isn't true. A lot of it is, though.
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You Are an iPad

You are tech savvy and probably even a little addicted to the internet. You spend a good amount of time online. You're the type of person who would like to have the internet with you wherever you go, and you don't want to compromise browsing experience. You are a bit of an introvert. You like the internet for its brain[i]er nature, and you may contribute in your own way. You likely fancy yourself a writer or producer of some sort. You are driven to create and leave your mark online. Like most iPad users, you probably think an iPhone is great - but you need a device with more screen space and features. And since you're a bit of a homebody, you don't mind luggin' your iPad around with you. You're probably just going from room to room.

Are You an iPhone or an iPad?

Aside from the part about this being all about Apple--a company I'm not a fan of--it's pretty accurate.
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Your Birth Color is Red

Above all else, you have a huge amount of energy. You just require less downtime and rest than most people. You have courage when others lack guts. You are willing to take a risk, especially when you might get all the glory at the end. You are passionate in all aspects of your life, especially romance. When you find the perfect partner, you don't let anything stand in your way. You have plenty of passion in love, but you lack extreme infatuation. You seek a more mature, deep love than just a crush or fling offers. You have a lot of inner strength, and that strength is sparked by your drive. You are willing to work hard and be tenacious today in order to harvest the fruits of your labor tomorrow.

What's Your Birth Color?

Always up for a risk, but I'm not crazy. I can be a hard worker, if motivated properly.
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You Are JOMO

Your personal motto can best be described as JOMO: 'Joy of Missing Out' You know what makes you happy, and it's the little things. You are content with your life as is. You follow your own path, and you rarely feel jealous of other people's lives. You may be missing out, and that's fine. In fact, you care so little about missing out that you may refuse invitations that sound fun just because you're not up to it. Most everyone should strive to have your Zen attitude. You don't suffer from the chains of desire. Just make sure you're not getting too complacent. You may have contentment, but you need a little excitement too.

Are You Yolo, Fomo, or Jomo?

Finally, one that totally fits. Definitely not much here that's way off-base.
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You Don't Get Enough Nature

Nature is fine, but it's not really a priority for you. You enjoy a nice sunny day like anyone else, though! You don't make time to get outside, and it shows. Whenever possible, you tend to prefer modern climate control. There is a lot that the indoors has to offer - like comfortable couches and fast internet. Being outside is called 'roughing it' for a reason. You're a city person, and there's nothing wrong with that. But maybe you get out and smell the grass. Or trees. You are cultured and quite intellectual. You tend to prefer mental experiences to physical ones. You can appreciate the beauty of nature, but you often rather appreciate it through art than real life.

Do You Get Enough Nature?

This is very timely, and accurate.
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Your Wisdom is Well Rounded

You are a deep thinker, and you consider every issue carefully. You have the patience to think something through. You are the most introspective of all types. You have important insights and profound understanding. You are healthy and prosperous. You credit your ability to turn inward in helping you thrive. You are both oriented toward the future and the past. You think the future has a lot to offer but that you also can learn from history. You tend to be very good with money, even though you aren't materialistic. You simply make smart choices. You rarely give into impulse or whim. If you seem to make a rash decision, it's because you've secretly been thinking about it for a while.

What Makes You Well Rounded?

OK, another good fit. I'm not always careful, but pretty often.
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You Should Travel to the Present

You're not unadventurous, you just really dig the present. You'd love to travel around the world as it is right now. Or even better, you'd like to see the current world on an alternate timeline. Alternate courses of history fascinate you. You think that there is enough to see in the present if you were able to go anywhere. You don't need to add time travel to the mix. You'd be happy to be able to jot [sic] off to any corner of the world you feel like visiting ... and that you'd be able to come home just as quickly. If you had to travel through time, you'd like to do it as quickly as possible. You don't want to be away for long. Things are going so well for you that you'd like to stay in and savor the present as much as possible.

When Should You Travel in Time?

Yes, I like to travel. Time travel would be fun too, as long as it's 100% safe that I'd come back here.
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You Are a Banana

Like a banana, you are tender-hearted and sensitive. And the more someone gets to know you, the softer and sweeter you are. You are loving, gentle, and compassionate. You touch others with your warmth, empathy, and understanding. You are mild-mannered and find it easy to get along with almost anyone. You help harsher personalities mellow out. You are vulnerable and sensitive, but you avoid letting others hurt you with your somewhat hardened exterior. You are tough when you need to be. You value harmony and togetherness. You like to be in a relationship and usually adore your partner. You don't make waves. If someone annoys or insults you, you rather walk away than cause a scene.

What Island Fruit Are You?

Yeah. The only people this isn't real true about is my family (of birth).
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Your Past is Your Soul's Secret

Most people don't know much about you. You don't share a lot about how you were raised or where you come from. You believe that the past is the past, and there's no use reopening old wounds or reliving old glories. You keep your past a secret because you don't think it's relevant. You don't necessarily have anything to hide. You think it's a bit self-absorbed to tell everyone your life story. If you're asked, you give people a very abridged version of events. If your past was less of a secret, you might be surprised how quickly you bond with people. You may have more in common with those around you than you realize. You don't have to bear [sic] your soul or spill your guts to give people more context about where you come from and who you are. They probably want to know more about you!

What's Your Soul's Secret?

Well this couldn't be wrong-er. In case you hadn't noticed I talk endlessly about myself. Sure, there are some dead zones, but not all that many. Not after 9 years of blogging!! :-)

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. How many different blogging platforms (i.e., Blogger, WordPress, Tumblr, etc.) have you used since you started blogging?

I have accounts on Blogger, WordPress, LiveJournal, and probably another two or three platforms, but I mostly use Blogger. It's easy to write, it's fairly simple to manipulate (or it used to be--it's gotten less friendly in the past few years), and it's comfortable. WordPress is too complicated for me, LiveJournal didn't have any layouts I liked when I was seriously shopping, and the others are mostly defunct. Never could figure out the point of Tumblr.

2. What's the biggest reason you chose the platform you're currently on?

See above. I considered moving things about 4 years ago, but it was WAY too much effort for something that's supposed to be fun as far as I'm concerned.

3. What do you like most about your current blog?

I have, like, 6 functional blogs, but overall what I like is how easy it is to change the layout and add/delete widgets.

4. How confident are you in your ability make changes to the code of your site (i.e., HTML or CSS) if you wanted to make a design or functionality adjustment?

I was more confident about 5 years ago. Google has made it more complicated in order to increase the ease of use for people who want to plug and play. But the basic coding I can do for design adjustments.

5. What would you most like to change about your current blogging platform?

Google killed off the auto-fill function for titles and labels, which continues to annoy me to this day. I send in a request for it periodically, but after this many years I'm not real hopeful. It would be fabulous if I could change the access to specific posts rather than the whole blog, too; sometimes I'd like to rant on about a very specific situation that I don't want people to see at the point I'm ranting. I'd also like more access to minor font and spacing changes.

6. What blogging-related topic would you most like to see discussed?

I don't participate in any blogging forums. The blogging I do is purely for fun, to get my writing ya-yas out, to relax, and in some cases, to keep track of what I've been up to in my life; ergo, I can't think of a single topic of interest beyond pure tech stuff. By that I meant, answering questions like "how to add a [specific kind of thing] to my blog."

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)
Yeah...my own meme...doing five weeks at a time today:

1) Share what you enjoy most about today's technology.

I love the connectivity, being able to communicate with people instantaneously, and keep track of old friends, with very little effort. It's also nice to be able to instantaneously answer random trivia questions.

2) Describe what you'd do with an extra four hours today.

Some of those hours would be spent sleeping. Maybe I'll actually use the rest to clean the stacks of paper off my desk here at home, or other projects. Actually, at this point in the day, I'm pretty sure I'll just sleep, but tomorrow I'd still have 4 extra hours, right?

3) Bedspread or comforter?

Right now, for the first time in my married life, we have a bedspread. It's quite odd. Having it not the bedspread itself.

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

Ah, Denver!! I wish I could say I'd taken this photo, but I had to find it online. That building in the middle has always been called the Mailbox by everyone in my family and most of my friends in school. But the background...mountains!! Miss them.

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1) Describe what you're looking forward to doing this autumn.

We went to our college Homecoming game, even though Sparky was too sick to come with us. We will also be attending Family Weekend festivities. And just enjoying the autumn weather. We should probably clean up the gardens too, I suppose. OH! Halloween. I do love Halloween!

2) Given the option of watching a sitcom or watching a crime drama on TV, which would you prefer?

I never . ever . watch sitcoms anymore. Or, to be specific, I don't watch anything made after about 1990. They seem to all be well past stupid, which I can tolerate in Gilligan's Island but not people wearing modern clothes.

3) What is your life motto, or words you live by?

"Remember, everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load."

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

This picture makes me smile. I hope these guys (they don't look like girls to me) are literally jumping for joy.

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1) Curtains or blinds?

Curtains tend to be dustcatchers, so I generally prefer blinds. However, they ALSO catch dust, so I'm about to go do the British thing and get some net curtains for my front windows, and some (washable) drapes.

2) If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I would totally be in charge of deciding NOT to implement RDA in this country. In a heartbeat.

3) Describe your personality in five words or less.

Flaky, serious, detail-oriented, middle-aged, addictive.

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

Seahorses are so awesome. I don't dwell on them, but they seem serene and (not that animals can BE this) progressive thinkers.

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1) If you could eat only one meal the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably pizza. Or pasta with assorted sauces. And fresh salad.

2) Name one thing you wish you could go back and change about your education.

I wish I would have taken more Spanish language courses and fewer lit classes.

3 Do you or did you ever smoke?

Nope.

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

Left behind friend. You wouldn't believe how many of these we find at work. And of course this also reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit.

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1) Who is your celebrity crush? Why?

Once I realized what a total dickbrain Tom Cruise is, I pretty much swore off crushing on famous people. On the other hand, I really do like Bono. But not in a crushy/lovey way exactly.

2) Have you ever been the victim of a crime?

Not in the immediate and personal sense. Our cabin was broken into when I was a kid, but not while we were around. I can't think of anything specific otherwise. I do wonder if I've blanked stuff out...?

3) Who is your greatest hero of all time?

Well, "all time" would pretty have to be Jesus, then.

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

Oh thank God I didn't have to put this puzzle together! What a nightmare. In general, I do like jigsaws. We usually take over the dining room table at New Year's and do one. I have no idea where that came from, but it's family tradition now. Weird how these sorts of things just sort of blossom. Last year we spent about a week trying to put a a picture of potato chips--this very one, in fact!--together, and got the frame done and that's about it. Nightmare! I have since donated that puzzle to the library at the local high school for kids to 'relax' with during finals week. Yes, I am mean.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. Which do you have more of: scars or birthmarks?

I'm aware of more scars, for sure.

2. Other than inside your own home or workplace, where are you most likely to use mobile technology to check your email?

Anyplace I have my Nook, since that's the only mobile technology I use. So, vacations: hotels, airports, libraries, etc. I love it when people assume that EVERYone has certain kinds of technology: "You don't use Twitter??" "You don't have an iPod??" etc.

3. What percentage of appliances and electronics could you find the receipt for quickly if something went wrong and you needed to prove a date of purchase?

They're all on file in the office. Beast is good at that. Me, not so much.

4. When taking a flight, do you prefer a window seat, an aisle seat or a seat in the middle?

Aisle or window. No one wants to be in the middle, I don't think, unless you are sitting between people you know who don't mind you sleeping on their shoulders.

5. How do you order your eggs at a restaurant?

Over easy, with toast. Or in an omelet.

6. What kind of animal (include the breed if possible) was your first pet?

We had a blue parakeet when I was quite small. His name was Peppy, IIRC. When I was 10, we got a mutt terrier from the Dumb Friends League.

Should Be Reading

(Link in meme-roll)
Monday Musings

What devices –if any– do you read books on? Do you find it enjoyable, or still somewhat bothersome? Or: If you only read the print books, why haven’t you chosen to read on any devices?

I have a Nook, and I love it! The only downside is that I spend an awful lot of time futzing with font-size and so forth, and sometimes the book doesn't accept reformatting very well.