Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (1987)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Gracie Slick challenges, "Let them say we're crazy!" Tell us about something you're glad you did, even though your friends or family may have advised you against it.

Oh, jeez, almost everything I've done that's fun someone has warned me against doing. Or at least looked askance at me. Good thing I tend to be risk-averse unless challenged! I'm glad I went overseas my junior year of college to (what was then) the U.S.S.R. and China, and Mongolia. The reward was going to Italy at the end, which got me through some awful moments in assorted Soviet airports. No one thought this was a good idea, including me, but I was dared so my big mouth got me behind the Iron Curtain. And my risk-aversion got me back out. 😀 

2) Slick is the lead singer of Jefferson Starship. This band got its start in 1965 as Jefferson Airplane but updated their name in 1974. Part of their reasoning was that by the 1970s, airplane travel was commonplace. In 2023, an estimated 820 million Americans flew domestically. When was your most recent flight? When is your next one?

Sparky and I flew to Phoenix a year ago last February just to get the hell out of Gray Frozen Darkness for a weekend. It was the first time we'd been on a plane in 5+ years. The trip there was not comfortable at all, the flight home was better (and I got to see the Barbie movie!), but the whole traveling thing was nerve-wracking.
We're heading East this fall, but I think we'll drive, even though it'll be a long three-day drive. We have business to take care of in Maine.

3) Songwriter Albert Hammond said the song was inspired by his divorce. After years of legal wrangling, he was finally free to marry his long-time, long-suffering girlfriend. They're still married today. What is something you waited a long time for? Was it worth the wait?

Waiting for children (child in my case) to reach adulthood feels like a kabillion years, and then once they're legal adults it feels like no time at all. 

4) Albert Hammond is perhaps best known as the one-hit wonder who sang, "It Never Rains in Southern California." Is rain expected where you are today?

Nope, no rain today. We're in a pattern of wind and cold with some general gloom. I'm NOT wearing socks anymore though! It's spring (despite the 55-degree F high today) dammit! I'm also glad not to have to have AC going too, though. 

5) He co-wrote the song with Diane Warren. In January, she lost her home to the Los Angeles fires. When a friend is confronted by heartache or tragedy, what can you say or do for them? What shouldn't you say or do?

Let them tell you what they need, unless they seem stuck in "freak-out mode." NEVER say, "I know just how you feel" or anything of the sort. I promise, even if you went through the same scenario, you do NOT know how they are feeling. Silence and hugs, listening more than talking. All of which is really hard. For me.

6) "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" was the love theme to the romantic fantasy Mannequin. In that movie, a department store mannequin comes to life and falls for a struggling artist. While it was a moderate success at the box office, the gritty Vietnam drama Platoon was a much bigger hit. When you sit down to watch a movie, what genre would you prefer (fantasy, romance, comedy, drama, etc.)?

I want a comedy with some action, not lowbrow stupidity. I don't see too many movies anymore because they irritate me, and I get fidgety and bored sitting still so long. Late-onset ADHD? Sparky curates my movie-viewing these days. Last up was the last Deadpool movie, which was pretty close to the perfect sweet spot. I guess some would say this is lowbrow stupidity, but at least it wasn't Adam Sandler. 
(Incidentally, I ever saw Mannequin--though I love the lead actor--but I did sit in a theater full of Vietnam Vets to see Platoon. Like full, need-an-usher-to-find-an-empty-seat full.)

7) In 1987, when this song was popular, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha was proud of her Detroit roots. Have you been to Michigan? If yes, where did you go?

I have been to Michigan a couple of times, to East Lansing once and to Windsor once. I have been told the Detroit airport is pretty dope but haven't ever needed to stop there.
But can we talk about taking until 1987 to honor a woman in rock and roll? When it was Rosetta Tharpe who "invented" it??? Men piss me off so much, so hard, so often.

Incidentally, it took me awhile to figure out why we were talking about Michigan instead of Ohio because the HoF is in Cleveland. 

8) In 1987, the Chevy Corvette made news by adding a low tire pressure light to its dashboard. When you're driving and a yellow warning light comes on, do you handle the issue promptly? Or is it something you'll get to when you get around to it?

lol  My check engine light has been on for at least 2 years now. The car is also 14 years old. If a different light came on, I'd handle it fairly quickly, but My Car Guy told me to just ignore the engine light so I'm following his directions. I need a new car, but there is literally not enough time to think about that right now.

9) Random question: A magic mirror reflects your appearance five years from today. Would you look at it?

I don't even look properly in the mirror much daily. I'm sure I'll be another half-centimeter shorter, far grayer, and just as blind. Honestly, if I had to pick me out of a crowd, I'm not sure I could do it.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

All of Me (1932) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

1) In this song, Louis Armstrong calls his girl "baby." What's the last endearment someone used when speaking to you? 

Uhm. It was probably one of Beast's caregivers calling me "hon" or "sweetie." Or Beast, but I can't understand his words most of the time. Does Sparky calling me mom count?

2) He sings that losing his love made him cry. Do you cry easily? 

Not as much as I used to, but still more than "normal people" do apparently.

3) Louis was born in New Orleans, a city famous for music and cuisine. What's something you love about your home town? 

The town in which I was born is full of good history that I've only really learned once I moved far away. My current town (where I live) has a award-winning water-ski team. I mean, I really don't care, but we don't got much. Maybe the fact that Capone used to hang out here?

4) At age 11, Louis unwisely fired a pistol during a New Year's Eve celebration and was sentenced to 18 months in a juvenile detention facility. It was there that he met music teacher Peter Davis, who believed in Louis and taught him to play cornet and bugle. Tell us about someone who believed in you and made your life better. 

Ironically, this sounds like the sort of behavior that would fit right into my current town... Anyway, I have been blessed to be white in the U.S. and raised by and around people who thought I was amazing. My parents went without a lot of 'things' to make their kids' lives full of possibility. [I simply cannot imagine ANYONE in my pretty-much white town getting arrested for shooting a gun off]

5) Louis would say that arrest changed his life for the better because it was at the detention center that "me and music got married." After his release, he began playing on street corners, or in honkytonks ... any place he could hone his skills. What is something you have worked hard to be better at? 

I have been working hard all my adult life to be a better person, to be understanding and kind and useful. Often Sometimes it feels wholly futile, but I at least know I'm a better-rounded person than I was 25 years ago even if no one else agrees.

6) In the late 1920s, Louis led a jazz band called The Hot Five. His wife, Lil, believed he was too talented not to receive star billing. He just didn't feel ready. She went behind his back and convinced the management at Chicago's Dreamland Cafe to advertise: "The Hot Five, featuring Louis Armstrong: The World's Greatest Trumpet Player." It worked! At the end of the gig, Okeh Records signed him to a recording contract. Can you think of a time when, like Lil, you were glad you asked for forgiveness rather than permission? 

I have 100% started living this lately, mostly because I've learned not to worry so much about what others (those I don't care about) think. Do the thing, apologize later.

7) In 1932, the year this record was popular, the son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped and killed. This famous case inspired Agatha Christie to write Murder on the Orient Express. Have you read the book? Seen the movie, the remake or the miniseries? 

I have read the book a few times. I think I've seen the movie? The old one, nothing made in the last 4 decades. 

8) Another aviator was in the news in 1932. Amelia Earhart flew 14 hours from Newfoundland to Londonderry. What is the longest flight you've ever taken? 

The longest single stint on an airplane were the trips to Germany, about 8 hours-ish. Mostly we were not staying in Germany, just changing planes to go on to somewhere else. Once to Rome. Once to Moscow. Once to Athens. Maybe elsewhere, I don't remember anymore.

9) Random question: You have the opportunity to travel safely in a time machine. Would you go back to the past, into the future, or say, "no thanks, I'll stay in 2022?"

What a quandary! Probably past, my my OWN past, just to visit, and only back to about 1980.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It's Just Another New Year's Eve (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2017! Thanks for a great year, everyone.

1) In this song, Barry Manilow declares New Year's Eve is "just another night." How do you feel about 12/31? Is it a special occasion or just another night?

Just another night of massive amounts of fireworks being set off in the middle of the night. I'm excited about the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, but this year especially tomorrow is just nothing. Someone gave me a bottle of sparkling grape juice. Maybe I'll pop that open. woo . hoo

2) Barry sings that in the past year, "we've made mistakes." What in 2017 do you wish you could do over?

Oh jeeeeeez. This is why I don't do regrets; this YEAR is why I gave up regrets and do-overs decades ago. If I knew last year this time what was coming, I'm pretty sure things wouldn't have panned out at all the way they did. ... It might have been worse, I guess. {somehow}

3) He also sings of happy nights with friends. Tell us about a really good time you had in the past year.

Uhm. There were flashes of fun, some seriously hysterical laughs, and good times with kids. I didn't have a vacation, and my home-life essentially sucked. I'm learning a lot about myself--some of it's even good stuff--but over all, I don't remember "a really good time" this year. Maybe my discovery of podcasts?

4) The song references growing wiser, as well as older. What's something you learned or discovered in 2017?

I have always thought I was a tough chick, despite outside appearances. Now I know I am, and I'm not here to waste my time on anyone else's bullshit. I'm not going to stop anyone's bullshit, but I'm also not going to spend any time on it if I can stop myself. Also, some of the worst bullshit is that of people closest to me, or so I thought.

5) What do you wish you had spent more time doing during 2017?

Reading. Taking care of myself. Throwing things away.

6) What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?

Called for help. Often.

7) As this year comes to a close, what are you most grateful for?

Friends. Holy crap, I am so fortunate to have an amazing group of friends. Also, my niece has stepped up hard this year, and my brother has been a surprisingly helpful presence for me too.

8) When this week's featured artist, Barry Manilow, was a jingle writer, he wrote the famous "You deserve a break today at McDonald's" song. When's the last time you visited the Golden Arches?

Uhm. Tuesday, I think? For breakfast?

9) Random question: In high school, were you more popular with the boys or the girls?

I wasn't popular at all. I had a tight circle of (mostly) girls that I hung with. I was terrified of guys.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Getting to Know You*

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Sleep. Seriously, why would you NOT sleep? I love sleep! It's 8:45 am and I'm ready for my first nap of the day!

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

I loved my Levi's 501s back in the day. They don't make 'em my size anymore, but they were super-comfy. And my crocs sandals are pretty stellar shoes, and apparently super-cute.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Is sleeping a hobby?

What would your perfect room look like?

Comfy, full of books, a chaise or daybed, good lighting, and lots of windows.

How often do you play sports?

I haven't played any sports--unless you count tossing around a frisbee--in decades.

What fictional place would you most like to go?

Narnia when the Four Kings and Queens were on the thrones.

What job would you be terrible at?

Sales. I really REALLY suck at sales.

When was the last time you climbed a tree?

The last time I tried, which is all I ever really did, was over 4 decades ago.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?

Sleep.

What skill would you like to master?

I wish I could play piano two-handed again.

What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?

The one I'm on currently is pretty amazing. Fun? No. The most fun vacation would be with a group of like-minded friends. I don't really care where we go as long as the food is good, the accommodations are bearable, and the scenery is amazing.

If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like?

I don't want to ever move out of the house in which I'm currently living. It really is pretty close to what I picture as a perfect house for me. However, the time may be coming that it no longer suits my life......

What state or country do you never want to go back to?

Pretty much anywhere in Wyoming except for the Tetons and Yellowstone. Also, I wasn't much of a fan of Germany, or rather the people in Germany. I would go back on a tour, so I wouldn't really have to interact with any actual Germans.

What songs have you completely memorized?

Aside from the one this meme is named after? Throw me a Rogers & Hammerstein musical, and I'll throw you back most of the lyrics to most of the songs. "Amazing Grace" and a few more hymns. Most of the old Christmas carols from church. ... I memorize a lot of songs.

What do you consider to be your best find?

Generally, it's been Beast. However, if we aren't talking about people, then that path up the rockslide outside of Ouray that led to (barely) a road that led to an old mine in a meadow. What a view!

Are you usually early or late?

I used to always be early in a decidedly OCD kind of way. These days, it's a wash.

What pets did you have while you were growing up?

When I was very young, we had a parakeet named Peppy. When I was ten, we got a dog.

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Often it's with information--where do I find? Who wrote? Where do we keep the?

What takes up too much of your time?

These days, driving. Good think I like driving, but it does get old.

What do you wish you knew more about?

Ancient Greek.

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

"Where's the bathroom?"

*great, now I have that song stuck in my head....!

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
The Random Questions, Part 683

1. How old do you look?

I'd say overall I look my age. As to whether I act my age, well, that's more debatable.

2. Where do you live?

In a house in the middle of the North American continent.

3. Are you waiting for something?

Not exactly. I'm just trying to get through the drama of each day without creating any more of it than necessary.

4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common?

It makes me crazy when people say "jew-luh-ree" which seems to be something most people don't even notice.

5. Do you want/have kids?

I have one absolutely delightful 24-year-old son.

6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion?

I've had moments of seriously wondering if I should walk away from so-called "organized religion" for multiple reasons, but it's rarely been about the structure of the worship. It's almost always other people and my own feelings about/relationship with God.

7. Last shocking news you heard?

Apparently a house blew up early this morning in a town about 20 miles south of us. I found out because several friends in the town where I work (about 7 miles closer than we are) felt the ground shake. That's all pretty weird.

8. What was the last thing you drank?

I know this will come as a surprise, but I'm on my second diet Dr. Pepper of the day.

9. Who do you most look like in your family?

Two of my sisters and I took strongly after our dad and grandma (his mom). The other two kids went to the other side of the family for genes.

10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be?

Energy.

11. Where does most of your family live?

Hah! I guess the majority is in the "midwest" U.S. depending on your definition of that term: but we're in Tennessee and Colorado and Texas, and England, too.

12. Where did you grow up?

In Colorado.

13. Where do you want to go on vacation?

I'm not fussy. This year, I'm not exactly sure there's a vacation going to happen. Beast certainly cannot travel as things stand now.

14. Have you ever had a panic attack?

Yes, I've been introduced to these over the last year or so. Surprisingly, when things REALLY hit the shitter last summer, the panic attacks subsided a bit. So, that was weird.

15. What can’t you wait for?

...still nothing.

16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it?

About ten minutes ago.

17. Have your parents ever smoked pot?

I have no idea if they did. Probably not though--they were pretty straight arrow. I can count on one finger the number of times I saw my mom drink booze.

18. Want someone back in your life?

Of course. At this point in my life, my parents and two siblings are gone. I'd take any of them back.

19. What do you order at the bar?

Vodka tonic with a lime twist.

20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard?

When Beast was at the ER a couple of weeks ago. Again.

21. What are your nicknames?

Believe it or not, Cat is not my given name. Nor is it anything even close to my real name.

22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?

Honey, on tortillas.

23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008?

According to my old blog, my sister Jean was recovering from brain surgery, and my mom had fallen and whacked her head, but things in my immediate vicinity seem to have been fine.

24. If you could go fo[r]ward in time, how far forward would you go?

Not far, maybe a decade or two. Would like to see Sparky as a middle-aged dude.

25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?

Not far, back to when my parents were dating. It would be fun to watch them as kids.

The High School Questions*

1. Did you date someone from your school?

I did.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?

Hell no! I mean...yeah, no.

3. Did you car pool to school?

I mostly walked. Occasionally, there was a friend with a ride on the way TO school, occasionally another friend could bring me home. I mostly remember walking home from school, dropping my stuff and then walking another half hour to work till we closed at 9.

4. What kind of car did you have?

Hah! I had my parents' cars.

5. What kind of car do you have now?

I drive a 2011 (?) dark blue Ford Edge

6. Its Friday night...where are you now?

At a 12-Step meeting, or asleep in bed.

7. It is Friday night...where were you then?

Watching TV or reading.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?

I worked (wait for it) at the library as a shelver.

9. What kind of job do you do now?

I work in a library as a cataloger. So, slight elevation in job duties, though I do some shelving these days too.

10. Were you a party animal?

Uhm, NO!

11. Were you considered a flirt?

I'm not even sure I was considered at all, but definitely NOT a flirt.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?

I was 100% band nerd.

13. Were you a nerd?

Yup. A nerd, a grind, a brain, whatever.

14. Did you get suspended from school?

That would have caused me to be murdered at home. Or so I feared.

15. Can you sing the fight song?

Yes, I can. I later went to school in the state where the tune to my high school song was written, so I still know it pretty well.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher?

Ms. Philippe, Mr. Graebner, Dr. G. are the ones that spring to mind directly.

17. Where did you sit during lunch?

By the windows in the cafeteria. Same place I took the SAT.

18. What was your school's full name?

I think I'll pass on this except to say it was just the city's name. Nothing exciting.

19. Where did you party the most?

At Warren's house.

20. What was your school mascot?

In the midst of the center of the continent, we were the Pirates, fer cryin' out loud.

21. Would you do it again?

High school? Parts of it were great. Most of it was horrible or at least boring.

22. Did you have fun at Prom?

I didn't go.

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?

n/a

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?

Nope. If there were one this year (it's 35 years I just realized) I wouldn't be able to. Not sure what'll be happening five years from now.

25. Do you still talk to people from school?

Yup.

26. What are/were your school's colors?

Blue and white.

______
*For previous answers, see here

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Malfunction Junction

1. When have you had a wardrobe malfunction?

   Of late, most of my wardrobe issues have involved spilling food down my front. Maybe I should stop eating in the car?

2. When did you last have a problem with your alarm clock?

   The only problem I have with my alarm clock, i.e. phone, is when I forget to set it.

3. What was your most recent computer problem, and what was the fix?

   The usual: reboot and voilà!

4. What’s something about cars you know specifically because you had to have one repaired?

   Brake shoes make a horrible sound when they are worn out. I'm not going to explain how I know this, except that it was Dad's car and I had to drive on that set of squeaky shoes to pick up Mom from the airport because Dad was busy having a heart attack.

5. Have you had any brain malfunctions this week?

   Oh of course. Every day. I forgot graham crackers at the store earlier, for instance.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Unknown Author Questions

1. if someone wanted to really understand you, what would they read, watch, and listen to?

You'd have to read a lot of history, mysteries (everything but cozies) and "good" lit. You'd have to watch lots of (true and fictional) crime shows, and medical docs. I listen to almost everything. That one's pretty easy.

2. have you ever found a blogger who thinks just like you? if so, who?

Kwizgiver and I seem to be on the same wavelength fairly often. Except on football teams and coffee. ;-)

3. list your fandoms and one character from each that you identify with.

I don't really do fandoms. I like ST and my favorite characters of those series I've seriously watched are Bones, Picard, Kira, and Janeway.

4. do you like your name? is there another name you think would fit you better?

My name is good. At this point, having to switch to listening for another one would be difficult.

5. do you think of yourself as a human being or a human doing? do you identify yourself by the things you do?

Hah. I'm a human. I don't worry about doing and being unless it's a Frank Sinatra tune (do-be-do-be-do).

6. are you religious/spiritual?

I'm churchy. I think we're all spiritual beings, but not everyone connects with that part of them often.

7. do you care about your ethnicity?

Do I care?? I'm aware of it. I don't spend a lot of time dwelling on changing it.

8. what musical artists have you most felt connected to over your lifetime?

U2, Melissa Etheridge, Howard Jones, Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet....

9. are you an artist?

I can do a mean stick figure, and lots of abstract stuff. I don't think I'm overly artistic in the traditional sense, however.

10. do you have a creed?

Lately, it's "don't be a dick."

11. describe your ideal day.

I started to write some stuff, but really I've found that good days are what you make of them, and being open to surprises is key.

12. dog person or cat person?

I'm definitely a dog person. But since I'm allergic to both cats and dogs, it's not in the cards.

13. inside or outdoors?

I've become mostly an indoor person. Allergies.

14. are you a musician?

Amateur only.

15. five most influential books over your lifetime.

In no particular order: The Bible. Traveling Mercies (Anne Lamott). A Marginal Jew, v. 1 (John Meier). The Laura books. Nicholas & Alexandra (Robert Massie). There are dozens of others.

16. if you’d grown up in a different environment, do you think you’d have turned out the same?

No I do not think so. Everything that has happened in my life has made me who I am. Change one thing and the whole Jenga collapses.

17. would you say your tumblr is a fair representation of the “real you”?

I don't do Tumblr--though, come to think of it, I guess I have one that I seriously have never used--but this blog gives you a decent idea of what goes on in my head.

18. what’s your patronus?

I think J.K. Rowling's site told me it was a rodent of some kind. Squirrel maybe? Or ferret? Seems fitting.

19. which Harry Potter house would you be in? or are you a muggle?

Being an American, I'd be a no-maj not a muggle, but I'm more or less solidly Hufflepuff.

20. would you rather be in Middle Earth, Narnia, Hogwarts, or somewhere else?

It would be fun to visit Hogwarts, but overall, I like here best.

21. do you love easily?

I don't even know for sure what this means. I probably do, but it doesn't seem "easy" to me. Or hard. It just seems like me.

22. list the top five things you spend the most time doing, in order.

Sleeping. Worrying/Feeling guilty. Working. Doing online stuff (Facebook, this, email, etc.). Reading.

23. how often would you want to see your family every year?

I see some family member or other 4-6 times a year, usually in packs, like coyotes. LOL There have been years of my life when no one lived nearby when I only saw family once or twice a year. It's not that I don't like them, but short visits go a long way for me. And there isn't anyone less than an hour away, and some are an 8-hour plane trip and 4-hour drive away.

24. have you ever felt like you had a “mind-meld” with someone?

Beast and I occasionally feel that way. We've known each other for 35 years, so we have but to look at each other sometimes to know what the other person is thinking.

25. could you live as a hermit?

Not permanently. There are days, even a few weeks, when it sounds positively heavenly, but I need people to talk to at some point.

26. how would you describe your gender/sexuality?

I'm cis-gendered female.

27. do you feel like your outside appearance is a fair representation of the “real you”?

Nope. I'm absolutely not this old, nor is the real me this fat.

28. on a scale from 1 to 10, how hard is it for someone to get under your skin?

Depends on who and what they're trying on. I'm probably an 8 in public/with the public, and maybe a 5 with people I know and care about.

29. three songs that you connect with right now.

These are the three that popped into my mind first: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" (Stevie Wonder)--no clue why, today, when it's cold, windy and cloudy outside. "Short People" (Randy Newman)--because one of the drivers in the race is named Newman. "Amazing Grace"--because it's always floating near the top.

30. pick one of your favorite quotes.

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ―James Baldwin

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Quarters

1. The first quarter of 2017 is now behind us. How has it been?

   LONG!! Holy crap, this year is just creeping by. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of living with an invalid, having a crazy-child running our country, and worrying about everything....it's wiping me out.

2. How has this past quarter of your life been surprisingly good?

   Uhm. It really hasn't been. It's a nice night, birds are singing, I'm watching Emergency on TV (not the 70s drama, this is a reality show from Canada). It's kind of fun listening to the accents.

3. When did you last drop quarters into a vending machine?

   I can't even remember. We have coin kiosks at work for making copies (etc.) so I use--and definitely HEAR--them all the time.

4. How do you feel about your state’s twenty-five-cent coin? If you’re not in the U.S., which of the coins do you think is especially striking?

   I had to Google it since I haven't paid the slightest attention to all of the hullabaloo about them. It's got the state's Favorite Son on it, the skyline for our biggest city, and some farm buildings. Whee.

5. Google’s corporate headquarters is called the Googleplex. What would be a good name for the corporate headquarters of your life?

   Messy, dusty, untidy, chaotic. Sorry, I don't have any creative way of phrasing that.

Gimme One Reason

1. What makes you unreasonably irritated?

   Stupidity. Man, everyone was irritating me today: other drivers, a couple of regular patrons that are incredibly needy (and stupid), office staff at the doctor's office.... It was just an irritating day.

2. What are you unreasonably particular about?

   Having facts to support a point of view. If you just "believe" it, that's fine, but it doesn't mean the rest of us have to "believe" it on your say-so. Bring me some data, or go to hell. [Though, to be honest, I don't think this is at all unreasonable....]

3. What’s something that’s unreasonably complicated?

   Disability sign-up. Beast's application was submitted 3 months ago. It's still "pending."

4. What are the best reasons for working in your field?

   I get to do something I think is important to society--literacy, reading, exploring, fact-finding, providing access to all of the above--and get paid a decent wage for it. I work with great people, and every day is different.

5. What are some good reasons for the most recent silly purchase you made?

   I was hungry for something sweet, watching Beast eat his M&Ms. So I went and bought junk food. I suck.

Blogthings

You Should Spend the Day Sightseeing

You are a broad minded and curious person. You are the type of person who learns by doing. If you want to know about something, you need to go and try it out for yourself. You love to get in the mix. You love to explore and just see what's out there. You find a lot through spontaneity and randomness. You know how to travel anywhere, including in your own city. You can see any old place through fresh eyes.

How Should You Spend Your Day Off?

I do like poking around and finding little hidden areas in places I know pretty well. And I do like sightseeing, which includes just sitting in a cafe and watching people go by.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Disappearing Questions

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

We saw "La La Land" last weekend. We were underwhelmed, to say the least. No clue why it's getting accolades--except that it's a movie about how wonderful Hollywood is. But it's not that good.

2. What book are you reading?

Blotto Twinks And The Riddle Of The Sphinx, by Simon Brett; Where the Shadows Lie, by Michael Ridpath; The Oxford Book of English Detective Stories, (ed. by Patricia Craig); Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, by Svetlana Alexievich.

3. Favorite board game?

Trivial Pursuit. Or Life.

4. Favorite magazine?

Ms.

5. Favorite smells?

Pine. "Clean." Vanilla.

6. Favorite sounds?

Giggling. Hymns. Wind.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

Pain. Pain in those I love is actually THE worst.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

It's a toss-up between "Can I snooze?", "What am I wearing today?" and "What stupid shit did SCROTUS to overnight?"

9. Favorite fast food place?

KFC, Arby's. and Taco Bell. Our TB has been closed since before Halloween. Just reopened at the end of last week. I can't WAIT to drive-thru this week!!).

10. Future child’s name?

There are no children in my future, except grandchildren. And I don't get to name those.

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?

"...spend more and still complain about being poor."

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I do. Elsie my library cat.

13. Storms – cool or scary?

It's a matter of scale, is it not? I don't mind some thunder-bangers, but I'm not a fan of tornado weather.

14. Favorite drink?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Mixed-drink? Stoli & tonic with a lime twist.

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?

"....travel much more often!"

16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

Yes. Well, more on cooked broccoli than raw, I guess.

17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I'd like a nice electric blue, to be honest.

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?

Suburban Denver, suburban Milwaukee, and ex-urban Where-I-Live-Now.

19. Favorite sports to watch?

Football. Gymnastics.

20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

I like Bud. He's funny, classy (usually, lol), smart, and interesting. And likes music.

21. What’s under your bed?

Dust, used Kleenex, electrical cords ... mostly dust.

22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Sure. Maybe I'd screw up less. Or differently. But I probably wouldn't have my memories to remind me of what worked.

23. Morning person, or night owl?

I prefer mornings overall.

24. Over easy, or sunny side up?

Over easy.

25. Favorite place to relax?

Up in the mountains in a meadow. Me and the sky and grass and sun.

26. Favorite pie?

Cherry? Banana-cream? Really, I just like pie.

27. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Birthday cake. Peppermint. Bubble gum. Or just plain vanilla with butterscotch topping.

28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?

Depends how buried in other things I am. I'm unlikely to get very far today.

Aesthetics??

(Found God-knows-where on the internet...)
rules: tag 20 followers you want to get to know better
so I'm already breaking the rules: if you want to use this, feel free; just link back

Name/nickname:

Cat.

Height:

I used to be about 176 cm but I'm pretty sure I'm shrinking so, let's call it 175 these days.

Hogwarts house:

According to my results a few years ago, I'm Hufflepuff. Which suits me--I don't want to be any of the others.

Favorite color:

Blue

Time:

4:46 p.m.

Last things I Googled:

"[state] license plates gh"

Fictional character you’d like as a sibling:

Laura Ingalls for sure when I was a kid. Will Riker would be a fun brother, no?

Number of blankets I sleep with:

Just the bedspread. That might be changing fairly soon, however.

Favorite band:

I have so many. Let's go with Billy Joel today.

Dream vacation:

Cruise around the world, first class all the way, with an unlimited budget.

When did I make this blog:

May 2004 ... yikes

How many blogs do I follow:

I've got 150+ RSS feeds that range from blogs to newspaper headlines to email lists.

What do I post about:

Here, it's all the memes. I have a few other blogs dedicated to different aspects of my life. This one and the books list get the most play by far.

Do you get asks on a regular basis:

What's an "ask"? Apparently I don't get any!

Aesthetics:

Clean, clutter-free, wood and leather, simplicity.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It's a Man's Man's Man's World (1966)
Since Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the American worker, we are highlighting the hardest working man in show business: James Brown. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Before he was able to support himself as a musician, James Brown shined shoes, boxed, picked peanuts and delivered groceries. He admitted he didn't enjoy any of those jobs. What was your least favorite job?

(Can you imagine James Brown shining your shoes?! Talk about tamping down the personality to nil!)
I was not a big fan of babysitting as a kid. Didn't know what to do with the kids, couldn't wait for bedtime when I could read and watch TV till parents came home. It was boring. Kinda the same way I felt about the whole SAHM gig, to be honest. I mean, I love kids, but they do learn by repetition and I do get bored.

2) What job have you enjoyed the most?

I like my job now: NEVER boring! OK, sometimes it's repetitive--"The printer is right over there." "Those are due September 24th." "Keep the noise down, guys."--but I love the variety of things I get to do all day.

3) James loved performing and in the mid-60s, played 335-350 dates/year. Do you have time off this weekend? Or will you be working?

I am not working for pay this weekend. We are cleaning up the house and packing for vacation and all that goes with that. Plenty busy.

4) With that grueling schedule, James spent a lot of time on the road. Do you enjoy traveling and staying in hotels? Or are you a homebody who prefers to sleep in your own bed?

I love traveling! I'm so excited about this upcoming trip. But as an adult, I am far more aware of the things that could go wrong. And frankly, my last two vacations have had problems based on another person's overall behavior. I really don't want this one to crater for the same reason, since it's a family wedding we're there for.
Disclaimer: I also like coming home and sleeping in my own bed and wearing different clothes than what I took on the trip.

5) While Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce, millions of Baby Boomers are still part of American labor. Do you think it's easy or hard for people of different generations to work together? Or don't you think age matters?

I think it only matters if you let it. I mean, yes there are a few topics that don't come into play for me when the 30-year-olds talk to each other. There are things that the 65-year-olds talk about that I don't care about either. That's true of any "group"--I'm sure the two guys at work get real tired of hearing women's shit all day!--but it only gets to be a problem when people are assholes about things.

6) 72% of employers report that they give their employees sick days. Tell us about a time when you called in sick, but weren't.

I call these days "mental health" days to myself; there are just times when I just don't feel like going to work. I take damned few of them, but sometimes it's better not to infect my coworkers with my bad attitude, just as it's better not to infect them with germs. Of course, when I call myself in, I usually say I'm physically ill--cough, stomachache, etc.--because "I got up on the wrong side of the bed" sounds ridiculous to me. Can one call in Pissed Off? 😜

7) According to the 2010 Census, 5.9 million Americans regularly work from home. Is working from home something you have/you would enjoy? Or do you benefit from interaction with coworkers?

I would love it, but I'd also hate it. Part of my job is dealing with people and while I hate to admit that I enjoy the crazies, I kinda do enjoy interacting with others. Also, if I were home all day, I would EAT ALL DAY. Beast works from home; his office is right off the kitchen. I do not know how he doesn't spend the day in front of the fridge....

8) 12% of workers report they prefer to report for work early -- before 7:00 AM -- so they can get more done. Are you a morning person?

Yes. And I would truly love to go back to doing this! Unfortunately, the time we are shortest-staffed at work is the dinner hour (5-6), so someone has to be around to cover that meal break. I used to go in when the school bus picked up Sparky at 7:10. Now I rarely arrive before 9. I'd rather get home earlier....sigh.

9) The NFL season starts on September 8. How do you think your team will do this year?

I have no idea. I haven't seen one pre-season game! And we're leaving the country so I will have to "watch" online the first two games. :(

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Trolley Song (1944)
... Because Stacey suggested Judy Garland. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this movie clip, just about everyone (except Judy) is wearing a hat. Do you wear hats for fashion, for warmth or for both?

There is very little that I wear strictly for fashion. I will wear a hat in winter if I'm outside for long. I also like a hat that keeps the sun off me in warm weather outside. Obviously, different hats, here.

2) This song is from Meet Me in St. Louis, which was a huge hit and the second highest grossing movie of 1944. When is the last time you watched a movie in the theater?

We went and saw the latest Star Trek flick a couple of weeks ago. Pretty good. Not great, but good.

3) The movie follows the Smith family as their hometown, St. Louis, to prepares to host the 1904 World's Fair. What's the biggest thing happening in your hometown?

One of the things I love about living where I do is that pretty much nothing happens here. I mean, we have our stuff--the headlines this week are about a middle-school kid getting arrested for threatening another kid with a knife, the arrest of a guy who stole an ATM out of a bowling alley last month, and the fact that the state may be suing the school district because of "illegal" fund transfers. Mind you, the irony is this state suing anyone over illegal fund transfers is simply outrageous....

4) This week's featured artist, Judy Garland, is best known as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. That movie is shown so often that Sam thinks she may have seen it a dozen times. Is there a movie or holiday special you've seen over and over?

I live with someone who swears that Christmas will not come if he doesn't watch Peanuts, Rudolph, and the Grinch. At least once. During December. We have them all on DVD. Oh, and the Fred Astaire thing. And Frosty. Gah. I hate them all. This, I am very aware, makes me a Bad Person.
OK, I can get through Rudolph, because I know all the songs and I love Burl Ives.

5) Judy admitted to being perpetually tardy. Are you usually prompt? Or are you always running late?

I always used to be at least 10 minutes early everywhere. Now, I'm late to work at least once a week and don't get too worked up if I'm a little late to meetings, etc. If I'm really late--say, more than 10 minutes, I will let people know. I added "of course" at the end of that sentence and then realized how many people I know wouldn't give 10 minutes a single thought.

6) Judy's first professional performance was a rendition of "Jingle Bells" when she was just two. How old were you when you entered your chosen profession?

I started working at my local public library at 16. My sister Jean became a librarian when I was about 18. I had no idea WTF I was going to do post-college at age 21, so I settled on grad school for my MLIS and it's worked out well. So, pick one of those ages, I guess. Incidentally, my oldest niece (Marie's daughter) is also a librarian. One of my college roommates is a librarian (perhaps a director now?). At least three other family members have worked in libraries at some point in their lives. My other college roommate's daughter has worked in a library. I really, seriously, think Sparky would make a great academic librarian--but he won't even think about it. Yet. heh

7) Thinking of "Jingle Bells," here's a wintery question for a hot summer day: What's your favorite carol?

Really, I love them all. I guess "Joy to the World" because it reminds me of my dad singing the tenor part. But then "We Three Kings" because my mother faux-hated it. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" makes me giggle. You can' beat "Silent Night" either. I don't know. There are so many good, lesser-known ones too: "Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming" is simply lovely, and "O Holy Night," when sung by a solid voice, is beyond gorgeous.

8) Judy was a very demonstrative person. She enjoyed hugs and admitted that, when she nervous, she took emotional support from physically reaching out. Are you demonstrative?

Uh, yeah. It's weird--we didn't grow up particularly huggy-kissy (though we are excellent at crying!), but as an adult, I'm really much more touchy. It's weird getting together with my family now because they're so standoffish.

9) She told Barbara Walters that people would be surprised to learn that she was a good cook and specialized in desserts. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Need you ask?? Well, I have been trying to keep myself on a shorter leash on this, but really--I could eat sugar ALL DAY given no health issues.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Meal Skipper Meme

1. Do you skip meals sometimes?

Probably not nearly as often as I ought to. I find myself eating because it's "lunchtime" or whatever and realizing that I'm not even actually hungry.

2. Last time you overate?

At least a week. There hasn't been a lot of time for big meals this week.

3. Do you like Mexican food?

I love it!

4. Do you like Chinese food?

Yes, some.

5. Do you like Italian food?

OMG, YES!

6. Do you like American food?

Uh, yeah.

7. Have you ever been on a diet?

Too many times.

8. Do you like vegetables?

Yes.

9. On a scale from 1 to 5 how much do you eat a day (1= not eating, 5= eating 3 meals)?

5. Actually more like 5+.

b>10. Do you think you eat healthily?

Not as well as I could, certainly.

11. Do you think you are ugly?

Well, I don't scare children or animals....

12. Do you like your hair?

I have good hair.

13. Do you like the way you look?

I'd like to be approx 20 again and a little more clued in to what works for me in terms of clothes and hair.

14. Would you want to change anything?

Now? Yes. Will I? I can certainly try harder.

15. Do you ever wear a lucky color?

I don't really have a lucky color. I have some "magical" clothing though, for instance my Reggie White Packers jersey.

16. Do you care how other people see you?

Well, again, I don't really want to scare anyone, but in the main I'm invisible to the majority of people these days and that's fine.

17. Do you or have you ever worn braces?

Yup. Two years of hell in junior high.

18. Do you wear glasses and/or contacts?

I'm effectively blind without my glasses. Tried contacts in college--and that led to me developing a giant panoply of heath issues. Plus, they were fussy and mostly annoying.

19. Do you want to gain weight, lose weight, or stay about the same?

I need to lose weight. Actually, what I need to do is cut back on sugar; if I did that, I'd lose weight too.

20. What do you do if you have the flu?

Drink water, sleep as much as I can, and probably mope around the house feeling lousy.

21. How many tries to get your driver's license?

Got it on the first try.

22. Are you saving up for anything in the future?

Does retirement count?

23. Do you have a lot of spare time?

More than I've earned for sure.

24. Do you consider yourself a responsible person?

Yes. Except when I'm really notat all, which is rare. It's like a little seizure when I act irresponsibly: out of control and (fortunately) pretty rare.

25. Do you consider yourself a lazy person?

HELL yess!!

Saturday 9:

(Link in meme-roll)
FortyFive Seconds (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The very bad day described in this song began promisingly enough. The lyrics tells us, "Woke up an optimist, sun was shining, I'm positive." How did your day begin?

As usual, my bladder woke me up. Once I took care of that, I went back to bed and read for a short while and then went back to sleep for an hour.

2) This song refers to Monday morning. What's on your plate for Monday?

Work. Nothing special.

3) The lyrics request, "promise you'll pay my bail." Have you ever had to bail anyone out of jail? (Or have you been bailed out?)

Weirdly, I was talking to Beast about this earlier, sorta. My mom subbed for a bail-bondsperson once in awhile when I was a kid. [insert long story here] At least once, she had to take me with her to the jail to bond someone out. It made jail look less than inviting. But no, I've never been inside a cell, or at any jail as an adult.

4) Rihanna gets top billing in this all-star trio. She says that when she was a little girl, she used to walk around singing "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin. What's your favorite song from a Disney movie?

"Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious" is a favorite. I like most of the songs from that movie. And almost all the songs from The Lion King as well.

5) Rihanna dated outfielder Matt Kemp when he was with the LA Dodgers. Opening Day is less than a month away. Are you a baseball fan?

Not particularly. Maybe we can find a game that the whole family can attend this summer. We did that a couple of years ago and it was a riot, plus I got a great photo of my nephew with his [second cousin?]...anyway, his cousin's baby.

6) Kanye West also sings on this week's song. When he was a little boy, he spent a year in China with his mother. Have you ever lived overseas (as opposed to just visiting on vacation)?

Nope. Always kind of wanted to, but my sister lived in England all her adult life and I know the whole expat gig isn't flowers and sunshine.

7) Mr. West is part owner of the Fatburger chain. Do you like grilled onions on your burger?

Hmm. I think I'd rather have raw onion, if onion is to be had.

8) This week's third artist, Paul McCartney, is a vegetarian. Think about your most recent meal. Did it include chicken, pork, or beef? Eggs or dairy?

My most recent actual 'meal' was brunch this morning with my P.E.O. officers--out-going and in-coming. It was danish & cut fresh fruit followed by frittata and salad and then handmade local chocolates. It was less than 1/3 of what I would consider a fill-up, but perfectly delicious as far as it went.

9) Paul was born at 2:00 PM on a Thursday. Do you know what day of the week you were born? Do you know the exact time?

I know I was born on a Tuesday--because I've looked it up. I have no real idea what time. At one point, I convinced myself it was late in the day, almost the next day, because it would have been cool to have had a Friday the 13th birthday periodically. But I don't know if it's true, and it's too late to find out. Unless it's actually written on my birth certificate...which I don't think it is.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Puzzler Meme

What time is it?

11:27 a.m.

Quick. What’s the first green thing you see?

The Airborne bottle on the table next to me has some green on it. Also the bass player on the Daytona warm-up band (Florida Georgia Line) is playing a nifty dark green instrument.

Do you like those Sudoku puzzles?

I do at least one a day, in bed at night, on my Nook. So, yeah.

Do you own a plaid shirt?

I do. It's technically my dad's and no longer has sleeves because he'd almost worn through them when I inherited it after he died.

What’s your favorite kind of pie?

Yes. mmmmm, pie. Pie is good. Not much of a fan of pumpkin, but otherwise....nom nom nom.

Have you read a book today?

Yes. And I will read more, I hope.

Do you like going to museums?

Yes. Up to a point.

Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? Or your nation's capital?

Yes. I need to go back. It's been over 25 years!

Have you ever been to the state of Washington?

Nope. Nor is it high on my list.

Do you like apple juice?

Sure. I don't go out of my way for it usually, but it's nice.

How cold is it outside?

38 right now with a little breeze, and cloudy. So about 20 degrees cooler and crummier than yesterday. :(

Have you ever taken a course in Chemistry?

Yes, I took basic chem in high school and biochem for dummies in college. And then I gave up, threw in the towel, and just married a chemist so he could do all the scientific thinking for me.

Do you like to draw?

I'm not good at representational art, but I scribble good.

What do you put on your french fries?

Salt.

Do you like everything to match?

I prefer matching to clashing, but I'm also wary of being too matchy-matchy.

Do you like mustard?

Yes.

Would you ever work at a movie theater?

Would I? Sure, although probably not long-term.

Do you have a phone charger in your car?

Yup.

Have you ever slept through an alarm?

More than once.

Do you like pineapple on pizza?

Hell no! That is just so much wrong! I'd rather do the bizarre British sweetcorn on pizza.

Do you like to hold hands?

Yes I very much do.

Do you want a tattoo?

Not particularly.

When is the last time you ordered from a catalog?

Good Lord! Eons. I do order online, but rarely have the catalog at hand.

Do you know anyone who has a collection of old records?

...besides me, you mean?

What’s the name of the gas station you last stopped at?

I think it was one of the Mobils in town. I don't remember, actually.

What was the first song you heard today?

I have no idea. The first one I remember is the Doxology, being sung in church during our Sunday School hour. There was surely music before then, at least one hymn, but I don't remember clocking any of them.

Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift?

Yes. My mom bought Guideposts for me for several years before her death.

What was the last video you watched on YouTube?

The last one I watched all the way through was a Nina Conti set. If ventriloquism is your thing, check her out.

Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love?

I am a) a wife, b) a mother, c) a daughter, d) human. So yeah. Comes with the territory.

Have you ever had your picture in the newspaper?

Yup. Not for many many years (thank God) though!

And, just for closure, it's now 11:59.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

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.

... 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.

'Splosion

You Are a Purple Smoothie

You are a very deep and even mysterious person. You have so much going on that people can't really figure you out. You live a very full life, but it's still an orderly one. You pull off a very delicate balancing act with grace. You are zanier than you seem, and it's because you dabble in a little of everything. You are someone different to everyone. You are big on nuance, and you don't get caught up in labels. You would always rather dissect than debate.

What Color Smoothie Are You?

Since I'm not sure I've ever had an actual smoothie, I can't speak to the flavor here, but some of this is pretty accurate. And some is not so much.

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You Are the Optimist

You are a friendly and vivacious person. You know how to turn on the charm and be the life of the party. As an optimist, you're wiling to give most anything and most anyone a shot. You believe that great things are coming your way. You love people, and you make friends easily. You are quick to complement others, and you rarely hold a grudge. You are creative and colorful. You are constantly thinking of new activities and ideas... both at work and play!

The Strengths and Weaknesses Test

I like to be optimistic, and mostly I do feel that way. When I hit bottom though, I'm very much not cheerful and positive. But I do aim toward Pollyanna-ness.

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You Are a Maximizer

When it comes to managing your time, you have it down. You know what you need to get done at any one moment. You are good at breaking your time into chunks. You are good at multitasking and making progress on tedious tasks. At times, you may take on what seems to be too much. However, you are good at getting it all done - even when you are overwhelmed. You are not the type of person who is happy being idle. Even when you're not actively doing anything, your mind is going full speed ahead.

What's Your Productivity Style?

This is pretty much on target, except when I get overwhelmed anymore I go completely mental. So I'm gradually learning to back off before I get there.

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Your Beauty is Classic

You like to enhance your natural beauty - and your look can range from dramatic to fresh faced. When it comes to makeup and style, you know what works for you. Because of this, you let most trends pass you by. You are drawn to glamour, and while you can't always leave the house looking your best, you come close. You may gravitate toward time tested looks, but in this day and age your beauty is original. Your polished look stands out in the crowd.

What's Your Beauty Personality?

100% bullshit.

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You Are a Balanced Pleaser

You know that you can't please everyone all the time, so you try to strike a balance. You know what your limits are. You often try to make sure that your needs are taken care of first. It's not that you're selfish - you just help others more this way. You are compassionate and aware. You monitor your energy levels carefully as well as those around you. You know when you have a lot to give and when you need to rest. And you never demand more of others than what they are capable of.

Are You a People Pleaser?

Again, this is something I'm trying very hard to stop being over-pleasing. It's getting easier.

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You Are Hedonistic

You love to live the good life, and while this means totally indulging sometimes, you enjoy the small things too. You dig treats and little luxuries. You aren't one to deny yourself now, because you're not sure you will have the same opportunity in the future. You love to feel good, and it doesn't take much for you to get there. Just feeling a nice breeze on you skin can be enough. You can turn ordinary things into extraordinary experiences. It's all about what you choose to pay attention to.

The Hammock Test 

What I wouldn't give for a hammock on a beach!! Or, really, almost anywhere.

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You Should Have Macarons

You are a fun, colorful, and whimsical person. You love all the sweetness that each day has to offer. You aren't really one to plan your life - or even the next hour. You're happy to follow your inspiration. You are very far from a perfectionist, but you love to do things well. You turn your mistakes into something beautiful. You are the type of person who really appreciates a classic, but you like a good deal of funkiness as well!

What Parisian Treat Should You Have?

I'm not really so much into Paris, or macarons, but the description is ok-ish.

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Time:

11:21 a.m.

Scene:

Living room, alone, feet under the green plaid throw, watching Deadliest Catch on DVR. Waiting for Beast to return from his unexpected church duty this morning with Munchkins. I can hear the guinea piggies banging around, reminding me that I need to clean their cage today.

Today's plan:

Well, there's the cleaning mentioned above. There's probably a race on this afternoon. I need to do some work on the cataloging procedure manual I'm working on for our library consortium. Catch up on the local paper--I'm three weeks behind! Oh, and the paperwork for next week's sleep study. Essentially, it's all odds and ends.

Listening to:

The aforementioned Deadliest Catch and guinea pigs. And my fingers tippy-tapping.

Drinking:

Diet Dr. Pepper.

Blogging about:

Just this.

Reading:

• The Bone Clocks (David Mitchell); audiobook, just started Friday on the drive home from work.
• The Ice Queen (Nele Neuhaus); German mystery. I'm struggling a little with the huge cast of characters.
• Back on Murder (J. Mark Bertrand); ebook, been reading it for free on my phone from Bookshout since December. Mystery. Not bad, but rather diffuse.
• The Bible's Cutting Room Floor (Joel M. Hoffman); reading it at work, and haven't gotten too far into it yet.
• The Magician's Land (Lev Grossman); ebook, third in a trilogy and a bit heavy but interesting concepts
• Jesus (James Martin); I own this and have set it aside to work on books from the library. Haven't gotten too far into it.

Giving thanks for:

Sparky's presence and attitude, Beast's continuing recovery, the new baby in the family....so many blessings.