Sunday Stealing (x2)

(Link in meme-roll)

10 Questions with Nigel

1. What's your life's motto?

I don't know that I have a motto. The most frequent life advice I give is "Don't be a dick" but I don't know that that's a motto. Lately, it feels like I should be following the "Fight for your own stuff" but I hate that too.

2. Where were you living 13 years ago?

Right here. Different furniture, same house. Apparently, I had just finished entering all my reading history into GoodReads (at least the previous 20 years' worth), and have since added 2500 books. A  LOT of those are from childhood and generally before I started actively keeping track.

3. Is anyone jealous of you?

How in the world would I know? Right now, I very much doubt anyone wants to be in my shoes. I certainly don't.

4. Where were you when you heard about the 9/11 terror attacks?

Beast called me at church where I was doing some volunteer work, alone in the building, to tell me to go home and turn on the news. The first building fell while I was on the way--I had newsradio on--and I nearly got T-boned by someone else racing home. Then our new pastor and wife came over because they didn't have their TV (cable, blah blah) set up and we all gaped, and Pastor's Wife kept saying she needed to go to the grocery store to 'stock up.'

5. Do you consider yourself kind?

I try. Beast told me one time that he thought I was, and I treasure that comment.

6. Can you change your car's oil?

I mean, I probably could, but there's no way I'm starting this project at age 61 when Bob does it just fine and checks out all the other important things while he's in there.

7. What's the last thing you heard about your first love?

My actual IRL "first love" or my first crush? lol David Cassidy has been dead for 8 years, and my first boyfriend ... I haven't checked facebook recently. I'm friends with his brother though, so I presume I'd hear if something happened to 'boyfriend.'

8. Have you ever been burned by love?

Are we comparing scars? I won't win any contests, but I have been in therapy for a decade-and-a-half. 

9. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

What is this 'cash' concept of which you speak?? 
Actually, I always pay the cleaning crew at the house in cash, so Thursday.

10. Do you hug your friends?

If they want me to. I always want to hug people, but one of my coworkers has become EXTREMELY germophobic and touch-phobic, so I try to keep my hands strictly to myself around her. Otherwise, I tend to tap people's shoulders or forearms for their attention if I don't want to verbally interrupt them. So yeah. I got two hugs in 5 minutes from people at work Friday.

Saturday 9

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Saturday 9: Lady of Spain (1952)

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

1) The lyrics refer to serenading "caballeros," which is Spanish for "gentlemen." Can you say anything to us in Spanish this morning?

Hola, amigos y amigas. Espero que estén bien y felices. He extrañado hacer estos memes.

2) Eddie Fisher sings that he's loved this lady since he first saw her. Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe it happens. I can say that it's never happened to me, not in a romantic way. I've fallen in love at first sight with some babies, though.

3) He was drafted and served a year in Korea. Then he spent the rest of his active duty period as vocalist for the Army Band, performing on military bases. (He was still technically PFC Edwin Fisher when he recorded this.) Did you ever play with a band? If so, what instrument?

I was in band (class) for 6 years in junior high and high school. I made it one year in college before I gave up. Play flute, and piccolo, and was first chair most of the time.

4) From 1953 to 1957, Eddie hosted Coke Time, a TV variety show sponsored by Coca Cola. What's your soft drink of choice?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Some things never change: I'm drinking a can of it right now. 😁

5) Though Coke Time is mostly forgotten today, Eddie was nominated for two Emmy Awards and won a Golden Globe for his work on the show. Have you ever taken home a trophy?

I don't think so, not one of my own, alone. I haven't ever done anything that involved trophies as a solo.

6) Today Eddie Fisher may be best known as the father of Carrie Fisher. She made more than 50 movies and wrote 8 books. Are you more familiar with her as an actress or author?

Actress. Despite my career, she will always be more Leia than writer.

7) In 1952, when this song was popular, hamburger meat sold for just 53¢/lb. Is there any beef in your refrigerator right now?

I think I've got some pre-made meals with ground beef in them. If not, there's probably some in the freezer in case I ever get enough energy to cook.

8) Also in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to be advertised on TV. What recent TV commercial comes to mind?

I pretty much only watch TV at Beast's these days, and we are watching football, racing, or car shows. During the latter, I'm most annoyed with the Medicare (et al.) ads from all the TV stars of my childhood.

9) Random question: If you could live within any TV show ever, which would you choose?

Facts of Life. Or one of the CSI shows, in the lab.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll) 

Thank U, Next (2018) 

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

1) In this song, Ariana Grande thanks her former boyfriends for what they taught her about love, life, patience and pain. Do you believe you have learned more from your successes, or your mistakes? 

Sadly, I seem to only learn from hard times, i.e. mistakes. Right now I'm facing a complete personality overhaul so I don't lose my job.

2) One of the young men mentioned in the song is Pete Davidson, a cast member of Saturday Night Live. SNL has been on for more than 45 years now. Who is your all-time favorite cast member? 

Gilda. Though Kate McKinnon is pretty amazing.

3) Thinking of funny people ... As you can see from the video, Ariana performed "Thank U, Next" on Ellen Degeneres' talk show. Ellen makes people laugh every afternoon. Who in your life can you always count on to make you laugh or smile? 

I got a call Thursday from a friend/acquaintance who knew I needed to buck up. He almost always makes me smile and he did it again on one of my worst days in awhile. I am so fortunate to have so many friends like this. If it's not an actual person, "The Dollop" podcast often makes me cry with hilarity.

4) It looks like Ariana Grande's personal romantic saga will have a happy ending because at Christmastime, she announced her engagement. Do you know anyone who is getting married in 2021? 

Nope. That is, I don't know if I know anyone getting married this year.

5) Ariana loves Harry Potter and named her dogs Snape, Lily and Sirius Black after characters in the J.K. Rowling books. Are you a Harry Potter fan? 

I like the stories.

6) She loves board games, especially Monopoly. Sam isn't crazy about Monopoly because it takes so long. How about you? Are you a Monopoly fan? 

Not really, and for the same reason as Sam.

7) In 2018, the year this song was released, Toys R Us closed all its stores and went out of business. Who received the last toy you purchased? What was it? 

Beast got a mini-sock-monkey for Christmas from me. Oh, and a light/memory game, which I haven't actually seen in his hands yet.

8) Also in 2018, Aretha Franklin died. What's your favorite Aretha song? 

Any song Aretha sang was tremendous. "Chain of Fools" is a favorite, but honestly...ANYthing.

 9) Random question: Are you more likely to shed a tear at a wedding or during a movie?

Both? The vows always make me mushy inside, and there is almost always some pathos that forces me to cry in a movie.

Saturday 9

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All Shook Up (1957) 

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

Chosen because January 8 is the anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth.

1) In this song, Elvis shares quite a list of maladies: he's itching, his hands are shaky, his knees are weak, he has chills ... How are you feeling this morning? 

Mmm, whoops, I'm doing this at 7 pm. I was ok this morning, albeit super not-motivated for work.

2) He also mentions being "tongue tied." The dictionary defines it as, "unable to speak freely, as from shyness." Do you often find yourself tongue tied? 

Yes. I also get tangled tongue if I think too hard about what I'm trying to say.

3) Even after he was wealthy, Elvis never lived away from his parents. At one point Graceland Mansion was home to four generations of the family: his grandmother, his father and stepmother, Elvis, his wife and daughter. Have you ever lived in a multi-generational household? 

Only as a child. I'd murder members of my family of origin if we lived together. Sparky could move back in and that would be fine.

4) Thinking of family, Elvis Presley was a distant cousin of President Jimmy Carter. Both of their family trees can be traced back to the 18th century and Thomas Preslar (before the surname was changed to Presley in the early 1800s). Have you traced your ancestry? If not, is it something you'd like to do?

My mom was big into genealogy. I have all her paperwork and help people with their genealogy at work all the time, and I give zero shits about doing the work for my own ancestry.

5) As an adult, Elvis never wore denim (except for a movie role). That's because when he was in school, his classmates teased him for "dressing poor" in jeans and coveralls. Is denim a big part of your wardrobe today?

Not anymore. I wear elastic pants, almost all yoga pants or nurses' scrubs, always now. This is shocking: I had to work so hard to get to the point where I could wear jeans as a kid that I never ever thought I'd give them up. And here I am, with a fat tummy that doesn't do well with zip-up pants.

6) Before becoming famous, Elvis drove a truck in and around Memphis. Have you ever had a job that kept you behind the wheel most of the day? 

Nope. Once upon a time I wanted to be a truck driver. It never happened, sadly.

7) In 1957, the year this song was a hit, the Allstate Mechanical Freight Set was popular, too. Kids would wind up the engine and watch it pull two cars and a caboose around the track. To enhance the realism, sparks would shoot from the engine's smoke stack as it rumbled by. Did you ever play with a toy train? If not, tell us about a childhood plaything you remember fondly. 

I never cared a bit about trains, despite family that worked for the railroad and other family that are mental about trains. I was into toy cars though, metal ones.

8) The best-selling book of 1957 was Peyton Place, a scandalous tale of life in a small New England town. Do you suppose there are enough steamy stories behind closed doors in your town to fill a novel? 

There are plenty of steamy stories in my community's library to write several novels.

9) Random question: Can you do 10 push ups? 

You're funny, Gal. lol

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Joker (1973)
because Stacy recommended it.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Steve Miller claims he's a picker, grinner, sinner, lover, smoker and joker. Do any of those six words describe you?

We're all sinners. I'm often grinning and joking I don't smoke, or pick. I guess I'm a lover, though.

2) He maintains he's still a midnight toker. When's the last time you got high?

If you include booze in the mood-altering things, then last October.

3) The lyrics include a reference to peaches. Name your favorite fruit.

I do like fresh-off-the-tree peaches. Not grocery store peaches--yuck. I guess my overall favorite is apples. Also best right-off-the-branch, but they're OK from the store, at least until spring.

4) This song had a big impact on the character of Joey on Friends, who had an imaginary friend named Maurice with the occupation of space cowboy. Did you ever have an imaginary friend?

Yup. I think ALL imaginary friends are space cowboys! However, mine was pretty much gone by 1973....

5) Steve Miller is the pride of Milwaukee, WI. What else is Milwaukee famous for?

Miller Beer. A stupid sheriff right now. The guys who made the Airplane movies. That's three. I could dig up another couple of dozen off the top of my head if you'd like?

6) Steve Miller considers himself a serious blues guitarist. When did you last feel like singing the blues?

Damn, it's a daily thing. White-person blues.

7) In 1973, when this song was popular, you could buy a portable 8-track tape player for $44.50. On what device do you listen to music most often?

I mostly listen to Spotify, then probably Sirius XM (in the car). My car CD player needs work--it plays but there's a weird echo effect in music that's really distracting.

8) A Curious George book packaged with a Curious George plush toy was a big seller at Christmas 1973. Tell us about a toy -- either given or received -- that brightened a holiday or birthday for you.

We gave Sparky a Pillow Pet his freshman year in college for Christmas. It was adorable how much he adored that thing during college...which is about how long it lasted too.

9) M*A*S*H was one of TV's top-rated shows in 1973. Who is your favorite M*A*S*H character?

This is a hard question. It depends on the day: some days are just Klinger days, some days are Radar days. Hot Lips had some really good traits. Both of the colonels were wonderful in their own ways. Hawkeye, of course. I can't say I ever found Frank or Charles very appealing, and Trapper never connected with me. I did like BJ a lot. My absolute favorite "visiting" character was Sidney Freeman, though.

Sunday Stealing

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

1. What is your occupation right now? How long have you been there?

I've been a librarian for almost exactly 29 years (I started my first full time job in June of 1988). The job I'm at now is my second full-time gig, second job so to speak.

2. Favorite rock band. Ever.

The one I go back to most often is The Beat--usually The English Beat here. They just make me happy.

3. What are you listening to right now?

We're catching up on last night's SNL. I love Melissa McCarthy so much.

4. Last person you spoke to on the phone. What was it about?

Sparky called me this morning to wish me happy Mom's Day.

5. How old are you today? Or make up a question. This one bites.

I'm 53.5 + two days. Friday was my mother-in-law's birthday.

6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

Football. This probably comes as a huge shock to everyone.

7. What is your favorite drink?

This is probably going to be an even bigger shock: diet Dr. Pepper.

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?

I did for about 10 years when it first started to get gray streaks. Once it seemed like it was less streaky, I stopped. I was still in my 40s, but at this point people describe me as "that gray-haired woman at the library"--and I'm not EVEN the oldest person there! I'm considering doing something like green or blue though.

9. Favorite food?

Carbs: sugar, bread, pasta. All the carbs!

10. What is the last movie you watched?

At the theater is was La-La Land. I really want to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2, but I'm not sure how that's going to happen unless I go alone. Beast isn't doing well.

11. Favorite day of the year?

I love days like today: 65-70 degree temps, no humidity, sun. I also really enjoy [School] Project judging day. And Thanksgiving.

12. How do you vent anger?

I talk. It's not the best possible way. I've also been known to shout (ahem) and/or cry, but I do that less these days as, apparently, it scares the shit out of my coworkers and causes me to get bad performance reviews. Now that I have becoming emo-free* at work, I'm back to my usual levels on reviews.

13. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Depends on the age. My jumprope, jacks, toy cars, and various dolls are probably up there, as are the many many library books I read.

14. Living arrangements? (Of course your pets count. Geez!)

I live with Beast and Pintobean. One is a human male, one is a male guinea-pig.

15. What was the last thing that you cried about?

I got a little teary with the African kids that came and sang at our church last week. But see * for why I don't really cry as much as I used to.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

I'm friends with someone who went to the same babysitter after school as I did in the 70s. She's a couple of years older than me, but that matter way more in 1972 than it does now!

17. What did you do last night?

Caught up on DVR'd TV shows and played games on the laptop. And watched a race, including a really fucking scary wreck. By rights, several of the drivers should have been permanently incapacitated. Sounds like they are all walking away, more or less.

18. What are you most afraid of?

Pain.

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived? What's your favorite?

I've lived in the midwest my entire life, either the far Western part or the middle/northern part. I like Colorado best.

20. What is your favorite flower? (Ugh. Quite the note to go out on. But hell, we steal the questions. I guess you get what you pay for.)

Home-grown heirloom roses. But I'm not fussy; just don't bring white lilies!

__________________
*i.e. heavily medicated with psych drugs

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Johnny Angel (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a girl sings that she'd rather spend a quiet evening at home than go out on a date. How about you? Do you enjoy quiet time? Or do you prefer keeping a busy calendar?

I would always prefer to stay home, which doesn't preclude a busy calendar by any means. I seriously feel like I have no time for anything much fun lately. Exhibit A: being 3 weekends behind on all the memes!

2) She dreams of how her life with Johnny would be. What did you most recently daydream about?

Being in the mountains far away from adulthood and winter.

3) Shelley never considered herself a singer and is more comfortable acting. A costar on The Donna Reed Show, she was pressured to make this record by the show's producer, who wanted extra exposure for the show by having this song on the radio. Tell us about a time you ventured outside your comfort zone.

I went to the Soviet Union on a dare in college. I was terrified the the whole flight overseas--I'd been overseas, it was the destination--but I can't tell you how glad I am now that I forced myself.

4) Elvis said she was his favorite leading lady, and she appeared with him in three films. What qualities do you appreciate in a coworker?

Humor, hard work / attention to detail, kindness.

5) She met her close friend and fellow teen star Annette Funicello when they were 12 and attended the same Catechism class. What do you recall from your middle-school years?

Being embarrassed every day about ridiculous things. I do remember my math teacher making me keep my hand up in the air for like 10 minutes after I colored the whole palm black with a Magic Marker. The other sort of timely thing is that I had a crush on a guy named Larry when I was in 8th grade (he was a year ahead). I am friends on Facebook with him--really barely acquaintances IRL--and he posted for the first time in months today. Because he just got released from jail. So ... dodged a bullet there maybe?

6) After The Donna Reed Show, Shelly went on to a recurring role on One Day at a Time and was twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on Coach. Her husband is Mike Farrell, who played BJ on M*A*S*H. Which of those four sitcoms would you enjoy binge watching?

I don't really like binging--I get bored after a couple of shows because really they're all the same (with some notable exceptions). Having said that, I'd sit through a few hours of ODAAT or MASH any time!

7) In 1962, the year this song was popular, is also the year Jack Nicklaus began his successful pro golf career. Do you enjoy playing golf? Watching it on TV?

We watch golf, because Beast loves it. I wouldn't ever choose it for myself. I think I'd enjoy playing golf if I were any good, but I'm too competitive to deal with all the randomness and luck of the game.

TWO Random Questions (especially for Harriet):
8) A 2013 study said most Americans will have 12 romantic relationships in their lifetime. Does this mean you've had more or less than your share?

Less. Although how does one define a "romantic relationship" anyway?

9) It's closing time at the mall and you find yourself accidentally locked in a toy store. You call the police and they say someone will be there in about half an hour to rescue you. While you wait, will you play with any toys? (If so, which ones?)

Of course, but seriously: a half hour? Why call? I'll just play all night, sleep with some of the teddies, play with the Lego and board games, and hang out in the bathroom around opening time till it's safe to leave. I promise; I wouldn't even steal anything!!

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I'll Be There (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Mariah pledges to "have faith in all you do." Have you recently given someone support or a pep talk?

I do this regularly at work: "You can do this; it's not as hard as it sounds." is a common refrain with people online for the first time. Yes, there are still people who don't 'do' computers! Coworkers, same, though the topic is usually more along the lines of "stand up for yourself!" since I work with a lot of people like me who are terminally co-dependent. And of course Beast needs lots of validation post-surgery; he can't use his left arm for much, and his back is still FUBAR, as is his shoulder. He feels like a drain on resources (his view, not mine), but he's really doing pretty well considering the level of pain he's experiencing all day.

2) Mariah was at the center of a controversy in Times Square on New Year's Eve when she had audio problems and claimed she could not perform. Times Square is at the busy intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. If we went to the busy intersection nearest your home, what would we find? (A store? A church? McDonald's?)

The nearest actually busy intersection to my house is just 2 farm fields, a house and a horse farm. The busiest intersection in the city where I work is probably the one with Walgreen's, McD's, a gas station and a strip mall on the corners.

3) Her nickname in high school was Mirage because she cut school so often. Did you ever play hookey?

I can literally remember every single time I ditched out of school. Both were in college.

4) Mariah doesn't apologize for spoiling her dogs, who have been known to travel by limo. Do you know anyone who treats his/her pets like people?

I try to assume that all my pet-loving friends are perfectly normal. But there is one friend that I'm pretty sure is clinically insane about her dog. ;-)

5) Mariah has something to fall back on. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hair sweeper in a salon. When you get your hair cut, do you socialize with the stylist?

A "hair sweeper" is an actual job title? Wow, I have skills I had no idea I had! My hair person is a friend, so yeah. She and I have been discussing for years life as wives of alcoholics. Her husband died--at 45ish--last year from that. Mine is still around, so far.

6) When married to her first husband, Mariah went vegetarian. Tell us about last night's dinner. Would it qualify as a vegetarian meal?

Nope. I had leftover KFC chicken and biscuits.

7) This week's song was introduced by The Jackson 5. Think of your favorite Michael Jackson song. Did he record it solo or with his brothers?

My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror" so alone. However, I also really enjoy "ABC" with the whole gang.

8) In 1992, when this song was popular, The Mall of America opened. Located in Minnesota, it's the biggest mall in the nation, with more than 400 stores. Think about the last thing you purchased. Were you shopping out of necessity, or for fun?

Necessity at Aldi's Thursday after work. I don't shop for fun. {{shudder}} Unless you count Amazon Subscribe and Save which I did this morning, but again that was things like laundry detergent and toilet paper.

9) Have you ever shoplifted? (Don't worry. We won't tell.)

Yes, but the statute of limitations has expired at least 5 times since then.

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

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

Yes. I actually love that place because it's just full of Teh Weeeirrrrd! I go for the "show" along the sidewalks of the Strip. It's free and way more entertaining the anything in a theater!

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

And I love this place most of all. We try to get there every time we are in Vegas because it reminds me so much of home. If I could live anywhere, that would be on the top 10 list. To answer the actual question: I find nature beautiful in small and large ways almost daily.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

Medium to medium-rare.

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

I've had a lot of people, including Beast, tell me they don't know how I deal with "home life" right now over the past year or so. Is that praise? I don't really live for praise, though it's nice when it happens.

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

Kangaroos. I haven't ever been there, so what can I say in my defense?

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

OMG--I have am a totally office-supply whore! Pens! Paper! Calendars! It's an out-of-body experience for me in those stores.

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are trying to learn more about us?

I think there is intelligent life besides us in the universe. I don't think they have the slightest interest in us.

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

Intelligence.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Racquet Questions

01 What is the worst nickname that anyone has ever called you?

I haven't really ever had a good nickname. My parents deliberately chose names for all of us that are hard (or impossible) to shorten, and the only thing my mom ever called me besides my name was "Grace" when I tripped or something.

02 Have you got a favorite flower?

I like heirloom roses, fresh from the garden.

03 Do you add a sauce, ketchup or other artificial flavorings to your food?

Sometimes. Depends on what I'm eating. I use steak sauce sometimes. We don't go through a lot of ketchup, though.

04 Describe yourself using only words that begin with the letter 'T'.

Tall, tired, temperamental.

05 What is/was your lover's pet name for you?

Yeah, well, we'll be moving on...

06 What is your least favorite color?

Mustard yellow-brown.

07 Who did you vote for in the last election, and did they win?

I voted for HRC. Because I have, yknow, a flippin' brain in my head and no trust in my heart at all.

08 What is/was your grandfathers’ names?

One shared a name with a blue monster on Sesame Street, and the other was the Latinized version of Hitler's first name. Guess what: we didn't give Sparky EITHER of their names!

09 What is the best present you ever received?

Sparky of course.

10 What is 17 1/2% of 97 + 42 x (6 / 2) – 137 ? [Editor's note: Holy shit!]

5.975. You asked, right?

11 What would be the best possible way you could die?

In my sleep when I'm old but still compos mentis.

12 Given the choice of absolutely anything, what would be your dream job?

I love my current job. Really, I do. If I could travel more that would be the best.

13 What position do you sleep in at night?

Usually on my side, and I rarely move. Seriously, I usually roll over once only all night.

14 What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Sooo ... many ... things. If embarrassment killed, I'd be so death so many times.

15 Who is your favorite fictional character?

Thursday Next.

16 What food do you hate most in the world?

Brussels sprouts.

17 When was the last time you were ill?

Knock wood, it's been awhile.

18 If you were transformed into a wild creature, what would it be?

I'd like to be a wolf. I'd probably end up as a cockroach. Or a dung beetle.

19 What was your favorite toy as a child, and whatever happened to it?

I don't remember one specific toy that lasted the whole childhood. My eldest niece got my Barbie doll and that pissed me off; I wasn't consulted. I still have my Raggedy Anne doll. Several stuffed animals have disappeared somewhere. And my jacks. And my jumpropes.

20 What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen?

I have been very fortunate to see a lot of pretty amazing things. Perhaps the best memory I have is looking at the stars while lying on my car outside our mountain cabin with my best friend. Pretty epic.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Fair Use

1. What was the last thing you put in the freezer not to freeze, but just to chill?

   Probably a bottle of pop that had been sitting out. I think I even remembered to remove it prior to solid freezing.

2. What’s a non-food item you’re storing in a zippered, plastic bag?

   All my cookie cutters are in bags in the drawer so they don't skitter everywhere whenever the drawer is open. I'm sure I have a zillion other answers, but that's the first thing that popped into my head.

3. What’s the most unusual item you’ve used as a bookmark?

   I use my hairbrush on a regular basis, which seems rather weird to people. Since I read while blowdrying my hair and generally prepping for the day.

4. What’s something unusual for which you’ve used a kitchen utensil?

   I used to use spoons to dig in the dirt outside when I was a kid; Mom appreciated that... I know people who use wooden spoons to spank their kids. I can't think of anything that I take from the kitchen to another room these days, though. Toothpicks, I've seen them used as a miniature shims... seriously, I've got nothing.

5. How many different kinds of balls do you have in your house?

   This made me giggle. I've got one boy guinea pig and some tennis balls inside. There's probably a couple of footballs in the garage, and perhaps a baseball. And bocce equipment. Probably golf balls too, but since Beast isn't playing anymore (fear of worsening his back) and I don't play at all. So, I think that's it.

when a true genius appears in the world...

(Stolen from Amy)

What would be your biggest achievement to date?

It's not job-related, though I've done well there, for sure. I would say the big achievements of my life have been extremely personal: raising a child to adulthood who shows promise of being a Very Good Person, staying married for 29 years through a fair number of bumps and stumbles, maintaining my faith, discovering that I'm OK and Good Enough.

Do you prefer baths or showers?

Baths. I love a good soak with a good book and bubbles.

Are you a good liar?

I was always amazed as a child at the bald-faced lies my mom (seemed to) believe. Later, I have wondered if she was content to let me stew in my guilt and bad judgment. I've certainly done that with Sparky at times. As an adult, I lie -- white lies, mostly -- almost daily: answers to questions such as "How do I look?" and "Aren't you glad to see me?" and my most common response "It's great to see you!"

Are you a good judge of character?

Eventually. Sometimes I try to hard too see the good side of things when I really should just let the situation be what it actually is.

Are you any good at charades?

I think so, but this is really more of a function of how well your teammates know you, or rather, how well you connect with them. I also haven't played charades in many decades.

How long could you go without talking?

Seeing as how I regularly talk to myself, not long. How long could I go without speaking to another person? DAAAAAYYYYSSSS (and it sounds like heaven!).

Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?

I didn't win it; Beast did. I'm pretty sure all those prizes have been relegated to the garbage long since.

Why does it always rain on me?

Because you're too stupid (or pathetic) to remember to bring your umbrella.

Why doesn't it ever seem to rain on me?

And we have achieved some level of incompatibility here....

Have you ever sailed a boat?

I've been on probably 10 boats total in my entire life, ranging from rowboat to large lake-vessel. I'm not a fan of being out in the middle of big water because of the whole (not) swimming thing. Big boats I'm ok with. I white-knuckle the rowboat and canoe options.

Do you have a lawyer?

Do I need one? What have you heard?!
I have one very good friend who is a (non-practicing) attorney, I work with a woman whose husband is a good criminal attorney, and I know a couple of other attorneys who mostly practice family law and do wills and that sort of thing. One works for the nearest Judicial District. So, I think actually I'm set, should I need legal advice.

Do you buy people presents to bring back when you go on holiday?

As a rule, when you become a parent and take trips without the child(ren), it's a good idea to bring back something for your offspring. So in that respect, yes. I also try to bring something back to snack on for people at work. And if I see stuff for my friends, I'll snag it too. But I'm not always on the lookout, I fear.

Are you the sort to step in and try to break up a fight?

Only to shift it to somewhere I don't have to deal with it. My go-to when people start posturing is, "Don't get blood on the carpet! If you're going to fight, take it outside." And that's if I'm in a position of authority at work or somewhere. If I'm out in public, I would be most likely to call 911 on adults or older teens, and maybe start hollering at kids. I stay completely out of anything involving an animal fighting. Always.

Have you ever been in a fight?

Have you met my family?! We have been known to fight over the stupidest things, verbally. There's not a lot of hitting, though. The last time I hauled off and smacked someone was 12 years ago when Sparky did something asshatted and I spanked him, which was also the ONLY time I spanked him. It hurt my hands and wrists, so yeah. I've been in one fight per se on the playground in 5th (?) grade with Jeri J.

Have you ever started a rumour?

I don't think I've done it intentionally or maliciously, but I'm sure I have been involved in untoward speculation that has gotten out of hand. I'm not proud of that.

Have you ever heard any outstanding rumours about yourself?

No. I kind of wish I would. As far as I know for sure, no one talks about me. Which, in all seriousness, is probably just fine.

Do you own a paddling pool?

I don't even know WTF this is!

What potential talents do you think you might have if you worked at them?

Writing, organizing, copy-editing, teaching.

Blogthings x8

You Taste in Food is 60% International

You make bold choices when it comes to food, and this often leads you down a more international path. You don't shy away from spice or flavor. You have sampled a lot of the world's food, and there's so much more you want to try. You are the type to order something you've never had before!

How International Is Your Taste In Food?

I do like lots of different kinds of foods. Just give me a warning before I'm going to eat something really off the wall, ok? And no raw dead animals of any kind!

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are a Purple Rubber Ducky

You have the heart of artist. Or a poet. Or maybe a writer. The point is, you're very expressive. For you, it's all about listening to your intuition. If it doesn't feel right, then you're not going to do it. You are hard to predict, and you surprise everyone - including yourself. You've got your own little groove (or even tide) going on. You are unique without trying to be, and you couldn't change that even if you wanted to.

What Color Rubber Duckie Are You?

I have a lot of duckies, but no purple ones. I think....?

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are Neon Green

You are a bit eccentric at times, but you are never without flair. You turn heads in a delightful way. You are big on self-expression, and in some ways, you are always evolving your style. But you do have a signature look that you always maintain. You are willing to go against the crowd as much as you need to. Sometimes you fight for what's right; other times you just feel like rebelling. You may not fit into the mainstream, but you definitely have your role to play. You inspire others to be themselves.

What Neon Nail Color Are You?

My signature look = T and jeans. And I am quite contrary much of the time. It's not a good thing for my relationship with my boss, shall we say?

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Wear a Graduation Hat

You may or may not have a lot of degrees, but you are definitely one smart cookie! You get a great sense of accomplishment from putting your brain to work, and finishing tasks is your forte. You are curious about everything, and you're not one to let your curiosity go unsatisfied. Even once you've graduated from something, you don't feel like your job is done. There is still so much more learning to do.

What Hat Do You Wear In Life?

I find nothing here with which to disagree.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Your Glamour Color is Orange

Your sense of glamour is low key and uniquely you. You add little touches of glamour whenever inspiration hits. You like to maintain your individuality, even when it's time to dress up to the nines. You rock your own beautiful style!

What's Your Glamour Color?

The whole concept of "glamour" does not intersect with my life any more than it absolutely must. I have no aspirations to be glamorous, which is decidedly a good thing as things have turned out.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are Cosmopolitan

You are a very worldly person, and you cultivate an international attitude in your own backyard. You keep an open-mind, and you love to try new things - especially from other cultures. You want to get to know as much of the world as possible. You aren't the type of person who is content to consume. You are driven to create... or at least to remix a little! Your ideal San Francisco neighborhood: Mission District

The San Francisco Test

I like SF a lot, and this description is pretty accurate. From what I've heard of the Mission District, I'd love it, but I doubt I can afford it.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are Sweet Pickles

You are lighthearted, fun, and even a bit adventurous. You aren't afraid of novelty. You like to experiment a bit in your life, and you can appreciate the creativity of others. You're so easy going that others often don't realize how complex you are. There are many fascinating sides to your personality. Whenever possible, you default to kindness and compassion. You're not about to make life any harder for people than it already is.

Are You Sweet or Sour Pickles?

I can't stand sweet pickles, but the description is pretty accurate. I'm not sure if my personality is "fascinating" though.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are a Pink Sky

You are a very independent person, and it's not something people automatically realize about you. You are much more spirited than you seem. You take a thoughtful approach to life, and you always leave room for lots of daydreaming. It's quite cozy inside your head. You are very romantic, and you are constantly falling in love with the world around you. There is a lot of inspiration out there. You are a dreamy person, and you think that it never hurts to wish a little. How are your dreams going to come true if you don't even know what they are?

What Color Sky Are You?

...and I don't like pink either, though a pink sky really is delightful. Anyway, I don't daydream, per se anymore, not often and I wouldn't describe my headspace as "cozy" at all. Manic, maybe. Please God, I'm not romantic or dreamy, either!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Anyday Meme

1. What is your dream career, and what path do you plan to take to get there?

I'm in it, and I take the same path to it every morning. Unless I detour past McD's for a large diet Coke.

2. Who do you aspire most to be like?

Do I sound like a lunatic if my answer is "Jesus"?

3. What do you like in a best friend?

Someone who likes me, who has a sense of humor and a sense of boundaries.

4. Do you currently have any squishes (people you really want to be best friends with)?

There are some people I'd like to get to know better, but as much as I like the concept of 'squishes' I don't think I have any right now.

5. What is your ideal platonic relationship?

Hanging out laughing, doing nothing much, talking about books and people and Important Things.

6. Best late night IM/phone conversation story.

I don't really do late-night stuff--too busy sleeping. Unless you count the call I made to neighbors last month at 3 a.m. because my house was flooding and Beast was bleeding.

7. List one person you’d like to wear the sweater of, one person you’d like to bake cookies with, and one person you’d like to drive around and get lost with. (can be celebrities or fictional characters, has to be three different people and not all the same person)

I would love to still have one of my dad's sweaters, unwashed, that smelled of him. I'll bake cookies--or just eat cookie dough!!--with Amy and/or Jenny. Getting lost would be fun on my own, or with Sparky if I'm feeling mean--he HATES being lost!

8. Describe your current best friend(s).

If you do a search on the blog for "best friends" you'll find many descriptions of them. I'm rather fiercely loyal to my besties; the list hasn't changed.

9. What is a strange, little-known fact about you?

I do my own pedicures. Only had about three "professional" ones in my life.

10. What is a career you wanted to have when you were younger, and still kind of want to have now?

Does "Grandma" count?

11. If you could have tea and pleasant conversation with one person, who would it be?

Dorothy Parker.

12. If you had a time machine, what era would you go to?

I'd like to go whenever it meant that I'd have a) absolutely equal rights with men, and b) meds that would make my dog allergies moot.

13. What celebrity or historical figure would you love to have as your best friend and why?

I think Jennifer Garner would be fun to hang out with.

14. What fictional character would you love to have as your best friend and why?

Laura Ingalls and I are already best buds.

15. If you could have one wish, what would it be (cannot be related to romance or sex)?

World peace and justice. I know, but really....can't we just stop fighting for awhile??

16. If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only take one item, what would it be?

A rescue flare.

17. If you could pick one career other than the one you are pursuing/plan to pursue, what would it be?

Professional sleeper.

[and with that answer, I keeled over on the sofa and slept for an hour]

18. What is your best memory you have with a friend?

Awkward-wording much? I have a lot of great friend memories. Let's go with my best friend in junior high/high school walking to my house after school one day and rolling around in hysterics shouting my middle name. ... I have no idea.

19. Do you have any peculiar interests that most people don’t know about?

I love reading about early church history, the history of the era of Jesus, and how Christianity got started.

20. What were your favorite childhood toys? Do you still have them?

I have one little stuffed pink mouse from my childhood, and my Raggedy Anne doll. Neither is in good shape. RI shouldn't be doused in perfume, for one thing.

21. Favorite baked good?

Oh, no, I'm not playing favorites here! I love them all.

22. If your best friend were here right now, what would you do with them (cannot list best friend as your romantic/sexual partner) ?

There would be giggling. That's all I'm saying.

23. Who would you love to play video games with?

Someone who sucks only slightly less than I do at them. Which excludes almost everyone I know under 40 (and a few over 40).

24. If you could visit any country, which one would it be?

I would like to see Egypt before I die.

25. Are there any friends you miss having around?

All of them.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Inflation

1. What are your thoughts on balloons?

I don't really think about them much. I hate the smell of latex, especially if the balloons have been hanging around. I've never, ever--even when I was young, healthy and full of lung capacity--been able to blow up a balloon.

2. What has anyone said recently to inflate your ego?

I think it was something about paying attention to details at work.

3. What’s something that recently let the wind out of your sails?

I just feel so freakin' tired all the time. There's no wind at all in my sails lately.

4. What inflatable items do you have in your home?

There are a large number of balls in the garage that need inflation. We have a few air mattresses in the basement. I think there are some water balloons around too. And of course the tires on the vehicles: cars, mowers, snow blower, etc.

5. Besides gasoline (because we’re all pleasantly surprised by that), what’s something whose price has been a surprise?

I'm always surprised at how much lunch at Panera costs compared to the McDonald's across the street. On the other hand, it's probably keeping me alive a little longer than the McD's food would.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Can't Buy Me Love (1964)
50 years ago this week, The Beatles made history with this song (hear it here). They became the first and only act in history to hold all 5 of the top slots in the Billboard Hot 100.

1) In this song, Beatle Paul offers to buy his girl a diamond ring. Do you wear rings?

I do: I have my wedding and engagement rings (which I think may need to be resized...again...sigh) and an anniversary ring. Sometimes I swap the latter for my mom's turquoise ring

2) This song was written by boyhood friends John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who went on to become the most successful songwriters of the 20th century. Tell us about your best friend from "the old neighborhood." Do you know where he or she is today?

The longest-term friendship I have is with Laura, who lived catty-corner behind my after-school sitter. I've had her phone number memorized for 43 years, though technically of course now I would reach her parents only, not her, at that number. We were casual friends during elementary school, but really connected firmly in middle school. Every day, we'd walk to school, and walk back to my house before she headed "down the hill" to her house (about a half mile away). Some days, her dad would drive us, or later, her older brother. We're still friends, though geographically far apart now, and there are some rifts that will probably never be completely healed (from my side at least). It's good to chat with her on Facebook.

3) The Ed Sullivan Theater, where the Beatles first performed to a mass American audience, is now the home of The Late Show with David Letterman. Do you have a favorite late night talk show?

Nope. Haven't watched talk shows in eons. I catch SNL fairly often, but that's the only late-night TV I care about at all.

4) In 1964, when this song became #1, one of top TV shows was My Favorite Martian. Do you believe in life on other planets?

Oh, man, I loved that show! And then, OMG, I discovered Ray Marsden--the Martian--was in South Pacific, playing my favorite character in that movie!
Yes, I kinda believe there might be something out there.

5) In those days, homes had rotary dial phones, often affixed to the wall, with the receiver always tethered by a curly cord. Does your home still have a landline phone?

We do. I miss those phones. They were totally built to last forever. Plastic just doesn't cut it these days.

6) 1964 was the year GI Joe first appeared on toy shelves. Tell us about one of your favorite childhood toys.

I had a Barbie doll, and a Dawn doll, and a Raggedy Anne doll, and a couple of others. And my brother's hand-me-down metal toy cars. And dirt. I played in the dirt a lot. And jacks. And a jumprope. And those cheapo grocery store plastic balls. Lots of board games. It sometimes pays to be the last kid.... Anyway, my favorites were the cars: endless hours making up stories about the people who drove them from "parking lot" to "parking lot" (the stepping stones in front of our house). I still have most of those, too, unlike the dolls which were taken over by my nieces and ruined and/or lost.

7) Ringo was the first Beatle to become a grandfather. His granddaughter, Tatia, is now a rock musician. If you were to follow your grandfather into his chosen profession, what would you be doing now?

My dad's dad built houses, and then did whatever else was needed to keep the family fed, clothed, and sheltered. My mom's dad worked for the railroad (Denver & Rio Grande).

8) Paul McCartney admits he enjoys watching MasterChef. What show do you go out of your way to catch?

All the alphabet shows: CSI, NCIS, NCIS:LA, NCIS:NO (yay, Scott Bakula), L&O:SVU....and I like Criminal Minds too. We DVR the first three. May add NO. The others I catch on the Ion or other cable channels.

9) The paparazzi has often caught Paul pedaling a bike around Martha's Vineyard. What's your favorite form of exercise?

Sleeping.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Theme from Peyton Place ("Wonderful Season of Love")
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Spring, summer, fall or winter: which season do you consider most wonderful?

I like autumn the best, generally, but this year I'm seriously jonesing for spring!

2) Crazy Sam learned this song when she played flute in the high school orchestra. Did you participate in many after-school activities?

I was in band, and orchestra some of the time, and wind ensemble. I did sports a couple of times in junior high. I was in a few clubs in school too, and honor society.

3) The flautist next to her in the orchestra was Jeanne Pepitone. After a little Facebook spying, Sam learned that Jeanne is now Jeanne Moran, a nurse with a husband and a daughter. Sam shot her a "friend request." Do you keep up with your high school classmates?

I do. I semi-regularly semi-stalk people on Facebook, but I'm also friends with several of my former band-mates.

4) When she performed with the school orchestra, Sam was required to wear gray slacks and a black sweater. What are you wearing right now, as you answer these questions?

I'm still in my pajamas having slept in FAR longer than I expected to this morning.

5) Sam was especially dedicated to the school orchestra because she had a crush on Mr. Hanley, the school's musical director. He was the dark/thin/sensitive type. Tell us about a teacher you remember, and why he or she stands out.

Interesting that the last two questions have led directly to my high school band director whom I'll just call Doc G. He wasn't crushable (to me), but he was definitely a force with which to reckon: a little terrifying, a lot demanding, and charismatic enough to get the band kids to give up a Saturday on a cold day in November to practice march 6 miles in wind on an unused airport runway before we left to march in the Rose Parade.

6) Because Sam was so crazy about Mr. Hanley, she was desperate to attend his band camp. Her parents wouldn't allow it unless she could pay her own way, and so she didn't get to go. Were your parents strict or permissive? If you have children yourself, what's your parenting style?

My parents were strict, but there were lots of places I could 'sneak' out from under the strictness. I thought I was getting away with (minor) stuff, but now that I'm a parent I realize they just carefully chose which battle to fight. It's a good strategy, one I employ too, though not necessarily as well as they did. We're relatively strict, but not uptight. Trust but verify. Anyway, he's 21 now, so I believe we've done what we can to 'mold' him and he's his own person now, for good or ill.

7) Sam liked Fridays because her favorite food, fried rice, was served in the school cafeteria. When you eat Chinese food, do you use chopsticks or a fork?

You had fried rice at school?? Holy shit, we never had anything of the sort! I use a fork these days, but I used to be able to manage chopsticks fairly well.

8) When Sam was a little girl, a new box of Crayolas could get her pulse racing. Now she loves her Sharpies. Do you enjoy shopping for school/office supplies?

I'm a freakin' office supply addict! Love Staples, Office Depot, and the ilk.

9) Do you have any plush toys? Or did you give them all up when you left childhood?

I got a new little kitty for Valentine's Day, and I have a small collection of other little folk, maybe 6 of them, in my room. And there are 3 or 4 in the spare room. Who on this planet doesn't need something to hug once in awhile?!

Bonus: I cataloged a book yesterday about "loved to death" teddies (and other animals)

Patrick's Place

Saturday Six

1. B is for BANK: How many different banks do you do business with, or do you have all of your money in one single bank?

We have one bank. I have a credit union account. And we have an investment firm where most of our money is.

2. B is for BATH: When was the last time you took a nice, long, relaxing bath without having to be rushed?

Last weekend. I may do this again tonight.

3. B is for BEAR: What's your favorite kind of bear and why?

Teddy.

4. B is for BICKER: Who was the last person you got into a disagreement with, and have you apologized or reconciled the situation?

Face to face disagreement yes. I am, however, way past slightly annoyed with a coworker who has absolutely no idea how much I want to smack her. I've been told to be nice at work, so I don't dare start down that road.

5. B is for BOOK: Which book did you spend the most time reading in 2013?

The latest Elizabeth George book took me forever to read.

6. B is for BROKEN: What item did you break most recently inside the home?

Hmm. I don't think I've broken anything recently. Sparky dumped half a container of fresh ramen on his lap and the couch the other night which caused a lot of major cleanup activity. Otherwise...no breakage. Yet.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Dominos
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Listen to it here.

1) Have you ever carefully set up dominos and then watched them fall? Or built a house out of playing cards?

Yes, I actually, have done those things. More than once. Really, it's not all that uncommon.

2) In this week's song, Big Pink lead vocalist Robbie Furze sings, "The hottest love has the coldest end." Have you ever had a relationship that started out so promisingly and passionately but then quickly flamed out?

Ayup. Trained me not to fall for that again.

3) This [song] is from Big Pink's CD, A Brief History of Love. What about your personal history of love? How many times would say you have truly been in love?

...today is just not the day for this....

4) Nicki Minaj sampled this song for her own, "Girls Fall Like Dominos." Nicki won't be back on American Idol this season. Is your reaction a) delight or b) sadness or c) a yawn.

Yawn.

5) While nationally the news centers on foreign policy and the economy, Sam's hometown is abuzz over the new Asian-fusion restaurant on Main Street and whether it can get a liquor license. What's the big local story where you are?

The city council is talking about reconverting all the old 19th century houses in the center of town back to single-family dwellings in order to make the neighborhood tidier. Like that is even remotely feasible: forcing property-owners to rehab their buildings? They can't even force them to clean up their yards!

6) Mary Jane Kelley is believed to be the fifth and final victim of Jack the Ripper. OK, now it's your turn. Share a random fact that's rattling around in your brain.

Mary Jane Kelly (also spelled "Kelley," and also known as "Marie Jeanette Kelly," "Ginger," "Emma," and "Black Mary") was also the most mutilated of the victims, probably because she was the only one murdered indoors so the killer had time to remove most of her abdominal organs and place them all around her room, and burn up some of his clothes (and maybe some of the organs? I can't remember...). The police figured he'd been there for hours, and still he was never caught.
Can you tell I did a paper on Jack the Ripper in school? Followed some years later by a longer, more detailed paper on prostitution in Victorian London.

7) Crazy Sam cursed last night when she dropped a can of tomato paste on her foot. (Hey! It really hurt!) When was the last time you swore?

I swear like a fuckin' sailor. I (try to) rein it in at church and in the public at work.

8) Sam has a grocery bag filled with hoodies and t-shirts she no longer wants and plans to take them to The Salvation Army store. What do you do with your gently used clothes? Toss them or donate them or hand them down to a friend or relative?

Purple Heart. They come get things once I gather them together.

9) Do you blush easily?

Hellz to the yeah! I have very northern-European complexion. I can't even drink a glass of wine without turning blood-red. Sucks.

Blogthings

You Are a Hula Hoop

No matter what, you love to have fun. You think little is worth doing if you can't do it with a smile on your face. You tend to do whatever you feel like in life, and that works out for you. You don't have a slacker bone in your body, and you are very independent. You're always looking for ways to spice up any task. The less ordinary something is, the more you're going to enjoy it. You are a novelty seeker. New foods, music, and even fashion trends excite you. You like to be on the cutting edge. You are persistent when it comes to learning new things. You don't give up easily when you're interested in something. You have a diverse and even rare skill set. You are a multi-talented person, and even your friends are surprised by what talents you have.

What Kind of Exercise Equipment Are You?

I used to love my hula hoop...when I was a kid! That thing was the most awesome toy, really. My brother-in-law even took Super8 footage of me...wonder where that has ended up....

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
You Belong with Me

1) Like the girl in this song, have you ever been in love with someone, but was [sic] afraid to tell them?

Welcome to adolescence!! I had a mad crush on a half-dozen guys a year (at least) every year of school at that age, but since I barely spoke to boys at that stage, there was nothing much passed along to any of them.

2) Taylor Swift has been known to write songs about her real-life lovers. If you were to write a song about the most recent person you were romantically involved with, what would the title be?

I wish I would have written "Sweetest Thing"--it's totally about Beast and me.

3) Ms. Swift recently turned 23 and has already won VMAs and AMAs and Grammys. What were you doing when you were 23? (If you aren't 23 yet, where do you see yourself when you hit it?)

I was going to grad school and trying to figure out marriage and living in a poky apartment with no A/C on a very busy street.

4) When you were a child, did you sleep with a plush toy? (If yes, please include its name in your answer.)

I did. I don't remember the names of the ones I had as a small child, though I think I was more into dolls at that point anyway. I had a Raggedy Ann doll then, I know. However, when I was older I had a 5-foot multicolored snake with obnoxiously long eyelashes. Yes, I am very much aware, now, of how wacko-Freudian that whole thing is. By the way, I think they snake's name was Snake.

5) I'm making a Starbucks run. What can I get you?

Just a croissant if you must. I don't drink coffee. Or chai, whatever-the-fuck that is.

6) It was 60 years ago that Clarence Birdseye first marketed frozen vegetables. Now it's your turn: Share something you learned recently

I learned today that in the 1980s in Oklahoma it was (briefly) legal to put to death someone who commits a crime while a under the age of 16. Yes. Seriously.

7) In junior high, were you class clown, teacher's pet, a geek, a jock ... or did you just melt into the background?

I was emphatically not a jock or a class clown. I was somewhere between a shy-know-it-all-slash-geek and teacher's pet.

8) Was your most recent ticket for parking illegally or was it a moving violation?

The last ticket I got was about two years ago when I drove my mini-truck into my neighbor's work truck which was parked in front of his house. That made the second ticket I was issued in my life.

9) Tell us about the last museum you visited.

Hmmm. I'm not at all sure I've been in a museum since we came back from our European trip a couple of years ago. I don't think we went to any museums in England, so I'll guess that our last museum was L'Accademia in Florence where we saw (among other things) Michelangelo's David.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Back 15 Meme

15) How do you vent out your anger?

Stomp around, write (this is a bad idea), growl at people...and eventually calm down to plot my revenge.

16) Favourite toy as a child?

Toy cars. Jumprope. Dolls. Jacks. Books, though I suppose those aren't precisely toys.

17) Favourite season?

Fall. Or autumn since we're being all British here.

18) Do you ever get letters delivered by the post office?

Well, yyyes. Or at least the occasional card. OK, so yeah, I don't actually get letters, not personal ones very often.

19) When was the last time you laughed hard?

In the car while taking Sparky back to college this afternoon.

20) What is on the floor of your closet?

Dust. Several laundry baskets--mostly empty since I did laundry today--shoes...and a packed back for emergencies.

21) Are you any good at drawing?

No. I doodle with the pros, but not representative of anything but geometry, and the occasional pine tree.

22) What did you do last night?

Came home from work, made dinner with Sparky, ate, watched Friday's CSI:NY, went to bed. Woke up with a VERY itchy eye at about 1, so I guess that's morning by then.

23) What are you most afraid of?

I'm mostly afraid of something awful happening to a loved one.

24) Plain, cheese or spicy hamburger?

Cheese, of course.

25) Favourite dog breed?

Hypoallergenic if I'm going to be around much. Actually, though, I really don't care: dogs = yay.

26) Favorite day of the week?

...and suddenly we're NOT British anymore! I like Mondays, actually.

27) How many states / provinces / countries have you lived in?

Three states.

28) Diamond or pearl?

Turquoise, all things being equal.

29) What is your wish for this new year?

I would really like a long stretch of boredom, and the motivation to get healthy.

30) New year resolutions:

Don't make 'em.