Sunday Stealing (x2)

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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 (x2)

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Hold On (1990)

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

 

1) This song gives encouragement to someone who is enduring heartache. Have you more recently given support, or received it?

There's been a lot of receiving of late. It's not a place I'm very comfortable living in. 

2) "Hold On" is featured prominently in the 2011 movie Bridesmaids. It's an anthem for the friends in the film and they love to sing it together. Is there a song that reminds you of good times with a good friend?

One that reminds me of college, and one specific college friend, is "Safety Dance." It's a terminally silly song, with great memories around concerts and campus radio sets, that makes me smile every damn time I hear it. 

3) The video for this song finds Wilson Phillips outdoors on a snowy mountainside and then on a sandy beach. What's the view outside your window?

Cloudy skies, green trees and the eave of the house next door is all I can see from my recliner. 

4) The mountain segments were filmed in California's San Gabriel Mountains. The girls were flown to the set by helicopter. Have you ever been in a helicopter?

I would LOVE to have a long helicopter ride around some scenic area just for the experience. The only person I know of close to me who's been in a helicopter is Beast and that was Flight for Life. This is NOT how I wish to travel!

5) The members of Wilson Phillips are authentic "California Girls." Wendy and Carnie Wilson's father is Brian Wilson, who wrote the Beach Boys hit[s]. Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, who sang "California Dreamin'." Have you been to California? If yes, where did you visit?

I've been to Cali several times, mostly to cities--San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles--but I loved the ocean in each of those areas. 

6) Another generation of the Wilson family has entered the music business. Carnie's daughter/Brian Wilson's granddaughter, Lola Bonfiglio, participated in the current season of American Idol. Has a family member followed you in your chosen profession?

Heh. I followed my sister into Library Science. My niece followed me into it. We all (have) had good long careers in a field that is wholly worthwhile and rewarding (when it isn't wholly frustrating and infuriating).

7) In 1990, when this song was popular, satellite radio was in its infancy and streaming was unheard of. Our cars gave us a choice of AM/FM and maybe CD player/tape deck. When you're driving and a favorite song comes on, are you more likely to sing along if you're alone? Or don't you care if anyone hears you?

I rarely listen to music in the car anymore. I have a ginormous backlog of podcast episodes I'm trying to get through. I do talk back to them regularly, and sometimes pause the whole thing to argue about something, but not when/where people can see me. If I do have music on I sing along rather mindlessly, whether or not others are around. I don't care if anyone else hears or sees me. I don't mind being the crazy old lady in town. 

8) Also in 1990, actor Alan Hale Jr. died. He was "the skipper" on Gilligan's Island. Without looking it up, can you name the other six castaways? (If not the actors, then their characters.)

Gilligan, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann. I don't know all the actors' names, but man I loved that show as a kid. 

9) Random question: What superhero would you like to have as your best friend?

Deadpool seems fun, if rather dangerous, to hang out with. [I don't see most superhero movies, so that's all I can come up with...]

Too Shy (1983)

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

1) This song laments vulnerability and self-consciousness in a social settings. Are you often "too shy?" Or are social gatherings easy for you?

I am terminally shy, but adept at snapping on my Public Mask in a flash and smiling and schmoozing through a (short) party or meeting. Also, I'm unable to abide silence in social settings so I talk too much.  

2) In the lyrics, a girl self-censors, telling herself, "hush hush." Have you more recently shushed someone, or were you shushed?

As a librarian.... ha ha ha. I get shushed by patrons more than I shush them. Then again, most of my public service work is in the children's room, so it's pretty loud in there. I did get shushed yesterday at work by a little girl who wanted us to whisper about the snake puppet she said had bitten her, and which then bit me. 😀 

3) Band member Nick Beggs recalls that they called themselves Kajagoogoo because it sounded like something that would make a baby laugh. It is fun to say. Can you think of another word that you just enjoy saying?

"Shenanigans."  Also, "boooolllshiiiitttt." 

4) This was the only US hit for the British band, earning Kajagoogoo the title "One Hit Wonder." Can you think of another artist or band who had one really popular song and then just kind of disappeared?

Well, I seem to be calling out "Safety Dance" a lot this week, so I'll hit them up again.

5) Though fame was fleeting here, Kajagoogoo remained popular in England. Lead singer Limahl recalls the adulation as "overwhelming," and he was shocked when he stepped on stage in Cornwall to see row after row of fans wearing their hair like he did. Have you ever handed a photo to a stylist and said, "Make my hair look like this?"

I don't think I've done precisely this, but I did have a "Lady Di" haircut as a late teen, and I'm sure I've said other things to hairdressers over the years about hairstyles I thought would work with my hair. 

6) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to make spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a Mac or PC? Laptop, phone or tablet?

I'm on a Lenovo laptop. I've never used a Mac except when strictly necessary, and phones/tablets have too small of a keyboard for me to properly type.

7) 1983 saw Abbey Road Studios open their doors for the first time for public tours. During the first two months, 22,000 tickets were sold to fans who wanted to see where the Beatles made their magic. What's the last ticket you purchased?

I can honestly say that I haven't purchased tickets for ANYthing in years. Maybe parking in a hospital lot, but honestly even then I think it was just a pass-through not an actual ticket.  

8) Also in 1983, McDonald's introduced Chicken McNuggets. When was chicken most recently on the menu at your home? How was it prepared?

At home? I have a container of rotisserie chicken shreds I nosh on for dinner once in awhile. I had chicken strips from some fastfood place this week for lunch, maybe even McDonalds. I eat a lot of chicken. Or peanut butter. Those are my main protein sources. 

9) Random question: Have you ever forgotten where you left your car in a parking lot?

I forgot which lot I parked in AT WORK on Wednesday this week! This isn't an uncommon occurrence. I'm the flakiest person on staff, hands-down. 

Friday 5

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Geez I’m sorry

1. What was the nature of your most recent change in diet or eating habits?

I haven't been eating well for awhile. Mostly I snack, and I've been trying to keep those to the "slightly healthy" or at least not all carbs. I had salami-wrapped mozzarella and candy for dinner tonight, so I'm not exactly winning the war. 

2. What do you consider (in order of importance) when finding a new hairstylist or barber?

I haven't had a haircut in a salon since 2017. At this point, it will be price because I could use someone to even up the ends. 

3. Which of your childhood friends would you like most to hear from this weekend?

Hmm. Probably Laura, but that's unlikely. She's also one of the few truly childhood friends that I'm still in contact with.

4. When have you most recently been asked to drive someone somewhere, and when have you most recently needed someone else to drive you somewhere?

Sparky picked me up and dropped me off a couple of weeks ago when I had to replace all my tires. I can't remember chauffeuring anytime in recent memory.

5. How’ve you been sleeping lately?

About the same as ever, with slightly more tendency toward anxiety attacks at the beginning of the night. I love me my CBD, and Xanax.

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

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No One's Here to Sleep (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is the theme of How to Get Away with Murder, the legal drama that premiered in 2014 and airs on Thursday nights. Are you a fan?

Nope. I don't watch network TV. I don't watch TV much at all these days.

2) The song's refrain says, "I'll never catch up with you." Behind the wheel, do you carefully observe the speed limit? Or do you have a lead foot, making it hard for anyone to catch up with you?

Somewhere in between. I set my cruise control at 3-5 mph over the limit because anything less than that is too slow around here.

3) How to Get Away with Murder is about Annalise Keating, a law professor at a top Philadelphia university. She has a reputation for being tough, demanding and able to turn her students into successful defense attorneys. Tell us about a teacher who helped prepare you for life after graduation.

I'm still in contact (via Facebook) with one of my Communication profs who taught me a great deal about how see patterns in and reasons for communicative behavior in conversations. Blew my mind. I use what I learned in one of his classes literally EVERY day. Thanks, Pete!

4) The students she feels show the most promise -- and are recruited to help her solve murders -- are known as The Keating Four. Did you ever sense that you were your teacher's favorite?

I was a classic Teacher's Pet for most of my academic career. Somehow I had already figured out a lot of those comm. "rules" before college.... :)

5) Viola Davis was just nominated for an Emmy for playing Professor Keating. Ms. Davis was born on a farm in SC. Have you spent more of your life in a rural, suburban or urban setting?

I grew up solidly suburban, then lived for a few years in a fairly urban environment, and now I'm in what I call the exurbs: on a train line directly into The Big City, but surrounded by farms and woods.

6) Next to Annalise Keating, Viola Davis is best known for her Oscar-nominated role as Aibileen in the movie, The Help. Have you seen it?

Nope. I also don't see movies very often.

7) In 2014, the year How to Get Away with Murder premiered, we lost two famous comedians: Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. Who was the last person to make you laugh out loud? (This means actually, literally laughing out loud, not just keystroking LOL.)

It was probably something on Midsomer Murders (Netflix) or maybe Beast when I saw him earlier. I definitely giggled with Trud at breakfast this morning while we caught up on our crazy lives.

8) The 2014 Olympics were held in Sochi. Have you ever been to Russia? If not, is it a dream destination of yours?

I have. I went with a class in college in January 1985, when it was still the USSR. I would love to go back, but I don't think it's happening at this rate. Both politically and financially it's just not in the cards.

9) Random question: The sign on the railing says, "Wet Paint." Do you touch the railing to see if it's really wet?

Nope. I believe signs.

Sunday Stealing

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Friday Questions

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have a minor in Spanish, but I've really had to relearn how to speak it properly as an adult. I definitely still hear it better than I say it.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

I'm O+ (boring), and I can't donate anymore. Too much bad ju-ju in my body these days.

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?

As a tiny child, yes, once. I've been in the orchestra of a couple of musicals.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?

Oh yeah. My extended family has been designated the Darth Vader Theme. Beast is a U2 song--wow, that's a bummer, since it's doubtful he'll ever call me again--Sparky is "Crazy Train" from Ozzy, and I've got the doctors and other people like that set up with their own sound. I'm really pathetic, to be honest. Oh, and a small number of best friends have their own ring too.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?

I think we bought our digital camera towards the end of the 90s. It might still be around here somewhere, too.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?

Oh, I don't know. People would undoubtedly say different things about this.

7. Do you talk with your hands?

Yes. Bigtime.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not really. I like 3.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?

2% as a kid, sometimes mixed with powdered milk (yuck). We 'graduated' to skim by the time I was a teen. Now I rarely have milk in the house.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Fruit with a nice light crust.

11. Are you a note taker?

Yup. And a doodler.

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?

We have a shit-ton of coffee mugs which are basically never used since I don't drink coffee at all, and Beast can't drink coffee--and isn't at home anyway. I need to clean the house out, starting some time later than today.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

At home, yes. I guess I do at work too, come to think of it.

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?

I've been employed at my current workplace for just about exactly 22 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?

We flew Denver to Milwaukee when I was a small child. I remember because it was my brother's first flight too and I remember him looking out the window as we landed. I was probably 4.

Saturday 9

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The Man in Black (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 24, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

Nope. I worked all day, came home and was in bed by 7.

2) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?

Target, I guess.

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

I did both on Thursday. I watched a little football on Sunday too.

4) Thanksgiving weekend is a major time for travel. How far did you venture from home for the holiday?

I went to my niece's house, about an hour from here.

5) This week's song, "Man in Black," is about a singer who refuses to wear bright colors. What color are you wearing as you answer these questions?

Red, white, and blue Puerto Rico shirt, beige yoga pants, black sox.

6) Johnny Cash first performed this song at Nashville's Vanderbilt University. When were you last on a college campus? What brought you there?

Sparky still works on his college campus (technically, that's my college campus too), so when I visited him at work last month, I guess that was it.

7) The average American man wears a 10.5 size shoe, the average woman wears a 7.5. Johnny Cash wore a size 13. Are your shoes bigger or smaller than the national average?

Bigger. But then I am, overall, bigger than the national average.

8) He preferred his coffee very strong. To make sure what he was drank was to his liking, he carried a jar of instant coffee with him and would ladle it into his cup in restaurants. What about you? What's your standard coffee order?

"Water, please." I don't drink coffee. Long, traumatic childhood story involving my stubbornness.

9) While in the air force, Cash wrote short stories under the pseudonym "Johnny Dollar." Make up a pen name for yourself.

So, I'm assuming you know my legal name has nothing to do with "Cat." right?

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

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
In memory of David Cassidy, who died on 11/21/17.

1) This song mentions celebrating the holidays in "the new old-fashioned way." What's a holiday tradition that began with you (or your generation)?

Hmm. Chinese on Christmas Eve (before or after church depending on the timing) and then opening one gift under the tree and going to bed, followed by waking up the next morning and opening the rest while the Christmas Candle burns.

2) The lyrics include dancing, caroling and pumpkin pie. Will you enjoy any of those three between now and year-end?

I loathe pumpkin pie. I will probably whirl around the living room at some point; it's a thing that happens. And I will carol but not until Christmas Eve.

3) David Cassidy and The Partridge Family were intensely popular for a short period of time. For example, this song was from the best-selling Christmas album of the 1971 holiday season. Have you added any holiday music to your collection this year?

I haven't bought new Christmas music for myself in over a decade.

4) In 1971, the official David Cassidy fan club had a membership that exceeded both Elvis' and The Beatles'. Have you ever joined a fan club?

I think I did, briefly. Maybe?

5) David recalled that his first hero growing up was the Yankees' Mickey Mantle. When you were a little kid, what grown-up did you look up to?

Mostly adults I actually knew, hello.

6) David was a notoriously bad driver. In 1990, he was sentenced to traffic school for speeding. He was late for the class because he was stopped for speeding en route. Do you have a "lead foot?"

Nope. I have cruise control and I use it.

7) David's parents divorced when he was only four years old. He and his mom lived with her parents until he was 10. Have you ever lived in an extended, multi-generational household?

Nope. God help Sparky if he has to do this when I get old....

8) In 1971, when David and the Partridge Family were at their height, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought. Did you pay with cash or plastic or your phone?

I paid cash for breakfast at McDonald's this morning.

9) Random holiday question: Let's talk regifting. Tell us about a time you regifted, or you received a present you suspect was regifted.

Look, if it's something I like, I don't care where it came from. If I hate it, I either pitch it or keep it to regift. So yes, I have a closet of things upstairs of things I can gift in an emergency.

Saturday 9

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I Wish It Would Rain (1968)
... because Janelle recommended the Temptations
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song focuses on rain. Ombrophobia -- the fear of rain -- is fairly common in children. How do you feel about rainy days?

I hate rain. I'm not afraid of it, but I hate hate HATE cloudy, rainy days! One of my best friends LOVES rainy days. I don't get this at all.

2) Lead singer David Ruffin always wore corrective lenses. Are you wearing glasses or contact lenses as you answer these questions?

I am well-past legally blind without glasses so yeah.

3) Those thick-rimmed glasses were David's trademark. When he custom-ordered a luxury car, he had the image of those glasses painted on the door. Tell us something that makes your vehicle distinctive.

Uh. It's blue. It has a bunch of stuff hanging from the rear-view mirror inside: Mardi Gras beads, a wooden dolphin, uh something else I can't remember right now.

4) David also had a penchant for mink. Rumor has it that he wore a mink-lined hat and even had that car upholstered in mink. If you could really splurge on anything right now, what would it be? Car? Travel? Clothes? Jewelry? (NO responsible answers allowed.)

Well, that responsible answers qualification makes it quite difficult. I'd probably hire cleaning people and....wait, that's responsible. Uh. New clothes. I could buy some new clothes, I guess.

5) He sings that he badly wants to go outside. What are your plans for today? Will you be outdoors very much?

I went to Aldi's and Walgreen's, had late lunch at Panera and drove home in sprinkling rain.

6) The Temptations originally called themselves The Elgins because in 1960, Elgin watches were the high-end timepiece of choice. Today, in the age of cellphones and FitBits, wristwatches aren't that popular anymore. Do you often wear a watch?

I look at my (Seiko) watch on my closet occasionally with great sadness. I never, ever wear it.

7) This sad song was inspired by a real-life event. Motown songwriter Rodger Penzabene discovered his wife was cheating on him. Much to his own surprise, he didn't want to divorce or even separate from her; he just wanted her to love him and only him again. Tell us about a time when you didn't react as you thought you would. (Your story doesn't have to be as dramatic as Rodger's.)

I always find it surprising when I don't blow my stack in tense situations. Or when I can actually stay out of an argument that doesn't involve me in any way.

8) In 1968, when this song was popular, a Pittsburgh McDonald's sold the first Big Mac (two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle and onion on a sesame seed bun). Describe your perfect hamburger.

Hmm, I used to love burger joint burgers, but these days....I actually prefer homemade. With just pickles, mustard and ketchup.

9) Random question: When you catch a cold, do you soldier through it? Or are you a big baby?

I haven't had a cold in awhile, so at this point, I'm likely to be a big baby. I do refuse to just carry on regardless of how I feel. If I need a day off, I take it. [My mom literally took 2 sick days in 25 years at work, so this is a thing for me!]

Friday Five

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Scattergories Part 7!
This week’s 5 is inspired by the party game Scattergories, in which players have to think of items, all beginning with the same letter, in several categories. For example, if the die is rolled and shows the letter C, players might have to name a soft drink, a farm animal, a river, and a U.S. President, all beginning with C. Valid answers might be Coke, chicken, Cuyahoga, and Carter.

First, go to this nifty online random-letter generator. Set the “number of random letter sequences to generate” to 1. Set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 1. Leave the “letters to choose from” how it is and click the button. You’ll get a rather non-dramatic one letter. Use that letter to begin all your answers to the 5 questions below. If you’d like to avoid difficult letters, feel free to change the “letters to choose from” list. I’ll only judge you a little bit. 🙂

Alternately, if you find that boring, you could set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 5, thereby giving you five letters, a different one for each question.

I've done this a couple of different ways in the past. In 2009 I just picked one letter. in 2014, I got a series of five letters and answered each question with all five letters. In 2015, I was back to one letter. And last year I did five letters again. Seems like I have a scheme. This year I'll be doing one letter. I hope it's not an awful one....

What random letter was generated by the online random-letter generator (this doesn’t really count as one of your five questions)? N

1. What’s something gross whose name begins with the letter?

After a great deal of thought, the only thing I can think of that's gross that starts with N is nail fungus

2. What’s something crunchy whose name begins with the letter?

Nuts! I'm currently having my "dessert" of walnuts, but I like most all tree nuts.

3. What’s something (or who is someone) you wouldn’t mind hugging whose name begins with the letter?

My nieces and nephews. I'm totally not fussy about which one(s)!

4. What’s something whose name begins with the letter and can be found on a passenger airplane?

The nose is rather important. Also numbers for rows.

5. What’s something (whose name begins with the letter) you could purchase at a hardware store?

Nails. I love hardware stores so much...

Friday 5

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In Your Head! In Your Head!

1. Which mythical monster would you most enjoy discovering (first- or second-hand) is real?

   I'd like to know there are Thestrals.

2. When did you last exhibit monstrous behavior?

   I've been remarkably good lately. Really, it's been a startlingly good week in terms of my behavior.

3. What do you think of monster trucks?

   I think they are ridiculous and a sign of feelings of inadequacy in the owner.

4. If you like monster movies, what’s a monster movie you dislike? And if you dislike them, what’s a monster movie you like?

   Oh, well, I guess I'll go back to a similar well and say Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

5. What song about a monster (or with the word monster in the title) do you really like?

   "Really like" is probably overstating it, but Skillet's "Monster" is pretty good.

Sunday Stealing

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Around the House

Bedroom: what’s your sleep schedule?

I sleep whenever I can. I'm usually in bed by 9 or 10 and reading or puzzling for awhile. Wake-up time varies between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on the day--although yesterday I slept past noon!!--and I try to get a nap on weekends. Not yesterday, though.

Kitchen: favorite comfort food?

Sweets. I'm not fussy, but I'm also on the verge of being told to totally cut them out.

Washroom: showers or baths? bubbles? bath bombs?

My daily schedule involves a shower upon waking up most mornings, but I like to get a bath periodically just because they are relaxing and I can shave my legs easier. And I use either bubbles or bath salts, whatever I grab first.

Closet: sum up your style in a few words.

"Is it comfortable? Does it have pockets?"

Parlor: favorite party or board game?

I really do like the game of Life. And I've loved every single game I've played of Cards Against Humanity, including the one we played at a staff meeting at work. THAT was super-eye-opening.

Living room: what do you like to do with your family?

Talk. We're heavily into talking, mostly over each other, all at the same time, and getting irritated because no one is listening. Otherwise, we do well wherever you put us, to be honest. We're nothing if not adaptable.* Oh, and we like to eat.

Dining room: favorite special occasion food?

I make a good Thanksgiving spread.

Garden: favorite tree? flower?

My favorite tree...hmm, either aspen or blue spruce, I guess. My favorite flower is heirloom roses, the kind that smell.

Attic: what’s one thing you have a sentimental attachment to and you will never throw away?

I would assume the obvious wedding ring answer, but otherwise there are just too many "favorite things" and while I would hate to do it, I know it's quite likely I will have to do so someday.

Library: favorite book genre?

Mysteries. I used to turn up my nose at romances, but I'm about to start on a tear of those having had just about enough bad news on my plate for far too long.

Office: if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

The one I have is pretty damned excellent!

Guest room: have you been to a sleepover? if so, when was your first? do you like them?

I'm female: of course I had slumber parties as a child and teen. My first? I was probably 10 or so, but don't remember details. They were just part of weekends and vacations and so forth, a 'thing' that has continued well into my adulthood. My last one was at Amy's over a year ago; I spent the weekend at her house. Lovely!

Foyer: do you like small gatherings, large parties, or one-on-one meetings?

I hate large crowds. Smaller groups or one-on-one is far preferred.

Pantry: favorite meal to make?

Mac n cheese, I guess. I really don't enjoy cooking that much.

Laundry: favorite and least favorite chore?

I don't mind cleaning bathrooms or doing dishes or general cleanup, but I absolutely LOATHE floors! Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming--I hate it all. And guess what's on my schedule today? Yep, all three.

Garage: favorite mode of transportation? favorite car?

I love riding trains. I'm not a train nut, but there's something about going slow enough to see people's backyards and farm fields but fast enough to move along and NOT have to do the driving.... I'm acutely envious that Beast gets to take the commuter train into the Big City on Wednesday without me. Closer to home, I'd love a Jeep Cherokee, but my Ford Edge is fine too.

Panic room: what was the most nerve-wracking experience you’ve had?

Parenting. You don't know for sure you've done things right until at least 20 years after the fact.

Powder room: do you wear makeup? if so, what one item can’t you live without? what’s your favorite look?

The only "make up" I wear is Chapstick. I can't have stuff around my eyes because of allergies, and my rosacea means putting stuff on my cheeks and nose is just begging for a giant breakout. Also, I'm lazy, and usually don't want to take the time to futz in the morning.

__________
*The first is more true of my extended family of origin, and much less true of Beast and Sparky and me. The latter part is all of us.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Put Your Questions in the Box Questions

1. Where were you three hours ago?

Right here, trying to figure out my day. It's been a weird weekend of just feeling slightly ...off most of the time: headache, GI stuff, overheated (inside with A/C).

2. Make a confession.

I went to a memorial service for a former co-worker yesterday. I didn't speak to one of her sons because he caused her so much grief when she was alive that I just couldn't. Judging by his comments during the service, he hasn't really changed. I escaped afterwards ASAP, skipping the church luncheon, because I'm still very conflicted about the co-worker; she was a difficult person but also smart, kind in her own way, and a wonderful baker. And I was instrumental in getting her fired 5 years ago.

3. Bad habits?

Laziness is winning this race handily.

4. Favorite color?

Blue. Almost every shade of blue: robin's-egg, sky, navy, teal, midnight, turquoise, milky, denim. Bring on the blue! My top is in the lighter range (baby boy or pale sky), but I'm not overly fussy.

5. Can you drive?

Yes. I am the only person in the house doing that these days, so it's a good thing. Beast lost his license last fall, and he shouldn't be driving anyway as he can't actually feel or control his feet very well. Hence the advance to cane and now walker to get around. I live with an 90-year-old (he's actually 53).

6. 3 pet peeves.

Intentional stupidity.
People who are just mean-spirited and nasty toward others.
Humidity.

7. Last person you hugged.

Beast. Of course.

8. Something you miss.

I miss my dad right now.

9. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?

I seem to be song-free right now, which is fine. Something will come along. In fact, if I go read everyone's answers, I'll end up with one of those for sure.

10. Favorite quote.

"It is not your job to complete the task of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to desst from it." [Mishnah]

11. Favorite band.

Probably U2. It cycles.

12. Something you're excited for.

I had to take in a ring for repair and resetting a couple of weeks ago. It's ready--I should go get it. The payoff is even better due to the jeweler being next to Olive Garden, so we'll probably pick up some OGtogo.

13. Favorite movie.

Shoah

14. What type of phone do you have?

Samsung. It's about 3 years old now--but it still works so why change it? Works fine.

15. Favorite animal.

Wolf. Or if we need a specific entity, then Pintobean our cavy.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Listen to the Music (1972)
Because Zippi requested it.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics say, "What the people need is a way to make them smile." What song lifts your spirits and makes you smile every time you hear it?

Almost anything by Katy Perry: "Roar" for instance. Or Pharrell Williams' "Happy." Or almost anything by Bruno Mars.

2) Lead vocalist/composer Tom Johnston reports that he's made a lot in royalties because so many radio stations use this as a jingle. Tell us a jingle that sticks in your head.

I can still do the old McDonald's "Two all-beef patties, special sauce...." thing. And "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" for that matter.

3) The Doobie Brothers got their start in San Jose, California. San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, thanks to all the tech companies that have headquarters there. Let's talk about the device you're on right now: are all your applications up to date?

They are. I just had this puppy in the shop a couple of weeks ago, so I think things are still relatively clean.

4) When they were still a local band, the Doobie Brothers had a strong following among bikers. Are you attracted to biker culture?

I own stock in Harley Davidson. My father-in-law worked for them. Bikers are ok by me, as long as they aren't lawbreakers.

5) This week's song is from Toulouse Street, which is considered their "breakthrough" album. Tell us about a moment in your own life that you consider a "breakthrough."

I've been thinking about this brainwave for a few weeks: when I was about 12 or so, after a(nother) screaming match between my mom and me, I remember being in my room and suddenly realize that we butted heads so often because we were so much alike. This was not great news, all things considered since I was pretty angry with her, but it did help me understand and deal with some of her (and my) peculiarities going forward.

6) In 1987, the Doobie Brothers did a benefit performance for Vietnam Veterans at the Hollywood Bowl. Next to the Beatles, it was the fastest-selling ticket in Hollywood Bowl history. Which group do you listen to more often -- the Doobies or the Beatles?

Doobies. Not sure why, but they rotate around my Spotify more often than the Beatles.

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, Wranglers were America's best-selling jeans. Are you brand-loyal to one jeans manufacturer?

I mostly wear Lee blue jeans, and GV color jeans.

8) Grocery stores saw seafood prices fluctuate wildly in 1972 because of a series of confrontations between the United Kingdom and Iceland regarding fishing rights in the North Atlantic. (Iceland won.) What was the most recent seafood dish that you enjoyed?

Hmm. I can't think of any seafood....oh, yeah, I had crab rangoon with my takeout Chinese last weekend.

9) Random question: Which of these "top ten" lists would you prefer to be on -- the sexiest, the smartest or the richest?

Smartest.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Don’t Go There

1. Where were you forbidden (or too frightened) to go when you were growing up, and why?

   I was a huge scaredy-cat when I was little, so there were a lot of places I wouldn't go alone. I can't think of anything specific, though. And I don't recall my parents telling me not to go anywhere. I had to stay within sight or shouting distance of the house, and I was supposed to stay out of the garbage collection area in the alley behind the house (but I didn't want to be there anyway!); at that point it was still an incinerator. My dad reworked it later to make a little trashcan shelter thingy. I suppose I was told to stay out of my brother's room at some point, but again, why would I want to be there? Yuck!

2. What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done in the past couple of years?

   I can't think of anything horrible except being a right bitch at work and swearing at my boss on a regular basis for much of 2015.

3. Under what circumstances have you gone into a place you knew you weren’t supposed to enter?

   I've used the men's room in public places before because the line into the women's room was 80 miles long. Nbd--gather a crowd, take turns as "security" (to warn unsuspecting guys) and practically no one notices.

4. Which aisle in your supermarket do you just about never go down?

   I hate going down the laundry/cleaning/soap aisles. It just stinks. And I almost never enter the cereal/candy aisle because we don't eat cereal very often.

5. Not counting traffic situations, when did you last willfully disobey something you read on a sign?

   I go slightly over the speed limit every single day. However, I think I'm going to be ignoring the Road Closed signs near our house to see how the intersection reroute is coming along. I'll do it Sunday morning, probably--it's on the way to church--and they will not be working on Sundays this early in construction season.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Don't Sleep in the Subway (1967)*
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Subways can be bright and noisy. Do you need it dark and quiet before you can fall asleep?

It helps, but I fell asleep in a doctor's waiting room yesterday waiting with Beast. For, like half an hour.

2) In this song, Petula encourages her lover to talk it out instead of walking out. Do you usually remain reasonable during a disagreement?

Ah, no. I'm quite Mediterranean in that respect.

3) Petula was a child star in England during WWII. Her BBC broadcasts were very popular with the British troops, who nicknamed her The Singing Sweetheart. Soldiers pasted her photo onto their tanks for luck as they went into battle. Do you have any little rituals or good luck charms that calm/comfort you when you're afraid?

In the past year or so, I've developed a tendency to moderate panic attacks. Does that count? They aren't particularly calming. If I'm alone and something scares me, I tend to talk to myself.

4) Now 84, she recently told London's Daily Mail that she's surprised and thrilled to have found love again with a new man. Do you believe you'll ever be too old for romance?

Romance? Maybe. Love? Never.

5) Her family is far flung. She lives in London, her middle daughter is in Paris, her son is in Los Angeles and her oldest daughter lives in New York with Petula's two grandchildren. Who is your nearest friend or relative? Which one is farthest away?

My nearest friend is next door. I'm seriously blessed by GREAT neighbors who are also friends. Farthest away ... oh, yeah: Argentina. Former coworker moved back home a few years ago. My two oldest nephews (James and Don) and my 2nd niece (Katherine) live about equidistant from me: she is southeast, he is northeast about 45 miles. Sparky's about 60 miles more or less straight north. Furthest away is, I guess, Rosellen who just moved to Peterborough in the U.K.

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, Rolling Stone published its first issue. John Lennon was on the cover. Publisher Jann Wenner reports that, either individually or as a group, the members of The Beatles have appeared on the most Rolling Stone covers. What's the first Beatles song that comes to mind?

"Love Me Do"

7) In 1967, Star Trek was in its second season on NBC. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?

In TOS, it's Bones. My all-time favorite, though, is Picard.

8) RANDOM QUESTION: When you slip into jeans or slacks, which foot do you put in first?

Right.

9) As you considered #8, did you mime pulling on your pants?

Nope, but only because I've been asked this question before. I now make a point of trying to start with the other leg first once in awhile.

_____________
*I actually heard this song on the radio this week. How weird.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Cannon Fodder Questions

1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now?

I actually did just kiss Beast before I sat down. He's having a crabby day, and as I type this he's taking his next round of mega-painkillers. That should help, but it also means he'll probably be asleep in half an hour or so.

2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean?

It either means I'm concentrating on something or I'm really fucking pissed at you. Or I'm asleep.

3. What are you listening to right now?

The TV is on--Men Turning Left in Texas--so I hear car engines and the guys talking. The front door is open so I also hear birds and random people noise from outside. And I'm doing laundry, so the ejector pump just came on.

4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms?

I am not afraid of thunder. I'm not a fan of lightning, however.

5. Do you believe in perfect?

Not in this world, nope.

6. Are you a jealous person?

Heh. No.

7. What was the first thing you thought this morning?

"Ugh. How many times can I hit 'snooze'?" Pretty much the same every day.

8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep?

As little as possible. I focus on breathing--a CPAP helps with that--and if I can't shut my brain off, I sing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" in my head.

9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life?

Yes.

10. Do people ever think that you're either older or younger than you actually are?

I have no idea. My hair color indicates my age pretty accurately however: dark brown turning gray.

11. Do you think men truly understand women?

I'm not even convinced this is a thing, but see question #2. I think it's just that men aren't really conditioned or expected to try to understand others.

12. How about women understanding men?

I think for the most part, yeah, we girls have got your number, guys. Of course, we're also often self-delusional about you-all.

13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful?

Ha ha ha ha ha.

14. What is one fact about the last person that called you?

The last person who called me is one of those people who will be late to her own funeral.

15. Other than your current one, tell us about the longest relationship you have had either a romance or a particular good friend.

I have friends from, literally, 45 years ago. What do you want to know about them? I know quite a lot of dirt, especially on one of the two people I'm thinking of.

The Sassy Questions

1. If you could say anything you wanted to say to Donald Trump, what would you say?

Words would fail to express my thoughts to him accurately, or appropriately. Can I just throw up on his (not-made-in-America) ugly-ass tie?

2. If you had to be the mother of Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan, who would you choose and why?

That's an interesting question. I think Britney would, these days, be a lot calmer to hang out with. I've never really cared for Lindsay, even before she went off the deep end.

3. You get to be Queen for a day. The kids are all taken care of, and you can spend as much money as you want. What do you do all day?

There's not a lot of stuff I can think of that only lasts a day. Maybe going up in a private jet and flying around in 100% cushiness?

4. Is there a song that brings tears to your eyes every time you hear it? If so, which one?

There are some hymns at church that remind me of specific people every time I hear them. "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" is one of them. "Morning Has Broken" is another. The Bach organ toccata that is often used in old horror flicks is on my list too, though not because of movies.

5. A fairy taps you on the shoulder and tells you that you can either have a perfect face or a perfect body for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?

Body. If "perfect" means no breaking, no illness, and no pain, I'm in!

6. If you could live any place in the world and money was no object, where would you live and why?

More and more my answer is "not in this country." I've seriously considered looking for a job in England. It's just that a) I'm too lazy to do that, and b) public libraries there are in even worse shape than here.

7. What is your biggest regret in life?

Not learning to fly a plane.

8. If you could go back and visit one person in your life who is now dead, and ask one question, what would that question be and why would you ask it?

I'd love to spend some quality time with all three of the grandparents who were alive when I was born. They all died within the next 10-11 years and I have almost no real memories of them at all.

9. If you had the choice to age forward (like we are now) or aging backwards (think Benjamin Buttons) which would you choose and why?

I'm okay with the way time works. I'm too tired right now to think about aging backwards.

10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say?

Funny you should ask. I told Beast this morning--after he read a headline in overnight news to me--that I want "I HATE PEOPLE!" on my tombstone. I've been saying it almost non-stop since January 20.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Too Fat Polka (1947)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Have you ever danced the polka?

Yes I have! It's a thing at most WI weddings, and we've been to a few of those.

2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?

Nope. It has never held even the slightest attraction for me.

3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?

There are 5 seatbelts. I think all five people would be ok for a medium-length ride.

4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?

Of course. More than a few too (as I sit here eating brownies for breakfast).

5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?

Not even slightly. I actually had to turn it off before it even got halfway through.

6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?

Yes, of course. People used to think my dad looked like him back in the day. [no, he didn't, but they both had red hair....entirely different shades of red, but people are kinda dumb] I used to like him. His rating rather slipped with this song, however. Ugh.

7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."

... Look, I'm 53. I have a kid, and a husband. I have friends and family and a job. There isn't one single part of my life that doesn't cry for do-overs, sometimes daily. SO MANY places I could have made better decisions!

8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?

I would if it meant the chance to extend my life or decrease pain. I'm beginning to think I should research some trials on back/neck/shoulder surgery for Beast. He is really in rough shape.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?

Yes. Though I might hedge it by saying it doesn't look well-made or it's too pricey or something. Unless she asked specifically, "How do I look, really?" I can't lie that baldly.

Work from Home (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who doesn't get to see her lover often enough because he's on the night shift. Have you ever worked nights?

Not over-nights, no. When I started at my current workplace, I worked 6-9 three nights a week, which gave Beast and me about 15 minutes crossover, at most, from his return from work and my departure. Then, when he started to commute by train for 3 hours a day (round-trip), it was a "trade the kid at the train station" period, and he'd be asleep when I got home at 9:15. I also worked occasional Sundays and alternate Saturdays during this time so it was a little dicey seeing each other.

2) She promises that if he takes the day off, she'll make it feel like a vacation. Have you traveled anywhere fun so far this year? Do you have any leisure trips planned for 2017?3) The ladies of Fifth Harmony are enthusiastic supporters of the Girl Scouts, rewarding troops who excel in fundraising activities with free concerts. The Scouts' best-known fundraiser is their cookie sale. What's your favorite cookie (Girl Scout or otherwise)?

I love the Samoas. And I really like the vanilla Oreos (or knockoffs).

4) Fifth Harmony also participated in Goodwill's Fall Haul campaign. They encouraged high school students donate as many items as possible to Goodwill, and the winning school got a free concert. When did you last take gently-used items to a resale organization?

I took a carton and some bags of old clothes to a local place last fall, and then went shopping since it turned out to be half-price day. They give a coupon to everyone who donates, so I really hit the jackpot.

5) Do you ever shop second-hand or thrift stores?

More and more. I need to get some new spring/summer tops.

6) Fifth Harmony member Normani Kordei competes on Dancing with the Stars this season. Would you do better on DWTS or The Voice? In other words, are you a better singer or dancer?

I have never had a single dance lesson, but I have sung in choirs and elsewhere, so I'd probably do better on latter show. But I would never do either!

7) In February 2016, when this song was first released, The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl and Spotlight won the Best Picture Oscar. Can you recall who won the 2017 Super Bowl and Best Picture Oscar, just two months ago?

Stupid Pats, and NOT La-La Land. :)

8) 2016's most popular TV show was Game of Thrones. Are you a fan?

Nope. Not even of the books. Epic fantasy is not my thing at all!

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What's the subject line of the newest message in your email spam folder?

I have an interesting mix of church-related (not MY church though) stuff and shopping stuff and a pen!s-enlargement ad. The top tagline is "Coming Soon to an Indie Theater Near You" though, which is extremely random. I literally NEVER check anything here, unless I'm bored and looking for a giggle.

I also keep a folder of stuff that came to be instead of someone else. I have that kind of an email, that people screw up regularly. The most recent one there is tagged "Confirmed singers for Gig on 3/23" (discussion about a music service at church--not mine--including this priceless part, cut/pasted: "ladies, long floor link black gowns, stockings, or Knee high's, closed in shoes with pearls"). THAT is mighty specific!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Fist City (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a wife warning another woman off her man. Who received the last warning, of any type, that you issued?

The last warning I remember issuing was to some kids in the adult reference area Thursday as I was leaving work. It was a good-natured, "Hey, guys, remember to keep your voices down" more than a "Voice of Doom." They were adorable and giggling and excited; hard to get really mad about that.

2) Loretta sings that when her husband picks up trash, he puts it in a garbage can. She's being metaphorical, but we will be literal: If you spot litter on the sidewalk, do you pick it up or just walk on?

It sort of depends on what kind of trash, but in general I pick it up. If it looks like I'll end up getting gunked up with no way to wash up, then it stays there.

3) She taught herself to play guitar. If you could learn something new in 2017, what would it be?

A foreign language, maybe Danish, so I could move out of this ever-more-darkening nation.

4) She broke her shoulder in a fall and surgery was required to repair it. When were you last in a hospital? Were you a patient or a visitor?

Beast had surgery 11 days ago. It was outpatient, but he was completely out and intubated for it, so yeah, then.

5) In the 1970s, Loretta Lynn was the first country singer to appear on the cover of Newsweek. Who is your favorite country singer?

I love Darius Rucker's voice--baritone is so awesome. I love a LOT of Miranda Lambert's songs. And the Dixie Chicks, of course, are awesome.

6) Rowan and Martin's Laugh In premiered in 1968, when this song was popular. What's the last TV show you watched? Did you watch it live, did you stream it, or catch it on DVR/Tivo?

We're watching NASCAR live as I type this. They're in Vegas today, where I think the temperature is probably about 60 degrees warmer than the outside temp here. At least we did have some sun today.

7) In 1968, Jacqueline Kennedy shocked the world by marrying Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis. What's the last thing you heard that surprised you?

I wish I could say that anything out of Washington was surprising me, but I think my political surprise-meter is maxed out. Sparky's trip home overnight was a little surprising. He hadn't planned to come, till I mentioned it was mini-golf weekend at the library.

8) 1968's top-rated car was the Chevy Corvette. Could your car benefit from a trip to the car wash this morning?

Well, yes, but it was far too cold out to do that. Shoulda done it earlier in the week, but I simply didn't think of it.

9) Random question: You're staying in a hotel and find you can faintly hear the couple in the next room. Would you ignore their voices, or try to hear them better?

In general, I ignore people outside my own hotel room most of the time. The only exception to this is I might listen more closely if it sounded like the people were arguing and someone might be in danger.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Brokenhearted (2012)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a girl who is eager and anxious for her new lover to call. Do you owe anyone a call? An email? A text?

I owe at least two phone calls. One of those people has probably been expecting a text as well. Emails, though, I'm fairly up-to-date on. ... Nope, just found a 7-week old message I haven't even read much less responded to. Since it's about my sister's death 20 years ago, I haven't been eager to open it.

2) The lyrics are peppered with the informal English exclamation, "cheerio!" What pops into your head when you close your eyes and think of England?

You forgot the "lie back" part. ;-)

I think of my rellies, and lots of green. And non-warmness, even in July.

3) This week's artist, Karmin, is a husband/wife duo who met at college, and that meeting changed the course of their lives and careers. Think of someone who has had a huge impact on your life. Did you know, as soon as you met, that this was going to be a life-changing relationship?

Not exactly. I mean, I've been wrong a lot of times about people I thought would be important long-term. However, I'm also a pretty quick judge of character (when I'm not moony) so real idiots don't last long.

4) Though she sings about consuming tequila, the female side of Karmin, Amy, is a big proponent of healthy eating. She recommends organic foods that are free of pesticides, hormones, food coloring and added sugar. Think about your most recent meal. Was it a good example of "healthy eating?"

Club crackers and sliced cheese (NOT American) washed down by Diet Dr. Pepper. Whadday think?

5) Husband Nick has his own Twitter account (@NickKarmin), but he doesn't use it often. His last tweet was back in August. What's the last thing you posted to social media? (No, your blog doesn't count.)

I RT something @JKRowling tweeted earlier this morning. I haven't been on Twitter for probably two years, but this week I reconfigured my subscriptions and got back into it. I'm following all the "Alt" and "Rogue" accounts.

6) Karmin performed "Brokenhearted" live on Dancing with the Stars. DWTS is very big business for ABC-TV. So many people vote for their favorite couples each week that their phone and text systems often overload. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol, DWTS, The Voice, etc.?

Nope.

7) In 2012, the year"Brokenhearted" was popular, the average cost for a gallon of gas was $3.91. In 2016, it had dropped to $2.40. When it's time to fill up your tank, do you shop around for the lowest price/gal.? Are you brand loyal and always return to the same station, regardless of price? Or do you just buy gas from the nearest station when you're running low?

I do try to hit the low-ballers in the area, but mostly I stop when the light comes on and panic sets in.

8) In 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavor was retired and placed on permanent display at the California Science Center, a Los Angeles museum dedicated to encouraging excitement and enthusiasm about air and space travel. Let's say you had a long weekend to spend in Los Angeles. Would you go out of your way to see The Endeavor? What else would you like to do during your time in the City of Angels?

If Beast were with me, we'd probably do that. Personally, I'd find a nice hotel near the ocean, find a bench at the water's edge and park there for the duration.

9) While we're thinking about aviation ... Statistics show that it's still a predominantly male field, and less than 10% of commercial pilots are women. Would you be nervous flying with a woman pilot?

Of course not! Actually, I have flown on a commercial flight piloted by a woman. NBD.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was inspired by a note WHAM! partner Andrew Ridgeley left for his parents. He accidentally wrote "go" twice. What was the last handwritten note you left for someone?

I write notes to people at work all the time. I'm pretty much certain there's no way around a handwritten note once in awhile, even with text and IM and email. Sometimes you need to put something WITH the thing you're talking about -- in my case books than need specific attention.
Also, an aside: back when this song was on the radio all the time, I worked with a dear friend named Ian who was from England and of Portuguese and Irish descent. We always teased him because he really had a whole George Michael vibe going, in looks and general coolness. We all were living in the same house together as workmates, about 10 of us, and one morning he left me a note saying "Wake me up before you go-go, Ian" with musical notes on it. I still have it somewhere. I've, sadly, lost track of Ian himself, however. :'(

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

Light & flaky dough, fish, amazing sauces, street gyros, baklava. I so wish I were in Athens or Ydra right now.......

3) He was a terrible driver and admitted his license was suspended a number of times. Have you ever lost your license?

Nope. I've had precisely 2 traffic tickets in my life.  There have been a lot of other times I skated away with only fear and a guilty conscience to keep me honest, for which I'm very thankful.

4) WHAM! partner Andrew Ridgeley, on the other hand, is a talented driver who got to live his fantasy by racing Formula Three in Monaco. There are companies that sell racetrack driving experiences that allow you to spin around the track at dizzying speeds. Is this something you like to try?

YES!! This sounds absolutely terrifying, and fun.

5) In 1990, Frank Sinatra famously gave George Michael advice. Ol' Blue Eyes told the younger man to enjoy his fame, to remember all those lean nights traveling from gig to gig by bus and, now that he's successful, "loosen up and swing, man." Who last gave you advice? Did you take it?

People give me advice at work all day, every damn day. I don't listen to most of it unless it's just plain weird. I can't think of anything from yesterday beyond the usual demand that I have a good weekend. lol

6) Mr. Michael's neighbors have reported since his passing that he seemed to live rather quietly, and that they usually saw him when he was out walking his three dogs. Tell us about the last time you spoke to one of your neighbors.

It's winter in the Upper Midwest of the U.S. The only reason I know I have neighbors at all is that their cars go in & out of the driveways, and the snow gets shoveled. Oh and the dogs are let out & back in.
Actually, within about six weeks in late fall we got new neighbors, and I haven't even really identified one of the households' people for sure yet. They are literally one house over and across from us, but it's been brutal and there are no reasons to go outside and be social this time of year.

7) Fansites tell us that George Michael's favorite cereal was cornflakes. What breakfast cereals are currently in your kitchen?

Off-brand Froot Loops and Cinnamon Toast thingies and some muesli-ish stuff for my family members when they visit. Technically, only the former is in my kitchen; the others are in the pantry. The muesli probably needs to be pitched.

8) In 1984, when "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" was popular, Murder, She Wrote premiered on CBS. Today it's still seen in reruns all over the world. Are you a fan?

Nope. I mean, really, she lived in a tiny little town and people dropped dead around her for 12 seasons. Wouldn't that be a tad bit suspicious in real life?

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What's your secret to a good night's sleep?

Melatonin, exhaustion, and earplugs.