Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Jump (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) David Lee Roth does a lot of jumping in this video. He credits his flashy moves to his study with marital artist Benny Urquidez. Have you ever tried karate, judo, or jiu-jitzu?

No, but I've been considering finding a tai ch'i class.

2) Dave claims to be fluent in Spanish. Say something "en español."

Entonces, David, si realmente hablas español, ¿Por qué eres tan necio?

3) Dave appeared as himself in an episode of The Sopranos, playing poker with Tony Soprano. Are you a good poker player?

I'm better than you'd expect.

4) Though known for his prowess on the guitar, Eddie Van Halen wrote the opening of this song at the keyboard when he was still new to the synthesizer. When do you recently venture outside your comfort zone? Was it a success?

Every damned day lately. I'm just trying to keep my balance at this point. At least no drunks hugged and kissed me this week at work....

5) Eddie's older brother Alex is the Van Halen drummer and his son, Wolfie, began touring with the band in 2007. Have you ever worked with a family member?

I used to work for my dad once in awhile. I went to work once with Mom and answered phones when most of the office couldn't get to work and they were closed.

6) Van Halen's first man[a]ger was Marshall Berle. Mr. Berle's uncle was Milton Berle. Does the name Milton Berle mean anything to you?

Mostly because of Happy Days and watching talk shows when I was a wee tot.

7) In 1984, when this song was popular, AT&T/Bell Telephone was broken up into 24 separate companies. Today, who is your phone provider?

My cell is Sprint; my landline is Frontier Communications.

8) Also in 1984, Michael Jackson was severely burned while filming a Pepsi commercial. Would we find any Pepsi in your kitchen right now?

Actually, no. Aldi's only sells Coke products. Beast normally only drinks diet Pepsi, but I haven't bought any specifically and on purpose since September.

9) Random question: Have you ever been so angry that you kicked or hit an inanimate object?

Well, yeah. I stopped that when it hurt my toes and did nothing to the inanimate object. Now I just hang my head down and cry; it's about as useful and less painful. Usually.

*This song was, for a few weeks, the 7:00 a.m. wakeup song when I was in college. It never failed to get me AND my roommate moving if only to fling the clock radio across the room to shut it off! 😁

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Shiver Me Timbers

1. When did you last make what could be described as a wriggling motion?

   With my whole body, that was probably snuggling deep under the covers last night. I wriggled my fingers just before starting typing though. Kind of a habit to pop the finger joints.

2. What never fails to give you the willies?

   This week? Anything to do with our federal leadership, specifically directly around DJT.

3. What’s something you’ve seen on TV or in a movie that made you squirm?

   If y'all remember that scene in "Poltergeist" where the meat on the counter erupts int maggoty movement? Yeah, that one. I'm sure there've been others, but that one still makes me nauseous in memory.

4. What’s something in your life that could be described as serpentine?

   Hmm. I'm drawing a bit of a blank here. All I can picture is Michael Hutchence dancing. That's not really "in" my life, but it's definitely in my memory. Otherwise, all I'm coming up with is some regularly-traveled childhood roads in the mountains of Colorado.

5. Where can you get a really great shake?

   Oberweis, but they've closed. DQ, but they close 'round here over the winter. So, Culvers it is. If were willing to travel a bit, though, KOPPS! To, quite literally, die for. And the butter burgers, too.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Very Forceful Questions

1. Do you have/have you had any pets?

When I was a wee tot, we had a parakeet named Peppy who lived in a cage in the dining room. I barely remember Peppy, so I was probably under 6 when he died. When I was 10, I started coming home to an empty house after school, so my parents got a dog to "protect" me. Tippi was also fabulously patient--till he got old--and willing to dress up in my clothes and bark like a crazy rabid dog whenever the doorbell rang. We had to have him put down when I was about 24 because he had started biting people when they touched him. My 2-year-old nephew was spending a lot of time with Grandpa & Grandma and there were little kids next door--plus the little doggy had horrible arthritis and was blind as well. That was a rough day. We had finches for awhile after we got married, which was fun but when they had babies, and then more babies, it got massively out of control. Then when we bought our first house, Beast and I hit the pound and picked out our little angel-dog Shady. OK, she was a Shepherd-lab-something mutt, but she really was the most adorable, loving, kind-hearted, joyful dog I've ever known. Also a little fraidy-cat, but that's ok. It was about 5 years later when I finally had to face reality: I'm allergic to dogs. By then, we also had a child who loved that puppy, so she stayed and I sniffled. We went on vacation when she was about 14 and she stayed with a friend/coworker--where she died! OMG this is not a good plan, people. Coworker couldn't reach us for like 10 hours, when Sparky found out he imploded, and it sorta killed the remaining vacation. OK, so no more dogs because Mom sux, but Sparky got two guinea pigs that Christmas and we've had succeeding guineas since then. We're on our last one now. Poor little guy--I don't see him lasting much past winter. Then we're done. No more pets. Except pet rocks. Although, honestly, if I end up alone in the future, I will be getting a little rat-dog of some kind.

2. Do you play video games? If so, do you have a favorite video game series?

Not really. I used to love playing The Sims and Sim Civilization, but I can't operate the controllers on video games to make those games work if I'm not using a computer keyboard. And the new PC versions don't work right either.

3. Any unpopular opinions on anything?

Heh. Well, considering I got yelled at Monday by a patron with a program beef (I have nothing to do with programming), called an ambulance 3 hours after that for a patron who was struggling to breathe, and then had to deal with full-bore Crazy in all its various incarnations for the rest of the week, topped off by a call to the police today to help us eject one of the Crazies (who turned it into a totally horse-and-pony show by refusing to cooperate and having to be practically dragged out)...I don't really care if I'm popular in my opinions. I'm just trying to survive each day with my dignity and sanity intact.
But I do hate Trump if that counts.

4. Do you have a favorite gem? If yes, has anyone ever bought you jewelry with that gem?

I have several sapphires, which I like: two rings, some earrings, and at least one necklace.

5. Favorite story genres?

I really like mysteries and good thrillers that aren't all car chases and technology.

6. What was once a secret that you can now share? (The original question was "What kind of fruit do you hate" which is type of question that I think "who cares?" so I just change them.)

I'm married to a wonderful man who is struggling with alcoholism.

7. Do you like reading?

Uh, yeah, a bit ...?

8. What time is it for you now[;] what are you usually doing at this time of the day?

It's currently 6:10 p.m. During the week I'm just leaving work. Weekends are variable. Right now we're watching our DVR'd Packer game. I expect the actual life game is pretty close to over, so I've turned off Facebook.

9. What character on TV or in film is most similar to you? You can go with looks or personality. Or you can make a quip and go to the next question.

Sandra Bullock's character in "Miss Congeniality." (I wish)

He's a featured player!

10. What's something weird you wanna do? It cannot be weirder than Mr. Watermelonhead.

Is taking classes at a seminary weird? Kinda? If not, then going on an archaeological dig?

11. Have you ever accomplished a New Years Resolution?

Nope. I haven't made one in decades, either.

12. Is there any music artist you look up to?

I have a great deal of respect for Bruce Springsteen, and not just for his career either. I think he's a genuinely good person with some personal demons.

13. Are you allergic to anything? If yes, what?

As mentioned above, dogs. Also, and worse, cats. Pine trees, some grasses, corn pollen. Nothing too tragic. Unless I live in the middle of the world's Corn Belt with 76 cats. [I don't have cats at least, but I do live in the middle of a lot of cornfields.]

14. When was the last time you took a swim? Who else was with you?

I don't swim. I do make sure that if I'm near deep water, there is someone nearby who CAN swim.

15. Would you rather have the ability to sleep for as long as you want, or have the ability to never have to sleep?

Nope, I'll be hibernating all winter, given even the slightest encouragement. I love sleep!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Down the Rabbit Hole

1. What was the subject of one of your memorable YouTube holes?

   I don't really hang out on YouTube much. I can't even think of a time when I've gotten lost in watching videos.

2. What was your most recent Wikipedia hole like?

   There was some question yesterday at work of who Lauren Conrad is, which then led me off to figure out what The Hills was, and then somehow I ended up looking at some old MTV info before remembering that I was supposed to be, y'know, working.

3. What’s a recipe you got from the internet and actually prepared? How did it turn out?

   I've gotten a lot of recipes off the net. The last one that failed dramatically is the cornmeal mush one I found after we got back from our cruise. They had the BEST stuff for breakfast-omg so good--and the recipe I found was completely awful. I've found a better one, but I haven't made it yet because wow that last thing was horrible.

4. What apparently little-known website do you enjoy?

   I visit a lot of niche sites. A lot. A long-time favorite is LanguageHat. I've been reading his stuff for a dozen years now. I also really love Separated By a Common Language.

5. What apparently popular website can you just not get into?

   The vast vast majority. I've almost completely given up on Twitter, for instance. I never have understood the attraction of Instagram. Pinterest...haven't been over there in probably 18 months.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Puzzler Meme

What time is it?

11:27 a.m.

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

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

Do you like those Sudoku puzzles?

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

Do you own a plaid shirt?

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

What’s your favorite kind of pie?

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

Have you read a book today?

Yes. And I will read more, I hope.

Do you like going to museums?

Yes. Up to a point.

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

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

Have you ever been to the state of Washington?

Nope. Nor is it high on my list.

Do you like apple juice?

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

How cold is it outside?

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

Have you ever taken a course in Chemistry?

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

Do you like to draw?

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

What do you put on your french fries?

Salt.

Do you like everything to match?

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

Do you like mustard?

Yes.

Would you ever work at a movie theater?

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

Do you have a phone charger in your car?

Yup.

Have you ever slept through an alarm?

More than once.

Do you like pineapple on pizza?

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

Do you like to hold hands?

Yes I very much do.

Do you want a tattoo?

Not particularly.

When is the last time you ordered from a catalog?

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

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

...besides me, you mean?

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

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

What was the first song you heard today?

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

Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift?

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

What was the last video you watched on YouTube?

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

Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love?

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

Have you ever had your picture in the newspaper?

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

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

Unconscious Mutterings x2

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Woke :: Awakened
2. Postcard :: Vacation
3. Blizzard :: Winter
4. Pooch :: Pup
5. Constipated :: Plugged up
6. Pastel :: Chalk
7. Edge :: Richard Pryor
8. Mother :: Father
9. Linger :: Wait
10. Header :: Footer

1. Temper :: Anger
2. Late! :: Alice in Wonderland (my first answer was "White Rabbit" but that seemed a little too obscure)
3. Status :: Facebook
4. Breakfast :: Bagel
5. Hopeless :: Unfixable
6. 365 :: Days
7. Lottery :: Losers
8. Cancer :: Horoscope
9. Facebook :: Timesuck
10. Date :: 2/7

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Time:

12:11 p.m.

Scene:

The usual. Living room couch, laptop on my legs. Beast is across the room in his recliner with the heating pad behind him in hopes that his shoulder stops hurting. Speaking of heating pads--he's using the one we inherited from his parents eons ago, c. 1970 or earlier. It works great. We bought one on vacation in October that hardly even gets hot. WTH....stupid lawsuits. Or a lemon, I suppose.

Today's plan:

Sunday School for me this morning, then church--children's Christmas program--now back home. Football the rest of the afternoon. I need to call/text Gail about going over tomorrow (or sometime) to use her craft supplies for a project I need to finish so I can mail great-nephew Xmas gifts. And more work on my desk; I think everything that's left is 'hard' stuff that I have to actually file or think about. Maybe read a bit. And/or nap.

Listening to:

FOX NFL. No clue why we're watching this game but apparently we're supposed to be cheering for Seattle. Or rather against Mpls (sorry, Amy) because cheering for the Shawks is not easy especially for Beast. The Packers don't play today because they already played this past week. Here, I'll show you the most important play*. Go on, watch it. It's TOTALLY AWESOME (unless you're a Lions fan).

Drinking:

Diet Dr. Pepper, of course.

Thinking about:

Not really much. Lots of "shoulds": tree, planning dinner, shopping, cleaning. Frankly all I want to do is sleep.

________
*Why is it so hard to link to a non-YouTube vid?? Grrrr......

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Crazy Random Twenty Meme

Have you ever demolished a wall or building?

I've participated in demolition, yes. My dad was in construction, which often starts with destruction. Beast is a big fan of demo, too. 

If you and a friend both wanted the same thing would you let the friend get it first?

Sure. Of course it depends on what "it" was, and if there was only one "it" left on Earth. And some other vagaries of the situation as they arose.

Have you ever argued over who should pay for something?

I'm pretty sure everyone except my niece Katharine and everyone under age 20 has done this.

Do you have any family heirlooms?

We are stuffed to the gills with family heirlooms. Got rid of several yesterday--they are now Sparky's responsibility. Still have over twice as many as what he took left here.

Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?

Probably not. If I believed in past lives, I'm sure I would have no fun stories of exciting and wealthy past lives. We've always been serfs.

What's your favorite ocean?

I do like the Pacific.

Do you correct peoples mistakes?

Sometimes. I'm getting better at biting my tongue. If it's seriously dangerous, though, I will speak up.

Have you ever helped out an injured animal?

Yes, I've had pets. Also, we took a maimed bunny found in our yard to the vet once. Our dog caught it and broke its back legs, poor thing.

Do you throw bread for the ducks?

Not anymore. They need to learn to fend for themselves.

Do you think babies are little bundles of joy or smelly noisy things?

They are both. Most are in the middle of this spectrum, but there are always outliers that live towards the extreme ends.

Do you give money to buskers?

Not usually. Then again, there aren't a lot of (any) buskers in my area.

Do you ever forward or reply to chain mails?

No. Hate them. Please, if I see another "If you have a sister/aunt/friend..." thing on Facebook I might vomit. And the ones that say "I'll bet none of my so-called 'Christian' friends will post this..." about God -- those I want to kill. With fire!

Do you often have a tune in your head you can't name?

No, I can usually name whatever I've got scrolling through.

Has anyone ever approached you thinking you were someone else?

All . The . Time. I love people who ask--after I've said that no, I'm not [whoever they think I am]--"are you sure?" Yeah, dammit, I'm pretty clear on my family and former workplaces!!

Have you ever starred in an amateur or professional video?

My father-in-law filmed every-damn-thing. Beast did too when we were first married. My brother-in-law took some classic Super-8 of me hula-hooping at about age 8.

Have you ever been in a position of authority?

I'm middle management. And a mom. And a teacher. So, yeah.

If you were ruler of your own country what would you call it?

"In Desperate Trouble"

And what title would you give yourself?

Now that its former owner is retired, "Bumbler-in-Chief" will do.

If you invented a monster what would you call it?

"Cat., Upon Awakening"

And what features would it have?

Really scary hair and squinty, blind eyes. Incoherence is a bonus, too.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Extinction

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

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

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

The variety that has empathy with others.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unconscious Mutterings times two

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Fantasy :: Science fiction
2. Square one :: Beginning
3. Impostors :: Fakes
4. Hydrate :: Water!
5. Card :: Cribbage
6. Respects :: Funeral
7. Big city :: Bright lights....
8. Alert :: Aware
9. Scrabble :: Game
10. Neighborhood :: Block

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

1. Stuck :: Glue
2. Elevator :: This series of vids...which also goes nicely with that first word
3. Vaccine :: Immunization
4. Pepsi :: Coke
5. Rotund :: Round
6. Wonder :: Great book!
7. Solo :: Single
8. Voodoo :: Magic
9. Sticky :: Tacky
10. Summarize :: Précis

Friday 5 (very late)

(Link in meme-roll)
Non Sequitur

1. What’s your sneeze like?

   Loud, a little splattery if I don't catch it in time.

2. How’ve you been sleeping lately?

   Better than a couple of months ago. I still wake up in the middle of the night almost every night, but on either side of that, I'm sleeping instead of dozing.

3. What was your last stroll like?

   I can't remember my last stroll. I don't very often stroll.

4. What was the last thing you watched on YouTube (feel free to share the link!)?

   It was something lame-o and geeky my son posted on Facebook. I'm not sharing.

5. When did you last get something in right at the deadline?

   That's my usual MO, actually. I don't very often have those kinds of deadlines.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Hey, Soul Sister
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) The video was shot on a street corner in Echo Park in central Los Angeles. If you saw a film crew making a video in your neighborhood, would you stop to watch? Or would you just keep walking?

I'd probably know ahead of time and avoid the area like the plague. Not my circus.

2) The singer says he remembers his girl in every dream he dreams. Do you remember if you dreamed last night?

I'm pretty sure I did, but 15 hours after waking up I can't remember any shreds of them.

3) The band Train is from San Francisco. Have you ever visited The City by the Bay?

Yes, I've been there twice--once when I was about 17 and once about 18 months ago. I love that city, but it's very touristy.

4) Lead singer Pat Monahan got his start in a Led Zeppelin cover band. Can you name a Led Zeppelin song?

I'm not a fan, but it's hard to avoid "Stairway to Heaven."

5) In doing research for this week's Saturday 9, Crazy Sam discovered a publication called Trains, The Magazine of Railroading. What's the last magazine you flipped through?

hah! Two of my family members subscribe to this magazine! I think the last magazine I touched was Consumer Reports, but whether it was at home or at work, I couldn't tell you.

6) Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?

A bit of both, really, hopefully at the appropriate times.

7) Scholars tell us that "To be or not to be" is Shakespeare's most quoted line. Give us another one.

"What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason,
how infinite in faculties, in form and moving,
how express and admirable in action, how like an angel in apprehension,
how like a god!"

8) How do you listen to music on the go? Car radio? CD changer? iPod/mp3 player? Your phone?

I don't, really. When I have to listen to music, I turn on Sirius XM, but it isn't that often. I used Spotify at work.

9) Are you a convincing liar?

Apparently so.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Zones

1. Those silly TV programs showcasing supposedly funny videos often feature unexpected blows to someone’s Man Zone (you know, crotch shots). How amusing do you find these videos?

Not so much. Like anything else, seeing the same thing over and over gets old fast.

2. Athletes today often talk about being “in the zone,” attaining that state of mind where everything is both automatic and excellent. When did you last find yourself in the zone?

I get there occasionally at work, but not too frequently. People like to interrupt me even with headphones on.

3. What time zone do you live in, and is there anything especially good or bad about it?

Central. I can't think of anything wonderful except that I don't have to stay up to 11 to see the end of the 'adult' prime-time shows. That's just nuts. But I DVR a lot of stuff anyway these days, so it's not as big a deal.

4. An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may result in the production of sexual fantasies or sexual arousal (not to mention orgasm). What typically non-sexual part of your body is an erogenous zone?*

Like I'm going there online?? hah

5. Where can you get a really good calzone?

I'm not a big calzone fan. I like ponzarottas better. And the best place for those is my former college town.

* Alternate question in case #4 is too personal or #5 is too stupid: In the Star Trek universe, a neutral zone is an area between claimed territories in space where bordering governments agree not to tread (else war is declared). Where in your personal or professional life are the neutral zones?

I would make that the drive to and from work. And, at work, when I have my "Leave me alone" cap on. 

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Blerp Meme

When you get a headache do you take painkillers right away or try to wait it out?

Depends on the type of pain; if I suspect it might bloom into Def-Con 10 eventually, I take the meds early. If it's likely something that can be alleviated by closing my eyes, drinking some water, or otherwise addressing the cause, I try that first. Then again, I just went and got two ibuprofen because my shoulder is killing me--for an unknown reason.

Is there a really funny YouTube video you’d like to recommend to me?

The Hallelujah Monks are back. I haven't watched them this year, but I watched Beast watch them for the first time this week, which was nearly as funny as the actual video.

Did you watch Sesame Street when you were little?

I was just a few days short of six years old when Sesame Street first aired, and had been reading for at least a couple of years, so I was definitely past the target audience. I did watch Electric Company when it first aired.

What’s the last thing you touched, other than your computer?


The buttered bread that constitutes my lunch, which is now in my stomach.

When was the last time you talked to your best friend?


Depends on which one. Either 4 minutes (give or take), several months, or several more months.

How often do you listen to music?


Almost every day at work. Every Sunday at church. Occasionally in the car. Often I'm singing either out loud or in my head.

What color is your cell phone?

The case is silver and blue, like this one.

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you drank?

I am currently on my second DDP of the day.

Do you like to wear sweatpants?

ONLY at home, and only when relaxing, not in front of People. This, of course, doesn't inclued Beast or Sparky. ;-)

What song are you currently listening to? Who sings it?

Surprisingly--in light of the previous question about music--there's no music in the air right now. However, it is Sunday afternoon in December, so we're watching football, Bears v. Browns and then Packers v. Cowboys. At least with those two games, the decision for whom to cheer (or against whom) is very very clear!

Have you ever gotten a black eye?

I'm...not sure....

What caused it?

In gym class in 8th grade, I got whacked in the face with a softball, which broke my glasses. It may have blackened my eye, but I don't remember. What I do remember is that I could sit out of the rest of softball, and having to wait a week to get my glasses fixed.

How many times have you checked up on your ex?

I Google their names occasionally. One is the brother of one of my Facebook friends, so he pops up unannounced once in awhile. Others have way-too-common names to actually track down.

If you had to get a tattoo what would it be?

I doubt I would ever do this, unless I had an awesome scar to which I'd attach a zipper tab tat.

How many tabs are open right now?

A relatively sedate 5 tabs and three programs in the start bar.

Are you scared of needles?

I'm not scared of them, but watching someone get a shock tends to make me really nauseous, just that moment when the needle starts to pierce the skin. ....shudder, gag....

Do you believe love can last forever?

Yes. Of course it does. It's people who get all fucked up, not love.

Are good-byes easy or hard for you?

Usually hard. Sometimes, though, I don't even notice till later that there was a goodbye.

Would you rather sing or dance?

Sing. I can't really dance, or rather, I don't trust myself to look anything but ridiculous while dancing.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Twilight Zone
Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

1) This is one of the first songs to see a bump in sales after its video was shown on MTV. Do you ever watch music videos?

Not anymore. I'm not really aware of them still being a 'thing' except on YouTube which I'm old enough to think doesn't really count.

2) Golden Earring is from the Netherlands. The average life expectancy there is 79 years old. Who is the oldest person you know?

It pretty much has to be someone at church, maybe Fran? I don't ask people's ages, but I'm pretty sure she's got to be at least 90. I used to know some centenarians, but that was when I was delivering library books to shutins a decade ago.

3) The song's composer says the song and especially the video were inspired by the 1980 book, The Bourne Identity. The espionage thriller was finally made into a movie with Matt Damon in 2002. Do you have a favorite secret agent/spy?

Not from the movies. There have been some good espionage books I've read, but generally I prefer straight mysteries. I assure you, even though I've read several Dan Brown's books, that Robert Langdon is NOT a favorite much of anything for me!

4) The song's title comes from "The Twilight Zone" TV show, which ran from 1959 to 1964. Are there any old shows that you enjoy watching in reruns?

I love old TZ reruns! Also, "Bewitched", "I Dream of Jeannie", "Gilligan's Island" and "Star Trek" (both TV series).

5) "All guys cheat on their girlfriends, so yeah, I forgive him." Sam heard a young woman say that into her phone as they waited in line at the drugstore. While Sam is always surprised by how much personal information people share in the public, that's not what we're concentrating on this morning. Do you think that it's true? Do all guys cheat on their girlfriends?

No that's just stupid. She is seriously underestimating men, to her detriment. Let's hope she figures things out and doesn't have any children in the meantime.

6) Whenever Sam goes to the grocery store she picks up Snausages because her dog looks at her with sad eyes when she tries to reward him anything else. What product has your brand loyalty?

Well, the NFL (since it's football season/night) of course. Dr. Pepper. Brownberry (although it's now owned by Bimbo) not only because I love their oatmeal bread, but because one of my best friends works there. Oh, and Charmin. We used to always buy Scott, but switched to "red" Charmin a few years ago.

7) Do you have a piggy bank or a coin jar?

I have a piggy bank that's approximately 15" tall in which all our foreign change ends up. Otherwise, we have a couple places where coins go to ... hibernate I guess ... but Beast emptied them out last night for Noisy Can Offering at church today. The kids made so much that the superintendent (who is not a weakling) could barely lift the soup pot to carry it off the chancel.

8) Sam knows that she's always supposed to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, but she sometimes forgets. What do you know you should do, but sometimes don't?

Eat properly. Actually, I almost never manage to do that (hello, Chicken Kiev for dinner tonight!). Also, well, so many other things.

9) Retailers report that sales of Halloween costumes for grown-ups are strong. Since Halloween was earlier this week and there will be parties this weekend ... What's your costume for Halloween 2013? If you aren't dressing up this year, tell us about one of your favorite outfits from a Halloween gone by.

I didn't have a costume. And I don't really enjoy thinking up costumes anyway. So, yeah. Some good costumes on the older kids this year, for a change--some years they come begging for candy dressed as themselves. Yes, I see the contradictions everywhere in this answer! lol

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
....more random questions

1. Are you concerned at all with the possibility that radiation leaks could head your way?

From Japan? Not so much; I'm pretty sure it will dissipate before it makes it to the mainland US. Mostly. Honestly, we live within 100 miles of at least 2 reactors. I worry more about those.

2. What is the one thing that you will always go cheap on?

Gas. As if "cheap" applies....

3. What would you buy that price would have no limit?

Medical care for my son, should he ever need it (God forbid).

4. Name a TV show that could be about the stupidest thing ever.

Anything with a laugh-track. Well, almost anything. M*A*S*H was ok.

5. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

Uh, well, yeah. Some of the food I ate in Greece was nameless, so who knows what it actually was. It was tasty, though. Same goes for Russia and China.

6. If it were really hot out and you were at the beach, would you go in the water even if it was dirty or full of jellyfish?

No. No no nononono. Probably wouldn't even be at the beach if it were this bad.

7. Can you teach old dogs new tricks or is it just not worth the effort?

Of course you can, if you're a good teacher.

8.What makes comfort foods taste so good?

Fat. And salt. Or sugar.

9. How do you like your steak cooked?

Medium rare.

10. Have you ever stepped on something and had it stuck in your foot?

Yep. A bee. Glass. Thorns. Beast fell off a step in a production facility 20 years ago and impaled his foot (in a shoe) on a 1/2" bolt in the floor. That was awesome.

11. We're looking for viral video theme ideas. What's your best idea for a viral video day?

I don't really know. What I find funny is unexpected and unusual, so I wouldn't be all that excited about something I scripted.

12. What is your twitter handle? Can we follow you?

If I told you, I might as well tell you my name and address. And that ain't hapnin.

Random Dozen

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!

Nope, I do not. I have blondes in my family. One's a neurotic mess, one's batshit annoying, one is like a true sister (but not), one is smart as a whip and funny as hell, and one is one of the kindest people I know. So, pretty much the same mix as the redheads and brunettes to whom I'm related.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?

Kangaroo.

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?

No. But as I scanned this article, I ended up giggling over the fact that someone pointed out how funny it is that someone named "M. Othman" is in charge of this department.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

Gotta be "Psycho."

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?

Hmmmm, what do you think? OK, maybe the library, a.k.a., work. I'm so fucking behind on my job that I could use another week of 10-hour days to catch up--days when I don't get interrupted to do everything but scrub toilets. ...sigh...

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)

I like Simba. Yes, I'm aware he's not a princess. I hate princesses. Why do girls aspire to be decorative and nothing else?

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

Representational. {snort}
My favorite artist is Michelangelo.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?

I don't really feel anything about them as a rule. Some suck. Some are outrageous. Some are funny as hell.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

Kohl's, Farm & Fleet, Old Navy, wherever I can find a pair that fits and won't fall apart after 3 washes ... and doesn't cost $80 on sale.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

In high school, I backed into the car belonging to my high-school neighbor's boyfriend. Everyone in his car was high. One of his tires went flat...a whole comedy of errors ensued.

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?

Of course. I'm rather known for that, in fact. ...more sighing...

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?

Original sin, in all its forms.

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Breakfast
What is the longest you have gone without sleep?

Probably close to 48 hours, but I don't remember the circumstances exactly.

Lunch
If you don't live alone, do you think you would be able to, and if you do live alone, do you enjoy it? Why?

I could, pretty much, be fine on my own, and right now I think I would enjoy it a great deal. Not that I'm all that annoyed with my family, but I'm not in a pleasant place myself.

Dinner
Would you rather give a public speech or bungee jump?

I've done one of these, so let's just stick with the known quantity and make a speech. It would not be 47 minutes long and extemporaneous, however.

Midnight Snack
Have you ever rode on a train?

I have ridden on many of them.

Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

One More Day: