Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's something you're curious about right now? 

I am quite UNcurious about almost everything right now. Too much stress in my life, so I'm keeping the focus on the next step I need to take. ... Once I figure out what that is.

2. If you could plan the perfect girl's weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months? 

Bwaahh ha ha ha ha ha
No.

3. What's the most unique item in your refrigerator right now? 

I just found some prosciutto that I forgot I bought. How long is too long to keep prosciutto? I also keep my Ozempic in there--because I'm diabetic! Not because I have a strong need to be skinny.

4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging? 

Everydamnthing. Maybe less work-related stuff today (though I have my annual eval today so that could change--every conversation with my boss has a tendency to piss me off in some way or another), more house-related stuff (guys are here working on some repairs that should've been done Weds, but then ... wasn't).

5. Do you collect anything? If so why that? 

My stock answer for this is "dust." I also have quite a healthy collection of salt-and-pepper containers. All covered in DUST. 😇 Generally though, I have too damn much of everything; if you need it, ask me and I probably have at least one. It's stupid. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Despite everything--or maybe because of everything--I have yet to really break down and sob for hours. I guess (going back to question #1) I am a little curious about when that dam will break. I don't WANT to do it, but it's going to happen eventually.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Let's compare this May to last May. What's changed? What remains very much the same? 

Well, I don't remember anything specific about last May beyond being happy to have survived another winter and planning my first summer vacation in 6+ years. I'm currently planning a trip for September to scatter Beast's ashes and I'm very glad to have survived this most recent winter. It was a rough one, emotionally, not weather-wise. 

2. What's something you may do this month? 

I have an appointment for a follow-up EKG later on, my brother's coming for a visit around that time, and Sparky and I are meeting Larry the Lawyer next week to start getting this estate stuff figured out. While Del is here, we'll probably go try to visit my nephews about an hour northeast of here. Oh, and Mother's Day. I also need to get my new glasses made.

3. Mother's Day is approaching (in the US of A)...in what way(s) are you like your mother? 

In far too many ways, which was problematic when I was a kid. Luckily, I figured this out fairly young and came to terms with it years ago. We are both stubborn, prone to arguing, with a lot of suppressed anger. I like to think these days that I've mellowed. I know she did, but it took several strokes which I'd prefer to skip if possible.

4. Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it and why was it a favorite. 

I read and reread the Little House books like my personal Bible. I also loved Encyclopedia Brown. My favorite early childhood book was shaped like a barn and had a half dozen mini-books inside about the animals that live in barns, all with covers shaped like stall or pen doors. It would be weird to see that again.

5. Are you more of a tortoise or a hare? Explain. 

These days I'm full-tilt tortoise physically. Emotionally, I'm still pretty much haring around though.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had raccoons, or maybe baby skunks, on my porch roof this morning around 2:30 a.m. They woke me up banging around playing about 4 feet from my head. I eventually opened a window and one of them came over, spotted me, froze, and then I saw that one and one other scootle past the window and back down the tree they climbed to get up there. I wasn't mad, but I also wanted to go back to sleep. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

Volume 600

1. My very first edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge was published on November 10, 2010 (linked here if you're curious). Tell us something about your life from that era. 

Well, now that I've reread the post closest to that date from my previous blog--not the meme-blog--it looks like I was in mid Sandwich-Generation with a teen in the house and a father-in-law at the hospital for the day. I was negotiating Thanksgiving plans and frankly pissed with Katharine and Marie. Looking back, I wasn't being as bitchy as I felt then, just setting boundaries. The email I quoted that I sent to them could have been summed up by, "I've already planned for Thanksgiving at my house. If you can't make it over here, I'll be sorry not to see you." I think I remember caving in to their wishes, God help me!
Also, by the way, I hadn't found Wednesday Hodgepodge yet in 2010.

2. What's a song you love that relates to time in some way? 

The only thing that comes to mind at the mo is "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. It made me cry in the 80s. It would probably make me cry if I listened to it today.

3. May is nearly upon us. When did you last need to yell 'MAY DAY-MAY DAY!!'? 

Yesterday? At my therapist? Right before she whipped out her "note from the doctor" paperwork and informed me that I'm off work till Saturday. I'm ok with that. Frankly, I am fully ready to hand over complete control of my life to anyone else. Not permanently, just for a month or so.

4. How do you feel about food trucks? Is this a dining experience you enjoy?  Do you have a favorite What's something you've ordered from a food truck? 

I don't go anywhere there are crowds of people, so food trucks have never made my list of places to eat. I eat at the Fair, but otherwise I eat at drive-thrus or sit-down places only.

5. We're bidding farewell to April...what are three adjectives you might use to describe the month you're leaving behind. 

Frantic, flaky, funereal.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

As noted above I'm on forced 'vacation' from work for a few days after admitting to the doc that I'm not doing well. I honestly could not possible care less about anything going on at work (my idiot boss and a freaky public masterbating vlogger haven't even creased my brain at all--whatever, guys, just keep me out of it) despite needing to do evaluations for my folks and all the other BS that goes on there. If I could just go in and catalog for 8 straight hours a day for a week, I would be the happiest Cat on the planet.

Hodgepodge Questions

(Link in meme-roll)
Volume 342

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

I get up and walk around if I need immediate brainpower. If it's a long-term thing, I do other things and try not to work on it too much consciously.

2. What's under your bed?

Just dust. There might be socks, but I doubt it; it's clean but dusty.

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

Sweet potatoes are right out. I'm not a huge fan of margaritas, so I guess it's chili for me.

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Forms. With due dates that are glaring in my face. I'm in serious panic mode.

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

Sleep, a brisk walk, music, mindless internet, getting a project done.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been away from work for a week. Tomorrow will be my return day. I'm not looking forward to seeing my desk when I arrive....

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Are there any men or women in blue on your family tree?

My brother was a police officer briefly. I have photos of him in uniform, but otherwise you wouldn't know. He switched to EMT/Fire fairly quickly. Probably the best call of his life. Weirdly, his son has always wanted to be a cop; he's currently working for TSA. Does that count as police?

2. Are you someone who suffers from the Sunday night blues? What helps you get over it?

No. I like my job, and weekends being the way they've been over the past few years, I usually can't wait to get out of the house Monday morning.

3. I read the color blue is an appetite suppressant since there are very few naturally blue foods out there. How do you feel about blue cheese? Love it or blech? If you're a fan, what's something you like that's made with blue cheese?

I like bleu cheese just fine, though with other food, not alone. Bleu cheese dressing is my favorite salad topper.

4. We can't head in to the Labor Day weekend without a related question, can we? Complete this thought: I work best when____________________.

...people leave me [[expletive]] alone to get stuff done.

5. 'Everything yields to diligence.' Antiphanes Your thoughts? (on this particular quote or on diligence in general)

Diligence will not stop rain from falling or bullets from killing people. Working to help flood victims or victims of violence in a diligent manner is possible, just hard work doesn't always achieve everything. It's one of the fallacies that arrives all boxed up as LIES THE WORLD TOLD ME at about midlife when you realize you can't postpone death forever.

6. The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 25th. Have you been to many of America's National Parks? If so share with us a favorite or two. Which National Park would you most like to visit before the next birthday rolls around?

I have been to several; in fact, I now have a passport. In the past year, I've been to the Abraham Lincoln Home and El Morro in San Juan. Of course, I've also been to Yellowstone and Little Bighorn and Rushmore; of those three, I can't recommend highly enough a lengthy stop at Little Bighorn. My favorite part is Mesa Verde, where I've visited a dozen times. I love climbing around there. I'm not likely to see any more U.S. Parks this year; it's possible we'll drive through Brecon Beacons while on vacation next month.

7. Bid farewell to August in seven words or less.

Bring on the fall and lower humidity!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have, it seems, only random thoughts these days. My goal today is to maintain my composure and not have another afternoon of anxiety attacks like I did yesterday. One hour, one minute, at a time.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

The fact that I have at this point purchased less than $20 worth of Christmas gifts for Beast. Sparky is relatively good to go. Beast...I have no ideas. None.

2. Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year?

I'm fine with their choice. Nice to see an non-American woman on the cover of a major, mainstream American magazine for something that doesn't involve makeup, fashion, or breast implants.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

Yes we have one. I painted all the figures about 20 years ago--they came as plain whiteware--and we bought a "stable" to house them. They go on the dining room dresser, except Jesus who doesn't appear till after Christmas Eve service at church.

4. Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

We usually deliver gifts for a local organization that gives Christmas gifts to every household in town that lives below the poverty line. If there are kids, each one gets a toy and a book. One of the Rotary Clubs puts it all together, with a lot of help, and this week is packing (tonight is toys and books, tomorrow is food) and Saturday is delivery. However, this year, I'm not sure we'll be able to help load out on Saturday because of Beast's whole back/shoulder thing. We'll have to play it by ear, just like every other freakin' thing in the universe right now.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

It's the most fun to shop for little kids. They just love everything!

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

The mashed potatoes with dinner tonight were pretty good.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is _____________.

Smile and have a positive attitude.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Two sick kids this week--not mine, only one family member--the kind of sick that involves hospitals, surgeries, and general long-term thinking rather than planning for tomorrow. Apparently, God is trying to tell me something about planning...and expectations, which was also part of the theme from last night's meeting.

Hodgepodge Questions

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

We didn't watch it (I pretty much never do anymore), but I love Linus deeply and truly, but and Schroeder is just adorable. [ETA: too many buts]

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind." ~ Linus Would you agree?

Yes. Today I need a big pumpkin patch with absolutely no people in it, just dogs, a blanket, and a box of Kleenex.

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind?

There are times when I really wish we had a piano. The sound of noodling around on a slightly out-of-tune piano ... I miss that. Electronic keyboards are not the same.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least) - see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec?

I would love to see the Ice Hotel, and going dogsledding sounds fun (for about 10 minutes). I'd love to go for another troika ride too; scroll down to Lake Baikal for the one I've been on. It was delightful and having latkes and vodka and doing the Chicken Dance around a blazing fire with Russians was surreal and hilarious.

4. Who or what keeps you humble?

I'm pretty capable of humiliating myself myself, but should I need help my family and friends stand ready to burst my balloon of self-importance.

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain.

I do like decorating the tree, now that we have a pre-lit one, but I have a hard time motivating myself to get started.

6. Gingerbread - yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

Nope. Not a fan. Not at all. I mean, I'll eat some if its offered but I can totally live without it.

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year?

Well, shopping and wrapping needs doing, eh? And it would be nice if Beast could get through a day without crying in pain a few times before 2016 commences.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am sick unto illness over the latest mass shooting. What the hell? Today is the first day I really feel like I live in Israel, in a police state, in a place where I am eminently unsafe in the world, since 9/11 and that was just flat-out panic and hysteria. I'm not panicking--this happened thousands of miles from me today--but there are far FAR too many ARMED nutjobs out there in the world. I realize that others in this country are in more danger on a moment-by-moment basis than me, but who the HELL shoots up and tries to bomb a disabled adult work-site?! Or, an elementary school? Or a health clinic (oh, wait that's been going on for multiple decades, no news there, really--pay attention people).....or a post office (oh wait...), or a fucking SPA?! Jesus God the world has lost its mind!
Also, hey, all you CC-licensed people: you are not living up to your promises of keeping the rest of us safe. Get with it or turn in your fucking guns, morons*.

__________
*if you choose to engage in pushing a pro-gun agenda in the comments just a reminder that I do delete crazy talk without prejudice

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?

Both Beast and I have birthdays this month. Mine is next week, and his is the following week. Hopefully we'll be able to do something fun to celebrate them. We'll each achieve a full deck of years this time 'round.

2. If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?

The people at work who have been more than understanding about my recent adventures in medical hassle with Beast.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

Oh, dear.... I'm a real bread-aholic. I'm not a fan of cinnamon bread and banana bread doesn't do much for me, but I with stuff my face FULL of any of the other options.

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

I have S&Ps in abundance. There are currently two shelving units that Beast has purchased in the past year that he needs to refinish and then I can fill them with currently-packed-away S&Ps. yay

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

h.s. physics with Jesus-freak hair

My son has the same color hair as my dad did. By the time I was born, however, Dad's auburn had turned white, so I have to rely on others' memories. Sparky's hair is to die for (it's also MUCH shorter now!).
My sister Ellen had red hair too. Same shade.

6. The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

Are you kidding me?! Both my home state and my current state are baseball stadiums! FFS, that's just sad. Flat and dull as this place is, there's definitely more to see here that *@!)#ing baseball. And in Colorado, you take pictures of baseball? Really? I don't think so. And no, I haven't ever been to either stadium.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question: What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

I now know that I should have more faith in my skills than I currently have. I had no intention to drive the RV we rented last month, but I ended up driving it 400 miles home, driving it in city traffic and through a major construction zone, and setting it up alone.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's very sad when you've lived in an area long enough, and visited the hospital so many times that you know EXACTLY where the best parking spots are, where the cafeteria is, where the restrooms are in radiology, and how to get out of the hospital (legally) without going all the way back to the front door.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Something on your October calendar that makes you smile?

I'm going on vacation!! Two weeks doing whatever the heck we want! We're renting a small(ish) RV and driving through the Ozarks and just hanging out. I need to get the hell out of here, even before the shit hit the fan last week. And I haven't really left town for more than part of a day since January. This is ridiculous!

2. Food for the soul or music for the soul...which camp are you in? Tell us why.

Yes. I need music on a regular basis or my soul hurts. And I do love food. A lots.

3. What are two or three things you've learned recently as the result of an online search?

1) That I'm a bully (because I asked Facebook to remove a photo from someone's Facebook page because it didn't belong to the person posting it). 2) That, holy cannoli!, my entire life is online, but thankfully NOT connected to any of my blogs. 3) That Jimmy Kimmel has a hilarious bit on his show where famous people read tweets about themselves.

4. Share your favorite game day recipe. You can describe it, post the how-to, or add a link to the actual recipe.

I don't make special food for game days, except for Thanksgiving of course. It's all about the burgers and brats, if we do anything at all.

5. What are your five essential steps for creating the perfect morning routine?

1) Setting my alarm for the right time. 2) Not oversleeping on a day I need to be up at a specific time. 3) Having an idea when I get to the closet about what I'm going to be wearing. 4) No tripping, dropping stuff, whacking assorted body parts on door jambs / cabinets / furniture in the bedroom / bathroom. 5) Remembering all the "little" things: deodorant, lotion, perfume, earrings, matched shoes (and socks in the winter), clean glasses, meds....

6. What small thing have you taken note of today?

I'm very appreciative of all my great-nephews and their parents--my Wall o' Kids is all updated as of today with all six boys. There are no girls yet, but these kidlets are awesome!! I'll get a picture tomorrow and post it one of these days.

7. Sum up your September in seven words or less.

Hot, weird, busy, crazy, learning curves everywhere.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

People who assault and badger and harass people from the safety of their computers are evil. They are the Great Evil of the modern age. It is emphatically NOT ok to treat people like they matter less than you in the big world, and it is NOT ok to create the center of the universe around yourself at the expense of other people's freedom and peace of mind. It's NOT ok to impose your worldview on others when your worldview comes from a place of Crazy.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What's your favorite something pink?

I'm not a fan of pink. I guess I don't mind Pepto-Bismol when I need it, though.

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? How about the least?

I liked most everything about gym class as a really little kid, but as I got older the "girls don't like sports" mindset took over. I liked dodgeball ok and volleyball, but climbing the rope? Nuh-uh.

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?

My mom loved roses. By the time she and Dad moved out of the house I grew up in, she must have had 40-50 bushes. When I went off to college, my dad built a new planter and she became a tester for Jackson & Perkins. She always had hybrids with scent. Those are hard to find anymore, especially at big box stores.

4. Do you prefer to read or write?

Reading. So much easier.

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, 'Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?

My WASPy background says laziness is always bad, but I'm about the laziest person around so...

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast...which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?

Do I have to go to Florida? Boo. OK, Gulf Coast it is.

7. What question do you hate to answer?

"What do you want for dinner?"

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm sitting here listening to my son rant and rave about work today. He's frustrated. I can relate. I was ranting about 10 hours ago in a similar fashion, to Beast.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Do you believe in miracles?

I do. Absolutely. I've seen them.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?

I tweeted semi-regularly for about a year. But I don't really have the patience or time to keep up with it.

3. Peppermint--are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?

I love peppermint! I go through a ton of peppermint gum, and I like Ghirardelli's peppermint bark too.

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.

I watch entirely too much American Pickers: "break the ice" is way in the lead here. By the way, can someone explain to me when and why we started saying "cold as hell"? Because, yeah....

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?

Yeah, and boy ain't that a bitch? This has never been the cause of a broken friendship, however.

6. 'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?

Grinch. Well, not exactly, but I'm not really into the whole Xmas thing at this point.

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." (Erma Bombeck)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We're going to get the tree up and decorated tonight and/or tomorrow. I'm not excited about it, but Sparky's here to help so that will help. I have made inroads on the purchasing of "stuff" as well, so maybe Christmas morning won't be a complete bust. However, I'm trying really hard to be living in the right now, not in the anxiety about Christmas stuff.

Wednesday Hodgepodge (a bit late)

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What lesson has failure taught you?

Take some time, then get back up, and start again. All three steps are equally important.

2. What decision are you glad you made?

Sticking around. At least, so far.

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

Hell no! It may, MAY, go up next weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join? How would I "join" solitaire? lol I'd be up for some poker, but I haven't played Old Maid in a really long time. How about Egyptian Rat Screw, though, instead.
5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?

I eat. Unless it's REALLY high stress, and then I don't eat at all because my stomach is too unsettled.

6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?

I've done this a couple of times, generally because something was either exceptionally good or really awful. It's not a habit though.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?

I can't remember anything specific, but I had a short chat with a couple of co-workers about work-stuff that was ok.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just served notice on Facebook that I'm done with games (again). I brought home the latest Elizabeth George book which clocks in at well over 700 pages. And there's holiday stuff coming, and other things I need to be doing that are actually productive.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. My sister is celebrating a birthday today. Happy Birthday little sis! What's one way you're like your siblings? If you don't have siblings how are you like your lifelong best friend or cousin?

I'm lousy at communicating with family like my brother. I'm kind of OCD about stuff like my sister.

2. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of yourself at age eighteen?

Off to college! Woohoo!

3. Sculptor-actor-painter-dancer...if you could excel in one of these arts, which would you choose and why?

I always wanted to be able to dance when I was a kid. That sort of bled into fantasizing about acting on stage...but I was way too fearful for that. Sculpting sounds flat out fun, and also very physically demanding.

4. What's a scent that takes you back in time, and where does it take you?

My mom used the same pink hand creme (ahem) my entire childhood. I just spent a solid 30 minutes trying to find it online because I can't remember the name. It had a vaguely French-sounding name and came in a white jar. I think it was floral. I know if I caught a whiff of that, it would totally be "MOM!" [if you have any idea what I'm talking about, please give me a hint--it's driving me NUTS now!]

5. November is for Peanut Butter Lovers (National Peanut Butter Lovers Month). Are you a lover or a hater? What's your favorite dish/recipe that calls for peanut butter?

I like peanut butter. I'm not insane about it, but I'll eat it. I like Hershey bars with peanut butter.

6. What do people thank you personally for most often?

I get a lot of thank-yous while at the Reference Desk.

7. What event this year are you most thankful for?

Beast getting treatment.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm off of work for the next week. I have a list of stuff to do. I really, really hope I have enough sticktuitiveness to get it all done.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's your worst food memory? How about one of your best?

Worst is being forced to eat mom's version of liver and onions. OMG, just kill me!
Bests...too many to pick one: the first time I tried cheesecake, blood oranges in winter in Rome, feeding Sparky his first round of rice cereal when he was a baby (which devolved into him wearing at least 50% of it), pleeeeeading with my surgeon for a burger the day I had emergency abdominal surgery (he said no)...and then not being able to face meat for a week after the surgery....
I like food so I guess I have more good memories than bad ones.

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little? How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?

I try to be tactful around people I know who are sensitive, but overall I'm pretty blunt, and I appreciate the same. I don't mind bluntness; I do mind hurtfulness or chit-chat going nowhere.

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?

Here. Or a mountain.

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?

About 20 minutes before it's time for me to go home from work.

5. What was the last concert you attended? Who'd you go with? Was it any good?

I can't even remember, so I'll go with a Boston concert with Starship opening for them; this was about two years ago. Quite weird. Great people-watching, though.

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless? What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?

I used to love Survivor. I used to always watch The Amazing Race. Both have fallen off the radar. We are faithful Deadliest Catch watchers, however. There are ways of doing reality TV well, and then there's the majority of the shows.

7. What's something you think is overrated?

Since we're kind of in the vicinity ... network TV, especially sitcoms. What does it mean that I don't find anyone on current sit-coms at all amusing?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

In the past four days, I've...: had about 6 hours of full-time facetime with my newest great-nephew, spent several hours in our local ER waiting room, had unexpected overnight company for two nights (my sister), eaten out 80% of my meals, Beast left on a 56-hour driving trip out of state, missed five hours of work and had to cancel attendance at a meeting to make up those hours, spent one day fighting back against my allergies due to being outside for two hours (!! yes, just two hours), came within three seconds of murdering an extended-family member in his hospital room, run the dishwasher, done a load of laundry for my sister, taken her to the pharmacy to get an emergency supply of meds to cover her stay here, put about 100 extra miles on my car, sat waiting for road construction vehicles to move, lost 2.5 lbs. (according to Weight Watchers), cataloged 130 books, been awakened multiple times in one night because of the 8 or 9 mosquito bites on my feet, and attended Bible Study.

Meanwhile, this was a coworker's Facebook status update this morning: "Trans changed [two of her kids]' bus schedule without telling me from 8:31 to 8:11, so had to drive them to school; [her oldest] called & needed me to drop off meds she forgot to take this morning; car did not have enough gas to get to work (I swear it did last night!); phone was out of minutes; had to take alternate route to work due to construction; there was a tractor!; lost call in middle of topping up minutes so that I could call work to tell them I was going to be late. I CRIED. How was YOUR morning?!"

And another friend posted this earlier today (in another state several hundred miles from here): "[Son] and I just had a guy pull a gun on us while driving home. I've lived here for over 17 years and have never had anything like this happen. We're fine but a bit shaken up. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see his plates."

We all need a do-over this week.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?

I can avoid the drama that is currently going on in at least three of my coworkers' lives, and some other friends' lives as well. I'd also very much like to avoid Sunday night's 4-hour marathon sleep-talking (-screaming) event.

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini? What's your peach pleasure?

I like fresh-off-the-tree peaches, and good peach pie. The drink sounds revolting, but a good Fuzzy Navel isn't such a bad thing.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.

It's a good theory, unless you happen to be an adrenaline junkie.

4. What's your favorite household chore? Yes, you have to name one.

I don't mind washing dishes by hand, but that's mostly because I only have to do it once a week or less because most everything gets washed in the dishwasher.

5. Fodor's recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Monica, CA; Mount Haleakala in Maui, HI; Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, NM; Laguna Beach CA; Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ; Four Seasons in Miami, FL; Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA; Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard, MA; Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City, UT; and Mallory Square in Key West, FL

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots? If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodor's List, which would you choose? Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?

I have not been to any of these places, but I think the list is full of hooey. I have excellent sunsets on my back porch, they left off all of the Rockies and Moosehead Lake, and with the exception of a couple of things on the list all of their choices are in suspiciously pricey and touristy places.

6. What's your favorite or most used app? If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?

Most-commonly used is Google Hangouts. I also use Dropbox almost every day.

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far.

So far, no family funerals this year.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

School starts next week around here. Can you believe that? Sparky's still finishing up his second "semester" of Organic Chemistry at college which won't be finished until the end of August. Now that he's halfway through college, he's suddenly changing horses maniacally (typical of many students) in subject majors and minors. Sigh...let's just focus on getting above C-level grades, dude, k?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

My perception is that we're less racist, less homophobic, slightly less sexist, and more open about the existence of bad things (abuse, disease, etc.).

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Two words: "helicopter parents."

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

"Star light, star bright/First star I see tonight/I wish I may, I wish I might/Have the wish I wish tonight."

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

I don't listen to the radio, so if a song is overplayed it would be because I'm listening to it over and over. The one that comes to mind immediately is Pink's "Fuckin' Perfect" (not the edited version).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Not since I lived at home in my teens. It's just way too much work when DQ is right around the corner and is actually less horrific from a nutritional standpoint than homemade is.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

Encourage them and then let them take ownership. Generally. Of course, there will always be a few who just need to be pushed because they don't really want to work for whatever reason. I find the carrot approach tends to work better than the stick, though the stick is way more tempting to use, and easier in the short run.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Sometime in the last six weeks. I know we lost power at least briefly overnight once this summer, and we were out for a couple of hours another time. We lose power all the damn time, so it's hardly noteworthy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really hate allergy season. I really totally completely loathe corn pollen. And I don't feel good. And my eyes are completely fubar.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Vol. 133

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard? Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

I send one to work whenever I go on vacation for more than few days. Otherwise, I buy them when I can't take good photos of things, and I only save the ones sent to me that I like.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?

Realistically--since I don't have alcohol in the house anymore--it's mostly booze that I appreciate.

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

Sometimes. But not always, or often.

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?

We just got a new one a couple of weeks ago, and it's already been used. I didn't look in it, Beast did; I usually use the internet.

5. Would you rather be first or last?

Depends. Ice cream : first! Innoculations : last!

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park? Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?

I don't remember the last park I was in. It may have been overseas, in fact.

7. What was one of your worst ideas?

I have so many it's hard to pick the worst. I can't think of anything really stupid of recent vintage that I'm willing to go into here. Suffice to say I often have a really big mouth.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

...so many things I should do tonight, but I think the most important thing is for me to get 8 hours of sleep tonight. My eyes are really fubar and I haven't sleep for shit all week.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's something people might ask you for help with?

I just had the following exchange on Facebook:

Roger : Attention [high school alumni]! A question for you please. I seem to remember that in 1980 our class made a TIME CAPSULE, but I do not remember where it was buried. I think in was somewhere near the WEST edge of the football field very near the concrete wall close to the [gym], at the south end of the really tall wall. Do any of you remember this as well? I am hoping that 1. I am not hallucinating this (with due cause), and 2. if there was a time capsule that someone remembers it and where it is located. With all the demolition and new construction at [the school] it would be a shame if the capsule were lost or destroyed. Do any of you recall this?

Julie : I do not...

[me] : This rings a faint bell, but I'm pretty sure I never knew where it would be buried...prob b/c I'm not in your class.
Anything in your yearbook? Who was your class president, Head Girl/Boy? They would've been involved, surely, and may remember...?

[me] : Another option is for someone to hit the [Hometown] Library and look at the old papers to see if this was mentioned. That's a big time-suck, but I can't find anything on the [library] website to search online.

Roger : Smart [Cat.] :) SMART :) Thanks. Hopefully they will read this posting thread.

[me] : Ah shucks. I'm a librarian: it's what I do. ;)

Roger : Librarians are COOL. They have super investigative POWERS! ;-)

2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?

Cooking, cleaning, gardening, shopping...

3. Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so, where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?

When I was a wee thing, we mostly went to my sister's in Wyoming, or up into the mountains on day trips, or to my other sister's in Wisconsin, or to my OTHER sister's college campus. When I was about 10 my parents purchased a small building in the mountains and we went there most of the time after that for vacations. My vacations have indeed gotten more like my parents'. When Sparky was little we did try to go somewhere for a couple of weeks every summer: WDW, England (the OTHER sister lived there), a nearby resort town where we rented a house with another family....

4. Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?

INSIDE. Or the mountains. Why is that never an option on this question??

5. Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to be kind'? Was it really necessary or were you rationalizing?

I wouldn't say "cruel" but there is a certain level of firmness that is necessary in raising a child. Or training a dog. Or being disciplined about anything, really.

6. The Journal of Psychology recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as: liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, Brussels sprouts, tuna, and gelatin. Of those foods, how many do you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list?

The only ones I really can't gag down are liver and okra. Of the rest, I'm not a fan of Brussels sprouts or lima beans, but I like all the others.

7. What's your favorite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?

The only thing that comes to mind is Summer of '42. I'm sure I've read something since then--in fact, I really KNOW that I have--but I can't remember titles.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really hope the part for the a/c comes tomorrow and Beast can get it fixed. I'm not enjoying the nights without dehumidification (it's only off when we're asleep or out of the house).

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Summertime is a season of reunions, weddings, and other family celebrations and gatherings...are any of the above on your calendar in the next two months?

Nope. Three of my friends or family members are having babies in the next couple of months though. My sister will be here when her daughter's baby is born in late July. My overseas brother-in-law is coming for a visit in late September, at which time my sister will be back here and the new baby will be baptized. That's the big excitement this summer. Whee.

2. June is National Iced Tea Month...are you an iced tea drinker? If so, how do you like yours (sweet, flavored, etc)?

I will drink it sometimes, but I don't like it that much. I drink it straight-no-sugar, over ice if necessary, and tasting of, uhm, tea.

3. When were you last nervous? Looking back, was the 'event' actually nerve-worthy?

I'm not sure when I was nervous last. I get twitchy occasionally when Beast exhibits behaviors like those he spent nearly two years working out, but he's been ok lately. The reason for my twitching is that I don't know what I'm going to get in trouble for doing/saying/being when he's crashing. Otherwise, I can't think of anything nervous-making. After the past couple of years, it would take something major for me to be very bothered by anything short of speaking in front of several hundred people.

4. The bristle toothbrush was invented in China on June 26, 1498...not sure how that date was pinned down so precisely but...on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being sick to your stomach and 1 being not at all, how nervous do you feel when you're headed to the dentist? Do you see your dentist twice a year?

I try to get in twice a year, and since my dentist looks like a young, not-quite-so-tan George Hamilton, I don't mind much. He's also super nice and bends over backwards in emergency situations. All this is not to say I love going to the dentist, but I've had enough worse experiences that the occasional filling/crown/root canal isn't anything to get wired up for.

5. What's making news in your town this week?

The weather sucks. In my immediate neighborhood, we are ramping up to the Fireworks Day. Lots of pre-holiday popping going on. And then the usual random weirdness that any small town experiences every week. In the bigger area, there's some sports ya-ya going on, but nothing I have any interest in at all.

6. Curtains, drapes, blinds...your window treatment of choice? Are there any bare windows in your house? Is that by choice or because you haven't gotten around to covering them?

I don't like big heavy curtains; they are just plain dust-catchers. We have blinds on most of the windows on the main floor. and washable curtains on the rest of the windows in the house. No bare windows anymore at all, but the front blinds aren't exactly opaque.

7. Summertime is officially here (in the Northern hemisphere anyway)...what one song is a must-have on your summer playlist?

I don't think I have a "summer playlist." I like loud songs if I'm driving long-distances, preferably happy music, and not so much heavy rock, unless it's Melissa Etheridge.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to sleep again tonight. I'm really irritated about something I can't do anything about till tomorrow, but I'm afraid I'm going to stew about it in my dreams at least. Last night was a rough night too, though I did eventually get about 8 hours of sleep...over the course of close to 12 hours from the time I went to bed and the time I got up. First those fireworks went off at about 11 and I was up for an hour then. I got back to sleep for an hour before a thunderstorm woke me up (WITH MY EARPLUGS IN! grrr) so I was awake for an hour after all that stopped. Maybe tonight is a night that means Benadryl at bedtime. Bible Study starts at 6:30, so I should probably get going up to bed soon.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. This week's Hodgepodge is Volume 123. What's something you've done recently that was as easy as 1-2-3?

Re-signing up with Weight Watchers was very painless and easy. The actual dieting itself isn't going so well quite yet, but I am eating somewhat less so that's a step.

2. The Wednesday Hodgepodge also happens to fall on the first day of May ...what is something you may do this month?

We may go on a short vacation at some point this month. We'll see. Nothing is set in stone yet.

3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying, "The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think." How do you see it?

Yes. Better to do both in moderation.

4. May is National Hamburger Month...how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers? I assume you vegetarians won't be celebrating so tell us what you'd like instead?

I don't love burgers, but I probably have 2-3 a month. Beast makes them for dinner often. Those are good.

5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens...of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? (Or whenever spring comes to your part of the globe?) Who does the gardening at your house?

I loathe geraniums. Impatiens makes me think of Mom, and petunias even more so: she had pansies in the front planters every year. Pansies are fine. Maybe I'll get some for this summer. But for the most part, Beast does the yard work because being outside for too long makes me sick.

6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout "Mayday, Mayday!"

Hmmm. Last week. Can't remember why. Something work-related.

7. Say farewell to your April in ten words or less.

"Cya. Wouldn't wanna be ya." April pretty much sucked this year for so many reasons, not least of which was the weather.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This has been a delightfully quiet and productive week at work. What a lovely change from the norm.