Friday 5 (x2)

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Agitation

1. Whose performance of your nation’s anthem did you find especially stirring?

I prefer the ones where the tempo is moving along and there's no 'showing off.' Just sing the damn song and keep in mind the tune is a drinking song originally, so no funereal vibes.

2. When did you last fold something?

Probably at work yesterday, involving paper. I don't remember, but it's nearly certain. I know I folded up some paper on Friday to scribble on during our meeting.

3. When did you last toss something to someone?

I have no idea, but it's like to have been the last time Sparky was here. I generally toss her the remote upon arrival since I literally never use it.

4. How do you feel about beets?

Meh. I haven't eaten them in decades, at least not cooked, but I never really loved them as a kid. They offend my sensibilities with their pink drainage all around my plate.

5. What do you have mixed feelings about?

Other people's behavior. I've worked hard to be less knee-jerk judgy about choices other people make, but sometimes I just want to crack heads together.

Not your everyday

1. What’s going to be special about this weekend?

Not a helluva lot. I really REALLY hope I can get the stupid Phone Calls I Hate Having to Do accomplished tomorrow.

2. When did you last order the special when dining out?

Hmm. It's not unheard of, but I can't remember the last time. I don't eat at 'nice' places (that have specials) very often. I do usually get something I know the place does well, which makes it special to them, right?

3. What’s especially memorable about this past week?

Aside from the lack of patron zipper + underwear on Monday? And the bat, also on Monday at work? And it being the first week of Summer Reading Prizes? It was a pretty normal week.

4. When did you last consult with a specialist of some kind?

I saw my therapist on Wednesday. I basically only see specialists these days. Oh, I had a bone density exam this week. Woo-hoo!

5. What have you done recently to make someone else feel special?

I hope I do that to someone every day at work (coworkers or patrons). I saw one of Beasty's former caregivers on Friday for the first time since last year sometime and thanked her for all her help. She hadn't heard the news. I got a little weepy.

Friday 5

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Count All the Bees in the Hive

1. Which of the Winnie-the-Pooh characters do you most relate to?

I tend to vacillate a little among Eeyore, Rabbit, and Owl. I also have some Kanga in me.

2. Which of the Winnie-the-Pooh characters has qualities you’d find most attractive in a romantic partner?

Piglet. Of course.

3. In what way have you “wandered much further” today than you should?

I haven't gotten a damned thing done today except a quick grocery-shopping trip. I really should start some laundry or something. I'm way off-schedule. OTOH, we had a good time at mini-golf--all three of us--at the library today.

4. Of Winnie-the-Pooh stories you can remember (from the books, Disney cartoons, or other sources), which is your favorite?

I hate the Disney-fied versions. I literally grew up reading Pooh--I still have the copies of the books my sister Jean gave me when I turned 6--and the stories and poems are delightful and nothing like the Disney crap. My favorite off-the-top-of-my-head is probably the Heffalump story.

5. Which quote* from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories would be good for the epigraph in the book about your life?

One from the Wiki page that my sister wrote a little note next to in my book (because of "Nanny"--family story):

And Nanny let my beetle out
Yes, Nanny let my beetle out
She went and let my beetle out-
And beetle ran away.

6. Thanks for participating, and have a Cottleston Pie weekend!

* Here are a few sources for quotes. I like Wikiquote because it’s sourced, but it can be a bit of a slog to search sometimes. There’s some nicely curated stuff here, but I can’t vouch for its legitimacy. And then there’s always Google Images, which gives pretty results but is the Wild West when it comes to accuracy.

Friday 5

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Impromptu

1. What’s something you’ve created while improvising in the kitchen?

   Aside from a giant pile of dishes to wash? I've made some decent baked chicken concoctions lately: chicken pieces plus spices plus marinade plus baking or frying. I may have finally gotten the hang of this cooking thing.

2. In your work, how good are you at winging it?

   It's what I do every day. There's really no way to plan my workdays in a fixed way. I prefer a schedule, but...that is not always how things turn out.

3. When you travel, how much of your trip do you make up as you go?

   I used to plan down to the minute. The trip we just returned from had the following agenda: "Go to rental house. Attend wedding. See family, esp. kids. Visit family at their homes after wedding. Play with kids. See some sights if there's time. Eat good food."

4. How structured are your plans for this weekend?

   Holy sheet, we have an unbelievable weekend!! Tonight we each have a meeting to attend, half an hour apart, and one car. Tomorrow is Homecoming + college reunion day so we're headed up there, where we hope to also see Sparky. He just called. Because he works in catering on campus, he has worked 10-12 hour days yesterday & today, and will also work long hours tomorrow & Sunday. So, we might NOT see him at all except to wave.
   Anyway, we were also invited to a hayride tomorrow night--not gonna make that.
   On Sunday, Beast is in charge of the lights and sound booth at church on Sunday, and I teach Sunday School. And then as soon as church is over, we're off to a family birthday party for J. (below) who turned 1 last week. Then we come home and go to bed until I have to go to work Monday. Laundry? Cleaning? Groceries? Nope, not this weekend.

   

   Yes, this is his 'normal' hair!

5. What’s something you’ve discovered while wandering around in your neighborhood?

   The first Halloween we lived here, Sparky was still (barely) young enough to Trick or Treat. I discovered that it's always uphill into the wind on the way back to our house, no matter which direction we're walking. Especially when it's cold outside, at night.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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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.

Friday 5

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Saturday Night’s All Right for Writing About

1. What did a typical Saturday look like when you were a child?

   The schedule for me and mom was cleaning (and laundry for her) in the morning; I was meant to clean my room, thoroughly: dust, vacuum, tidy, hang up/put away clothes, etc. Once we all ate lunch, the afternoon usually involved shopping at the mall or yardwork, and at some point we usually hit the library. Please note: no cartoons.

2. What did a typical Saturday look like when you were a teen?

   See above. The routine never changed, never varied. The only thing that changed was how late I could convince Mom I was "sleeping in"--usually reading in bed for a couple of hours till she came and rousted me.

3. What does a typical Saturday look like now?

   Up until last year, for 25 years of my library career I worked every other Saturday (alternating with Fridays). So the weeks I work, I'm up and out by 7:45 a.m. The weeks I don't work, I try to sleep in, and then work on laundry. I don't spend the day cleaning, however. ;-) Nowadays, I only work about one Saturday a month; this month it's tomorrow.

4. When did you last spend Saturday in a park?

   I'm pretty sure that hasn't ever happened, though we have had all-day kid things--robotics, swim meets, band competitions. I don't think I've ever spent an entire day in a park. At this point, I'm so allergic to virtually everything in local parks in the summer that it's not likely to ever happen, either.

5. Do you prefer to get a holiday on Friday, Monday, or some day in the middle of the week?

   I'll take a holiday whenever it's handed out; I'm not fussy. ;-)

Saturday 9

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The One You Love (1982)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
In memory of Glenn Frey (1948-2016).

1) In this song, Glenn explores one of the great romantic conundrums. This week, Saturday 9 is confronting it, too. If you had to choose, would you prefer to be loved, or to be in love?

It's good to be loved. I mean, don't get me wrong, loving others is great, but right now I'm feeling needy and in need of some TLC. Not sick, just blerghy.

2) The song describes an awkward moment: an old boyfriend calls when a woman is on a date with someone new. To whom did you last say, "I can't talk now?"

I just don't answer if I can't talk. Cell phones have that nifty "ignore" feature. Actually, I'm excellent at ignoring old-fashioned ringing phones too.

3) The lyrics talk about heart vs. head. When you find yourself in that predicament, which usually wins -- heart or head?

It totally depends on the situation I'm (slowly) getting better at letting my head at least make an appearance before I pop off emotionally. In a crisis, I generally do shut down and go with practical, head-based responses, especially if I'm responsible for the situation, i.e., the only adult in sight.

4) This song was from Glenn Frey's solo album, No Fun Aloud. What fun stuff are you looking forward to this weekend?

The Broncos play tomorrow, against The Evil Empire. We're also having a guest music group at church so that will be fun.

5) Glenn Frey was born in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. The Motor City is known for car manufacturing. Is your car domestic or foreign?

We are a double-Ford family, triple if Sparky's involved in the list. This is VERY weird, since my family was Toyota, Chevy, Olds, Subaru, and Honda from childhood through my mid-20s. Then we bought a #%)@ing Plymouth Voyager, which SUCKED, so I was really really anti-Detroit at that point. But I love me our Fords! They are easy to drive, easy to fix, easy to use, and built to last.

6) The popular 1990s sitcomHome Improvement was set in Royal Oak. Are you handy around the house?

My dad was a builder and cabinetmaker with 4 daughters out of 5 kids. We all grew up handing THAT wrench or THOSE pliers to Dad, or HOLDing THIS STILL while he affixed it in place. I dug a 10x10x10 septic pit at 8,000 feet above sea-level with Dad when I was 20 and he was 64, by hand, then lined it with cinderblock, mixed home-made (from river gravel) concrete to hold it together, all in a week. Yeah, I know my way around fixing, building, repairing, finagling, and what shit should look like when its done. We're watching HGTV's Property Brothers right now, and yes I do inspect the work and sneer when they do idiotic shit.

7) Glenn Frey co-founded The Eagles in 1970. What's your favorite Eagles song?

I can't think of any Eagles songs I don't like, but my personal favorite for the humor is "Get Over It." Here's the video. Enjoy. Don't make me find your inner child....lol

8) The Eagles helped define "California Rock," but in recent years Glenn and his wife lived in Tribeca. Have you ever been to New York? If so, did you like it?

Haven't been, never really wanted to visit, but I think at some point I really must see it.

9) Glenn wrote "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to the City" for the iconic 1980s TV show,Miami Vice. What else comes to mind when you think of the 80s?

Big hair, Aquanet, oversized shirts, Oliver North, Phil Collins, MTV, pegged pants, elf-boots, yuppies, long skirts, Thriller, Madonna, neon colors, skinny ties, Jheri curls, and the fear of Reagan blowing us all to kingdom come.

Saturday 9

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Chuck E.'s in Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Chuck E.'s friends look for him at the pool hall and the drugstore. If we want to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where should we look?

I'm usually ensconced on the sofa between laundry loads. Often, we're watching college football or NASCAR. It's a weird time of year so today we've got on DIY Network. I just got home from a meeting and shopping excursion. First Xmas gifts purchased!

2) The lyrics tell us his friends know something up with Chuck E because he's even combed his hair. So here's a question about your hair: do you usually use a blow dryer or let it air dry?

I'd say the majority of the time, if I'm leaving the house, I blow it out. But not always.

3) In this song, Ricki Lee sings that she spotted Chuck E. at the Pantages, a grand old Los Angeles theater. Nearly 100 years old, the Pantages was originally a movie palace and was renovated in the 1980s for concerts and theatrical productions. Tell us about a cool landmark in your town.

The town where I work has a lovely Square around which I walked today and stopped and bought some books.

4) "Chuck E." is a real person. Chuck E. Weiss is a blues musician and DJ who hung around with Ricki Lee and her boyfriend ... until he fell in love. Have you ever had a friendship fall by the wayside when one of you entered a romantic relationship?

Yup. It's long-ago recovered however.

5) Rickie Lee was once married to a French musician named Pascal Nabet-Meyer. Say something to us in French.

Nope. Don't do French, sorry.

6) When her popularity was at its height, Rickie Lee appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone twice. Who have you seen on a recent magazine cover?

Hmmm, seems to me Jennifer Lawrence has been on EW recently. I should pay attention, but I don't really.

7) Rolling Stone called Rickie Lee "the duchess of cool." Who is the coolest person you know?

Sarah, at work. Neck tats, 5-inch heels, goth to steampunk to 40s fashion, green or red or orange hair....I'm hoping I can convince her to work Tech Service with me. She bakes, she sews, she hates children, and I'm not sure she's interested in EVER getting married. Hell, I'm not even sure she's cis! She is, however, very cool. And quiet, and sensible.

8) 1979 was a good year for Rickie Lee, what with her big hit record and the Rolling Stone covers. But it was a terrible year for The Who, because eleven of their fans died during an Ohio concert. What's your favorite Who song?

It's emphatically NOT "Eminence Front" because that one was played over and over and over on the jukebox in the burger joint on campus in college. OhmyGAWDD, I still have flashbacks! I like "Pinball Wizard" and "My Generation" all right though. To be honest though, I'm not a huge fan of the group except in a general sense, and because of the use of their songs in the CSI shows.

9) Rickie Lee moved to New Orleans, a city she fell in love with after a visit. Have you ever gone to a vacation spot and wished you could just stay there forever?

Quite often. I love traveling, and often fall in love with locations. Part of the fun I have in traveling is picturing myself as a 'local' while wandering around.

Sunday Stealing

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Big Bad Meme

Is there anyone else in the room with you atm? What are they doing?

Beast is across the room sorting the week's mail, paying bills, doing some other financial stuff...and watching the Packers play (badly, against Carolina).

Do you show your teeth when you smile, or do you prefer smiling with your lips closed?

I don't really think about my teeth when I'm smiling--I'm pretty sure they show.

Would you rather be told the truth, even if it isn’t what you want to hear?

Yes, ultimately I would.

What is something that you plan to buy, as soon as you’ve saved up the money for it?

We really need a new vacuum. I "donated" our old one to Sparky when he moved out in August. The cleaning ladies do the carpets when they're here, and most of the floors aren't carpeted anyway, but we really need something for cleaning in between their visits.

Do you play Sudoku?

I do. Almost every day.

Have you ever had a migraine?

Yes. They are the pits.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I've finally finished Touch by Claire North. Great concept, good story, but the ending was a bit of a letdown....

What was the last item of clothing you purchased for yourself?

I bought a couple of new pairs of shoes for fall/winter last weekend. Before that, it was a T and a zip-hoodie on vacation.

Your first serious relationship, do you still talk to him/her?

Nope. I'm friends with his brother on Facebook though.

Who is the last person you texted?

Beast.

How close is your family?

Geographically, we're very spread out (all over the U.S.--like 5 separate states) and two countries in Europe. But, surprisingly, we're pretty close as family.

Is there anything too serious to be joked about?

It's impossible to laugh at other people's honest grief. There's humor in grief, to be sure, but not directed outwards at someone who is grieving.

Do you like to understand and have good knowledge of things?

Yes.

What is worse? Back pain or shoulder pain?

Well this is eerily timely....Beast has been suffering from both in the past three weeks. We're far more concerned about the pain that is originating in his spine and causing the fingers on his left hand to go numb almost constantly. I think nerve pain is the worst because nothing really 'fixes' it except morphine (which they don't give outside the hospital or directly under a nurse's care, these days). His arm just aches all the time.

Have you ever almost fallen off of something high off the ground?

Nope. I tend to hold on tight when I'm elevated. Probably has something to do with growing up in the mountains.

What’s one fruit you love in drinks?

Lemon.

What is something simple that you’re afraid of?

The bottom falling out. Y'know when this question comes up anymore, I just sit here for 15-20 seconds trying to come up with something scary...and in this case something "simple" that's scary. The stuff that tends to scary me is not simple. Bats, spiders, death, the dark, heights...nope. Maybe large crowds, but especially in the last month I've had to face some serious fears and come to terms with them and stand my ground just to get on with life. Doesn't mean I'm calm and cool all the time, but I've developed a very large capacity for "bring it."

Has this weekend been good?

Yeah, actually, it's been good. I'm going to finish this and publish it and flop over for my mid-afternoon Sunday nap. That's always good.
I'm NOT, however, looking forward to work tomorrow. Friday was a great day for getting stuff done, but a shit day for dealing with coworkers. I really don't want to see them tomorrow.

How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?

I'm usually up and getting ready to leave the house about 90 minutes before I need to leave.

Last movie you watched in theaters and with whom?

"A Walk in the Woods" last month with Beast. I loved the book. The movie was ok--lovely scenery and Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were funny.

Sunday Salon

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Scene:

Living room. Beast just left to get donuts and coffee (from the font of all goodness). Wimbledon is on, just starting the 4th set. Great match, PLUS we got to see the kids run the tarp over the court in something like 30 seconds flat. I've never seen that before. And it's humid and yucky outside, but not particularly warm so I guess summer is kinda here. Also, my lingerie and dusty pillowcases (long story) are freshly washed in hopes that clean pillowcases mean eyes that stop itching overnight.

Drinking:

Diet Dr. Pepper. I should just cut/paste that answer.

Today's plan:

Catch up on magazine backlog. Do some cross-checking on a couple of book lists. Watch Wimbledon, and probably NASCAR. Nothing exciting, yay!

Reading:

Actively working on

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (ebook)
• The Bible's Cutting Room Floor by Joel M. Hoffman (hardcover)
• The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell (audiobook)

Giving thanks for:

Sunshine, Sparky, donuts, tennis, and God.

Saturday 9

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Daddy's Little Man (1969)
... because it's Father's Day weekend
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about an afternoon visit between a father and son. What are your plans for Saturday afternoon?

I worked, so my goal was to get through the afternoon without losing my shit.

2) The lyrics talks about enjoying an ice cream cone. Do you have any ice cream in your freezer right now?

I just discovered a pint of Ben & Jerry's in the downstairs freezer. I'd forgotten I'd bought it. Perhaps I'll have some for dessert.

3) Sam's father hates it when she swears. When is the last time you cursed?

I swear all the time. I came home from work full of spleen and swore up a storm.

4) In a recent ranking of movie dads, Mufasa (Lion King) and Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird) got very high marks. Who is your favorite movie or TV father?

Pretty much has to be Pa Ingalls, doesn't it?

5) Sam's own father often traveled for business, and always remembered to bring her the little complimentary soaps, shampoos or body lotion he got from the hotel. When you take a trip, do you bring back souvenirs?

Yes. Including the soaps, shampoos, and lotions from the hotels.

6) Back when Sam was in high school, it was her father who gave her driving lessons. Who taught you how to drive?

My dad, mostly, and my mom a bit. And Driver's Ed, but not very much.

7) Sam's own father is easy to buy for: every year he wants a new pair of loafers, so every year for Father's Day she gives him a DSW gift card. Would you rather receive a gift that someone chose, even though it might not be just right, or do you prefer a gift card or cash so you can get exactly what you want?

If a gift is well-chosen and unexpected that's fine. If it's crap, then...no.

8) For family barbecues, Sam's dad dons his "Kiss the Chef" apron and mans the Weber. What's the last thing you cooked on the grill?

I don't cook on the grill. Sparky cooked his dad steak for lunch today though. I had a leftover piece for dinner. Yum.

9) Sam's father satisfies his afternoon sugar craving with an almost endless stream of Butter Rum Lifesavers. When you crave a snack, do you usually want something sweet or salty?

Sweet. Definitely.

Friday 5

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Without Lamps, There’d Be No Light
One of my favorite movies of all time celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and I had the pleasure to see it on the big screen for the first time Thursday evening. I was sixteen when it came out (yes; I’m 46), and too young to see it in theaters then, so although I’ve seen it on cable and DVD at least fifty times, this experience was a first, and it was incredible. So this week’s questions are inspired by that film.

1. When you were seventeen, how did you spend most of your Saturdays?

   As usual throughout the years I lived at home, Saturday morning was for cleaning. I was in charge of tidying my room. Once noon rolled around we were free to shop. And we did, every bloody Saturday! I've wondered for years what Mom needed at the mall EVERY SATURDAY. Anyway, after that was usually a stop at the library. Sometimes it was a short afternoon so we could get home for gardening before dinner.

2. What was your high school locker like?

   It was always in the hall near the band room. This was usually rather problematic since that was miles from the classrooms. It was tidy.

3. When did you last have to replace a missing screw?

   What is it with screws this week?! I find one--a ginormous one!--at the Reference Desk this week, and since then they are showing up in al lmy social media locations. Weird. I have no idea where it came from.

   

4. What was the last thing you drank out of a Thermos?

   I haven't used a thermos in at least a decade, and I have no idea what was in it the last time I did use one.

5. Do you still possess anything you created in high school (say, an elephant lamp that lights up when you pull the trunk)?

   Uhm...lol.
   I do have a cutting board that I made in shop class. And I think I got back from Dad the shallow leaf-shaped caddy I made in shop too. But those are both junior high projects. I didn't do much 'making' in high school, except music. I have my band mementos, but it's hard to save that kind of thing.

Sunday Stealing

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The One Thing Meme

One Thing .....
that makes you smile: silly kids.

that makes you cry: dead kids.

that you love to do on the weekends: not set an alarm. Hasn't happened this week though....

that you do for only yourself: this thing right here.

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: ...uhm, air? The only that fits in my underwear drawer is underwear.

that you do before going to sleep: take off my glasses and pull up the blankets.

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: look at the clock.

that's in your purse: ....I don't use a purse, but I have lots of random cards in my wallet: business cards, loyalty cards, etc.

that you actually LIKE to clean: dishes. I like the camaraderie of washing and drying together.

that you DETEST cleaning: not a huge fan of mopping/sweeping/vacuuming floors.

that other people would find odd about you: I'm 51 years old and sitting on the couch with my feet under me like someone half my age. I can't sit in a chair properly even at work. I prefer sitting curled up, or on the floor.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: ...maybe a green blouse for Tuesday.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: finish God's purpose for me.

Curious as a Cat

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1) Describe a time when you felt vengeful.

Anytime someone goes after my son, I pretty much go apeshit at least internally. Even though he's technically an adult now, I don't see this changing. Ever.

2) Are you a sports fan? Tell us about fandom. If you’re not, tell us why not.

I love football, mostly because Beast used to play, and then I also grew up watching it with my dad. I like the brutality and the pseudo-scientific factors--the hard hits and the measuring with chains for instance. It's really beautiful to watch when a team is working together. And of course, I like the history of the Packers, their traditions, and what they stand for. How can you not like a team that arrives at training camp like this?

3) What was the best thing that happened to you this weekend?

I got a new Nook!!

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Public Domain Photo

It reminds me of old, classy stadiums that weren't all about jamming a gazillion fans under a dome, but about providing an attractive and comfortable place for an experience.

Sunday Stealing

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One Thing .....

that makes you smile:

Babies, or little kids, giggling. I find it difficult not to join in.

that makes you cry:

Lately? EVERYdamnTHING. I haven't gotten through a day in the past week without some tears. Wish I could figure out WTF is up with me.

that you love to do on the weekends:

Nap

that you do for only yourself:

Nap. If repeats aren't allowed, eat. Or breathe. Or... yeah, other things.

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear:

Surprisingly, the only thing in my underwear drawer IS underwear. Maybe some dust?

that you do before going to sleep:

I take off my glasses whenever I sleep, even in the car, or on the couch.

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking:

Well, the obvious answer here is that I pee.

that's in your purse:

I don't carry a purse. I don't own a purse, even. I have a lot of carrier bags (one for meetings, one for Bible Study, several for groceries) but no purses.

that you actually LIKE to clean:

I enjoy washing dishes.

that you DETEST cleaning:

I hate the whole process of cleaning floors: picking everything up, moving furniture, waiting for the mopped parts to dry...and watching them get dirty IMMEDIATELY.

that other people would find odd about you:

I suspect the fact that I read close to or over 100 books a year would disturb, confuse and even repel some people.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill:

I ... do not know. There's literally nothing I want or need, that I've been holding out for. Maybe a bus ticket...? Or I'd just turn it over to one of the good organizations in town: Kiwanis, the women's shelter, a youth organization, something like that.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die:

Live. I would really love to see Sparky happily ensconced in adulthood, married to someone he loves who loves him, with kids. If even some of that happens, I'd be content. Otherwise, I don't have specific plans for the next 30 or so years. Hang out, listen to good music, read good books, eat good food, help others, laugh a lot, learn more....

Blogthings

You Are a Brainiac

To others, you seem like a total rational, logical type. You don't talk much about your feelings. However, you have a whole creative side that others don't see. You are very original and independent in your thought. On Sundays, you like to kick back. You're the type to spend the day reading the whole paper and completing the crossword. Your ideal Sunday breakfast is a little creative and experimental. It's time to have fun!

The Sunday Breakfast Test

So yeah, this isn't me at all, really. I am a brainiac, but the description isn't very much like me, aside from the independence and perhaps seeming logical.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Come Monday

1) What will you be doing come Monday (Labor Day)?

We're meeting two of my nephews and my niece's family for a baseball game. It's little E.'s first professional game, just over a month after his birth! We do not waste time with sports in this family. ;-)

2) This song is about a performer who is "heading up to San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend show." When you think of San Francisco, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

The bridge. And then the clam chowder. And then of course, the hilly streets, the scenery around the Bay, earthquakes, flower children, Harvey Milk, fog... I really love that area of the country!

3) As he sings, Buffett tells us he's wearing Hush Puppies casual shoes. What's on your feet as you answer these nine questions?

I have a silver ring on one toe. And there's nail polish, of course.

4) So many Jimmy Buffett songs take place on or around the water. When was the last time you were on a boat?

It's been a very long time. I'm not a huge fan of small boats. I honestly think it might be 8 or more years since I was on a boat!

5) Everyone knows Jimmy Buffett can write music, but he also has more than half a dozen books to his credit. What's the last book you read?

The last one I finished was Dan Brown's The Inferno on CD. I will go out on a limb here and say that you can all safely miss it. The last book I finished with my eyeballs was Emily the Strange : Piece of Mind. It was a fun kids' book.

6) Jimmy's persona is that of a simple beach bum, but in reality he's a conglomerate, with his own beverage company, more than a dozen restaurants and a couple hotels. He's so successful he has several homes, including a luxury mansion in the Hamptons! If you, like Buffett, could just take off and spend Labor Day weekend anywhere, where would you go? Who would you take along?

I'll stay close to home this year--except for our excursion Monday. I had to leave work early today because of ominous silence at home.

7) This weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?

My husband says I have a "ladylike little snore" sometimes.

8) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. Yet this Recession has taken its toll on many of us laborers. Sam's brother, a movie projectionist, hasn't worked full-time in his chosen profession in more than a year. Is anyone close to you struggling with unemployment or underemployment? (If so, they are in our thoughts this weekend, too.)

I think my brother would probably say he's 'underemployed' but he's started his own consultant business, which he's wanted to do for awhile anyway. Otherwise, everyone else seems to have managed to find employment or keep their jobs.

9) Onto something happier ... Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the new school year. When she was a kid, Samantha was crazy for her brand new box of 96 Crayola Crayons. It even had a sharpener in the back! What do you remember about preparing to go back to school? If you're a parent with school-age kids, are they ready?

I remember that my mom was not only too cheap to buy me the massive box of crayons (which we couldn't afford, I get it now), she didn't even buy Crayolas. I had such a deprived childhood. {waah waah waah}The big thing I remember every August was shopping for new school clothes, usually a couple of pairs of pants and several new tops. Once I was out on my own, working, it was a huge shock not to have that shopping trip (and the Easter outfit trip) all paid for by someone else!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Right now I'm supposed to be working on a paper for my class, but I left everything at work, so instead I'm potzing around on Facebook and doing memes.

2. Sarcastic humor is my well known quirk.

3. Are you ready for spring?

4. Do all the yucky bits first, then enjoy the fun parts!

5. That's why I should've done this paper on Monday night, not put it off.

6. "Bewitched" is one of my favorite tv shows ever!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having finished this damn homework and posting it online, tomorrow my plans include work (tra la), and Sunday, I want to get to the grocery story between church and my induction meeting!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. In New England, winter has arrived.

2. We haven't had LOTS of snow all at once in quite some time. We did get about 6 inches yesterday, but that's nothing, really.

3. Ahhhh, nothing like a hot bath on a chilly nice like tonight.

4. Sleep is my favorite thing to do nowadays.

5. Last night, I had a dream about .... I don't believe I had any dreams last night, at least not that I recall.

6. I will be going bearing gifts which is the perfect way to see someone I haven't seen in at least six month.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to that bath, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with a good friend I haven't seen in awhile, and Sunday, I want to get all the food prepped for Ash Wednesday dinner!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Sniff, sniff...what is that weird smell? I am, indeed, smelling a strange smell around me today. Maybe my nose isn't working right.

2. I'm not a big sports fan, but I do love football.

3. What in the world is THAT?

4. All I crave is peace and quiet.

5. One of my dreams is to apply myself and get some cleaning and sorting done this year.

6. It's not a matter of having so many cosmetics in my house, it's more a matter of having so few.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Beast--at home for the first time in three weeks!-- tomorrow my plans include working (boo!), and Sunday, I want to do nothing except wallow in Super Bowl stuff, but I have to teach Sunday School and then work!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I love the feeling of being snug under the covers in the morning.

2. Seeing happy babies and toddlers always brightens my day.

3. Beast's troubles are is what I will remember the most from 2012.

4. My favorite family recipe is my mom's mac n cheese.

5. When I want to spoil myself I have cookies.

6. NCIS is my favorite TV show. (for now)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed (so exciting), tomorrow my plans include working (possibly without internet access, whee), and Sunday, I want to not wail when Sparky leaves for school!