Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)

This was the week that was, in 1969

1. How do you feel about bowling? (May 9: Billy Hardwick wins the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America all-star bowling tournament)

"Bowling Proprietors"?? 

OK, but yeah, I like bowling once in awhile. I'm not good, but it's fun as long as there's no pressure to actually hit the pins.

2. How do you feel about the comedy of Monty Python, and do you have a favorite bit? (May 11: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin form Monty Python)

I'm a big fan of "Life of Brian." In fact, I will now commence singing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" for the entire weekend. 

3. How many Cate Blanchett films have you seen, and do you have a favorite? (May 14: Cate Blanchett is born)

I've only seen three that I can remember, but I have a great deal of respect for her. I'd like to see some of her "out there" roles, because I've only seen her in Big Ticket films.

4. What would you like to get back? (May 14: “Get Back” by the Beatles is the number one song in America)

There's a lot of money gone that would come in handy as I face retirement. There's Beast himself. There's my youthful joints. There are hours (days ... weeks!) of anxiety that were pointless. I'm not sure any of these are worth undoing what's done, though. There's always a trade-off. Would I be better off with any of these outcomes? How much worse would my life be if I got all my wishes?

5.Who’s your favorite Joni, and who’s your favorite Mitchell? Alternate spellings and forms of the name are allowed! (May 17: Joni Mitchell is on the cover of Rolling Stone #33)

Sorry, Ms. Mitchell but my Joni is Joni Eareckson Tada, always and forever. [As a child, I got the two of them confused, which was ... confusing.] As for Mitchell, the name brings to mind the face of a child I must have been in school with, a little tow-headed 8- to 10-year-old, rather Dennis the Menace-like. I know I've know others with that first (or last) name, but that's what I got tonight.

Sunday Stealing

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Write from Karen

1. What’s the coolest item you’ve found at a garage sale, flea market, etc.?

It's been awhile since I've hit garage sales (and I never do flea markets, simply because there aren't that many around here). I can't think of anything super-special, though Sparky's main wardrobe supply was hand-me-downs from garages and thrift shops. I found some wonderful glass luncheon dishes at a resale shop over a decade ago, and we have a number of pieces of furniture from resale and "antique" shops. They aren't antiques; just old and cheap.

2. Describe how your day went yesterday.

I was up early to return a key that I mistakenly brought home from work. Then I hit Dollar General for odds and ends, came home and put those away while the load of laundry finished drying. Folded those things and packed up for a visit with Beast...and hit a wall. Took a nap, went over to Beast's for an hour or so (with donuts for the staff and coffee for him), came home, cooked up a steak I'd defrosted earlier in the week--and I'll be eating steak all week now, so there's that--did dishes, listened to some crime podcasts, noodled around online while I ate, looked over the bills and entered receipts, watched Live PD, went to bed.

3. Do you have issues with people entering your personal space? What do you do when your personal space is violated?

I have a fairly small circle of space around me, but once you cross it...yeah, I'll be backing up and doing the defensive/arms-crossed posture. I'm more likely to get myself in a roil because of emotional invasion, though: Friday at work one of our long-time patrons (whose got some issues, but is generally quite interesting to chat with) asked if I was going to be at the Big Do that evening in support of the library. It was a weird vibe, so thank God I could tell him no. I do not need drama in my life!

4. What is the one meal recipe you think you’ve mastered?

Macaroni and cheese NOT from a box! But I do a decent Thanksgiving spread, if I do say so myself.

5. If you could take back something you did to someone, what would it be?

I would have been nicer and less fearful of "status damage" when I was in school.

6. Would you describe yourself as spiritual, religious, or something else?

Seeing as how I literally couldn't force myself out the door to go to church this morning, dressed, packed and...nope... I think I'd better go with spiritual today. I haven't been in worship more than a couple of times since September, and every time I go I lose my shit and then people want to chat about Beast's "stuff" and I get overwhelmed and it takes me the rest of the day to regain some equilibrium. It's a combination of the music, being surrounded by people I love (who love me) and being a Natural Cryer at church even on good days. Fuck. I'm crying just writing about it.

7. Did you ever receive detention in school? What sort of kid were you in school – bookworm, smart kid, troublemaker, quiet … etc.

Had I ever been in detention, my childhood self is certain I'd have been hung from a spit at home and never made it to adulthood. In reality, it wasn't that bad, but it was easier to just roll along being a brainiac bookwormy smart-ass.

8. When’s the last time you ran a mile? How often do you exercise?

A mile??!? That would be, uhm, probably 27 years, before I got pregnant. I don't run. I ran as a kid, and loved it, but I hate sweating with glasses on.

9. What would you say to your 16-year-old self, and why?

"Get over yourself, girl! You are NOT the center of the universe, but you do get to make decisions for yourself! And, jeez, just ask W. (or J.!) out and see what happens, for cryin' out loud!"

10. What are you avoiding?

Piles of bills (which I can't pay till I call my online banking helpline). Piles of tax info (which I can't really do anything about till I talk to my CPA). Piles of boxes (a lot of which are Beast's family stuff, so I can't touch those). Piles of laundry. Piles of phone calls to make: bank, CPA, Wells Fargo, car donation place (but I need to get the year, model and mileage figured out first), insurance company, county clerk's office (for absentee ballot for Beast), SSA, ... endless, really. Which is why it's so hard to even get started.

11. Describe a “Hah! I told you so” moment you had recently.

Every damn day looking at the U.S. Government. Which is why I have backed far off news reports except in the very broadest sense.

12. What’s more important, where you live or what you do for a living? Why?

The most important thing is doing what needs doing. Bloom where you're planted and all that. I mean, if you hate your life, either move/change it, OR adjust. It doesn't pay to be miserable forever.

13. Swear words: Are you pro or con? Why?

Fuckin PRO! I grew up in a household where we couldn't even say "pee" or "Jeez" or "butt" without a smoldering look from Mom. It was ridiculous.

14. Paper or plastic? Do you prefer to pack your own groceries?

I bring my own bags if it's doable. Otherwise, I don't care. I used to say paper, but apparently the production and recycling of those is actually worse than that of plastic, so... I don't know.

15. Do you have a shoe fetish? How often do you buy new shoes? Do you ever get rid of a pair of shoes?

I get rid of shoes when they break or totally wear out. I try to stay out of shoe stores because it's so hard to not Buy Them All. I have to be super-focused.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Year End HodgePodge

1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?

Friends. People are great.

2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?

I got to see all my nearby family members, including the kids. No stress, no fuss.

3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment) 'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?

I'm ok with this. I wish it were more than a pedestal and meant something beyond symbolism, but yeah.

4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate.

I spent a lot of time caretaking. I guess I know how to do that. I still don't enjoy it very much, but I'm pretty good at it.

5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.

Good . Fucking . Riddance ! Don't let the door hit you in the ass.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I finally got my heart's desire this year: lots of alone time and time and reasons to make all my own decisions all the time. Be careful what you wish for, folks.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Wish List Meme, part one

1.) What are 3 things on your wish list and why?

Well, in the Big Wish Scheme, I pretty much have to go with Trump not being elected, world peace, and a winter that isn't horrible. In the Amazon wishlist scheme of things the top three things on my list currently are a pot scraper, a book of color photo spreads of libraries, and a Gogol Bordello CD.

2.) Do you miss your childhood?

Sometimes. Then again, I was completely powerless, not to mention clueless, so I don't really miss it, not truly. Nice to be ignorant sometimes though....

3.) What do you do on your spare time on the weekends?

This, mostly. I don't have a lot of free time on weekends these days.

4.) What do you appreciate most in your life?

My family and friends. I know: how trite. But I do appreciate them putting up with me, and without them everything else would be haRdddd.

5.) Would you rather be rich or healthy?

Healthy.

6.) If you could go back in time would you and why?

Not permanently. I'd like to go back and visit, and be invisible while doing so.

7.) Favorite game as a child?

Either jumprope or jacks.

8.) What is your dream career?

I'm in it!! OK, maybe archivist or something where there are no members of the public allowed. Generally, though, I do love my job.

9.) What do you do in your free time?

Didn't we cover this? I read. I do this. I Facebook.

10.) Favorite clothing stores?

Wherever they have nice stuff that fits me and doesn't cost a mint. I'm really not that fussy.

11.) What TV shows can't you live without?

There really aren't any that I can't live without. I enjoy all the NCISes and Whose Line Is It? and a few others, but I could easily live without TV.

12.) 3 things you need in your life are:

Air, water, God.

13.) What can't you sleep without?

If I knew this...man, I have been sleeping for absolute SHIT lately. I think I just need to take something at this point--I'm tired ALL the time!

14.) Who do you have a celebrity crush on?

Mark Harmon? Barack Obama? Michelle Obama??

15.) What is your favorite Season and why?

Autumn. It's less humid, the trees are putting on a good show, and the holidays all involve FOOD!

16.) What is your favorite Wild Animal?

Wolf.

17.) Name 3 of your favorite childhood shows:

Bewitched, Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie.

18.) If you could live as a character in a movie who would it be?

Nope. Character in a book, now I could list dozens of those. Movies are too short.

19.) Favorite vegetables?

Corn, peas, beans (almost all kinds!), spinach... It's easier to list what I don't like at all: tomatoes, and cukes.

20.) Favorite fruit?

Apples, bananas, peaches, berries, kiwis.... Again, it's probably easier to list those I don't like: {{crickets}}

21.) If you had a dragon what would you name it?

I wouldn't. I'd just ask it what it preferred to be called.

22.) What do you put on hotdogs?

If this is available: ketchup, mustard, onions, celery salt. Otherwise, I can go with whatever's available off that list, or nothing at all.

23.) Do you play online games?

Not so much.

24.) What's your favorite way to get inspired?

Sleep. Seriously, I need to physically recharge and feel awake or there is not a lot of inspiration happening for me.

25.) Do you have a middle name?

Yes.
...
That's not it, but I do have one.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Beach Boys' Meme

1. SURFER GIRL : “I have watched you on the shore, standing by the ocean drawer roar, do you love me do you surfer girl.” Were you ever interested in someone (other than a celebrity) who did not return your interest?

Isn't that really pretty much what early adolescence is all about? I had multiple crushes then and in high school--and into college!--on entirely unsuitable guys. It's very girlishly romantic...and pretty pathetic from my perspective now.

2. BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL : “So be true to your school now, just like you would for your girl or guy…” Looking back, how do you feel about your high school days?

I had a blast in high school, when I wasn't having the most miserable time of my life. Academically, I was scaling to the heights. Musically, I was at my peak. Socially, I was getting things figured out. Romantically, I was excluding possibilities maniacally. It was a good time. And it was absolutely awful.

3. FUN FUN FUN : “…and she’ll have fun fun fun till her daddy takes the T-Bird away…” What was the worst punishment you received as a teenager?

I never did much to get in trouble. The worst punishment I remember was lying in bed the night I got in an accident in my mom's car--insert long story--and realizing that my only chance of perhaps not getting destroyed by my parents was confessing before they found the damage in the morning. So I went and stood in their doorway and woke Mom up by saying, "There's something I need to tell you and Dad." "Right now!?" "....yes." So Dad got his hearing aid back on and they came down and heard me out. I had to pay for the replacement body parts that Dad found at the dump and he did all the work (it was pretty much cosmetic, thank God). And I don't remember any yelling or further punishment. Lesson learned: confession is better than discovery.

4. I GET AROUND : “Round round get around, I get around.” Where did you go on your last long trip?

We were in the Southern Caribbean and Puerto Rico in April. In September we're going to a wedding in England. I sound like a freaking jet-setter, but last year's big trip was only about 500 miles from here, and blew up rather spectacularly when Beast ended up in the hospital.

5. HELP ME RHONDA : “You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her off of my mind.” What do you do to cheer up after a personal tragedy such as a lost job, power outage or broken relationship?

Power outage?? Really? We lose power almost weekly every summer. This is not a tragedy. Plus we have a generator now so if things get dire, we just fire it up like the rest of the neighbors.

For real tragedies, my usual mode is without planning, my diet changes. First I stop eating, then I eat everything that isn't nailed down. And I cry, on and on and endlessly. There's usually a layer of anger (and fear) in there too. And my sleep patterns get all fubar.

6. CALIFORNIA GIRLS : “I wish they all could be California girls. The west coast has the sunshine and the girls there get so tan, I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island dolls, by a palm tree in the sand.” Where are the best boys found?

The Midwest. And Italy. :)

7. SLOOP JOHN B : “I wanna go home, please let me go home, ya ya. Well this is the worst trip, I’ve ever been on…” What is the worst trip you’ve ever been on?

Our vacations in the past 12 months have not gone to plan in some pretty bad ways. I'm hoping that string of badness breaks on our trip to England. Because if not, I may be done traveling with Beast.

So, either ending up in the ER waiting room for 7 hours and Beast in the hospital for a couple of nights, or arriving in a new-to-me place and not being able to find Beast either in person or by phone/text/IM for almost 3 hours after my plane touched down. Take your pick.

8. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE : “I guess the more we talk about it, it makes it harder just to live without it, but let’s talk about it…” What is your biggest wish?

I hate to sound like a beauty pageant contestant but ... World Peace. Or at least World Sanity.

9. IN MY ROOM : “There’s a place where I can go and tell my secrets to. In my room. In my room.” What is your favorite thing about your own personal room or space in your home/office?

Sleep. Noodle around on the computer. Read. OK, of the three? Sleep.

10. GOD ONLY KNOWS : “You never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it. God only knows what I feel about you.” When was the last time you told a significant other or close relative that you loved them?

I tell Beast every day. I tell Sparky--especially the last 10 days or so--every time I talk to him (or IM/PM/text). I try to get it out of my mouth with extended family too, but we aren't particularly mushy, so it seems to always sort of shock them when I do say it.

11. GOOD VIBRATIONS : “My baby has good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations…” When do you get good vibrations?

Actually, lately, I've been getting weird nerve things going on in my arms and legs almost daily. Sort of that tingly, tickly, excited/nervous sensation that runs down arms/legs? No clue why. It comes out of nowhere. I'm beginning to wonder if my nervous system is breaking.

In the broader sense, I had a good time at work on Friday. No details, just fun events and silly behavior and everyone meshing together with no bitching.

12. KOKOMO : “We’ll go to Kokomo. We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow. That’s where I wanna go…” What is your favorite warm weather destination?

The mountains. Honestly, I'm not fussed anymore about which mountains, seeing as there are NONE around here, but I crave mountains in the summer: they're cooler, breezier, and nearer the sun.

13. DO IT AGAIN : “Let’s get back together and do it again…” If you could go back in time and gather up your school friends, what would you do again?

Since this can't possibly really happen for several reasons, let's just make it crazy: midday meal at Mr. Gatti's (closed decades ago) and then a field show that we win, then goofing in the hallways with no fear of getting teachers pissed off. In college, it would involve a schlag. :-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Dream of Jeannie Theme (1965)
... Because Harriet requested it. If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

Perk of my job--the complete series package

1) Jeannie was memorably discovered on the beach in an ornate bottle. Have you ever brought a souvenir home from the beach? (It doesn't have to be a genie. A shell or a stone will do.)

Lots of sand, mostly accidental. Some shells and stones. Lots of photos.

2) Major Anthony Nelson, the man who released Jeannie from her bottle, was an astronaut. When you were a kid, did you dream of being an astronaut when you grew up?

I'm was a proper little girl: of course not! Besides, astronauts weren't all that big of a deal when I was a little kid; the moon landing happened when I was not quite 6.

3) Upon discovering Jeannie, Major Nelson's first wish was that she could speak/understand English so they could communicate. If you found a genie, what would your first wish be?

That seems like a sensible wish, actually, right in character for Major Nelson. Let's go with that, since the likelihood of me actually coming across a genie is pretty low.

4) Major Nelson's best friend was fellow astronaut Major Healey. Where did you meet your best friend?

Of my top 3 best friends....My college bestie, Jenny, was in band with me; both of us played flute. I met Beast later that same year, though we didn't get to be actual friends till quite late in the school year. And I met Amy at one of our (old) library system's interminable cataloging meetings and we ended up on a committee together about 12 years ago.

5) This theme song was written by Hugo Montenegro, who is better known for the music he wrote for a pair of Clint Eastwood movies (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars). Do you have a favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

I have fond memories of Bronco Billy. And of course Paint Your Wagon because it's hysterical on every possible level.

6) The last episode of the series was titled, "My Master, The Chili King." What ingredients make up your favorite chili recipe?

Ground beef (or steak if I'm feeling fancy), a couple of cans of beans (random) and/or chickpeas, refried beans, some garlic, maybe chopped onions, tomato sauce, tomato paste, some seasoning...all in a crockpot for the day. Cheese and onions on top at the end.
Do not START with me about how chili should (or should NOT) contain any or all of those ingredients!

7) Jeannie was played by Barbara Eden, who was born in Tuscon, Arizona. Summer in Tuscon can get very hot, with the mercury often reaching 100º. What's your favorite season?

I like Tuscon-style heat. I really like autumn where I live now.

8) Anthony Nelson was played by Larry Hagman, who went on to play the villainous JR on the popular Dallas. Can you think of anything else Dallas is known for?

Was that the first time a character from a soap opera made the cover of Time magazine?

9) In the autumn of 1965, just weeks after I Dream of Jeannie premiered, St. Louis' famous Gateway Arch was completed. An estimated 4 million tourists visit the Arch every year. Do you have any summer vacation plans?

Nope. There's a family wedding in September we are hoping to get to.
I was at the Arch for the first time last fall on the same day I later spent 10 hours in an ER with Beast about 2 miles away. I really liked the Arch. Amazing engineering loved the ride up and seeing out over the whole of southern Illinois and St. Louis.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
What Hurts the Most (2006)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) What hurts Sam the most is her sole, since she just found that earring she thought was lost by stepping on it with her bare foot. How about you? Any aches and pains to report?

I have a couple of weird bruises on my feet, noticed this morning. I know where they came from--one's from a badly-placed toe-ring, the other is from 'falling off' my (flat) sandals yesterday--but they are in truly weird places. Also, I've got a headache. Probably allergies, but I seem to have developed a minor cold so it could be that as well. Otherwise, and compared to Beast, my health is rosy.

2) What's the last thing you misplaced? Did you find it?

I'm pretty sure my brain fell out somewhere yesterday afternoon. The jury's still out on whether it's back or not. I can't think of anything major I've misplaced recently, though. Oh, we still have no idea where my file for my birth certificates is. Or if we even have any. I need to contact Vital Stats in Colorado and order some more.

3) Lead singer Gary LeVox sings that he's not afraid to cry. When is the last time you shed a tear?

I've been yawning so hard the last week--probably allergy-related--that my eyes water in defense, so there's that. Otherwise...I'm not sure. I didn't cry at meeting last night, which is rare. I'm sure there were tears at some point earlier in the week; it's rare for me to go a week without crying about something.

4) Gary auditioned for another country group, Little Big Town, but didn't get in. Considering how successful Rascal Flatts has been, he's probably not sorry. Tell us about something you thought you wanted, but later weren't so sure.

I can't think of anything major. There's always a small sense of 'buyer's remorse' at some point after achieving or getting something. I mean, how many parents haven't wondered why in the hell they reproduced at certain moments of their child's life? Or why we wanted a pet after having to clean up the 53rd mess today? Or that outfit that fell apart the first time you wore it?

5) The country group has their roots in Columbus, Ohio. What else is Ohio known for?

The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame! (and the hospital where Baby Beastie made his appearance)

6) Lead guitarist Joe Don Rooney married model and former Miss Georgia, Tiffany Fallon. Many major pageants give prizes in the talent, congeniality and swimsuit competitions. Would you prefer to have exceptional skills, a great personality, or a terrific body?

All in all, I'd rather have a nap.

7) 2006, the year this song was popular, was a very good one for tennis pro Roger Federer. He reached the finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments, and won three. What's the last game you won? (Yes, Words with Friends counts.)

I won a trivia challenge last night (similar to WWF). Otherwise, I don't tend to play win-lose games anymore because I'm a really bad loser.

8) Actor Tony Shalhoub won an Emmy in 2006 for his portrayal of detective Adrian Monk on Monk. Who's your favorite TV detective?

Gil Grissom holds a very special place in my heart, though he's not technically a detective. So the backup is Olivia Benson, who is my hero.

9) Random question ... You've just won an all-expenses-paid trip but now you have to choose: Carnivale in Brazil, the Bordeaux Wine Festival in France, or the Running of the Bulls in Spain?

I'm not going to a wine festival unless I go there without Beast. The other two I would only be involved in if I had a great hotel room overlooking the festivities; I have no interest in participating in either.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A to Z Meme

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom?

Beast and I were texting as I came home tonight. I think my last was "Np" in response to him telling me he was going to bed, which he did before I got home.

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom?

Oops, see above.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings?

Whenever the alarm goes off. Or, when I need to pee. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays my alarm is set for 7:10. Friday or Saturday (whichever I work), it's set for 6:30. And on Wednesdays it's set at 5:30.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night?

Not in my neighborhood. I'm careful in areas I don't know.

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day?

This. And Facebook. And read. One or more of the above.

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom?

Beast, of course. Not sure where. He's been sick all weekend, so before that for sure!

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school?

Nope. I was a chronic Teacher's Pet.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so?

I love my job. Today, I got to talk to a father and son who have ... some issues but are finally getting things together. And I laughed with another dad when he rolled not just his eyes but his whole head at his two teenagers. I made a homeless woman laugh when I told her she could have a look at the newspaper, but I'd "chase her down" if she didn't bring it back (and then mimed a fast walk)--she told me I was something else. [too true] Another guy, a regular, told me a bunch of random and lengthy stories about trips he's taken. I woke up another regular who was online but asleep. I chased a 2-year-old out of the children's room so his dad and brother could actually leave (and change his diaper--PEEEUWW!). I took photos of a Jedi in her robes with and without her light saber. I got to see a smile on a teen I rarely see smile. It was a great day.

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos?

Who, moi? ...uhm, yes, I am a bit of a "That's what s/he said" person.

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?

Yes, I've met quite a few of these people.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted?

By someone other than a doctor? Yes.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on.

Nope.

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?

I'm married. We talk about sex all the time! [ha ha ha] But that's the only person I do talk about sex with, so....
And yes, it's mututal.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately?

I've been trying to figure out my future for awhile. I don't know what the future holds, and generally I'm fine with that, but lately I seem to be getting thrown into choices I've never thought were available and it's confusing and unpleasant.

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation?

Oh, every day. Today, one of our regulars told me all about his feelings on the President and Hillary...and blah blah blah.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs?

I wouldn't say "usually" but "often" yeah.

R) Are you a very affectionate person?

I can be.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes?

Can I? Probably, but since I don't smoke it's not something I've considered learning to do.

T) What are you looking forward to?

My great-nephew Jo is being baptized in a couple of weeks. After that, I guess it's Jesse's wedding in September. Well, and summer and warm weather, too.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more?

Nope and nope.

V) Are you mentally strong?

Mostly yes.

W) Are you physically strong?

Nope.

X) Do you think you’re a good person?

Yes. Except when I'm being a total bitchface.

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now.

I would like Beast to be healthier.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Bagel with two slices of cheese.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part two

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself.

Everything I keep thinking of I think of a reason that it wouldn't be bad with others. Seriously, the only thing I can think of is going to the bathroom, which--if you've ever had a toddler in your life 24/7--is actually something worth looking forward to. Anyway, other options I came up with and discarded are napping, reading, etc.

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)

Mountains. No contest.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning?

I don't. There's no good way, there are only less-annoying ways.

28. How was your day? What did you do?

It's only 2:50! OK, granted it looks like it's nearly sunset because it's so stinkin' foggy again today... I was at church by 7, taught Sunday School, went to the worship service, came home, started laundry--I think we need a new washer, yay, not--ran to the mini-mart for milk for mac-n-cheese tonight...this. I'm going to be napping sometime soon. And there's a memorial service for the mom of a friend tonight that I should go to, but I really feel lousy. We'll see.

29. What did your last text message say?

The last PM I sent Sparky was "np" last night. The last text message was probably to Chris yesterday telling her I would be late for our meetup. And the last GChat was "In case ur awake....omw home" to Beast yesterday afternoon.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

Sometimes. Not always.

31. Who was the last person you called?

Pepper. Yes, that's her real name--well, I mean, that's the name she goes by not something I made up.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list.

A personal chef. A personal trainer. A personal pilot and plane. And washer that empties and spins the water out.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for?

I shudder to think...!

34. Winter or summer?

Autumn. If it's summer in the mountains, then summer. If it's humid...shoot me.

35. What is a quality that all people should have?

Oh, no. Uh-uh, you are NOT going to get me telling people what everyone should be like. All people should be who they were created to be, which may (and does) end up being irritating and inconvenient an awful lot of the time.

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be?

I have an awful lot of books, and slightly fewer S&Ps. I'd like a large collection of chores completed, but that's not likely.

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

Beast's shoulder/spine. How much and how badly I need to lose a lot of weight. How absolutely exhausted I am all the time--I'm sure this is due to a medication swap a couple of weeks ago. How we are the only house in our neighborhood with no holiday decor in sight. A friend's son who nearly died last weekend. You know, the usual stuff.

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

Lowered expectations of others, reasonable expectations of yourself, and chocolate.

39. What are some phrases you say often?

"Really?" "Hey..." "...just..." "I'm sorry, what?"

40. Favorite food?

Iced sugar cookies.

41. What is your wish for the world?

That we could all just get over our egos and accept ourselves and others as they are, not how we think they should be.

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

Something horrible happening to Sparky. Large, unruly crowds. Active shooters in the workplace. A long lingering death.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

A picture of a local landmark? No, actually, I think it was probably the gun violence chart for last night's Facebook post. Last week's stats: 455 incidents, 122 of which had 0 injuries. 130 people died. 284 were injured.

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)?

Babies. Love lighting up faces. Ouray.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

I like it. My stomach, however, no longer tolerates it well.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Dislike gore. Suspense is ok.

47. Do you like to travel?

YES!! I wish I could do it all the time!!

48. Any regrets?

What's my time frame? I think I'm regret-free for the last 15 or so minutes.

49. Do you like rain?

I like rain that starts and ends in reasonable time frames. So this multi-day drizzle thing that's been going on for the weekend is not my thing at all.

Friday 5, belated

(Link in meme-roll)
Holding

1. When did you recently experience a pleasantly delayed gratification?

   Birthday presents are a bit of that, aren't they? I got the starter set for Cards Against Humanity, which Sparky and I worked through last night. ;-)

2. What’s something you’d like to just fast-forward through in the next few weeks?

   Beast's pain, and probably his recovery. I'd like a memory-block too, since he's a total shithead when he's in pain in the evenings. Yes, I know it's the pain talking but the words are coming out of Beast's mouth.

3. What’s something in the next few weeks you’ll wish you could slow down so you can savor the experience?

   My days off this coming month. They go by TOO FAST.

4. What’s something that takes you a lot longer than it used to?

   Recovering from being on my feet all day on Thanksgiving!

5. What’s something you saved for later, but when later came, you decided you didn’t really want it?

   A lot of the stuff on my Amazon wishlist rotates off fairly regularly. Also random coupons and store discounts that lay around forever and eventually get thrown out.

Tea

(Found here)

black: how much personal space do you like?

I'm a midwesterner, so a fair amount compared to (for instance) southern Europeans, New Yorkers, etc. If you get close enough to me that I can smell your breath when you talk, you're too close. Especially if you had spicy/oniony food recently. Or, for cryin' out loud, BOOZE! Back the fuck right off!

chamomile: describe your sleep schedule

I shoot to head to bed by 9:30 so I can be asleep before 11. I'm usually awake at some point between 1 and 4 for an hour or so (usually more), and I'm out of bed no later than 7:30, though it varies from day to day. Often, I'm working on 5-6 hours average for several nights running. Or less.

dandelion: when you make wishes who are they for?

World peace. Me and Andie McDowell. Maybe there's something in the water around here....

elderflower: do you get sick often?

Define "often." I don't, not really, but I often feel like death in the colder months of the year, mostly psychosomatic.

fennel: how do you feel right now?

I'm exhausted. Considering I've had the last three days off work, I feel like I need a vacation! This semi-nursing situation at home just sucks. So much to worry about, all the time.

ginger: what animal do you act like?

I fear I am very much like my nickname on line. And often, not a very nice feline, either.

ginseng: post a photo of somewhere you feel calm

I don't have a picture of my bed, asleep. Or the driver's seat of my car on a country road with the sun shining and no worries.

green: list your top 3 motivators

1. Fear. 2. Love. 3. Stubbornness.

hibiscus: do you like when people try to start a conversation with you?

That is 100% dependent on the person. In general, when I'm out in public doing my own thing, no. At work, I don't mind, up to a point. And if you're creepy, do not talk to me. Ever.

kava: post your favorite color scheme

I like blue. Seriously, throw me in a blue room, or a room with blue furnishings and I'll be fine.

lavender: does physical activity help you relax?

Mindless stuff does...until it doesn't. I get antsy and bored if I do too much mindless physical stuff.

lemon: how differently do you behave when you're by yourself versus when you're with others?

I hope it's not a lot different. I suppose I talk to myself more when no one's around, since there's no one else to talk to. ;-)

matcha: do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

Sunrise.

mint: what song gives you energy?

Almost anything by Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, or Pink will do.

nettle: is there anything you do when you feel guilty?

I get defensive and irritable.

oolong: where do you see yourself in five years?

Here is fine. I do hope that Beast isn't on Round Three of back pain. I'm tired of this.

peppermint: are you self righteous?

I can be, yes.

rooibos: if a conversation bothers you, will you speak up about it?

Oh, probably. I seem to have lost a lot of my etiquette filters over the years (assuming I had any to start with).

white: do you think family is important?

If your family isn't totally toxic, yes. Family is the most important thing, unless they are horrible people. I'm not, for a change, being flippant either. My family has a few nutjobs, but I love them all--when I don't want to bash them on their heads--and I know they've got my back. But we also tend to be generally rational, ethical, kind, and law-abiding.

the world shrieks and sinks talons into our hearts. This we call memory

(From Amy...with her title)

Have you ever written a love letter?

Yes. The question really should be whether I've ever mailed that letter. ;-) [yes, I have done this--several of them--written and mailed]

How many Valentine's cards did you receive this year?

I think I got one from Beast...? That was over 6 months ago...who knows, really. The only person in my immediate family who's in trouble for lack of cards is NOT Beast.

Have you ever made a ball of twine or rubber bands?

Better a ball than finding the twine all over the floor/drawer tangled in everything else. As for rubber bands, I once bought a ball of them...and the vast majority dried up before I could put them to use. I almost never use them. I don't like the way they make my hands smell. OTOH, I used to chew on them when I was a kid. Yeee-uuuuck!!

Could you ever be a living organ donor?

I could! Just ask. I've been on the bone marrow registry for over 20 years, waiting.

Have you ever made someone cry?

I am Mommy, hear me roar! Usually roaring involves "no," of course. And I've caused tears in others too, including (I'm sure) my parents and other family and friends near and far.

If you could have a full scholarship to any university what would you choose to study?

Theology? I wouldn't mind going to seminary...IF I had all the time and money in the world, and patience to deal with the more 'traditional' students.

Do you prefer honey or jam?

Honey. No contest. The fresher the better. I don't like chunks in my bread-spread.

How fast can you get changed?

If it's a one-for-one change--T-shirt/jeans to T-shirt/jeans--probably 90 seconds. If socks, underwear, jewelry, or a change in the level of dressiness is involved, it could take me 20 minutes or so. Or more if we're adding in nylons and a totally different hairstyle. And of course, this assumes that the clothes I'm changing into have already been pulled together before I start shedding.

Would you rather be the fella in a movie who gets the girl or the baddie with all the good lines?

Oh, I'm all about the sidekick with all the good lines. That doesn't mean I'm a baddie, but I prefer comedy to romance.

Would you rather have a man's top half and a woman's bottom half or visa versa?

I'd pretty much rather be one or the other all over, my apologies to hermaphrodites and intergender people everywhere.

If you met a genie who offered you three wishes, what would you wish for? "More wishes" does not count!

First would be that all the kids living horrible lives be sorted into better living conditions.
Secondly, everyone forgets everything about how to build nuclear armaments and the mere thought of developing them becomes as taboo as incest across all cultures (and we can safely dismantle the bombs already extant).
Finally, people who make their living off fostering hatefulness all develop a horrific, new, incurable visually-repulsive disease that can only be cured by being kind 24/7 for at least 10 years.

Have you ever been fishing?

I have. Twice. Maybe thrice. Yaaawwwwwnnnnn.

What was the last social faux pas you made?

I would think that walking into the workroom yesterday at about 4:02 and, as I walked the 20 feet to my desk, saying with increasing volume as I approached said work area, "...fuck fuck fuck Fuck Fuck FUCK FUCK FUCK!!" would count, no? There are some infuriatingly stupid people in the world. And no, this is not in reference to a coworker, either.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
I Want To Be Famous Meme

1. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

I'd like to be famous for being the least famous person ever. In other words, I have no interest at all in ever being "known."

2. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

I do, whenever I'm calling a business I've never called. Also whenever I call the insurance company, or to ask a favor. I don't want to sound like an idiot, and I want to make sure I cover all the points needed.

3. What would constitute a "perfect" day for you?

A sunny warm day in the mountains of Colorado, just looking at scenery, listening to wind and animals, and soaking it up.

4. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

I sing to myself regularly. If I were at work listening to music without headphones, it would be a daily occurrence. I believe I probably warbled at a coworker Friday, believe it or not; I remember because she commented on it. Really singing? Probably something with Sparky or Beast, though I don't remember anything specific.

5. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

Mind, with some stipulations. I don't want to go down the road my sister traveled with MSA. I'd prefer to keep mind AND body at a similar status level throughout my life.

6. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

No clue. Hopefully fast and relatively painlessly, since I'm allergic to morphine.

7. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

God.

8. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

I would have a better personal relationship with my mom. I wish we'd sorted out our differences.

9. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

The ability to keep my opinions to myself!

10. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

Nope, not interested.

11. What does friendship mean to you?

Give and take. Compromise. Loyalty. Laughter. Shared history.

12. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

I'm not sure I even understand that question. It's important for me to feel safe and loved and I like people who aren't afraid to let those feelings show. Is that what we're looking for here?

13. When did you last laugh?

I've been laughing at the post-match coverage of Wimbledon pretty regularly. If I were Djokovic's wife, I'd be pretty jealous of that trophy!

14. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Morning. Although with my current psycho sleep schedule, mornings pretty much suck. I'm usually awake between 1 and 3 a.m., so I guess that's still morning though, right?

15. Seen anything weird lately?

Every day at work, yes. Actually, yesterday Beast found all his mom's parent's jewelry--in a paper bag in a drawer, so secure--and went through it. One ring is quite odd. It's an asymmetrical circle, looks like a crystal made of silver, is studded with small diamonds, and is probably 3/4" around. So weird. I did snag a hematite ring from the stash that I actually like, by most of the rest is way too showy and huge for my taste.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Very Much Questions Meme

1. What was the last clothing item that you bought?

It's either the socks I mentioned the other day or a package of underwear. I'm a damned exciting person.

2. If you could stay one age forever, what age would you choose?

I enjoyed 27 and 28.

3. When you say “lol”, are you really laughing?

Sometimes. Often, in fact.

4. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the past year?

I've done a TON of work on myself, internally. Seems like it's a lot of backing up to take another run at it, but I do see progress overall. And, of course, the Rose Bowl and Parade were simply awesome.

5. If you started a business, what would it be?

It would involve writing, the internet, research, and/or organizing/cleaning.

6. Do your friends/family/coworkers know about your blog?

Some do. Most do not.

7. How long does it take you to write an average blog post?

Here, about 10 minutes or so. On the rare days I post elsewhere, it takes longer.

8. How do you keep up with the blogs you follow?

Inoreader, now that Google pulled the plug on GReader and Bloglines bailed.

9. What is your bedtime?

I'm usually in bed by 10.

10. Introvert or extrovert?

More introvert than not.

11. What is your biggest wish?

"I always drink to world peace."

12. What is the best job you ever had?

Being a mom has been wonderful. I also really like cataloging at work, and to a great extent, doing reference work.

13. Dog person/cat person/both/neither?

I prefer dogs, but since I'm allergic to both (moreso cats, but dogs too), I'm a "neither" nowadays.

14. If you had $1,000 to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it?

I'd go order new kitchen counters RIGHT NOW.

15. How do you “dress” your toast?

Mostly just butter. Sometimes honey.

16. How do you feel about snow?

As long as I'm inside looking at it, I love snow. When I have to be dealing with moving it, or driving in it, I'm less thrilled.

17. What was the worst job you ever had?

Lately, my current job has been a bear--many many days of sitting in my driveway not wanting to pull out and head to work. Otherwise, my first full-time job was often absolutely awful.

18. What song can you not stop listening to?

"Uptown Funk" gets stuck in my head ALL THE TIME.

19. Love your name or hate it?

I'm ok with it at this point. I used to hate it.

20. How did you choose your blog/twitter handle?

My blog 'name' is a shortened version of my job. My Twitter name is my initials, but I rarely tweet.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Anyday Meme

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

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

2. Who do you aspire most to be like?

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

3. What do you like in a best friend?

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

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

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

5. What is your ideal platonic relationship?

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

6. Best late night IM/phone conversation story.

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

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

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

8. Describe your current best friend(s).

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

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

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

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

Does "Grandma" count?

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

Dorothy Parker.

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

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

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

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

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

Laura Ingalls and I are already best buds.

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

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

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

A rescue flare.

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

Professional sleeper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Favorite baked good?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would like to see Egypt before I die.

25. Are there any friends you miss having around?

All of them.

Saturday 9 times two

(Link in meme-roll)
Lucky Star (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. Have you ever wished upon a star?

Yes, but not for at least a couple of decades.

2. In the 1980s, Madonna considered her wrist bangles one of her fashion trademarks. What's one of your fashion trademarks?

Jeans. Cute (but comfy) shoes.

3. Though she got good grades, Madonna could be disruptive at school, known for turning cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel?

Never, EVER, could. I'd be hospitalized if I tried nowadays.

4. Her high grade point average earned her a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan, home of the Wolverines. Do you follow college football?

I do only because Beast does. We're going to the Rose Bowl this year, which I couldn't care less about, and the teams...meh: Oregon and Florida State.

5. Madonna co-starred in the movie version of Dick Tracy. Do you enjoy comics?

Not so much. I don't mind reading the occasional graphic novel--my favorite is the fairy tale series by Bill Willingham. But the Dick Tracy thing cracks me up. I know far too much about him.

6. She played Argentinian First Lady Eva Peron in the biopic, Evita and directed a movie about Wallis Simpson. What famous 20th century woman do you wish you could meet/could have met?

Eleanor Roosevelt. I suppose I could hold out hope that Madonna will actually get around to a movie about her, right?

7. Madonna authored a children's book called The English Roses. Tell us about a book that had a big impact on you when you were a kid.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang--book my sister was reading me when I first figured out reading.

8. One of Madonna's "vocal idols" is Ella Fitzgerald. Who is your all-time favorite female singer?

Nina Simone. Or maybe Melissa Etheridge.

9. Madonna once did a Pepsi commercial. What beverages are in your refrigerator right now?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Of course.

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

 Feliz Navidad (1970)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. "Feliz Navidad" is Spanish for "Merry Christmas." Can you wish us happy holidays in a language other than English or Spanish?

Buon natale!! And if you prefer Cyrillic: Счастливого Рождества!

2. According to ASCAP (the American Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers), this is one of the 20 most played holiday songs of the last 10 years. What's the most recent carol that you heard?

I can't remember. Well, actually, since I accidentally had my volume up when I linked to the video above, it was the very beginning of this one.

3. Which Christmas song do you hope you never hear again?

Anything by Johnny Mathis.

4. This week's featured artist, José Feliciano, was honored to perform this song at the tree lighting ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. If you were to win a trip to our nation's capital, which sites would you visit?

The Holocaust Museum, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Wall. Oh, and of course the Library of Congress. I missed all of those on the first trip there.

5. As a very young child, José taught himself to play the accordion. If you could suddenly, easily learn to play any instrument, which would you choose?

I keep thinking about taking piano lessons again, but I need a better arrangement for the keyboard in our house--bad chair currently.

6. José says that hearing early 1950s rock on the radio made him want to become a singer. What's your favorite music genre?

Good melody tied to matching lyrics. Or cleverly, not.

7. At 17, José had to drop out of school to help support his family. Too young to enter bars, he played guitar in coffee houses for tips. Have you ever worked a job where you regularly received gratuities?

The only job where I got tips I wasn't allowed to keep them.

8. José and wife Susan have been together for more than 40 years. Who is the happiest married couple you know?

I'm going to give this to an older couple at church who married about 20 years ago, second marriage for both, and who, at least to start with, celebrated an anniversary every month because they didn't think they'd live long enough to hit double digits in annual celebrations. They are so freakin' cute.

9. Jose wrote and performed the theme of the 1970s show, Chico and the Man. What's your current favorite TV show?j

I'm really enjoying the new NCIS in New Orleans. However, I got a call last night from a friend saying I need to watch The Librarians because it's "really funny." Hmmm.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Wisdom

1. Some people say you should never mix business with friendship. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I'm very good friends with several people with whom I work. Sure, there are some occasional problems that crop up, but by and large, I spend more time with them than I do with anyone else in my life, so it's pretty natural. But, we aren't the kind of friends who hang out and party together after work very often. Or maybe that's just me.

2. Some people say you should never let ‘em see you sweat. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I think this is true in some instances, like doing an important presentations. Sometimes, though, it's perfectly ok to let people know you're struggling.

3. It is often said that you should never put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today. What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I'm a Class A Procrastinator, which is really bad. Sometimes it catches up to me, but mostly I cover pretty well. If I had to go back to school and follow that kind of schedule, I'd be dead, though. There's no way I could finish the classwork.

4. It is often said that you should never get romantically involved with someone at work (there’s a cruder way of putting it, but I’m declining to use that selection of words). What experience have you had that would either refute or confirm this wisdom?

   I don't have personal experience myself, but I've seen it turn out ok, and I've seen it turn out very badly. More the latter than the former. And if the situation involves cheating on a spouse, it's NEVER good.

5. What piece of wisdom from your own life should be a catchy proverb for others to live by?

   Avoidance just makes the hard parts of life longer and harder.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
90, part 1

1. What was the highlight of your week?

Staying calm, going to meetings, and no anxiety attacks. I'm counting from Monday morning. Things could change any second.

2. Whose car were you in last?

My own.

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?

Today. I mean, Beast is home for a couple of days. ;-)

4. What color shirt are you wearing?

I'm in the teal Tshirt from the 2010 Triennium (though I don't know anything about the site I snagged the photo from).

5. How long is your hair?

Fairly short. I can grab enough to pony at my nape, but only just, and it really wouldn't stay in..

6. Are you good looking?

I don't think so. I'm not butt-ugly, though, either.

7. Last movie you watched?

Can't remember. It's been awhile since I was in a theater.

8. Who were you with?

Probably Beast. Or Sparky.

9. Last thing you ate?

An untoasted bagel with Swiss and American cheese.

10. Last thing you drank?

I'm currently working on my second diet Dr. Pepper of the day.

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?

Last Sunday. ... No, really; it's semi-constant.

12. Who came over last?

No one. Well, we had a political caller on Friday asking if we'd put a sign in our yard for our state rep when the election gets closer.

13. Are you happy right now?

Hmmm, that is the $64,000 question. I'm not unhappy....

14. What did you say last?

"You sleepy?" to Beast because, well, he looks it.

15. Where is your phone?

My cell is on the charger in the dining room. The nearest landline extension is between me and Beast on the table where it lives.

16. What color are your eyes?

Hazel.

17. Are you left-handed?

Nope.

18. Spell your name without vowels:

"Ct. Str." No, that's not my real name. I will say, however, that my full last name has three vowels and ten consonants which might explain why I don't do these kinds of things, eh?

19. Do you have any pets?

Two guinea pigs.

20. Favorite Vacation?

One of them? Can't choose just one. There've been a lot of good ones. Maybe our trip to England/Greece/Germany (the EGG trip) when Sparky was 8. It was pretty spectacular. I don't even remember any arguments.

21. What do you dislike currently?

Things that are out of my control, and having to accept that.

22. What are you listening to?

Right now, NASCAR is running at Pocono.

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?

The assurance of recovery.

24. What is your favorite scent?

Vanilla. I also like the smell of 'clean.'

25. Who makes you happiest?

Silence and a good book.

26. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Reading. No, wait; I think I was asleep, finally, by then. Thank you, melatonin!

27. When is your birthday?

November.

28. Who has the same phone as you?

Beast has the exact same phone. He also has the next 'edition' for his work phone. It's a little confusing--there's not a great deal of visual difference between the Samsung 3G and the 4G. At least he has different cases for them, though.

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?

I don't swim, but the last time I was in, or even AT, a pool for any reason was probably close to a decade ago.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
A Christmas Meme

1. The Christmas song I can listen to even in June is...

Actually, by June, I wouldn't mind hearing any of them. Just one, and only once.

2. Hot chocolate, egg hog or mulled wine?

Egg nog. Or mulled wine, as a distant second. I'm not a hot chocolate fan.

3. When do you put your decorations up?

We just decorated the tree, right before I sat down to do this, but normally things are in place by the 10th or so.

4. What are you having for Christmas dinner?

Whatever's in the house. I may buy a ham to heat up, but we really don't do anything exciting.

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Eve: church, Chinese food, and Jesus arriving in the creche on the dining room sidebar.

6. Have you ever gone carol singing?

Yes, but not for years. I was thinking today how much fun it was to carol at the nursing homes....

7. When did you learn the truth about Santa?

The truth? That we should appreciate ALL gifts, those received and the opportunity to give to others?

8. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Everything we can fit goes on: endless birds, Squidward, Pikachu, Speed Racer, Harry Potter, creches, glitter-covered pinecones, glass globes, and white garland with a star on top.

9. What's the best thing about Christmas?

The quiet joy, and happy kids.

10. All I want for Christmas is...

See #9.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

1. As you can see, when Sam Winters was a little girl, she loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?

Peace, health, consistency, trust.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

I freakin' well better be on the Nice list!

3. Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train?

Nope, no traveling at Christmas. I stopped doing that years ago.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

Not exactly, though I have finally figured out how to download library books to my Nook, so it FEELS like a new thing!

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie or TV special? Have you seen it yet this year?

I don't do these. Beast is more wrapped up in this sort of thing than me. I do like listening to the soundtrack, or background music, for the Peanuts Christmas special, but otherwise...meh.

6. Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread?

One of each, not together. I'm not really into hard candy anymore (the irritations of aging) and gingerbread doesn't float me far either.

7. Close your eyes and tell us the first carol that comes to mind.

"O Holy Night" for whatever reason. When done well, this is what I consider to be the song that sums up the holiday best and most soaringly. My favorite carol is "Silent Night" although Patti Smith's version of "We Three Kings" is outstanding.

8. What's your favorite winter beverage?

Just had my first couple glasses of eggnog last night! Mmmmm.

9. What will you remember most about 2013?

I would really like to NOT remember the last 4 months, but I guess on the good side there are quite a few things:

• traveling to Tennessee to see my oldest niece and her family and my oldest sister & brother-in-law
• a new baby for another niece nearby that I get to see more often (and I got to see a baby BORN, which was awesome and terrifying)
• news of another baby on the way in Texas courtesy of my youngest nephew and his wife
• the recognition of the vast and varied network of friends
• getting a firmer handle on who I am and what I am meant to be doing in life
• a new boss who (overall) is a huge improvement
• good books read
• good music discovered
• good works done joyfully
• Bible study
• Sunday School (who'da thought I'd end up in the middle school class? Certainly not me! Ellen is laughing her ass off at this....)
• Sparky growing into himself at college (and passing his classes!)
• Taco Bell nachos
• S'mores Blizzards
• turning 50
• change, change, change, change everywhere....

Have a wonderful holiday week, all!