Saturday 9 x 4

(Link in meme-roll)
Monster Mash (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

1) In your younger days, did you ever trick or treat while dressed as a monster or ghoul?

I don't think so. I don't remember most of my costumes, but I can't see my parents doing anything scarier with me than basic black-hatted witch.

2) Do you enjoy being frightened by celluloid boys-gone-bad, like Michael Myers (Halloween) or Jason (Friday the 13th)?

Not at all. Have not seen any of these movies, ever.

3) When you were a kid, did you ever TP a neighbor's house or indulge in any other Halloween acts of vandalism? (Don't worry, the statute of limitations is up.)

Absolutely not.

4) Will you be attending any Halloween parties this year? If so, will you dress up?

Oops, uh, no. I wasn't home at all on Halloween: worked 7 a.m to 6 p.m., met my sponsor for dinner, then went to a meeting, arrived back home around 9:30.

5) Can you see any Halloween decorations as you answer these 9 questions?

Nope. Then again, next week is Thanksgiving, so I wouldn't be likely to see much at this point, even if I could see outside.

6) While Halloween is most popular in the United States and Canada, and isn't really celebrated at all in Japan or South Korea. How would you explain our Halloween customs to a visitor from another land?

Kids run around in costume begging for candy. It's a bit weird.

7) "Monster Mash" is one of Halloween's most played songs. Are you happy to hear it every year? Or does it set your teeth on edge?

I actually never heard it this year.

8) This week's featured artist, Bobby "Boris" Pickett, started as a stand-up comedian who incorporated his imitations of Boris Karlof and Bela Lugosi into his act. Can you impersonate anyone?

I don't think so.

9) Dick Clark was an impossibly young looking 33 in this week's featured clip. Are you often told you look good for your age?

Well, last week someone asked if Beast is my son. He's literally 6 days younger than me. Yeah, that was a suuuper-good day.

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Suddenly I See (2005)Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a tribute to Patti Smith, the rocker who inspired KT Tunstall. What woman who has inspired you?

My mom and grandmothers. Gloria Steinem. Margaret Sanger. Sandra Day O'Connor. People from my church(es).

2) In this video, you can see a turntable and an LP. When is the last time you played a record?

Oh boy. Decades. I mean, our stereo is set up and ready to go, but it's too much hassle to get out the records themselves. Oh. Wait. I played a 78 on our Crosley to put it onto a CD for work last year.

3) Growing up, Ms. Tunstall seldom sang at home because her father is severely hearing impaired and music interfered with his sensitive hearing aid. Do you, or does anyone in your family, wear a hearing aid?

My dad did. No one here does now though. The day is probably coming.

4) In high school, she got experience performing on street corners. Have you ever tipped a street musician?

Ayup.

5) When this song was popular, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 to North America. Are you into gaming?

Not really. Sparky very happily presented something on our Skype call today, "See what I just got?!" It's a game. "It's the NEW Pokemon game; it just came out." Oh.

6) In 2005, Prince Charles married his long-time love, Camilla Parker Bowles. At the time of their wedding, 73% of Brits said they disapproved of her. Today, her popularity has increased somewhat and her disapproval has dropped to 55%. Do you know anyone who married someone you didn't like? Did their spouse grow on you with time?

Yes. And no.

7) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was popular in theaters. Who is your favorite "Harry Potter" character?

Hermione of course!! ...though I have a soft spot for Ron, too.

8) In 2005, YouTube was introduced by three young men who met while working at PayPal. What's the last thing you paid for using PayPal?

I have never used PayPal. That's rather shocking, I guess.

9) Random Question: After a long, exhausting day of travel, you check into a motel. The room is not at all to your liking. It's next to the ice machine, so you can hear cubes dropping noisily into metal buckets. Your view is of the parking lot. The bathtowels and thin and tiny. In short, you feel like you're being ripped off. Do you grab your bag, turn on your heel and check out, hoping there are better accommodations nearby? Or do you say, "What the hell, it's only one night," and climb into bed?

Depends on how tired I am and if the bathroom is clean. If I'm beat...I'll probably just crash and then leave a rude note online. If the bathroom is scummy though, I'm definitely out. Dirty bathroom, buggy bed, bye-bye.

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Get Down Tonight (1975)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Tonight, KC has three things on his "to-do" list: do a little dance, make a little love and get down. Tell us three things you'd like to accomplish this weekend.

Update the checkbook and balance it. Take a bath. Make a list of all the calls and errands I need to do Monday.

2) This week's song is considered emblematic of disco, a genre that had as many detractors as fans. Is there a kind of music you simply cannot stand?

I don't like experimental weirdness that is clearly just pompous self-aggrandizement.

3) Before becoming a musician, KC, aka Harry Casey, worked in a record store. In those days, record stores were very popular. Peaches, Coconuts, Sam Goody and Tower Records are four store chains that once dotted the landscape but now are gone. Today, if you wanted to purchase a CD, where would you turn?

Amazon.

4) One of his duties at the record store was unloading the big corrugated shippers filled with LPs. What's the heaviest thing you've lifted lately?

I've been humping stuff in and out of various medical facilities pretty much daily--this last one, I'm bringing in clothes and schlepping them back home to wash every day. Thank God our water is free.

5) KC is proud that he's lived his entire life in Miami-Dade County. Do you expect to change your address in the next year or so?

It is eminently possible if Beast can't figure out stairs but is otherwise able to come home.

6) In 1975, the year this song was popular, former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, never to be seen again. Many theories flourish about what may have happened to him. Is there a famous criminal case that has a hold on your attention?

I've been addicted to Jack the Ripper since sophomore/junior year of high school. I've done two term papers on him and that era/place in history.

7) Jaws was the most popular movie of 1975. Are you afraid of sharks?

Not particularly. I can't swim, so....

8) Actress Angelina Jolie was born in 1975. People magazine once named her "most beautiful." Who is the most beautiful woman you can think of?

That I know personally? I work with a couple of striking women. I can't think of anyone I think who stops traffic or anything...

9) Random question: A wizard offers you a choice -- would you like your life to stay as it is right now (in terms of your health, your career, your relationships and your finances) for the next 5 years, or would you like to take a chance that the future will be brighter?

Oh, hell, the future has to be better than the present! Right?

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Son of a Preacher Man (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down. What's the most recent thing that you said "no" to?

Helping Beast in the bathroom this afternoon. This is what the nurses are paid for. Most of the rest of the stuff that goes on there, I'm willing to help with. Not that, though.

2) Two years later, Aretha recorded "Son of a Preacher Man." What's something you changed your mind about?

I've been doing a lot of back-and-forth about Beast coming home.

3) This song tells the tale of Billy Ray, a young man who could be very persuasive. If we wanted to change your mind about something, would you be more easily swayed by an emotional argument, or with verifiable facts?

I would be unlikely to be swayed by someone trying to change my mind at all. I don't do well with being told what to do.

4) If you ordered a "Son of a Preacher Man" in a bar, you'd get a cocktail made with peppermint schnapps, gin and lemonade. When did you last have lemonade? Was it just lemonade, or was it spiked with alcohol?

Good gawd that sounds AWFUL! I can't even think of a time I've had lemonade in the past 6 months. It's not really my thing, but it would have been just lemonade.

5) Dusty had a thing for maps. She admired them artistically and enjoyed using them to take long car trips. Do you use printed maps? Or do you rely on technology, like GPS or Google Maps?

I almost exclusively use the GPS in my car, and look at Google Maps ahead of time.

6) As a girl, she attended convent school. There, one of the nuns discouraged Dusty from performing, telling her that if she would do better to be a mother or a librarian. When you were growing up, did the adults in your world encourage your dreams?

Nope. Which is ridiculous, actually, considering that I come from a long line of women who worked for pay.

7) That nun inspired Dusty's first major act of rebellion. In an attempt to make herself look less like a future librarian or housewife, she bleached her hair platinum blonde. In school, were you much of a rebel? Or did you conform to the expectations adults had of you?

Oh, I was quiet and relatively well-behaved in school. But remember those striking-looking women? One of them has several tats, wears 6" heels and short skirts, dyes her hair in random colorful streaks....and is a librarian. So, hey nun, fuck right off.

8) Early in her career, Dusty provided the entertainment at a family summer camp. She appeared on the bill with a clown, a fire-eater and a hypnotist. Have you ever been hypnotized?

Nope. Hell to the no, not in public for sure!!

9) Random question: Have you ever played matchmaker to your friends? If yes, did your efforts lead to romance?

I have, to spectacularly zero effect. Setting up two non-communicative people is just stupid.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Cannon Fodder Questions

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

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

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

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

3. What are you listening to right now?

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

4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms?

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

5. Do you believe in perfect?

Not in this world, nope.

6. Are you a jealous person?

Heh. No.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes.

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

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

11. Do you think men truly understand women?

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

12. How about women understanding men?

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

13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful?

Ha ha ha ha ha.

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

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

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

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

The Sassy Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is your biggest regret in life?

Not learning to fly a plane.

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

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

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

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

10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say?

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

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Into You (2016)
... Because [I] suggested it. [yay me!] Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this video, Ariana Grande and her boyfriend take off on a motorcycle. Are your trips usually carefully planned? Or would you prefer to just spontaneously get up and go?

Our trips tend more towards overplanning than spontaneity. We are, however, getting much better at not loading up the schedule and just letting things happen. Our trip next month to my nephew's wedding, while necessarily involving some advance work on lodging and coordination with other family, has pretty much otherwise been, "Anything you MUST do/see while we're there?" "Nope." OK, so the plan is to go wherever, do whatever, and play with all the kids. I'm totes on board with that. I don't even have much of a "things to do in [city]" list which is unheard of for me!

2) As they ride through the desert, they pass several cacti. This makes Sam sad, since she had a potted cactus on her desk and managed to kill it in no time. Do you have luck with house plants?

I'm prone to killing anything but the hardiest of houseplants. I have managed to keep most of Amy's Bob Marley cactus offspring alive, somehow, and some mother-in-law's tongue. Otherwise death surrounds me.

3) This song mentions the appeal of acting "a little bit scandalous." Tell us about a time you were the subject of gossip.

I'm sure everyone at work was talking about me last year because my attitude was absolutely horrific. I know this as fact because the boss told me so, which of course made me so very interested in improving my attitude around my coworkers.... I have notes all over my cube in foreign languages saying things like "Shut Up!" and "No chit-chat" to remind myself to STFU about non-work things. And all but one person at work is blocked from the vast majority of my Facebook life now. The boss is Restricted; he sees virtually nothing. Otherwise, and up to this point in my life, I haven't given a rat's bloody ass whether people gossip about me. I work with almost all women, and I'm a realist: at some point it had to be my turn in the blender.

4) Ariana's mother is an executive at a company that makes, among other things, alarm systems. Is your home protected by a security system?

We have an Attack Guinea Pig! Be afraid!

5) Ariana has her own fragrance, "Ari," available at major department stores. When you're at the mall, do you accept the scent strips you're handed? Or do you say, "no, thank you."

I so rarely go to a mall that I don't even know if I know what these are! They used to employ people to just spray shit in your face as you walked into departments stores. That sucked. And no, I have enough allergy issues that I don't need to overwhelm my system more thanks.

6) Ariana has said Mariah Carey is her "favorite human being on the planet" and her biggest musical influence. Who is your favorite female vocalist?

Well, it's emphatically NOT Mariah Carey!! I adore Dolly Parton and Julie Andrews. I like Melissa Etheridge. I think Mary J. Blige is amazing; without her there'd be no Beyoncé, whom I also like. And Miriam Makeba. If I go back to the no-longer-living, we can throw in Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee ... so many good women!

7) A big fan of horror movies, she admits Freddy Krueger of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies was her favorite growing up. Do you like scary movies?

Nope. Just no.

8) She had a brief relationship with rapper Big Sean. Do you like rap music?

I like some of it. I like the energy and the wit and talent behind good lyrical content. I don't really get the 'music' part of it, but I appreciate when there is good music AND good lyrics. But so much of it is pure dreck. Like most pop music, to be honest.

9) Random question: Which kid were you in school -- Class Clown, Brain, Jock, Stoner, Cheerleader, Teacher's Pet?

I was the Brain, with absolutely zero extensions into any of these other options. If you'd included Band Geek, I was that too, in spades.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Jackals Meme

Question 1: Who is your favorite Musical Artist?

My regular go-tos include Melissa Etheridge, Billy Joel, Tobymac, U2, and musicals. However, I listen to lots of different stuff because I'm very easily bored.

Question 2: What is your favorite album by that Artist?

Uh, woops. I don't really have a favorite album. I've been jonesing for a little Chorus Line lately, so I should probably go dig that out.

Question 3: Who is your Favorite Blogger?

I subscribe to close to 150 feeds; of those, there are maybe 6 that I visit literally every time they post: Kwizgiver, WTIT, Amy, Gal, local news headlines, and Awful Library Books. There are others who are close to making the cut, but right now I have 363 articles to catch up on, so...yeah. I'm a nerd.

Question 4: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what is interesting about them?

I can't pick one person. Mostly, today, I'd like to go back a few decades and hang out with my dad when he was young.

Question 5: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Adult. Seriously, I didn't have big plans; I just wanted to stop having my parents boss me around. Silly me--I had no idea how dull adulthood is for very long stretches at a time!

Question 6: What is the most interesting piece of Trivia that you know?

This, you're asking a librarian?? I know so much trivia I can't even pick a direction in which to start. If we want random library stuff..., 641.5 is the Dewey Number for cookbooks, 796.357 is the number for baseball, and Melvil Dui (a.k.a Melville Dewey) was very interested in spelling reform.

Question 7: If you could live in any point of history when would it be and why?

Now. I wouldn't like to have been a woman at any other point in history.

Question 8: What do you think of the election in the U.S. so far?

I try very hard not to. I mean, my (British) niece Facebook-messaged all of us in the family the day Ted Cruz dropped out: ""Wait, so Trump really COULD BE PRESIDENT?!" Yes, we've all been told we could be president when we grew up, but none of us wanted the dumbass throwing spitwads from the back row to be in charge, did we?? [Disclaimer: I might or might not have been that dumbass at some point in my educational career....]

Question 9: What is your favorite TV drama? What do you like about it?

Favorite is probably "Criminal Minds" in reruns. Why? One word: Shemar. OK, and a photo, so you know what I mean:

Question 10: What is the most interesting job you've ever had?

I love my job now. It's rarely truly boring, there's always some kind of drama going on, the vast majority of my coworkers are outstanding people working their asses off, and I get to answer random questions all day (some days) and see all the new materials first (most days). What's not to like?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
It Don't Come Easy (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This was Ringo's first big hit as a solo artist. Who is your favorite member of his old, very famous group, The Beatles?

I always liked George the best, from the cuteness perspective. John was fascinating and complicated and irritating. Paul pissed me off; he has always seemed like a Teacher's Pet sort of guy. Ringo...well, I never really had strong feelings in any direction about him. He is sort of the Scooby Doo of the quartet, the mascot, the one that's there to amuse and distract.

2) In this song, Ringo sings that you have to pay your dues. Do you belong to any organizations that require you to pay dues?

Yes, I do. I belong to P.E.O. (which I highly recommend to other women). I occasionally join ALA or my state library association when I'm going to a conference that year.

3) He also sings, "you don't have to shout." When did you last raise your voice?

Beast and I had a long drawn-out shouting match last weekend. I think that was the last time. But when I get excited, I do tend to up the volume a bit....

4) Ringo has two piercings on each ear and one tattoo on each arm. Do you have more piercings or body art?

I have two pierced-once ears. That's all. Do scars count as body art?

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra made a recording of "The Lady Is a Tramp" personalized to her. Tell us about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations.

We don't do much for our birthdays anymore, Beast and I--they are six days apart and mostly we just go out to dinner somewhere. So all my memorable birthdays are in days very much past. We spent the weekend in a resort-ish area west of us for our 40th birthdays, about 12 years ago. The problem is that our birthdays are in a weird month to celebrate: it's too cold to do too much outside, and it's not really winter yet most of the time, and everyone is gearing up for holidays.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.

In the past week, I've babysat Beast, been his chauffeur as needed, updated subject headings in our consortial catalog to catch them up to fall 2014 (sigh), bought a lot of prescriptions and pop, and watched a lot of TV.

7) Ringo also did the narration for Ladybird children's books. Do you like audiobooks?

I do. I pretty much always have one going in the car.

8) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. His passion for the genre is reflected in the outfit he's wearing on the sleeve for "It Don't Come Easy." Do you like cowboy movies/shows?

They aren't my go-to favorite. I liked The Lone Ranger and Big Valley and How the West Was Won as a kid, and enjoy the reruns occasionally, but I never got into them as a movie thing. They were pretty much over by the time I was into movies, and honestly ... I grew up "out west" so they didn't really sit well with me. Kind of whitewashed, very racist, not historically-accurate, and bad production values in general. I did enjoy the mini-series for Lonesome Dove but that's because a) I loved the book, and b) the filmed version stuck pretty close to the book.

9) You know what else don't come easy? Nine questions every week. Crazy Sam has heard it all: this meme asks too many movie questions, too many questions about sports, too many questions that sound familiar ... OK, now it's your turn. Help a tired meme mistress out. Contribute a random question that is not about movies or sports (pro or collegiate) and has never been asked before on this meme. Sam will compile these for an all-random Saturday 9 in November. That way she'll get a much-appreciated week off. Thanks for your help!

I've got a few for you:

• When was the last time you rode a school bus?
• Who is your favorite author?
• Describe your dream workplace (office decor, coworkers, whatever).
• Why do you do these surveys/memes?
• How organized are your clean clothes? Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?
• What do you think the Toy of the Year will be this Christmas?
• Where were living the first time you accessed the Internet?

I know it's hard to come up with 'fun' questions every week. I cheat like heck on my site! But you do an excellent job and I have zero complaints. Thank you thank you thank you!

Lazy Easter Sunday

(Swiped from Amy)

Have you ever had a dream that you chased only to be let down when you achieved it?

Not "let down" per se but this whole Being An Adult thing is not as advertised when I was younger. I don't really have high expectations anymore for most things--I tend toward realistic. Maybe cynical? Nah, not really. Just unwilling to live with massive, preventable disappointment.

Is there anything about the opposite sex you just don't understand or comprehend?

Well, the whole peeing standing up thing is complicated as far as I can tell, seeing as how it seems far more difficult than it sounds to hit a fairly good-sized target with any degree of regularity. Otherwise, men aren't any weirder than women, except for their general lack of a clue about women. ;-)

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

I struggle with this question because I had pretty excellent teachers throughout my educational career; it would be MUCH easier to list the crappy ones! I even had good Sunday School teachers. It's been fun, thanks to Facebook, to get to know some of these folks as people now that we're all adults. Supposedly.

What's your favourite party game?

Depends on the party. I love Sheepshead, but it isn't something most people can deal with. Poker is fun. Apples to Apples is fun. Whatever. I will play almost any game.

Is it acceptable or unacceptable to smack a child as form of discipline?

Sure. Punching is not ok. Slapping isn't even ok. But the occasional butt-swat is called for, as an attention-getting device. Note that word "occasional"--if you're doing it more than 5 times a week--depending a little on age and the personality of the child--you aren't doing it right.

Can a heterosexual male ever wear pink?

Sure. My dad wore pink. He was definitely hetero. How can I be sure? He wore a pink shirt with an orange-and-green plaid sport coat. {kidding}

Is it criminal to wear socks with sandals?

It's rather silly-looking, but some feet are not ready for public viewing. On the other hand, being comfortable around those you love gives people a bit of a free pass on Ugly Feet Syndrome.

If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?

Lollipop. Question back though: since when do captains get to name their own ships?

If you were to join an emergency service which would it be?

Probably EMT. I would suck at fire/rescue, and being a cop doesn't really work for me either.

If you were to join one of the armed forced which would it be?

At this point, none of them would have me. However, back in the day, the only one I would have seriously considered was the Air Force.

What's the worst thing about being your gender?

The bleeding every month thing, when it was a thing for me, really just sucked. Not just the hassle, but the hormonal stuff and generally feeling like shit on a plate at least 2-3 days every month.

What's the best thing about being your gender?

Being pregnant.

If you swapped genders for a day how would you spend it?

Working out the Pee Mystery--though surely that wouldn't take all day. Would it? So I'd just spend my day as usual, otherwise. I mean, being male wouldn't change my ability to do my job. I'm not a pregnancy surrogate or anything.

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.

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 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.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 5000 Question Meme Continues... Part Six

121. Have you ever lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye?

Yes. My dad. I learned a great deal from that though, and now quite often when I say goodbye at the end of a visit, I mean "Goodbye, just in case this is it." Twice it has been.

122. How do you feel about women in politics?

This is a ridiculous question. The same as men in politics, I don't "feel" any particular way about it; I just hope they're doing their jobs well.

123. Would you rather have an indoor Jacuzzi or an outdoor pool?

Jacuzzi. Though to be honest I have a dream of putting a hot tub on our back porch. After enclosing it, of course. ;-)

124. What things are you interested in that you study or read about regularly?

Early Church history. And I like realistic mysteries.

125. Would you consider yourself to be intelligent?

Yes.

126. Would you consider yourself to be wise?

I have moments. They are fleeting, but pleasant.

127. Have you ever given or received a lap dance?

No.

128. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person?

Of course I have. I speak to them regularly. I would even speak to them if they didn't come in the library every day.

129. Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring?

Sure. Not around here--there's no subway except sewers.

130. If you could add 70 years to your life but only by making some random person die 70 years sooner would you?

No. Why would I want to live that long?

131. Can you identify any of the following lyrics?

A: Nothing to kill or die for...

Yes, Mr. Lennon, I'm aware of your song.

B: Late comings with the late comin' stretcher...

No clue.

C: I could make a film and make you my star...

Ugh, no. I don't specifically recognize this one, but I'm familiar with the sentiment.

132. Are you worried about North Korea?

In a vague way. I can't really take them seriously, but I guess I should stop that.

133. Would you rather be a world political leader or a talk-show host?

Talk-show host. No contest. I have no interest in being in charge of anything political.

134. Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote?

Yes. Back in the day I actually wrote letters semi-regularly.

135. Have you ever sent someone a surprise though the mail?

Yes. Her daughter had to remind her who I was. lol

136. Are you looking forward to any dates right now? Vacation perhaps?

Not really. I'd like to be done with this class, and I'm kinda noodling stuff around for Beast's and my 50th birthdays later this year...and of course Katherine's baby's birth in the summer. That's it for this year.

137. Of all animated movies, which is the best one you've ever seen?

I love "The Lion King." Gosh, I should totally get that out and re-watch it.

138. What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving?

John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, .fun, Queen, random boyband stuff... Anything with a solid beat and lyrics that are sing-along-y.

139. What do you think is the most amazing thing that anyone has ever accomplished?

ANYONE?! Are you fucking serious?? This question is insane, so I'm going with an insane answer: I'm watching Hardcore Pawn right now, and the most amazing thing is that no one has gotten shot (yet).

140. What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you?

Be himself. Be charming without an ulterior motive. Be funny, but not mean. Be helpful but not pushy. This goes for anyone, not just guys, by the way.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Not So Manly Meme

1. Boxers? Briefs? Boxer briefs? Thongs? Bikinis? Commando?

I do like boy-shorts, but usually wear regular (girl) briefs or bikinis. Thongs are the invention of the devil, and commando is gross.

2. What’s your fussiest personal care routine?

I've tried to de-fuss as much as possible, but I try very hard not to put on deodorant until I've been out of the shower for at least 10 minutes. Otherwise, I can't think of anything much I fuss about, especially in girl terms.

3. Do you have a favorite tool? Power or manual?

There are just so very many ways to go here that are 100% snarky that I can't decide which one to go with. So I'll just say that I really do like screwdrivers, manual if-you-please.

4. Can you change your own oil? Do you?

I could probably figure it out if I wanted to. Beast has always done it for all the cars we've owned. If he weren't here I'd take it to Bob (our regular repair guy) or JiffyLube.

5. What’s the "manliest / 'womanliest" thing you do on a regular basis?

I hate this question on principle. I'm kind of the least "womanly" woman you're likely to meet, and I'm clearly not manly.

6. What’s something "manly" that you never learned how to do?

Pee standing up.

7. Do you ever cry? If so, what’s your trigger?

What isn't my trigger?? I cry all the time. Less than say 10 years ago, though, so by the time I'm dead I'll probably have stopped completely. Today it was the music, the fellowship, and a baptism.

8. Do you have a chivalrous streak? How does it manifest itself?

Uhm. I hold doors for people...?

9. Do you have a chauvinistic streak? How does it manifest itself?

...I'm getting irritated... I'm sure there are times when I'm adamant that certain people act in a certain way, but I really try NOT to do this, at least not SERIOUSLY!

10. What’s your favorite movie?

"Heathers"

11. What’s the dumbest, testosterone-inspired thing you’ve ever seen?

War, any war but especially the one in Iraq, ranks right up there.

12. What quality do you think makes a good man good? Do you have that quality?

Trustworthiness, dependability, kindness, strength of character. I have lots of these characteristics, but they don't often show up at the appropriate times or amounts.... By the way, these are the same qualities that make good women. Just to be clear.

13. Toilet seat up or down?

I don't really give a shit (ha ha), but Beast prefers it down along with the lid.

14. If your significant other is away, do you cook for yourself or eat out of cans and boxes (or rely on local drive-throughs and delivery)?

I tend to nosh when Beast travels. I definitely don't cook, unless it's a matter of heating up leftovers in the microwave.

15. What societal expectation of being a man / women do you most resent?

I'm not a fan of societal expectations of any kind that are based on gender.

16. What’s the best part - societal-wise - about being a man / women?

See previous answer.

17. Will you stop to ask for directions?

Of course. I've done it before, and I'm sure I'll do it again.

18. What’s one thing about your significant other that you just cannot understand, no matter how hard you try?

I don't understand his drive. He's like the Energizer bunny, with added stubbornness.

19. What do you need to have in the shower?

Well, water, I guess.

20. Do you burp/fart/scratch? Do you do anything stereotypically male?

Yup, all of the above. I swear too. And drink. And wear pants. And watch football games and NASCAR. I think Vogue and Mademoiselle are the stupidest goddamn waste of paper, I hate cooking, and I don't crave jewelry and flowers for every ridiculous occasion. But...yup, just checked: I'm definitely a girl.

Lots of Curiosity in this Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Have you ever been arrested?

Nope. Never spent time in custody. Hoping to keep that record intact untill I die.

2) In what ways would you like to change the world?

I'm trying to keep my corner of it from imploding at any given moment by trying to be kind. I'm actually nicer in person than on the blog(s).

3) Has a book ever brought you to tears?

Only about twice a month for most of my life.

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

This nail needs driving--it's a hazard to feet and the structural integrity of whatever it's supposed to be holding together.

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1) What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you as a result of procrastinating?

I can't right now think of a specific incident, but there've been a few missed opportunities, for sure.

2) Are you a member of the Mile High Club?

Nope, though I did grow up in the Mile High City, so if we stretch the definition... lol

3) What's worse, extremely cold weather or extremely hot weather?

I hate hot+humid. Abhor it! Otherwise, I don't mind hot. But it's easier to deal with cold--you can always find ways to warm up, but it's hard to cool down.

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

I find butterflies really interesting. This one is unusually un-colorful, but still lovely.

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1) Describe your "good china," whether you actually own any or not.

I have both of my grandmother's china sets, plus my parents'. We use the latter on Thanksgiving: it's beige with pale green outer rims, very '50/'60s-standard. I love them. I didn't ask for china when we got married: seemed silly to ask for dishes we'd have to store for 10 years.

2) When are you happiest?

When I'm relaxed and accomplishing something important (to me).

3) If you could turn into two people right now, what are the first two things you'd want to do?

I'd go on vacation, like, permanently. And the other one of me would stick around and keep earning money to pay for that vacation.

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

There was a day when hang-gliding looked like the most fun ever. Now, this photo kinda scares me: what if you impaled your glider on one of the arms of the turbines?? So, yeah, I'm too old for this I think.

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1) You discover that the person you're head-over-heels about loves good homemade & handmade desserts. What will you concoct when you have this person over?

Hmm, looks like it's apple crumble all around with (maybe even homemade) whipped cream on top.

2) What would you leave in your will for the person you care about the most?

My money, and the name of a good attorney/accountant. OK, seriously: family mementos and a big mess to clean up. It's only fair, right? Reality is somewhere in the middle of all this, of course.

3) What do you consider to the most valuable thing you own: when you were a child/teenager/now?

When I was a child, it was probably one of my toys, maybe my jacks. As a teen, probably my diary. Now...probably this computer. Or...jeez, maybe my family Bibles?

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

Huge much? Since I know the photo is actually of a prison, it astounds me that we (still) spend so much money in our (used broadly here: this is in Australia) culture on locking people up.

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1) How often do you clean between your toes?

Directly and intentionally? Not real often, but then again, they don't really get that dirty.

2) What is your favorite way to waste time at work without getting caught?

I've been known to check Facebook. I read through random interesting-looking books quite regularly (is that really time-wasting, though?). Oh, and there's the regular chit-chat with coworkers.

3) If you could have had the starring role in one film already made, which movie would you pick?

So tempting to say Maria in "The Sound of Music".... I can't think of any other heroines I'd want to be. Well, ok, maybe Professor McGonnigle.

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

Awesome to see strong black women running things. The world would be a better place if we saw more of this, I think.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. What caused the oldest scar you have on your body?

The oldest one I'm aware of is on my right knee (though, to be honest, it's so old it's nearly invisible now). I got it while carrying stuff into the house after we ate on the patio one summer evening when I was 8 or 9; I tripped over a piece of the back door threshold that had come loose and fell on it, and it sort of pinched and tore the skin. It's right at the top of the kneecap, about a quarter of an inch square. It hurt like hell and I bled like a stuck pig for awhile. Much screaming. No stitches, just a band aid. That was in the days of not going to the hospital for anything short of loss of consciousness or bones sticking out.

2. When getting dressed, what order do you put on your socks and shoes: sock-sock-shoe-shoe, or sock-shoe-sock-shoe?

Usually socks first then shoes, because usually my shoes only go on at the last minute. I've noticed that doing each foot completely, on the rare occasions that I do that, feels extraordinarily weird.

3. What would be the three qualities you think you’d offer to your significant other?

Honesty, humor, and compassion.

4. How long did it take you to find what you consider to be your "calling" in life, or are you still trying to find it?

I think once someone completely stops looking, s/he might as well roll over and die. Having said that, I knew I wanted to work with books at a pretty young age; nothing else sounded at all fun.

5. What old movie would you like to see someone attempt to update for a modern audience?

NONE of them! Let's have some originality for a change!

6. Do you honestly believe that a man and woman can be “just friends” without it becoming sexual?

Sure. I have dozens of guy friends that not only have I not HAD sex with, but I wouldn't even WANT to have sex with. (eeeuwwww)

RevGalsBlogPals

(Link in meme-roll)
Friday Five: Women's Retreat Edition!

1. Name a woman author you very much love to read.

I love Anne Lamott. I love Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love Sue Grafton, Anne Bradstreet, Diana Gabaldon, Sara Paretsky, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth George, Emily Dickinson, Margaret Coel....

2. Name a woman from the Bible with whom you would like to enjoy a nice long coffee talk.

I'd love to learn a little more about Leah. And Mary the Magdalene. Yes, that's two. I'm not good with picking one. Oh, and Lot's wife, prior to the salt thing.

3. Name a famous woman from history with whom you would like to have lunch.

Abigail Adams. And then maybe Caroline Ingalls tomorrow.

4. Name a living famous or infamous woman with whom you would like to go out to dinner.

Aung San Suu Kyi, but I think we'll skip dinner and go for a walk somewhere.

5. If you could be SuperWoman (o.k., I know you already ARE) what three special powers would you like to have?

Invisibility, time travel, self-duplication.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Ten Anyone? Meme

1. Why do you blog?

I need to get the words out.

2. Name your three best memories.

- The day after Sparky was born after the morphine had worn off but before everything went to hell.
- Giggling with my mom during silent prayer at church.
- Jumping rope and playing jacks in the summer as a kid.

3. Name 4 of the best fiction books you've read.

The Book of Ruth, Alice in Wonderland, Glass Soup, and Outlander.

4. What are the 5 best movies ever made? (and that I love....)

Couldn't we switch this to a lower number? ...sigh... OK: Heathers, Citizen Kane, Orlando, Shoah, Groundhog Day.

5. Name 5 things I can't live without.

YOU can't live without? Air, water, food, love and shelter.

6. If you could change your name what would it be?

Go back a few days to find the answer.

7. Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.

One that I haven't posted already? Holy cats...uh...I have blepharitis. Whee.

8. What do you love best about yourself?

My intellect.

9. If you had a "Freaky Friday" experience, who would you change places with?

Well, my mom's dead and I don't have a daughter, so...no one?

10. What is the best thing about being a woman.

The habit that so many men (ok, really: some women, too) have of underestimating us.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name the seven careers you’d like to see depicted in a Barbie Doll.

1. Pastor
2. Stay-at-home-mom
3. [American] Football player [though I'd settle for coach]
4. Hooker (which shouldn't be a stretch, eh?)
5. Customer-service helpline employee
6. Bartender
7. Welfare recipient

I'm completely serious on most of these. The only one I'm totally kidding about is...guess!

blurg

Found here

1. do you sleep in your bra? Not often, at least not at night.

2. have you kissed anyone on your top list of your friends? I don't have a top list.

3. are you happy with your looks? Aside from the weight issue, yes.

4. do you enjoy drama? I enjoy it on stage. I don't enjoy it in real life.

5. are you a girly girl? Not so much.

6. who was the last person you hugged? Probably Sparky?

7. small or large purses? I hate purses in general, but when I do use one, it's very small. Normally, I just carry a wallet.

8. are you short? Not.

9. do you like someone? Arghhhhhh.

10. what would you do if someone smacked your butt? Only one person is allowed, and I'm not much of a fan even when he does it. Otherwise, smack in the face.

11. do you care if your socks are dirty? My sox almost never get that dirty. If they are, I take them off.

12. do you think you’re conceited? I'm occasionally a little full of my importance, yeah.

13. are you a bitch? Always. 23.8 hours each day.

13. do you dress up on Halloween? No.

14. are you double jointed? Nope.

15. where is the weirdest place you have slept? At work (in the workroom)? On the floors of several churches (on teen trips)?

16. has anyone touched/smacked your butt in the past 24 hours? What is this butt-smacking fixation? The person who is allowed has been out of town all week, so no.

17. is there any type of rumor going around about you? Apparently so, judging by a conversation I had today.

18. do you call anybody by their last name? Sparky, sometimes.

20. how many guys do you think will end up reading this just because it says 'girl confessions'? Only those who search for that phrase in Google and go here by mistake.

WARM UP:
[ ] i do wear make up.
[x] i have cried at a movie theater.
[x] i can put mascara on without opening my mouth.
[ ] i get jealous. [technically, it's happened, but not often]
[x] i think Johnny Depp is sexy.
[x] i love to laugh
[x] i like classic rock.
[x] i like death/grind/black metal.
[ ] i like rap. [some, but not much of it]
[x] i like techno.
[x] i like country. [more than I like rap]
[ ] i carry a purse. [rarely]
[x] i’d be lost without my computer.
[ ] i own a Spice Girls CD.
[ ] i own a Britney Spears CD.
[x] i own a boy band CD.
[ ] i get bored watching football.
[ ] i love Gothic guys.
[ ] i love skater guys.
[ ] i like guys who BMX.
[ ] i’ve never been called a spoiled brat
[x] i love guys that are just themselves.
[x] guys are confusing.
[x] i’ve been called a bad influence. [but totally not seriously]
[ ] lip gloss is better than lipstick.
[x] i can leave the house without makeup. [I do everyday]
[x] i play video games, even when there are other people around
[x] my friends are the best.
[ ] i want a tattoo.
[x] i don’t have a tattoo.
[ ] i have a piercing.
[x] i’m insecure.

---~~~---

YOUR BOY SIDE:
[ ] you love hoodies.
[x] you love jeans.
[x] dogs are better than cats.
[ ] it's hilarious when people get hurt. [it's funny only if I know they are ok]
[x] you've played with/against boys on a team. [hello? gym class?]
[x] shopping is torture.
[ ] sad movies suck.
[ ] you own a XBOX.
[x] you own a Wii.
[x] you played with Hot Wheels as a little kid.
[ ] at some point in life you wanted to be a firefighter.
[ ] you owned a DS, PS2 or Sega.
[ ] you used to be obsessed with Power Rangers.
[x] you watch sports on TV.
[ ] gory movies are cool.
[x] you go to your dad for advice. [I did when I could, WAY more than my mom]
[ ] you own like a trillion baseball hats.
[ ] you used to/do collect football collector cards.
[ ] baggy sweatpants are cool to wear.
[ ] it's kind of weird to have sleepovers with a bunch of people.
[ ] green, black, red, blue, or silver are one of your favorite colors. [uh? what?]
[x] you love to go crazy and not care what other people think.
[x] Sports are fun.
[x] you talk with food in your mouth. [only around other boys ;-)]
[x] you sleep at night with your socks on. [when my feet are cold]
[x] you have fished at least once.
Total: 13

YOUR GIRL SIDE:
[ ] you love to shop.
[ ] you wear eyeliner.
[ ] you wear the color pink.
[ ] you go to your mom for advice.
[ ] you consider cheerleading a sport.
[ ] you hate wearing the color black.
[x] you like going to the mall. [I don't mind, as long as I have a reason or someone with whom to go]
[x] you like getting manicures and/or pedicures.
[x] you like wearing jewelry.
[ ] you cried watching The Notebook.
[ ] skirts are a big parts of your wardrobe.
[ ] shopping is one of your favorite hobbies.
[x] you don't like the movie Star Wars.
[ ] you are/were in gymnastics.
[ ] it takes you around one hour to shower. [OMGWTFBBQ--for real? No freakin' way could I spend an hour in the shower!]
[x] you smile a lot more than you should.
[x] you have more than 10 pairs of shoes.
[x] you care about what you look like.
[ ] you like wearing dresses when you can.
[x] you like wearing body spray/perfume.
[x] you like high heel shoes.
[x] you used to play with dolls as a kid.
[ ] you like putting makeup on others.
[ ] you like being the star of almost everything.
[ ] pink is one of your favorite colors.
Total :10

I am, apparently, a boy.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

What's worse, physical or mental cheating? Why?

Well, first we have to define "worse." Worse for whom? I think they both cause suffering and guilt and shame (at least, one hopes cheating would cause someone to feel ashamed!). If we're talking about the external effects, then physical is far worse because of all the people who are involved: the cheater, the cheatee, the family. On the other hand, there is that sense of knowing you've done wrong in your mind and having that knowledge cause a deep chasm in a relationship. I dunno. I'm going with physical.

Do you think men and women can be just friends? Why or why not?

Yes. Because--though it's easy to give men short shrift on this--sometimes all you want in a relationship is a listening ear and/or a sense of comfort. It is possible to have those things even if there is attraction on both sides. Apparently, we have lost the concept of self-control, or the willingness to practice it.

How do you feel about dating co-workers?

Well, I wouldn't date any of mine! :-) Most of them are married anyway. In the theoretical sense, however, I don't see it as an insurmountable problem. I mean, where are people supposed to meet "date material" if not at work? Sure, I can see the potential problems at the end of a relationship, but I live in a small town: when you break up with someone here, you run into them all the time anyway. And after all, it can't be any worse than high school dating! However, keep in mind that workplace dating has never been an issue for me, so what do I know?

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
we're still fighting it.

[01] What is something best about being your sex/gender?

The best thing about being female is the freedom to cry. In fact, it's nearly an expectation, so letting go with tears isn't ever really questioned. Also, more fun clothes. ;-)

[02] What is something best about being the opposite sex/gender?

Physical strength.

[03] When do you most feel empowered by your sex/gender?

When I'm around other strong women and we're all working toward the same goal. It happens often in the library world.

[04] When do you least feel empowered by your sex/gender?

When I'm surrounded by other women who are doing their best job at sabotaging each other, me, and themselves. This also happens quite often in the my occupation.

[05] What measures must be taken in order to achieve gender equality? Do you think such a goal is achievable?

I would love to see the ERA passed, but clearly I'm an anachronism on that since it's been dead for more than 25 years now. I would also love people to stop telling other people what they are allowed to do. This goes way beyond gender roles, by the way, and encompasses race, sexual choices, and a lot of other things. How enlightened can our society actually be if we are still worrying about stuff other people do that really has no effect on us? Really, what difference does it make who I sleep with, what job I have, whether my skin has more (or less) melanin, what my fashion choices are, how much and what I eat...? Most of those choices matter very little to passing strangers. Leave me the hell alone to make my own good and bad choices, yo!

Oops, I seem to have veered away from the question. Sorry. ;-)

Thursday Threesome

(Link in blogroll)
::Guys and Dolls ::
Onesome: Guys-- do the darnedest things, -right? What's the darnedest thing you've had a male acquaintance do that you just know a gal would never even think of? (Okay, girls, toilet seats do not count on this one {g}!)

Apparently, I really don't think this way. I'm having a terrible time coming up with something. Everything I think of, I am reminded that I know women who have done it too.
I guess I'll go with the over-arching sense that whatever a man says is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT, not to mention more valid. Everything from a mumbled, "Wow, we're out of cheese" to waking someone with "Tornado! Get in the basement right now!" are equally important and the universe should listen with 100% attention. [Yes, there are women like this...but next time you're at a restaurant or a casual meeting with approximate equal numbers of men and women, stop listening to WHAT is being said and watch the responses and body language.]
My apologies to the many men I know who truely don't behave this way. Usually. ;-)

Twosome: and-- to turn it around, what's the darnedest thing you've had a female acquaintance do that you just know a guy would never even think of? (Okay, guys, that hair-flip move doesn't count either...)

I think the "Do I look fat...?" comment should be excluded too.
I don't know too many guys who cry to get their way. Not all the women I know who've done this have done it intentionally or consciously, mind you, but it does tend to work. Sometimes. Even with cops.
My apologies to the women I know who never have/never will do this.

Threesome: Doll[s]--ing yourself up? What is your idea of dress-up? Hmmm... Let's go with Summer wear for now!

Sundress, maybe with a wrap in case the a/c gets stupid, and sandals with a heel.

By the way, I do make a lot of "men are..." and "women are..." comments, but I guess I really don't think that way deep down. I'm really struggling with those first two questions; while I think men and women are different in an ineffable way, when it comes right down to it, we use all the behavioral tricks pretty interchangeably. Society may use different words--for instance, ever notice how men 'network' while women 'gossip'?--but from my standpoint, we all do the same things.

/rant

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What hour of the day goes the slowest for you?

Mid-afternoon is really hard for me, anywhere from 2 to 4. I just want to take a nap!

2) What is the difference between boys and girls?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails vs. Sugar and spice and all things nice. Are there ANY girls out there who didn't grow up hearing this and wanting to slit someone's throat?

In reality: boys' plumbing is external, girls' is internal. All else is individiual within a standard bell curve.

3) Write your own epitaph.

"Finally: I can lie down and rest 100% guilt-free!"

4) What is the worst habit you've ever had?

I still bite my nails. But I think the worst habit I ever had was my utter dependence on others for interaction in the world.

5) 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's a bit spooky, but I like these sorts of stones. They are so much more attractive than the flat stone markers that are prevalent nowadays in cemeteries. Is it just price that makes these uncommon? As for the white outline on this one...it looks sorta neon. Maybe some ectoplasma leakage from the other side?

I like this sort of cross, too. I seem to remember that as a child most of the paraments in our church used this design of the Celtic cross. Apparently, it's now gone over to designate Goths and druids. Oh well. I do like our "official" logo, though now that I know about the color symbolism, I like it a little less.... My favorite Presby one is the ARP one.

Happy Empty Cross Season to everyone, by the way!

Girlz

From Allison....

What color is your bra? Today it's chocolate brown. I had to look--I got dressed a LONG time ago today! :-)

Do you straighten your hair everyday? I never straighten my hair.

Do you worry about the size of your boobs? Nope. I'm quite happy with how they've turned out.

What’s your favorite girly magazine? Oh my. In my world, a "girly magazine" is Penthouse! So I don't have a favorite one of those--certainly not Penthouse, for sure. My favorite women's magazine is Ms. I don't read ANY of the Redbook/Ladies Home Bullshit/Cosmo crap.

Would you kill for chocolate? Nah.

Jeans or Skirts? Jeans.

Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that’s uncomfortable? I try not to.

Did you ever spend all day/night getting pretty for a guy? I'm not sure I even did this on my wedding day!

Did you ever cry during a romantic movie? I'm stealing the answer that was already here: I cry at everything.

Would you leave the house without makeup on? I always do.

Do you consider making out "unladylike"? Hmmm, I'm not sure I'd phrase it that way. I consider it inappropriate in public places, for women...AND men.

On a scale of 1-10, how fun is shopping? Alone: -3. With the proper company: 11.

Are you spoiled? Prolly.

Do you think lip gloss is the best? I haven't used it in 15 years or so.

Do you freak out if you miss your favorite show? No.

Do you yell a lot? I can be loud during football games, or when calling someone for the 4th or 5th time to COME DOWN FOR DINNER!!!

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? If a shower is required, I can be ready in 30-45 minutes. If not, 20-30 minutes. That's best case. I usually give myself at least an hour to get myself together.

Do you wear sweatpants/pajama pants to school/work? I'm too old to get away with this.

Accessories make the outfit; true or false? I am accessorarily retarded. So no.

Is pink truly the best color in the entire universe? I can't stand pink.

Lip gloss a must? Didn't we cover this above? I use Chapstick.

Status? Wedded.

Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? Yep. No more, never again.

Do you often wish there was something you could change about yourself? Not "often." There are improvements needed, but it's not something I spend valuable time mulling.

Gold or silver? Silver, or white gold.

The guy that you like/love/whatever, what does his name begin with? B for Beast.

Do you dress up too much for holidays? "Dress up"? I don't do that for much of anything at all, and DEFINITELY not holidays!

Do you like wearing dresses? I don't mind in the summer, but I really hate pantyhose.

Do you write a lot of mushy love poems? I don't believe I've ever written a love poem in my life. Not even during English classes where writing a poem was required.

What makeup could you not live without? The only thing even close to makeup that I really can't go without is Chapstick. Otherwise, I don't wear anything at all on my face.