Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)

Follow That Dream

1. My bestie and I once ...

giggled and rolled around my bed over a really dumb pun on my middle name for far too long. I don't think either of us reached "laugh till you pee" status, but oh my god we were in hysterics. All either of us has to say to each other to this day 45ish years later is that dumb pun.
Hi, Kermie! (or were you Bear?)

2. When I'm nervous ...

I bite my cuticles. Also when I'm bored. But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine I am rarely nervous. I do, however, have the occasional anxiety attacks, which are a whole other deal that involves my heart speeding up and a total inability to focus or sit still. 

3. My hair ...

is uncombed this morning. I have a big barrette holding it off my neck and face so I could wash my face. 

4. When I turn to the left, I see ...

(if I were standing) the dining room which is stacked with random effluvia that really needs to be sorted and disposed of. However, since I'm sitting, when I look left I mostly just see the end-table with pop, hemp gummies, an empty bento that had my breakfast in it, my pill box, etc. We won't mention the lower shelf...

5. My favorite aunt ...

 ... the only aunt I actually remember wasn't a barrel of laughs, though she did buy me a blue sno-cone once (which pissed off my parents). The only other aunt I kind of remember babysat me during my sister Ellen's wedding reception when I was 5 or 6. I barely remember her. My parents' Families of Origin were quite distant from my world, being as how both of them were late-in-life babies and so was I. My grandmas were pushing or well-over 80 when I appeared, so it was a full two generations between me and them.

6. I have a hard time understanding ...

anything involving finance. I just go completely blank in my head and retain nothing. I understand basics--paying bills, credit cards, interest accrual--but planning for my future feels like some kind of arcane magic.

7. You know I like you if ...

I offer to spend time with you outside of required meetings or whatever. "Spend time" in this case involves social media time or actual F2F meetups. 

8. When I was 5 years old ...

four major leaders in my county had been assassinated since my arrival on the planet; my sister had survived a disease that killed 97% of those who were diagnosed, my grandpa had died, and my dad had survived his first heart attack. Is it any wonder I was a little stressed as a kid? It wasn't exactly a calm, safe place in 1968 in the U.S. 

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Last Time I Saw Him (1973)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Miss Ross sings of a tender farewell at the bus station. When did you last say goodbye to someone at an airport, dock, train or bus station?

I can't even remember. It was probably at the airport, but maybe at a train station. Weirdly, with all of our travels this year, we did no public goodbyes. Even dropping Sparky off the night before his flight was in his hotel room. There's just no place at airports anymore to properly say goodbye. Maybe it was Sparky's trip to Hawai'i a couple of years ago? We took him to the airport to meet his classmates to hit TSA as a group.

2) Continuing with the theme of "lasts," who received the last gift you gave?

My great-nephew J got a new book and money for a new car seat today.

3) Who last did you a favor?

Uhm...I can't remember. It happens TOO often!

4) What's the last thing you dropped or broke?

I couldn't find my car keys yesterday after loading the car for our trip to Homecoming. I ended up figuring they'd slid into a bag or something and I'd find them eventually, so I borrowed Beast's set of keys and off we went. Around the first corner there was a horrible scraping sound on the roof of the car...yep, my keys slid onto the road from the roof where I'd set them while loading stuff. Thank God for giant key rings!!

5) What's the last thing you borrowed or lent?

I probably borrowed a pen at some point this weekend.

6) When is the last time you danced?

This afternoon, actually, with my favorite dance partner: my great-nephew J.

7) When were you last nervous?

I'm on the verge of an anxiety attack almost all the time it seems. Yesterday as we left the reunion and I watch Beast evacuate his stomach in the parking lot. Or maybe Friday night after his meeting, trying to find him in the dark, in the rain, in a strange town.

8) What was your last DIY project?

The last big one we did was installing new faucets in bathroom and kitchen in July or August. The kitchen one needs to be re-tightened. Again. ...sigh

9) When did you last check your horoscope? Was it accurate?

I have no idea. It's not really something I do.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Shannon's Moments Meme, Part One
I kinda just did this a couple of weeks ago, but it's enough different that I'll do it again.

1. Do you like blue cheese?

Not alone, but with some other goodies (steak, etc.) it's dynamite!

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how did you quit?

No, thank God I never started. I'm virtually certain I'd never have been able to stop.

3. Do you own a gun? How are your feelings about gun control/2nd Amendment rights?

I do not, because I know myself well enough to know exactly how dangerous that would be. I am not anti-gun, however. If you like hunting, or collecting armament, fine. I just do not see any reason for ANYone to own a functional auto or semi-auto. There's only one use for them, and it ain't dead-heading peonies!

4. What is your favorite flavor of water or liquor flavors?

I like my water plain old water-flavored, preferably not overly chlorinated. I like my liquor fairly flavorless generally too. Plain Stoli, maybe a lime twist, is sufficient. I really can't do extremely sweet drinks at all anymore...shudder.

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor visit? Why?

Nope. Serves no purpose except to make my blood pressure rise, which isn't helpful. I figure, by the time I've committed to seeing the doctor, I've already decided I need help solving whatever problem I've got at the moment.
This is all despite the fact that I actively hated going to the doctor as a child since it seemed to always involve an injection for something or other. And the doc was super-creepy. If I ever get that vibe off anyone now, I'm outta there.

6. How do you like your hot dogs?

Cold straight out of the package. If we're talking about food-truck dogs then no relish, heavy mustard, and some onions. I'll get ketchup too, unless I'm in Chi-town where it's pretty much illegal.

7. Although it’s been asked a lot, tell us about a favorite movie that you haven’t shared before.

I can't think of a movie that I haven't talked about. I don't really see that many movies, not compared to most people, so I go to the very few I love regularly to answer this. I've always liked "Fiddler on the Roof" mostly for the cinematography, and after actually seeing Siberia, it's even more amazing. Ditto for "Dr. Zhivago" a movie in which I could happily turn off the volume and watch in silence.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?

Diet caffeinated pop. More caffeine = more better.

9. In a dating situation, have you ever misrepresented yourself to seem cooler or hipper? (Yes we know for most of you it was long ago…)

Of course. I never in my life felt hip or cool, but who admits that to someone they're interested in impressing??

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Why?

I have a necklace my mom's best childhood friend gave me that she got while she was a missionary in Persia (Iran) in the 50s. It is mother-of-pearl, painted with two different scenes--one on either side--and too large and an odd-length for most outfits. I love it to death though. I love it for its own sake, but also because it reminds me of Mom and N. and how weirdly the world changes--N. gave it to me in about 1979, just before the Iranian Hostage Crisis commenced; I loved wearing it as a stealth thing that people who were yelling about killing all Iranians wouldn't/didn't get.

11. Favorite hobby? Tell us about it so we understand it.

I read. A lot. Because my life is terminally boring--and that's fine--and I like to crawl inside other people's heads and see what motivates them. One of the books I'm reading right now, The Home for Wayward Clocks is reminding me that this is one of the best parts of reading. All the everyday people doing everyday things that seem so outlandish to me, but not to them.

12. Do you have A.D.D., or have you suspected it?

Nope. Except in the sense that I am rarely ever doing just one thing anymore. It's blogging-and-TV-watching, music-and-cataloging, conversation-and-cooking.

13. What’s a thing you dislike or would change about yourself?

I need to do better about thinking further ahead than the next half hour on the Really Big Stuff in Life. I tend to be a little hedonistic and don't properly plan things out. Which, if you knew what my calendar looked like, would surprise you, I'm sure.

14. Middle name? Like it or not?

I have one. I like it. It's short, succinct, and uncommon, though hardly rare. Y'all have definitely heard of it. There's a very famous doctor that has made it more accessible. I've always been glad, secretly, that it wasn't "the" middle name that all the (popular) girls in high school seemed to have.

15. Name three random thoughts you might have on this week:

I might never catch up on cataloging at work, but I have nearly run myself out of project-work. Beast has 7 days, which is worth celebrating. It's beautiful outside today, tempting me to go out and sit on the porch which will undoubtedly lead to me feeling absolutely shitty later. (see above re thinking ahead)

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Tell us a bit about them.

I regularly drink dark diet soda, water, and pretty much nothing else. Occasional glasses of white soda when I'm feeling like I need to de-caffeinate closer to bedtime.

17. Current worry:

I'm weaning myself away from incessant worrying. I am, however, starting to think about what I'm wearing for this upcoming wedding, and what else I should be taking for the trip. Also on my mind is what Sparky needs to take, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS because HE IS 23 and I don't need to pack for him anymore!!! And this is why I have to stop worrying about stuff; it's almost always just about this stupid.

18. Current annoyance:

I can't think of anything that annoying right now. Overall, I would say that there is a large rash of idiotic behavior on the Big World Stage right now, and I'm so very sick of idiots.

19. Favorite place to be in the summer? Give us a wee bit more than “the beach”.

Well, in my case it's not the beach; it's the mountains. Any mountaintop, a ways away from "civilization" with wildflowers, sunshine, and rarefied air. I'm not fussy. I haven't had anything of this sort in a very long time and I'm craving it.

20. How do you usually ring in the new year? If forced (how we’d do that without Judd coming to your house, if you even know who he was) to do something new, what would it be?

I don't do anything very exciting. We stay home. Often we fondue. I'm usually in bed either well before midnight or not too long after. I have no interest whatever in hanging out or driving near drunks, so yeah.

21. What have you done this summer that’s special? Pictures please.

I haven't done anything this summer to speak of. Our vacations this year are April and September, so the summer has been 13 weeks of work. That's fine. But I don't got pix.

22. Have you ever walked into a room with just shoes on?

Well, if shower shoes count as shoes, then yes.

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)
As Long As You Love Me (1997)
... Because Bookstraveller suggested The Backstreet Boys. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This video shows the boys in the band nervously await an audition. When were you last nervous?

I'm not sure if it was nerves, but I was having a hard time all week getting a deep breath. And last night I was mega-worried about Beast when he went off to "find out about where to park" and didn't come back for over half an hour. [and because he parked in a hurry without checking carefully, the car was towed overnight]

2) BSB Brian Littrell was born with a congenital heart problem and had open heart surgery the year this song was released. Who is the last person you visited in the hospital?

Beast, about 11 days ago....

3) Littrell had different health trouble in 2009. While working in Japan, he contracted swine flu, which caused the band to cancel several events. Have you battled a cold or flu this summer?

Not yet. But my allergies have kicked in hard today. Seriously, massive doses of Benadryl. I'm so foggy from it, but my throat still itches.

4) When you feel a cold coming on, what's your favorite remedy?

Massive doses of Vitamin C as soon I start feeling crummy. And I sleep and drink lots of water.

5) Brian and his cousin, fellow BSB member Kevin Richardson, are both from Kentucky and have been inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. According to their website, if you tour the Hall of Fame you'll see exhibits that celebrate Kentucky's contribution to American music. Do you enjoy museums? Or do you think they're a snooze?

I love museums! We toured the historical museum on St. Kitt's while cruising--it's three rooms. Fascinating. And in Athens 15 years ago we took Sparky to the children's museum one day, and had a blast, despite no one speaking each other's language.

about 4 years ago

6) BSB Nick Carter was named one of People magazine's "Most Beautiful People in the World." Who is someone you think is especially gorgeous?

One of the girls in our former high school church group was (is) possibly the most attractive women I have ever met in my life. Tall--like 6'+--long blonde hair, thin, athletic .... AND SHE'S SUPER NICE! Great smile--yes, her tongue is sticking out here. Geez, I miss seeing her! It's good that her grandma--whom I see every week at church--looks like her. ;-)

7) This spring Nick became a father for the first time. Is anyone in your life expecting a baby this year?

No one in the family. I don't actually know if anyone I know well is pregnant.

8) The band has been involved in ongoing litigation with their first manager, saying he had been dishonest with them about how much they had earned. Tell us about someone you trusted, but shouldn't have.

Pretty much every single person at my workplace, at least from how my boss has spun it. All but one of my co-workers has been moved to "Acquaintances" in Facebook. It sucks because there are a couple of people there I really like and thought were friends first. Once I've been burned a few times, I do eventually learn.

9) The band's record-breaking 1999 tour was sponsored by the Sears department store chain. Sam remembers the twice-a-year shopping trips to Sears -- spring and fall -- with her mother to update Sam's school wardrobe. What's the last article of clothing you bought?

Hmm. Oh, I some underwear last month from VS. Nothing fun, don't get excited. Just the usual everyday equipment one needs to get through life.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Interruptions

1. How regularly do you get interrupted at work, and how well do you handle it?

When I'm in public, I'm supposed to be interrupted; it's my job. I get interrupted at my desk in the workroom all too often, which is why for the past 5 or more years I have taken to wearing noise-suppressing headphones so I can ignore all the stuff that is not imperative. The workroom is bloody-frickin' loud some days. I handle it better than I used to, but man when I'm on the phone and people are gabbing so loud I can't hear the phone call, it PISSES ME OFF.

2. What was the occasion the last time a TV program you were watching was interrupted by breaking news?

Since it's rare that I'm watching network TV live anymore, I can't even remember when this happened the last time. It's more of an issue of shows being delayed or interrupted so we can't watch an episode because it didn't get recorded. That's mostly during football season when games run long.

3. Whose flow did you most recently interrupt, and what was so important?

I cut in on someone at Bible Study last week, for which I've felt bad since. I shoulda let her speak; it's rare enough that she does while I blather on quite too much.

4. How easily does your train of thought get interrupted?

These days, my train is less than one car long. Lots of train cars in ditches along my mental siding.

5. What’s something in your life that could use some interrupting?

My stupid anxiety-brain. Just when I think I'm getting better about dealing with anxiety, I find myself getting all wound up tight like a top and spinning out of control. Again. At least I recognize it now, but it's still hard to talk myself down.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Octopi

1. What’s something you own at least eight of?

   Since I'm eating dinner right now...I have ten regular dinner plates. And the china would make the total...20? Maybe more; I have a lot of china...which is ridiculous.

2. How particular are you about the ink in the pens you write with?

   I'll write with whatever's handy, but there are some pens that are better than others. I like gel, but they tend to bleed through the paper, and the ink often ends up on my fingers.

3. What’s something interesting you know about octopi?

   My understanding is that they are very smart. I don't know how we know that, though.

4. What seems to have a suction-cup-like grip on your attention lately?

   Work. And Beast. At least I'm not worrying (too much) about the kid. He seems pretty well sorted.

5. These questions were inspired by a song in which one of the repeated lyrics is often playfully mis-sung as “How am I gonna be an octopus about this?” That was going to be my question #5 this week, but then I thought nobody would ever come back after a thing like that, so your real question is: When you travel, whether it’s to a completely different culture or just to a neighboring state, how adventurous is your approach to the cuisine?

   I love misheard lyrics! This one is particularly awesome. As for adventurous cuisine...I'm not very brave. There's nothing worse than being sick on vacation, so I try to avoid 'weird food' which could lead to 'weird gut.'

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Random Twenty

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I get butterflies (a.k.a. anxiety) quite often when I'm heading home from work. It's a long bummer of a story.

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage?

I think I had a drink at a P.E.O. meeting a few months ago.

3. Who can you trust?

God. And to a lesser extent, Beast, Amy, Jenny, myself, and a surprisingly large number of people who generally are hiding in the woodwork around me.

4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other?

Uh, wow, it was towards the end of our freshman year in college. So, 31 years ago this month.

5. Favorite band?

U2.

6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently?

That I'm very bad at making changes in my life for myself when I'm not being held accountable.

7. Do you like anyone?

Nope. Everyone sucks. [Did you not see my answer to #3?]

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged?

Hmmm, no I don't believe I do. I know of some engagements, but I don't know the people myself.

9. What's your favorite number?

Gut-favorite: 16. Chosen favorite: 3.

10. Who was the last person to make you cry?

I teared up at church this morning while we honored our retiring financial secretary. We're honoring her--and she's retiring--because she has fully metastasized cancer that means she'll probably be gone by Father's Day.

11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Nope. Went on a couple of weekend church retreats when I was a teenager, but that's all.

12. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. Really, if you're going to ask, listen to my answers, k?

13. What is one thing you miss about your past?

I miss the mountains. Pretty much daily. After 28 years of living in the flat middle of the country, the mountain-ache isn't quite as strong, but not a day passes that I don't think about the smell, the sky, the weather, the lack of humidity, the vastness .... SOMEthing.

14. What is one thing you've learned about life?

It goes on, with or without my attention.

15. Are you jealous of anyone?

Somehow, for the most part, that emotion has mostly died off over the years.

16. Is anyone jealous of you?

You'd really have to ask them.

17. Has a friend ever used you?

Of course. Depending on the usage, it either ruined the friendship, put it on hold for awhile, or barely registered.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend?

Most people say that--if they say anything of the sort at all--which is fine since I'm always hunting for new friends.

19. Who was the last person you drove with?

Sparky went with me to the grocery store after lunch.

20. What are you looking forward to?

... I got nothin'. This should probably worry me, eh?

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. N is for NAEVUS: Do you have a birthmark? If so, and you can share in mixed company, where is it located?

I have one on my right earlobe. It's fairly inconspicuous. There are rumors of others, as yet unconfirmed.

2. N is for NATATORIUM: Do you own a swimming pool? If not, have you always wished you did?

No, and no. I'd like a hot tub, but the upkeep sounds like a PITA.

3. N is for NEIGHBOR: Of your immediate neighbors, what percentage of them do you know by name?

I would say 85-90%. I don't ever remember the next-door woman's name, but I know her husband and kids (mostly). In ten years, I've spoken to her 3 times--she's NEVER outside--even less than I am. And the rest I know by name.

4. N is for NERVOUS: How nervous do you tend to get? Do you stress out easily?

I get anxious, yes. Overthinking is my middle name.

5. N is for NOTES: When you want to take notes about something, do you prefer to write them on paper or type them electronically?

Either way. I tend to do more writing, I think, when it comes to jotting things that pop into my head.

6. N is for NOVEL: What’s the name of the last novel you finished reading?

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. It's quite an odd book: beautifully-written and -balanced about a competition between two powerful magicians, a competition they did not instigate but are forced to carry out. Not linear. Lovely, but strange.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
You're So Vain

1) Samantha Winters is very vain about her light blonde locks. What's your best feature?

Depends on who you ask, but since you asked me...my brain.

2) Carly Simon is the daughter of a wealthy family (Simon & Shuster Publishing). Do you think your life would be very different if you knew there was a large sum of inherited money in your future?

Sure. How could it not be? As this song has it, "'cos when you're laid in bed at night watching roaches climb the wall / If you call your Dad he could stop it all. / You'll never live like common people..." Not to say life would be better or happier or whatever, but it would be different for sure.

3) October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Carly is a proud breast cancer survivor. Has breast cancer -- or cancer of any type -- touched you, your family or your circle of friends?

Yes. Of course. At age 49-11/12, how likely is it that I've never known anyone with cancer?? One of my sisters and my mother-in-law died of cancer. I have a couple of friends who have beaten cancer (or are in remission, however you want to look at it). One of our neighbors died a few years ago of cancer. It's really pretty much everywhere, no?

4) Carly has been known to perform with her sister, Lucy, and their oldest sister Joanna is a mezzo-soprano. Is your family musical?

Yes. We all sang growing up (my parents were in choir at church and Mom played piano) and we all played instruments. One niece has a performance music major (she does a lot of community theater and music), and the rest of us just mess about a lot. I never realized this was a 'thing' till I met Beast who can't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow--because he was never properly taught.

5) Carly suffers from stage fright, a liability in her profession. When was the last time fear got the better of you?

I had a fairly major anxiety attack yesterday afternoon at work, possibly the first time I've had one like it: butterflies, nausea, shakes...the whole thing. About? No clue. Habit, I think. It's a been along couple of years in my personal life, let's just leave it at that.

6) Do you wear hats?

Not very often. I usually forget to grab one, and I hate hat-hair anyway.

7) Autumn is known as "sweater weather." Is there a chill in the air where you are today?

It's muggy and warm out--not hot, but really humid. And probably rainy again, as it was early in the morning and all day yesterday. It's like late June.

8) Do you drink bottled water?

Occasionally, when I travel mostly. At home, I drink out of the fridge door or (gasp!) straight from the tap--i.e., the well.

9) What color is your toothbrush?

White and some-other-color. Or maybe it's just purple? I don't know actually. It's the one without the mashed-down bristles. ;-)

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Insert your own random thought here.

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

Curious as a Cat x4 (sigh)

(Link in meme-roll)
#345
1) Share five things you're thankful for.

I'm happy that I survived the past year. I'm thankful for my church family. I'm thankful for the people around me who either love me or are masochists. I'm thankful that this last week's cold wasn't any worse. And I'm thankful this will be a short week at work.

2) What companies provide the worst customer service?

I was never too excited about calling the cable company when I had to do that. Not thrilled with our local-ish chain grocery store which seems to have zero customer service training. The worst, though, has to be anything to do with the medical industry and insurance. Yuck.

3) About how much storage space is in your current home? Is it enough?

I've found that no matter the space you have, you always have more shit than fits comfortably. We have a shit-ton of storage space in this house, and up until about 5 years ago we were holding our own, but we are now "officially full." Ugh.

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 makes me giggle. I love the paisley drawing on the keys, and then the green dry-erase (?) D so you can figure out where your fingers belong...crack me up!

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#346
1) Have you ever been arrested?

I've had two tickets written on me, which, technically, means I've been arrested twice. But never in the tradition handcuffs-and-back-of-the-car kind of thing. whew

2) Turkey (not the country, the Thanksgiving bird) -- love it or leave it?

Love it, but it's not exactly easy to cook!

3) Do you judge couples by how they met?

No. For the most part, I don't even know how people met. Three members of my family met their spouses online, and they've been married a total of 20 years between them so who am I to judge?

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

Well, this was meant has a Halloween photo, so you can see how far behind I really am now--yay me! This picture reminds me of stories of the catacombs under Paris where there are supposedly stacks and stacks of bones that have been removed from cemeteries over the centuries. Cool. Sorta creepy.

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1) You were just given a yacht. What would you name it?

"For Sale"

2) America's game: baseball or football? Or something else?

Football, at least for me. I haven't watched a full professional baseball game in at least six years.

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

There were too many and they changed over time. I always liked "Little House..." and "Apple's Way." Later, it was "Dukes of Hazzard" and "CHiPs" that I remember. And all the 60s sitcoms that aired in the afternoons. And M*A*S*H of course.

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

Kinda looks like a snow angel made by a turkey, no? I can't remember the last time I made a snow angel. Hmmm, may have to remedy that this winter. We haven't seen any snow to speak of this year (just some floating flakes). I'm sure we'll get our share, however. I'm perfectly all right with that since I can't expect Sparky to dig me out when Beast is out of town. :-)

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1) Which is worse: freezing cold feet or hot, sweaty feet?

What's really the pits is cold sweaty feet.... I'm not a fan of either extreme, but I'm much more familiar with cold feet, especially in bed.

2) What is your most non-traditional holiday tradition?

I suppose it's the refusal to make a big dinner on Christmas Day. No, we just do a fend-for-yourself sandwich thing instead.

3) What makes you nervous?

The possibility of something dangerous occurring. I tend to overthink all the things that could go wrong in any given situation. I've been known to get so wrapped up in this that I practically cease to function. It's a little OCD-ish.

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

b>Public Domain Photo

Dog!!! Or, as Sparky would say: "doggyyyyy!!!" Kind of an odd-faced little face, and I'm not sure what's going on with the house (?) in the background. Are those telephone poles stacked in front? Still.... Dog!!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow (RIP Davy Jones)

1. How much do you worry about your future?

I don't see any point in worrying about the big stuff. I do worry about minor things though, which is crazy. The big things are either completely out of my control, or I deal with them so I don't NEED to worry.

2. Do you believe that anyone could be perfect?

Nope. As we said in the 70s, Pobody's Nerfect.

3. Regarding your future, what is the best thing you could hope for?

Live fully, enjoy the parts of life that are to be enjoyed, be productive, laugh and love often, die quickly.

4. What's the greatest extent you've gone to help a friend in need?

Y'know what? I don't really think of it as what did I do; it's about what they needed, and what the right thing to do was. Is.

5. What did you do lately that was really brave?

Argued with doctors about releasing Beast from the hospital. Or just generally having

6. Tell us one thing you wish you hadn't let yourself do.

Eat all those Girl Scout cookies....

7. Who is the wisest person you know?

I know way too many people with wisdom. I just hope I'm wise enough to listen to them.

8. What's the most tasteless joke you've ever heard?

My brother was a cop, a paramedic, and a firefighter. I've heard some pretty randomly skanky jokes. I try not to remember them.

9. What does your answering machine / voice mail message say?

The usual: You've reached [Cat.]'s voicemail. I can't answer the phone right now. Please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Things Starting with D

1. Diamonds. I did not buy any tonight, though I did get all my jewelry (of the expensive variety) cleaned and inspected. The guy that checked everything over is younger than my engagement ring. ...sigh


2. Debate. To go to my nephew's wedding, or not. I'm probably going. Oh, the excitement of seeing my brother again. ...sigh


3. Duh.So much duh in the world. Today's big duh: Sparky posted that he has homework in Chemistry due tomorrow. Yeah, dude; welcome to college.


4. Dante. I'm reading the graphic novel version of Dante's Divine Comedy. It's bizarre; all the characters are dressed like they are extra from Guys & Dolls (the Frank Sinatra/Marlon Brando version).


5. Death. Not going to get into this, but it's coming. Again.


6. Depression. Not going to get into this either, but it's here. Again.


7. Distress. Friends of ours are waiting to hear about a nephew who has gone missing in a wilderness area. He was last seen Sunday. That's a long time to be in the mountains alone with no supplies and probably underdressed for the cold weather that has moved in.


8. Drugs. Always, always, always read the directions, count the pills, and make sure you are taking your meds the way the doctor wants you to do, not three times what was prescribed! Even if the pill bottles says something different, follow the doctor's rules.


9. Da Bears. I hope they lose tonight. I really, really hope they lose!!


10. Dumb. Advertisements. Especially the 64th viewing of almost any GEICO ad.


11. Diary. I should be finishing typing into Blogger my diary entries from our trip in April. I'm about 5 pages (front and back) from being done. But I'm doing this instead.


12. Dirt. There is a lot of it in this house. And I work Saturday. Guess I'll be cleaning on Sunday.


13. Dreams. I had a very strange dream last night in which I was back at my first job, the one where I worked for someone I call PsychoBoss. I'm not sure she was in the dream, honestly, but I wasn't happy about returning to that workplace regardless. Not sure what brought this up last night; I sure haven't been thinking about it, except that my current boss shares some quirks with that boss (though the current one isn't mental...quite).

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight

1. Have you ever lost a lover and spent way too much time wondering what they were doing?

Well, yeah. Duh. If you don't do that, perhaps there wasn't really much going on anyway, eh?

2. What was your favorite vacation ever?

Wow, there've been so many good vacations! I miss being able to spend the day wandering around the mountains in Ouray. Really, especially since our trip last summer proved to me that I'm not 14 anymore.

3. Do you like surprises? If yes, what kinds? Or are you one of those people who absolutely has to know what's going on before it happens?

I'm not a huge fan of surprises, but a surprise party that's not mean-spirited can be a lot of fun.

4. Have you ever written a poem? Feel free to share one. Or even a dirty limerick is OK.

I have, but not for eons, and I don't have any of those old ones handy, so you'll have to go without, I'm afraid.

5. Did anything interesting show up in your mail lately besides the bills?

I got a free rental from Redbox in my email this week...because someone who uses Redbox a lot keeps using my email addy when they rent things.

6. How many of your friendships have lasted more than ten years? Which of your current friends do you feel will still be important to you ten years from now? Family members don't count.

I have friends that I've known for over 40 years. My oldest friend just found me on Facebook about a month ago--we met when I was 6. I have grade school friends, some junior high school friends, and several high school friends, not to mention college friends. Yeah.

7. Do you own a pet? If so, do you buy them presents for holidays? Do you consider your pet(s) spoiled? If you don't own one, do you think you will one day?

I always used to get the dog a chewbone and wrap it up for Christmas. It was fun to watch her tear it apart to get to the bone. Of course, our current guinea pig is hugely spoiled.

8. It's Friday afternoon and you're planning your weekend. What's on your agenda on a hot August night?

Well, this weekend, I could head to the county fair in the town where I work, or I could head to the state fair about 90 minutes from here. Barring that, I'd probably just find a good place to read a book...and do so.

9. What's your worst nervous habit?

Biting my nails. Talking and giggling to fill 'dead air.' Eating.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Honesty Meme
Complete the Sentences:

Right now I'm feeling... tired and headachy.

When I'm alone I feel... absolutely wonderful!

When I'm surrounded by people I feel... wary. If it's a mad crush of people, I actually feel a bit of fear.

One thing I hate is... my laziness.

One thing I really like about myself is ... that I've gotten better at some hard things over the years.

When I'm feeling sad I... cry.

When I daydream it's usually about... solving problems.

I'm afraid of... what can't be seen, what might happen.

I'm happiest when... I'm with kids.

One thing that really worries me is ... Beast's health. (you have no idea how long I stared at this one thinking, "I worry about EVERYthing!!")

If I could change one thing about myself it would be... I'd worry less about what I can't do anything about. See above.

If I could be with anyone right now I would be with... Sparky. I'm fortunate to be sitting next to him on the sofa right now, each of us tippy-tapping on our respective laptops. Sigh. I'll miss this when he's at college.

The family member I am closest to is... outside of this household, it's probably Elizabeth, my oldest niece.

If I was really honest with my father I would tell him... (too late--he's dead) But I wish I'd told him what a good example he was, and how much I appreciate all the things he 'lectured' on at the dinner table, and how he set the standard for Christian behavior for me.

One thing I regret about my life is ... all the things I didn't say to or hear from people who are gone now.

If I only had one more day to live I would... make a TON of phone calls to friends and family. Probably cry a lot, too.

If I was really honest with my mother i would tell her... (too late--she's dead, too) I wish I could have told her that I loved her more often. I wish I could have explained how important it has been for me to have had her as an example of a woman who stood on her own two feet and did the right thing when it was hard.

One thing about me that nobody knows is... that I'm crying right now.

I hope that someday in the future... we humans figure out how to stop being so mean to each other.

When I think about my family I feel... angsty.

Something I'm really embarrassed about is... the fact that I still haven't called Dean even though I promised James I would do it last week.

One thing about me I never want to change is... my laugh.

One thing I feel really proud of is... my son.

Blogsville has helped me to... kill time. lol OK, seriously, it's been a safe haven for venting when I couldn't say things IRL. It's also made me less liable to take what people say (online or face-to-face) at face value.

One thing I like about blogsville is... that I've made some really good friends, and learned so much from people, and had a lot of good laughs.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

1. Have you ever been in a situation with a lover wher[e] you did not know what tomorrow would bring?

Of course. At this point in our marriage, if we hadn't had a few of those, there would be something seriously wrong. And the not-knowing thing hasn't always been a bad-news situation either.

2. What worries you most today?

That I won't accomplish what needs doing. I'm likely to get distracted by "fun."

3. Could I tell if you were lying to me?

Depends on how good you are at picking up my tells. I think it's possible you wouldn't know; I'm an excellent liar ... not something I'm proud of, but there ya go.

4. What do you miss most about the 80s?

College. And music videos.

5. What's going on that you can't understand?

Most things in a geopolitical sense. Teenagers don't always make a lot of sense to me. Hell, I don't even make sense to me some days.

6. How would I know if you liked me?

I'd talk to you a lot and seek you out. It isn't rocket science.

7. If you ever won an award, what would you want it to be for?

Something I'd earned, not something I felt like was a sham. I'm not fussy otherwise.

8. What would we be surprised to know that you've done?

Heh. Maybe you'd be surprised to know what I haven't done?

9. What’s the most exotic mixed drink you remember trying? Did you enjoy it?

"Exotic"? Not sure. I had two vodka gimlets over the course of 3 hours on this recent trip, along with a lot of food, and ended up wrecked in the worst way.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. I can't believe I'm still awake.

2. Being a parent is not for everyone.

3. How can I figure out how to finish what I need to do before vacation? I think I need to not worry; I wish I could do that.

4. Turkey burgers was were the last thing I cooked.

5. Six of one, half dozen of another.

6. UGH! Baseball season started today; nonono!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to accomplishing something for a change (which I did), tomorrow my plans include meeting, clothes shopping, grocery shopping, and a surprise dinner for a Twitter-friend, and Sunday, I want to get a handle on the next few months' of youth group planning!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
 A Long December

1. Looking back at it now, how were your holidays and your time on New Year's Eve?

I think they were super-fab and awesome. Don't remember any drama at the time. I like drama-free, probably because any get-together with my nearest relatives tends to be VERY fucking DRAMATIC.

2. Do you have any unusual collections?

I have a LOT of S&Ps and even more dust.

3. If you could train a machine to do one thing for you whenever you wanted, what would you have it do?

Worry. Wouldn't it be wonderful to just dump all those things that keep you awake at night into a machine just before climbing into bed?

4. What is one thing that makes you cry?

Children who are hurt.

5. What do you love to do on the weekend?

S L E E P in past 7.

6. Do you and your family get along?

My household gets along fine. I get along great with my British rellies, and my oldest sister. My brother is a pain, one of my nieces is a fucking nightmare (see #1 above) as is her father, but everyone else is great.

7. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell.

I once was not allowed into a seedy bar in a working-class neighborhood in Milwaukee because I was wearing Harley-Davidson leather. In Milwaukee. Where they build Harley engines. And I looked TOTALLY like a biker in my jacket, of course. [not]

8. Who do you normally turn to when you need to complain about something?

Beast. Isn't that part of the marriage contract: "...love, honor and listen to incessant whining..."?

9. What is the last thing you ordered on-line?

Wow ... uhm ... thinking.... Oh, duh, ebooks for my Nook, on Wednesday.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What keeps you up at night?

Worrying. I don't even know what I'm worrying about most times, just random and very idiotic stuff.

2) What’s the last music you purchased? (online, on CD, whatever)

I haven't bought anything since Xmas, for Sparky, from his list, and it was nothing I was really familiar with. I think there was one Skillet CD; that's all I remember.

3) Describe the house in which you grew up. My dad built that house; there's only one similar house like it, in the same town. He built that one for his best high school friend and his wife, the couple that introduced my parents.

The huge tree by the street was never there when I was around, but that tree to the left in the first picture ... I sat under that tree often in my childhood. OK, the room above the garage was added because of me; no more rooms in the house, so my dad added a HUGE bedroom--it runs from the front to the back of the house--for him and mom. Supposed to be a home office, but I don't remember him using it that way much. He took over the basement once my sisters moved out.

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 street looks mighty deserted except for the but...er, woman. It's not a big city, that's for sure. And it's definitely American--that car is nothing but US. I can't wait for Italy. ...sigh