Saturday 9: What Hurts the Most (2006)

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

2) What’s the last thing you misplaced? Did you find it?
it was probably a pen. i always lose a pen in the bed.

3) Lead singer Gary LeVox sings that he’s not afraid to cry. When is the last time you shed a tear?
not too long ago. i was thinking about my grandma. 😦

4) Gary auditioned for another country group, Little Big Town, but didn’t get in. Considering how successful Rascal Flatts has been, he’s probably not sorry. Tell us about something you thought you wanted, but later weren’t so sure.
that’s a lot of things. right now i’m contemplating a surgery that i think i want, but if it’s not going to help, or just cause more problem in the long run, then why should i? maybe it wouldn’t be something i’d want after all, if it’s jut going to cause more trouble down the line.

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

6) Lead guitarist Joe Don Rooney married model and former Miss Georgia, Tiffany Fallon. Many major pageants give prizes in the talent, congeniality and swimsuit competitions. Would you prefer to have exceptional skills, a great personality, or a terrific body?
well, right now, i have neither the terrific body nor the great personality and although i do have skills, they’re not very exceptional, however, it still doesn’t seem to get me anywhere. i hate to sound shallow, but the world is a shallow place, and the only way i can get anywhere is to have a terrific body.

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

8) Actor Tony Shalhoub won an Emmy in 2006 for his portrayal of detective Adrian Monk on Monk. Who’s your favorite TV detective?
i love monk! he would be my favorite, although i also love goren on l&o:ci. does house count? i like him, too. i also like sherlock on elementary but i find the sherlock in the british show is a bit too creepy for me.

9) Random question … You’ve just won an all-expenses-paid trip but now you have to choose: Carnivale in Brazil, the Bordeaux Wine Festival in France, or the Running of the Bulls in Spain?
well that one that would be more my speed would be a wine festival, even though i don’t drink. i would love to go to spain, especially since i can speak and understand spanish more than the other two languages, but not to run with the bulls. can i just spectate? and cheer on the bulls? 🙂

Saturday 9: These Boots Were Made for Walkin’ (1966)

1) In this song/video, Ms. Sinatra’s boots make a serious fashion statement. Do you choose footwear for comfort or fashion?
totally comfort. i wouldn’t be able to walk around in shoes that hurt or are five inches high and put my feet at a weird angle. i have enough trouble with my feet anyway; i’d prefer them flat on the ground and comfy.

2) This is by far the biggest hit of Nancy Sinatra’s career, which includes 6 top ten hits. Can you name another?
i didn’t know she had any other hits, so no, i can’t! haha.

3) Nancy recorded it on Reprise Records, which was founded by her father, Frank. Did your parents give you a leg up in your chosen career?
no. i did hint once to my dad that i wanted a job where he worked but he wasn’t biting. 😛

4) Professionally Nancy has been involved in espionage, singing the theme to a James Bond movie and appearing in an episode of The Man from UNCLE. Do you enjoy spy/secret agent stories?
not really.

5) Nancy maintains the official Sinatra family website, which includes a link to the site of Mia Farrow. Ms. Farrow was, briefly, Nancy’s stepmother, and obviously they are still on good terms. Do you have a big, extended family?
kinda. i think i’m closer to my sister’s inlaws than i am my dad’s wife’s family, which is saying a lot as i don’t particularly like my sister’s inlaws. but i’m sure if i was closer to my dad’s wife, there’s that whole family as well. but my dad was close to his cousins so their kids and us used to play together a lot and now they have a whole bunch of kids and so it’s a nice big family now.

6) Nancy’s music — and posters — were very popular with the troops during the Vietnam War. Nancy continues to return their loyalty and affection with her efforts on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Here’s your chance to promote a cause that’s near and dear to your heart. What charity gets your support?
i always support any kind of activities that american heart association or cancer foundations do.

7) Nancy hosts a Sirius radio show devoted to her father’s music. Do you have a subscription to a satellite radio or podcast network?
i subscribe to only one podcast. i’ve tried others, but there’s something in there that annoys me so i’ve narrowed it down to just one, and that’s the only one i listen to.

8) Nancy has said that she and her sister Tina had a more comfortable relationship with their famous father than their late brother, Frank, Jr., did. Do you think it’s easier for mothers to get along with their sons, while fathers have an easier time with their daughters?
well, my mom never had sons but we’re much closer to her than we are to my dad. i think my middle sister was the closest to my dad. i do see that problem with my nephew and nieces, though. my sister has to stick up for my nephew because her husband is just awful to him. yet he dotes so much on his daughters. he is wrapped around all of their fingers.

9) Random question: Tonight’s dinner is on us. Would you prefer to eat at a casual restaurant with exceptional food, or an exclusive restaurant with so-so food but a celebrity clientele?
i really don’t care about celebrities, and it would bother me that i’m in an expensive restaurant and the food is just mediocre. like i’m paying that much for something i can make at home? i’d much rather the casual restaurant with yummy food. 🙂

Saturday 9: Mama (2015)

1) Gamal Lewis got the nickname “LunchMoney” in 10th grade because of his round cheeks and because lunch was his favorite part of the school day. What do you recall about lunchtime in the school cafeteria?
in elementary, i remember the green trays for some reason. they were ceramic and could break if you dropped them. i remember having to pay with tokens because i had reduced-price lunch. i remember us sitting on the same side of the table, all facing the same way, so that we couldn’t talk that much. in intermediate, it was very strict. this was when the teachers taught us table manners. we all had to show proper table manners and were corrected on the spot. we had hosts and hostesses and waiters and waitresses and servers, which we all rotated so everyone had one of the jobs at least once. it wasn’t very loud, just a slight buzz, with everyone trying to be on their best behavior. (yes, it was a private school, much different from my public school elementary i went to, but i thought it was a bit extreme. however, i still don’t dare rest my elbows on the table and always put my silverware in the correct positions because of this.) in high school, it was more free for all. same school, too, but there were no teachers around, no such things as waiters and waitresses or servers or hosts and hostesses. it was buffet style, and seating was wherever you wanted. it was much more noisy than it was in intermediate, but we had a wide range of choices, and if you went during the right period, it was actually quite empty with no lines and you could get your food quickly and eat in peace for a while until the mob came during the later periods. but what i remember the most about high school was FREEDOM (compared to intermediate) and the wide selection of food we could get–you could even make a sandwich and wrap it up for later, if you wanted to. we were very spoiled up there.

2) His father and uncle were members of the band Inner Circle. Their song, “Bad Boys” was the theme to the reality show Cops. What reality show have you seen recently?
they also sang, “girl, i’m gonna make you sweat” which i thought was more popular than “bad boys.” well, i liked it better, anyway. i think the last one i saw was “impractical jokers” which my nephew wanted to watch when he was visiting. not normally something i’d watch, but it made my nephew laugh. he needs to laugh more these days.

3) In this song, Mr. Lewis sings that his mama taught him how to put on pajamas. What did you wear to bed last night?
same old garb.

4) He claims he can’t ever lie to his mama because she’ll hear it in his voice. Are you a convincing liar?
i’m not sure. for the most part, i think so, but i don’t know how easy it is to see through me.

5) LunchMoney sings that his mama made him chicken soup when he was sick. Do you eat soup all year around, only during winter months, or just when you’re battling a cold?
especially if it’s chowder, i’ll eat it year round. yum!

6) The lyrics tell us that when her son was hungry, Mama reliably whipped something up. What’s the last food you prepared?
i haven’t cooked in a long, long time.

7) He also sings that his mama always made sure he had a few dollars in his pocket. Let’s talk about you and money. Did you more recently lend or borrow it?
lent.

8) Mother’s Day is for grandmothers, too. Sam grew up calling her grandmother “Grandgran.” Did you have a nickname for your grandmother?
no, it was just grandma, followed by their names. my son and his cousins call my mom “gram-grams” though, which i think is cute.

9) To celebrate Mother’s Day, Sam is giving away her own mother’s favorite candy: Hershey Bars. Would you prefer milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate with almonds?
i’d love milk chocolate covered almonds, please! yum! thank you!

Saturday 9: Best Day of My Life (2013)

1) This song begins by mentioning clouds. Do you see clouds in the sky this fine Saturday?
i can’t see out of the window right now, but i think they are out there.

2) Lead singer Zac Barnett sings that, “Everything is looking up.” What are you looking forward to today?
well, it’s nearly the end of the day, and i liked seeing my family today.

3) 2016 is not yet half over, but what’s been your best day so far this year?
i guess it would’ve been pi day. 🙂

4) The members of the group, American Authors, met in college. When is the last time you heard from a school chum? Do you know them from grammar school, high school or college?
well, Facebook is my way to “hear” from my school chums. the last one i was looking through pictures of was an old high school friend. her niece had a wedding this weekend, so i was looking at all the pictures she posted from it.

5) One of the all-time best-selling American authors is romance writer Danielle Steele. She’s been writing for more than 40 years and has sold more than 800 million books. Have you read any of her work?
no, i haven’t, although my mom used to. not really my genre, i guess. and now my mom is more into thrillers so i haven’t seen her with a danielle steele book in a long, long time.

6) Have you ever dreamed of being an author?
yes, i have. 😦

7) Do you have an e-reader?
no. well, i have an app on my phone, but not a device strictly dedicated to e-books.

8) American Authors rang in 2016 in Chicago, giving an outdoor concert on New Year’s Eve on a stage not far from Lake Michigan. There are 5 Great Lakes in all, including Lake Michigan. Without looking it up, name the other 4.
superior, huron, ontario, and erie, in size order 🙂 (well, you need to throw michigan in the middle there.)

9) Random question: You see photos on Facebook of a dinner party hosted by a friend. You recognize most of the attendees, yet you weren’t invited. How do you feel? Left out and angry? Do you wonder what you may have done to offend your friend? Or do you just forget about it and move on?
i am definitely the person that does feel left out and wonder what i did to not get an invite, even if i wouldn’t have gone in the first place. :blush: yes, this has happened to me before…on several occasions, in fact. 😀 i’m such a loser.

Saturday 9: You’re Beautiful (2005)

1) The first line is of this song is, “My life is brilliant.” Using one word, describe your life.
interesting.

2) This is about a chance encounter between strangers in a crowd, specifically the subway. What “crowded place” were you most recently in?
i guess a shopping center, although that was a while ago.

3) Near the very end of this song, James Blunt sings, “It’s time to face the truth.” Do you believe you face things head on? Or do you tend to deny or put off the unpleasant?
i tend to put off the unpleasant.

4) James Blunt went to an all-boys school. Some educators recommend single-sex classrooms because they maintain girls just naturally approach subjects like math and science differently than boys do. Do you agree?
i’m not sure, because i guess i don’t see it with the age group that i used to work with. it may be that way with the older kids, though.

5) Blunt put his father in charge of his finances. Income taxes are top of mind for many of us this time of year. Do you do your own taxes? Or do you go to an accountant or tax preparation service?
i do my own, although i use a computer program to help me.

6) In 2005, the year this song was a hit, the sitcom How I Met Your Mother was also popular. Do you know how your parents met?
i think it was at work? they both worked at the same place, but i’m not sure if that’s where they met. i never bothered to ask when they were together and it’s too much of a sore subject right now for me to ask now.

7) 2005 is also the year Tom Cruise famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this?
on oprah. when i hear “jumped on a sofa” i think of continual jumping, like monkeys jumping on the bed type of thing. but it was actually just one jump onto the sofa, if i remember correctly. i don’t know…he creeps me out.

8) 2005 was also the year YouTube really took off. What’s the last video you watched?
haha, i almost went to go look up the tom cruise jumping on the couch thing for the last question to see if he jumped more than one time, but then i decided not to because i didn’t want my suggestions to have tom cruise videos in it 😛 i had been watching my subscribed-to videos prior to doing this, so it was one of them.

9) Random question … Which of these high profile jobs would you enjoy more: head of General Motors, CEO of Apple or president of the New York Yankees?
i would want to be the ceo of apple so i can see what new things are coming out before they are announced, although i don’t think i could do those talks they always do when they announce things. i’d be awful at that and then no one would want to buy our products.

Saturday 9: That’s What Friends Are For (1985)

aww. this song totally reminds me of high school, and now i feel old.

1) This week’s song is performed by an all-star quartet: Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. You have your choice: which of these four would you most like to see in concert?
hmm. i think all of these people were just a bit before my time, although i do know more elton john songs than the rest of them–he still continued to have hits in the ’80s. well, wait, so did stevie wonder. i think i would like to see him just because i’m fascinated with how he feels the music, but i think i might know more elton john songs.

2) Dionne Warwick was Whitney Houston’s cousin. Name a Whitney Houston song.
“ohhhh i wanna dance with somebody…with somebody who loves me…” 🙂 that and “how will i know” are the only two songs i like from her. oh, and “i have nothing.” the rest of her song…eh. i know them, but i don’t care for them.

3) Gladys Knight owns a chain of chicken and waffle restaurants around Atlanta. When you have waffles, what do you top them with? (Powdered sugar? Butter? Syrup? Fruit?)
i’d rather eat waffles plain, unless it’s like a waffle cone, which i like with my ice cream. on a side note, we tried to look for her restaurants when we were in atlanta, but the one we did manage to track down was closed. ;(

4) Elton John has turned his bad eyesight into a hobby, claiming that over the years he has purchased well over than 200,000 pairs of glasses. Do you wear glasses? If so, how many prescription pairs do you own?
i am suppose to wear prescription glasses when i drive, but i don’t always. my eyesight is just bad enough to not pass the vision test for a driver’s license, but it’s okay enough just for regular seeing things. thus, i only have one pair that i keep in the car.

5) Stevie Wonder has a scar on his nose from a 1973 car crash. Have you ever been in a car accident?
yes, as a passenger, though. it wasn’t very bad; the driver of the car i was in rear-ended the person in front and though none of us were hurt, the car was messed up pretty bad. every time i’m out in the car though i worry about being in a car accident. i just keep thinking you never know–you may be a good driver, but someone else may not be paying attention or is drunk and slams into you, and that’s the end of your life, and you never really get to prepare for it, you’re just going about your normal routine and bam! that’s the end…and, sadly, yes, that’s the way my mind works. so morbid, i know. it makes me wonder if in a past life i was killed in a car crash or was in a big one that paralyzed me or something, for me to have these thoughts every time i go into a car! it’s weird.

6) Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager were married when they wrote this. Do you know a husband and wife who work together?
yes, there are 3 pairs at my workplace right now; next year, there will be 4, as one was just hired that is a spouse of someone who already works here, although admittedly, they are not *husband* and wife.

7) This song celebrates friendship through good times and bad. Tell us about a happy time you recently shared with someone close to you.
hmm. the hubs and i had a nice, quiet time for once about a month ago that was happy. 🙂 i think so, anyway.

8) Now share a time when you were there for a friend through a tough time.
i had a friend going through a rough breakup but i don’t know how much i was there for her…i mean, i listened to her and consoled her when she cried, but i’m not a very good advice giver so i wasn’t much of a help.

9) Random question: When is the last time you were out of breath?
i am very frequently out of breath. i can’t walk very far without having to stop and catch my breath.

April 2

Saturday 9: Fool on the Hill (1967)

1) Friday was April Fool’s Day. Did you pull any pranks? Did anyone put anything over on you?
no, and no, i don’t think so, anyway.

2) The practice of playing tricks on one another on April 1 dates back at least to the 14th century and Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales includes a mention of it. Geoffrey Chaucer has been called England’s greatest poet. Quote a bit of poetry for us. (It doesn’t have to be English, or great.)
the only poem i know, because of its brevity and the fact that it haunted me most of senior year because my english teacher made me feel like an idiot for being too literal in analyzing the meaning of the poem: “some say the world will end in fire / some say in ice / from what i’ve tasted from desire i hold with those who favor fire / but if it had to perish twice, / i think i know enough of hate / to say that, for destruction, ice / is also great / and would suffice.”

3) Beatle Paul is a huge Elvis fan and is happy to own the bass that was played on Elvis’ 1954 recording of “That’s All Right, Mama.” Tell us about one of your prized possessions.
i don’t know i think of any of my things as prized, except for my son, who is not really a possession. i guess he is, in a way, but it wouldn’t be nice to call him a possession.

4) In contrast to his easygoing persona, Sir Paul has been described by former band mate Ringo Starr as strong willed and “determined to get his own way.” Do you consider yourself strong willed and determined? Or are you more easy going?
i think people will say i’m easy going. although i would *like* to have my own way, i do yield to others. but i will grumble about it the whole time! 😛

5) The Beatles once bought a Greek island, planning to live and record there, but sold it after a few months because it started to seem like a bad, expensive idea. Tell us about a purchase that gave you buyer’s remorse.
i think most things i buy i have a twinge of remorse because i always think did you really need to spend money on that? haha. i can’t think of anything right now though where it was really bad.

6) Legend has it that the Beatles officially broke up in Disney World. John Lennon was staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort when he received and signed the court papers that dissolved the group. Have you ever conducted business while on vacation?
yes. well, i don’t know about “conducted” but i’ve worked during vacation and i think about work a lot even if i’m on vacation. i did sign my initial contract when i was on “vacation.”

7) George Harrison loved puttering around in the garden and dedicated his autobiography to “gardeners everywhere.” Do you have a green thumb?
no, not really. i only have one plant that was given to me years ago, and it just has to survive on its own as i never water it or anything.

8) Ringo regrets not having saved more Beatles memorabilia, which he realizes now would be worth a fortune. Are you a pack rat?
um…kinda, and kinda not. i do have things that i should dump but it’s not like i hoard everything.

9) Random question: Which do you prefer, Girl Scout cookies or Boy Scout popcorn?
i like the popcorn, especially the cheesy ones. yum.

March 26
Saturday 9: I Don’t Know How to Love Him (1971)

1) This song is from Jesus Christ, Superstar. Though now a beloved classic, the play was controversial when it first premiered. Can you think of something else that originally made people uncomfortable, but went on to be accepted?
madonna? haha. well, i think she still makes people feel uncomfortable. i also think this whole digital age of paperless stuff made people feel uncomfortable, but now people are more accepting to it, i think.

2) Jesus Christ, Superstar was originally developed as a “concept album,” a collection of songs written to sequentially tell the story of The Crucifixion and Resurrection. Do you remember the first album you bought? Did you download it, listen to it on a CD player, your cassette deck, or record player?
oh my gosh i’m old enough that it was an actual vinyl record that you play on the record player. 😛 it was joan jett and the blackhearts’ i love rock ‘n’ roll. i do remember the first cd i bought though, a few years later–bon jovi’s new jersey.

3) When the album’s songs were performed live in concert at the Pennsylvania Civic Arena, producers decided to stage it as a play and the rest, as they say, is history. Tell us about a really good idea you’ve had recently.
i don’t have many of those. i can’t think of anything I’ve thought of recently that was a good idea.

4) Jesus Christ, Superstar is a truly international phenomenon. During a revival tour that began in 2011, it’s been a hit with audiences in the United States, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Brazil, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Croatia, Bolivia, The Netherlands and Portugal. Besides the United States, which of those countries have you visited?
the only place out of the u.s. i’ve been to is tijuana but i don’t think i could count that as mexico.

5) Peeps are big sellers every Easter. Would you rather have yellow chicks or pink bunnies?
i don’t like peeps at all. bleah. i’d choose the bunnies, i guess.

6) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. One theory says they were introduced in Boston during the 19th century. What else comes to mind when you think of Boston?
um. *blush* new kids on the block. and then the celtics did; they were my dad’s favorite team. and then the accent came to my head for some reason (baaaahsten).

7) We’ve been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween?
i try not to eat candy at all. but i guess i’ll pick easter.

8) Easter lilies will adorn many churches this Sunday. What’s your favorite flower?
pīkake. gardenias also flood my memories with my grandma, so i love that, too, even though it makes me sad.

9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?
a long, uninterrupted sleep. 🙂

March 19
Saturday 9: Kiss from a Rose (1996)

1) This song is from the movie, Batman Forever. The movie Batman v. Superman will be out later this month. In that matchup, whom do you support — The Caped Crusader or The Man of Steel?
i have never watched a batman movie, but i have watched the first 3 superman movies when i was little, so i’ll have to choose superman. plus, christopher reeve. dreamy.

2) “Rose” became a popular name in the 19th century, when parents also began naming their daughters “Iris,” “Violet,” “Daisy” and “Lily.” Do you know anyone who has a flower name?
i know a few, actually–lehua, ‘ilima, liko, pua, loke, and pīkake among them. also, rose seems to be coming back as a popular middle name.

3) This week’s artist, Seal, has something to fall back on. At his parents’ insistence, before he pursued music he got an associate degree in architecture from a small college in Westminster. What’s the last grade you completed?
i have a masters degree from the university, so whatever grade that is 😛

4) Seal wrote this song back in the 1980s but didn’t really like it very much. His producer discovered it when they were looking for material to complete Seal’s second album and the result was several Grammys. Tell us about a time when something turned out better than you thought it would.
i was apprehensive about my new position but it actually turned out less stressful, so that was actually very good for me. there was also a time i was looking for something quick and easy to make for a grade level meeting a couple of years ago and just threw something together, and everyone loved it, even miss picky eater, who ate most of it. so that was nice. 🙂

5) Ex-wife Heidi Klum is not the only model in Seal’s life. He also dated Tyra Banks. Can you name another famous model?
well, i know the models of the ’80s & ’90s, like cindy crawford, claudia schiffer, and christy turlington. i don’t think i could tell you any of today’s top models.

6) Seal is currently involved with yet another model, Australian Erica Packer. Between them they have seven children. How many siblings do you have, and are you the oldest, youngest, or in the middle?
i have two siblings, and i am the oldest.

7) Seal’s birthday was back on February 19. Let’s think about your birthday. If you could have any type of cake you wanted, what would you request?
a mud pie! i don’t like cake, so make it out of ice cream and i’ll be fine. 🙂

8) In 1996, when this song was popular, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents in a crime and trial that dominated the news in Los Angeles. What are people in your town talking about?
probably a lot of politics. i try not to listen.

9) Random question: There’s an old saying, “Like nails on a blackboard.” Sam can’t recall ever hearing nails on a blackboard, but she knows she hates the sound of a dripping faucet. What sound bothers you the most?
oh gosh, nails on a chalkboard is a horrible sound! it sends shivers down my spine. i also don’t like the sound of kids trying to erase with pencils that have no erasers–that scrape of metal against the paper sends the creepy crawlies down my arms. ick!

March 12
Saturday 9: See You Later, Alligator (1956)

1) Crazy Sam’s mother is terrified of alligators. Just looking at a photo of one of those scaly reptiles gives her the creeps. Is there a member of the animal kingdom that scares you?
centipedes creep me out. i seriously shudder when i see one, even if it’s dead or it’s just a picture of one.

2) Gators are carnivores, but they aren’t picky. If meat isn’t handy, they’ll munch on fruit. Are you particular about your diet? For example, do you try to eat gluten free, low sodium, etc.?
sadly, i have to be picky for health’s sake. low sodium, low carb, no processed foods…it’s tough. it would be easier if i could have my own personal chef! 😛 ah, yet another thing to add to my if-only-i-were-rich list.

3) In Spain, this song was a hit under the title, “Hasta Luego, Cocodrilo.” Say something else in Spanish.
algo más 😛
¿qué quieres que te diga?

4) When this week’s artist, Bill Haley, was a little boy, he made a guitar out of cardboard and pretended to play that until his parents got him a real one. Tell us about something you wanted so badly when you were a kid.
i can’t think of anything i wanted so badly, besides a unicorn. it’s not that i got everything i wanted when i was a child–far from it, in fact–but i never really was much into material things, since we grew up with very little, i valued company more than things. plus, i was in my head a *lot*. 😛

5) Early in his career, Bill did whatever it took to get the gig. When singing cowboys were popular, the Michigan native pretended to be a cowpoke and renamed himself, “Silver Yodeling Bill.” Have you ever fudged on your resume or fibbed in an interview?
no, but i’ve said things that ended up not coming true. like, i said a goal of mine was to get national certification, but i still haven’t done that yet.

6) When his career was going well, Bill was generous and loved to give extravagant parties at his home, which he called Melody Manor. Do you enjoy playing the host?
nope. too much stress.

7) Bill was blind in one eye, the result of a botched operation when he was a child. Since the blind eye wandered and didn’t focus, he always wore a curl over the opposite eye, hoping to draw everyone’s attention to the other side of his face. What is there about your appearance that leaves you self conscious?
oh gosh, everything.

8) On the other hand, what is it about your appearance that pleases you, and that you would never change?
nothing really.

9) In 1956, when this song was a hit, Elvis Presley exploded onto the music scene and displaced Bill as rock’s top artist. The press and public assumed Bill was jealous of Elvis, but in reality he liked Elvis a great deal. Are you jealous by nature?
hmm. maybe. the “what-about-me?” syndrome those who grew up as the oldest get. 😛

March 5
Saturday 9: FortyFive Seconds (2015)

1) The very bad day described in this song began promisingly enough. The lyrics tells us, “Woke up an optimist, sun was shining, I’m positive.” How did your day begin?
i’m usually abruptly woken up by a jarring sound. can’t say it’s all that positive.

2) This song refers to Monday morning. What’s on your plate for Monday?
just more of the same.

3) The lyrics request, “promise you’ll pay my bail.” Have you ever had to bail anyone out of jail? (Or have you been bailed out?)
nope! and i hope i never have to.

4) Rihanna gets top billing in this all-star trio. She says that when she was a little girl, she used to walk around singing “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin. What’s your favorite song from a Disney movie?
well, because lion king just came out on tsum tsum, all i have in my head is “oh i just can’t wait to be king.” but maybe “hi, ho!” because it reminds me of my dad–he used to always sing that before he left for work.

5) Rihanna dated outfielder Matt Kemp when he was with the LA Dodgers. Opening Day is less than a month away. Are you a baseball fan?
yes 🙂

6) Kanye West also sings on this week’s song. When he was a little boy, he spent a year in China with his mother. Have you ever lived overseas (as opposed to just visiting on vacation)?
nope!

7) Mr.West is part owner of the Fatburger chain. Do you like grilled onions on your burger?
yes, please.

8) This week’s third artist, Paul McCartney, is a vegetarian. Think about your most recent meal. Did it include chicken, pork, or beef? Eggs or dairy?
yes, they usually do.

9) Paul was born at 2:00 PM on a Thursday. Do you know what day of the week you were born? Do you know the exact time?
i was born on a friday–“friday’s child is loving and giving” was my line the poem. i was born in the morning; i know the hour but am not sure of the minute.

February 27
Saturday 9: The Times of Your Life (1976)

1) This song is all about memories. How far back can you remember? What’s your earliest memory?
i don’t remember a lot of early memories, just those tied to photographs. like i remember my dad scolding me while he was taking a picture of me and my sister because my sister was slipping out of my arms, and i wasn’t holding her properly, but i probably only remember that because i remember the first picture of me and her smiling, the second picture of her somewhat pouting as she’s lower in my arms, and the third picture of her crying and me with teary eyes trying to hold her up.

2) The first line is “Good morning, yesterday.” What do you remember about yesterday morning?
not much. the days all seem to run into each other nowadays.

3) This song was originally a 60-second jingle, featured in a commercial for Kodak film. Do you ever use film? Or are all your pictures digital?
right now, they’re all digital. i haven’t used film in years.

4) Who took the most recent photo of you?
i have no idea. i don’t like my photo taken. maybe a colleague who was visiting and took a selfie to send to another colleague.

5) This week’s featured artist, Paul Anka, was born in Canada and enjoyed appearing in a made-for-TV Perry Mason movie with fellow Canadian, Raymond Burr. Do you enjoy courtroom dramas?
i did like ‘law and order’ but i haven’t watched any of those lately.

6) At 15, Anka won a supermarket contest by collecting the most Campbell soup can wrappers. The prize was a trip to New York. Do you enter contests and sweepstakes? Play the lottery?
no, none of those.

7) This year Paul Anka performed throughout Florida (Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater and Fort Myers). The Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination. Do you have a favorite spot in Florida?
i have never been to florida.

8) In 1976, the year this song was on the charts, an earthquake hit China. Have you ever experienced an earthquake?
yes. i just happened to be laying in bed when all of a sudden, it started shaking. i called out, “what was that??” my son came running from his room because he felt it, too. it was weird. then we all texted each other: “did you feel that??”

9) Random question: Do you know CPR?
i did, as a teen. i don’t know that i can do it now.

February 20
Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons (1955)

1) 16 tons = 32,000 pounds, because there are 2,000 lbs. to a ton. Without looking it up, do you know how many ounces are in a pound?
i believe it’s 16.

2) The singer describes himself as having “a mind that’s weak and a back that’s strong.” Think about yourself. Which feels more powerful today, your body or your brain?
i was just thinking, mine’s the opposite. my mind is pretty strong, while my back (and rest of the body) is weak.

3) The poor chap in this song has money troubles. Are you good at sticking to your budget?
yes, most times.

4) Tennessee Ernie Ford snapped his fingers as he recorded this song. It’s been said that while it’s possible to snap your fingers of both hands, the noise is louder with your “dominant hand.” (So if you’re a rightie, the finger snap will be louder with your right hand.) Try it yourself. Did you find this to be true?
i guess so, but i can’t snap loud with either of them.

5) Mr. Ford appeared as “Cousin Ernie” in three episodes of I Love Lucy. What’s your all-time favorite sitcom?
gosh, i really don’t know. ones i can think of are tied to childhood nostalgia but i can’t choose a favorite.

6) Tennessee Ernie took the money he made from his performing career and invested in a California cattle ranch. Think back to the last beef your ate. How was it prepared?
it was fried, i think.

7) Mr. Ford passed away at age 72 in 1991. That year, Dr. Seuss also died. What’s your favorite Dr. Seuss book?
i guess it’s green eggs and ham. i’ve just about got it memorized, i’ve read it so much!

8) Gene Roddenberry also died that year. Mr. Roddenberry is best known as the creator of Star Trek. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?
i don’t know any star trek characters, only phrases like “beam me up, scotty!’, but i have no idea who scotty is or who even said that.

9) Random question: We’re having smoothies. What’s your favorite?
anything with mango or pomegranate, please.

February 13
Saturday 9: The Theme from Love Story (1970)

1) The very popular tagline for this movie is, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Here’s your chance to rewrite it. “Love means _____________________.”
never being lonely.

2) The movie was famous for a montage of the lovers frolicking in the snow. Do you enjoy sledding, skating, skiing, snowball fights, snowmen, etc.? Or do you just want spring to hurry up and get here?
i think it’s too cold when the temperature dips below 70, so i don’t think i’d enjoy any of these snow activities. that being said, i’d like our cooler temperatures to stick around for a while; i’m not ready to go back to the heat of this past summer. it was miserable.

3) In the movie, Oliver asks his father for $5,000. The money is required for wife Jenny’s hospital treatment, but Oliver is too proud to tell his father why he needs it. Adjusted for inflation, $5,000 in 1970 is $30,000 today. How much would you be willing to lend a friend or family member without knowing the reason?
well, i would like to know the reason, no matter what the amount. i guess it depends on how close the person is.

4) In the movie, Jenny is the daughter of a baker who owns a little shop in Cranston, Rhode Island. Think of the last baked goods you consumed. Were they home made? Did you buy them from a bakery, the grocery store, or a coffee shop, like Starbucks?
it’s been a long time since i consumed a baked good. it may have been homemade, because i felt like i had to eat it since the person who made it was offering.

5) In 1970, when the movie was first released, California’s First Lady Nancy Reagan said she liked it but was upset to hear Ali MacGraw’s character swear. What’s the curse word you use most often? (Feel free to spell it with *’s, in case Nancy Reagan stops by Sat. 9)
i don’t swear.

6) Now 75, Ali MacGraw has let her famous hair go gray. She says she’s glad to “look like a grown up.” Do you feel your age? Or older or younger than your years?
i feel my age. sometimes i even feel older.

7) MacGraw and her Love Story co-star Ryan O’Neal are currently on tour in the play, Love Letters, and they’re drawing big crowds of fans who remember them in their famous film. Tell us of another movie couple you felt had romantic chemistry.
i very rarely watch movies. john travolta and olivia newton john? haha. i don’t know.

8) Red is the signature color of Valentine’s Day. Are you wearing red right now?
no, i am not.

9) Because Valentine’s Day is such a big day for chocolate … would you prefer a large, solid milk chocolate heart or a small box of four assorted chocolates?
i’m not that big on chocolates. a small box is fine, thank you.

Carry A Tune Meme

Do you own a tablet of any kind?
of the non-electronic kind, yes. i have a couple of drawing tablets and tablets used for notes. i also have vitamin tablets that i need to take daily.

What’s something people always assume about you that isn’t true?
that i know what i’m doing. 😛 and i think i’m perceived as “stuck up” because i don’t talk much, but it’s more that i don’t know what to say because i’m so socially awkward, rather than me thinking i’m better than the other person.

On a scale of 1-10, how much do elevators scare you?
maybe about a 2? maybe 4, if they’re especially sketchy.

When you’re upset, do you vent to people or do you keep to yourself?
i vent. well, i keep it to myself until i can find someone i can vent to.

Have you ever watched a meteor shower?
no, but i would love to.

Do you tend to put things off until the last minute?
i used to do that a lot before, but not so much now.

How do you react to random strangers suddenly trying to make conversation with you?
i am suspicious, because it’s surprising that people would want to talk to me.

Do you have a lucky number?
not really.

Would you go out to dinner with Oprah?
if she’s paying, sure. 🙂

Did you ever play sports?
nope.

Do you feel guilty if you throw food away?
yes.

Do you think you could make it as a baker?
no, but i do think about being a chef every now and then.

Are you one of those people who are wearing scarves with everything?
no.

Have you ever been in a castle?
we had a tiny little theme park here called “castle park.” i’ve been in that castle.

When you were little, did you ever play with Playdoh?
yes. even when i was not so little. 😛 i actually had a great play dough recipe that was made with kool-aid and made the play dough soooo soft, but i have lost that recipe, and searches on the internet have not turned up the one that i had, which is a bummer.

Would you rather write a mystery or love story?
i’m not clever enough to write a mystery, so i guess it’d be a love story.

Tell me about your worst fashion mistake:
i make a lot of them; i’m not very fashion-conscious.

Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
yes.

How are you wearing your hair right now?
just down.

When’s the last time you were sick?
i am currently quite sick. 😦

Would you rather have OJ or milk with your breakfast?
i’d rather have water, but if i had to choose, it’d be orange juice. orange juice may be a little too sweet for me, but milk tends to give me tummy troubles.

What were you doing thirty minutes ago?
watching tv.

Do you own any school related clothing articles?
yes.

Would you rather call people or have them call you?
they call me.

Can you carry a tune?
not very well.

Who was the last person who unexpectedly texted you?
dominos. haha. they’re apparently having a Super Bowl special. but from an actual person, it would be a coworker. she just texted that she missed me, which was totally unexpected.

Whom do you text the most?
my sisters. we have a group message going, and not a day goes by when someone doesn’t ask something or talk about remember when…?

i have become so obsessed with jb that i actually squealed when i saw today’s topic. what in the world has happened to me?

Saturday 9: Sorry (2015)

1) This song is a plea for a second chance. Are you good at forgiving/forgetting?
not really.

2) Justin asks his girl to “forget this.” What have you done/said recently that you wish could just be forgotten?
practically everything i say or do i wish i could take back! ugh.

3) Mr. Bieber says he needs just 6 hours sleep every night. How about you? How much sleep do you require to feel sharp?
i need a bit more than 6 hours. 😛

4) Justin prefers D&G underwear, which can cost as much as $102/pair. Sam may be crazy, but there’s no way she’d spend that much on underwear. What’s something you’re willing to splurge on?
can he say that, being a calvin klein model? i’m willing to spend a little extra on tech stuff, like apple products. they’ll last longer and run better in the long run.

5) He may be picky about underwear but not cuisine. He loves Big Macs. If we were going to McDonald’s, what would you order?
i used to like the sweet chili chicken wraps, but i don’t know that they have that any more? i’d probably just opt for a salad.

6) When it comes to healthier fare, Bieber has told fans he enjoys snacking on bananas and grapes. What do you reach for between meals?
i don’t really snack. i used to love potato chips, though.

7) Performing in Germany, Justin Bieber told a girl who approached the stage, “Ich liebe dich” (“I love you”) and she fainted. Have you ever fainted?
i don’t think so. not literally, anyway.

8) As a kid, Justin was teased for being one of the shortest in his class. What do you recall being teased about in school?
for speaking too loudly. *eyeroll*

9) Random question: Will you be watching this weekend’s Super Bowl?
it’ll most likely be on, but i don’t know how closely i’ll be paying attention. at any rate, go broncos!

Laundry Day Meme

Do you know any couples that have been married for a very long time?
yes. quite a few, in fact.

What are you tired of people telling you?
i’m tired of being asked the same question over and over.

Which type of ice cream do you prefer?
i like mint chocolate chip.

Do you have a little sister? What’s her name?
i have two “little” sisters.

What was the last movie you watched on TV?
the minions one, i think.

If the internet was not available right now, what would you do instead?
sleep? haha.

Do you complain a lot?
yeah. not a lot to others, but to a select few, yes.

Name a movie that your favorite actor is in.
i don’t have a favorite actor.

Do you like your toes?
they’re all right.

Would you rather go to an authentic haunted house or an ancient temple?
a temple.

Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it?
i’ve had a sip of it here and there when i’ve had to toasts. i don’t care for it.

Are there any seashells in your room?
i don’t think so.

What was the reason for the last time you went outside?
going to the dr.

Do you like fruity or minty gum?
i don’t like gum at all, but i guess it would be minty.

Are you looking forward to any day of this month?
no, not really.

What was the last graduation you attended?
my nephew’s.

Do you rummage through the $5 movie bin at Walmart every time?
almost every time. i don’t know why, because i never buy anything from that bin.

What day of the week do you usually do laundry?
saturday.

Do you like using air fresheners?
if they’re not too strong.

Are your nails ever painted red?
once in a while, it used to be.

When you were a baby, did you have a favorite blanket?
well, i don’t know if it was *my* favorite, but it was the one my mom used for me. i still have it, in fact. it’s one my aunty crocheted for me.

Ever been on a cruise?
no, but i’ve been wondering if that would be a nice vacation.

Would you rather go to Alaska or Russia?
they’re both freezing to me, so i’m not sure i’d want to go.

Strawberries or bananas?
i don’t like either, but i detest bananas, so i guess it’ll be strawberries.

Are you wearing socks?
yes. the ac seems to be on full blast today.

When’s the last time you went to the mall?
a long, long time ago.

Saturday 9: Don’t You Care? (1967)

1) What’s something that seems to fascinate everyone else, but you just don’t care about?
most reality shows, i think…like the housewives ones or the kardashians or duggars or whatever…even ones i used to watch like the bachelor or survivor or even dancing with the stars…i’m just not really interested in them any more. much too showy than “real.”

2) The lyrics refer to “the times we cried and laughed.” Which did you do more recently, cry or laugh?
cry. just got off Facebook, where i was reading tributes from family members to someone who just lost her battle with cancer. 😦

3) In the song, our hero seems surprised that his girlfriend doesn’t believe him. Are you more believing and trusting, or suspicious and skeptical?
sadly, i’m more suspicious and skeptical. people can’t tell me anything without me analyzing their every word and second-guessing what they *really* meant. yup, can’t enjoy anything any more after all these years.

4) This song is just over two minutes long, which seems short for a song but awful long when Sam is waiting for her chicken soup to heat in the microwave. What’s the last thing you heated in a microwave?
oh gosh. hmm, it’s been a while. i think it was a packet of frozen broccoli.

5) This week’s band, The Buckinghams, was one of the first acts to perform at Chicago’s premiere summer festival, The Taste of Chicago (formally ChicagoFest). Let’s think ahead: Have you made any plans for Summer 2016?
kinda. i hope i get there.

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, Rolling Stone magazine published its first issue. What magazines do you subscribe to? Do they arrive in the mail, or do you read them online?
i don’t subscribe to any any more. i used to subscribe to rolling stone, as well as like glamour and cosmo, but i canceled all those about 15 years ago.

7) Country star/American Idol judge Keith Urban was born in 1967. Are you watching the final season of American Idol?
wow, final season? about time. 😛 i’ve never liked american idol, even when it was crazy popular when it first debuted, and even when we had representatives from our state on it. i just didn’t like that show. add that to the list in question #1 haha

8) In 1967, the average cost of a movie ticket was $1.25. By 2015, it had risen $8.60. What’s the last movie you saw in a theater?
don’t remember the title–it was about space travel.

9) Random question: Sam’s taking everyone out to dinner and she’s buying. Would you prefer the steak or the lobster?
steak, please! thanks, sam!

Feisty Twenty-five

Do you like to see it snowing outside?
no, and iʻd be majorly surprised to see that!

Do you tell your family you love them enough?
no, i donʻt think i do, but i hope my actions tell them that.

Do you like getting jewelry or do you not wear any?
i like getting jewelry. it delights me, even if i canʻt wear it.

Do you watch a lot of NFL football?
no, not a lot, but itʻs on when people visit.

Have you ever used the word ‘lame’?
no. i donʻt like that word.

Are you/Were you in a band? If so, what was your band name?
no, i was not.

When is the last time you went to the doctor?
i see them daily.

Do you own any shirts with a peace symbol on it?
no.

Would you ever go to Japan?
i would like to, but iʻm kinda tired of traveling.

What was the last thing you went to Walmart for?
umm…probably medicine.

Ever gotten in a car accident?
yes. i was a passenger.

Have you ever been in a choir?
we kinda had to, in school.

Do you like the color of your eyes? If not, what color would you want them?
iʻve been told the color of my eyes are unique but to me, theyʻre just brown. iʻve always loved blue eyes. donʻt think it would match me, but thatʻd be cool.

When was the last time you went ice skating?
many, many years ago.

Do you like to brush your teeth?
i love the feeling of after brushing your teeth, so i guess i do. but itʻs more the result that i like. 🙂

Have you ever had a surgery?
yes. i had a c-section several years ago, but in the past couple of years iʻve had a bunch. 😦

Do you look older or younger than you actually are?
people think iʻm younger, but it might be more because my behavior is a bit naive, rather than what i look like. after all, someone thought i was about 50 when i was only 35, so…

When is the next time you’ll be up on stage?
i have no idea.

Where did you spend your last birthday?
at home.

What is the last show that you watched a full episode of?
new girl.

Do you know anyone who lives in Utah?
yes, i do, as a matter of fact. i have a bunch of cousins that live there. a former colleague just moved there, as well.

Is there anything you need to work on doing soon?
thereʻs always something i need to work on.

Do your feelings get hurt easily?
iʻm a bit sensitive, yes.

Do you, or do you know someone who has taken karate lessons?
yes, my son took lessons for a couple of years.

Were you ever a boy or girl scout?
no, my son was a cub scout until he aged out.

Saturday 9: The One You Love (1982)

In memory of Glenn Frey (1948-2016).

1) In this song, Glenn explores one of the great romantic conundrums. This week, Saturday 9 is confronting it, too. If you had to choose, would you prefer to be loved, or to be in love?
as selfish as it sounds, iʻd prefer to be loved. iʻve been in love too many times where the other person isnʻt having it, so yeah. iʻm over that already. 😛

2) The song describes an awkward moment: an old boyfriend calls when a woman is on a date with someone new. To whom did you last say, “I can’t talk now?”
i didnʻt really say, “I canʻt talk now” but more gave a glare at a person who was interrupting when i was trying to listen to someone else explain something.

3) The lyrics talk about heart vs head. When you find yourself in that predicament, which usually wins — heart or head?
my head. as iʻve said, iʻm over listening to the heart already. 😛

4) This song was from Glenn Frey’s solo album, No Fun Aloud. What fun stuff are you looking forward to this weekend?
iʻm not sure. relaxing?

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

6) The popular 1990s sitcom Home Improvement was set in Royal Oak. Are you handy around the house?
hmm. i can be, if i have to. the internet has helped me greatly whenever i need to figure out how to do things.

7) Glenn Frey co-founded The Eagles in 1970. What’s your favorite Eagles song?
the only one i really know by them is “hotel california” which i think is a creepy song. they were just slightly before my time.

8) The Eagles helped define “California Rock,” but in recent years Glenn and his wife lived in Tribeca. Have you ever been to New York? If so, did you like it?
we were for a little while this past summer. it was okay? i didnʻt get to spend as long as i wouldʻve liked.

9) Glenn wrote “Smuggler’s Blues” and “You Belong to the City” for the iconic 1980s TV show, Miami Vice. What else comes to mind when you think of the 80s?
practically my whole life 😛 haha iʻm an ʻ80s girl so most of the music i listen to, and fashions i can think of, and shows that i reminisce about are all from the ʻ80s 🙂

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part four

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“stop.”

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
it’s hard for me to do both. I guess for now it’s easier to forgive, but I still hold a grudge pretty well. 😛

78. First mobile phone?
it was a small nokia phone, i believe. hmm, i can’t remember now if it was nokia. maybe it was motorola. hmm. all i remember is changing out the plates so it was a lovely metallic blue, and i replaced the antenna with one of those flashing blue ones. it was cool.

79. Strangest dream?
i have a lot of strange dreams. i think the strangest ones are not the ones that are really out there, but those that actually come true or predict something that does happen.

80. Best dream?
haha i thought it said dress at first, and i started to describe my very best dress. my best dreams were of this guy i liked in high school, who still pops up in my dreams every now and then. they’re nice and happy dreams.

81. Who is the smartest person you know?
my son is pretty darn smart, especially in ways that i am not, like spatial stuff. it was enough for him to get two high honors award from JHU last year. he even scored higher than me on the reading section of the SAT (i scored higher in math, having a near perfect score) which he took last year as a SEVENTH GRADER than when i took the SAT as a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR. he’s such a nerd.

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?
she went on to become miss universe. she is so stunningly pretty. she even was so in high school, so it didn’t surprise me that she went as far as she did. she was absolutely beautiful.

83. Do you miss anyone right now?
a few people.

84. Who do you love? Why?
why? who can explain why? it’s just something you feel feel when you’re attached to someone or an animal.

85. Do you like sharing?
sure, why not?

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?
haha i had to check as it’s been over a week. it was of a tsum tsum.

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?
i think so. things don’t happen for no reason.

88. Favorite genre of music?
pop rock.

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
gross.

90. Describe your life in 5 words.
goal’s always out of reach.

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
play a stupid drinking game. never again.

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?
i don’t make playlists. i just listen to things on random.

93. Are you more creative or logical?
i like to think i’m more creative, but i’m probably more logical.

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?
lie.

95. What are you most proud of?
my son.

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?
loyalty. haha i was going to say honesty but that totally contradicts with me lying to spare someone the hurt of the truth.

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?
listening to music or hanging out with family and laughing.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?
i’m not a conversation starter. i’m usually the conversation finisher.

99. What is the best news you could hear right now?
that i’m healthy. yes, i would even choose that over winning the powerball. 😛

the completionist in me really wants this to end on 100! hahaha!

Saturday 9: Let’s Dance (1983)
In memory of David Bowie (1947-2016).

1) In this song, David encourages his partner to “put on your red shoes and dance.” When did you last dance?
yesterday. 🙂

2) Mr. Bowie recalled that he and choreographer Toni Basil developed a dance step now known as “the moonwalk” for his 1974 tour, nearly a decade before Michael Jackson performed “Billie Jean.” Can you think of something you should have gotten credit for, but didn’t?
toni basil as in “mickey”? wow, cool. anyway, there are a lot of things at work that i didn’t get credit for, and others did when they copied what i did. that stung a bit.

3) Similarly, the band Roxy Music was upset because Bowie copied their “catsuit look” for his own stage wardrobe and made it famous. What do you usually wear, Monday through Friday?
professional dress, for work. lots of long skirts and blouses.

4) David Bowie was particular about the aftershave he wore, and one of his favorites was by Guerlain. Do you regularly apply cologne or aftershave?
not regularly. i do enjoy a spritz of fragrance from victoria’s secret every now and then, but it’s not regular.

5) In school, David’s best subject was art. Think back to your own school days. In which class did you excel?
hmm. i always loved writing so did pretty well in that but i got the best grades in math classes.

6) In addition to art and music, David Bowie displayed a keen head for business, leaving a fortune of more than $600,000,000. Would you describe yourself as “good with money?”
not really. i do save and am always able to pay bills on time, but i think i could do better with the saving and managing.

7) Bowie also appeared in a variety of movies from The Man Who Fell to Earth to Zoolander. Who is your alltime favorite movie actor?
i think the only one i saw that he appeared in was labyrinth. 🙂 i don’t think i have an all-time favorite movie actor. i know who i *don’t* like, but there’s no one that stands out as my all-time favorite.

8) One of Bowie’s hits is “Life on Mars.” If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you take it?
no. although i’m fascinated by that, i think i’d get sick in zero gravity. i just saw this short clip of a crew in outer space and how they were moving about and stuff and that would make my tummy so unsettled. i can’t even imagine going to the bathroom. yikes.

9) The creators of SpongeBob Square Pants are huge Bowie fans and were thrilled when, in 2007, he appeared in an episode. Sam suspects that she may be the only person who hasn’t seen that cartoon show. What about you? Have you ever watched an episode of SpongeBob, start to finish?
yes, i have. my nephew and niece were obsessed. then my son started to watch it. it was all right, i guess. i used to watch a lot of cartoons myself, and spongebob is not as gross as some of the current ones are, but still makes me miss the cute ones we grew up with.

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part three

50. What do you spend most of your money on?
i would say food, but it’s probably bills.

51. Would you rather visit the past or the future?
the future…i like to know what’s going to happen.

52. Favorite clothing store?
i don’t think i have one. walmart? i don’t know.

53. What is the best advice you can give to those who are feeling down?
“cheer up!” hah. i’m horrible at giving advice.

54. How often do you think about your future? Does it scare you?
i think about it a lot, and, yes, it does scare me, enough that i have to then distract myself and try to think of other things.

55. What angers you the most?
injustice.

56. When was the last time you got majorly angry?
i really don’t get majorly angry. i’m an avoider, so i avoid things that annoy me.

57. When was the last time you got really sad?
earlier, when thinking about the future.

58. Are you good at lying?
not really.

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?
i’d like to learn how to read japanese so i can figure out what the jp version of tsum tsum is trying to say.

60. How many languages can you speak and what are they?
i consider myself trilingual, but i mix up the words between them all the time, especially when i can’t think of one word in one language so i substitute it with the word i know in another language.

61. How often do you go to parties? If you don’t, what do you do instead?
i don’t go to parties; i stay home instead and do computerly stuff.

62. What books do you plan to read this year?
i’ve got a few lined up from the kindle preview thingie that i still have to get to.

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?
nope.

64. Tell us a secret.
okay.

65. How many concerts have you been to?
gosh. i haven’t been to one in many years. but overall, i’d say…maybe around 20?

66. Last hug?
from my mom.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?
just myself.

68. Baths or showers?
showers.

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?
not really.

70. What song is stuck in your head?
oh gosh, i’ve been watching that carpool karaoke with justin bieber and one direction so many times that all those songs are just in constant repeat in my head. so right this moment, it’s “what do you mean?” because at first i typed that as the title to this meme 😛

71. Countries you’ve visited?
the fringe of mexico, when i was younger. and the u.s.

72. What do you most value in your friends?
honesty.

73. What helps you to sleep better?
having noise on in the background. also, putting something on netflix will help to do the trick, sometimes. if i’m having a really hard time, i try to take deep inhales of lavender.

74. What is the most money you have ever held in your hand?
a $500 bill. i didn’t even know those things existed.

75. What makes you nervous?
the future.

Saturday 9: Five O’Clock World (1966)

1. Think back to Friday. Did it fly by? Or did you find yourself checking the clock and wishing it was 5:00?
it didn’t fly by. it moseyed along.

2. This song refers to the 5:00 whistle that signifies the end of the work day. What’s the last whistle, alarm or buzzer you heard?
i’m not sure. it might’ve been an alarm clock of the person in the next room.

3. In the 1960s, the Vogues often appeared on TV variety shows to promote their record albums. Do you have the TV on now, as you answer these questions?
no, i don’t.

4. “Vogue” means “popular or fashionable.” Tell us about something that you feel is in vogue today.
hmm. i’m really not sure. i’m not out there enough to see what the fashion trends are. i seriously have no idea.

5. Vogue magazine reported that the big Fall/Winter trend was brocade. Describe the latest addition to your Fall/Winter wardrobe.
i don’t even know what brocade is! 😛 i haven’t added anything to my wardrobe in a long time! even the usual presents of clothes that i usually get from my parents didn’t happen this year.

6. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is such a difficult boss that disgruntled employees nicknamed her “Nuclear Wintour.” What qualities do you think make a good boss?
someone who is understanding, as well as someone who is fair. good people skills are great, especially in being able to calm people down.

7. Ms. Wintour was rumored to be the inspiration for the character of Amanda in the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Did you receive any books or movies for Christmas 2015? Did you receive any gift cards that you then used for books or movies?
nope, i didn’t get any book or movies, nor did i get any gift cards. oh, well, my sister got me a composition tablet that was decorated with tsum tsums that she got at a craft fair. it was awfully cute! but it’s not a book as in one you’d read.

8. “Vogue” was also a dance, made famous by Madonna in her 1990 hit by the same name. Can you name another Madonna song?
i can name many, many madonna songs. 😛 well, i can name many ’80s madonna songs. i’m not familiar with her most recent stuff. “crazy for you” is my favorite, followed by “get into the groove.” (i loved the movie desperately seeking susan.)

9. Random question from a Sat9-er: How organized are your clean clothes? (Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer….?)
they are folded and put away or are hung up. 🙂

Saturday 9: Sleigh Ride (1993)

1) Have you ever ridden in a sleigh?
no, i haven’t.

2) This recording is from Harry Connick Jr’s best-selling CD, When My Heart Finds Christmas. This year, did you add any new holiday songs to your personal collection?
no, i haven’t done this, either. holiday songs depress me.

3) Harry was born and raised in New Orleans, a city that seldom sees snow. Have you had enough snow to shovel so far this winter?
i haven’t had any snow, and i am grateful for that. although i do love the snow falling on my page. 🙂

4) Speaking of weather, Harry hosted a mini-series on The Weather Channel called 100 Biggest Weather Moments. Do you frequently check The Weather Channel?
no…well, i do check the weather app on my phone which i think comes from the weather channel. the forecast isn’t always right, though. i check it more to see how accurate it is (“it’s raining! let’s see what the app says–oh, it still says mostly sunny. boo!”).

5) Harry’s mother was a very impressive woman — a lawyer, judge and Louisiana Supreme Court justice. Tell us about someone in your family of whom you’re very proud.
i’m proud of my mom. she may not have done all the whole career thing like most do, but i’m amazed by all that she does for the family even though it must be so tiring for her.

 6)  Happy New Year! Now that Christmas is over, are you done with holiday music and decorations? Or are you sad to see the holidays end?
i have been done since the day after thanksgiving!

7) The New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration in Sydney, Australia is famous for coordinating pyrotechnics and music. Have you ever welcomed the New Year in another country? 
only through other people’s videos! 😛 i have, though, been on another island while welcoming in the new year.

8) Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions for 2016?
nope. just going to continue to get better.

9) Looking back on 2015, what surprised you?
many things–some good, some bad. this has been quite a year! i hope this next year isn’t as crazy.

aw, thanks, guys.  you make a girl feel loved. 🙂

to see the rest of the review of 2015, click here.

Christmas Questions Meme

1. Have you been naughty or nice this year?
i’ve been nice 🙂

2. What do you want most for Christmas?
good health. and money.

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
not sure. all i can think of right now is home alone.

4. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out?
none.

5. Do you still get a stocking?
no.

6. What is your favorite Christmas song?
“kana kaloka.”

7. What is your favorite Christmas tv special?
i don’t think i have one. maybe the rudolph one?

8. What is your favorite way to wrap gifts?
buy gift bags and drop them in. 🙂

9. What do you look forward to most at Christmas?
family time.

10. What did you do for Christmas this year?
well, it’s in a week…hopefully it’ll be the same as it’s been all these past years.

11. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe?
not santa.

12. What kind of Christmas tree do you have?
the invisible kind.

13. Did you take part in a Secret Santa?
no.

14. Did you go to any Christmas parties?
no.

15. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?
maybe around 6ish.