Freckles and other oddities

It's a quick one tonight as I start a new job in the morning and I've just submitted a 20000 word paper for uni.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.


Do You Have Freckles? No

Do You Sleep With Your Closet Doors Open Or Closed? Closed - but the windows are open.

Can You Whistle? yes. My grandfather taught me when I was four, much to my parent's disgust.

Did You Wake Up Cranky today? No, just a bit stressed. Assignment completion day.

Zodiac Sign. Leo/Virgo, Capricorn Rising. Moon in Cancer.

What Is Your Eye Color?  Dark green

Take A Vitamin Daily? Yes

Do You Sing In The Shower? Sometimes.

What Did You Have For Lunch? Something out of the freezer. No time to cook today.

Do You Watch The Olympics? Not any more. Sometimes the gymnastics and the diving.

Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean? A pool, though I love the ocean.

Bottled Water Or Tap Water? Tap water which is then filtered.

Do You work Better With Or Without Music? Without, though I can work to classical music.

Can You Curl Your Tongue?  Yes

Is There Anything Pink Within 10 Feet Of You?  A couple of book spines.

Have You Ever Caught A Butterfly? Yes.

Are You Easily Influenced By Other People? Not really.

Do You Have Strange Dreams? Sometimes

Do You Like Going On Airplanes? Yes

Name One Movie That Made You Cry. Barney's Version. That is an awesome film.

Peanuts Or Sunflower Seeds? Peanuts

If I Handed You A Concert Ticket Right Now, Who Would You Want The Performer To Be? The Pixies. They are awesome live. Ludovici Enoudi would be fantastic too.

Are You A Picky Eater? Not really

Are You A Heavy Sleeper? Not really

Do You Fear Thunder / Lightning? Only when it is really, really close.

Do You Like Your Music Loud? For short periods of time and at my own bidding.

Would You Rather Carve Pumpkins Or Wrap Presents? Neither. I'm not American and pumpkin is what you have with roast dinners. Don't like wasting food.

What’s The Next Movie You Want To See In Theaters? Maybe The Big Sick.

Been On The Computer For 5 Hours Straight? Yes. it's assignment weekend.

Do You Like Meeting New People? Yes.

What Are Three Things You Did Today?  Had breakfast with friends, went and saw Blarney and Maow Maow and finished my assignment.

What Do You Wear To Bed? Nothing.

Do You Wear Jeans Or Sweats More? Jeans.

Name Something That Relaxes You. Reading and watching tattoo shows.

Music Music Music

I'm still writing this paper, which is due next Monday - but this is a great distraction.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing. As this is a music quiz, and I am Australian, I am putting in clips as I'm sure the international audience will not have heard of many of these songs.


   1: A song you like with a color in the title

I see Red by Split Enz.

   2: A song you like with a number in the title

Nine Crimes by Damien Rice

 3: A song that reminds you of summertime.

4: A song that needs to be played LOUD

Turn Up Your Radio by The Masters Apprentices

5: A song that makes you want to dance

Private Idaho by the B52s

6: A song to drive to:

I drive to this album all the time.

7: A song about drugs or alcohol

8: A song that makes you happy

This song always makes me smile.

9: A song that makes you sad

This always makes me cry.

10: A song that you never get tired of

My favourite song in the world.

         11: A song from your preteen years

Ah, seventies Australian music, is there any better? Rest in peace, Shirl.

12: One of your favorite 80’s songs

I love the Violent Femmes. I especially love this.

13: One of your favorite classical songs.

14: A song that you would sing a duet with someone on karaoke

This - and happily.

15: A song from the year that you were born

1968 had some great music, including this:

16: A song that makes you think about life

This is a song about war. It is profound.

 17: A song that you think everybody should listen to

Everybody should listen to this just once in their lives. Annie Lennox is amazing.

18: A song by a band you wish were still together

Oh, I so wish the Hoodoo Gurus played more often.

19: A song by an artist no longer living

Something from Bowie. I never knew I liked him so much.

20: A song that breaks your heart

This version of this song.

21: A song by an artist with a voice that you love

I love Rodriguez. He's amazing.

Around the House Meme

Okay, I'm recovering from a rancid cold, I am 12000 words down on my uni assignment and I have finally got all of the lodge paperwork out the way. Joy.

I've still go to do the ironing and a bit more writing to do, but as always, it is good to get Sunday Stealing's questions out of the way. You're doing a great job, Bev.


Bedroom: what’s your sleep schedule? 

In bed by 11 pm, wake at six on weekdays, out of bed at seven. That is about normal.

Kitchen: favorite comfort food?

Cheese on toast. Baked beans on toast.

Washroom: showers or baths? bubbles? bath bombs?

I love baths, but I only have a shower in my flat. Nice soap always can be found in the shower stall.

Closet: sum up your style in a few words.

Black, grey, red, simple.

Parlor: favorite party or board game?

Monopoly - though I'm known to cheat. I like playing pool too if there is a table available.

Living room: what do you like to do with your family?

We normally sit and watch telly or talk around the dinner table. That is when I am over with them.

Dining room: favorite special occasion food?

Roast lamb. Love's Mum's roast lamb.

Garden: favorite tree? flower?

I'm a rose fan. Love roses.

Attic: what’s one thing you have a sentimental attachment to and you will never throw away?

Possibly my flute. I never play it, but I still have it in the cupboard. That at the teddy my grandfather gave me at birth.

Library: favorite book genre?

Literary fiction.

Office: if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Writer.

Guest room: have you been to a sleepover? if so, when was your first? do you like them?

Of course, but I can't remember the last time I slept at somebody else's place. Ages ago it was.

Foyer: do you like small gatherings, large parties, or one-on-one meetings?

Small gatherings. Much better at those.

Pantry: favorite meal to make?

Chicken meatballs and pasta. It's a Gary Megihan recipe.

Laundry: favorite and least favorite chore?

Anything to do with cleaning floors.

Garage: favorite mode of transportation? favorite car?

I love travelling by boats - ferries are great.

Panic room: what was the most nerve-wracking experience you’ve had?

I was stuck in a moving lift (elevator) for about half an hour. That was really scary. Got out unscathed thank goodness.

Powder room: do you wear makeup? if so, what one item can’t you live without? what’s your favorite look? 

I only wear a little make up - eyeliner and mascara, with a bit of lipstick. I only put on foundation for special occasions.

Firsts

I'm supposed to be doing a lot of things, but my dinner is cooking, so this is a good time to get this done.

So, the questions have been supplied by Bev at Sunday Stealing. Bev, you are doing a great job.

First Job:

I used to work at the local general store when I was at high school over the holidays.

First Real Job: 

My first full time, permanent job was at Lehman Brothers in London where I did data entry, then went from there.

First Favorite Politician: 

Gough Whitlam, though I have always had a soft spot for Tony Blair. In his early days, he was good - much needed.

First Car: 

An EJ Holden, named Edna. The first car I purchased on my own was a Ford Fiesta called Phoebe. Again that was in London.

First Record/CD: 

ABBA, Arrival - like all children of the seventies.

First Sport Played: 

Probably pool - other than gyming and running, I've never played sport.

First Concert: 

Elton John and the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra

First Foreign Country Visited: 

New Zealand. I was seventeen.

First Favorite TV Show:

I used to love Hogan's Heroes and MASH as kid.

First Favorite Actor:

Cary Grant

First Favorite Actress:

Audrey Hepburn

First Girlfriend/Boyfriend:

Oh, spotty Simon. Joys of having boyfriends when you are a teenager.

First Encounter with a Famous Person:

I stood behind Emma Thompson in the supermarket queue once - again, in London.

First Brush With Death:

I drove a tractor into a deep drain when I was about 12. That was a horrible near miss.

First House/Condo Owned:

Still don't own. I rent. Property is far too expensive over here on one salary.

First Film Seen:

I remember my father taking me to see Disney's Robin Hood when I was about five.

First Favorite Recording Artist:

Skyhooks

First Favorite Radio Station:

107.1 SAFM - Adelaide's first FM station.

First Book I Remember Reading:

The book that got me back into reading was Donna Tartt's The Secret History. As a kid, I read everything. I loved Golden Books.

First Meme You Answered on Your Blog:

No idea. Too long ago.

Put Your Questions in a Box Questions

Running late for this week as there are things to do - 7000 words down on my big assignment, and we've seen a very good Macbeth and visited my friend the cat.

Questions are from Bev at Sunday Stealing.

1. Where were you three hours ago?

Sitting with Barney watching the footy while the Maow Maow sat on my lap.

2. Make a confession.

I went over the speed limit on the way home from Barney and Blarney's - not by much, but I did.

3. Bad habits?

I love a good fart.

4. Favorite color?

Pillarbox Red

5. Can you drive?

Of course, I'm from country South Australia. I've had a licence for over 30 years.

6. 3 pet peeves.

Rude people.
People who don't indicate when changing lanes.
People who don't let people get off the train before getting on themselves.

7. Last person you hugged.

Georgie from book group. We met up at the theatre last night.

8. Something you miss.

Reindert. Being thinner than I am now.

9. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?

The last song that played in the car, which was this:

10. Favorite quote.

"The lunatic, the lover and the poet, are of imagination all compact." Shakespeare.

11. Favorite band.

The Pixies

12. Something your excited for.

Finding a new job in early/mid August, with good pay, nice people and a bit of longevity, in the city,with maybe a little bit of travel involved which is a challenge that can be done in an eight hour work day.

13. Favorite movie.

Probably Three Colours Blue.

14. What type of phone do you have?

IPhone 6

15. Favorite animal.

Do I have to choose one. I'm a bit of a cat lady.

The Last 40 Questions from Bud

The magnificent Bev has taken over Sunday Stealing, which is most excellent, as she is a most excellent person.

I should be writing proper stuff. Five questions and a hundred words I reckon. That is a good way to go.


1. My uncle once : lost to me playing pool. He's never forgiven me.

2. Never in my life : have I taken intravenous drugs. No thank you.

3. When I was seventeen : I really have no clue at all as to what the world was about or who I was.

4. High School was : incredibly awful, but a good proving ground.

5. I will never forget : the first time I slayed a huntsman spider. I was so proud of myself.

6. I once met :Jeremy Clarkson at a restaurant. I bummed a cigarette off of him.

7. There’s this girl I know who : has the ability to turn people against her in less that 30 minutes. It's very sad to see.

8. Once, at a bar : I saw an elephant being lead in for the pleasure of the patrons.That was in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was very sad.

9. By noon, I’m usually : Two coffees down.

10. Last night : I got a lot of kitten cuddles. That was grand.

11. If only I had : won lotto last night.

12. Next time I go to gym/church : Will be tomorrow night - as we are without a trainer, Jay and I have to fend for ourselves.

13. Susan Boyle : is a bit of an enigma - pity people are so mean to her.

14. What worries me most : is where society is going. It's very scary. America elected Donald Trump - you don't get much scarier that that.

15. When I turn my head left, I see : curtains.

16. When I turn my head right, I see : my ironing board and ironing pile.

17. You know I’m lying when : my cheeks go red.

18. What I miss most about the eighties : the energy of being a teenager.

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be : Do I have to choose one? Juliet's Nurse? The fool in Lear (Love him), Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Too many good ones to choose from.

20. By this time next year : I want to be ready to go on the Camino.

21. A better name for me would be : Trellawney Tom. That's my poet name.

22. I have a hard time understanding : conservatives. And anybody who is cruel to animals.

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll : do Law. I'm nearly finished with this Masters in Writing.

24. You know I like you if : I smile at you. If I don't like you, you'll know about it.

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be : My Mum.

26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock : I think about the hair. 80s was much better, but 90s British Rock is great.

27. Take my advice, never :  Oh - just follow Dave Shrigley's Donts...

28. My ideal breakfast is : Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon and Hash Browns.

29. A song I love, but do not own is : this:

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest : visiting the bakery. The Myponga Bakery is very good.

31. My favorite Beatle is : Paul. but I love all of them.

32. Why won’t people : be nice to one another.

33. If you spend the night at my house : you will be sleeping on the couch as I gave away my fold up bed the other day (need to get a blow up mattress.

34. I’d stop my wedding for : nothing. Never thought I would get married.

35. The world could do without : Donald Trump and Tony Abbott.

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than : vote for the Liberal/National party.

37. My favorite blonde is : a golden retriever.

38: Paper clips are more useful than : Jam jars. just.

39. If I do anything well, it’s : write.

40. And by the way : it is lovely that Bev has taken over Sunday Stealing. Thank you, Bev.

The Greenish Questions

It will be interesting to see if anybody takes over Sunday Stealing, as the present person running this is signing off. It has been a great few years of doing these quizes. Thanks Sunday Stealing.

I'm writing this from my mother's kitchen table in Country South Australia.

1. What is your current obsession?

Probably Orange is the New Black.

2. What’s your go-to coffee place?

Depends on the day of the week. Weekdays it's either Dom in the foyer of the building, or Andrea a Foccacino for my coffee. On weekends, it's Cafe Krifi near the gym.

3. Who was the last person that you hugged?

Mum. She and my step-dad left on a bus to go out to lunch. I have to lock up when I go soon.

4. Do you nap a lot?

No. Rarely sleep through the day.

5. Tonight, what’s for dinner?

No idea. Probably nothing as I get back to Melbourne mid-evening. They might feed me on the plane - so plane food.

6. What was the last thing that you bought?

I bought some Farmer's Union Iced Coffee at the service station when I filled up last night on the way to a friend's place. Manna from heaven that stuff.

7. What is your favorite weather?

Cold, slightly damp, with a bit of sunshine - like it is now.

8. Tell us something about one blogger who you think will play this week?

Bev is really cool.

9. If you were given a free house that was full furnished, where in the world would you like it to be?

Hampstead, London.

10. Name three things that you could not live without.

Friends, coffee, sleep.

11. What would you like in your hands right now?

A kitten, a decent book and a gin and tonic.

12. What’s one of your guilty pleasures?

Tattoo shows. They fascinate me.

13. What would you change or eliminate about yourself?

I'd love more time to get the body I really would love to have again. Love to be thinner. Just have to work at it.

14. As a child, what type of career did you want?

I wanted to be a doctor or a writer. I am a writer.

15. What are you missing right now?

I could use a day at home to do some cooking and cleaning, but I am interstate. Missing having the time to potter.

16. What are you currently reading?

Just started Liane Moriarty's "Truly, Madly, Guilty" for book group.

17. What do you fear the most?

Falling. Commitment. Open water. One of those. Depends on the day.

18. What’s the best movie that you’ve seen recently?

I adored Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume II. I also loved Their Finest. Very cool English film.

19. What’s your favorite book from the past year?

Hanya Yahanigara's "A Little Life". It was a slog, but it was brilliant. Just finished Zadie Smith's "Swing Time". Really enjoyed that too.

20. Is there a comfort food from your childhood that you still enjoy?

Too many of them. Beans on toast. Chocolate donuts. Fish fingers. They all still rate highly.