The If Meme

Trying to get this out early as I have a lazy day in Sydney - this is something lazy to do.

Questions, as always, from Bev at Sunday Stealing.

1. If you could eliminate a single type of insect in the world, which would it be?

Huntsman spiders. No contest there.

2. If you could have personally witnessed one event in history, what would you want to have seen?

I would have loved to see the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge when they closed the span. That would be pretty cool.

3. If you had to paint your entire home inside and out a single color other than white, what would you pick?

Petrol blue.


4. If you could decide what will be written on your gravestone, what would you have inscribed.

"The lunatic, the lover and the poet, are of imagination all compact." If not Shakespeare, then "Nevertheless, she persisted."  Will do. By the way, I want to be cremated.

5. If you could have a secret listening device in any one room in the world, what room would you put it in?

Sometimes I'd love to hear just what goes on in Trump's office....

6. If you could have any music group that no longer exists play at your birthday party, who would you want?

The Hoodoo Gurus. They were AWESOME!. The Pixies are still playing.

7. If you were to perform in the circus, what would you do?

Lion tamer. I've always wanted a lot of big cats to play with.

8. If you could master one type of cuisine, which one would you choose?

Spanish. Love Spanish food.

9. If you had to have one piece of music softly playing in your mind for the rest of your life, what would you want it to be?

I am the ear worm queen, bit if I really had to have anything on in the background, a soft version of "My Funny Valentine" would be okay.

10. If you could ensure one single personality trait in your children, what would you want it be?   

I don't have children, but if I did, I would want them to be kind.
          
11. If you could resolve any single dispute, anywhere in the world, what would you solve?

Oh to fix up Syria...

12. If you could be a guest on any talk show, which would you like to be on?

I love Stephen Colbert. Especially if he has The Violent Femmes on again.

13. If you were to be a news correspondent posted to any foreign country, where would you like to go?

Somewhere safe and interesting. How about Japan? (One of the next places on my list of places to go)

14. If you could have been on the Supreme court for any single case in its history, which would you select?

Roe vs Wade. I'd be there for all women for their right to choose.

15. If you could pick one person from history to live next door to you, who would you pick?

I'd like to be there for Alan Turing. I would like to be his friend.

The Movies Meme

Movies, one of my favourite things.

Questions, as always, from Bev at Sunday Stealing.

1. Have you ever had a movie both totally captivate and complete confuse you?

I think Donnie Darko was a bit like that. As was Calvary.

2. When watching a movie, do you prefer things all laid out or to have to 'hunt for your own clues' along the way?

Much prefer to hunt for my own clues. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri was  like that.

3. Do you want an ultimate ending to your movie or do you prefer to have it open for conjecture and discussion.

Depends on the film. See above for conjecture. You just don't know.

4. Do you talk during a movie (preferably one in your home, not in the theater)?

Much prefer the quiet.

5. Have you ever seen a blockbuster movie and not get what was so great about it?

Yep - that goes for most action movies I've seen lately - and the last few Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

6. What book frightened you as a young person?

We had a Pictorial book of Catholic Saints in the house when I was a kid - that was horrific.

7. If you had to become a ‘living book (i.e. able to recite the contents of a book cover to cover upon request – reference Fahrenheit 451), what book would it be?

Other than the Harry Potter series, Captain Corelli's Mandolin is up there.

8. What movie or TV show scared you as a kid?

Dr Who. It still scares me sometimes.

9. What movie (scary or otherwise) will you never ever watch?

I don't watch horror. And I don't think I'll be doing a Will Ferrell back catalogue night any times soon.

10. Do you have any phobias?

Huntsman spiders. There is a dead one somewhere in the wardrobe. Half a can of bug spray should do it.

11. What's the happiest thing to ever happen to you?

When my nieces were born.

12. What's the saddest thing to ever happen to you?

When one of my nieces died. Leukamia. Such a waste.

13. What's the thing that got you the most angry in your life?

Anybody who's betrayed me. That gets me angry.

14. What's the most frightening thing to ever happen to you?

Naples. Not that I was in danger, but I've never been more scared in my life. It has a threatening vibe. I was also once followed home in London. Very scary stuff.

15. What's the most unbelievable thing to happen to you in your life?

I've won a few short story competitions. That's quite incredible.

The Curious as a Cat Meme

Late again. I blame the caffeine withdrawal, which was particularly brutal.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.

1) Do you think you’d be a good writer? What kind of writer would you like to be (fiction, children’s books, magazine, etc.)?

I'm not a bad writer. I have a Masters in Writing. I write literary fiction, but I would love to be the new Margaret Atwood.

2) I wish I had enough money to ________.

Travel more and buy a house.

3) If you had to enter a competition for the "Most Uselessly Unique Talent," what would your talent be?

Reciting "Jabberwocky" or "The Owl and the Pussycat" when tipsy.

4) When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?

I don't like doing it, but it is better to rip off the bandaid and get it over with.

5) Peanut or plain?

Peanut

6) Is there someone you would like to take your place in life for one day? Who and why?

I would love to swap out with a Shakespearean actress for a day. That would be fun.

7) What do you think is the ugliest thing or event on Earth?

No contest. After Donald Trump, Huntsmen Spiders. Look them up. Ugly fuckers.

8) What is your least favorite of your personality traits or quirks?

I overthink EVERYTHING.

9) I wish I could see ________ because _________.

I wish I could see a certain friend as I really want some answers.

10) Tell us your favorite children's story.

Cinderella.
                         
11) What do you keep in the trunk of your car?

A first aid kit and an umbrella. There is also a spare tyre and a jack under the shelf. Otherwise, it's clear of stuff.

12) Describe your perfect, rainy afternoon.

Reading, reading, writing and reading.

13) Tell us about your favorite way to get lost in a simple activity — running, chopping vegetables, folding laundry, whatever. What’s it like when you’re in "the zone"?

I zone out when I'm walking. Love walking, but when I walk home from work, I often have no memory of getting there. Exercise is good. I can't hear anything when I a, walking distance. I don't have music in my ears.

14) What parts of nature do you like best?

The sea

15) What's the kindest act you have ever seen done (either to/by you or another)?

I have a friend who works at an animal refuge. That is pretty special.

The Thought Provoking Questions meme

It has been a lovely, quiet Easter. Spent part of the day with my feet in the water at the beach.

Also got though day one of the thirty day cardio challenge. Half an hour of cardio every day for a month.

Questions from Bev at Sunday Stealing.


1. What Are Three Things You Need To Buy?

I'm nearly out of washing powder. My fifteen year old top-loading washing machine is starting to creak and groan. And if I get through the 30-Day Cardio challenge I am allowed to buy myself a new phone. The battery on my old phone is nearly dead.

2. My Biggest Hope Is________.

World peace and a more human Federal government. As to be better than the Illuminati scum we have in power at the moment.

3. What Was The Last New Thing You Tried?

I stuck my feet in the water at a Melbourne beach today. This is a first in eighteen years of living here. (Adelaide beaches are much better)

4. What Mood Were You In Today?

Pretty good. Went to lunch at Jonetta and Stav's place. Stav made me his garlic and duck fat roasted potatoes. He can be a friend for life.

5. What would be a better name for the color of goldenrod-colored paper?

I had to look this up on the web. Maybe daffodil?

6. Where did you get your silverware?

Freedom - it's a furniture and homeware store. Had it for over fifteen years.

7. What artifact from this past week would you have bronzed as a keepsake and heirloom?

My grandmother's egg beater. I love that thing.

8. What was the most recent ceremony you attended?

I graduated my Master's about two weeks ago. I went to the ceremony.

9. What east Asian cuisine is good for your Seoul?

Kimchi and bibimbap.  Both are fabulous. Regular lunch fare.

10. What life lesson did you learn the hard way?       

Keep your emotions close to your chest and reveal at your peril.

11. What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?

Writing. Kissing.

12. What gets you excited about life?

How things can change so quickly. Reading and writing.

13. Have you done anything lately worth remembering?

Graduating.

14. What does your joy look like today?

Waking up with some energy. Going to bed tired.

15. When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most?

Having my health and friends.

The TMI Tuesday Blog

Back late from interstate. Bad weather delays.
Ah well.
Questions, as always, from Bev at Sunday Stealing.



1. You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist out of existence. Which one will it be?

Meatloaf. I could go for the rest of my life without hearing the Bat out of Hell album again.

2. You seem to be having an excellent day because you just came across a hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk. Holy crap, a hundred bucks! How are you gonna spend it.

Shoes.

3. What is your favorite curse word

F*ck. It has a multitude of uses. To be used sparingly.

4. You can travel any time in the PAST. What time are you traveling to and what are you going to do when you get there?

I think the 20s looks fun. I'd go dancing.

5. You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What’s it gonna be?

I can now fly (and be graceful and land with ease)

6. When did you last use your cell phone as a flashlight?

On the weekend. I was looking for something in my handbag.

7. On a scale from 1-10, how comfy are you being naked?

At the moment, 2. Normally, when  I'm not carrying as much weight, 5.

8. When did you last use food or drink to enhance your mood?

I had a burrito at the airport. I had only a flimsy sandwich at around 10.30. I was hangry. I was much happier after eating.

9. Give us a word that gets you excited.

Holidays.

10. Now give us one that makes you squirm.

I really don't like the word awesome. Not fond of moist either.

11. What word makes you smile?

Excrescences. It's a word we use in Freemasonry. Love it.

The Fickle in Pink Meme

Having a very quiet weekend. Have a lot of paperwork to do for a club I belong to so I ma sitting around doing this after a very busy week.

Questions, as per usual, are from Bev at Sunday Stealing.


1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious?

Only when going through international immigration and customs. For some reason I always feel guilty, even if I know I have done nothing wrong.

2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?

I have two of them left - both on the left hand side. The other two went years ago, both done in the chair.

3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy?

Crunchy.

4. Get up off your butt. Take 5 steps. Which leg did you start out on?

On the left. Always on the left. It's a Freemason thing.

5. What color is your favorite kitchen utensil?

Yellow. It's my grandmother's old egg beater.

6. Did you watch the Michael Jackson memorial/funeral?

No

7. Do you know anyone who graduated from high school this year?Were you invited to their graduation party? Did you go?

No. But I graduated from my Masters this week. I went to the ceremony.

8. White with black stripes or black with white stripes?

No idea what you're talking about. I believe zebra's are black with white stripes. The White Stripes are a great band.

9. If we were to call your 6th grade teacher, what would they say about you?

Diligent but strange.

10. Can you draw a perfect circle?

No.

11. What was your favorite scratch & sniff sticker scent?

???

12. What does your sibling do for a living?

She works as a student support officer / teacher's aide at a school.

13. How many light switches and electrical outlets are in the room that you are in right now?

One light switch and three power outlets.

14. Do you know sign language?

No. I can only say thank you and skinny in Auslan.

15. Do you step on cracks in the sidewalk?

I try not to, but I don't go too far out of my way.

16. And the sheets on your bed look like....?

Well laundered and well made. They're premium Sheridan sheets. I'm a bedding snob.

17. What is something that everyone else has, but you don't?

A partner. But I'm good with this.

The Write From Karen Meme

It's a long weekend. I'm digging myself out of a very mild session of black dog. Thankfully it's containable and I've caught it, but it means a lot of down time and self care. It's coming good, but it's taking its time.

Anyway, the questions, as per usual, come from Bev at Sunday Stealing.


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

I don't think I've ever bought anything at a garage sale. I've got some natty clothes at the odd op shop. I love my trench coat which I found on eBay.

2. Describe how your day went yesterday.

Good. Meditation, breakfast with a friend, went shopping, found something to wear to graduation on Thursday, haircut and colour (a tad dark, but it will settle) and a dinner and a play in the evening. A good day.

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

Yes. It depends on who it is, but I like people to be respectful of my personal space.I'm a bit claustropobic, so crowded trams are an issue.

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

I do a mean chicken and roast pumpkin stir fry. Friends ask for that regularly.

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

I can't think of anything.

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

Spiritual. I love learning about religion but I'm not religious.

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

No detention. I was the weird, nerdy bookworm. Hated high school.

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

A few years ago, before I did my back in. But I walk a lot and I'm in the gym 3-4 times a week.

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

It's going to be alright. Once you leave home, things get better. And boys will always be a mystery/

10. What are you avoiding?

Writing my novel. I don't know why,

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

Pretty much comes out of of the current Federal Government with their crap decisions. I say that a lot at the news.

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

Where you live. Community is important. If you're doing an honest job, you're winning already/

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

Pro - when used sparingly. Intelligent women who swear get more out of life.

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

This is Australia - most of the time you pack your own groceries. They are phasing out plastic on a state by state basis.

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

I like shoes, but I don't need shoes. I have a one pair in, one pair out policy. I tend to wear them into the ground then get new favourites. I love my silver birkenstocks at the moment.