A Meme for Sunday

Boosted, as is my usual habit, from the lovely and talented Tense:

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

This time of year? The gas bill. It’s unethical that the price of natural gas goes up so much JUST when we need to stay warm, then falls back to practically nothing in the summer (recognizing, of course, that “practically nothing” is a relative term nowadays).

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
I wouldn’t call it a romantic dinner, but the last time Mr. Chili and I dined without children was at Lucinda’s in University Town - we met for lunch. Our last solo dinner was at Ruby Tuesday’s.

3. Do you own a guitar?
Nope. I likely never will, either; I can’t read music and really have no burning desire to learn. I do, however, wonder at those who can play music, and I’m hoping to see some of my friends (Doc and Gerry, most notably) play live some day.

4. Name of your first grade teacher?
Mrs. Manning, I think - but don’t hold me to that.

5. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yep. When I was a kid, I knocked myself out on a swing set in our yard and was unconscious long enough for the ambulance dudes to get there - it must have been a good 15 or 20 minutes (depending on how long it took the biological to recognize that I was out). I woke with sand in my mouth and turned to spit it out - you should have seen how fast the EMT jumped out of my way; I bet he thought I was going to barf on him.

6. Do you own a piggy bank shaped like a pig?
No, but I saw an ADORABLE one at Target yesterday that I almost bought. It was cream colored with little pastel polka-dots on it…

7. How many colleges did you attend?
One. Two degrees from the same school. Pathetic.

8. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
I’ve got two shirts - the one I have on now is dark and hides sweat (I’m teaching a step class first) and I’ve got another in my bag to change into before yoga class.

9. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I’m pissed that I can no longer say that a gallon of milk costs more than a gallon of gas. I think that the prices are crazy, but I also recognize that we’re still paying less for gas than the rest of the world is, so I try not to bitch too loudly.

10. Do you shower facing the shower head or with your back to it?
Both - doesn’t everyone?

11. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
“Shit. I HATE Daylight Saving Time!”

12. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I can NEVER remember what I’m thinking just before I fall asleep, though I try to be aware of that moment every night. Maybe I’ll be able to recognize that moment between wakefulness and sleep when I reach perfect yogic enlightenment (snort!).

13. Do you have anything in your pockets right now?
No, because I have no pockets (I’m in workout clothes - going to teach some classes in a bit), but I discovered a five dollar bill in the back pocket of my jeans yesterday. I’m pretty certain it has been through at least one wash cycle…

14. How many windows are open on your computer?
Three: Safari, Mac Mail, and a silly little game called iColumns. I try to keep Google Reader open all the time - though, technically, that’s a tab and not a window.

15. What errand/chore do you despise?
I can’t really say I DESPISE any of them. I mean, I don’t get all excited about scooping the cat box or taking out the trash, but I don’t despise them, either.

16. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer?
Yes; probably at a local LGBTQ teen center.

17. Get up early or sleep in?
I wake up early just because I wake up early, but I love not having to get out of bed until I’m good and damned ready. Really, the only day I get to do that is Saturday and the occasional snow day.

18. Who or what is your favorite cartoon character?
Calvin

19. Are you a daydreamer?
Not really. I’ve been known to zone out every once in a while, but there’s literally nothing going on in my head when I do it - it’s almost as if my brain goes into standby mode and my eyes lock on to anything that isn’t moving.

20. When did you first start feeling old?
I’ve not yet started to feel old, though I do get a little bothered by the fact that none of my students, who are only 15-20 years younger than I, don’t get ANY of the cultural references I make.

21. Favorite 80s movie?
Oooh - that’s a tie between Beverly Hills Cop (”Victor should go check himself out with his physician to make sure everything is fine before things start falling off on the man. “) and Running Scared (”deceleration trauma”)

22. Your favorite lunch meat?
Roast beef, thinly sliced, NOT still mooing…

23. Beach or lake?
Lake. Seaweed heebes me out, and there are fewer stinging things in lakes.

24. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No - but I do believe it should be afforded to everyone and not represent an exclusive club…

25. Do you own property?
Yes. We’ve lived in our pretty little house since 1992.

26. Favorite guilty pleasure?
Blogging.

27. Favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about?
I’m not really ashamed of any of the movies I like (did I not just admit to loving Beverly Hills Cop?!).

28. What’s your drink at the bar?
I don’t drink as a general rule, but I will occasionally enjoy a Midori sour.

29. Cowboys or Indians?
Indians.

30. Are you sarcastic?
Who? ME?!

31. Are you shy?
I don’t think “shy” is an adjective anyone who knows me would use to describe me. I’m not in-your-face, but I’m not a shrinking violet, either.

32. In the past week have you gotten sick?
No, actually - we’re finally starting to claw our way out of the February plagues…

33. Norm or Cliff from Cheers?
I’m stealing Tense’s answer; Norm! -”What’s up, Norm?” -”My nipples. It’s cold outside.”

34. In the past week, have you felt stupid?
Not stupid, but I’ve been frustrated.

35. In the past week have you gotten your hair cut?
No; I had a trim about two weeks ago.

36. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. If he’s not available, I’d like to dine with Maya Angelou.

37. Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors when it’s below 50 degrees. I should remind everyone here that I’m NOT a nature-girl, but I do love to sit on my front steps in the spring and summer and read outdoors.

38. Be honest, do you buy the cheap or expensive toilet paper?
I buy whatever two-ply is on special when we need it.

39. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Nope, thank goodness.

40. Last book you read for real?
As opposed to what? “Read for pretend?” In the last few months, I’ve read Three Men in a Boat, Robinson Crusoe, Hamlet, and a couple of short stories.

41. Has someone disappointed you recently?
Yes. Punkin’ Pie keeps fighting against school and homework and learning in general. She’s making poor choices, she knows she’s making poor choices, and it’s making me crazy.

42. What was the last movie you watched?
I saw Gracie with Punkin’ Pie on Friday night. I’ve also recently re-watched The Matrix (”Free. Your. Mind.”) and T2 (”It’s in your nature to destroy yourselves.”)

43. Somewhere in California you have never been and would like to go?
San Francisco

44. Have you been outside the USA?
Yes; Mr. Chili and I went to Bermuda in ‘94, and I can’t wait to go back.

45. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
A new career, though I’d really rather not change that, either. I’ve got an excruciatingly happy marriage, I’ve got good relationships with all my friends, and I love teaching college English. I’m happy right where I am, thanks.