Saturday 9: Mighty Clouds of Joy

Unfamiliar "Mighty Clouds of Joy"? Hear it here.

1) This song celebrates serenity. Are you feeling peaceful this morning?

This morning I was feeling rather peaceful, but this afternoon I am a little restless.

2) The lyrics include allusions to sun and clouds. How does the world look where you are? Is it sunny or cloudy? 

It is 65 degrees outside and sunny.  Beautiful weather!

3) This week's featured artist, BJ Thomas, is in the Grammy Hall of Fame for another hit record that uses weather as a metaphor, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." Make up a Hall of Fame that you believe you should be inducted into. (For example, Crazy Sam has inducted herself into The Meme Mistress Hall of Fame for her service to Saturday 9.)

The Taking Photos of My Dog Hall of Fame

4) When Crazy Sam hears this song, she always sings along ... loud. Is there a song you simply cannot resist singing along with?

The Sound of Silence by Disturbed.

5) BJ Thomas has performed this song at The Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has been broadcast on the radio every week since 1925, nearly 95 years ago! Of course, back in the 1920s, radio was the only broadcast media. Today we have other choices. Is listening to the radio part of your daily routine?

During the workday, I listen to local radio stations. When I am in my vehicle, I listen to satellite radio.  

6) Though their dress code is lenient, country music fans who attend the Opry for a live show are warned: "Just remember, there's one rule we take very seriously here at the Grand Ole Opry -- you must wear something." Easter Sunday is a day many of us dress up. What will you be wearing today?

I will be wearing dress slacks and a cute top.  However, I will be wearing tennis shoes rather than dress shoes on my feet.  Dress shoes hurt my back.

7) Easter is recognized as the start of the spring season. What are you looking forward to this spring?

Warm weather, green grass, green leaves on the trees and lots of flowers!

8) Lilies are popular at Easter. Do you have a favorite flower?

I love lilacs.  The smell of lilacs remind me of home and remind me of my grandparents.

9) Which would rather find in your Easter basket: yellow marshmallow chicks (aka Peeps) or a plastic egg filled with pennies?

A plastic egg filled with pennies. I do not like Peeps.

Saturday 9: Harper Valley PTA (1968)

Unfamiliar with "Harper Valley PTA"? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artist uses her middle initial (C. for Carolyn) all the time. Do you use your middle initial very often?

I use my middle initial all time at work as it is part of my official signature.

2) In this song, a mother tells off the local PTA. What's the most recent school event you attended -- whether as a parent, a teacher or a student?

In a few weeks I will be attending a high school graduation...my nephew is graduating.

3) The lyrics reference the mom's miniskirts, which were trendy in the 1960s. The website Popsugar reports that gingham checks are trendy for 2015. Tell us about the most recent addition to your wardrobe.

I do not get into the whole fashion trend thing.  I purchase items that are comfortable and help me hide my fat.  My most recent purchase was a cute layered spring shirt.

4) Thinking of moms, Access Hollywood named Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch TV's #1 mom. Who is your favorite TV mom?

Mama from "Mama's Family".

5) Mother Winters always gave Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share?

My grandfather use to made a hot toddy for toothaches...makes you totally forget the toothache.

6) Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? Are you more like Sam or her mother?

I am more like Sam.  I like to give 20% if the service is good and 10% to 15% if the service was not so great.

7) When the tip of her shoelace becomes frayed, Sam's mother snips off the end and then paints the tip with clear nail polish. Good as new! Sam thinks that's crazy because you can just buy new laces for less than $2. Are you more frugal like mother or spendthrift like daughter?

When it comes to something like shoelaces, I would rather spend the money to buy new ones.  Some things I can be frugal about but for the most part things in today's world are rather disposable and easy to replace.  

8) Mother Winters loves how french vanilla smells and burns her Yankee Candles all year around. Do you use scented candles or air fresheners?

I love scented candles and air fresheners.  I have Yankee Candles all over the house (Lilac Blossom, Cranberry Chutney, Clean Cotton) and I have Glade air fresheners in strategic places throughout the house.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds?

All the above!  LOL  The type of chocolate I eat depends on my mood.  For example: I just ate a Snickers but yesterday I had a Hershey's with almonds.  Tomorrow....who know!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Meme's

Today's Blogging A to Z Challenge, with my theme of "A Few of My Favorite Things", is all about the letter "M".

If you have ever read or you read my blog, you will know how much I like meme's!  Meme's are so much fun and help me to think of things to write about.  One of the very first Meme's I participated in was Unconscious Mutterings. My first post on this blog for a meme was also Unconscious Mutterings; which I posted on January 6, 2008.  

Throughout the years I have participated in many meme's, all of which on listed on the left side of my blog under labels. Some of my favorites are: 

Sunday Stealing

Camera Critters

Friday Fill-ins

Saturday 9

Six Word Saturday

Song Sharing Sunday

Stuck In Your Head

Thursday 13

Wordless Wednesday

Do you participate in any meme's?  If so, leave me a link so I can check them out. And if you like, check out some of the one's above to see if you are interested in participating.

Saturday 9: Stormy Weather

1) Do noisy storms scare you? Yes.  Good thing I have a basement to hide in.

2) Mother Winters tells us Lena Horne was considered one of the great beauties of the 1940s. Whom do you consider one of today's most beautiful women? Drew Barrymore

3) Crazy Sam admits it -- there's a big bag of recycling she really should take out to the bin. Yet she's composing this meme. What should you be doing, instead of answering her questions? Preparing lunch.

4) Sam may be crazy, but she's not stupid and will never waste her money on Cialis, no matter how many unsolicited emails she receives! What's the most recent addition to your spam folder? An email from Adam & Eve, wanting me to buy sex toys.

5) What was the last thing you cooked? Chicken burritos

6) Do you remember the lyrics to your either your high school or college fight song? I don't remember either of them.

7) "Samantha" is the feminine of "Samuel" and means "Listener." What's the derivation of your first name? Shannon is a unisex Irish name that has a few different meanings.  Such as "little, old, wise one" and "wise river".

8) Are you following the NBA or NHL this year? If so, which team are you rooting for? I don't follow the NBA but I follow the NHL when I remember it.   I cheer on the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Redwings.

9) Gloves, umbrellas, sunglasses, keys -- which of these do you misplace most often? Sunglasses

Saturday 9: We Owned the Night

1) Can you recall a time when you danced and romanced like you "owned the night?" Not the exact time but it was at least 20 years ago.

2) Do you have a regular bedtime?  Only if I have to work the next day, then I like to be in bed between 9:00PM and 10:00PM.

3) Do you often listen to country music? Yes, but mostly during the workweek.  The only station that comes in clearly on my Jeep's radio is the local country station.  So, I listen to country on my way to and from work.

4) Are you responding to this meme on a desktop or laptop or phone or tablet? On my desktop computer.
 

5) How often do you check your horoscope? Every once in awhile, when I remember to check it.

6) Congratulations! You just won a trip to Switzerland! Is your passport up to date? No!  I don't even have one.

7) Do you know how to snow ski? Not really.

8) What's the first beverage you drink in the morning? Diet Pepsi

9) Are you a good speller? Yes.

Saturday 9: Da Ya Think I'm Sexy

1. When do you feel that you are at your sexiest? Never, I have not felt sexy since I was 19 years old.

2. What's your favorite magazine? Why? Reader's Digest, because I love reading all the jokes and cartoons.  Plus it usually has a good article or two to read.

                                                                                              Source: rd.com via Shannon on Pinterest

3. What’s something you do more quickly than most people? Being kind to others.  I am kind even when someone is in my face.

4. When do you first remember using a computer?  It was the early 1980's so I was around 10 or so years old.

5. Who is the craziest person in your family?  Too many to name, including myself.

6. What one thing are you craving today? A sandwich from Pizza King in La Crosse, WI.

                                                                                   Source: pizzakinglacrosse.com via Shannon on Pinterest

7. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Dog toys and new purses.

8. What’s the part of your morning you least look forward to every day? Waking up.

9. What are some rules you have for yourself that don’t really make much sense? Counting my steps...which is part of my OCD.  But I have to count steps damn near every where I go.  If I don't I feel lost and confused.

Saturday 9: I Second That Emotion

1. Do you every solicit advise on your love life? 

Hell no!  My love life is personal and between hubby and I.

2. What was the last thing you argued with someone about? 

Hubby and I debated on who should put my new computer chair together.  He won, and put it together for me. (Men are stubborn).

3. Who do you hate right now?

I hate that my legs hurt all the time and that my psoriasis will never go away and that I am stuck with MRSA forever.

4. Who do you love right now?

My husband, son, daughter, brother, in-laws, both dogs and my closest friends.

5. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

In college working on a  Master’s Degree, while living in Florida or Texas.

6. What is your craziest vice?

Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Source: google.com via Mary on Pinterest

7. How did you celebrate Valentines Day?

By ignoring the holiday as much as possible.

8. What is your most unique or fondest memory of a special Valentine’s Day?

I don’t like Valentine’s Day and I don’t think I ever have. I prefer to celebrate this holiday by ignoring it but I have found that it is hard to ignore. Every store you go to puts Valentine related stuff in your face. Advertisements, cards, treats, gifts and more offer promises of everlasting love. I think it is all bullshit!

I think my dislike for Valentine’s Day began many, many years ago in Elementary School. Each year the teacher would force all students to bring in a decorated shoebox for our Valentine’s Day party. Students would be given a list of names of every student in their class and were expected to make a Valentine to give to each one on the list. I would work hours to pick out the perfect little valentine card for each person. I was always so excited to give them out as school…only to be disappointed at peoples comments about my cards. Kids can say some really mean and hateful things. While I don’t remember the exact words, I do remember how much they hurt and how totally alone I always felt.

9. Were you in the same location five years ago that you are today? Would you have expected to be?

Five years ago I was living in Missouri and I did not expect to stay in that location for long.  I wanted to move to Wisconsin before my son graduated from High School and thankfully that happened.

Saturday 9: Stupid Brussels Sprouts

1. When was the last time you moved? Where to? The last big move was in 2009 when I moved from Missouri to Wisconsin. The last "small" move was moving from my in-laws house to my new house (a mile or so across town).

2. If they were making a Hall of Fame for the blogosphere, name a blogger or two who you think should make the list. Why? Bud...because his posts always put a smile on my face. Mimi...she believe wholeheartedly in peace and is a strong advocate for peace.

3. What are couple of funny things you remember your parents saying? "Your face is going to free like that"; "Eat your vegetables! There are kids starving in China!'; "If you fall out of that tree and break your neck, don't come crying to me!"; and "Were you raised in a barn? Shut the damn door!"

4. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle? I gave birth to two children and they are now age 22 and 19.

5. What is it too late for? It is too late to say goodbye to my mother.

6. What do you try to stay away from? Stupid people, touchy subjects and Brussels spouts

7. When you get into a disagreement or fight, how often are you the first to apologize? I am ALWAYS the first person to apologize because I don't want the other person to hate me or to not like me.

8. Tell us about a current issue that you’re unhappy with. The amount of debt I have and the bills that just keep piling up.

9. How often do you update your blog/site and why? I try to post at least one post on this blog and on "Moments of Introspection" every day because it helps me to relax.

Saturday 9: Nobody Told Me

1. When you grew up were you ever told how to deal with problems?  No.  When my mom and dad passed away everything was on my shoulders to take care of.  I had no idea what I was doing and made a lot of bad, uninformed decisions.

2. What was your first apartment like?  My first place to live on my on was actually a small, one bedroom house. I loved it!  Easy to clean, check utility bills and in a convenient location.

3. What was the first car you owned? A brand new 1990 Ford Escort...it was red and I did not really like it because I wanted a Mustang!!!!  My father told me a Mustang was too powerful for a girl to drive (big meanie).

4. Tell us about a crush or relationship that you had at high school. I had a crush on a few different guys but none of them even knew I existed.

5. Have you ever had an “enemy” in your life? Probably.

6. What were you doing the first night that you got drunk? Playing video games then sleeping.

7. Ten years ago, what was you job and did you like it?  In January 2001, I was in college, working part time as an intern on campus and raising two children on my own.

8. What movie had the biggest impact on you as a child and why? Gone With The Wind....Scarlet was beautiful and carefree most of the time and didn't take crap off of anyone. I inspire to be more like her. 

9. What are your plans for this weekend?  Sleep! Hehe I love to sleep.

Saturday 9: Turn Back the Hands of Time

1. There's a Time Genie. She can put you back in time to relive a day that you loved. If you could turn back time, what day would you relive if given this opportunity?

I would go back to the day my mother died and tell her how much I love her.  I would also tell her I am sorry for my behavior growing up.  Also, I would accept her offer to go home with her that day.

2. What did you do yesterday?

Ate a lot of food. 

3. You've been given 3 parachutes, but there are 4 people who need them. Who will you not give one to: Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen, Kim Kardashian, or Simon Cowell? Why?

I would NOT give a parachute to Kim Kardashian.  That woman is so very fake and full of shit.

4. Where are you going and where have you been?

I have been a lot of places, seen a lot of things and I have no idea where I am going.

5. They say that books read as a child make more of an impact on a person than books read at any other time in life. Are there any books that you particularly loved, that shaped the way you think when you were little?

I loved a lot of books as a child at different ages.  I read (and still read) a lot of books.  At a very early age (five) I was reading novels and I devoured books by the truckload.  

6. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?

Getting Christmas over and done  with.

7. What was the last text message you received?

"Happy Thanksgiving!  I just found my phone." 

8. Do you prefer to call or text?

I prefer to text.  I cannot hear very well so phone calls don't always go so well.

9. What were you doing at 9PM last night?

At home, eating leftover ham and apple/cranberry pie.

Saturday 9: Mrs. Potter's Lullaby

1. Adam Duritz (writer and lead sing of Counting Crows) mentions previous girlfriends in songs. In Mrs. Potter's Lullaby he sings “There a little piece of Maria in every song I sing”. Is there a piece of an ex that will always be a part of you?

Yes, my children :) I love them no matter what :)

2. Who was your very first significant friend?

Marsha Haney

3. What are four (4) things you hope to do this weekend?

Clean House, Clean out the Jeep, Finish the Laundry and Get Rid of My Headache

4. What do you consider to be the main purpose of your blog?

Playing Meme's

5. Tell us something that you've never before written about in your blog because it's too personal.

A lot of things and I still wont write about them.

6. If you could choose your doctor, do you prefer someone of the same or opposite sex?

I prefer someone that will listen to my problems and actually try to figure out what is wrong...and fix it.

7. If you could dream about anything tonight, what would the subject matter be?

Having enough money to pay off all my debt,  pay off the house and Jeep and to live happy.

8. How do you react to practical jokes when they're played on you?

I don't like it and it makes me feel as if that person does not really like me.  Makes me cry :(

9. What's on your agenda after this weekend for the upcoming week?

Work, work and more work.

Saturday 9: Ready or Not

Hosted by Crazy Sam

http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. When severe whether happens, generally speaking, are you ready for it? Whether or weather? Weather I am usually ready for.

2. If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would it be?  The ability to ignore idiots.

3. What do you strive for in life? Happiness

4. If you were given a vacation home and you could have it anywhere, what location would you choose? Florida...or  Hawaii.  Somewhere warm.

5. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? If the answer is "it depends," on what does it depend? I usually feel drained.  Crowds annoy me and make me tired.

6. When you're sick do you take "sick days" or do you force yourself to continue working? I usually just keep working.  What is the point of staying home?

7. What is your absolute favorite piece of furniture you have and why? My bed because I like to sleep!

8. When you go out, where do you like to go? What do you like to do? I to Onalaska or La Crosse for dinner and ice cream. 

9. How's life? Is it treating you well right now? Meh...not so well.  Life is very stressful.

Saturday 9: Take Me Back

Hosted by Crazy Sam

http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. Think of all your exes. Would you take any of them back?  Hell No!!!

2. If anyone came to your house on your "lazy days" what would you be wearing?  Tee-Shirt, sleep pants.

3. What's your favorite shirt? I dont have a favorite one.  I need to go shopping.

4. Have you ever been on your school's track team?  When I was in Elementary School.

5. Do you own a pair of Converse? Not any more.

6. Where are you at right now? At my house, in my computer room, at my desk.

7. Do you eat raw cookie dough? Yes, yummy!

8. Don't you hate when the radio ruins good songs by playing them over and over? I hate it when they bleep out the good words!!!

9. Do you watch the news? Yes, and read it online.

Saturday 9: Midnight Confessions

Hosted by Crazy Sam

http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. Have you ever had to confess something to a lover or friend? I had to confess to someone once how much I loved them. And at the time he felt the same way.

2. How well do you handle rejection? I cry, I hurt and I move on.

3. What makes you feel old? My kids growing up and having children of their own.

4. What makes you feel young? Running around the yard with my dogs.

5. What’s something you are old school about? I believe teenagers should have a curfew on school nights and should be home in bed by a certain time.

6. What TV show's seasons would you buy on DVD? Tell us why it rocks. M*A*S*H because I can watch it for hours!

7. If you could create your own TV channel, what would it be? Something for fat people like me, instead of gearing things to all the skinny people in life!

8. Where do you like to go for a day trip? The Wisconsin Dells to ride the Original Wisconsin Ducks.

9. Name some things that you still want to do in your life. I want to travel to Hawaii and Ireland.

Saturday 9: Heatwave

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. It’s July. How has the weather been where you are? Not to bad here in the great state of Wisconsin. We have only had a few really hot days. Today the highs will only be around 70!

2. What is the best way for you to beat the heat? Stay in the house reading a book or surfing the internet while drinking sweet iced tea.

3. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Do you buy that? Yes, especially when I lived in Missouri. It was hard to breathe when the humidity was higher.

4. Do you like hot tubs or saunas? Hot Tubs!!!

5. What’s the hottest you’ve ever been? 115 to 120 degrees

6. How many times do you hit the beach in the summer? None, I dont have time.

7. When you were a kid, what did you do in the summer? Camping, fishing, swimming, vacation for two weeks, visit family and friends, read, play video games.

8. Surfing. Have you ever gotten on a surfboard? Body surf? No, but I would like to try it!

9. What’s your favorite summer song? "Cruel Summer, by Bananarama" or "Summer time Blues"

Saturday 9: Wedding Bell Blues

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be. My first wedding was not really a wedding. We got married in the office of the Justice of the Peace, the JOP's two secretaries were the witnesses. Not sure where/when my next wedding will be.

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married? 30 or older. Enjoy life while you are young.

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended? My brother in 1997.

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions? Not really, weddings are rather boring. The receptions are not too bad.

5. Have you cried at a wedding? Yes.

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony? I prefer an intimate ceremony. Why waste all that money on something lavish?

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell. No, thank goodness.

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical? Depends on whose wedding it is!

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high? People cant stay devoted to being honest and faithful and they don't communicate very well.

Saturday 9: Yankee Doodle Dandy

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. What is your favorite 4th of July memory? Going to Pilot Knob, Missouri and watching the big fireworks display. The loudness of the "big boomers" echo through the valley.

2. Do you consider yourself patriotic? Yes!

3. Do you like fireworks? Yes!

4. What are your plans for this weekend? Sit at home and relax, go to a BBQ with family, watch fireworks in town.

5. Are you optimistic about the future? Yes!

6. Do you think everyone should serve in the military? No, not everyone.

7. Would you support a constitutional ban on flag burning? Maybe

8. What end of the political spectrum are you? Independent

9. Where do you get your news? The Internet and newspapers

Saturday 9: I Want You Back

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. Where were you when you heard that Michael Jackson died? I was in my car driving home from work, listening to the local Rock Station on the Radio.

2. How do you think that he will be remembered? Hopefully for his talent and his music but after seeing the news this afternoon, it seems as if the media want us to remember all of the bad things.

3. What was your favorite Jackson tune? "Thriller", "Man in the Mirror", "Beat It" and a bunch more.

4. Did you watch the original Charlie’s Angels? Yes, and even the reruns. Wow, that shows how old I am LOL.

5. Did someone you know have that poster of Farrah? Yes, but that was many many many years ago.

6. Did you consider her battle with cancer heroic? Anyone battling cancer is heroic. It is a harsh disease.

7. Were you a fan of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson? Yes! The Tonight Show was only good when Johnny was the star. It went downhill when he left. I never really liked Jay Leno or Conan O'Brien.

8. Did you like Ed McMahon on the show? Yes, I did. He helped make the show good.

9. What else will you remember McMahon for? Hosting/Co-hosting a few shows like Star Search, TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes; a few films he was in and the spokesperson for Publishers Clearing House

Saturday 9: Never Say Never Again

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. Do you like James Bond films? If yes, what’s your favorite? I don't really like the James Bond films and don't have a favorite one.

2. Are you daring enough to go snorkeling in the water fountain at the mall? If it had more than two inches of water in it I would be daring enough.

3. Do you sometimes hate everything and everyone around you? Yes but I keep it to myself.

4. Do you secretly or openly believe the world revolves around you? No, but there are times I wish the world revolved around me.

5. Would you rather buy a moped or a Harley Davidson? Harley! Vroom Vroom baby!

6. Do you water ski or ice ski? Water Ski

7. Tell us about the last time that you tailgated. I don't remember the last time I tailgated.

8. What was the last concert that you attended? It was for a local band in Missouri called GTO (Good Time Oldies).

9. What’s the most exotic food that you’ve ate? Rattlesnake, chocolate covered grasshopper.

Saturday 9: Games People Play

Hosted by Crazy Sam
http://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/
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1. What was your favorite active game as a child? Playing tag while riding an ATV.

2. What was your favorite board game as a child? Monopoly

3. Tell us about a friend you played these games with in your youth. My cousin, Greg, who was three months younger than me and lived next door.

4. What is your favorite card game? Solitaire

5. What board games do you enjoy now? Yahtzee, Monopoly

6. Do you play video games? Which ones? World of Warcraft, Role Playing Games, MMORPG's, Adventure, Action, Puzzles and more.

7. Tell us about the friends you play games with now. My other half, Steve; my son, Colt and I play games on the computer and a lot on XBox Live.

8. Do you play any sports now? No, I am too fat and too old.

9. What’s your favorite sport to watch? Football, Hockey and Baseball