Melanie gives us 2 x 2 today. Ready, set, go … And we’re off! 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️ 🏃
QUESTIONS(Two ‘seasonal’ and two plain today)
What is the scariest game (board or on-line) you ever may have played? Ouija. Only because I was a kid and was easily scared 😳 by the unexplained. Later I learned involuntary muscle exertion or my friend Lisa Ann moved the planchette. Sr. Teresa overheard us talking about the weekend sleepover and how the Ouija board predicted who had a crush on who. She told our parents she thought it wasn’t proper. Next thing you know, Lisa’s Ouija board was in the garbage. 😂
What’s just ‘over the rainbow” for you? Beautiful blue skies 🌌 after the rain 🌧 clears out.
Do you have to watch something upbeat after watching a suspense or horror movie so you can go to sleep? Yes but that’s why I quit watching horror movies 🎥 completely and watch suspenseful movies 🍿 with others.
Is there intent behind every action? No. Somethings are unintentional. I’m the Queen 👑 of foot in mouth disease. Spouting off with nary a thought 💭 in my head. I’ve been asked to practice the pause. Measure 📐 twice cut once. All things because I’ve acted without intent. And sometimes there’s nothing subconscious about my actions. No excuse and apologize when necessary.
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)Feel free to share some gratitude with folks today! Thanks! I’m grateful 😇 for my books 📚. The library came through and I’m learning lots about being a better human.
Melanie gets us started. Well you don’t have to ask me twice. I’m always ready for a good share. Release the hounds …
QUESTIONS
(Some just ‘off the cuff’ ones today)
How do you feel about sharing your computer or phone password with your partner? I’d shared for ICE = in case of emergency but B wouldn’t remember so I guess it doesn’t matter how I feel. lol
What is the greatest struggle you’ve overcome? (This isn’t meant to be invasive, just use general terms if you’d like. Or if not, feel free to pass on the question. That’s allowed too). I’ve led a pretty privileged life if I do say so myself. But that said there have been struggles. Among them losing my parents, the most unfortunate event/home invasion, the accident that almost killed B, caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s (both sides), growing up with a brother who had special needs, losing our siblings before their time and seeing our parents gutted by the experience, mine and my children’s struggles with mental illness, and the indirect effects of living in the time of Rona.
At the time whatever was happening was the greatest struggle. Ebb and flow folks, ebb and flow. Somehow, we’ve made it to the other side each time. I remember thinking after the home invasion, nothing worse could ever happen. Well, I was wrong, so very,very wrong. And like Mister Toad’s wild ride, we’ll have bumps yet again of that I am sure. But I’m ready – bring it, brought it, good!
If heaven is real and you died tomorrow, do you think you would get in? Why or why not? (this is purely speculation, no bias if you don’t believe) I think I will go to purgatory … oh wait maybe I already am … in purgatory. I think I will go to purgatory #2 for some expiatory purification to be made ready for heaven. My poor dear mother is rolling over in her grave or from her cloud in heaven. Jilly, Jilly, Jilly …
What makes you feel like you really need to be alone? Mental overstimulation. When my mind gets overloaded, I need to go off by myself to decompress.
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)
Do you have any traditions around this time of year? Our tradition used to be going to the annual school carnival on the last Saturday in October. I always volunteered to work the fish pond. I loved seeing the littles all dressed up fishing for a prize. My go to game to play was the cakewalk. Like a musical chairs where we walked in a circle til the music stopped. Then they drew a ticket where the winner standing on the number drawn, won a tasty dessert. Mom always donated cupcakes for this game adding the candy pumpkins on top. Devil’s food of course. She’d make enough to keep some at home which mean I won even when my number wasn’t drawn. We took Pony to this carnival too. By the time Lulu came along, the school was on its last leg. No more carnivals since not enough volunteers.
Then finally, the capstone of October! Trick or treating the day of Halloween was always more treat than trick. My two never experienced roaming the neighborhood in a pack. Instead there was trick or treating at the mall.
Each devil’s food cupcake got one of these in the center.
And with that I am FIN. For now. As always, more to come.
Oooh, Steve Miller Band lyrics are very fitting today. Time definitely keeps on slipping into the future. Melanie sets up the questions, while we knock ’em down. Strike!
QUESTIONS
1. What’s your favorite way to exercise? (if you do or don’t. Exercising one’s mind is a valid answer IMHO, because that’s my favorite). Well I used to love volleyball. soft ball, running, and riding bikes. With my knees and other assorted pains, now my favorite exercise is walking. I’m a step counter. I try to get a few more steps each day.
2. What’s more important to you – family or friends? Framily – You’ve heard of this yes? Friends who are like family. Family who are like friends. Both are equally important.
3. (a segue of sorts from last week’s SYW)..Have you ever voted for someone (in whatever venue – politics, contests, school elections) based solely on how they looked? Nope
4. (silly one) How could carousels be spiced up so they are more exciting? Rev up the speed and hold on to your hats. Vroom, vroom. lol
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always optional)
Please feel free to share something you’ve enjoyed about this September.
I am grateful for more good days than bad. I am grateful that we were able to enjoy the garden with tomatoes continuing two months longer than usual. The new fall garden is now in the ground. Hoping for broccoli, cabbage, and brussels in a couple of months.
Melanie hosts this fantastic ride and Evil Squirrel provides the questions while I give my version of what goes for answers. Aka my two cents, worth 1/2 a penny due to inflation. Has anyone else noticed the real estate market is off the chain?? Yeah buddy.
If you were to be cast as part of a comedy double act, which part would you play…. the straight man or the funny one, and why? The funny because I couldn’t be straight if I tried. ba-dum-tis
If you were to be reincarnated on Earth as any non-living/inanimate object of your choosing, what would you come back as and why? Hmm, I’d rather come back as a living & animate object but since that’s not the question, I’m going with the tea kettle. Why? Because I’m looking at it right now and can’t think of anything else..
We all know how dogs mark their territory. How do you mark your territory? The same way only my marking the spot is by piss & vinegar of the verbal variety.
If you were on a trivia show and had to correctly answer ten questions in one subject to win a million dollars (or whatever currency is used in your locale), what would you hope the category would be? Really wouldn’t matter, I am horrible at trivia though I do love those shows … Like Jeopardy! or the Chase. Maybe I could win if the questions were about work, anything insurance related.
In democratic societies, do you believe that the right to vote is merely a privilege or a duty for all citizens? This should not be thought of as an “Americans only” question. ANY ONE is welcome to answer. Technically voting is a privilege since the right to vote can be taken away for various reasons. Whether voting is a duty or not is up to the individual. Far more people sit out. For me, I feel obligated to vote. Something my parents instilled in me.
Thanks to Melanie for the questions. On the note about happiness, Frida agrees too. See my feature image. Next on to the main event!!!!
QUESTIONS
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Without a doubt yes. No wait! Hmmmm. I sure do talk a lot, which is why at first I thought yes I will say more. But I am also a plodder/planner/thinker who almost always comes through on her promises. Maybe a better answer is that I hope to say and do an equal amount with a goal to do/give more whenever possible.
What does the world need less of? Mean, unkind, people.
Do you feel older or younger than your age? I feel younger. Like I’m only nineteen, the age I was when so many things happened all at once setting the trajectory for the remainder of my life. Then I look in the mirror and realize, that girl is long gone. Physically anyway. Mentally, all bets are off. lol.
What is a cause you’ll always passionately support? I don’t want to be political here but my passionate about topic has become headline news political. A woman’s right to choose. This doesn’t mean I’m pro-abortion; I’m not. And I’ll leave it at that.
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)What is your personal affirmation if you have one? (for this instance “affirmation means emotional support or encouragement.”) They change daily. I received a packet of affirmation cards 52 weeks worth. While looking at the cards was intended to be a weekly exercise, I pull a card from the stack each workday. Today we have: I Possess the Humility Needed to Ask Questions and Keep Learning.
Melanie gives us the questions and we serve up the answers. Hope you enjoy this weekly treat. To join in, go back and click on ‘Melanie’ for there you will find the rules and ping back.
QUESTIONS
Do you believe in soul-mates? (my definition of ‘soul mate’ is the IDEAL partner romantically). Why yes, yes I do because I’ve met mine. I’ve been married to him for 37 years as of 9/15. B & I have actually known each other since I was 12 & he was 13. We didn’t know we were soulmates at the time of course. B was just my best friend’s father’s best friend’s son. Say that 3 times fast. lol. I imagine for someone who has yet to meet their soulmate that they might say nope, soulmates are not a thing. And I guess for them, that’s true.
What are three scents you like?
1- Rose since it reminds me of my mamaw.
2- Vanilla because in my sister’s first apartment, she used vanilla scented candles to decorate. I thought that was tre-chique. I vividly remember one of the candles was shaped like a light bulb. Even more vogue. I mean c’mon it was the 70s. I’d sit there in the comfyiness that was her place and feel safe. If I think about it, I can smell vanilla now. Ahhh now that’s the stuff.
3- Rain – yep it has a smell. Reminds me of playing in the rain. Dashing on and off the front porch with my brothers. Getting soaked. Then, when we were done and ready to dry off, mom would bring us warm towels from the dryer that smelled like the Downy equivalent since name brand stuff was way too expensive. Guess that’s a fourth scent … clothes from the dryer.
What are some things that you might be considered too old to do, but that you enjoy? Hmm. I don’t consider myself too old to do anything. What I enjoy doing is ageless. Reading, writing, listening to music. Soaking in culture at a museum. Walking, hiking, being out in nature. Swinging on my garden swing.
What is one food you absolutely refuse to share? Hmm. There isn’t any food I’d absolutely not share. In fact, to me, food is meant to be shared. Family style dinners are the best. I’m reminded of my favorite restaurant, Hsiu Yu’s. Sadly this family owned gem has been closed since 2016. Mama Hsiu and her husband retired and the kids didn’t want to continue in the restaurant biz. Before the doors were closed for good, I went there on my birthday every year for easily three decades. Anytime I had a random day off, that was my lunch spot. How’s that for customer loyalty?!?! They had four or so tables set up with lazy susans in the middle. The dishes were set on the lazy susan so you could spin it around to get a bite of everything.
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)
Please feel free to share something positive! Well, today my gratitude is a no brainer. I’m grateful for this prompt, that Melanie hosts us each week, and for the feels that writing my answers gave me. Life is good y’all. Leaving you with a musical interlude.
Wait! Don’t go August. Hard to believe we’ll have only four more months of 2021. Melanie is providing the set up yet again. Back in the older days, set ups meant coke, sprite, or club soda. Beer and set ups meant time to partay!!! ‘Nuf silliness. We’re going deep on these today.
QUESTIONS
Are human beings required to better themselves and will doing that make them happier? No and yes. I think the word required is throwing me. For way too many years I did exactly what I thought was expected or required of me. Not anymore. I want to break free ala Freddie and the rest of Queen. However, there have been studies which show people just want to feel necessary and needed. Upskilling/bettering yourself is a nice way to do that. Might even make one happier. But might also be relative. Since as feature image from Frida Kahlo (which I wholeheartedly agree with) states in a nutshell happiness is a daily choice.
Is it easier to love or to be loved? Loving is easy (sounds like a song lyric to me). When I really think about this question, for me, to be loved is easier. But that’s only because of B who says very little but does everything. Actions do speak louder than words where he is concerned.
Outside traumatic brain injury, can memories be completely erased? Yes I do believe that over time memories can fade away completely. Our brains can hold only so much information. We are bombarded daily. In my case, eventually older memories are replaced with newer memories, Though some things from the past are memories that for whatever reason I hold on to forever.
Is there such a thing as a good death? Yes when the suffering is too much to bear. My Mamaw and my mom are examples of that. Cancer is a bitch.
and one ‘silly’ one because the former questions were fairly serious: What do you imagine is inside a baseball? A bunch of string at least I think that is what was there when my brother cut one open.
GRATITUDE SECTION
Feel free to share something uplifting this week! I’m grateful that I was able to complete part of my quarterly audits yesterday because we got a dispensation to use July data. Woo to the Hoo!! I LOVE being early 🙂
I’m a day late and a dollar short. Melanie is kicking us off with the questions. I was watching a commercial for a new show with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. A murder mystery in the form of Jessica Fletcher played by Angela Lansbury or maybe a Colombo spoof. Any who, Selena calls Martin and Steve two randos … that made me giggle. I like the word rando and use it often. Made me think random bag may actually be a good thing. Okay enough prattling about. Let’s go!
QUESTIONS (a random bag today)
Can you parallel park (if you drive)? If you don’t drive, can you still skip? Why yes I can but the funny thing is I learned while doing parent taught driver’s ed with Lulu. I googled how to and watched a video that was more clear than anyone ever trying to teach me. When I took my test all those years ago, the person testing me said ah, you’ll never need that, let’s skip it. Whew! I had been practicing for months but was not very good at it and nervous as hell that day. Oh and btw, he was right. I never needed to parallel park.
Do you prefer early morning or late evening? Or something in between? Now I am a morning person but for years I was what my mom called a night owl. Something in between would ruin my day. Up is down and down is up. Get at it early and relax in the evenings, that’s my motto.
Do you like avocados? YES!!! in all forms. I know you’re thinking Jilly there’s not much one can do with an avocado but there are quite a few options.
Is mind or matter more real? Mind makes matter more real. ha! figure that one out. lol
and a bonus ‘deep’ question just because
Are people in this current generation less or more sensitive than people from past generations? Nope. Some people are sensitive. Some people aren’t sensitive. Then there is the spectrum of people in between. Then there are those depending on the situation who may react a certain more sensitive way because of triggers. Generation has zero to do with sensitivity. Anyway that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
GRATITUDE SECTION (as always optional)
Please feel free to share something inspiring that’s happened to you recently! I’ve been a bit down in the dumps but I took a stroll around SA Botanical Gardens this past Saturday. I was inspired by the beauty in nature. Like this picture that follows … where God dropped a paint brush. ❤
7-15-2021When you just need to forget the world for a few hours, what helps you get away from it all? (Fuzzywig the Stoner Raccoon) I walk the stress off. Ever since I got my outdoor swing, I walk outside and go directly there under the pecan tree in the great outdoors swaying the cares away. Something about the change of scenery works as a nice re-set. And yes I can spend hours on my swing.
7-22-2021 If you woke up tomorrow with a unicorn horn extending from the top of your head, what would be the biggest advantage and disadvantage of your new appendage? (Mitzi the Horny FRIENDLY Unicorn) Hahaha. No idea but hopefully the horn would bring with it magic. Magic to make the world a better place. That would definitely be an advantage. If only …
7-29-2021 What is the creepiest thing you’ve ever seen someone do, that you’d be willing to talk about, of course? (Snuggle The “I Like It Kinky” Friendly Bear) I live a mild life. I steer clear of creepy and can’t even think of anything creepy from real life that I’ve seen. Now on TV or the movies, I’m shocked by what’s called entertainment. Plenty of creepy to go around.
8-5-2021 What’s the silliest or pettiest thing that tends to really upset you? (Rainy, The Wickedly Obsessive Rain Loving Skunk) I’m turning over a new leaf where silly and/or petty will no longer upset me. Only I can control how I react to things. Silly, I will laugh away and petty, I will rise above. Now lets just see how long that lasts. I’ll let you know how it goes.
GRATITUDE SECTION (Always Optional)
How comfortable are you with meeting others who are very different from yourself? (no judgment implied. Different in any way you’d like to think about – different cultures, different races, different mind set (opinions)? Very comfortable. I have always gravitated to what is unique, the underdog, those who march to a beat no one else can hear. I’m fascinated by what makes people tick which means my mind is opening to considering other prescribes. There always the possibility of a better way than anything I could create. Still learning something new every day.
Melanie teased us with a new feature for next week. Woo to the hoo!! In the meantime, let’s get on with this week’s questions. And awaaaaayyyyy we go 🙂
QUESTIONS
Restrictions are being lifted all over the world. Do you feel it’s safe to go out and mingle in crowds in light of the Pandemic? Yes, no, maybe so, certainly. That was a jump rope verse we used on the playground in grade school. Now I’m kicking it way back. Too many variants are clogging up the works as “they” whoever “they” are say. And with all the information or misinformation out there, all I can do is follow my own safety protocols. I’ve gotten both jabs, I’m wearing my mask again, and sticking close to home. I’m back to “you do you” which is so outside my nature. I’m a semi-socialist, greater good kinda gal. Who is a bit nutty and is very afraid of catching something that is avoidable.
What are some things that are okay to do occasionally, but definitely not okay to do every day? I got this quote off a coaster at the oldest bar in San Antonio that sums up my feeling on the matter “everything in moderation including moderation”. Eat the cake and use the good towels. If you’re not hurting anyone else, do all the things you want to do when you want to do them.
Would you relocate for love (romantic or otherwise)? Yes, no, maybe so, certainly. I had so many chances to move and stayed put. First was to Norfolk in 1985/86. Phoenix in 1999. Colorado Springs in 2012ish. I always said thanks but no thanks. Family kept me rooted. I often wonder what would have happened if B and I had taken a leap of fate.
Do you believe in any conspiracy theories (no judgment)? I believe that perceptions are people’s reality. Which means anything can be true/real to YOU. Sadly good people do bad things and vice versa. Let’s just say nothing surprises me anymore. The depths of human depravity but also the height of human goodness/kindness. With everything in between.
GRATITUDE PORTION (Optional to participate, as always)
Please share something sweet (take that as you want) How about virtual cupcakes! That’s sweet. I’m grateful I had my week to re-set and re-charge. Now I’m back in the saddle again. lol 🙂
