Tori tagged me with this book meme recently; can't turn down a fellow New Englandah, now can I!

Here goes:

My reading: It has tapered off drastically these last few years. There was a time I would go through 3 books in a weekend, reading at the beach, in the backyard, wherever I found myself. Not so anymore. I'm not sure why! Let's blame the internet...in fact, I'd be reading The Ghost At The Table by Suzanne Berne right now if I wasn't doing this meme! Ahhhh, distractions ;-)

Total number of books owned: I have two boxes of books in storage, and after doing a quick check of the bookshelves here, 238...so probably close to 300, maybe 350.

Last book bought: Eclipse (the third of the Twilight series) by Stephanie Meyer.

Last book read: Eclipse. I was so glad I read about this series on Carl's blog; they're for young adults (as is the Harry Potter series). The main characters are Bella, a human teen; her new boyfriend, Edward, a gorgeous vampire (his equally gorgeous "family" also plays a prominent role in the books) and Jacob Black, Bella's friend from childhood, who happens to become a werewolf. I have to say the stories totally sucked me in and made me care about the characters! Even when you want to roll your eyes and say, get a GRIP, Bella, you still can't stop reading!

Five meaningful books:

- In HIs Own Write, by John Lennon. I got this when I was a kid, under 12...and loved it! DIdn't understand half of it, and looking at it now...um...OMG LOL!

- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Oh, I fell in love with this story when I was 14. My friend Pat and I had hitchhiked to a bookstore in the next town over, and I was just browsing the titles. I already had a Richard Brautigan in hand when I noticed The Hobbit. PIcked it up, read a few pages...and I was HOOKED I remember seeing the date it was first published (9/21/37) and asking my mother if she'd ever read it when she was young; she said it wasn't her cup of tea.

- The Stand, by Stephen King: I sat on the porch and read it cover to cover when it first came out in 1978. I loved the story, good against evil (maybe this was why I never wanted to go to Vegas LOL) . What a disappointment the movie was!

- Hokkaido Highway Blues by Will Ferguson: I read this a couple years after coming back from Japan, and can remember nodding my head and smiling at so many different points in the story. The premise? Simple; he was going to hitchhike from one end of Japan to the other, following the cherry blossoms :-)

- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling: My favorite of the Harry Potter books, mainly because it was all about Snape. What an amazing character he was!

Thanks, Tori, that was fun!

I had no idea my blog friend, Lisa hosted Manic Monday! If I can revert to pirate talk for a mo'...well, blow me down and shiver me timbers!

Here we go:

You've won $100,000 -- but have to give it all away. To which charity or institution would you donate it? I'd donate it to Buddy Dog in Sudbury, MA...it's a no kill shelter, which means they need lots of dog and cat food. Plus it's where I got my dog, Max, so I think of them with fondness.

Max, pretending to be vicious!

What do you think is the most soothing sound? Without a doubt, rain. One of my favorite places to be during a rain storm is in my bed, curled up with a good book and a warm blanket.

Stormy day

Does time heal all wounds? Physical wounds, yes. Emotional wounds...well, as time passes, the ache gets a bit less, but the wound, unfortunately, never completely goes away.

Time healed this (self-inflicted) wound...

Great questions, Lisa!

Dog's Eye View tagged me awhile ago for a meme created by Dancin' Fool; since I'm in the mood for a meme (c'mon, you know you sang along with that), here it is!

01. If you could have super powers what would they be and what would you do with them? (Please feel free to be selfish, you do not have to save the world!).
Hmmm...I'd love the ability to fly! Imagine just being able to take off and soar, oh man!

02. Were you to find yourself stranded on an island with a CD player...it could happen...what would your top 10 bloggers island discs be?
Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, the Harry Potter audio CDs, LOTR audio CDs, maybe some old Cat Stevens, T. Rex...

03. If you were a smell what would it be?
Something spicy, incense-y, sweet

04. What bird would you most like to be?
An owl; they're night birds, quiet mostly, and spectacular looking!

05. If you were a bird who's head would you poo on?
Just bushes & shrubs ;-)

06. Are there any foods that your body craves?
Funny you should ask...lately it's been green peppers and I don't even really like them! I was just thinking about that last night when I made American Chop Suey.

07. What's your favourite time of year?
Autumn, without a doubt. The foliage, the pumpkins & apples, the crisp air, just a hint of coldness coming around the corner and best of all, I can finally take the dogs to the beach again to romp and run and dig in the sand!

08. What's your favourite time of day?
I think it's late at night...no distractions, it's quiet, people are sleeping...

09. If a rest is as good as a change which would you choose?
A change...I need one badly.

10. If you could have a dinner party and invite any 5 people from the past or present who would they be? (Living or deceased.)
Mom, Nana, Grandma, Michele & Sue (friends of mine who've drifted away)

Anyone want to play, consider themselves tagged :-)

Your Life Path Number is 5

Your purpose in life is to live freely and collect experiences. You love life - new adventures, new people, new ideas. [true] You are very curious, and you crave novelty in all forms. [lol true] You tend to make friends easily, and you enjoy the company of all types of people. [sometimes] In love, you are fun and even a bit intoxicating. But you won't stick around for long. [first part, am I? second part ... I don't think so, but...] You are impulsive and spontaneous - which sometimes leads you to do things you regret. [first part yes, second part-no regrets] Sometimes you can be overindulgent with food, sex, or drugs. [heh, yes] You have many talents, so many that you are often scattered and unfocused. [is that the reason?]

What do you all think of this? Sound like me, doesn't sound like me?

Frigga (NO idea what her name is about, you'll have to ask her!) asked me the following questions, which I answered :-) Yes, I've done it before, but damn it, I like questions!

1. If you could play any character in the Harry Potter movies, who would you be and why?

That's easy: I'd be Luna. We're alot alike, she and I :-) (well, mentally, not physically, doh) I admire her way of letting insults and slights roll off her back, and concentrating on the things she likes.

2. What's your favorite subject to photograph and why?

Nature, without a doubt. I love to photograph clouds, flowers, mushrooms, the ocean. In fact...I think most of my photography is of those types of things!

3. Why do you blog?

Why indeed? One reason, and one reason only: cause it's fun!

4. You once mentioned you stopped going to church at 13 - do you consider yourself religous or spiritual, or atheiest or agnostic?

It's something I struggle with, especially as I get older. I'd say I'm spiritual, more than anything else. Walking through the woods with the dogs, I feel at peace, more so than in any church. Church, for me, has always been a place filled with judgments and gossip...I try to avoid those things, although I'm not always successful.

5. If you could choose to live in any reality (book, movie or different era in time) which would you choose?

Oh, man, I'd TOTALLY be a hobbit! I'd snag Bilbo, and live with him in Bag End, eating and drinking and reveling in nature. Definitely! "We have some cold chicken and pickles... Here's some cheese here- oh no it won't do. There we got raspberry jam and apple tart... Not much for afterlunch - oh no! We're all right. I have some cake." - Bilbo Baggins

Okay, now for the rules directions (I dislike rules):

Interview rules directions:
1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Saw this one over at MamaLee's blog and thought it would be fun...let's see if I can remember back that far...Sherman, set the way back machine for 1972-1975, please:

1. Who was your best friend? Pat! Closely followed by Michele. Andrea was in there for awhile, til she freaked out ... it WAS the 70s, yanno...and Calvin and Todd :-)

2. Did you play any sports? *snort* sure, hide the salami, frisbee, tennis...but not IN school.

3. What kind of car did you drive? My Dad's car...but I don't remember what it was. I just remember being late...ALOT...for picking him up from work at Raytheon. Sigh...I put my parents thru SO much!

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? LOL here, there and everywhere, usually getting there by hitchhiking.

5. Were you a party animal? Um...yeah...pretty much.

6. Were you considered a flirt? Um..."flirt" wouldn't be the word...

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? Not in high school. I did sing in the church choir til I was 12, tho.

8. Were you a nerd? Um...no...

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? Um...yup.

10. Can you sing the fight song? Huh?

11. Who was your favorite teacher? Probably Mr. Bannister, he taught History.

12. What was your school mascot? An American Indian

13. Did you go to the Prom? Um...no...not my thing ;-)

14. If you could go back, would you? No, altho....if I could go back knowing what I know now and do things differently, I would.

15. What do you remember most about graduation? The caps and gowns and being amazed at the fact that I graduated at all.

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? Salisbury Beach, baby!

17. Did you have a job your senior year? I'm sure I did, but I'll be damned if I can remember what it was I did...I remember working at Marshall's, at Bradlee's and at a Jewish deli...

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? The cafeteria...

19. Have you gained weight since then? Hell yes, unfortunately. I weighed 125 in high school and thought I was fat then ... sigh...

20. What did you do after graduation? Like...immediately after graduation? Went out for dinner with my parents and Nana. Like...what did I do in life? Moved in with my boyfriend and partied alot.

21. What year did you graduate? 1975.

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? Dude, the prom? Nah...not my thing.

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? I did...and I think it was the last reunion I went to.

I got tagged by Jenn, aka five dollar shake (what does that mean, anyway?)

Here goes!

4 things that should go into Room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.

* People who annoy me (no, wait, there would be no one left) um...how about gum snappers, people who talk during a movie and people who talk loudly on their cell phones while in public places?
* big hairy spiders
* cancer (stickin' with Jenn's answer)
* cars with really pumpin' loud bass

3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently

* rudeness
* treat animals cruelly
* Interrupt other people conversations (again, stickin' with Jenn's answer)

2 things you find yourself moaning about

* Being overweight
* Not being attractive

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself

* I have low self-esteem (shocking, I KNOW!)

5 people who will be annoyed you tagged them

* MaryEllen
* Laura de (who NEVER rises to these challenges)
* Carmen
* Fleur-de-Lisa
* MissMeliss

RULES
* Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it’s all about!
* Be as honest as possible, This is about letting people get to know the real you!
* Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it!
* Post these rules at the end of every meme!

Saw this at sognatrice's and thought I'd play along! You fill in the blanks, if you please :-) As Sognatrice said: "Come on, make me smile"!

Fondofsnape is...
Fondofsnape needs...
Fondofsnape's best friend is...
Fondofsnape's dog is named...
Fondofsnape smells like...
Fondofsnape drives like...
Fondofsnape craves....
Fondofsnape's favorite TV Show is...
Fondofsnape hates* loves the actor whose name is...
Fondofsnape's alcoholic drink of choice is...
Fondofsnape's NON alcoholic drink of choice is...
Fondofsnape's favorite musical artist is...
Fondofsnape's favorite cupcake flavor is...
Fondofsnape's hair is...
Fondofsnape's celebrity crush is...
Fondofsnape's occupation is...
Fondofsnape's favorite book is...
Fondofsnape's favorite color is...
Fondofsnape hates* loves...
Fondofsnape wishes...

* [ed. note: you can go with hate...but I dislike that word ;-)]

Three people nominated me for Rockin' Girl Blogger...and it really made me feel good!

Nancy is a relatively new read to me, but I enjoy her blog very much! She also complimented my photography...that just makes me smile. She posted the most amazing quote on her blog this week, which I'll share with you:

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."
- Max Dupree

Thanks, Nancy!

Colleen: She likes my blog name! She also shares my love of Snape and compliments me on my photography...while she's an amazing writer! I was bound and determined NOT to like her books cause she writes about vampire hunters...and you know how I like those vampires! But once I picked her first vampire book up, I could NOT put it down. She's GREAT and thank you, Colleen for saying such nice things about me :-)

leslie has the most beautiful cat in her header; her blog is gorgeous! She's very artistic, and also shares my love of Harry Potter; she was sorted into Ravenclaw, brilliant girl! Thanks, Leslie!

I'm nominating these rockin' chicks:

Robin: We share a love of collecting cookbooks and she posts yummy recipes on her blog! To me, that rocks!

Melissa: We share a love of BPAL and Snape; she's a brave, smart person who's extremely interesting as well as interested.

Lisa: This chick has a dry sense of humor that I just adore. I owe her a book, damn it! She's an awesome photographer and isn't afraid to get down and dirty to get the picture she wants.

Lea: Lea has two kids, is a single mom and just lost her job...but you know what? I have a feeling something FANTASTIC is going to crop up for her! Oh, and she's a fellow Snape-aholic :-)

Julie: The ULTIMATE rockin' girl; she took up guitar after falling in love with Zep. She misses my Percy background! We share a love of Zep, books and sarcastic humor.

And...everyone else on my google reader! Cause if I didn't think you were all rockin' chicks, you wouldn't be there!

Have a great weekend!

Seen at Krista's

1. Go to the Billboard #1 Hits listings (scroll down and you’ll see them separated by decades on the left in the sidebar)
2. Pick the year you turned 18 [um...cause I'm a rule breaker, I'm changing it up a little...decided to pick a year that was a bit more "eventful" than just turning 18, if y'all know what I mean]
3. Get yourself nostalgic over the songs of the year
4. Pick 5 songs and write something about how these songs affected you
5. Pass it on to 5 more friends

After looking at these songs, it was HARD to choose just five...apparently, 1972 was an AWESOME year for music! There was only one song I didn't care for *cough* Neil Diamond *cough*, so I screwed up the rules even more and told a story using the names and/or lyrics of the songs. Sue me!

Brand New Key - Melanie: Oh, I LOVED this song!

I rode my bicycle past your window last night
I roller-skated to your door at daylight
It almost seems like you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together
And try them out to see
I been looking around awhile
You got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

She had a high pitched, girlish voice, very sing-songy. This was PRE the event.

American Pie - Don McLean: This song reminds me of when my parents made me go to group therapy...I met this guy Dave there...another rebellious kid (like me) who was amazing artistic. He drew and was a potter, interesting dude! We hung out alot in Lowell (he was from Dracut).

Now starts the theme:

Let's Stay Together - Al Green: That's what I said...didn't happen, tho, for one very important reason!
Without You - Nilsson: I'd've retained it awhile longer, maybe.
Heart of Gold - Neil Young: No heart of gold, this one.
A Horse With No Name - America: No "horse" either.
The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack: Loved this song and made out to it many a time
Oh Girl - Chi-Lites: What he said
I'll Take You There - The Staple Singers: He tried to!
The Candy Man - Sammy Davis, Jr.: SNORT *not literally*! Yeah, he was the Candy Man, aight.
Song Sung Blue - Neil Diamond (GAK!)
Lean on Me - Bill Withers: I did, for a bit
Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O' Sullivan: But then this happened
Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) - Looking Glass: Goofy song, reminds me of Salisbury, possible scene of the crime.
Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan: So good it repeated!
Black and White - Three Dog Night: Not til 1986, ya'll.
Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis: Yeah, now that could've been his theme song!
Ben - Michael Jackson: Dude was kind of a rat...and I don't mean MJ!
My Ding-A-Ling - Chuck Berry: This is one of the dirtiest songs EVER! I loved it! My friend Pat and I went to see Chuck Berry at the Boston Garden in 1972...amazing, just amazing! And appropriate for my "theme"
I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash: Yup, I was shocked when I saw clearly and that was the end of that!
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone - The Temptations: Ha, yeah he was.
I Am Woman - Helen Reddy: LOL this song just reminds me of my cousin!
Me and Mrs. Jones - Billy Paul: Still love this song, and it was entirely apropos to my story.

THE END!

Five of you please do this, c'mon, it's my birthday week!

Saw this over at Dawn's:

My Roomate and I once: were serenaded at the same time. We were dating musicians, and mine played guitar; hers, piano...and they sang. It was awesome!

Never in my life have I: been to Las Vegas

High school was: a trip.

When I am nervous: mostly get real quiet.

My hair: is getting taken care of tonight by the great Q!

When I was 5: I was living in the town I live in now.

By this time next year: I wicked hope to have started looking at a new home to buy.

My favorite aunt is: Non-existent; in that my dad was an only child and my mom only had two brothers.

I have a hard time understanding: math.

You know I like you if: I talk to you.

My ideal breakfast is: Woburn Street omelette from the Owl Diner!

If you visit my hometown: I don't have an answer for this!

If you spend the night at my house: Pigs would be flying.

My favorite blond is: mmmm, Legolas!

My favorite brunette is: mmm, Captain Jack Sparrow!

The animal I would like to see flying is: A thestral!

I shouldn't have been: so bullheaded.

Last night: I ate some macaroni and cheese (non-Kraft) and I didn't like it. What a waste of calories!

I've been told I look like: my Dad, over and over and over again!

If I could have any car it would be: The one I have now! I love my lil Gollum-mobile!

Another meme stolen from Lisa!

Explorer: 24
Builder: 16
Negotiator: 20
Director: 18

Whichever is the highest is your dominant type; the next highest is your secondary type. In fact, our secondary types can play an important part in our relationships (for example, an Explorer/Negotiator may have an understanding of social skills that an Explorer/Director doesn't).

Take the quiz!

Lisa said: "It is interesting to me that the Balinese believe that the day of the week that you were born on is more telling than the year or month."; she kindly provided me with the info for Saturday's child:

Laku Bulan: (Like the Moon) - Good worker, smart, has a lot of knowledge, takes life in a light way and is satisfied. Sometimes makes arguments with his or her spouse, is not easily influenced by others.

Flower is the sunflower.

Durga, goddess of combat, is my deity.

The Kepuh is your tree: "The stately, solitary 'kepuh' tree, a member of the kapok family, populates Balinese cemeteries. It's believed that on moonlit nights its eerie-looking branches are infested with evil birds and demons, its branches festooned with the entrails of the dead, its roots winding in and out of skulls and bones. The 'kepuh' is sacred to Durga." [wouldn't that make a good picture???]

Owl is my bird; bull is my animal.

I volunteered to be asked five questions by Michele, because obviously I'm crazy about questions! Sorry it took so long, Michele, I know you asked me more than two + weeks ago!

1. You and I are going to Japan together. You are only allowed to show me five places/things. What do you pick? First of all, let's say we'd going in fall:

- a. We'd try to climb Mt. Fuji!
- b. We'd go to Shinjuku, where there are just so many things to see and do!
- c. We'd visit the castle that has "nightingale" floors; when you walk on the floors they make bird sounds, which was used to stop enemies.
- d. We'd climb Tokyo Tower, just a tiny bit taller (deliberately) than the Eiffel Tower, for a magnificent view of Tokyo.
- e. Finally, I'd bring you to one of the Iron Chef restaurants for a meal you'd never forget!

2. What is your favorite childhood memory? Summertimes with my cousins down the Cape (Cape Cod to you folks not from around here)!

3. Hopefully I will make it up to Boston sometime this spring/summer. Where will you suggest we meet up? At your hotel, so I can drag you all around Boston! Of course, I'd have to bring you to Newburyport, too, cause it's my favorite place in MA and I like to share :-)

4. What are you most looking forward to in Vegas? 1) Seeing all my friends; 2) Seeing the Cirque du Soleil show, Love!

5. What do you think is your best quality? My ability to never be bored.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
No More!!!

Robin tagged me, and it's a lazy Sunday, so here goes!

* Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
* People who are tagged need to write their own blog entry about their eight things and post these rules.
* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
* Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Okay, enough rules. Here goes...

1) Planted some herbs today, two basil, one rosemary. Also a petunia and another flower that I can't remember the name of! Here's a pic:

What's it called, anyone know?
2) I have to be in the mood to clean. I'm not often in the mood. When I AM in the mood, no one can be home. Consequently, the house doesn't get cleaned very often :(
3) My new fav sandwich is rosemary ham with a slice of provolone cheese. Haven't figured out the best condiment for it yet, tho...mustard seems too strong ... I want to taste the rosemary!
4) Why am I suddenly so addicted to CSI?
5) A&W rootbeer, diet, with LOTS of ice is my favorite soda!
6) When I'm sitting at a table or bar with place settings, I'll mess around with them until they're straight and in the right place. I don't HAVE to...it's just something to do with my hands, like doodling or something LOL!
7) I'm reading a book called Finn: A Novel by Jon Clinch. It's about Huckleberry Finn's father, who was NOT a nice man at all...and it's a very interesting read!
8) We just got a new lawn mower and I went and mowed the lawn. It looks and smells so good!

Eight of you are tagged! I mean it!

Happy Mother's Day :)

Before I get into this...please go visit my friend Megan and wish her a hearty congratulations...SHE GOT ENGAGED! That's the news I couldn't tell earlier...I'm so happy for her! And her ring is just gorgeous :-) SQUEEEEEeee!!!

Anyway, once again, I volunteered to be asked five questions, this time by Colleen, because I thought her questions would be quite interesting...I wasn't wrong!

1. What's the best part and worst part of being a Bostonian? The best part of being a Bostonian is...just being a Bostonian!

2. If you could go back to high school and know what you know now how would you be different? I'd run that damn school! Oh, and I'd join the photography club!

3. You and I are going to spend the day in Japan. Where would you take me? What would we do? What would we eat? First, I'd take you to Sapporo Ramen in Fussa, where they make the best ramen ever. Then, we'd walk along the banks of the Tama River, course it'd be during cherry blossom time and we'd admire the gorgeous blossoms. I'd take you into Seiyu, which is a grocery store on the first floor, and a department store on the other 3 floors. I'd show you the different foods, the uniquely Japanese things. Then we'd hop on a train to Ginza, and just walk around taking in the sights. Afterwards, I'd arrange for us to go visit my friend Hisayo and enjoy some Japanese hospitality.

4. What song best describes your life philosophy and why? Over The Hills and Far Away, by Led Zeppelin:

Many have I loved - Many times been bitten
Many times I've gazed along the open road.

Many times I've lied - Many times I've listened
Many times I've wondered how much there is to know.

5. You've just won the lottery, a million dollars. How would your life change if you didn't have to work? What would you do with your money? Haysus, I would quit my job SO FAST my head would spin. I'd give money to my family and friends, then I'd invest...And after that I'd hop on a plane and visit Gaylen and Hisayo and Masayo and Mich (NM, Japan, Honolulu). I'd buy a house in New England, and one in Japan, and they'd both have shiba proof fenced in yards.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I volunteered to be asked five questions by Krista, who is about the only one who could get me to answer five more! She had some damn good questions, y'all!

1. Out of all the make believe places in your favorite movies, which one would you choose to live in and why. The Shire, it's so peaceful and green and people (ok, well, hobbits) just have fun there!

2. Vampire, Pirate, Sorcerer. Which one is the hottest and why. Well, let's just remove Pirate from that list, cause as Elizabeth Swann said: "...Except for a sense of honor and decency and a moral center. And personal hygiene." It's not the lack of a sense of honor and decency and a moral center that bothers me, of course, it would be the personal hygiene bit ;-0 And let's remove the Sorcerer, because...well...when I think of a sorcerer, I think of Saruman, and he wasn't hot in the least. So...that leaves Vampire...which OMG I think are SO damn hot!!!

3. If you could bring one mythical creature to life, what would it be. I think a phoenix...they're so beautiful, but my inner 10 year old says a unicorn :-)

4. What is your favorite thing to cook? That's a tough one...I love to cook just about anything! There's something satisfying about using the dutch oven when I cook, though, so I'll say ... a nice coq au vin.

5. If you could produce and direct your own movie, what would is be about? It would be about the story of my life...which wasn't always quite so..."tame" as it is now LOL!

Thanks, Krista, that was fun!

Thanks for the great questions, Heather!

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Amy tagged me, and I'm not one to back down from a tag ;-)

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to blog about their seven things and post the rules as well. At the end of your post, choose 7 people to tag and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes...

1) I love a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast with a cup of coffee! The peanut butter must be spread on half of the slice of bread, then the slice is folded over. Sometimes I'll spread some butter on first. Yum!
2) I have to be in the mood to clean. I'm not often in the mood. When I AM in the mood, no one can be home. Consequently, the house doesn't get cleaned very often :(
3) Sandwiches: Mayo on roast beef, mustard on ham. Always!
4) Lately, I've been having a very hard time getting out of bed. Someone told me yesterday that I didn't look happy. I feel ... ok? But I thought about it last night, and I don't think I've been happy for awhile. Hmmm...
5) A&W rootbeer, diet, with LOTS of ice is my favorite soda!
6) When I'm sitting at a table or bar with place settings, I'll mess around with them until they're straight and in the right place. I don't HAVE to...it's just something to do with my hands, like doodling or something LOL!
7) I'm reading a book called Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, by Mary Roach. It's DAMN good!

Tag, YOU'RE it!

I volunteered to be asked still another five questions by Michelle, who is one of my most favorite photography models!

1. If you could live anywhere in the world other than the US or Japan; where would it be and why? I think it would be France...maybe not Paris, but somewhere quiet, out in the country. The reason I pick France and not Scotland or Hawaii is the weather, Scotland being too cold and Hawaii being too sunny (if there is such a thing!). The reason I pick France is the history, the sights, the food! And Julia loved it there :-)
2. What are three things you hope to accomplish in the next 3-5 years? Hmmm...pay off my debt, buy a home, spend some time in Japan, and live to see all the Harry Potter books be made into movies.
3. Your house is on fire (don't worry you have plenty of insurance and your pets and family members and camera are safe); what other three items do you take with you – you have to be able to carry them out. Ooooh, that's a tough one! 1) all the photo albums, 2) as many of my Japanese things as I could carry and 3) the hard drive...it's got all my pics on it!
4. You have to give up one of the following for a year which do you pick: Internet, TV or books (remember this means no HP in July!) Hmmm...another tough one...I'd have to go with TV...or maybe the internet...no, tv, damn you pointing out HP!
5. What are your thoughts on the whole Anna Nicole Smith story? Clearly...fame isn't everything [10 points to anyone who knows who that quote is from]. I think the whole thing is quite sad.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Also, I wanted to share my favorite photos from this weekend with you :-)

And how was YOUR weekend?

I volunteered to be asked five questions by Heather, who is certainly the first doctor-to-be to ever ask me questions such as these!

1. You're starting a second career as a pirate, what's your pirate name? Mrs. Captain Jack Sparrow :-)

2. What's your ship's name? Does it have any special amenities? You're a modern pirate after all! When the good Captain and I married, I told him we'd have to have the Black Pearl completely redone. He reluctantly agreed, and we now have a jacuzzi, a hot tub, a bedroom with a soft and comfortable, plush round bed, covered with layers of different colored silk, 3 bathrooms, one in the front of the ship, one in the back and one in the middle (when I gotta go...I gotta go!), which none of the crew are allowed in, btw, dirty heathens, and a comfortable reading room where I can go to relax and spend some time alone...altho with Jack...teeheehee, THAT'S not often, if you get my drift ;-)

3. You've just defeated your first foe, what kind of villain was he/she/it? Oh, my it was the scariest thing I've ever seen! It was a woman, and she just wouldn't stop TALKING! Almost made me want to walk the plank!

4. You just acquired the compass that points to your hearts desire - what is the compass pointing to? Why, Captain Jack Sparrow, of course :-)

5. What sea do you rule over? Um...all of them, silly girl!

Thanks for the great questions, Heather!

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I volunteered to be asked five questions by Finn, who is possibly related to Huck ;-)

1. What is your favorite self-taken photograph? That's a tough one! I don't think I have one favorite...here are a quickly put together bunch of favs :)



2. Why did you move to Japan and why did you move back? I moved to Japan because I married a guy in the Air Force, and he got stationed there. One of the best things that ever happened to me (the move, NOT the marriage). I moved back because his tour there was up, and although the general I worked for had offered to sponsor me for a year, it was too expensive for me to live on the Japanese economy.
3. You have an entire day to yourself, with no responsibilities and no work. Money is not an object. What do you do? Just a day? My first inclination would be to fly somewhere like Japan or Paris or Hawaii, but that would eat up too much time; I think I'd fly to New Mexico to visit my friend Gaylen. I miss her!
4. Are you quick to forgive or do you hold grudges? I'm not quick to hold a grudge...but I've been known to hold one or two in my life...I'm, by nature, a forgiving person, but sometimes it's hard for me to forget.
5. What is your Zodiac sign and do you think the description fits you? I'm Cancer the Crab...the moody mother hen of the zodiac. Read below, and tell me if you think it fits me:

The Sun awakened Cancer the Crab, a feminine sign in the zodiac on your birthday. The Sun in astrology stands for your inner nature, your essential character. The fourth sign of the Zodiac, Cancer is ruled by the restless Moon. A cardinal (creative and original) sign, Cancer governs home life, matters to do with women (especially the mother), as well as sensitivity and emotional intensity. It is a water sign, so Cancerian people are emotionally intense and deeper than they appear on the surface, while quite sensitive and understanding once you get through that tough exterior.

The Sun, ruler of our inner nature, is somewhat dimmed in Cancer, the home of the Moon. Creative and romantic, with a strong love of home, family and tradition, you are a good communicator and a strong provider. Your deep sensitivity presents you with valuable and illuminating intuitions, especially regarding those you care for.

Paradoxically combining a love of travel with a deep need for security, you surround yourself with sentimental objects from the past, including souvenirs, hand-me-downs and keepsakes. Cancerians are remarkably good at accumulating things; indeed, you can be unwilling to throw anything out, even relationships that have passed their use-by date. [hahaha that would be me!!!]

Cancer is also good with money and generally takes a long-term view. The main thing to remember is not to let the powerful, turbulent emotions of the moment crowd out your normally rational judgement. Your intuitions are reliable and should be trusted; you may even have natural psychic powers, which may be developed, given the right circumstances.

The emblem for Cancer is the Crab, a creature with a very hard shell which protects a soft interior. The crab walks sideways, which is how the Cancerian skirts around a problem until forced to take it on with gritty determination and a creative flair. The crab's large claws hang on to its possessions for dear life, just as the Cancerian collects things to beautify the environment and bravely defends the home turf.

Cancerians make good business people, combining artistry, originality and drive with an understanding of financial matters, marketing and the needs of the public. You can trust your intuitions, but you do need to generate a faith in yourself which will not be dampened by gloom or depression over what, in retrospect, may appear to be relatively insignificant problems. You have the natural ability to be diplomatic and to speak out when necessary or keep your mouth shut. Home and family ties will be significant in your life and developing a secure, comfortable home environment will be a boon to your state of mind, irrespective of your marital state.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW MEME

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Found at DebR's place:

1. What is your favorite thing to wear? flip flops by Reef, I'm very particular about my flip flops!

2. Last thing you ate? a peanut butter sandwich, yum!

3. Nastiest thing you've ever eaten? That would have to be chitlins...the only good thing about that was the hot sauce. YUCK!

4. I say Shotgun, you say? Driver!

5. How many U.S states have you been to? quite a few! All the New England states, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV, NC, OH, SC, KY, TN, GA, FL, TX, IN, IL, MS, KS, CO, NM, AZ, CA, OK.

6. How many of the U.S states have you lived in? Three; MA, CO, VA

7. What is your favorite romance movie? The Ghost and Mrs. Muir :-)

8. Favorite type of food? Mac & cheese!

9. Do you care if your socks are dirty? Yup! Nasty dirty socks!

10. Have you ever cheated on a test? I'm sure I have

11. Has anyone ever sang or played for you personally? Yes, it was awesome :-)

12. Do you like Bush? Well...I've always thought of myself as hetero, so...I'm not sure!

13. Have you ever gone white-water rafting? Not that I can recall :-)

14. Have you met a real redneck? I've not been introduced, but I've seen a few :-)

15. How is the weather right now? Rainy & chilly; perfect for snuggling up in a blanket and watching a movie or reading!

16. Where was the last place you went besides your house? Macaroni Grill for dinner and a drink, last night.

17. What are you afraid of? Spiders!!! *shudder*

18. How many pets do you have? Two, Wolf and Max, my beautiful dogs :-)

19. What's one thing you’ve learned? I lovelovelove Deb's answer, and so I'm staying with it: "You can't change other people, but you can change how you react to them." SO true!

20. What do you usually order from Starbucks? Cinnamon dolce latte! I don't like their plain coffee, I'm more of a Dunkin Donuts gal, but their flavored stuff is AWESOME!

21. Have you ever fired a gun? I have! My high school boyfriend, Cal, used to take me out into the woods for target practice; just me, Cal & his shotgun...romantic, eh?

22. Favorite TV show? Heroes!

23. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb? Nope :-)

24. If you had a daughter, what would you name her? That part of my life is over, but if I'd had a daughter, I always wanted to name her Jessamyn

25. Do you find yourself loved? Yes :-)

26. Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to? LOL oh yeah, sure

27. Butter, plain, or salted popcorn? Plain, with raisinettes :-)

28. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yup, just as I don't like facing backwards when going forward, I also don't like sitting sideways!

29. Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently? My Mom was the last person I was close to who passed, and that was in December of 2005.

30. What's something that really bugs you? People who take others at face value and never get to know the person.

31. Do you like Michael Jackson? I like some of his music!

32. Favorite baseball team? Red Sox, of course!

33. Have you ever milked a cow? You know...I think I have, on a field trip or vacation or something...

34. Last time you went bowling? I can't remember...I think it was when MaryEllen was up to visit!

35. Have you ever cut your own hair? Just my bangs, when they get too long.

As a reward for putting up with yet another meme from me, here's a picture:

Taken in Reading, PA during a trip there recently :-)

Awhile back, Carmen gave me the "Thinking Blogger" award; this is why she awarded it to me: "She has this Friday fill-in post, and she has "What is it Wednesdays" - it sometimes hurts my brain to visit, but I always manage to participate. :)" Many thanks to Carmen for thinking of me, I do believe this is the first time I've won an award!

In all fairness, though, I didn't start the Friday Fill-Ins. That would be Megan, who came up with the idea originally, but is a bit busy these days!

Without further ado, and without favoritism of any sort, these are the first five bloggers who popped into my mind as having posts that quite often make me think:

1. Rampant Bicycle: This girl has interesting posts and even more interesting links! It's an almost daily adventure, you never know what you're going to see next!
2. DebR, of Red Shoes Rambling: She's artistic, inspiring and an awesome writer...and I owe her some pictures!
3. Gina, whose blog is called atypical female: She's a first rate photographer, and you all have her to thank for getting me back into photography! She doesn't post that often, but when she does...wow!
4. Carl, whose blog is called Stainless Steel Droppings: This guy is amazing! The passionate, amazing reviews he writes about books or movies or art he loves shows the depth of his feelings. He has introduced me to some books, movies and art that I otherwise might've missed. Thanks, Carl!
5. MissMeliss: This chick is a fantastic writer! She has written the best fanfic by far about Professor Snape (which really makes me think about stuff that maybe I shouldn't!), she shares my love of BPAL and she's a comedian!

Congratulations, you won a !

Should you choose to participate, please make sure you pass this list of rules to the blogs you are tagging.

The participation rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

Ocean Lady sent this to me:

Seen at DebR's blog:

What curse words do you use the most? Hmmm...when I'm mildly pissed, it'd be Crikey...when I'm really pissed, all bets are off. For example, my second ex-husband's nickname is SFSSDMF; Short Fat Snoring Small D!cked Mother F*&#er. Well deserved, too :-) You might ask why I married him...I ask that of myself sometimes.

Do you own an i-pod? Um...*embarrassed* three

What time is your alarm clock set to? I don't use one right now, but I'd really like this one. Also, I'm leaving Deb's answer, as it applies to me, too:

It isn't. I usually just wake up when I wake up. If I need to get up at a certain time, I'm pretty good about just reminding myself of it before I go to bed and waking up then, although if I need to be someplace at a certain time (like an appointment, or catching a plane or something), I'll set the alarm on those days just to be sure. But 9 times out of 10 I'll wake up a couple of minutes before it goes off.

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? I'd MUCH rather take the picture; I don't photograph well.

What was the last movie you watched? "Pan's Labyrinth"; awesome, sad, beautiful!

What cd is currently in your player? Bunch of Zeppelin tunes from my iTunes

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I don't like the taste of milk here, but if I had to choose, it'd be chocolate (better yet, coffee milk!)

Has anyone told you a secret this week? Ohhh, yes, but I can't tell who or what!

When was the last time you had Starcrack Starbucks? Friday night, before seeing "Music and Lyrics", the new Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore movie; love the cinnamon dolce latte, fat free, sugar free

Can you whistle? Yup, but not as well as I could pre-braces

What are you looking forward to? The last [sob] Harry Potter book; the 5th Harry Potter movie; the last POTC movie; my birthday celebration in Vegas in June, Krista's wedding, Diana's wedding, Aislinn's wedding, especially if it's in St. Thomas ;-)

Did you watch cartoons when you were little? Oh, Bugs Bunny! Pepe LePew was a favorite, too.

Do you own any band t-shirts? Yup, mostly Zeppelin :-)

What will you be doing in an hour? Probably reading, maybe watching tv

What was the last song you heard? damned if I know!

Last time you cried? HAHAHA Friday night

Desktop or laptop? Desktop, unfortunately

Desiring any new ink? YES! I'm addicted. Next one will most likely be a flower on the top of my left foot.

What’s the weather like? Heat wave! It's 40 degrees!

What were you doing an hour ago? Eating dinner

How many hours of sleep do you need to function? at least 5...but I'd rather have 8!

Do you eat breakfast daily? Not a traditional breakfast, no. Sometimes it might be a handful of raw almonds, maybe an orange, maybe some leftovers.

What did you do last night? Ohhh, watched 24; such a shocker at the end!

Do you use sarcasm? Nahhhhhhhhh, no, not me, not ever ;-) or as the button Megan gave me says: "I speak sarcasm as a second language"

Do you like mustard? Oh, hell yeah! I love all kinds of mustard!

Do you sleep on your side/back/stomach? I don't know...I'm asleep!

Do you watch the news? No! I hate tv news, it's all sensationalized for ratings ... crap.

How did you get one of your scars? I have a scar on my left knee that I got one summer cause I kept falling on it...in gravel. I swear there's still gravel imbedded in there! And that's just a scar on the outside...I got a few inside, too ;-)

The end! Phew, huh? If you want to answer these questions too, have at it, I say!

Her royal highness, the Princess Blonder, asked me to post this! I think I've done it before, but what the heck!

1.My name:

2.Where did we meet:

3.Take a stab at my middle name:

4.How long have you known me:

5.When is the last time that we saw each other:

6.Have you been to my house:

7.What was your first impression of upon meeting me/seeing me:

8.What's one of my favorite things to do:

9.Am I funny:

10.What's my favorite type of music:

11.Can I sing?:

12.What is the best feature about me:

13.Am I shy or outgoing:

14.Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

15.Do I have any special talents:

16.Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else (what):

17.I'm hot? Am I not? Go ahead, you can say ... :

19.Have you ever hugged me:

20.Kissed me?

21.What is my favorite food:

23.Am I dating anyone:

24.If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

25.What's your favorite memory of me:

26.Who do I like right now:

27.What is my worst habit:

28.If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing I would bring?

29.Are we friends:

31.Do I believe in God?

32.Am I family oriented?

33.Who is my best friend?

34.What kind of car do I drive?

35.Will you repost this so I can do it?

Seen over at fleur de lisa's blog:

Have you had sex in the past 24 hours? ten times!
Are you gay? Yes, very happy, thanks!
Do you have hairy legs? So hairy I have to braid 'em!
Do you smoke anything? marshmallows.
Do you like monkeys? They're quite cute, as long as they're not flinging poo!
How many fillings do you have? oooh lots and lots, going back to when I was 14!
Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? Ocean
Have you ever licked one of those square batteries? Only by mistake once, it slipped out of my [edited for content]
Have you ever read the Bible? oh my yes, I liked The World According To Garp better, tho ;-)
Did you ever go to Sunday School? Every Sunday I couldn't get out of it as a kid and sang in the choir, too!
Do you wear a lot of black? Not alot..why? What do you care?
Did you ever bring a weapon to school? hahaha! Hmmm...what was considered a weapon in the 60s & 70s. Scissors? Sure. Drugs? Doubtful ;-) Alcohol? Yup! Guns/knifes/bombs? No.
Have you ever hugged a tree? hahahah actually I dated one!
Do you know what a sphincter actually is? Why, is yours clenched right now?
Describe your hair? It's green & purple and spiky...I love it!
Are you a wild beast? Usually!
Do you like to have fun? I believe that fun is VASTLY underrated and that more people should try to have some. Yes.
Do you like drama? Only on tv or the movies, otherwise: NO! No, I HATE it! Please, no drama, no drama queens, not even drama princesses allowed!
Do you like mayonnaise? Hmmm...on my olive loaf & white bread, yes. In my hair or other parts of my body, no.
Are you afraid to die? I really can't say.
Do you like playing in leaves? Yes, I adore the smell!
Have you ever peed your pants as an adult? *snort* Just a few weeks ago in the bathroom at Grendel's ... hehehe
Have you ever thrown up on somebody as an adult? Only in some really freaky foreplay once...
Are you an adult? Chronologically, certainly. Mentally, I'm not so sure.
Ever won a spelling bee? Actually, yes, I have.
Do you ever eat because you were depressed? Good lord, who doesn't!
Are you a television addict? I could stop watching if I had to, but I'd really miss Lost, 24, Heroes, Supernatural, ER, Miami Ink, My Name is Earl, hmmm...maybe so?
Do you think OJ was guilty? I'd like to think not, cause really...you know? But who knows for sure, besides him?
Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? Sometimes I did, she was a funny woman
Have you ever had sex in a hot tub? Writing a book or something?
Do you like Elvis? Shouldn't that be DID you? He was ok...
Do you enjoy watching animals “do it” on the Discovery channel? You're really weird, you know that?
Ever been hit on at a zoo? No, but at an aquarium once a Leafy Seadragon winked at me. He was hot!
Have you ever had sex with a total stranger? Maybe.
Do you enjoy the calming effects of turkeys? Turkeys? Calming? Not so much...especially when I'm driving fast cause I'm late to work and a gaggle (pack? bunch?) of them are sauntering across the gd road!
Does your mom think someone is hot? She loved Sidney Poitier!
Are you a sugar freak? I'm just a freak, period.
Ever been arrested? Nope, not by the REAL police. Maybe by a boyfriend or two.
Ever commit a crime and get away with it? Almost every day, I consistently drive over the speed limit. Shhhhh.
Do you like orange juice? Yes, particularly in sangria!
What sign are you? Cancer the Crab, or in Chinese astrology, I'm a Cock. Really!
Where do you wish you were right now? Walking on the beach
Did you enjoy this? I tend to try NOT to do things I don't enjoy. So, yeah.

Picture of the Day:

Two-Fer Meme (courtesy of DebR and Kristen)

Two names you go by:
1.. Janet
2.. J

Two parts of your heritage:
1.. English
2.. Irish

Two things that scare you:
1.. Spiders
2.. bees

Two everyday essentials:
1.. Coffee
2.. quiet time

Two things you are wearing right now:
1.. black top
2.. jeans

Two of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1.. Led Zeppelin
2.. The Beatles

Two things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1.. trust
2.. truth

Two truths:
1.. I'm so incredibly psyched and sad for the 7th and last Harry Potter book to arrive.
2.. Lilacs smell beautiful

Two favorite hobbies:
1.. Photography
2.. making jewelry

Two things you need to do this week:
1.. Move the rest of the boxes into storage unit
2.. Get dog food

Two stores you shop at:
1.. Barnes and Noble
2.. Target

Two favorite sports
1.. ice skating
2.. racquetball

Two shows you like to watch:
1.. Lost
2.. Heroes

Two things you'd buy if money were no object:
1..A new house
2..A trip around the world

Two wishes for 2007:

1. That I find a new house that I can afford
2. That my family and friends are happy and healthy

Seen at Carl's who saw it a Quixotic's and so on and so on. As I love both a good meme and books, this looked to be right up my alley.

Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror? I love Horror! But...I also love SF/Fantasy, as evidenced by LOTR & the Harry Potter series. Do you consider those SF as well as Fantasy?

Hardback or Trade Paperback or Mass Market Paperback? I prefer Trade Paperbacks for reading...easier to carry around.

Heinlein or Asimov? Heinlein has always been a favorite of mine, since reading Stranger In A Strange Land when I was 14. I don't believe I've read any Asimov yet.

Amazon or brick and mortar? When I want a book...I WANT A BOOK! Brick and mortar for me. The curse of being impatient!

Barnes & Noble or Borders? I prefer Barnes and Noble...Borders doesn't really have that "book store" feel to me, and I'm not sure why

Hitchhiker or Discworld? Um...I've never read either...in fact...I don't even know what Discworld is LOL! I am familiar with Hitchhiker tho :-)

Bookmark or Dogear? I've done both...as well as actually penciling (or penning, if I'm pencil-less at the time) sentences or passages that mean something to me. Sorry, Carl!

Magazine: Asimov's Science Fiction or Fantasy & Science Fiction? Never read either of these.

Alphabetize by author, alphabetize by title or random? Hahahah, um, I'm so random that sometimes I'm surprised to find I have a book. In other words, they are scattered about willynilly!

Keep, Throw Away or Sell? I'd never throw away a book, no matter how much I disliked it. I'd leave it at a hospital or cafe or something...just cause I don't like it doesn't mean NO ONE will! If I love a book, I will keep it forever and ever, amen. I don't think I've ever sold one.

Year's Best Science Fiction series (edited by Gardner Dozois) or Year's Best SF series (edited by David G. Hartwell)? Another one I haven't read (or heard of LOL).

Keep dustjacket or toss it? Who would toss a dustjacket? Obviously from that statement, I am a keeper. Coming back from London in 2003, I was reading the latest Harry Potter that had just been released while I was there. I took off the dustjacket so as not to rip it...and forgot it on the plane! I was and am upset about it!

Read with dustjacket or remove it? See above ;-)

Short story or novel? If I'm into a book, I prefer a novel...cause I don't want it to end!

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? Oh, hmmm...um...tough question...NOT! Harry Potter! To be fair, I've never read Lemony Snicket. I did pick up one at the bookstore but it just didn't grab me. Loved the movie tho!

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? As I read alot in bed, generally I read til I'm tired. If I'm out and about...I read til something interrupts me. If someone is asking me to do something, however, I generally ask if I can just read til the end of the chapter.

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"? It was a dark and stormy night...Snape was in the potions classroom concocting a "special" potion...one that would [fill in the blank]

Buy or Borrow? Either; altho if I love the book, I will go out and purchase it after reading the borrowed book.

Buying choice: Book Reviews, Recommendation or Browse? I love browsing! I also buy from recommendations. Book reviews not so much...altho I love Carl's, and his review of the Thirteen Tale made me want to read it.

Lewis or Tolkien? ha...um...hmm...yeah, it's Tolkien, and you know it! When I was 14 my friend Pat and I hitchhiked to a small (no longer there, sigh) bookstore in a town near mine (my own, my precious) and while browsing, picked up The Hobbit and fell in love with Tolkien (and Bilbo Baggins). Again, tho, I've (gasp) not read Lewis, altho, of course, I know of him.

Hard SF or Space Opera? Huh?

Collection (short stories by the same author) or Anthology (short stories by different authors)? Either/or...I'm not picky.

Hugo or Nebula? Um...no idea what this means.

Golden Age SF or New Wave SF? See above

Tidy ending or Cliffhanger? Tidy endings...really, who doesn't? Altho, if the book is of a series, and I adore it (Harry Potter) and it's not the end book, then I'll deal with the Cliffhanger...sigh...(Trust Snape)...

Morning reading, Afternoon reading or Nighttime reading? I'll read whenever I can! Lately, it's been mostly at night, before I fall asleep.

Standalone or Series? Now that's a seriously tough question! If I love a book, obviously I don't want it to end, so a series (which does eventually end) is preferable. However, I HATE waiting for the next book to come out!

Urban fantasy or high fantasy? Oh, jeepers, another "I don't know". Going by Carl's answer, in italics below, it would be high fantasy :-)

I really like both. Urban fantasy, like Neil Gaiman's book Neverwhere, are probably my favorite but only by the slimmest of margins. Of course Lord of the Rings, which would be considered high fantasy, is arguably my favorite fantasy series of all time.

New or used? Either/or. Sometimes it's fun to read a used book and see where someone underlined stuff.

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Anything by Richard Brautigan, particularly In Watermelon Sugar. His stuff might not translate well to this PC age; he was popular in the late '60s, early 70s, and might not make sense to those who didn't live thru those times.

Top 5 favorite genre books read last year (in no particular order)?

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Garlic and Sapphires : The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
My Life in France by Julia Child
A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Top X favorite genre books of all time (in no particular order)?

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
The Stand by Stephen King
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Roots by Alex Haley

X favorite genre series (in no particular order)?

LOTR Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Green Mile by Stephen King
Sue Grafton's alphabetical series
Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries

I'm leaving off the last one cause damn, this meme is looooooooong!

From Lisa:

1. Christmas tree: pine or cedar? Ahhhh, pine! I haven't had a real tree in the house in years and I miss it. I love the scent!
2. Name two dumb things you did as a kid. Just two? Skip school and [edited for content]
3. What foods did your mom used to make that you will never, ever cook. Can't think of a one!
4. Describe the place you go to in your head when you need to calm down. hahaha, no!
5. Have you ever seen a ghost, or something you can't explain? Yes, a few times.
6. If money and image didn't matter, what would you do for a living? A traveler
7. Did you ever fall off a horse and get right back on? Not in the literal sense...altho a horse did try to buck me off once (he got spooked by a fire pit) and I held on for dear life!
8. What name did you call a sibling that was sure to start a fight? Any name would do.
9. Describe the events surrounding you first alcoholic drink. Hmmm...Mom, Dad, "beer soup" and a shocked look on Nana's face!
10. Have you ever had a wild animal as a pet? No...that's crazy talk!
11. Do you have a deep, dark, secret? A few, actually...
12. Would you ever shoot a deer? Not unless the world drastically changed and I needed to shoot it to survive.
13. Do you return money if you get too much change? If I notice!
14. What puzzles you? So many things in life.
15. How do/did you act toward a person you have/had a crush on? I make my friends talk to him.
16. What makes you cry? The TV show Cold Case; man, that show can really tug at your heart strings!
17. What's the best bargain you ever bought at a yard sale? Can't think of one off the top of my head...
18. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck? Well, IF a woodchuck could chuck wood, I guess it would depend on how much wood the woodchuck was in the mood to chuck!
19. If nobody is watching, would you run a stop sign? I run them all the time As long as no one would get hurt, yes. And I'm not talking about a big 4 way stop here, people, I'm talking about a stop sign where there really should be a yield sign, if people had common sense.
20. Do you believe in Hell? More to the point, does Hell believe in me?
21. What material possession do you value most? My cameras
22. Which day is better...Friday or Sunday? Friday...I'm FREE!!!
23. Do you read a book more than once? Yup, it's like visiting with an old friend
24. What is the greatest problem with today's society? Selfishness
25. How old were you when you first touched somebody else's hoohah? Wot's a hoohah?
26. Would you ever skydive? Not unless I had to!>
27. Name 3 songs significant to your romantic life, and tell why. The lead in my romantic life, Purple Bunny, prefers the quiet; music disrupts the vibrations, so to speak!
28. Would you ever have plastic surgery? If I had an accident, yes. Otherwise, probably not, but never say never, right? I also said, when I was 14, that I'd NEVER color my hair and be "fake". HA!
29. Does bigfoot/sasquatch/yehti exist? Hmmm...do I exist?
30. Are you a follower or a leader? Depends on the situation.
31. What's the worst thing you did when you were a kid? I'm not telling!
32. List three jobs you would never want to do. Veterinarian, sewer cleaner, whore.
33. Coke or Pepsi? Coke, diet w/lime & and a splash of rum!
34. Where would you live if you could move your family, friends, and job there? Japan!
35. Is three really a crowd? You know, it can be. I prefer one on one interactions.
36. What kind of interpersonal interaction repulses you? Threesomes.
37. Who would you rather spend an hour with, a writer or an entertainer? hmmm...Captain Jack Sparrow...Professor Snape...
38. Which calendar appeals to you? I love the Paris ones and I need to get one for this year!
39. What would you do if life gave you lemons? Make veal piccata!
40. Do you believe in love at first sight? Very much so.
41. Did you ever wish on a falling star, and have the wish come true? Actually, yes...

Another meme found at Fleur de Lisa, who borrowed this from someone, who borrowed it from someone else, and so on and so on.

Here's a bit to read while I'm gone...dunno if I'll be able blog from there!
These are the top 100 keyphrases used on search engines that ended up with people coming to fondofsnape:

1. woodchuck eating breakfast: Took a picture of that
2. snape photos: got those!
3. ginkgo tattoo: Dont' have that...yet!
4. hoops and yoyo thank you: I do like me some Hoops & Yoyo!
5. dry a memoir: Read it, awesome book, he mentions the fact that he had a shiba inu...but not what happened to it, not that I really want to know!
6. a guy tiara: Took a picture of that, too!
7. hug your snape today: Mmmm...would that I could!
8. janet christmas gift: Timely topic indeed!
9. fluffy apple pancake: Yup, made that~!
10. tattoo of grandchildrens names: No grandkids...

Continue reading "Top 100 keyphrases "

Saw this Celebrity Match over at Carol's The Turning Point; apropos of nothing, she has music on her blog that I actually enjoy!

Using "10 years younger" and "All" in the younger and older categories, these are the results:

Matt Dillon, who, as I told Carol, I don't particularly care for. Not worries, tho! I had these fine fellows to choose from:

French Stewart (he was on 3rd Rock from the Sun), Mark Dacascos (no clue), Prince Edward (interesting!), Will Clark (no clue), Chris Rock (he's funny!), Bruce Jenner (oh man, NO WAY!), Dr. Dre (he's hot), Booker "T" Huffman (no clue) and Scottie Pippen (I LOVED Scottie back in the day! MJ, Scottie, Horace...yum!) all at 93%. It's a toss up for me between Frenchie, Chris & Scottie...hmmm...

Bad news: Johnny Depp-23%, Alan Rickman-63% and Robert Plant-70%.

For women, these are my matches:

At 93% compatibility: Juliette Binoche (well, once removed from Depp, ok), Jasmine Guy (I'm loving her in Dead Like Me, yes I know it's an old series, I'm slow), Bonnie Raitt (love her hair), Kristin Davis (really???), Ivana Trump (really really???), and at 90% compatibility: Melissa Gilbert (hmmm), Courteney Cox (she'd be fun!), Courtney Love (wtf?), Sandra Bullock (I like her), and Vivica A. Fox (she's cool).

I've seen this on a couple of blogs and I love the art on these cards. I'm, of course, the Moon :) Let me know if you do this one so I can see your card!

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I'm going to open this up to you readers...does it sound like me?

Saw this over at Fleur de Lisa's this morning and thought it would be fun to have YOU ALL answer the questions for me (I see MaryEllen running away very fast!)!

1. If I were to make a collage to describe myself to others, what sorts of pictures or symbols would I include?

2. What do I like to do that other people think is gross (or not fun, if I do nothing at all gross)?

My cousin sent me an interesting link today...here're the results:

My date of conception was on or about 29 September 1956 which was a Saturday (waaaay too much info!)

I was born on a Saturday under the astrological sign Cancer. My Life path number is 5.
- most compatible with 1, 5 & 7
- get along well with 3 & 9
- may or may not get along well with 8
- least compatible with 2, 4, 6, 11 & 22 [ok, who of you are these numbers, I wanna know so I know who to avoid!]

I were born in the Chinese year of the Rooster; my Native American Zodiac sign is Woodpecker and my plant is the Wild Rose.

I'm 592 months old [that one's for you, ME!]

My age is the equivalent of a dog that is 7.05 years old.

My birthstone is Alexandrite, the mystical properties of which include: assisting one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy. [funny...I think I need one of these!!!]

Some lists consider these stones to be my birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone, Opal

My birth tree is the Fig Tree, the Sensibility: Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humour, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence. [totally sounds like me!]

The moon's phase on the day I was born was waning crescent.

Top 25 keyphrases that brought people here:

1. steve arwyn-the crocodile hunter who recently died: Try spelling it correctly.
2. steve irwin`s dog-sui: He loved his dog!
3. picture of model t: I get so many hits for this, it's weird!
4. giuseppe s italian restaurants ruther glen va: This one too.
5. john lennon s backwards satanic message: Ahhh, just in time for Halloween! Did you know today would've been his 56th birthday? It still makes me sad he's gone.
6. boobiethon 2006: I edited photos for it this year
7. fluffy apple pancakes: damn things are good!
8. lyrics fools it s a night for beautiful girls: It's a night, it's a night...for beautiful girls. Complicated lyrics, eh?
9. see porn with 13ers: This is just gross; people, what the hell happened in your life to make you so sick?
10. wedding images 33 restaurant: 33? Dunno what that is...
11. pampered chef apple pancake: Ah, pampered chef! Did everyone order yet? Closing is Oct 15th!
12. older moms with lez teens: I don't understand this at all.
13. williams sonoma winter forest candle: Yummy scent!
14. megan snape: Megan? Something you want to tell me?
15. tuscany s apple cider martini: Ooooh, I'm sure that's delicious! I made a drink this weekend with apple cider, Myers Rum and mulling spices...yum!
16. one out of four people unbalanced: You're telling me!!!
17. snape tattoo; also “professor snape”; also “snape quotes”: Snape, Snape, Snape
18. cheasepeake bay bridge pics: Got a shot of this from a plane awhile back
19. 5 jasmine dr saco me 04072: No idea how googling this address brought them to my blog
20. velocity-dean koontz spoiler: The spoiler is that this book SUCKED!
21. severus snape and spank: heh heh heh ;-)
22. halloween things to do in camden me: Bet Camden would be fun at Halloween!
23. are cancerians good at selling: Oh, you betcha!
24. funny ageless quote: Hmmm...is it cause I'm funny or ageless?
25. azzy.jpg: Azzy, who's searching for ya, m'dear?

And thank you! to my top 10 referrers:

1. http://www.princessponderings.com/trampslikeus/
2. http://carmenhasgonetoplaid.blogspot.com
3. http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com
4. http://www.princessponderings.com/index.php
5. http://dyanesdaily.spaces.live.com
6. http://www.rampantbicycle.com/blog/
7. http://skiptomylooloo.com
8. http://www.misszoot.com/links.php
9. http://theinbetweenismine.com
10. http://www.ramblingsandotherthings.blogspot.com

Courtesy of Megan:

1. My favorite thing about autumn is...there is not one single thing I dislike about autumn! So, from the gorgeous foliage, to the crisp cool days, to the apples (and apple cider w/rum, yum!), to Halloween--all my favorites!

2. I'm currently reading...The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. For the most thorough review you'll ever read, go here.

3. The last time I bought a purse...I did so at TJ Maxx, it's awesome, and I just happen to have a picture of it! It's from Red by Marc Ecko.

4. I hear...running water, the low hum of voices, and my fingers on the keyboard...but no ringing phones! Hooray!!!

5. Last night...I went to an adult toy party and watched a pregnant woman have her way with an attendee...HAHAHAH!!!

6. This weekend...I'm wandering...here or there, near or far, who knows! I'll take lots of pictures, tho :-)

and you?

Courtesy of Megan:

1. When I'm sick I need...my bed, comfy pillows, a good book or two, hot tea, chicken broth.

2. I like just about anything on my pizza...even anchovies!

3. I just bought...a ton of halloween decorations!

4. If I had more time I would...finish editing the wedding pictures AND make a disc of the pictures for the other wedding.

5. If I were in charge of the world...the world would be in bad shape LOL!
[I just have to share Megan's comment here, it freakin' cracked me up and is worthy of being part of the entry LOL! "#5 - it totally would not! Dirty martinis would be the national drink, all bars would have hooks under the bar, Snape would be a national hero and they'd have parades for him, and Johnny Depp would be your personal assistant." That is EXACTLY what my world would be like, hooks under the bar ahahahahah!!!]

6. This weekend I'm gonna....hang out with transvestite bait and take pictures, besides the usual stuff of walking the dogs, cleaning (hahahah), laying about reading and catching up with Tivo.

and you?

Courtesy of Megan:

1. 6 things in front of me right now... monitor, speakers, stuffed toy dog, bracelet from Paris, a kerrokerokeroppi bowl, LOTR bookmarks

2. 5 things I'm good at...: putting myself down, spelling, hearing, picking winners, procrastinating

3. 4 things I can't live without...: my cameras, water, food, air

4. 3 things I'm wearing right now...: capris, tshirt, flipflops (literally ALL I'm wearing right now LOL)

5 2 things I ate yesterday... breakfast burrito, satay noodles

6. 1 thing I'm doing this weekend. Photographing a wedding!

et tu?

Sorry I've been scarce lately! I've not been able to keep up with the blogs I like to read, never mind emailing and IMing, due to having a tough few days at work; if I missed any posts you think I should see, please tell me about them.

Anyway, I'm happy to say that I passed all aspects of my inspection today! Many thanks to a quartet of hard working people in my office.

In other news...because I'm such a fashionista (HAHAHA!) I was intrigued with this meme over on Deb's blog; she got it from Suzanne, who also asked Deb to show a photo of herself from 10 years ago (she chose to use one from 20 years ago, as am I, but I'm just telling ya the basic rules of the meme).

Here goes!

What has been your biggest fashion indulgence?
I never spent that much money on clothing, even when I dressed up every day, definitely never spent over $100 on an outfit. However, this dress sure got me the most compliments:

I wore it to a Christmas party in this picture, as well as to work. Hmmm...that dress could tell some stories, yes it could!

What is your signature scent?

Right now, it's a potion I brewed up at a parfumerie in Newburyport. I call it Snape. It's a combo of Thierry Mugler's Angel (which I didn't discover until 2003 and absolutely LOVE) and Tunisian Opium. It's smoky and people seem to love it on me.

What was your biggest fashion mistake?

This haircut. What was I thinking???

What item(s) do you never travel without?

A book, cell phone, my iPod, moleskine & Micron pen, mints, ID and money. That's all I need :-) Oh! And my camera!

What was the last film you saw?

In the theater, I believe it was I have had it with these motherfuckin' "Snakes on this motherfuckin' a Plane" At home it was probably Pirates of the Caribbean 1.

What beauty products do you swear by?

- Caudalie Contour Cream for Eyes and Lips.
- Lancome's Imanance (a tinted facial day creme with an SPF of 15).
- Sweep Away by Paula Dorf (make up remover).
- Pureology HydrateShampoo & Conditioner. Try this if you can find some, it's THE most fantastic shampoo & conditioner, ever!
- Make Up Forever's Star Powder; it's iridescent and I love to use it on my eyes!
- Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (in the tin)
- Bourjois Coup de Theatre mascara
- MAC bronzing powder

You'd think by that list I wear alot of makeup...lol! I hardly ever do :-)

What is on your iPod?

Tons of music, some of Charles Laquidara's radio shows from WBOS, and all the Harry Potter books :-)

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A bunch of nice tops & pants to wear when I'm doing weddings.

See?

Where do you buy your lingerie?

hahaha lingerie? If by lingerie you mean sexy underthings, I don't. If by lingerie you mean everyday bras & panties, I buy them from wherever.

Which shop(s) couldn't you live without?

Sephora! The parfumerie up in Newburyport! TJ Maxx & Marshall's. And that's about it ;-)

Courtesy of Megan:

1. What's your weirdest food combination? Probably Raisinettes & popcorn!

2. What's your strangest habit?: Oh, man, I have many!

3. Are you a morning person?: god, NO!

4. Do you sing in the shower? What song?: No. see #3

5 Wha'ts the strangest behavior you've observed from a friend or loved one? When a friend of mine burned himself really badly with hot oil and he licked the wound til it healed. Yes. LIke a dog. Pretty strange, eh? And guess what? No scar & it healed quickly. Still weird, tho.

6. Just what do you intend to do with yourself this weekend? Went to the beach with Meg tonight, which was just what I needed, then off to Maine tomorrow & Sunday, Hang with Maureen, photograph a wedding and I even took Monday off cause work's getting on MY.LAST.NERVE lately.

et tu?

Courtesy of Megan:

1. I see something... on my wall right now. It's a picture of a raging ocean, a copy of a painting by Eugene Garin; there's one wave that is almost translucent. I've had this picture since the late 1970s.

2. My favorite product EVER is...coffee because...it tastes so damn good!

3. September reminds me of...many things; bright blue skies, that autumn is just around the corner, I can walk my dogs on the beaches again, my first wedding, the attack on the World Trade Center & the Pentagon are the things that pop to mind first.

4. My best summer memory is...going to Surf Drive Beach and swimming with Maribeth!

5. When I'm grumpy....I tend to be more sarcastic and impatient.

6. Hey it's Labor Day weekend! I'm going to...relax! I have no plans other than getting my hair done & meeting up with Jen to look at where I'll be taking pictures for her wedding. Anyone want to do anything? Bueller? Bueller?

Found at at Karen's blog:

You scored as Marius. You are the quiet cool. You are so mellow people are lulled into a false sense of security. When you are pissed god help anyone who crosses you! [hahaha, so true!]

Marius: 83%
Dracula: 67%
Lestat: 67%
Armand: 50%
Spike: 50% (who's spike?)
Angel: 25% (ditto)
Deacon Frost: 17% (ditto)
Louis: 17% (I'd like to DO Louis!)
Blade: 0% (phew)
Akasha: 0%


Whose your Vampire personality? (images)
created with QuizFarm.com

I went to see Snakes on a Plane, which I typoed in IM with Krista, and it shall now and forever be Snapes on a Plane! Snapes in a handbag, Snapes on a B**b, Snapes on a Pen!s, Snapes up a c00ch!e, damn there were Snapes everywhere!!!

Seen at Shephard's blog:

How do you like your eggs? Dry! With some salsa or at the very least, ketchup.
How do you take your coffee/tea: Coffee; hot-black or with articifical sweetner & milk; cold-always with milk and artificial sweetner. Tea: depends on the brand! English breakfast artificial sweetner & milk; lapsang souchong or aveda comforting tea: add nothing
Favorite breakfast foods: life cereal; Woburn St. omelette. I also love a typical Japanese breakfast which consists of steamed rice, miso soup and side dishes (grilled or smoked fish, a type of rolled omelet and pickled vegetables).
Peanut butter: smooth or crunchy? Either! I like both!
What kind of dressing on your salad? balsamic vinegar, a little olive oil & pepper
Coke or Pepsi? Coke, diet w/lime, please.
You're feeling lazy. What do you make? Grilled cheese
You're feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order? Mushroom, maybe w/pepperoni, too or ham & pineapple
You feel like cooking. What do you make? Anything! Watch out!
Do any foods bring back good memories? Oh yeah; thanksgiving dinner, my aunt's chestnut stuffing and plum pudding, Mom's chocolate chip cookies; Life cereal (days of early rising and flea markets);
Do any foods bring back bad memories? Can't talk about it...stomach's a bit queasy right now!
Do any foods remind you of someone? chirashi reminds me of Julie; Hostess cherry pies of Pat; pineapple upside down cake of Michael.
Is there a food you refuse to eat? Brains of any sort. Bugs. Crawlies. Chitins. Dog or horse. Green mint ice cream.
What was your favorite food as a child? i don't really remember having a favorite.
Is there a food that you hated as a child but now love? beets!
Is there a food that you loved as a child but now hate? food is my friend :-) who likes to hang out on my hips & tummy & boobs and won't go away!
Favorite fruit & vegetable: Right now, watermelon! Can't get enough of it! Veggie: corn on the cob.
Favorite junk food: Potato Chips, salt & pepper or vinegar & salt. Yum!
Favorite between meal snack: Anything salty. I should just put a salt lick by my desk. (hahaha this was his answer, and I'm keeping it!)
Do you have any weird food habits: hahahah MANY! I mean, I don't think they're weird, but everyone else does!
You're on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on? Celery, I love it. Watermelon, most any fruit or veggie.
You're off your diet. Now what would you like? Chips, steak, bbq
How spicy do you order Indian/Thai? mildly spicy
Can I get you a drink? Yes, please, I'll have a martini with Grey Goose, extra dirty
Red wine or white? Red, definitely! Didn't much care for reds til I went on many a winery tour in VA...YUM!
We only have beer: Yuengling!!!
Favorite dessert? pineapple upside down cake or angelfood cake
The perfect nightcap? a kiss ;-)

Courtesy of Megan:

1. The most valuable thing in my life is...my health. Without that, I've got nothing!

2. The