Saturday 9: I Saw it on TV

1. What new TV show rocks your world this year?

I loved "Terriers" and it got canceled. I like "Mike and Molly", and "Hot in Cleveland" is fun.

2. What is your least favorite ethnic food, and what makes it your least favorite?

Thai. Peanut sauce, curry, just the smells alone are disgusting...as for the taste, I don't do spicy.

3. When does liking someone a lot become loving that person?

It just does; I know when it does, it's a feeling.

4. Is there a job you would do for free, and is it your current job?

I do photography for free a lot, and no, it isn't. :)

5. What is one person/thing that inspired you to take action of some sort?

My dearly departed best friend inspired me to leave a relationship that was extremely toxic to me. I will always be grateful to him for that.

6. Though you might not believe in it, would you like fate to exist?

Sure; much like God, Jesus, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, it's a nice idea.

7. Tell us about a news story that truly shocked you.

It happens quite often. People who are held prisoner and tortured/deprived for years and years and years are right up there.

8. What's something you're looking forward to?
Continuing to live. Everything.

9. What characteristics do you despise?

Weakness, ignorance, lack of compassion, lack of humor, closed-mindedness.

Saturday 9: Go Your Own Way

1. When was the last time you were told to go your own way?

I always go my own way. I've been doing it for so long I don't remember.

2. What one experience has strengthened your character the most so far?

My divorce and its surrounding circumstances.

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Read under the covers, perhaps with a cat or two nearby.

4. How long can you go without your cell phone?

Forever. I really only have it for emergencies on road trips and the like.

5. Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?

Yes. Always. I'd love to be on the Oregon coast or on a cruise ship with Mr. Salted.

6. Of all the people you've ever known, who have you most feared?

In the end--myself.

7. Do people tell you that you look your age?

I got carded for alcohol until I turned 41. Now I feel like I'm aging at warp speed.

8. Your ex shows up randomly at your house, what do you say?

Did your car break down?

9. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

Not everyone. As the Shinedown song says, "Sometimes goodbye is a second chance."

Saturday 9: Jumping Someone Else's Train

1. When was your last train ride?

When I was a kid, we took the train to Montana every summer to visit family. I haven't ridden the train since then, but my favorite bed and breakfast is made up of refurbished cabooses and we go there once or twice a year--I don't think it counts though! I have really fond memories of riding the train as a kid. The people were always very kind.

2. How many foreign countries have you visited? Tell us about one.

Only Canada and Mexico. Mexico was really hot and beautiful. I was struck by the poverty, though--and I know I only saw the areas that had been spruced up.

3. What do you always take with you on vacation?

Books, camera, and iPod.

4. Tell us about something you've lost recently.
Just weight!

5. Do you prefer action packed vacations or relaxing ones?

Relaxing.

6. How long will you wait in a checkout line before abandoning your purchases?

I've never abandoned my purchases.

7. How old do you wish you were?
Sometimes I wish I could be about ten years younger, but I like the age I am now.

8. Do you consider yourself kind?
Yes. I don't take any crap or suffer fools gladly, so I can sometimes be perceived as otherwise, but I have had more than one person I was close to say I was the kindest person they had ever met. I consider that the highest compliment anyone could pay.

9. Tell us about your tattoos. Or if you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be?

I don't have any, but I am definitely considering it, probably on my calf, my upper arm or my back. I think about a lotus, because a dear friend told me I was just like one, that I had become a beautiful person though I had come from shit--a really powerful statement. I think about one of my paintings, an important word (maybe courage). Who knows?

Saturday 9: Goodbye to You

1. Have you had to say goodbye to a good friend or lover because they were moving?

Many times, and sometimes the person moving was me.

2. Have you ever wanted to use personal information about someone to sort of "blackmail" them? If yes, tell us about it.

No, that's below the belt. I'm too much of a believer in karma for that! Things like that cross my mind, I have an evil chuckle, then I get over it and wait for karma to get them if they have it coming--and it always, always does.

3. What two things influenced the choice of your present job or to stay at home?

Money and money.

4. Do you like warm weather? How warm does it get where you live? What is the best way to spend a hot, summer day?

About 65-70 is ideal weather for me--I'm not a fan of super hot weather. It can get into the 80s and even 90s for a few days each summer here, but for the most part it is in the 60s-70s range at its warmest and that's good for me! The best way to spend a hot summer day? Inside with the A/C on. :) If I have to be outside, I need a lot of hydration, sunscreen and an umbrella.

5. What do you find "hot" in a man/woman? What is the first thing you notice about someone who is hot? Do you ever think of yourself as hot?

What I think is hot/what I notice: humor, kindness, a nice smile, nice eyes, someone who makes you feel comfortable. Do I ever think of myself as hot? No. Average.

6. Are you quick to anger? How do you react when you are angry or frustrated? What do you do to cool down?
I can definitely get angry quickly--I tend to vent and be done with it for the little things and stew for a long time on the big things. To cool down, I just feel what I'm feeling, knowing it will pass. If it's not passing, I ride it out and work to use the energy motivate me to persevere.

7. In your family, who is the least like the rest of you?

I'm the least like the rest of them.

8. What are a few great books that you've taken along to the beach or on vacation in years past?

I always have a book or a stack of books. There are too many to list!

9. Do you like going outside during a thunderstorm and watching the lightning?

I like watching it out the window.

Saturday 9: If I Had a Hammer

1. Are you handy with tools?

Not at all. I am the sort of person people take hammers and kitchen utensils away from.

2. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?

I started my new job. :)

3. What was the worst thing that happened to you this week?

Having to have a fasting blood draw while on swing shift.

4. Do you think you act your age?

Yes, except I say "dude" and don't really dress like a grownup if I can avoid it.

5. Describe an item of clothing that has definitely seen better days but that you refuse to dispose of and still wear. Why won't you toss it?

A pair of Converse slides I have that hasn't been manufactured since the mid-90s. They are SO comfortable...

6. What is your favorite summertime beverage?
Plain old cold water.

7. Have you ever lied about your age?
No. People routinely think I am younger and I am good with that. :o)

8. What was the most memorable birthday party you've attended?
I'm going to say a few years ago when I went out with some girlfriends to see a bunch of AC/DC cover bands. It was a riot.

9. What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?
I have PTSD, and yes. That's all I'm going to say.

Saturday 9: Changes

1. Tell us about one thing that you'd change about yourself if you could.

My body.

2. Mattel decides to make a Barbie-like (or Ken-like) doll of you -- what would be the most important accessory or accessories they would absolutely have to package you with in order to portray your lifestyle?

Books.

3. Hey, do you like surprises? If yes, what kinds?

I HATE surprises!

4. What was the last snail mail that you received that was significant?

A friend sent me a lovely, encouraging card.

5. If you could pick out a brand new nickname for yourself, what would you choose and why?

The nicknames I have are just fine. Pzuzu is my favorite.


6. John Edward's mistress was on Oprah this past Thursday. She stated that no third person can break up a marriage, so it had to be broken before the two started doing the nasty. Do you buy that?

Actually, I do, not that it excuses anyone's behavior in that situation. I think infidelity is a symptom of underlying issues that aren't being addressed. Sleeping with someone else's spouse invites karma to bite you in the keester.

7. Do you think it is okay to keep secrets from your s/o?

Yes, sometimes, particularly if they are about the distant past.


8. Have you ever played Truth or Dare? If yes, what's the weirdest dare that you did?

Urinated on a church lawn at night.

9. What, in hindsight, the stupidest thing that you have ever done?

See #8--and I moved cross-country for a man once. I was young and stupid.

Saturday 9: I Want to Hold Your Hand

1. What do you notice about other people's hands?

Everything--I love hands. I love the dimpled softness of a child's hands; I love seeing rough hands or beautifully manicured hands. Older hands are amazing. I have taken some great hand photos, and my favorite photo from my wedding is probably the one of our rings and the bouquet. I love graceful hands.

2. If someone was nosing around your house, what would you hope they wouldn't see?

How much cat hair and dust there is.

3. Do you think that the more stuff you own enhances your life or adds to your burden?

Adds to the burden.

4. What was the last movie you saw in the theatre?

"Alice in Wonderland", which was just okay. I'm one of the only people in America who isn't enamored of 3-D. It actually annoys me and makes me nauseous.

5. What do you have under your bed?

Dust, a backscratcher, and some Rubbermaid totes full of sweaters and purses.

6. What do you think your s/o or best friend would say about what makes you unique?

Mr. Salted says I'm the nicest person he's ever met. I've also been told that I was a better friend than most--both the best compliments I can imagine.

7. What's your current favorite TV commercial?

It sounds weird, but I like the PSA types that pack a punch. The one that comes to mind is a progression of mug shots of a young woman who uses meth that shows how much she deteriorates physically in a short period of time. The music in the background is "lullaby and good night" and it sounds like it's being played on a child's mobile. There is no voice-over, just the anti-drug message at the end on a black screen with white letters. It's very powerful.

Traditional advertising tends to be so manipulative as to make me want to scream, especially if you watch it with the sound off. I'm not saying the PSA isn't manipulative too, but at least its message is valuable and not just "buy more stuff and you'll be a better/prettier/skinnier/younger/more sexually desirable/wealthier/cooler person".

8. Who do you owe a phone call to?

My former in-laws. I need to call them TODAY!

Saturday 9: Hurts So Good

1. Tell us about the last time you really got hurt.

Physically? Emotionally? By someone else, or myself? It sounds like a copout, but I need more specifics.

2. What's your oldest possession?

A couple of antique brooches and family photos.

3. Do you have any phobias?

Dolls, bees, and fire. I'm claustrophobic to an extent--hate tunnels. A lot.

4. What values did your parents instill in you?

I didn't have parents, but positive things that have been instilled along the way include: it feels good to do things for other people and be thoughtful, say please and thank you, work hard, appreciate what you have, and tell people you love them.

5. What are your plans for Easter?

Don't have any.

6. I like sun more than snow.

Not particularly true for me.

7. Tell us about 3 fads from your teenage years.
Swatch watches (never had one), huge perms (had too many), and way too many pastels, not to mention Bon Jovi.

8. Tell us what is the most important attribute in a lover.

Kindness. True kindness.

9. What new piece of technology have you resisted buying and what would it take for you to change your mind?

A plasma TV. I'll get one when the regular TV dies.

Saturday 9: Gimme Three Steps

1. Are you the type of person who jumps into new ventures or do you prefer baby steps?
Once I give it enough thought and research, I jump into it.

2. Who do you feel believes in you the most?
I have a handful of people who do; they know who they are. I am lucky to have as many as I do.

3. When was the last time you were on a stage?
When I got my BA.

4. Tell us about the worst boss you ever had.
Passive/aggressive woman who would screw me over and then bring me a gift.

5. If the NCAA Men's or Women's Final Four basketball tournament was played in your hometown arena or within easy driving distance from where you live, would you try to attend one the three games?
I don't do basketball.

6. Of all the clothes you own, what do you feel most comfortable wearing, and why?
Well-loved cotton T-shirt and lounge pants. Soft, loose, comfortable.

7. On what television show—either past or present—would you like to make to make a guest appearance, and what role would you play?

I would have loved to be anyone on "Roseanne" or "Veronica Mars".

8. St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday March 17th. Do you celebrate and wear green? Drink Green Beer? Ignore it?

I wear something green so no moron tries to pinch me. I don't do beer of any color, and I'm not fond of corned beef and cabbage, but I've always wanted to go to a real Irish pub with a songbook.


9. If a leprechaun told you that you could have any amount of money from his pot of gold but it had to be a specified amount for a specified item, how much would you ask for and what would it be for?

Enough to pay off all our debt--credit cards and my student loan.

Saturday 9: Don't Stand So Close to Me

1. Who would you like not to stand so close to you?

This woman I work with--fortunately I don't have to see her often. She makes my teeth itch, reeks like smoke, has an unironic mullet, and has no concept of personal space. She reminds me of a dog or cat that knows you hate it and responds by smothering you with unwanted love. Shudder.

2. Which of the following aspects of your life would you think rates the highest: mind, body or spirit?

Mind, no question. Wouldn't have survived and continue to thrive without it.

3. What is your favorite movie line?

It's a simple one, but "I wasn't even supposed to be here today!" from "Clerks".

4. What is your favorite movie title? I never really thought about it. They don't tend to be as creative as book titles can be.

5. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?

My survival.

6. What do you try to stay away from?

#1: Drama, followed closely by bigotry and judgment.

7. What is it too late for?

Becoming a parent. Everything else is still possible.

8. Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

My dearly departed best friend is almost entirely responsible for me learning that, despite what I experienced from birth through my teens, all men are not a@*holes. I am still extremely grateful to him for that.

9. Would you rather be famous now & forgotten after you die or forgotten now & famous after you die, forever? And why?

I don't think being famous would be all that great, so I guess famous after I die. That way a mythology could build up around my fabulousness. I won't care anymore, but it would be cool to be part of a cultural mythology.

Saturday 9: Call Me

1. Who is someone that phones you routinely that you never seem to be up to talk to, but you are not ready to push them out of your life?

I don't really have any of those anymore. Thankfully.

2. What is something that affects you deeply, to your core, no matter your mood or what else is going on in your life?

Hate crimes. Racism. Homophobia. Domestic violence. Rape. Torture. People losing children and grandchildren, children losing their parents prematurely. Incest. Animal cruelty. Homelessness. Poverty. Hunger. I am not a social worker for a reason.

3. Tell us of something that relaxes you and always makes you happy.

A hug from someone I love. A cup of tea. My cats. Quiet.

4. If you could take the train from anywhere to anywhere, where would 'anywhere' be?

I think I'd take a train all over Europe. I've never been there.

5. If you could look into the future, how far down the road would you like to see? 10 years? 100 years? A million?

All of the above. It would be interesting.

6. Did you do your shopping online for this Christmas, how did it go? Did things come in on time? Any significant failures? ...and if you didn't, will you consider trying online shopping sometime this year?

I shop online routinely. I didn't have any problems at Christmas. I love online shopping--as a friend of mine says, "I'd get my hair cut online if I could."

7. What people or projects are worth your time, money or effort?

The people in my life that are know who they are. In terms of charities, I have many that I like to support, including public television, Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, the Humane Society, VFW, Alzheimer's Association, etc.

8. Think back when you were in high school. Are you proud of the way you dressed, or do you wish you could go back and change it all?

I dressed pretty wack at times, but some of that was because I didn't have money and/or a mom and some of it was because I was figuring out who I was. I don't really regret it. I wish I hadn't gotten so many perms before I figured out I was never going to have thick, wavy hair, though.

9. Do any of your friends, family or co-workers know about your blogs? For those that do, did you tell them or have they stumbled upon it by themselves?

I have told most of the people I know where it is.

Saturday 9: Man on the Moon

1. Do you think it was important to send a man to the moon?

The hippie in me wants to say no, it was more important to feed people and make sure they had healthcare. On the other hand, it was good for scientific exploration, we could, it built morale in the US, and maybe it prevented us from shooting a torpedo at a Russian sub.

2. What is your biggest fear?

It's a toss-up between becoming homeless and contracting Alzheimer's. Being tortured is up there too.

3. If someone hung a sign around your neck today, what would it say and why?

"This woman deserves a career break! Give it to her!" Why? I've worked hard all my life at every legal profession other than the sex industry (although I did work for an Internet filtering company where I had to look at porn all day for two years). I couldn't only pursue jobs that would fulfill me or that were in my field because I had to pay the bills. I know, cry me a river, the majority of us could say the same thing. I'm just saying: I'm intelligent, creative, detail-oriented, fun to work with, and I can do anything I set my mind to (outside of becoming a supermodel). I don't have the money for any more education, more's the pity. Do you hear that, universe?

4. What is the longest line that you've stood in and was it worth it?

I know which one felt the longest; waiting in line for the Cure on the "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" tour in 1986. We were in line eight hours or more. I was in full Batcaver regalia-- tons of makeup, ratted black hair. There were a lot of big semis parked around the venue, it was a hot day, and I got totally sick from the heat and the truck fumes. It was festival seating and we were getting pushed around in the crowd--sometimes we were right up against the stage, but we were pushed all over the place. I lost the friends I had come with in the crush, and was about to pass out. A kindhearted woman with a blue liberty-spiked mohawk grabbed my hand and led me out of the crowd. I subsequently spent most of the concert throwing up into a garbage can, and I hadn't even had a drink!

5. As the holidays approach, what song are looking forward to hearing again?

Bah, humbug. I can stand "Christmas Island" by Leon Redbone; I also like his version of "Let it Snow".

6. Whose music do you think is the most important of your generation's?

R.E.M., X, Nirvana

7. Do you find it is hard to be kind to strangers? Give an example.

Not really. I make an effort to do so unless they are total a**holes.

8. When do usually lose your patience?

Oh, that's funny. Repetitive noises. Whining. People who don't listen. People who don't THINK. People who don't ask questions. People who treat their loved ones like crap and then say they love them. People with a sense of entitlement. How long do you have?

9. Is there a book that you're dying to see as a movie?

I'm anxious to see if they did "The Lovely Bones" justice. Love that book.

Saturday 9: Be True To Your School

1. What was your favorite subject in high school?

Anything where I got to write--newspaper (I was editor for a while but was asked to leave for being too controversial), English. They let me do my own Independent Poetry class senior year--I loooooved that.

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones?

A weird selection. I watch "American Idol" if I stay interested--I always love the auditions, and Adam Lambert kept me interested this entire year. I watched the first "Rock of Love" and "Flavor of Love"; I watched "Charm School" because I liked all the headmistresses. "Intervention", "DogTown", "Divorce Court" (I like Judge Lynn), "Gene Simmons Family Values" (that whole family is hilarious). I've watched "Ruby" a few times and "I Want to Save Your Life". I prefer those shows to something like "The Biggest Loser"--they're more compassionate and look at the subjects as people, not just fat people. I've watched "Celebrity Fit Club" for the trainwreck more than the weight loss. Mr. Salted and I like "Cops" because we are never having as a bad a day as any of those folks. I liked "The Surreal Life" when it was on. I like "The Locator" a lot. That can really get to me--reuniting with loved ones from your past that you have missed. I always think of my loved ones that have passed on that I wish I could see again.

3. What's your favorite all time reality show?

"Intervention". I think it's an amazing show. I think it's great that it is on the air, because it does anything but glorify drug addiction--if anything it shows what drugs do to people and to families.

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked?

I think it depends on the show.

5. What did you look like when you were a teenager?

Pudgy, awkward, bad hair, thick glasses. I developed a sense of style eventually though.

6. Whose advice do you listen to?

I listen to the few people I truly respect and follow my own advice.

7. How often are you sick?

Not very.

8. Do you like or dislike change?

It can be hard to adjust to, but I try to welcome it. It's usually good.

9. How many times in your life have you had a broken heart?

At least six...most of those times had nothing to do with romantic love or the end of it.

Saturday 9: Lie to Me

1. Can you tell when someone is lying to you?

99% of the time, yes.

2. Tell us about one of your flaws. Do you live with it or try to correct it?

I'm extremely impatient, and I try to do both.

3. When was the last time you laughed hard and what struck you as funny?

A parody of Kelis' song "Milkshake" in Victorianesque language: "My milkshake bringeth forth more menfolk to the yard. Verily, 'tis better than thine."

4. Tell us about a time when you should have tried harder.

I should have tried harder to make grad school work, but just didn't have it in me then. I'm considering grad school again, but I don't know that I have it in me now, either, and I really don't relish the thought of more debt. Sigh.

5. If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?

Real estate.

6. What movie do you know every word to?

"Grease", "Airplane!"

7. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?

Getting to spend more time with my husband because he took vacation to be with me for the first ten days after the ankle surgery.

8. What was the worst thing that happened to you this week?

Having an allergic skin reaction to the boot that replaced the cast. I was up half the night with it and my leg still looks like a bad '50s sci-fi monster.

9. What do you think is the biggest difference between men and women?

That is a really tough question, because so much of the way individual men and women react has to do with societal gender roles and how much they do or don't buy into them. I don't know if there really is an answer.

Saturday 9: I Call Your Name

1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why?

I DID name myself. I legally changed all three of my names when I was 22 years old. It was an immensely healing act of personal power that is one of the best gifts I have ever given myself. I picked three names that are beautiful, strong, and sound great together. I could not be happier with my name.

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why?

I think the best is yet to come for me--so I wouldn't.

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why?

I would make my best friend still be alive. If I could have done anything to save him, I would do it.

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why?

Probably no one. I ended up with who I was supposed to.

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country?

I'd love to go to England and live in the country with big dogs and a polka-dotted pair of wellies. My friend B could live on the next estate and we could meet for tea.

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why?

I'd be a writer because that's all I've ever wanted to be.

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why?

I'd like to not lose my marbles before I die. Why? Because it blows.

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be?

All of them, especially my invisible friend J. She is not a blogger, but we "met" ten years ago on a message board and she knows me better than most people in my life do. To me, she is family and I've never laid eyes on her in person. The Internet can be a wonderful thing.

Saturday 9: Thunking on a Saturday

1. You are walking down a rainy road. There is a five hundred dollar bill on the road. You look around and except for someone a half block away, you are alone. You naturally pick up the bill and put it away. That person approaching stops and says, "I saw you pick up that money. It's mine." You ask how much it was. She yells, "Are you calling me a liar?" What do you do?

Hand it to her, I guess. I'm a lover, not a fighter. Actually, I'm both, but I don't like fisticuffs as a rule. :)

2. If I were to inspect your guest bathroom, how would I find it?
We don't have one. We have two bathrooms and one is more the cats' bathroom than ours. It is full of cat litter and Devil Duckies from Archie McPhee.

3. You are given a state of the art bow and arrow. Who or what is your first target (after a lesson or two)?
I am not coordinated enough for archery. Trust me on this.

4. The doorbell rings. The person at the door is wearing a raincoat and you know them. They flash you and are completely naked. Other than your S/O, who would you think would it would be and would guess you'd find that funny? Why do you guess that person and would you laugh or be pissed off? No one I know is a flasher...anymore.

5. What do you call a male Ladybug?
In touch with his feminine side?

6. Your friends throw you a party. They've got a big national music star to come and perform. It is someone you detest. Do you make believe you like the songs or do you fess up and get the star out of the party?
I'd just be nice about it. Even though I would rather die than be the featured guest at a party in the first place.

7. What's your favorite breed of wild, mean attack dogs?
I like dogs period. I've known some very sweet pit bulls and Rottweilers. It's the people that are bad, not the dogs.

8. If I called your high school guidance counselor, what would they say about you? Good things--we are Facebook friends. He actually dug out the senior picture I had given him and posted it the other day to show me he'd kept it around. Very kind man.

9. Car A is moving at 63 miles an hour. 4 people are in the Car A. Car B is moving at 22 miles an hour. There is a driver and passenger who just came from a hotel while cheating on their spouses in Car B. They will crash into each other in exactly 3.5 minutes. What are your fun plans for this Labor day Weekend while these six people meet a brutal and gruesome death??

Working Saturday morning, girls' night Saturday night, not sure about the rest.

Saturday 9: On Broadway

1. Have you ever seen a Broadway play? If yes what and when?

Never have. I would like to.

2. Tell us about one strange event in your life this week.

Gastric bypass surgery was plenty strange.

3. Have you ever lied to "get the guy/gal"?

No. If you have to lie to get them, they're not worth getting.

4. Tell us about your best friend.

See my blog entry "Ten Years After" from May 2009.

5. What was the best vacation that you ever had?

All the ones I have had with John--to Mexico, to the Olympic Peninsula and to Cannon Beach.

6. What was the last big purchase you made?

My laptop.

7. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink and when did you start drinking it?

Crystal Light--I probably started drinking it about 2000.

8. When was the last time someone did not believe you?

They know who they are, and that's their problem.

9. You have signed on to direct a romantic comedy. Who are your stars?

Jack Black and Amy Adams. I love both of them and they could be a lot of fun as a movie couple.

Saturday 9: Rain

1. What do you typically like to do on a rainy day?

I actually love rain, particularly if I don't have to go out in it. I love the sound on the roof in the morning; staying in bed with that sound overhead is lovely. Usually I read, write, or watch movies or TV, preferably with Mr. Salted and/or a cat or two nearby.

2. Tell us about the last time you did something you later regretted, that you can share with us.

I can't think of anything I really regret. Regret is a waste of time; I try to learn from every experience, good or bad, and actually apply the lesson I learn thereafter.

3. I recently got an email from a lover from a very long time ago. I was asked "Have all your dreams come true?" If it were you and it was from someone you remember fondly, how would you answer the question?

I would say I was happier than I have ever been and that Mr. Salted is everything I could want in a life partner, but I'm not done dreaming about other areas of my life (and neither is he!). We often dream out loud together.

4. If you had a job interview and was asked, "If you were an animal, what kind would you be (other than human?" How would you answer that question.

I've been asked that question in a job interview, and I'm convinced it's a trap. I'd either be a lion or an owl.

5. Do you think it is a good idea to share with a new lover stories of your past lovers?

I think it's good to be open and honest, but the past is the past; I, for one, prefer not to marinate in it.

6. When do you think it is permissible or even important to lie?

Preventing someone from being unnecessarily hurt. That's about all I can think of.

7. What was the last thing you did that you never thought you would?

Our trip to Mexico--I never thought in a million years I would get to do something like that. I really hope we are able to do a lot more traveling.

8. What is one important lesson that you learned from your mother?

She died when I was two--all I could have learned was how to ache. I think living with that huge grief all of my conscious life made me old before my time in both good and bad ways. I have been able to comfort others and comfort myself because of this reality, but I also feel like I was born tired. I knew because I didn't have her that I was on my own pretty much from day one. No one can love you like a good parent.

9. What is one important lesson that you learned from your father?

I learned about neglect, hurt, disappointment, and terror. I also learned to come out swinging, HARD, because I was NOT going to let him--or anyone--break me. Like the song says, "Thanks for making me a fighter." It would have been nice not to have to fight quite as hard for so long, and I have paid for it in a variety of ways--but I also know the satisfaction of being a 100% self-made person. Not many people do; it is a hard-won gift.

Saturday 9 meme: Fast Car

1. What’s the furthest trip you’ve taken by automobile?

From Rancho Cordova, CA to Kalispell, MT as a kid. U-g-h.

2. What’s the worst pick-up line you've ever received? "You have a beautiful face. You could be in Hollywood."

3. What’s the best pick-up line you’ve gotten? "God, I love your socks!"

4. What was the last gift that you received? A lady I work with gave me a cute little figurine from Chinatown in San Francisco. He's on my fridge now.

5. What was the last gift that you gave someone? For Marilyn's 21st birthday, I gave her an Emily the Strange journal, an Emily the Strange address book, and a couple of buttons. I can't remember if there was something else in there.

6. Tell us about the last time you cried. A few days ago when I realized I will never be a grandmother.

7. Tell us about the last time you laughed uncontrollably.

It was probably last weekend and induced by Dena and Steena.

8. Do you suffer road rage? What are your thoughts on it? I get annoyed like anyone else does and scream a curse once in a while, but for the most part I think we need to calm the down. We're not going to get there any faster elevating our blood pressure, and no one's life or time is more important or worth more than anyone else's. So CHILL. :)

9. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes? "I wasn't even supposed to be here today!" from Clerks. I have said it myself many times.

Saturday 9: Wedding Bell Blues

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be.

Both of my weddings were very small. The first had three people; the second had seven people, which was more than I wanted, but it worked out well. We picked an officiant, wrote our own vows, and I actually got dressed up, carried flowers, and all that stuff. If I'd had my druthers, though, we would have run off somewhere alone together and gotten married. We plan to renew our vows that way at some point.

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married? I don't think anyone should get married before they are 25. The later, the better. I was almost 30 the first time I married and that was a good age.

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended? Pat and Noemi.

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions? The receptions tend to be more fun, of course. It really depends on who's getting married. For the most part, I enjoy them, but I used to be a wedding photographer so I can pretty much predict the length of the marriage accurately before the ceremony is over.

5. Have you cried at a wedding? Sure.

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony? Intimate.

7. Have you ever been in someone’s wedding party? If yes, do tell.
A couple of times. Once I was a bridesmaid and the photographer--I don't recommend that. My main memories are of being hot, of going into a handicapped stall with the other attendants and holding up the big dress so a bride could pee, and of hoping my strapless bra(because you could never wear a normal bra with those dresses) wouldn't blow out at an inopportune moment.

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical? Depends on the circumstances. I err on the skeptical side until I see some evidence to the contrary, but always hope for the best.

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high? People getting married for the wrong reasons to people they don't know well enough. And people that want a wedding, not a marriage!