The Person Below Me #37 - The Last Prime that I Was in my Prime (deep sigh)

The last message of the previous thread

Well, I haven't been telling virtually ~everyone~ about it; I'd sound pretty obnoxious if I did, but since you asked, just last night, I finished Script and Scribble: The Rise and Fall of Handwriting by Kitty Burns Florey, and found it absolutely fascinating. Ms. Florey also wrote another favorite of mine - Sister Bernadette's Barking Dog: The Quirky History and Lost Art of Diagramming Sentences. They are both well worth reading (and practicing).

TP'sBM handwriting is still pretty legible.

Yup mine is, but I wish I could say the say about most other people I know, strangely enough mostly men. I think they must have been doctors in their previous lives (God help the patients!).

TPBM is pretty good at drawing/painting/sketching.

No, unfortunately. I can't draw worth spit. Or all I can draw is a bath. Or...well you get the drift.

The person below me has a piece of art made by a loved one.

I have my mom's Sharpie art all over the house.

The person below me had beans with dinner.

do bean sprouts count?

TPBM listens to books on tape when commuting.

No, either I have the book open in my lap, or I knit. I need something for my hands to do (even if it's holding a book) and the earphone cord tends to get snarled in my yarn.

The person below me listens to audiobooks while doing some other craft.

I'm in love with audiobooks. When I do dishes or iron or do other not so fun domestic tasks they help me enjoy the time (or at least loath it less).

TPBM talks back to the television.

Yup, my whole family does. Articles about how passive people are while watching tv have never observed my family - sometimes you can't hear the tv for us debating the finer points of "he should have said THAT" lol

TPBM only owns one television.

Yes I do only have the one, an old one, and that is only on about an hour a day.

TPBM doesn't really like listening to the radio.

Au contraire - I love Radio 4, especially the comedy - although I can't abide plays or Book At Bedtime - I hate being read to!

TPBM has been on the radio.

Yes, a few years back our church's youth group won a night at the Christian radio station. We each got a chance to annouce the upcoming song.

TPBM has some sort of musical gift (besides playing the radio, Ipod or CD player, which is all I can do, lol)

That's me! It's a gift I'm very thankful for. I have a degree in music - specifically in piano performance. I also direct all three of our church choirs.

TPBM has never been in a choir.

That depends in what you mean by "in". In my (Catholic) grade school, you were in the choir unless the Choir Director said otherwise. The term he used was "hopeless".

TPBM still has a slide projector.

Of course. You mean that some people don't? Incredible. I even have a slide rule in king size meant for being projected onto a white screen.

TPBM wonders what a slide rule is.

No, I have my Dad's from his college days, I had a graphing calculator. I have no idea how to use the slide rule though.

TPBM is fully capable of using a slide rule.

Only as a back scratcher.

TPBM has an Atari system from the 70s.

Not for a long time! Mine was given to me by the bank I worked for at the time. We developed the first home banking application, and the original user interface was an Atari 400.

About a year later, PCs hit the public market.

TPBM used to play Pong for hours on end.

Well, that brings back memories. My mother gave us an Atari game as a family gift one Christmas. I didn't play Pong, but my husband used to play Pac Man for hours on end.

TPBM doesn't play many video games.

That's true, but I have found a copy of Mahjong on my new laptop and found that I can get lost in it for even a few hours at a time.

The person below me believes that Mahjong is not really a computer game, that in a real computer game characters shoot and get shot at.

I think Mahjong is a wonderful computer game. I was recently playing a version on my PSP.

TPBM has played a real Mahjong game, with proper tiles and all.

One summer, my mother, my sisters, my grandmother and I all played Mah Jong using my great grandmother's set of tiles. I don't think I really remember the rules of the game now; it was about 30 years ago.

The person below me is trying to have one day per week when s/he never sits in front of a computer screen.

Blasphemy! It's about all I have for entertainment since I don't watch much television. Of course, read a lot. Who knew?

TPBM lurves his/her monster machine.

I do love Google when I'm trying to finish that one last impossible clue in the crossword for a £200 prize, but I don't love my dial up connection. Where I live we can't get Broadband unless we pay for Sky, so I don't have a PC at home because of that. I do take a spare office laptop home occasionally, but it's soooooooooooo slow it's more of a nuisance than a help. A PC 5 days a week at work is enough for me anyway.

TPBM wonders what we ever did before we had the Internet.

Not me! If I was thirsty, I had to smash together my own Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms to get a drink. Things were tough back when I was a kid, let me tell you!

TPBM remembers the last time s/he had Tang.

Never Tang in the UK, but we do have Tango - maybe a similar taste but carbonated and sold in cans. The Best thing about Tango was the advertising. The pictured consumer drinking in the street was accosted and slapped round the face by a bright orange fat man, with the slogan "You know when you've been Tangoed". Unfortunately the slapping caught on with some young people so they changed it to a big sloppy kiss.

While we are on fruit flavoured drinks...

TPBM knows the connection between Fanta and the Third Reich.

Well, now I do. Here's what Wikipedia says:

Fanta has its origins in Germany,when a trading ban was placed on that nation by the Allies during World War II. The Coca-Cola GmbH, therefore was not able to import the syrup needed to produce Coca-Cola in Germany. As a result, Max Keith, the man in charge of Coca-Cola's operations in Germany during the second World War, decided to create a new product for the German market, using only ingredients available in Germany at the time, including whey and pomace – the "leftovers of leftovers", as Keith later recalled. The name was the result of a brief brainstorming session, which started with Keith exhorting his team to "use their imagination" ("Fantasie" in German), to which one of his salesmen, Joe Knipp, immediately retorted "Fanta!".

TPBM doesn't drink soda.

No I don't I gave it up several years ago. Don't miss it either.

TPBM thinks that's crazy talk.

No, I don't; I generally manage to avoid it, too. We don't tend to have it at home, because we only drink about half (I was going to say 'it gets half drunk', but...) and the rest goes flat.

TPBM uses the food guide pyramid when they cook.

Well, I've managed to cut down from a 6-pack of Coke a day to one can, but I'm not giving that up, no way, no how. The kids are well-trained to leave the last can in the case, lest they incur the wrath of Mom.

Oops, simul-post, and I don't cook ... so ...

No, I use butter. If you are deeply happy with your food it is nutritious and you don't gain weight -- Robert's butter diet (ask me about my beer diet someday).

The person below me uses high octane gasoline for something.

Only burning heretics. It's the screaming I can't stand so high octane makes a quick impression and everybody gets home in time for the game.

TPBM did something for Earth Day (switching to a low tar cigarette doesn't count.)

Due to a mishap with our hydro meter, we currently have free electricity. (It was the fault of the hydro company.) So we celebrated Earth Day by finding as many ways as possible to waste electricity. I know, not really in the right spirit. We'll just have to practice our Earth Day conservation after they replace the meter.

The person below me has solar panels or a windmill.

Nope - not enough sunshine here, although we do have plenty of wind ... Anyway, we're a two-person household and were both trained in our youth to save energy, so we're not too power-hungry!

TPBM worries about what would happen if the electricity supply ever failed.

Yes, I can live happily without television or computers, but my eyesight is no longer good enough to read by candlelight in the evenings.

TPBM has a generator.

Yes we do, a simply splendid generator! It uses propane and is hooked up to our propane tank in the yard. When we got it (2000), I calculated that with a full tank (550 gallons), we could keep going for 22 days. I love our generator.

TPBM can't remember the last time they lost power so who cares about a generator?

Ahem. Generators are indeed useful, but if the electricity supply went down, it wouldn't just be "reading by candlelight". It'd be food stocks spoiled due to no refrigeration, water treatment plants out of action, hospitals unable to treat patients, no internet communications and countless other depressing and scary things ...

TPBM will now cheer us up with something more happy!

Ummmm.... It's Friday?

Sorry, no coffee yet; that's the best I can come up with.

TPBM can do better.

No, I can't beat that since I'm still decaffinated as well.

The person below me can (yes) do better.

It's not only Friday, it's PAYDAY! Woot!

TPBM gets paid at irregular intervals.

Um, yeah. That's why I just want that damn certificate already -- so I can get a job where the paid staff is, in fact, paid.

The person below me isn't paid at all.

Not enough, that's fer shure. But that will change, my pretties, oh yes. Bwaha! Bwahahaha! *coff*

TPBM has a new car. (Welcome back readafew.)

nope, my wife had one before we were married since then we buy used to attempt to miss the initial depreciation, since we can't afford the cars that actually go up in value.

(41 - BTW thanks, been busy and stressed, might disappear again we'll see)

TPBM would also like to own a new mini cooper.

They'd be easier to find a parking space for -- but that still doesn't mean there are any spaces available. That said, where I live you can be without a driver's license at age 30 and not really notice.

The person below me wishes they lived in such a place.

I did, in fact, live in such a place until about age 30. Now, driving is a necessity, and not one that I particularly enjoy. On the whole, however, I would far rather be here than there.

TPBM finds driving relaxing.

I do very much. I like to drive out into the country and just glide for a hundred miles or so. There's some really beautiful territory west of the city. One day I'd like to drive down the Virginia coast and visit all the small fishing villages.

TPBM has a pilot's license.

No, I have no intention of creating a new TV show.

TPBM owns a boat.

I do, a little 14' but it as well as the trailer need work to make it usable.

TPBM has a bigger boat.

No, I don't. In fact, I don't have a boat of any size (unless you're counting a gravy boat, but I'm not sure if we have one of those either).

The person below me owns a gravy boat, and uses it regularly.

Edited to fix errant HTML.

I think I own two or three of them, but I seldom use any. It's just one more dish to wash, so we usually just scoop the gravy out of the pot.

TPBM will tell us their favourite kind of meat.

Prime rib, medium rare. With plain horseradish.

TPBM doesn't eat red meat.

I'd eat it off the cow if it would stand still. Yum.

TPBM has one of those kitchen blow torches for creme brulee and spiders.

No, and it's probably a good thing or my wife might have succeeded in burning up the kitchen.

TPBM also has a bugphobic spouse/partner/house companion.

Hi. My name is Beth, and I am an arachniphobe.

TPBM likes bugs.

I made my living eradicating computer bugs.

It's nice to see I'm still needed. Unfortunately, unless the bug mean they're losing money somewhere, most corporations don't want them fixed.

TPBM has a greater sense of integrity than that.

I am o'er sickled with the febrile cast of integrity. Ask anyone.

TPBM travels with a pair of tweezers.

Actually I do. I seem to misplace them and I finally decided just to leave my little kit in my travel bag all the time. It has those weird fingernail scissors which come in handy for snipping things when traveling.

The person below me has discovered how wonderful ziplock bags are for just about everything. (My best is for Christmas lights - one strand per bag).

edit to make more sense I hope.

I use them for puzzle pieces after I sort them.

TPBM owns a tractor.

No, but I think my brother may.

The person below me owns an iTouch.

No, I'm a luddite, Virginia Synod. My phone is 7 years old and looks like something they found in the cave at the end of Planet of the Apes. I travel a lot and Verizon seems like the most reliable network, so I might, might, get a Droid.

TPBM has an iPad.

No man, I'm married and I own a house.

TPBM owns (and occasionally plays) bongos.

No. When I see someone with bongos I immediately suspect "con man."

The person below me doesn't reject someone with bongos until they actually play them.

I don't automatically associate bongos with evil, but when I hear someone playing them in a lonely place, I walk in the opposite direction.

TPBM has come across someone doing something strange.

Well, a few years ago I called round at my sister's house and found her wallpapering the living room - three days after her hysterectomy.

TPBM also has a relative who lives dangerously.

Too many. The worst - my 99 year old mother sometimes (very rarely thank heavens) gets in her car and drives around the block to Walgreens (drug store). All of us tell her that all she has to do is ask and we will take her, but she's stubborn. Not only is she old, but she's really, really short.

The person below me also has stubborn relatives.

edit for mistakes in syntax

Actually, its a family trait and, since I readily recognize the behaviors of the two relatives specified in #63 and #64, I have to ask, what's your point?

The person below me has been characterized by others as being more than stubborn (which should not necessarily be interpreted to mean that the phrase mule-headed has been used )

Sometimes: I hate noise coming from a neighbor's apartment. If it's a party or a blockbuster on the telebishun, fine no problem. But if I have to hear Vivaldi or the Black Eyed Peas every night I will be over and I will shut them down. I think that's being stubborn, but some people would probably call it something else. The stubborn part comes back into play because I don't care what they think.

TPBM keeps a journal.

Yes, on my shelf. It looks so pretty there.

TPBM writes in their journal.

Every day (just about).

TPBM wonders why.

I do, but at the same time I wonder why not. For a few decades I kept a diary; my life wasn't real without it. Since I retired I haven't felt compelled to pick one up. I have a Namiki Emperor fountain pen, and I used to buy those big red Daily Journals you got at serious business products stores. Facing the $70 or $80 charge this year, knowing I wasn't likely to use it, I didn't buy it. Sometimes I would like to indulge myself.

The person below me saw the Willem Dafoe movie, maybe Light Sleeper, in which he writes a diary and throws the composition book away when it is full.

I didn't see that movie. My mother kept a journal and it was very helpful in reminding her when things happened. Unfortunately she threw them all away when she moved to the senior apartment complex. I saw them in the trash and started to retrieve them but decided I didn't need more stuff. Now we are all sorry.

Library book sale weekend! The person below me is envious of my opportunity for shopping.

I am! Tell, what did you find?

TPBM taught themselves Sanskrit.

I attempted to learn Sanskrit when I was younger but to no avail. I consoled myself by
becoming fluent in Pig Latin.

TPBM knows exactly how many planets are in our solar system!

Yes I do.

TPBM has actually tried to count all the sand on the beach.

I haven't tried to count sand, but I do love walking on it. In my younger days, we used to camp on the beach in Mexico all the time. I got stuck (well, my car did) many times in the sand.

SGiV, I bought my mom a large print Aunt Dimity, me some romances and my brother some scifi type books. I am trying not to add too many to the chaos...

The person below me has a chance to go to the beach every summer. (If so, I'm jealous.)

Not since college, but for years I went every weekend. I love the ocean. My ex sister-in-law has a place at Hatteras and while I'd rather sleep in the back of a truck than ask her if I could use the place for a weekend, my brother still goes there pretty frequently (I told him that if he ever gets back with her he'll have to wait until my parents are dead because mom would kill the girl.) I did use it once and it was AWESOME.

TPBM lives on a lake.

Lives on a lake of what?

No, but I'd love to start living part year near an ocean. There are some big ponds on the golf course near me but it isn't the same as real water.

The person below me has not seen Avatar yet.

True, had all good intentions of seeing it because of the great reviews. I am going to have to get it on DvD.

TPBM knows how to S T R E T C H a dollar.

Nope, but I know how to stretch a pound. In my mum's day, it was stretching a 10 shilling note and my gran was good at stretching half a crown, so I've been brought up to make every penny count.

TPBM used to love going to the childrens pictures on Saturday morning with their friends.

Oh, yes! I haven't thought of those in years! Thanks for bringing back a nice memory.

The person below me likes to walk down memory lane once in a while.

Occasionally, but it does seem a little pointless hanging about in the past - the present should be more important! Although I do love old photographs, whoever they belong to ...

TPBM will tell us what they're wearing right now.

The usual- an interested if somehow bemused viz and an air of steely determination. (Protective coloration in this joint.)

>> 82 S236 I love old photographs, I started buying them 20 years ago when they were 25 cents. It's no fun now that a decent one is 25 bucks.

TPBM has been mainlining coffee this morning.

Only decaf, but yes. Coffee is a requirement for the beginning of the day. Black, no sugar, freshly ground beans, our good well water. Sublime.

TPBM ate an unusual breakfast this morning.

nope a banana and Chocolate Cheerios

TPBM likes to buy hand crafted goods.

Depends on how good the goods are. (Except that I usually do my own knitting.)

The person below me does their own <insert handcraft here>

Naw, if I can afford it I buy my . I always prefer something handmade over machine made.

>>84- km, how can you go through all that and drink decaf? No, don't try and explain, you're obviously in some kind of twisted place and anything you say will only be rationalization and prolong your agony. I'll pray for you, I just hope it's not too late.

Tomorrow morning, TPBM will pour the first sip of black nectar in the grass for karenmarie.

I don't drink coffee, but my husband will if I ask him. He's a nice man.

TPBM is married to a nice man or woman, also.

Somehow, I don't think I need to say (again) how lucky I feel to be married to MrsHouseLibrary.
Truth be told, she's sick of me telling her that.

TPBM is likewise fortunate.

I'm very fortunate that I have good friends, good family, good health, good books, etc. So not likewise fortunate, but fortunate nonetheless. (My ex is a nice man, but wasn't a very good husband for me.)

I am touring a domestic violence shelter tomorrow. (I have a bunch of kids books for them.)

The person below me plans to or has visited some sort of charitable place recently.

No but I have been trying to shamelessly mooch lunches lately.

At one time, TPBM temporarily lost their sight.

Nope, just my voice. For weeks and weeks. Almost lost my job because of it. I sounded like Gravel Gertie for another six months after. People asked me if I was a blues singer.

TPBM sings the blues.

It's more like the ultraviolets...

TPBM is actually a pretty decent singer.

I am, although I only sing for my own amusement. My sister has the official beautiful soprano and sings in public quite a bit.

#87 SomeGuyinVirginia - my body is happily confused with the decaf. And Gevalia is wonderful coffee, so I get by on the 3% caffeine left in the decaf. I appreciate your concern, though! Prayers are welcome. I do occasionally drink caffeinated coffee - when I run out of decaf or if I'm hosting a party and people want caf. Does that count?

TPBM prefers wood pencils to mechanical pencils.

In my wood shop I prefer wood drafting pencils.

TPBM has special pen that was given to them for a special occasion.

I have several special pens (one going back to my schooldays when we were first taught to write with Italic joined up handwriting, although it no longer works - it was called an Osmiroid) from special occasions, most no longer work but I still keep them sigh.

TPBM has a cigarette/bubblegum etc card collection

I've got some old computer cards...

TPBM is a slave to new technology.

only in that my jobs is programming web apps in .Net...

TPBM is looking for a new job.

Only half-heartedly...doing the same thing in a different school district closer to home and paying more...doesn't look too hopeful, so I guess I'll just stay here (which is fine, I like it here)

TPBM has recently found a great bargain.

I finally enrolled in my retirement health plan. Besides consolidating everything under Medicare it picks up the tab for basic membership in any one of a number of fitness facilities which could be a $300 a year bargain.

The person below me can't imagine lifting weights at 65.

Yes I can, my dad is built like a bull and never lost his strength or tone but every time he gains five pounds he takes to the treadmill. Mom worked out several times a week until the steroids she took for her sarcoidosis took her down. I recommend it, Mr. D, I hope I'm in a position to exercise when I'm 65.

>>94 karenmarie, at least you're brave. That's what's going to get you through this, keep you chin up, my friend.

TPBM has been through the desert on a horse with no name.

Yes - it felt good to get out of the rain.

TPBM lives where it does not rain much.

No, we get our share of rain. We just don't get a monsoon. (Usually.)

The person below me will tell us about their favorite vacation destination.

I like Nova Scotia. Beautiful scenery, relatives to visit. It's been five years since I was there last, so I should probably go again soon.

TPBM has itchy eyes.

Not yet. I usually get a couple of weeks of severe hay fever at the beginning of June when the grass pollen kicks in.

TPBM has tried to combat an allergy with a weird diet.

No, I use more traditional drugs. (edited: to take out very bad spelling).

The person below me has used meat tenderizer on a bee sting.

Nope, never heard that one.

The summer my son was five, during a trip to an outdoor museum he complained of "a prickle" on his back. Had a quick squint down his T-shirt, saw nothing, told him he was fine. After a while he complained again. We patted his back and said, Forget it.

He did for a bit, but then had another try and this time Dummy Mummy looked properly... A great big wasp was inside his T-shirt.

Poor old David.

TPBM has a high pain threshold. And no sympathy.

Medium pain threshold, medium sympathy!

TPBM feels like stretching out sideways and rolling down a steep grassy slope.

Always, providing it hasn't been raining....anything beats sitting at a desk working on a beautiful sunny day like today.

TPBM still has a hankering for a game of marbles now and again

I do now, I haven't thought of playing in years. I wonder how much marbles cost today? I priced a pair of Keds last week and they were $50. That's just nuts.

TPBM has had a large cat, something other than a house cat, as a pet.

You're just trying to keep my blood pressure up, aren't you?

You could have simply said, "TPBM has a pet", you know...

TPBM is quite happy being petless.

Not really. But for now I have to be content sitting for other people's pets.

The person below me has some advice on how to convince s.b. that the household should adopt a pet.

promise you'll feed it and walk it everyday..

TPBM likes having as few obligations as possible in their everyday lives.

Yeah, but the children and chickens just won't go away.

The person below me has a low-maintenance spouse/significant other.

Yes. And for that I am thankful.

xorscape and JoannaON, meat tenderizer is also good to treat jellyfish stings.

TPBM knew that.

I have read that, among other urgent treatments that might be at hand, but I have never experienced either the sting or the cure. I drowned a jellyfish in freshwater, though, when I lived in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The person below me feels warmly towards cold blooded animals.

Yes, I like snakes, frogs, lizards, and such things, even though I've never owned one.

TPBM is an ailurophile.

Yes, I like the way they purr.

The person below me has seen the production of Hamlet starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart.

No, but I bet it is good.

The person below me is sometimes surprised by the position friends take on controversial issues.

Not my friends as much as one of my sons. He tends to take a position on an issue without having done any research of the pros and cons, or the consequences of either side.

TPBM is a grandparent.

Not yet - but hope is not lost!

TPBM prefers white bread to wholemeal

Oh, yes! I know I should love the fiber and goodness of whole wheat/grain, but I prefer the taste of white bread. However, I do like rye bread too. I also don't like sprouts on my sandwich.

The person below me has tried a new recipe or food lately.

Yes, I found a recipe in the Observer for tomato soup (by Sarah Brown, the PM's wife) - the trick is to halve and roast the tomatoes with garlic cloves and olive oil for 30 mins or so - it worked very well, although I'm still not voting for her husband next Thursday!

TPBM always uses their vote, even if they spoil their ballot paper to express disapproval of politicians in general.

Always, even primaries, and at times I've written in Donald Duck or Superman.

TPBM would like to vote all the bums out and get a whole new crop of bums.

Better the bum you know than a new one. . .oh wait, that's the devil you know, but that applies as well.

Sophie, would you print the entire recipe? It sounds delish.

TPBM is envious that I'm going waaay north in Washington State to see my son, grandson and daughter-in-law. It's already warm here in AZ.

#126 - okay, here it is (I've amended it slightly) -

1kg fresh vine tomatoes, halved
Some cloves of garlic, depending on how much you like keeping vampires away
One red capsicum pepper, cut into large chunks
One large potato, peeled and cut into medium chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper
Dash of Tabasco
Chopped fresh basil and/or parsley to garnish
Double cream or creme fraiche to garnish

Put the tomatoes, garlic and red capsicum pepper into a roasting tin with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, roast for 30 mins in a medium hot preheated oven.

Boil the potato in salted water (remove the potato with a slotted spoon once cooked and reserve the water).

Remove the skins from the roasted tomatoes (fiddly job), then put everything (including about 300ml of the potato water) into a food processor and whizz until smooth. Bung it back into a saucepan, heat gently and add garnish. Serve with crusty white bread.

ETA: serves four!

Okay, TPBM will now resume our regular programming!

Yes, I will.

TPBM is not overly impressed by the hype regarding the Ipad.

I am impressed by the Ipad, acttually.

TPBM likes to ride elaphants.

You know, I think I did ride an elephant once when I was a rug rat. As I get older, I dislike the idea of zoos, exhibitions with animals, and circuses. Just seems wrong now, but it didn't bother me when I was younger.

TPBM has figured out an easy way to get a frisbee of the roof.

You need a sky-hook, then it's easy.

TPBM has dreams of flying

No, I invariably have dreams of *falling* which then cause me to wake up.

The person below me is thinking about getting outside!

Just came in from mowing the lawn, actually. I'm in this constant cycle of lawn-mowing now. By the time I finish with the back yard, I have to start on the front yard again.

TPBM has a non-gas powered lawn mower.

I have a husband-powered lawnmower, same as my husband has a wife-powered dishwasher!

TPBM likes to play croquet.

I have only ever played it once, at a wedding reception, and not with any great success. Possibly there was too much champagne involved...

TPBM has a favourite summer activity.

Summer? What's that again? This IS Scotland, you know ...!

TPBM lives somewhere where summer activities are possible.

Summer activities are indeed possible here (Texas)...if you don't mind 100+ degree weather.

TPBM is currently having excellent spring weather.

At the moment, yes. But we had chilly weather yesterday and the day before, and tomorrow it's supposed to get up into the 80's. (I wish we had the midpoint tomorrow for my day trip tomorrow.)

The person below me wishes they could take a day trip to another event, and will tell us what it is.

Well, there's the Barbed Wire Festival coming up in a couple of months... {;>)

TPBM slept late this morning.

Leaped No, but I did go to bed really early, slept like a log and was a zombie until I gulped a coffee. My theory is that the government put something in the water to make us sleep and then implanted a chip in everyone for their own mysterious, nefarious ends.

I wish I could fly to Las Vegas for the day and play cards. Since for the past several nights it's been in the 40s here and tomorrow the high is going to be 90+ I probably won't even leave the a/c to drink coffee on the balcony.

TPBM is going to do something interesting and will dish.

Yes, and I already dished. :)

The person below me will do something else interesting soon, and will dish (because they haven't done so yet).

The square-dancing tractors are coming to town! We've seen them before, and they are impressive (and very funny). It's not for a couple of weeks though.

TPBM will tell us their plans for this weekend.

<pointedly sits on hands>

TBPM is watching the bottom of this page waiting for book number 51 million to appear.

I wish my plans were to go with AnnaClaire >138 because that looks awesome. Think of me when you pick up really nice yarn.

Unfortunately my plan for this weekend is to work.

TPBM has one of those funky umbrellas that looks like a duck or a frog.

144 > I am now

145 > no I don't I only have one big umbrella that sits in my golf bag.

TPBM has already been golfing this year.

I don't golf. So no.

>144: "51,001,393 books!"

The person below me wonders when we'll get to a hundred million.

The current pace is about a million a month, so four more years :-)

TPBM wonders whether Gordon will get that.

Not nearly as much as wondering who Gordon is.

TPBM tries to keep his/her books in as good condition as when s/he first got them.

I have books that have migrated from my bed, across the hallway, and into the front bedroom and the bathroom, and that I walk on.

The person below me is horrified.

I am. (I'm also aghast, but I had beans for lunch so you'd be ghast, too.)

>>149 WHL- I do try to keep books in the same condition. The only exceptions are notes I make and if it's a mass paperback and the binding is too tight I'll break it's spine. So- clean, dry and no dog ears.

TPBM has recently given many books away.

No, but I'm working at it!

The person below me brought a new book into the house this evening.

That would be me. Well, really it was MrsHouseLibrary. She got a book about touristy things to do in Boston. We have no plans to go to Boston for at least another three years, but she wants to do the research now.

TPBM doesn't usually plan that far in advance for a vacation.

We usually decide where we're going when we're halfway there.

The person below me has gone bungee jumping.

Naw, in the 'Die Young, Leave a Beautiful Corpse' department I'd rather go out sky diving. You wind up being a pair of Nike's hanging from the end of a rubber band, you're an idiot. You plow the earth from 30,000 feet and at least it'll be ok to cry at your funeral.

TPBM is going to have to give a toast sometime in the near future.

I had scrambled eggs and toast for dinner. Does that count? There may be some toasting on Mother's Day but no other kind of events planned right now.

The person below me bought some new software this week.

Does downloading new apps onto my iTouch fit the category? I did pick up apps for Twitter, Buzz and Solitaire this week.

The person below me is looking forward to someone's graduation this month. (My youngest graduates from college in two weeks!)

Not a graduation, but 2 anniversaries - on the same day.
MrsHouseLibrary and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary towards the end of the month, and Son #3 and his SO "officially" became an item 3 years ago on that same date.

Two months ago, he sent me a text message asking if we were interested in doing a double-date to mark the occasions. My response was, "We'd be honored". I suspect he's going to ask her to marry him. He'd be a fool not to.

TPBM knows what the traditional material is for a 9th anniversary.
(Can you tell I haven't had any coffee yet?)

Lets see- 6 is divorce papers so 9 must be a another beeg fat check.

>>157- Fabul-tov jillmwo. I'm sure you're proud and relieved.

TPBM has had eye surgery.

No, that was my sister. I had bladder surgery.

TPBM had surgery somewhere in between.

I had a wisdom tooth removed. That's the only surgery I've had so far, but things are just starting to fall apart now, so there's still plenty more opportunity.

TPBM has bifocals.

Not anymore. When I moved into the trifocals cadre I switched to progressives. I get two kinds, one for overall and one for reading and computering.

The person below me is old and doesn't need eye glasses.

Wishful thinking! I am at this very moment squinting through my progressives at the computer screen thinking its time for my yearly eye exam. It will have to wait until I finish getting my bottom denture though.

TPBM won't spray insecticide when the ants converge because they have souls.

Not unless there's enough in the can to also kill their souls.

Like me, TPBM has been reading all day and is kind of bored.

Actually, I bored because I have not had the chance to read at all.

TPBM is pondering how to get everything done today that needs to be done!!

Nope. The work is sitting here, staring at me, and I'm ignoring it and browsing this forum instead. It's Sunday - let it wait!

TPBM is wishing that they hadn't ate and drunk what they did last night.

No, I had a relatively mild evening. I did win BIG at poker. The biggest pot we've ever played for. (We don't play for money, but just for fun.)

The person below me would like to sleep in tomorrow.

Nope. I'm going to a 'Falconry and Raptor Fair' - never been to such a thing before and I'm quite looking forward to it.

TPBM has flown a hawk or falcon from their fist (or should that be from their wrist?).

No. I'm pretty sure that either species could take me in a fight so I keep a healthy distance.

The person below me remembers the hawk in My Side of the Mountain

I do. I also spent many years in the Shenandoah valley as a kid, and I think familiarity with the people and terrain in Where the Lilies Bloom helped form my nascent, and subsequent lifelong, distrust of authority. Funny the impact the books I read as a kid had on me. (And I still like to read kids' books.)

TPBM has raced frogs.

The frogs always win.

The person below me was good at the high jump or pole vault when they were in school.

Only when sufficiently startled.

TPBM had to read Great Expectations in high school, and will tell his/her opinions of it from back then, and now.

Hated it then. Now rather sympathise with Miss Havisham.

TPBM is mentally scarred by a book they had to read in high school.

Just the usual- The Necronomicon, Mein Kampf, De Vermis Mysteriis, and those collections of Peanuts cartoons that always bummed me out so.

TPBM was also scarred by a book they had to read in high school but then learned to defend his/herself.

Editid fer grammer and to make AC's haid splode.

No, but I am vulnerable to being scarred by things like "grammer" -- please tell me that was intentional.

The person below me is not surprised to hear I spent something like $350 at that fiber festival I went to yesterday, nor that I had to sleep late today to recover from it.

No, not surprised one bit - I am SO jealous!

TPBM couldn't get the lawn mowed this weekend because of the weather.

Nope. I got the lawn mowed nicely in between rain showers. Husband on one mower, son on the other. I had no problem at all getting the lawn mowed.

TPBM worked in the garden this weekend.

Nooo...I didn't work in my garden. I'm getting ready for a new puppy coming this week so my house has to be clean of all those tempting puppy wants to chew on them things. The garden is blooming without me...right thru the weeds.

TPBM has no clue what is so interesting about the Kentucky Derby.

You're right there. I was under the impression that hats like that went out of fashion decades ago. Are they back now?

TPBM know of a cartoon reference to the "Kerwood Derby".

Yes, and I also remember Durward Kirby, a regular on the Gary Moore show.

TPBM remembers Gary Moore.

I do.

The person below me remembers the name of the game show he hosted.

No. Mostly I remember his variety show. I do remember watching Bob Barker on Truth or Consequences.

Is a fiber fair a place to buy Metamucil? :)

The person below me owns a fancy hat.

I do! I bought it about 10 years ago for the first wedding I had ever been to, and then wore it again at another wedding a month later, and then lent it to my niece to go to a wedding in, and then wore it once more about seven years ago - another wedding. I think I've amortised the cost of the darned thing sufficiently now and should really give it to a charity shop ...!

TPBM also resents spending money on clothing that will be worn rarely.

Naw, not really, I've had a chashmere sweater from Gieves & Hawkes for years and it still makes me feel like I've just met someone new every time I wear it. But I buy jeans, etc. from Wal-Mart because they're so cheap.

TPBM collects old coins.

I do, though it's been a little while since I've added anything to the collection.

TPBM Has at least one old coin laying around the house.

Possibly. If I do it's hidden somewhere I won't be looking for it.

The person below me has at least one old, unfinished project laying around the house.

Well, I have a nightgown that I started for my mother before my kids were born. Katie's now 20 ...

TPBM always finishes what he/she starts.

Of course I do.

TPBM

As a matter of fact, I'm eating peanut butter crackers right now!

TPBM has been to some goofy event like Punkin Chunkin', the Swamp Buggy race, or the like.

Well, the pumpkin patch (very nearly a theme park) that we go to every fall has pig races - cutest little rare-breed pigs - they have cute names, and corny jokes and everything.

TPBM hadn't really considered how many different breeds of pig there are.

You're right about that.

The person below me hadn't really considered how many breeds of sheep there are.

To me, mutton is mutton.

TPBM doesn't collect stamps.

I collect dollar bills. Please send me yours.

TPBM doesn't collect anything.

Correct, I do not collect stamps. My husband and daughter do. They mostly collect them as first day covers.

TPBM has an unusual book mark.

It's unusual in that it hasn't been lost.

TPBM likes ham and peanut butter sandwiches.

Yes, but not in combination. ;)

The person below me is already looking forward to the weekend.

Since I had to work part of last weekend, I've been looking forward to next weekend since Last Monday!

TPBM isn't salaried so is not expected to put in loads of personal time for their job.

Ah yes - one of the good things about my job is that when I'm not actually doing it, I don't have to think about it.

TPBM is self-employed.

That would be me. And there's been 0 income for almost 3 years now. Working for yourself isn't all it's cracked up to be.

TPBM has actually planned for a long, happy retirement.

I did, but my employer screwed up my plans. The slob who forced me into early retirement has since been ousted, but I don't have the money I would have had had I waited until by 66th birthday. I may lose the land under my house in a decade or so. Still, retirement is much better than working.

The person below me loves their job and can't imagine not being able to go to it.

I don't love this job, but I have had jobs I loved.

TPBM has a supervisor who is clinically insane. (Not just an ass, nuts.)

Being self-employed, I'm not at liberty to say. (He's got spies EVERYWHERE!)

TPBM can recommend a movie for us to see some time this week.

Zen, The Warlords, or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

The person below me saw all of those and didn't like any of them.

I haven't seen any of those and have only heard of Girl/Tattoo. I used to go to the movies all the time.

TPBM watches telebizhun on Hulu.com.

Another cultural reference whizzes over my head. Whoosh.

TPBM has taken part in a historical re-enactment.

I've been to the Renaissance Fair. I also visited friends who are re-enactors while they were re-enacting. Sort of camping in costume.

I really enjoyed Ded Bob at the Fair.

The person below me learned to type on a manual typewriter.

Yes, I did. I managed to achieve a lightning speed of 8 words per minute, with 5 mistakes. The teacher felt so sorry for me she offered to let me redo the find exam. For highschool papers, it was faster for me to dictate the essay to my mother to type. She was blind. I now avoid keyboards as much as possible.

TPBM uses an alternative input device with their computer.

Yup, Typing Class in high school, 1974. If you passed that, and Shorthand, you could take "Secretarial Skills", and then you got to use...The Electric Typewriters!!--

TPBM also learned to use another now-antiquated piece of office machinery.

Does a keypunch machine count? I keypunched student data for Pepperdine University's School of Business and Management whie I was a student/data center employee there.

TPBM doesn't use the "call waiting" service offered by phone companies on their land line.

Oh, lots of them - old-fashioned Roneo copiers, telex machines, those infuriating typewriters/wannabe word processors with a little screen above the keyboard which stored about three lines of type - I may curse my computer occasionally, but I do appreciate it 99% of the time!

TPBM hates to run anywhere in case they trip and fall.

Having lived and now working in DC, I'm always running after or away from something.

>>209 km- I don't have a land line at home. The taxes on a phone/cable/internet package can be as high as 40% in this area, enough to be galling. I know a lot of people who've given up land lines which can only mean that the price will continue to rise as provider companies give way to knee-jerk reactions to maintain revenue.

TPBM thinks that MBA geenuzes should be held accountable for the stoopid things they sometimes think up.

MBA geenuzes can think? Huh. I thought that's why they got MBAs.

TBPM can ride a unicycle.

I don't think I've ever tried.

The person below me can ride a pogo stick.

Well, I could as a child, but I think I'd have to relearn it now, as my center of gravity has ... shifted ...

TPBM still has a favorite childhood toy.

I have a couple of little things, but mostly I was pretty hard on my toys. Books are a different story. I have lots of my childhood books.

TPBM will tell us what book they have owned the longest.

That would probably be The Forgotten General. It has a lot of history of the NY/NJ area around the time of the Revolutionary War in it, especially as it relates to the mining and processing of Iron.

I was 20, and worked in the Pattern Shop of a foundry at the time (when I bought the book, not during the Revolutionary War... I was much older then...), and it was a fellow who was slightly older than I am now who got me interested in it. He introduced me to a bookseller who had the book, and I bought it. He also introduced me to the author of Vanishing Iron Works of the Ramapos, (not touchstoning for whatever reason) which I have a signed FE of - and that would be the ~second~ oldest book that I own (as far as "in my possession" is concerned).

TPBM owns a rare book.

I had a first edition of The Bobbsey Twins but gave it to my daughter. She still has it.

TPBM used to have a collection of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy books.

karenmarie, I don't use call-waiting because I think it's rude to ask somebody to hold while you take another call. Seems like you're saying to that person "You're not very important to me, so I'll see if the other call is from a more interesting person."

Nope, but I had a collection of Hitchcock's The Three Investigators.

TPBM learned everything they need to know in kindergarten anger management class.

Yeah, they all deserve it.

The person below me believes that people are pretty much okay.

No, I have whole days when I dislike people as a general population. Quit bothering me with the piddling stuff and let me get on with what I'm really good at.

The person below me thinks we should each be employed in doing whatever it is we do really well.

I totally agree. It always amazed me that stupid bosses thought that moving a person to a job the person hated was good punishment. They never considered it is bad for business, morale, employees and work product.

214> Think slinky.

217> boo, I agree about call waiting.

The person below me also gets soap-boxy thinking about stupid bosses.

They rate right down there with pets.

TPBM has actually had a good boss (or two), as I have.

I did have one really good boss and one fairly good boss, but the best one I ever had was when I was doing some freelance programming.

TPBM likes to be self-employed.

No, I don't like it - I lllluuuurrrrvvee it!

TPBM recently had a fit of the giggles (and will tell us why, unless it was one of those "you had to be there" things!).

Giggles no, but I was talking on the phone with my brother and laughed so hard I couldn't catch my breath. I don't remember what it was about, but it had to be politics, money, or the idiosyncratic practices of some splinter group of the sexual revolution.

TPBM has a favorite stand-up comic.

I have two: Norm MacDonald and Lewis Black

TPBM has been pied in the face.

Yes, but only as a practice target for the lads in my Cub Scout Den. It worth it, too. The following weekend, my guys were the only Den which ALL of the members successfully pied the Cubmaster.

TPBM doesn't mind occasionally making a fool of ones-self, if it's for a good cause.

Only if it's for kids...I've been known to dress up as the GRinch (complete with green hair),the Cat in the Hat, Mother Goose, Despereaux, and a fairy princess...all to promote reading.

TPBM has appeared on television.

yep, I answered phones for a telethon for the local PBS Station, I got to wave to the camera between shows.

TPBM hates watching the telethons.

I watch the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon every year from start to finish. It is for a very worthy cause. It was more fun when JL was healthier and able to stay up with us all night, but fun is not really the object.

TPBM was watching the JLMDA Telethon when JL and Dino were reunited by Ol' Blue Eyes.

I wasn't, but just did: http://tiny.cc/xeb5f

TPBM gets no kick from champagne.

Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all ...

TPBM has never quit smoking (perhaps because he/she never started?)

I stopped twice. The first time was cold turkey in college, thirteen years later I started again and this time after almost two years of smoking I checked myself into a hotel on the second day and fed myself vicodin for three days until the cravings peaked. It was harder the second time, but I'd been chewing that gum for a couple of months and it has 2/4X the amount of nicotine that a cigarette does. Nicorette isn't methadone, it's crack. I used to get into fights all the time with complete strangers who felt it was their civic duty to criticize my smoking; people had become really intolerant in 15 years and I never could walk away from a bully. I gave at least three people a smugectomy.

But that's me, I'm a people person.

TPBM eschews confrontation or violence.

Whatever you say, Mr. Virginia.

TPBM has climbed a mountain.

Several! Some of them more than a couple of times.

TPBM prefers the aquatic environs for vacation.

All kinds of places are good for vacations. It just depends. You know, I think I want to go somewhere...

My brother just had his shoulder replaced. I didn't even know that was possible.

The person below me is amazed at some of the medical advances available today.

Sure is. MR scans amaze me.

TPBM knows a lot about the algorithms involved in MR scans and is still amazed.

I know about alcohol rhythms in gin and tonic cans and am always amazed that a ready prepared G & T out of a can tastes so good at the end of a long day.

TPBM has a favourite flavour of crisps/chips

I like the vinegar ones, or regular with pepper.

>>234- I should add that my grandfather and brother were both allergic to smoke, so I'd never hesitate to put it out if someone asked, I figured they had their reasons and they didn't even have to be nice about it. The problems I had where with control freaks who thought smokers were their personal bitches and susceptible to shame or coercion. It shocked me how intolerant and confrontational people had become.

TPBM likes to try unusual foods they find in a Chinese grocery store.

Only if I feel suicidal... and for the record, I never have.

TPBM has an unusual allergy.

I'm not sure how unusual it is but am allergic to chicken feathers and so cannot take flu vaccines because they are incubated in chicken eggs, which is unusual because I can eat eggs with no problem.

TPBM likes fried eggs better than scrambled.

actually I do!

TPBM can do something amazing with eggs.

I can pack 10 000 of them a day into trays and carry them to the cooler. (I only actually do all that when my husband is busy during planting and harvest seasons.) And you'd be amazed at how many egg recipes I have.

TPBM knows an egg recipe that I haven't heard of.

Yes I do. And it's going to stay that way.

TPBM agrees that eggs are not an appropriate hamburger topping.

Eggs on a hamburger? Surely you're pulling our collective legs. lol

TPBM agrees that eggs are good in chicken salad.

Why not make a sandwich multigenerational?

TBPM dislikes celery in their tuna salad.

Nope, the only time I like celery is in tuna salad.

TPBM prefers crunchy peanut butter over smooth.

Absolutely! And, I prefer "natural peanut butter", which only has peanuts and salt. Makes for interesting discussions at our house - my husband and daughter like Jif and I can't stand it, they can't stand my peanut butter.

TPBM loves toast with peanut butter (either crunchy or smooth).

Yes, I do. And someday when I'm a grandma, that'll be the "grandma's secret treat" at my house. I love how melty it gets. But I like it with butter, some people don't ... ymmv.

TPBM likes peanut butter and {something} sandwiches, and will tell us what their favorite something is.

honey, I Love PB and honey sandwiches.

TPBM has never had the pleasure of a PB & honey sandwich.

I think Peanut Butter is a good mixer and goes with most everything. I like to use my peanut butter in meat dishes, particularly like sates. Also like to rub a pork roast with peanut butter and then roll it in chopped peanuts and garlic and cilantro. Roast it in the oven - delicious!

Too slow ... but I have had the pleasure of peanut butter and honey sandwiches - yummy!

TPBM is more traditional and likes to stick with PB & J Sandwiches

I am very fond of PB & J and eat sandwiches like that with some regularity. Until! Until I saw the fat content on the "reduced-fat" version of my current brand of peanut butter. I may seriously have to consider giving it and the associated sandwiches up.

The person below me is not worried about fat content on nutrition labels.

I read them, but I remember that vegetable oils are beneficial while other fats can threaten your health. So the only worry about vegetable oils are their calorie content. Fat by weight has more calories than carbohydrates, but peanut oil is better for you than sugar.

The person below me trims their steaks of fat to the quick before eating them.

Yes! I am like Jack Sprat...I cannot abide fat! All the fat has to be cut off.

TPBM would rather eat fish than red meat.

I like fish, especially baked with lemon, but no. I like red meat better.

Back to the PB -- don't forget I mentioned somewhere above a ham and PB sandwich.

TPBM has tried or will try the PB and ham sandwich and report back to us how he or she liked it.

Okay, but don't hold your breath. Ham isn't on the menu for a couple of weeks yet.

TPBM can tell me what guava tastes like (as it's on my ~extensive~ list of foods I can't digest).

It tastes like chicken. OK, I have no idea- I think I had guava ice cream once, or maybe jelly, but I couldn't pick a guava out of a line up even if it was wearing a sign that read 'I'm the guava'. In fact, if a pear and a guava were walking down the street and the guava was wearing a shirt that read 'I'm with guava' and had an arrowing pointing to the pear, I'd probably pick the pear.

TPBM knows Strange Fruit. (Eric Massa doesn't count.)

I do, I do...the wonderful band with the even more wonderful Bill Nighy on vocals in the film Still Crazy, one of my favourite films......The Flame Still Burns!

TPBM has a favourite Batman ie the actor who played him.

I like the Brit - hang on, let me google (lift-type music...) - oh, yes, Christian Bale.

TPBM likes stargazing.

I do indeed - and now I live in Scotland, I can actually see the night sky (Manchester had far too much light pollution)!

TPBM would like to have a telescope.

No, it's too bright where I live to see much of the stars and I already know way too much about my neighbors.

Edited fer grammer (dohn splode AC!)

TPBM makes their own pickles.

Yes, though I doubt it would get much use somewhere as bright as New York City. Even if I had somewhere to store it.

No. It seems I do, however, need to make things load faster. ;)

The person below me has a lot of storage space and little to put in it.

No, the inverse problem, that's why I'm hoping to build a garage this summer.

TPBM has built a garage at sometime in the past.

A couple of them, but they weren't mine, and it was a long time ago. They were part of the log cabin homes I was helping to assemble.

TPBM still has Lincoln Logs.

I don't, but my son does. I have Tinkertoy.

TPBM plays with Lego.

Doesn't everybody?

TPBM loves Barbie dolls.

I love my 1963 blond-ponytail Barbie with all the wonderful clothes that were available for her then - satins, velvets, etc. The detail on these clothes is amazing and I remember saving up my allowances to buy the outfits.

New Barbies pale by comparison.

TPBM used to put playing cards on the spokes of their bike with clothes pins to make that fluttering wonderful engine sound.

That sounds familiar. I am aware of discussion about the dangers of virtually silent electric vehicles sneaking up on you as you cross the road, all unawares: they need a noise - maybe playing cards and clothes pegs are the answer.

TPBM will tell us what noise they would like their electric vehicle to emit - assuming that they had one.

I always liked Mr. Toad's delirious "poop, poop" in The Wind in the Willows; any electric or hybrid vehicle of the future should be sure to incorporate that sound, even if they have to fake it.

The person below me sings in the car.

Nope; driving is about my only opportunity to listen to public radio, so I don't interfere. Also, whenever I catch myself singing I am offended.

The person below me sings in public.

If I did, the public would be offended.

TPBM has taken ballroom dancing lessons.

No, but I have sung in public.

TPBM has just discovered that Piper Palin looks like his/her granddaughter when granddaughter was that age.

The interpretation of meaningless data has been attempted.

Isn't Piper the daughter of the half-Governor of Alaska? Not sure how ... OOOOH!!!! I get it now!

No. The granddaughter isn't as old as Piper was when the GOP had their brain-disconnect.

TPBM is dining at home this evening, despite the fact that it's Friday.

Piper is a cute little girl, meaningless data all!

Please continue the game. Thanks. :-)

So far it is a little over a gallon of water. I spent 7 hours doing laundry mostly at the laundromat and got dehydrated. I am not hungry, but I am eagerly rehydrating. I'll take some nutritional pills later.

The person below me thinks that pills are not the way to get their nutrients.

No, though it would be convenient to have a 'protein pill' option for times when I'm too tired to shop/cook. Another vision of the future that failed to materialise, along with the flying cars...

TPBM is engaged in some serious procrastination.

Not serious, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to arrange the Traveling Library according to the DDS and the thought of the work involved fills me with a kind of dread, so I flop down on the couch and read cheesy mysteries instead. Sometime this summer though...or at least by Thanksgiving. So yes, I guess it is serious procrastination after all.

TPBM has a favorite singer.

In non-classical fields it must be Randy Newman - not much of a voice but great songs and presentation. We are due to see him at London's Royal Festival Hall soon - if his neck is OK.

TPBM thinks nobody beats Ol' Blue Eyes

Actually, he's not all that high on my Top 40.

The person below me is spending an energetic Saturday getting things DONE!

Ooh, yes. I... er, no, didn't get around to that. I - no, not that either. I was going to do ... but then spent ages getting the baby to sleep (and then fell asleep myself). I'm still planning to - oh, it's almost Sunday. But I've still got over an hour. I'll - let me just LibraryThing first.

TPBM is going out to celebrate tomorrow!

I thoroughly expect my husband/daughter/granddaughter to take me out tomorrow. I'm thinking sushi. At which time, I will celebrate by reminding my daughter of the 23 hours of labor I endured 26 years ago.

TPBM is caught up on their housework for the week (I am, yay!)

I'm not, which is lame on my part since I don't have much of it assigned to me.

The person below me is caught up on their e-mail (personal or work).

Only as far as having ~read~ it. There are a few things I should respond to, but they can wait.

#279 - TPBM thinks nobody beats Ol' Blue Eyes...
If they had, they didn't live long enough to let anybody know...

TPBM rarely, if ever, deletes email.

I am guilty! I have over 4,000 e-mails in my inbox. I haved tried to purge but there doesn't be ever be enough to sort thru the inbox.

TPBM is having a difficult time choosing the next book to read!

Nope. I may finish The Secret Speech tonight. I've already tossed on my bed Inside the Stalin Archives in case I want to follow up on the totalitarianism and Rebecca in case I want to swing right into another novel. Not difficult.

The person below me doesn't read in bed.

I read in bed. Before sleep and upon waking. I read just about anywhere if I've got the time.

The person below me is able to juggle multiple books at the same time. (edit: I mean read another book before finishing the one or more in progress... :))

Wait -- that's what you meant? *three books land on her head*

The person below me needs one significant block of time to really immerse him/herself in a narrative rather than being able to sink in after only 20 minutes.

That does depend, of course, on the book. I found stop-start reading difficult in Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because I kept forgetting the Swedish names - same problem with Russian in Karenina and Karamazov. Usually I can happily read thrillers in short bites. I also often have memoirs or diaries by the bed for a few minutes read before the light goes out (currently Simon Gray's The Year of the Jouncer.

TPBM doesn't like to leave home without a book.

Well, there's don't like and there's not practical; I'm sure it's illegal to drive a stroller one handed with a paperback switched on, and it's definitely not safe to ignore the kids for more than 5 seconds at a time (especially if they're being silent).

TPBM has never read an e-book

Correct, I have never read an e-book. I have enough physical books in my tbr stack. I don't have any overwhelmign desire to have a Kindle, Nook, or any other e-book reader at this time. Maybe sometime down the road I'll change my mind, but I doubt it.

TPBM mostly reads library books.

Yep, only becuase I cant afford to buy the books I want.

TPBM has over 200 books in their library.

By an order of magnitude!

TPBM couldn't possibly read all of the books s/he currently owns before checking out to the Great Library in the Sky (where all late fees are waived).

Oh! Happy Mother's Day (to all of you who qualify).

That would be me. One of my biggest regrets will be all the books I never got to read before dying! lol

TPBM sent flowers to their mom for Mothers Day.

My mother's dead, but I talked to my aunt for a while. She's a wonderful woman -- 86 years old, and I can't keep up with her.

TPBM also has a wonderful aunt.

No, my aunt is insane. I'd like to say she's insane in an interesting way, like Auntie Mame meets Tennessee Williams, but she's not. She is, however, insane in a southern way, so she may have a radically unstructured inner life but she knows which fork to use for the fish course and sends thank you notes once any charges are dropped.

TPBM puts cinnamon on everything.

Only on toast.

You made me laugh talking about being insane in a Southern way! I've known some old ladies like that.

TPBM has a wonderful aunt who is not insane.

And what would be the fun in that?

TPBM has relatives s/he'd rather not discuss.

No comment.

TPBM is stranger than his or her relatives.

Well, that's an interesting thought.

Baby Sister's husband says he loves his two sister-in-laws, because he can win at any "my in-laws are so weird" discussion: "You think yours are strange? I've got a Swami and a Witch!"

I like to say that all children deserve an eccentric aunt. Baby Sister's children are doubly blessed.

TPBM counts other things as blessings.

I count many things as blessings, but sadly (for all my friends who have kids) not children. Invitations to my house over the years always have a P.S.....pls leave the screeching, yelling, annoying little things behind!

TPBM likes to eat someting that makes a lot of other people go yuk!!

Pickled eggs!

TPBM likes another peculiar foodstuff.

Well, I do have a penchant for pickled pig feet. :)

TPBM enjoys a glass of wine every now and then.

Sure do. My grandfather was the last member of the family who was fond of pigs feet.

TPBM has a relative who has just turned 18.

My son turned 18 this past February - it goes SO fast.

TPBM has a grandchild.

Indirectly, yes. She is the granddaughter of MrsHouseLibrary. I love her as if she was my own anyway. It's easy.

TPBM came from a large family.

Newp, my parents had two kids and there never where many of the SGiV's to begin with.

TPBM has to buy birthday cards in bulk.

With three children, ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren (with another on the way), seven sets of in-laws and their spouses, various other relatives, I probably should. It would be cheaper.

TPBM has found that some discount stores have really pretty and/or humorous cards ranging in price from $.50 to $1.50,

Sure, Wal-Mart and Target both. I went into a Hallmark store and asked if they had a 'congrats on your divorce' card and they laughed. Guess not, but if they did it would cost $5.49. They should, in my age category it would sell like hot cakes. I like those cards of b/w shots and no message inside. I also like gawd-awful, garish post cards, but it seems to take longer for them to be delivered.

TPBM collects old paperbacks for their loud covers.

No, I prefer the hushed murmurs of hardcover books, preferably nearly-inaudible First Editions.

TPBM is ready to go to bed.

Why, yes.

TPBM is just getting started.

I just awoke from a nap and have some checking account matters to go over.

The person below me is actually up for the night.

Up for the night --Nothing! --Iʻve been resolving to leave this keyboard for the past 20 -- (looking at his watch) er-- I mean 40 minutes.

And off he dashes...

TPBM has been consulting his/her reference books.

oh, to say the least! I have my dictionary and thesaurus on my desk. I am trying to keep up with the SCRABBLE games.

TPBM is obsessively/compulsively checking their unread messages on LibraryThing.

Why, yes, I am. How did you know I would be here?

TPBM is expecting nasty weather today.

well since it's here there is no 'expecting'

TPBM is going to have a sunny day.

Sunny in the sky, not so sunny down here on earth if you get my drift...

TPBM thinks stronger coffee might do the trick

The only thing stronger coffee isn't good for is getting to sleep. And if you chug enough to get the 'ritalin effect' it would probably do that, too. Seriously, I don't even feel clear and present until I've had a cup.

>>316 For the past two days we've had perfect fall weather here.

TPBM plays golf.

I call it golf, everyone else justs ducks and covers!

TPBM would rather go swimming than play golf on a hot summer day

No, the perfect combination for a hot summer day is a book, an air conditioner, and a glass of iced tea.

The person below me is sedentary.

Yes, but not by choice.

TPBM had tornadoes all around last night but lucked out, yet again. Yay!

Nope and even now hardly "A wind is rising".

TPBM knows the short story by Robert Sheckley to which I'm referring.

Nope, sounds like sci-fi?

TPBM survived an explosion.

No, but my Grandma survived the Halifax Explosion. She was only five years old and was walking to school. Her sister was killed right beside her, and her mother also died. Their entire neighbourhood was completely destroyed. The experience was horrific, and she had vivid memories of it all her life.

TPBM will share a fascinating story about an ancestor.

I suppose it depends on what you deem "fascinating". An uncle of mine made the eagles that gaze out from the Chrysler Building in NYC, plus lots of other things I could mention.

TPBM, likewise, has a relative/ancestor of some notoriety.

Not that I know of. We're sort of boring I guess.

325> Sylvia, I had to look up the Halifax Explosion. What a terrible thing! (For those who don't know, the Halifax Explosion occurred on December 6, 1917, when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour, one fully loaded with wartime explosives. About 2,000 people were killed by debris, fires, collapsed buildings, or the resulting tsunami and it is estimated that over 9,000 people were injured. The next day a blizzard dropped 40 centimetres (16 in) of snow on the community. The explosion killed more Nova Scotian residents than World War I itself. From Wikipedia)

Back to message 300> Phae, are you the Swami or the Witch?

The person below me knows.

I know nothing. That's why I need so many reference books.

TPBM will tell us the first thing that they will ban when they become evil overlord.

Stupidity.

The person below me would ban greed first instead.

I think so. The greedy are generally quicker on the uptake, and their feet, than the stupid so we'll start the banning with them - then get around to the stupid. *mwwaaahaahaahaahaaaa!*

TPBM thinks we should all live together in peace and harmony

i think all YOU should live together in peace and harmony, i want to remain a crabby old grump thanks very much!

TPBM believes (really) in reincarnation

No. I (really) don't.

The person below me wants to remain a crabby old grump, just like Carrotlady! I think the world needs more grumps.

As I was a crabby young grump, I just naturally became a crabby old grump. I've decided I'm going to become an eccentric old lady, just payback to my kid as he is part of the reason I'm as wiggy as I am now.

TPBM will tell us a fact about themselves that no one would ever guess.

I'm drawn to people who's eyes are spaced far apart.

>>328 puddleshark- I'd do away with right on red for drivers, or as I call it 'Rt. 1 Roulette'.

TPBM would do something else as evil overlord.

Ah yes ... I'd force everyone to wear comfy shoes! Mwahahaha! That should minimize the grump factor. Dressy occasions would be excepted, of course.

TPBM already knows who their first minion will be ... and how they will subdue them to their will!

Sorry. I'm NOT a Pet Person.

TPBM doesn't even particularly having plants in his/her domicile.

Oh, but I do. What I don't like is having to water them. And the comfy shoe thing...that includes dressy occasions if I was the evil overlord!

TPBM thinks having a pet means exclaiming at a huge dustbunny "Oh isn't he cute!"

No, having a pet means tolerating the arrogance of a hardwired personality.

The person below me will enter message number 339.

Yes, but 339 sounds so impersonal so I'm going to call it Alvin.

TPBM is, like me, sick of this day and is going to pull the curtains, jump in bed and read Donovan's Brain or something equally unimproving until they mercifully fall into the all-embracing arms of Morpheus. It was wise of the Greeks to make sleep masculine, because men will sleep with anything.

My sympathies, SGV, but I am not sick of my day. I will however (in a spirit of comraderie) join you in reading a good book -- Julian Symons' The Blackheath Poisonings -- to stave off any dark mood.

The person below me played a game today.

No one has found me yet!

TPBM likes the taste of asparagus.

Mmmmm, yes, I love asparagus.

TPBM likes cooked spinach.

too late. Yes I like spinach very much!

The person below me has doctor appointments coming up.

That's not for a couple of weeks yet. Tomorrow is another appointment with the Physical Therapist.

TPBM feels that if it's physical, it's therapy.

Yes, I do. I just hate when they ask me to do something that I just can't do, but I will say that the therapy made my leg stronger.

The person below me has tried acupuncture.

I used to be the office manager and personal assistant to an acupuncturist, so yes, I had a lot of acupuncture. Sometimes it was my job to pull the needles out. I was always amazed at how far in they went.

PS: I'm the Witch. Big Sister is Swami Hastananda.

TPBM has been called something else.

Yes, but I can't say what it is in polite company. What's that, you say? I forgot where I was? Oh.

TPBM also forgets where he or she is on occasion.

Occasionally, when half-awake (I've lived in more than 20 different homes in my adult life, so it's excusable!).

TPBM has one of those annoying itchy labels at the back of their T-shirt/sweater/whatever.

I might - if I was wearing anything.

TPBM is disturbed by TMI.

Always. TMI about your state of dress is minor, WHL, in the constant barrage of information, truth, lies, and trivia bombarding us every day all the time.

TPBM watches TV news avidly.

I haven't seen TV news since January when I was on vacation.

TPBM gets their news from the 'net

Actually, I get most of mine from BBC World Service (since my car DVD player is displaying an error message, we can only listen to the radio. My 6-year old is actually starting to like it now), and occasionally I manage to read the papers, in between spooning food into one or other of the kids (they could both live on air quite happily, otherwise).

TPBM knows how to spell 'occasionally' without having to use the spell-check :D

My spelling ability is low and chronic. Spell check ranks right up there with pizza delivery as far as I'm concerned.

TPBM has recently gotten a tattoo.

No, I've been waiting for a couple years for my sister to finish drawing it. I've got about 8 years between the first 2 so she has a couple more before I'm ready for the next one.

TPBM has a very large tattoo.

I have no tattoos, but I have a very large scar (surgical) - starts about half-way up my right thigh and ends around the top of the corresponding butt cheek, a few inches from my spine.

TPBM doesn't understand people's fascination with body piercings.

Nope, I sure don't. One tiny hole in each earlobe is enough for me, plus one discrete tattoo where my mother will never see it.

TPBM wonders what some Urban Primitives will think of their body art when they are in their 80s.

Not me! I know they'll be thinking "droopy".

TPBM has a Class Reunion this year.

No, but my husband's elementary school, which my children now attend, will be having its 50th anniversary celebration this summer.

TPBM has deep roots in his or her community.

I've lived in this house for thirty seven years. I am on the board of directors of my condominium association. I have run unsuccessfully from time to time for a seat on the local citizens' advisory panel to government. I have worked at the polls. I have taken an interest in and participate in workshops about transit in and through the community. I have buried cats in my backyard...

The person below me comes and goes.

I've lost track of how many times I've moved. My record was 10 times in two years.

TPBM can beat that.

I could, but it'd be cheating (in my opinion). Back in 1977, my then-wife and I moved out of the Adirondacks (in late June), stayed with my folks in NJ for a week, took 50 days to bicycle from there to Florida, stayed in 7 places during the month that we were there, flew back to NJ, stayed at ~her~ parents place for a week, and moved twice before the end of the year.

There were 10 days of he bicycle trip where we did less than 10 miles, so presuming that we stayed at the same place on those nights, we moved 52 times in 6 months.

TPBM thinks that constitutes cheating, too.

I can't get past the whole bicycling to Florida thing. It would have been less wear and tear to just put a stationary bike in a steam room.

TPBM is a competitive marksman/woman/carbon-based life form.

I only shoot my mouth off. Of course, I do a lot of trying to get foot out of said mouth afterwards.

The person below me has a blister.

On two fingers. From getting a pan of cornbread out of the oven.

TPBM would have known the pan was hot. Duh!

I hope I would! Talking of hot things, the other night I didn't turn the gas hob off (it's easy to miss that it's still alight when it's on low) and then tossed my oven mitts on the hob - yup, flames ensued! Luckily I was in the kitchen when they went up, and I assume they were treated with something flame retardant, but it could have been nasty ...

TPBM has also had a recent lucky escape.

Yes, I found out I wasn't pregnant after all.

TPBM will tell us what they think is the coolest name ever.

Well, I am rather partial to "Anna Claire" :)

The person below me will tell us something they've misread recently.

In my boss's email Inbox, to which I also have access, I mis-read the heading of an email (following a recent refurbishment project) as SHAGGING LIST - it said SNAGGING LIST.

TPBM once found something in their partner's/child's coat pocket they wish they hadn't found

Nothing more exciting than candy that has gone through the washing machine. Oh, and silly putty once--that was pretty yucky.

The person below me has rhubarb.

I've wondered whether it would grow in my mostly shady little backyard. I know it doesn't take much care. But, no, so far I don't have rhubarb, not even in the refrigerator.

The person below me shops at a farmers' market.

No; if one were convenient I'd at least go, but I'm not a foodie so it seems like a chore to search one out. If I did go, my incentive would be to support local farmers rather than the quality of the food.

>>366- Ish Kabibble. Is also up there on the Coolest Word Ever scale.

TPBM supports the local arts. (Yarn fairs count, memberships to strip clubs don't ((more's the pity.)))

Yes! I am a member of the local Arts League.

TPBM has signed up for LibraryThing's Children's Week Readathing today!

No. No time this week. Impending arrival of family later in the week so at some point, I've got to make this house presentable.

The person below me is not looking forward to cleaning the bathroom. (Well, okay, who does?)

Darn it. You had to go and remind me. Now I'm going to feel guilty for being on LT instead of cleaning that blasted bathroom.

TPBM just keeps their place clean all the time, so they never have to catch up.

Ha! Don't get me started. We moved house after renovating it ... 2 and a half years ago, so we had boxes in all the 'spare rooms' (study, guest room). I've got rid of the boxes, but I'm still trying to get the house looking pristine. Mind you, I have been interrupted along the way by hubby's folks staying for several months as soon as we moved in, a risky pregnancy, a baby (who is now one), and mold on my precious bookshelves - but there are far more interesting things to do. There may be a glimmer in the far, far distance ...

TPBM has the latest technology in household gadgets (so they do the cleaning for them?)

The Swiffer, it gets up everything. I love it beyond all decorum.

TPBM has been lost in the woods.

I took a wrong turn once, but never considered myself "lost".

TPBM finds coins on the ground often.

Yes, although they're not rare and usually very low denomination (pennies and nickels.) I did find a dime last week. I usualy find money on the ground about every other week or so.

TPBM has put a hummingbird feeder out this spring.

edited for spelling

It wouldn't do much good where I am. But some sparrows built a nest where a brick is missing under some roof flashing and they've got baby birds, so for the last few days I've been tearing up a slice of bread and throwing it on the balcony.

TPBM went to the movies last night.

Yesterday afternoon I was on my back porch headed for The Unbroken, but I ended up in bed for a nap instead. Maybe later in the week.

The person below me will do something recreational today.

Of course. I'm here, aren't I?

TPBM was thinking of more physical recreation and knows what Mr. House would answer.

I have no idea what anyone will say anymore. I stand before you completely bemused and befuddled.

The person below me has been surprised by something today.

Yes: a fox on my walk in the forest.

TPBM did something astonishing today.

Can't say that I did.
I was planning to, but MrsHouseLibrary (she was away on her annual "Big Girl Weekend"), called to say that her van wouldn't start. So, I drove about 70 miles to help her out. Battery is good, plenty of gas, all fuses and relays are good, but no ignition. So, it's either a clogged fuel line or the ignition system itself - neither of which I can get to. The most useful tool I brought with me was my laptop. The town has Wi-Fi EVERYWHERE! So I was able to get recommendations for a mechanic, and get a tow truck.

Now I forget what I was planning to astonish the lovely MrsHouseLibrary by doing.

Ah well...

TPBM has a load of laundry going right about now.

Nope, and I'd rather be stuck in an elevator with James Lipton than be in the laundry room on a Sunday night. Hungover freaks. Not the good kind.

TPBM will not buy a book for the next month or more.

That's possible. Unlikely, but possible.
(Note that I avoided the obvious response about not buying "a" book, but many.)

The person below me has used the word "flabbergasted" in conversation.

My gast is frequently flabbered.

TPBM has used the word "discombobulated" in conversation.

Actually, I have. Not recently though.

The person below me has at least one word that he or she struggles with pronunciation of. (I love ending sentences with prepositions. I even did a term paper on it in college a thousand years ago. :))

temp'ry ... We'nsday .... harder ones that I can't think of right now ... my husband's surname that I was landed with 12 years ago, today.

TPBM dislikes TLAs

Well, now I'm discombobulated because I have no idea what a TLA might be so I don't really know if I can accurately state whether I would dislike multiples of it/them. (I need coffee and/or lunch)

The person below me is really okay with drinking instant.

Nevah! I will substitute NoDoze if I'm in a hurry or will be in the air all day.

TPBM collects buttons.

Yes, because they fall off clothes, and one year I will (I will) get around to sewing them back on. (Till then, family will have to manage with safety-pins and gaps in their button sequences)

(ps - TLAs are three letter acronyms)

TPBM went to Hawaii for their honeymoon

Nope. Never been there. And never been married.

The person below me has a good cure for itchy bug bites.

Bug bites never seem to bother me much. Lavender or tea tree oil might work.

TPBM is in full denial of something.

I'm sure I have NO idea what you're talking about ...

TPBM has a piggy bank.

In the living room on the mantle. We only put quarters in it. We broke it once and got out about $250, glued it back together, put a few quarters in, and it's languished for about 5 years.

TPBM recently found something they thought they'd lost forever.

I wish I could find my brain - but I've forgotten where I put it.

TPBM thinks 'Avatar' should have won, ahead of the 'Hurt Locker'

Won what? It would win if listed alphabetically...

TPBM has (unlike MrsHouseLibrary) a reliable mode of transportation.

Depends how you define "reliable" -- the MTA and its subways may or may not fit the bill.

The person below me doesn't have any idea what I meant.

I do, and apparently you can always get a light from the conductor on the DC sub'emway. Feeling the cars judder over a suicide is a crappy way to start the day, too. The first time it happens you're traumatized. After that and the inevitable hour long delay, you sit there wishing they are really most sincerely dead.

TPBM is a people person.

No, but I just forge on.

But I collect buttons!

http://www.ohiobuttons.org/WinningTrays/2007_Winners/WinningTrays.html

TPBM really needed their umbrella today.

No -- at least not yet. Not sure what the commute home will dump on me. (Pollen, most likely.)

The person below me has had some serious pollen problems lately.

Not me personally, but my son developed a sinus infection from his allergies to all the blooming things.

TPBM has had a major surgery recently.

No, I've never had any surgery more major than the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth.

TPBM has participated in an outbreak of pinkeye.

More than once, but fortunately always as the dispenser-of-goop, and never as a goopee.

TPBM has never had chicken pox.

I had it BAD as a kid. But I'll never get it again:)

TPBM has seen too many kids' shows this week...

Nope, but I did Archer for the first time, a funny animated spoof of spys on the FX channel.

TPBM knows how long the Simpsons will stay on air.

Sure! We all do.

TPBM is feeling sleepy, although it's still too early to go to bed.

Yeah, and the way to fill the time is to get the accounts caught up, the thought of which makes me sleepier.

The person below me is chipper as a spider monkey.

Gawd, that awful! Who would throw a monkey in a wood...oh. So no. Plus, PLUS, I'm out of coffee! I just went into the lab and I've got about 20 beans, so I'll be having Space Coffee tomorrow morning (NoDoze and Red Bull.)

TPBM is evaluating their stacks with the Zombie Apocalypse Tipping Point (TM)- when hell is full and the dead walk the earth to feast on the flesh of the living, where do you draw the, admittedly painful, line on the 10 or 20% of books you'd keep and ejecting the rest?

No. No. No. No. You must keep all of them. By order of the ZATP Commander.

TPBM has a plan for when the Zombies take over.

Put a vacant look on my face, drool a bit and shuffle slowly - Blend in.

The Night of the Living Dead that I saw back in the 1970's at the local drive-in was one of the scariest movies I ever saw.

TPBM will tell us their scariest movie.

The Haunting (the original, not that crappy remake) - it still terrifies me!

TPBM has a great idea for a title for TPBM #38.

The best I can do is "38! That's just great." I'm afraid to use it.

The person below me has more, ah, courage to name the next thread.

Nope. I can't even come up with any witticism for the thread title, let alone one to beat yours.

The person below me can come up with just such a witticism. And therefore must already be fully caffeinated.

Link to new thread.