Anticipated Stranger,
by John Ashbery
as read in The New Yorker
the bruise will stop by later.
For now, pain pauses in its round,
notes the time of day, the patient's temperature,
leaves a memo for the surrogate: what the hell
did you think you were doing? I mean...
Oh well, less said the better, they all say.
I'll post this at the desk.
God will find the pattern and break
it.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Another Survey
Why don't you date your ex?
I don't want to. She's an ex for a reason.
Have you been kissed by someone who's name starts with a T?
yes
Does anyone call you babe or baby?
yes
Have you ever liked someone older than you?
yes
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Zoe
Have you ever regretted letting someone go?
no
Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?
no, not really
Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?
my dad and Josh
Do you regret going out with any of your exs?
not really. I learned from it.
Are your parents religious?
yes
Are you wearing any patterns right now?
no, just polar bear pajamas
If you were to get up from your computer, and turn to the right and take four steps...?
I would still be in the living room
How many pictures are currently stored in your digital camera?
30-some?
Did anything surprising happen today?
I went to a movie.
Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?
no, I don't think so. No one said anything at least.
What exactly are you wearing right now?
pajamas
Did you dance today?
no
What does your hair look like right now?
brown
What all happened today?
teaching, grading, office hours, chatting with Zoe, nap, chatting with Zoe, movie, chatting with Zoe, Golden Girls
Who was the last person that called you?
Zoe
Are you male or female?
female
How often do you listen to music?
usually every day
Did you cry today?
no
Where is your cell phone?
plugged in in the kitchen
Name a friend who has the same cell phone provider that you do:
nearly everyone does. Judith, Zoe, my family
Did you run anywhere today?
no
Have you ever kissed anyone 30 or older?
yes
Have you held hands with somebody in the past week?
yes
Do you think you're approachable?
yes, I try to be
Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you and meant it?
just my dad
How did you get your scars?
tape dispenser, scissors, stupid accidents
Have you ever had pink eye?
nope
Did the last person you made out with have piercings or tattoos?
one tattoo and pierced ears although no earrings
How many different Bands/Artists have you seen live?
i don't know
When you last got dressed, did you put on your bottoms or your top first?
bottoms
Do you ever wish you could go back and change the friends you picked?
no, never
Name one person you don't see as much as you wish:
Zoe
Ready for kids?
not yet, but in a couple of years
If you had to choose to be an animal, which one would you be?
a cat
Last myspace message was from?
my cousin Mike
Is anyone over protective over you?
Zoe, my parents
Ever kissed someone you regretted after?
yes
Have you kissed anyone when their name started with J?
yes
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so. I'm planning on it.
What were you doing at 10pm Saturday night?
spending time with Zoe
Does anyone love you?
yes
Have you done anything sneaky lately?
no
What time did you go to bed last night?
11
I don't want to. She's an ex for a reason.
Have you been kissed by someone who's name starts with a T?
yes
Does anyone call you babe or baby?
yes
Have you ever liked someone older than you?
yes
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Zoe
Have you ever regretted letting someone go?
no
Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?
no, not really
Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?
my dad and Josh
Do you regret going out with any of your exs?
not really. I learned from it.
Are your parents religious?
yes
Are you wearing any patterns right now?
no, just polar bear pajamas
If you were to get up from your computer, and turn to the right and take four steps...?
I would still be in the living room
How many pictures are currently stored in your digital camera?
30-some?
Did anything surprising happen today?
I went to a movie.
Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?
no, I don't think so. No one said anything at least.
What exactly are you wearing right now?
pajamas
Did you dance today?
no
What does your hair look like right now?
brown
What all happened today?
teaching, grading, office hours, chatting with Zoe, nap, chatting with Zoe, movie, chatting with Zoe, Golden Girls
Who was the last person that called you?
Zoe
Are you male or female?
female
How often do you listen to music?
usually every day
Did you cry today?
no
Where is your cell phone?
plugged in in the kitchen
Name a friend who has the same cell phone provider that you do:
nearly everyone does. Judith, Zoe, my family
Did you run anywhere today?
no
Have you ever kissed anyone 30 or older?
yes
Have you held hands with somebody in the past week?
yes
Do you think you're approachable?
yes, I try to be
Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you and meant it?
just my dad
How did you get your scars?
tape dispenser, scissors, stupid accidents
Have you ever had pink eye?
nope
Did the last person you made out with have piercings or tattoos?
one tattoo and pierced ears although no earrings
How many different Bands/Artists have you seen live?
i don't know
When you last got dressed, did you put on your bottoms or your top first?
bottoms
Do you ever wish you could go back and change the friends you picked?
no, never
Name one person you don't see as much as you wish:
Zoe
Ready for kids?
not yet, but in a couple of years
If you had to choose to be an animal, which one would you be?
a cat
Last myspace message was from?
my cousin Mike
Is anyone over protective over you?
Zoe, my parents
Ever kissed someone you regretted after?
yes
Have you kissed anyone when their name started with J?
yes
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so. I'm planning on it.
What were you doing at 10pm Saturday night?
spending time with Zoe
Does anyone love you?
yes
Have you done anything sneaky lately?
no
What time did you go to bed last night?
11
Another Survey
What were you doing at midnight last night?
sleeping
Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
no
Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?
yes, Zoe and my sister
What are you listening to right now?
Golden Girls
Have you kissed anybody in the last 5 days?
yes :)
How's your heart lately?
wonderful :)
Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person?
i don't text
Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
with Zoe
Will next friday be a good one?
it will be okay. I'll probably go to a reading.
When was the last time something bothered you?
Friday, at the creative writing meeting
Are you a jealous person?
sometimes
Done anything illegal lately?
no
Describe your life in one word?
happy :)
Do you think age matters in relationships?
yes, actually. I didn't use to think so, but I do now. I like dating someone who is so close to my age. We're only three months apart.
If you could make your lips bigger, would you?
no
Have you ever lived with a girlfriend/boyfriend?
yes
Who did you last eat Chinese food with?
I don't remember.
Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
for Christmas two years ago
Are you wearing a necklace; who got it for you?
yes and Zoe
In the past week have you felt sad?
only when I left Zoe's yesterday
What were you doing at 9:00 am?
standing in line at Starbucks
When was the last time you cried?
I'm not sure
Do you have any obsessions right now?
netflix, cats
Would you like to put any night on repeat, and live it forever?
perhaps last Saturday
What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?
I got to chat with Zoe :)
What do you wear to bed?
pajamas unless I'm sleeping in good company...
Is anything alive in your room?
Mr. Willie
Would you ever live with someone who didn't accept your pets?
no, my cats are part of the bargain if someone wants to live with me. luckily I'm with another cat lover
What is one thing you would love to happen tomorrow?
Zoe to show up on my doorstep :)
Where will you be 2 hours from now?
in bed
What are you doing tomorrow?
playing handbells, maybe watching Frost/Nixon, and of course chatting with the fabulous Zoe
What about the following day?
teaching, grading papers, chatting with Zoe
Do you have anything in your pockets right now?
I'm in pocketless jammies
What were you doing at 1 this afternoon?
teaching
Would you immediately look for someone right after you and your bf/gf broke up?
no, not usually, but if someone comes along I don't object.
Do you always have to have something to drink when you eat?
yes
What color is your digital camera?
silver
Where was your default picture taken?
in Venice or in my kitchen, depending on which you're looking at
Something you do a lot?
chat with Zoe and grade papers
Do you want to see somebody right now?
yes, Zoe
How many piercings do you have?
just my ears
How do you pronounce your name?
just like it's spelled?
Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?
yes, but most people spell it differently
Do you like to take naps?
yes, but I don't take nearly as many as I used to
Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?
not usually, but sometimes
How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
sleeping
Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
no
Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?
yes, Zoe and my sister
What are you listening to right now?
Golden Girls
Have you kissed anybody in the last 5 days?
yes :)
How's your heart lately?
wonderful :)
Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person?
i don't text
Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
with Zoe
Will next friday be a good one?
it will be okay. I'll probably go to a reading.
When was the last time something bothered you?
Friday, at the creative writing meeting
Are you a jealous person?
sometimes
Done anything illegal lately?
no
Describe your life in one word?
happy :)
Do you think age matters in relationships?
yes, actually. I didn't use to think so, but I do now. I like dating someone who is so close to my age. We're only three months apart.
If you could make your lips bigger, would you?
no
Have you ever lived with a girlfriend/boyfriend?
yes
Who did you last eat Chinese food with?
I don't remember.
Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
for Christmas two years ago
Are you wearing a necklace; who got it for you?
yes and Zoe
In the past week have you felt sad?
only when I left Zoe's yesterday
What were you doing at 9:00 am?
standing in line at Starbucks
When was the last time you cried?
I'm not sure
Do you have any obsessions right now?
netflix, cats
Would you like to put any night on repeat, and live it forever?
perhaps last Saturday
What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?
I got to chat with Zoe :)
What do you wear to bed?
pajamas unless I'm sleeping in good company...
Is anything alive in your room?
Mr. Willie
Would you ever live with someone who didn't accept your pets?
no, my cats are part of the bargain if someone wants to live with me. luckily I'm with another cat lover
What is one thing you would love to happen tomorrow?
Zoe to show up on my doorstep :)
Where will you be 2 hours from now?
in bed
What are you doing tomorrow?
playing handbells, maybe watching Frost/Nixon, and of course chatting with the fabulous Zoe
What about the following day?
teaching, grading papers, chatting with Zoe
Do you have anything in your pockets right now?
I'm in pocketless jammies
What were you doing at 1 this afternoon?
teaching
Would you immediately look for someone right after you and your bf/gf broke up?
no, not usually, but if someone comes along I don't object.
Do you always have to have something to drink when you eat?
yes
What color is your digital camera?
silver
Where was your default picture taken?
in Venice or in my kitchen, depending on which you're looking at
Something you do a lot?
chat with Zoe and grade papers
Do you want to see somebody right now?
yes, Zoe
How many piercings do you have?
just my ears
How do you pronounce your name?
just like it's spelled?
Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?
yes, but most people spell it differently
Do you like to take naps?
yes, but I don't take nearly as many as I used to
Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?
not usually, but sometimes
How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Because I'm Not Going Anywhere Anytime Soon
The Year in Review
by Willie, the big and fuzzy black cat
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
adopted a Mommy and sister
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I adopted a Mommy, so yes. This year, I've resolved to get a taller cat tree.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no. but I saw a lot of little kittens. I'm not sure where they came from.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sometimes that happens in cat shelters, but none of my good friends did.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited the V.E.T., which is certainly on another planet. I have a major cross-state trip planned for tomorrow. I'm going to meet my two new big sisters and play with my second mother.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a very tall cat tree, one that goes clear to the ceiling
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 22 because that was when I adopted my Mommy.
May 13 because I had my first birthday party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
definitely adopting my family
9. What was your biggest failure?
I kept getting my nails trimmed. This boy does not like mani-pedi's, even if Mommy says they are manly.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, but I did get an icky shot that made me fevered and sluggish.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
definitely my Christmas mice, although Mommy says I didn't really buy those.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
my Mommy's clearly, because she saw right away what a handsome and loving boy I am
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my sister's. She isn't sure if she likes me still :( I'm trying to charm her still. I even share my toys with her by putting them in her water dish!
14. Where did most of your money go?
was I supposed to have money?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
getting a new Mommy!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Ireland, I'm Coming Home" by Garth Brooks
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? much richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
riding on Mommy's shoulders and telling her I love her
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
getting my nails trimmed
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it home alone :( Mommy says next year, we'll all be together as a big furry family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
say what? I often stood on the back of the couch by myself at night. Does that count?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
anything on Court TV
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Christmas Cat
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jingle Cats
27. What did you want and get?
and new Mommy :)
28. What did you want and not get?
a very tall cat tree
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mamma Mia!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got two new mice, ate Fancy Feast with my sister, and turned one!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a very tall cat tree and perhaps a long hallway to run up and down
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
black and chic
33. What kept you sane?
snuggle time with Mommy, numerous naps
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8. I want my mommies to be able to get legally married.
36. Who did you miss?
my Mommy over Christmas break :( She's back now!
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My Mommy and then my second Mommy
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
When you find someone you can't live without, wrap yourself around her neck like a feather boa and purr your head off. It's irresistible.
by Willie, the big and fuzzy black cat
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
adopted a Mommy and sister
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I adopted a Mommy, so yes. This year, I've resolved to get a taller cat tree.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no. but I saw a lot of little kittens. I'm not sure where they came from.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sometimes that happens in cat shelters, but none of my good friends did.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited the V.E.T., which is certainly on another planet. I have a major cross-state trip planned for tomorrow. I'm going to meet my two new big sisters and play with my second mother.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a very tall cat tree, one that goes clear to the ceiling
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 22 because that was when I adopted my Mommy.
May 13 because I had my first birthday party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
definitely adopting my family
9. What was your biggest failure?
I kept getting my nails trimmed. This boy does not like mani-pedi's, even if Mommy says they are manly.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, but I did get an icky shot that made me fevered and sluggish.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
definitely my Christmas mice, although Mommy says I didn't really buy those.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
my Mommy's clearly, because she saw right away what a handsome and loving boy I am
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my sister's. She isn't sure if she likes me still :( I'm trying to charm her still. I even share my toys with her by putting them in her water dish!
14. Where did most of your money go?
was I supposed to have money?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
getting a new Mommy!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Ireland, I'm Coming Home" by Garth Brooks
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? much richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
riding on Mommy's shoulders and telling her I love her
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
getting my nails trimmed
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it home alone :( Mommy says next year, we'll all be together as a big furry family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
say what? I often stood on the back of the couch by myself at night. Does that count?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
anything on Court TV
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Christmas Cat
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jingle Cats
27. What did you want and get?
and new Mommy :)
28. What did you want and not get?
a very tall cat tree
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mamma Mia!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got two new mice, ate Fancy Feast with my sister, and turned one!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a very tall cat tree and perhaps a long hallway to run up and down
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
black and chic
33. What kept you sane?
snuggle time with Mommy, numerous naps
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8. I want my mommies to be able to get legally married.
36. Who did you miss?
my Mommy over Christmas break :( She's back now!
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My Mommy and then my second Mommy
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
When you find someone you can't live without, wrap yourself around her neck like a feather boa and purr your head off. It's irresistible.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Year in Review
via frog
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
tried chemistry.com
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I didn't make any last year, and I'm still deciding whether to make any for this year. I kind of have an ongoing list of goals anyway.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
a couple of college friends. three, actually.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so. Not in 2008.
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I am planning on living with Zoe starting this summer.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 6, the day I starting corresponding with Zoe
November 8, the day I met Zoe in person
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I found the love of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
letting a previous relationship drag on for far, far too long. It's one I should never have been in anyway.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
yes. I was sick most of the spring with the flu/strep throat/bronchitis/some viral shit.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
my new computer
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Zoe's :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my aunts'
14. Where did most of your money go?
food
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
meeting Zoe
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Shady Grove by Crooked Still
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? about the same, I think, maybe a tad pudgier
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
swimming, hiking. I'd have loved to have spent more time with Zoe, as well, but I think we squeezed every ounce of joy out of 2008 that we could, honestly.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
the horrifically bad relationship
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
zero
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Law and Order: SVU
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of odd stuff this year.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still, and Girlyman
27. What did you want and get?
a relationship with Zoe :)
28. What did you want and not get?
more time with Zoe, but see #18.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
ate a big cookie and 29
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
more time with Zoe
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
more cleavage. I didn't know I had a chest until 2008. Sad, perhaps?
33. What kept you sane?
chatting with Zoe at the end, before that, biking and swimming.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ellen Degeneres?
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the election and Prop. 8
36. Who did you miss?
Zoe
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Zoe
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Love comes when you very least expect it, from very unusual places.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
tried chemistry.com
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I didn't make any last year, and I'm still deciding whether to make any for this year. I kind of have an ongoing list of goals anyway.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
a couple of college friends. three, actually.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so. Not in 2008.
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I am planning on living with Zoe starting this summer.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 6, the day I starting corresponding with Zoe
November 8, the day I met Zoe in person
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I found the love of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
letting a previous relationship drag on for far, far too long. It's one I should never have been in anyway.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
yes. I was sick most of the spring with the flu/strep throat/bronchitis/some viral shit.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
my new computer
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Zoe's :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my aunts'
14. Where did most of your money go?
food
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
meeting Zoe
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Shady Grove by Crooked Still
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? about the same, I think, maybe a tad pudgier
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
swimming, hiking. I'd have loved to have spent more time with Zoe, as well, but I think we squeezed every ounce of joy out of 2008 that we could, honestly.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
the horrifically bad relationship
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
zero
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Law and Order: SVU
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of odd stuff this year.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still, and Girlyman
27. What did you want and get?
a relationship with Zoe :)
28. What did you want and not get?
more time with Zoe, but see #18.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
ate a big cookie and 29
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
more time with Zoe
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
more cleavage. I didn't know I had a chest until 2008. Sad, perhaps?
33. What kept you sane?
chatting with Zoe at the end, before that, biking and swimming.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ellen Degeneres?
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the election and Prop. 8
36. Who did you miss?
Zoe
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Zoe
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Love comes when you very least expect it, from very unusual places.
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