Today’s topic is ………….. Conversation Starters
How much did the polar bear weigh?
How much weight does a polar bear weigh
If a polar bear waits to be weighed?
As much weight as a polar bear weighs
If a polar bear waits to be weighed.
What was the last funniest film you saw on the big screen?
Crazy Rich Asians – hilarious!
What do you think of tattoos – do you have any?
I have none. Several of my family members do, however. I think it is distracting when the person has a lot of tattoos – like all up and down their arms and legs. For someone in my generation, it takes effort to get used to. But it seems to be something Generation X and beyond have really embraced. My stepdaughter & son-in-law both have a lot of tattoos, while my son has none and wouldn’t think of getting any. It is just a matter of personal preference.
If you are wasting time, what is your best way to achieve this with 100% success?
Doing unnecessary things on the computer (such as answering questions!) or playing games on my phone. I achieve success if I’m really good at a game – sometimes I have a streak of good luck on Words With Friends 2, for example. I’m on level 1693 on Wordscape and have over 1900 points! And blogging or reading blogs is just fun.
If every time you walked into a crowded room a piece of personal intro music played, what would yours be? [Provide a link please]
Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, because I love sunshine and am happy when winter is over!! Also, because I think the Beatles were the best band of all time.

Who is your favourite celebrity? [Why?]
Right now, I’d have to say Stephen Colbert. His Trump imitations are so funny, and his comments about our current politics so clever. I need a good laugh at the end of the day, especially after watching a series of news shows telling us the latest sleaze happening in Washington D.C.!
Are you an organised person or live by the chaotic theory?
Definitely the latter. But I have given the appearance of being organized and fooled people. For example, when I was teaching, I would start each school year with a well-organized desk and classroom and I would have a nice new binder that I would carry around with tabbed sections such as “meeting notes” or “professional development”, etc.
What are 6 annoying habits other people have?
1. Being unable to smell themselves when they are in public, such as when they smell strongly of cigarette smoke or cat pee.
2. Hypocrisy
3. A propensity to react to any question by lying. For some people, lying is their default setting – it’s easier for them to lie than tell the truth.
4. Copying everything you do, such as asking, when they are sitting next to you in a restaurant, what you are ordering, and then they order the same thing. Perhaps this is a form of flattery but I find it really irritating.
5. Name dropping to impress people.
6. Using the f- word twice or more in every sentence, making derogatory or bigoted remarks about other people (even if there is no one present that fits their stereotype – they think others will tolerate it), or being overly judgmental.
7. Interpreting what you say, when you are giving a reason for why something happened or why someone acts a certain way, as an approval of that something. They think you should just disapprove of something and not even take the time to analyze the why of it. Or when you are trying to analyze your own behavior and they think you are justifying it. I like to know the reason for things, especially my mistakes, so I don’t repeat them.
What time do you normally retire for the night to sleep?
Around midnight. I get in bed earlier than that, but always spend time reading before turning out the light.
When was the last time you pulled an all nighter? Oh geez, I think I was in college. I don’t think I could do that now if I wanted to! Although it’s interesting that no matter how little sleep I get on an airplane or in a hotel room, I still have energy to keep going the next day.
When you go out, what is the one thing you simply cannot leave home without?
My keys, water bottle, and phone – in that order.
Physical books or Ebooks which is your personal favourite to read and own?
I will read either and find there are advantages to each. When traveling, for example, it’s better to have books loaded on your Kindle so you aren’t carrying too much weight. However, when I’m at home, I do prefer physical books.
During a number two trip to the toilet, how long are you in there for?
OK, this is gross. It depends on what I’ve eaten or if I’ve had enough water to drink. Also, if there’s something good to read next to the toilet.
What was the most interesting news story you have seen this week?
Rep. Justin Amash, an ultra-conservative Republican congressman, had a town hall meeting with his constituents this week, in which he declared support for beginning impeachment proceedings against Trump. Unlike most members of Congress, he actually read the entire Mueller report and found many instances of obstruction of justice by Trump. While his constituents gave him a standing ovation for his position, other Republican congressmen have treated him with contempt.
Why was it interesting?
This is a man who I would disagree with on virtually every issue, yet I respect him because he is a man of integrity. It strikes me as interesting because I didn’t think there were any Republicans with integrity left. Perhaps he will embolden others…but I doubt it.
Where was the worst place you have ever been stuck for longer than an hour?
In traffic, especially when it’s a really hot or really cold day.
If you were going to change your name, what would your new name be?
I think I would go back to my maiden name of “Lovejoy.” My first name is OK, but I wish I had been called “Kate” instead of “Katy.” It’s too late to change that now, though. My name is not my favorite – I might rather be a Julia, or Alexandra, or Natalia. But I’m not.
What is the silliest fear you have?
My husband says my silliest fear is: insects that I find crawling on or around me, even if they are harmless. I say: lighting matches. I will only light those really big, long matches.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate! And ice cream – I LOVE it, especially when I can put all sorts of fun things on top, like m&m’s, sprinkles, cookie pieces, etc.