#ackabulaka

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I was tagged by the truly wonderful @smackalicious. Thank you so much, love!

Nicknames: BMG, Fan, Griselda

Gender: female

Star Sign: Virgo

MBTI Type: INTJ (if I remember correctly but I might need to check this)

Height: 5′4″

Time: 5:45pm

Birthday: 4th September

Fav Band: probably still the Beatles, my first love

Song stuck in my mind: “One Day I’ll Fly Away” by Randy Crawford, thanks to seeing Moulin Rouge again recently

Last movie watched: last film I watched all the way through was “Silence Of The Lambs” because I’d admitted to my son I’d never seen the beginning, so we sat and watched it together yesterday afternoon

Last show watched: F1 Hungary Grand Prix Qualifiers

When did I create my blog: June 2013

Last thing I googled: whether a particular company existed in Hollywood or not (it did, fyi)

Do you have other blogs: I use a private one on here for testing out pictures, but my main blog is on LiveJournal.

Why did you choose your url: it’s what I use elsewhere on the internet (in one form or another) so it seemed sensible to keep it

Following: 502

Followers: 1287

Fav Colour: blue

Average hours of sleep: 6½ - 7

Lucky number: sorry, I don’t have one. I do, however, have an unlucky day, if you’re interested

Instruments: descant recorder, chanter, bagpipes, flute, electric chord organ

What I’m wearing: my penguin dress despite it being nowhere Christmas yet

How many blankets do I sleep with: none, but I do use a duvet

Dream job: David Tennant’s bed warmer. I used to be told that I ought to be a presenter on Blue Peter…

Dream trip: anywhere that I can meet nice people and the temperature won’t melt me.

Fav food: chip shop chips; or crisps

Nationality: British

1. Coke or Pepsi? 

If I am buying it in a supermarket then I tend to opt for Pepsi but out and about in pubs and restaurants it is ridiculously hard to get a choice, in which case I get a Coke.

2. Disney or DreamWorks? 

 I just like animation, to be honest.

3. Coffee or tea? 

 Whilst loving the smell of coffee, alas I cannot drink the stuff anymore, so tea is my drink of choice.

4. Books or movies? 

 Yes. I prefer to see the film before the book if at all possible, because then I am not disappointed.

5. Windows or mac? 

 I cannot afford to buy myself a Mac, so it’s Windows for now, despite me detesting the way the updates always manage to wipe off my cherished files.

6. DC or Marvel? 

 I avidly read a great number of comics as a child, but not particularly DC or Marvel ones. But I do remember buying a couple of Batman ones, and Fantastic Four.

7. Xbox or PlayStation? 

 Neither. I’m a PC woman.

8. Dragon Age or Mass Effect? 

I’ve heard of the latter but I haven’t bothered playing video games since Sonic the Hedgehog first came out. Yes, I’m THAT old.

9. Night owl or early bird? 

I was naturally an early bird for most of my life; but now I’m fighting being a night owl since it doesn’t allow a healthy working life.

10. Cards or chess? 

I have never been a huge player of cards, and rarely get near a chess board these days. I’m more likely to drag out my Tarot cards and practise remembering the meanings.

11. Chocolate or vanilla?

If this relates to ice cream, then YES!

12. Vans or Converse? 

I’m assuming this version of “vans” is the shoe brand rather than the mode of transport. Anyway…  I have bought and owned pairs of Converse but have been nowhere near a pair of Vans.

13. Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash or Adaar? 

I have no idea what these are at all. Sorry; and I assume it’s an American thing (it tends to be in these questions).

14. Fluff or angst? 

 I like both, and tend to go for a mixture. As far as writing it is concerned, I don’t think people generally appreciate how much harder it is to write fluff when your mood doesn’t allow for it; and it being funny the hardest of all. And I just realised that it sounds as though I’m trying to excuse myself for not writing humorous stuff… Oops!

15. Beach or forest? 

The beauty of where I live is that I don’t have to travel too far to get a beach or a forest; so I’ve never had to choose and don’t intend to.

16. Dogs or cats? 

I’m much more used to dogs than cats, but I like both.

17. Clear skies or rain?

 Usually they both amount to the same thing where I live. Hahahaha! Today was a case in point.

18. Cooking or eating out? 

I much prefer having the energy to cook myself, and I am not a huge fan of eating out.

19. Spicy food or mild food? 

Again, British cuisine has got this covered, by being bland and also offering some lovely mild curries.

20. Halloween/Samhain or solstice/yule/Christmas? 

Out of the two times of year, I prefer Christmas. Halloween isn’t as big a deal here as it is in America, but the stress of organising Christmas is definitely not worth the hassle.

21. Would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot? 

A little too cold, since I am excellent at generating my own heat.

22. If you could have a superpower what would it be? 

Mindreading. That would fulfil every aspect of my natural nosiness.

23. Animation or live action? 

Does this mean in general or specific versions of the same story? Animation fascinates me and always has; but the animated version of Lord of the Rings was godawful in comparison to the Peter Jackson version.

24. Paragon or renegade?

I have always had it stressed that I am meant to be a role model to other people, so I’m afraid I’m a paragon rather than a renegade. I know: boring.

25. Baths or showers? 

Arthritis has made having a bath a little bit tricky so I recently chucked out our bath and got a shower cubicle installed instead.

26. Team cap or team ironman? 

Both have their merits, and I don’t have a strong allegiance *pretends my head isn’t turned at all*

27. Fantasy or sci-fi? 

Yes. I don’t see why I have to choose. Sorry again.  

28. Do you have three or four favourite quotes, if so what are they? 

1. “Men are fantastic - as a concept.” Jo Brand

2. “All my friends started getting boyfriends, but I didn't want a boyfriend, I wanted a thirteen-colour biro.” Victoria Wood [btw, it would have been her birthday today]

3. “Comedy is a great weapon of attack. It's not a great weapon of support.” Eddie Izzard

4. “The email of the species is deadlier than the mail.” Stephen Fry

29. YouTube or Netflix? 

 I’m watching a series on Netflix as I type this, but more often than not, I watch stuff on Amazon Prime.

30. Harry potter or Percy Jackson? 

I have only seen the first Percy Jackson film but have read all the Harry Potter books a couple of times, and seen the films even more. There is a slight biased there that you might have spotted.

31. When do you feel accomplished? 

Finishing writing something, clearing your desk, and leaving the room knowing you have done all that you could have done, to the best of your ability.

32. Star Wars or Star Trek? 

Both. I see Star Wars as more of a film experience and Star trek as a TV one, watched regularly with my sons as a family. Obviously Star Trek came into my life first, way back in the 60s, but that didn’t mean I kicked Star Wars to the side when I saw the first film in the late 70s.

33. Paperback books or hardback books? 

They are books - that’s all I need to know. Books are love, and precious things. Like other types of friends, some have a harder outer shell than others, but all are worthy of my attention.

34. To live in a world without literature or without music? 

 There is always a way, even on a desert island, to create stories and/or music, so I cannot imagine a scenario when this could happen unless you were born without the gift of two important senses.

35. Pale faded colours or vibrant colours? 

 Unless you are an infant under the age of six months, pale colours are easier on the eye; but a splash of vibrant colours add visual interest.

36. Good characterization with a bad plot or a good plot with bad characterization? 

 The former is more bearable, on the whole; but I’d still probably turn/click off it.

37. Favourite Disney movie?

If you even knew how many hours I have spent queuing up to see a Disney film or how long it took in my life to be able to acquire a copy of a Disney film to love and cherish you wouldn’t be asking me this. Certain films are firmly planted in different times during my life, and each one earned a place in my favourites.

38. TV show adaptations or movie adaptations?

 Generally speaking, the BBC does such an excellent job of adapting books, spread over at least twice the length of a film, that is hard not to opt for the TV version.

39. Museum or library? 

 I have a friend who has allowed me to be tag along while she has researched museums so it would be rude of me to opt for a library; but such a lot of my childhood was spent working my way through the works within the local library that I feel as though I’d be disloyal to that legacy. Hmmm, it’s a tricky one.

40. High School musical or Camp Rock? 

 I have only ever seen 10 seconds max of High School Musical (“We are NOT watching that!” my annoyed son told me when I attempted to see what the fuss was about), and I’d never heard of Camp Rock until I saw this question; so I choose School of Rock, please.

41. Three songs that have a special meaning to you? 

1. “She Loves You” by the Beatles

2. “Bonfire Hearts” by James Blunt

3. “We Go Together” by Catherine Tate & David Tennant

42. What’s your 3 best / 3 worst traits? 

 Shares burdens, make others laugh, helpful // perfectionist, stubborn, too nice

43. Favourite smells? 

 Coal tar, mint, coffee, vanilla musk, newly printed magazines/books, men’s aftershave, leather

44. If you could do your life over, would you and why? 

Heck no! Most of it was bad enough the first time around, and I learnt all the lessons I needed to from that, so it remains as it stands.

45. Would you kill someone you love to save 20 strangers? 

In a piece of writing, probably not. ‘To suit the plot’ is the only reason I can think of at the moment; beyond that the only scenario I can think of would be a “fatally infected” sort of one, otherwise real life doesn’t tend to work out that way.

46. If you could have personally witnessed anything, what would you want it to be? 

One of those eternal conundrums, like where King Arthur is buried, or the building of Stonehenge. Otherwise, some things you are just better off not knowing.

47. If you had to pick one colour to represent you as a person, what would it be and why? 

A reassuring, darkish blue, probably.

48. What passion would you pursue if there were no restrictions on your life (money, time, ability/education, etc)? 

I’ve already had the opportunity to try out writing as an unrestricted passion. I must admit that turned out rather well for me. I want to return to art (watercolour painting interests me as something to pursue) or singing in public.

49. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be (can also be a mythical one)?

A dog. Something big like a Pyrenean mountain dog (blame Belle and Sebastian, aka Belle et Sébastien, for that fantasy). I’d have chosen a mermaid but that would be cruel to have one of them as a pet (and my Tentoo might get a wee bit jealous *pets him*).

[I think I’m supposed to now add a question, so…]

My question is: When we are told to imagine our happy place, what do you envisage?

Rules: If you’ve been tagged, reblog and edit (or if you’re on mobile erase the old text when reblogging)  to answer the questions, write who you’ve been tagged by, either come up with new questions or leave the old ones and tag 5-10 people who you want to answer them.

1. Favourite Girl Scout cookies?

Well, I only know of Girl Scout cookies because of things like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Frasier”, since all that sort of thing doesn’t exist here in the UK. Now I DID get treated to a cup of tea when my nephew was working towards his tea making scout badge, but I’m not sure you’d be interested in that snippet of information.

2. Go to movie when you’re stressed out?

I’m not even sure I have a go-to movie for when I’m stressed. I’d probably switch on the satellite TV box and see whatever is currently playing at the moment; probably aiming for the Disney Movie Channel, if I’m honest.

3. Summer plans?

My summer plans will probably involve staying well away from the sun, knowing me. I am meeting up with a couple of LJ friends in London quite soon, and I will soon have to fork out for some new double-glazed windows (life is SO exciting as an adult); but beyond that I haven’t thought further than warning work about the days I shall need to be late in or totally absent

4. How many times do you wash your hair per week?

Ah, this the point at which I shall probably show myself up (in your eyes, at least) because I have never formed the habit of washing my hair more than once a week. The shampoo I have to use, to counteract the effects of psoriasis, is rather expensive – as it is I have to hide the bottle from other people in the household so that I actually have some to use – and often in the past I just couldn’t afford to merely go out and buy myself a new bottle every fortnight if I didn’t ration its usage. Plus, there is the whole self-loathing thing I have battled with since my teens where self-care hasn’t exactly been high up on my list of priorities, shall we say. Add in the often inability to even get out of bed during the last decade or so (let alone feel able to get dressed), along with the lack of energy, and I’m not onto a winner... I do, however, have things in place now to improve this situation very soon.

5. Most memorable vacation?

A two week trip to stay in a log cabin up in the Highlands, that sat by the Caledonian Canal. I’d invested in wet proof clothing for my sons, and they had a whale of a time going in and on the loch, whilst I enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful scenery.

6. When I say junk food, what is the first thing that immediately comes to your mind?

Any menu that is mainly pictures, I suppose, and American in origin. Basically, something fried and something grilled.

7. What movies are you looking forward to watching?

Well, I have the copy of “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” my son bought me still sitting in its cellophane wrapper because I haven’t had the chance to watch it alone (or with someone willing to see it) yet. I’m going to hint that I want “Star Wars: Rogue One” for my birthday because I’d like to see that again; and of course I can hardly wait to see “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” when I eventually get the chance. But getting excited about new films coming out was rather marred for me when a young friend I used to enthuse about it all died; and I’ve never reached those giddy heights since.

8. Favourite book your English teachers made you read in high school?

Ooooh, so many to choose from. The ones that stand out in my memory are:  “I Am David” by Anne Holm , “All Quiet On The Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, “The Bell” by Iris Murdoch, and “The Inheritors” and “Pincher Martin”, both by William Golding.

9. Favourite breakfast?

As much as I love a full English breakfast, or even a full Scottish breakfast, the one I like to treat myself to is warm/hot chocolate croissants (aka pain au chocolat) although I am also rather partial to warm croissants served with jam and butter/margarine.

10. What is the title of the book you’ve read the most times? 

Aside from any course textbook (of course), the book I’ve probably read the most is “Pride & Prejudice” by Jane Austen. I was quite obsessed with it at one time, and I refuse to apologise for that.

I was tagged by some terrific people to do this song title meme. 

First is the fabulous @msdonnatemplenoble! Thank you so much, love. :D

Rules: Using only the song titles from one artist, cleverly answer these    questions.

Tag people at the end.

    I’m going to use: James Blunt    What is your gender?: Annie    Describe yourself: Out of My Mind    How do you feel?: Working It Out    If you could go anywhere, where would it be?: Hollywood    Favourite mode of transportation?: Carry You Home    Your best friend: One Of The Brightest Stars    Favourite time of day: Stay The Night    If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?: Heart Of Gold    What is life to you?: You're Beautiful    Relationship status: Bonfire Heart    Your fear: Goodbye My Lover

 I was also tagged by the glorious @fuckyeahtatennant, so I am doing this twice! *cackles evilly* Thank you! :D

I’m going to use: Adele What is your gender?: Someone Like you Describe yourself: I’ll Be Waiting How do you feel?: Tired If you could go anywhere, where would it be?: Skyfall Favourite mode of transportation?: Chasing Pavements Your best friend: One And Only Favourite time of day: Love In The Dark If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?: Daydreamer What is life to you?: Right As Rain Relationship status: First Love Your fear: Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

I was tagged by @basmathgirl

Rules: answer the questions and tag people you want to get to know better

countries I’ve lived in: US only

favourite fandom: Not an easy question, but currently NCIS

languages you speak: English and a little bit of a few others

favourite films of 2015: Inside Out? I really can’t think of anything I watched

last article I read: It was about what shows on Netflix people are most likely to binge watch

shuffle your music and list the first three songs here:

I Will Follow You Into the Dark-Death Cab for Cutie

Panic Cord- Gabrielle Aplin

Shut Up and Dance- Walk the Moon

last thing you bought online: A phone case

any phobias or fears: So many fears, so many

how would your friends describe you:  I hope kind, maybe sorta funny

how would your enemies describe you: I’m not sure, plenty of faults for them to choose from though.

who would you take a bullet for: Honestly? Probably anyone. But, more directly, family and friends

if you had money to spare what would you buy first: It really depends on the amount, but probably something I needed or had been looking at for a long while and never bought.

I was tagged by the absolutely wonderful @love-in-the-time; my birthday buddy!!!

 Rules: Answer the following and tag followers you want to know better.

 Name: BMG (yes, I know I’ve revealed my name in the past, but that doesn’t mean I have to like using it) Birthday: 4th September Gender: Female Relationship Status: married for decades, so officially miserable. Hahahahaha!  Zodiac Sign: Virgo Siblings: a brother and sister Favourite Colour: blue Pets: for the last few weeks I’ve had my very own Tentoo. He is such a good boy! *pets him* Favourite Bands/Artists: Adele, James Blunt, the Beatles, and squillions of others Sleep: it’s an all or nothing situation these days; either having to sleep all day or coping with insomnia Type of phone: Samsung Galaxy 4  Love or Lust: both would be nice… Lemonade or Iced Tea: I’m British, so tea is always boiling hot and not iced *just about manages to stop myself from shuddering at the thought thanks to a sample Liptons posted through the letterbox once* so I’m choosing lemonade, please. Cats or Dogs: I’d prefer a dog – they adore me whereas cats are finicky buggers A Few Best Friends or Lots of Casual Friends: any friend is worth having, in whatever capacity they offer their friendship Television or Internet: yes. Preferably both at the same time Coke or Pepsi: I’ve trawled through each version of diet cola as they’ve arrived on the shelves, and Pepsi Max is my favourite Wild Night Out or Romantic Night In: erm… romantic? What’s that again? *picks up my pencil to make a note of your answer* Day or Night: I cope with night time better as long as I’m not expected to drive Text or Call: I’m not fussed, to be honest Makeup or Natural: I have rarely worn makeup, mainly because I don’t know what I’m doing, and practise needs someone else to be sympathetic rather than tell you that you should be doing something better with your time Ever Met a Celebrity: I don’t think it can remotely be classed as ‘meeting’ David Tennant, but he did sort of appeal to me for help Smile or Eyes: isn’t this basically the same? Because a smile means nothing if it doesn’t reach the eyes Be Light or Dark Haired: my hair is an awful lot lighter now, and it feels weird. Be Shorter or Taller: taking away the fact that I am teased by my son for being so short,  a few more inches wouldn’t go amiss because I get really fed up with not being able to reach things on highish shelves without a stepladder Intelligence or Appearance: intelligence every time Chapstick or Lipstick: oh erm...lipstick, I suppose, if I had to choose City or Country: I’m a townie, about to move to the country, and that aspect terrifies me Last Song You Listened To: Hysteria by Muse