Sunday Stealing

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1. What’s something you hide about your personality? People would be surprised by how frightened I am. This Recession, worry about money, is taking its toll on me and makes me fearful of what the future holds.

2. How do you deal with criticism? I can be defensive.

3. What’s something sweet you’d like someone to do for you? I am grateful for any generous gestures.

4. Which fictional character would you most like to have lunch with and why?  Either Scarlett O'Hara (GWTW) or Jo March (Little Women). Both of these mid-19th century American women built careers for themselves at a time that was decidedly prefeminist. I'd be fascinated to hear how they look at our lives and opportunities today.


5. Who would you say is your “anti” role model? Someone who serves as a warning rather than an inspiration? My dad. I inherited his pride and his temper. He showed me, by negative example, how corrosive those traits can be to relationships.

6. What’s the most infuriating thing your parents (or caregiver) do? I don't understand this question. I'm a self sufficient old lady!

7. Which movie character do you most identify with and why? Kate in The Way We Were. Listen to the SATC girls explain why. ("I'm a Katie girl. And where are our drinks?")



 8. You’re an Action Movie Hero. What’s your weapon of choice and the line you scream when defeating your arch enemy?  I'd be like John McLane from Die Hard. My weapon of choice would be my quick wit and I'd yell, "Yip-ee-kye-aye, MF!"

9. What’s the oddest term of endearment you’ve ever used or that someone’s used for you? When we would get exasperated, an ex and I used to sing Rod Stewart's song to one another, changing the lyric to "Have I Told You Lately that I Hate You?" Does that count?

10. What was something you used to enjoy, but was ruined for you? What’s the story behind that?  Jen Lancaster and her books. Knowing she's a bully makes it hard for me to enjoy her work. (here's the link)


11. Which mythological creature are you most like? Why? And if you could be any mythological

creature, which would you want to be? Why?  I don't know who I'm like but I know I'd like to be a mermaid. They seem to have such a peaceful relationship to the environment and never have bad hair days.


12. Describe your dream library.  Endless

13. If you could design an amusement park ride, what would it be like?  I like swings and I like roller coasters. If we could combine the two somehow, I'd be delighted.


14. Do you have any “rules” about food?  I'd be better off if I did.

15. What’s your opinion on age differences in relationships? Twelve years in either direction is my max. Beyond that, you lose one another's cultural references.

16. What’s something you want to do that you’d be embarrassed to tell other people about?  Tee hee. (I'm blushing at the thought.)

17. Describe a time/event in your life that you’re nostalgic for. The beginning of each romantic relationship, when I'm in love and preoccupied and filled with hope.

Well, Hell, Look at That!

Took public transportation back from my former hometown today. Lately I've been lazy and taking cabs to and fro when I go to the dentist or get my hair cut, but that's $38. And, as I've noted lately, my job feels tenuous again. So I did the train/bus combo back today and saved a few bucks.

In the 9 months since I took the route regularly, I noticed so many changes! The big one is that Costco is coming to the area. The warehouse for a major food supplier is gone. Rubble. And Costco will go up there. I've never set foot in a Costco so I don't know what to expect, or even if I care. It's that the warehouse went up when I was in high school and it was jarring to see a vacant lot and construction equipment in its place.

Also the big old "family dining" establishment across from the train station has expanded, taking over the dog groomer's space next door and turning it into their "event and party room" and adding a tacky neon strip to their age-old sign, heralding their selection of "liquor and cocktails." I'm not clear on the difference between liquor and cocktails, and they have been serving drinks there since before I was born, but I'm happy that they have been able to expand. This restaurant was opened in that very spot by a Greek-Czech immigrant couple decades ago and is still in the family, has employed generations of high school students and working moms.