Sunday Stealing

90, part 1


1. What was the highlight of your week? Time spent with my nephew. First his 8th grade graduation (Tuesday), then our trips to the animal shelter to adopt Connie (Friday).

2. Whose car were you in last? It belonged to the cab company.

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone? Your guess is as good as mine.

4. What color shirt are you wearing? Hunter green.

5. How long is your hair? It's short, but it's a bit unkempt. I'm getting my locks shorn this coming Saturday.

6. Are you good looking? I haven't frightened anyone.

7. Last movie you watched? Chef. It was completely charming. If it's playing near you, go see it.

8. Who were you with? I slipped in and out of the theater by myself. It's one of the benefits of having it less than 5 minutes away.

9. Last thing you ate? I'm right now eating Edy's Slow Churned Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.

10. Last thing you drank? Lemon lime soda.

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken? When my cat Charlotte died last month. She was a very good girl.

12. Who came over last? The mailman.

13. Are you happy right now? I'm OK.

14. What did you say last? "NO!" My cat Reynaldo is in a mood and wants to tear up the dining room again.

15. Where is your phone? My cell is charging in the kitchen. My landline is on the end table.

16. What color are your eyes? Green

17. Are you left-handed? No

18. Spell your name without vowels: Th Gl Hrslf

19. Do you have any pets? Three cats: Joey, Reynaldo and Connie.

20. Favorite Vacation? I'd love to spend a week at a destination spa.

21. What do you dislike currently? Manufactured drama. Life tosses enough curves our way, we don't need to create upheaval.

22. What are you listening to? The TV is on

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be? Mark Harmon

24. What is your favorite scent? Cinnamon

25. Who makes you happiest? I'm sure Mr. Harmon could, given half a chance

26. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping, Unfortunately not with Mark Harmon.

27. When is your birthday? November 22

28. Who has the same phone as you? Many people. Many cheap people. It's not a very good phone.

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool? Christmas Eve in Key West. This is the pool. It was adorable.

Arrived with Rey, left with Joey

This morning at church we had a flower exchange. We each bring a flower and place it in one of the vases before we enter the sanctuary. They're cut and placed in baskets and then brought in for the minister to bless. Then children walk among the pews, distributing the flowers. It's designed so that we won't leave with the one we brought. It symbolizes our respect for the planet and our appreciation of our congregation's diversity.

I brought a bright yellow gerbera daisy, purchased yesterday at the florist. I received a rather wilted something-or-other from someone's garden.

At first I was disappointed. Then I listened to our intern minister as he told us to look at the blossom we received. Really look at it. I could see how pretty it had once been (probably yesterday). I appreciated its earthy smell. I saw the value and beauty in it.

I feel like I came to church with my cat Reynaldo. The gerbera daisy is strong and in its prime, like my 10-year-old boycat. I left with Joey. At 17, he's not alert or lively anymore. But he's affectionate, with a loud purr, and an open and loving heart. I see the value and beauty in him, too. Especially in contrast with Reynaldo and the barely-adult Connie.

I have returned

Two weeks ago I saw Million Dollar Arm. This weekend it was Chef. While I liked both movies, I was reminded how much I enjoy going to the movies. Sitting there, in the dark, being transported to another world. It's magic and it's good for me. I must do it more often.

The best thing about Chef is the adorable Emjay Anthony. He plays Percy, the preteen son of Chef Carl. Sometimes movie kids are cloying, but he's too real for that. With his big, expressive brown eyes and dimples, he's cute and touching and thoughtful.

Also, the movie made me want a Cubano. I love that buttery bread!