Sunday Stealing

MUSIC ASKS   
  

I'm going to try to answer these only with Beatle songs

A song you like with a colour in the title   "Baby's in Black"
 

A song that needs to be played very loud  "Back in the USSR"
   

A song that makes you want to dance  "Twist and Shout"
   

A song to drive to  "Drive My Car"
   

A song with a number in the title "One After 909"
   

A song that makes you happy  "All My Loving"
   

A song that makes you sad  "Let It Be"
   

A song that reminds you of summer  "Penny Lane"
   

A song that you remember from your childhood  "She Loves You"
   

A song that breaks your heart  "Two of Us"
   

A song that you never get tired of  "Good Day, Sunshine"
   

A song from your preteen year "Yellow Submarine"
   

A song that is a cover by another artist "Long Tall Sally"
   

A song from the year you were born Stymied by this one. "Jailhouse Rock" (After all, the Lads loved The King.)
   

A song that makes you think about life "The Long and Winding Road"
   

Your favourite song with a persons name in the title "Rocky Raccoon"
   

A song that you think everyone should listen to "Eleanor Rigby"
   

A song by a band you wish were still together "Can't Buy Me Love"
   

A song by an artist no longer living "Help!"
   

A song by an artist with a voice you love "You're Gonna Lose that Girl" (I love the harmonies on this. "Watch what you do, yeah ...")

-;

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 31

Today's happiness -- A booth and a good book.  Everything I had on tap to do today? I did none of it. I don't know why ... I've just been bedeviled by laziness.

 

But I did have a wonderful breakfast as my late lunch. Two eggs, over easy. Juicy bacon. Wheat toast with strawberry jam. And a good book.

 

Little Gloria, Happy at Last is the detailed account of the Depression-era trial that made pre-school Gloria Vanderbilt a household name. Gloria's aunt, a born Vanderbilt, and her mother fight over the little girl ... and her multi-million trust fund. It's fascinating. I imagine if I was around in 1934, I'd be glued to my radio, listening to every day's trial update.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

"I'm hiding out at The Hole"

So read Thursday's text from my friend John. It annoyed me for a number of reasons.

1) That bar hasn't been called The Hole in the Wall for more than three years. It has new owners, a new menu and a new decor based on Alice in Wonderland. He complains that he doesn't like the "pretentious" upgrades and refuses to call it by its current name. This is indicative of his attitude toward the world these days.

2) That doesn't stop him from going there several times a week to watch TV and drink. It's not as though he doesn't have TV and liquor at his home. And food. As a diabetic, he should be paying closer attention to his diet and he shouldn't drink so much.

3) Plus, his job just ended. I don't know if Thursday was his last day, or if on Thursday they told him when his last day would be. He says we'll talk sometime "over the weekend." I've tried calling twice.

4) I can't leave a message because his voice mail is "broken." He doesn't know how to access it. (He also says his cell phone won't "accept" apps.)

How can this 64 year old white haired man -- who walks with a cane -- get a new job in advertising? He has no LinkedIn page, no personal web page. He can't even access voice mail.

How can he afford not to? He suffers from congestive heart failure and diabetes. He has a fistful of pills that he has to take every day. He has doctors he sees on a regular basis. His rent is at least $1200/month.

When I told him that I had enough retirement money to last me 5-6 years -- which I admit is nowhere near enough -- he said, "You're doing better than I am!"

So what happens to him now? I am so scared for him.

Saturday 9

Money for Nothing

1) Sweatbands are prominent in this very 1980s video. What's the last thing you wore on your head? Probably a hood. I'm not really much of a hat wearer.

2) The lyrics are from the point of view of a man who delivers and installs appliances. What's the biggest purchase you've made lately? Was it big in size or expense? My new refrigerator. It was big in every way.

3) The delivery man of the song imagines the worst thing that happens to a musician is a blister on his little finger or thumb. Do you have any minor aches or pains bedeviling you as you answer these questions? Lately, my sleep has been fitful. Does that count?

4) The term "dire straits" describes a troubling situation that's difficult to extricate oneself from. When's the last time you found yourself in dire straits? Now, I suppose. There's not much budge in my budget. July was a new refrigerator. This week I'm having dental work. My air conditioner is being rebellious. These are unexpected expenses and I'm not happy. My "emergency fund" was prepared to handle one, maybe two, but not three emergencies. Plus, I know we're having a special assessment this year, which means I'll have a hard time refilling my depleted "emergency fund."  I know, wah-wah, right? Everybody has money trouble.

5) There's a dinosaur called masiakasaurus knopfleri. It's a prehistoric, predatory lizard, and the paleontologists who discovered it were big Dire Straits fans, so they named it after lead singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler. Do you find dinosaurs fascinating, terrifying, or both? Fascinating. I love the Jurassic Park movies. I think it's because to me, dinosaurs aren't monsters, they're just sad critters.

6) Prior to his music career, Knopfler was a junior reporter, covering the entertainment beat for the Yorkshire Evening Post. Do you believe you would make a better musician or journalist? Journalist

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, rib eye steak was $3.89/pound. Today it's more than twice that. Do you have any beef in your freezer right now? Nope. (Unless the layer of beef in my frozen lasagna counts.)

8) In 1985, Michael Jordan won the NBA Rookie of the Year award after his first season with the Chicago Bulls. It was the beginning of a career that made him a hero and a household name. Who do you think today's young people look up to? In Chicagoland, Javier Baez is crazy popular. I think it's because he combines passion and commitment with a real sense of fun. And heart. He really enjoys the fans.

 

9) Random question: Friends take you to dinner for your birthday. The menu you're handed doesn't have any prices on it. Do you try to estimate the costs and choose what you guess is the least expensive entree? Or do you figure that since your friends want you to have a good time, you should order whatever you want? A little of both. I'd order what I wanted that wasn't lobster. 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's happiness -- Spaghetti pie.  There's a local Italian restaurant that has the slowest service and rather uncomfortable booths. And the best-ever spaghetti pie! I think it's the way the ground beef is actually baked in that makes it so delicious.

Anyway, it was my lunch on Friday and I predict the leftovers will be devoured gratefully and greedily on Saturday.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 29

Today's happiness -- My shower radio.  As the month comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to honor the $15 appliance that inspired this year's "Happy" photo.

This morning, while I lathered and rinsed, I sang along with "Working My Way Back to You, Babe" by The Four Seasons and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" by Chicago.

Singing in the shower reliably lifts my spirit and gets me ready for the day.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 28

Today's happiness -- A seat on the train.  Just in time for the evening commute, there was a mechanical disruption on the el. My trains were running very late. Consequently they were very crowded. Yet, when the doors opened before me, there it was ... glowing like a Wonka golden ticket -- a seat!

To put this miracle in perspective, an estimated 25,000 ride the Green Line one way or the other every day. And I got a seat! I could read my book in peace, all the way home!

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 28

Today's happiness -- Flying the W. The Cubs beat the Mets this evening. 5-2. The game was never close.

This season has been rather disappointing, as on paper, my guys are one of the best teams in the league, yet they have suffered losing streaks.

But tonight, I'm going to sleep happy. Thanks, Guys!

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 26

Today's happiness -- I found my earring! It was a small, bluish white faux pearl. I thought I lost it on the el last week, but I still hung onto its partner because I'm constitutionally reluctant to part with things.


Monday, I found it on my filthy carpet. I didn't step on it, I didn't mangle it with my vacuum cleaner. It was just sitting there, waiting for me.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 25

Today's happiness -- Reynaldo and Downton Abbey. That's what Henry I talked about on the phone today. It was such a relief to just discuss my cat, and which Crawley girl is our favorite.

Since his accident, so many of our conversations have been fraught with tension and dominated by his health and his mood swings. Today there was little of that. Sure, he complained a bit about the way he was treated at the hospitals he's visited, and while I think his gripes veer into paranoia, perhaps that's to be expected with the misery he's endured.

He's alive. He's still him. He still cares about my niece and nephew (whom we discussed at length) and we both love our pets. And we both loved Sybil Crawley (but who didn't?). He staunchly defended Edith while I remain firmly Team Mary. And so the time spent on the phone today was my happiest hour.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Sunday Stealing

Love Me Some Surveys

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music? Yes. A coworker disliked the Beatles because they were "too popular." Since that's so stupid, I didn't care.
 
2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up? My nephew's birthday is early October.
 
3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight? I had a massive crush on Bobby Sherman.



4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body? Last month, I got a sunburn on my neck while watching the Cubs play within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on? Lunch
6. What are you most excited about right now? The NL Central race. I do not want the Cubs slated in the Wild Card slot!

7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military? My dad served in Korea. 


8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist? Not really


9. Do you like sour candy? Not really


10. Are all nighters something you have grown used to? I don't enjoy them, but can pull one if I have to.


11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving? I don't drive, but my eyes are light sensitive so I wear them whenever I leave the house.


12. Do you wear your shoes around the house? Nope
 

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in? Jeans and a t-shirt


14. Are you good at painting nails? I can do touch ups, but I tend to leave this to the professionals.

 
15. Smoothies or slushies?  Smoothies

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 24

Today's happiness -- Ladies who lunch.  I met Nancy for lunch and we lingered and blabbed for hours.

She's working again. Her kids are doing well. She's happy. It was a relief to spend some carefree time with her, as I've been so worried about Henry, and John, and my oldest friend. Being around her happiness made me happy!

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Bad news for Bernie

In 2016, my high school student nephew idolized Bernie Sanders. Bernie was the first politician whose words made sense to him. Because of his tender years, he was unable to contribute to Bernie's campaign coffers, but he worked around it by spending his allowance on every bit of Bernie merchandise he could lay his hands on.

Three years later, he's in college and canvassing for Elizabeth Warren in Davenport, IA. He was really stoked. He's a poli-sci major at Western Illinois University, and Warren was one of the candidates who reached out for help from the students. He was thrilled to be asked, thrilled to work on a real campaign, thrilled to help someone he now believes in 100%.

I'm proud of him. Jealous, too. Working a campaign for candidate you believe in can be as thrilling as falling in love. While I know that, of course, I won't vote for President Pussy Grabber, I haven't yet fallen in love.

And I'm sorry for Bernie Sanders. For if my unshakably loyal nephew can be persuaded to move to her camp, then the momentum is definitely in her favor.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: No One's Here to Sleep (2013)
 
1) This song is the theme of How to Get Away with Murder, the legal drama that premiered in 2014 and airs on Thursday nights. Are you a fan? Nope. I watched it once but it seemed crazy complex. Still, I know the show has rabid fans, so maybe I should give it another chance OnDemand.
 
2) The song's refrain says, "I'll never catch up with you." Behind the wheel, do you carefully observe the speed limit? Or do you have a lead foot, making it hard for anyone to catch up with you? I don't drive.
 
3) How to Get Away with Murder is about Annalise Keating, a law professor at a top Philadelphia university. She has a reputation for being tough, demanding and able to turn her students into successful defense attorneys. Tell us about a teacher who helped prepare you for life after graduation. I wish I had a great, inspirational answer for this, but I don't. One of my teachers back in high school taught me how to look at what I'm watching and reading with an objective eye. We studied and dissected the coverage of the 1968 Democratic Convention. What we discussed in that classroom has made me a more careful consumer of news.

 
4) The students she feels show the most promise -- and are recruited to help her solve murders -- are known as The Keating Four. Did you ever sense that you were your teacher's favorite? Not since junior high.
 
5) Viola Davis was just nominated for an Emmy for playing Professor Keating. Ms. Davis was born on a farm in SC. Have you spent more of your life in a rural, suburban or urban setting? I'm a City Mouse.

 

6) Next to Annalise Keating, Viola Davis is best known for her Oscar-nominated role as Aibileen in the movie, The Help. Have you seen it? Yes. Both at the theater and on TV once or twice.
 
7) In 2014, the year How to Get Away with Murder premiered, we lost two famous comedians: Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. Who was the last person to make you laugh out loud? (This means actually, literally laughing out loud, not just keystroking LOL.) The woman I sit next to at the office. I bought her a box of tissues to deal with her sneezes -- she'd been using paper towels! After she blew her nose she told me they were the softest, strongest tissues ever, and a pleasure to use and they were so delightful she was actually glad she got sick. I get such a kick out of her.
 
8) The 2014 Olympics were held in Sochi. Have you ever been to Russia? If not, is it a dream destination of yours? I've never been to Russia, and there's nothing about it that beckons to me.
 
9) Random question: The sign on the railing says, "Wet Paint." Do you touch the railing to see if it's really wet? I might not touch it, but I admit I'd be tempted.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 23

Today's happiness -- An afternoon nap.  One of my last early Fridays. I had a steak sandwich for lunch, watched the Cub game (until they fell back 7-0!) and then took a nap. It was all delicious -- okay, maybe not the game -- in a bittersweet, end of summer way that made me appreciate it all the more.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Second time this month!

I ran into Caleb, Randi and Napoleon in the middle of Michigan Avenue. It's the second time I've seen him the month, and the first time I've been able to catch up with the whole family in months. 

 

Napoleon is fine. He's a very big cat, but lean and muscular. He's been fixed and he's up to date on his shots. It cost them more than $500, but they're glad to report he's healthy and shouldn't need to return to the vet for a year.

 

Mom and Dad aren't faring as well. If I didn't know Randi had a stroke earlier this month, I wouldn't notice anything amiss. Her speech is fine and so are her motor skills. But her arms looked a little bloated. Still, her spirits were good. She's stopped wearing her earrings for some reason and the massive hole in one ear, where a disk used to be, is unsightly. I worry about that when she starts looking for work again. 

Caleb was laid off. Not "let go," not "fired." Laid off. He expects to return to work in a few days or weeks. He drives a forklift for a food distribution warehouse. They still have their little apartment but are panhandling to make ends meet.

 

They mentioned "friends who have air conditioning." The context was that, when it was so hot, Napoleon spent a few nights with them. This made me happy. Not because of how spoiled Napoleon is, though that did make me smile, but because they have friends they can visit. One of the things Randi said to me once was that, being homeless they had to carry all their belongings with them at all times. This made it impossible to visit non-homeless friends or go to the movies, "like normal people." Even with setbacks, it looks like they are well on their way to being "normal people." 

 

May they live happily ever after!

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 22

Today's happiness -- Easy resolution.  Lately I have felt like Calamity Jane. Just last month, my refrigerator crapped out and had to be replaced ($575). Then this week, my through-the-wall air conditioner has become rebellious, and making noises like it needs to be replaced! Let's not forget that I have expensive dental work scheduled for next month, and I know that there's going to be a special assessment in 2020 for the roof. My emergency fund is pretty anemic right now.

So imagine how unhappy I was Wednesday night when, after preparing a salmon filet on my George Foreman Grill, the plug felt crazy hot to the touch. Oh good! Another thing I have to replace!

I ordered a new one from Amazon before I went to bed Wednesday night, and Thursday afternoon it was already available for pick up at my local Whole Foods! Thursday night I picked it up, wiped it down, and made dinner per usual.

Even better than the convenience was the price: $16.37 (including tax). It's smaller than my old one was, but it's plenty big enough for a salmon filet, a pork chop or a chicken breast.

Happy, happy, happy!

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 21

Today's happiness -- The kindness of strangers. The unemployed construction worker who has taken over Randi and Caleb's corner seems like a nice, albeit sad, man. I've learned some things about him --

•  He has a daughter. When he visits with her, they meet at his aunt's house.

•  He has a generous heart. He ran into another homeless man who pimped a tortoise shell kitten for donations, didn't trust the level of care she was getting, and so he "adopted" her. The first thing he did was go to Target and buy a collar and harness so she couldn't wander off into traffic. I like that about him. He is trying to convince his aunt to take the kitten before winter arrives.

Today, when I got to his corner, neither he nor the kitten were there. I saw his box of belongings, but not him. My guess is he slipped into Starbucks (with the kitten hidden under his shirt) to use the bathroom.

My moment of happiness was the 20-something woman standing there, looking up and down the street, gift card in hand. It was obvious she wanted to help him out. Her willingness to pitch in, that obvious connection she felt with him, cheered me up.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading? Little Gloria ... Happy at Last by Barbara Goldsmith. I wear Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. I watch Anderson Cooper. So I'm not unfamiliar with Gloria. But I admit I know little about the 1930s custody case that once captured the nation's imagination.

It's fascinating, filled with intrigue and legal shenanigans and sex and rumors about sex. And at the heart of it all is a diffident little girl. I can't tell who wants Little Gloria for herself, and who wants her for control of her trust fund.

This book is well written, but it's filled with a lot of people -- lawyers and secretaries and  maids and aunts and cousins, etc. I find myself stopping and thinking: "So Gloria's mother didn't trust Tom ... Who is Tom again?" So this 600+ page tome is going to be slow going. Thank goodness Goldsmith did such a good job of recreating the time and place, so it holds my interest.

2. What did you recently finish reading? The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. This is a silly book. Now that's not necessarily a knock -- I grew up on I Love Lucy and screwball comedies like Bringing Up Baby, so I'm very capable of being entertained by zany antics. But I want you to know just what to expect if you pick up this book.

Samantha is a workaholic lawyer who loses her job suddenly and in a most public and humiliating way. Through a series of misunderstandings, finds herself hired as a housekeeper in a big, beautiful house on the English countryside. She doesn't know how to cook, sew or clean, so she's not exactly a natural for this line of work. Lots of hijinks ensue. Some are very funny. None bear any resemblance to anything that could happen on Planet Earth.

I'm not sorry I read it. I enjoyed it. But I know I won't recall a thing about it a year from now.

3.  What will you read next? Michelle Obama's autobiography. Unless I change my mind.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 20

Today's happiness -- I missed the rain. It rained off and on all day, at times accompanied by thunder. Yet I lucked out of all of it. It just so happened to stay dry during my commutes to and from work, and the Cubs got their entire game in. Thank you, Mother Nature!

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 19

Today's happiness -- I don't have a black eye. I've lived to the age of 62 without ever having a black eye, and that's a record I'm pleased to report that I maintain.

But Sunday was a close call. I got ambitious and decided to wipe down my shower stall with vinegar, to help combat that musty smell I've noticed since keeping the bathroom door closed all day to save on air conditioning costs.*

I was not careful when removing items from the top shelf and got bonked in the eye with a tube of St. Ives scrub. It hit me hard, making a loud noise in my head upon contact. The tube caught me sharp edge first. I was scared that I would look like I ran into Muhammad Ali.

Fortunately, immediate application of an ice pack and a dose of ibuprofen did the trick. I woke up this morning relieved to find just a tiny cut and a small red bump. I started the day delighted.

 *The vinegar worked, along with the bowl of baking soda and lemon juice I left on the toilet tank. And keeping the door open. I've decided that I'd rather have a higher energy bill than mildew.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 18

Today's happiness -- A lot of Rizzo. Today the major leagues celebrated the Little League World Series with a game between the Cubs and the Pirates in Williamsport, PA. To say that my favorite Cub, Anthony Rizzo, seized the day would be an accurate statement, and I enjoyed watching him.

First, he hung around the with the kids before the game. He took part in their tradition of sliding down a hill on a piece of cardboard, and he enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Then he got his 23rd home run. The ball was returned to him, and chose to make it a gift to the short stop of Japan's little league team. Rizz took Yu Darvish, the Cub pitcher born in Osaka, with him to translate as the handed away the ball.

He was just so Rizz, all day. I enjoy this kid soooo much.

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Here's to The Birthday Boy

Today, Robert Redford turns 83. He says he's retired now, and I suppose he's earned it. After all, he has two Oscars, a Medal of Freedom, and he's been honored by both the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center. Those accolades must be awful comfortable to rest upon.

I remember reading in costume designer Edith Head's memoir that she liked to put him in wide-brimmed hats to balance his wide, square chin. It is a lovely chin, isn't it?