Sunday Stealing

A Wednesday meme on a Sunday 

1. Name five songs that you have completely memorized. I'm going to assume this refers to lyrics, since I play no instrument and have the music to no song memorized. "Pink Pajamas" (a Girl Scout song), "Go, Cubs, Go," "Hey, Jude," "Happy Birthday," "Jingle Bells."

2. What takes up too much of your time? This. (Farting around on the internet.)

3. What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch? Game of Thrones or anything else with flying dragons. I also don't like epics like Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia.

4. What's worth spending more on to get the best? Steak

5. Share something you did last week. Spent some time with my old friends, The Crawleys.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: A Little in Love (1980)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) Do you believe you can be a little in love? Or is romance an all-or-nothing proposition for you? I get crushes all the time. I think of that as being "a little in love."

 

2) Cliff Richard sings that he knows it's been a long time since you had fun. Is that true? When have you recently had a really good time? What were you doing? Last weekend my movie group got together for Noir City Chicago, a film noir festival at the Music Box Theater. Festival founder/TCM host Eddie Muller signed my copy of his book Dark City Dames. You could say I'm a little in love with Eddie.

 

3) Cliff was born in India when it was still part of the UK. When he was 8, his family relocated to Tilbury, an English port town. Have you ever lived near the sea? Nope. I don't think I want to, either. My friend Henry lived in Key West and while I enjoyed visiting him, I also heard many difficult stories about enduring the aftermath Hurricanes Irene and Irma and Wilma. I'll stay here in Chicagoland with our friendlier fresh water Lake Michigan.

 

4) In 1958, Cliff became a star in England. He was so influential that young John Lennon said he dreamed someday the Beatles would be as big as Cliff Richard. Yet for some reason, he was never as popular here in the US. Before today, had you ever heard of Cliff Richard? Yes. As a Beatlemaniac, I often read about his path crossing with that of The Fab Four. I don't recall all the details, but I think Cliff resented how unavailable Abbey Road studios were once the Beatles hit it big and their sessions were considered a priority over his. 

 

5) 1980 was Cliff's most successful year stateside. Both "A Little in Love" and his duet with Olivia Newton-John, "Suddenly," made the Top 10. Do you have a favorite Olivia Newton-John song? I have good memories attached to this song. "Spare me all your charms and take me in your arms ..."

 

   

 

6) Cliff was once "a little in love" himself. He had a high-profile romance with British pro tennis player Sue Barker. They contemplated marriage, but in his memoir Cliff admitted he wasn't ready to commit the rest of his life to her. Cliff never married but Sue went on to wed landscape gardener Lance Tankard. Have you ever employed a gardener? Or do you handle all the yard work yourself? I live in a multi-unit building with a tiny front yard. A landscaper comes every now and again, but one of the unitowners goes out and waters in between.

 

7) In 1980, when we were enjoying "A Little in Love" on the radio, Macaulay Culkin was born. He became famous for the Home Alone franchise. Have you seen any Home Alone movies? Nope.

 
8) 1980 also gave us the Post-It Note. Today they are available in a variety of sizes and colors, but the original 4"x4" canary yellow Post-Its are still the best seller. Would we find Post-Its in your home or office right now? Yes. I've got a pad of yellow ones in the kitchen.

 

9) Random question – You're having a crummy day. Nothing is going right. You run into a casual friend in the grocery store aisle. As you chat, do you think your mood would be obvious? Or could you successfully put on a happy face? My casual acquaintance would come away believing I was fine. People who read my blog often get a more realistic window into what's going on with me.

 

 

He's coming home!

 

My favorite-most ballplayer of all-time, Anthony Rizzo, is returning to Wrigley Field. He has signed a one-day contract with the Cubs so he can officially retire as a North Sider. He will remain with the team as "baseball ambassador," representing the Cubs at events. As he should. For with all due respect to Ryne Sandberg, no one but Ernie Banks personified the heart and soul of the Cubs more than Rizz.

To say I am verklempt would be an understatement. Yes, he made the final out of the historic 2016 World Series, ending the longest championship drought in American sports history. Yes, he was a three-time all-star with more than 300 home runs. Of course he provided elite defense at first base. And he did it all with such passion, such joy.

But more than that, Anthony Rizzo gave back. Continues to give back. Example: during the covid shut down, he catered hot meals for hospital workers. A wonderful gesture. To make it even better, the food came from struggling local restaurants that needed the business. He does stuff like this all the fucking time. They don't give out Roberto Clemente Awards and ESPN Sports Humanitarian nominations for nothing.

And there are the kids. He has spent endless hours with pediatric cancer patients and their families at New York's Montefiore Medical Center, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, and most of all, Lurie Children's Hospital here in Chicago. When he visited the hospitalized children, he not only gave them his autograph (and let them wear the World Series ring), he asked them to sign his jersey because each child was a hero and a warrior. 

This is what Anthony Rizzo will be wearing on Saturday when he steps onto Wrigley Field to officially end his career.

 

Anthony Rizzo makes me want to be a better person. I am so grateful for all he's meant to me on and off the field. 

I hope his next chapter includes health, happiness and lots of time with his wife, new baby and dog Kevin. 

 

 

Pinched nerve and brain fart

I woke up Tuesday morning unable to move my left arm without great difficulty. This happened once before, at the end of 2024, so while I hurt I wasn't frightened. I knew it was a pinched nerve in my neck. Painful but not dangerous. As luck would have it, I already had an chiropractor appointment scheduled for today – Friday, three days later. Since this wasn't an emergency, I could see no reason to move the appointment up. 

I am an idiot. 

For three days I was uncomfortable. If I was still, my arm was fine. But I couldn't raise it without pain. Everything – showering, grocery shopping, feeding the cats, laundry – was arduous. I had a hard time finding a position to sleep comfortably. The nerve was not responding to OTC pain killers. So I was sleep deprived and hurt.

And from Monday morning to Tuesday afternoon we were without hot water, so there's that. 

To say I was not at my best would be an understatement. 

Chronic pain and lack of sleep made me stupid. Yesterday, instead of taking money out of my high-yield savings account and depositing it into my checking account, I did it the other way around. I was not paying attention as I clicked. I fucked up.

This morning I got an alert from bank that my checking account was overdrawn. I was terrified, afraid I'd been hacked. No, I just made a stupid, stupid mistake. (AGAIN!) After spending time on the phone with both banks, I finally got it ironed out and hopefully, by end of business Monday, all my funds will be where I want them.

I realize that working decades for big companies, I've been infantilized. Funds just appeared in my checking account twice/month. Left to my own devices, I mess up.

Just as I thought my self loathing had reached a fever pitch, I dialed it up to 11. I went to my chiropractor and she felt where my neck meets my shoulder. 

"Of course you hurt!" she said. I got on the table and she twisted, pressed and popped and I was fine. No pain, full range of motion restored.

"You should have called me," she said. Duh, Gal. I went through 3 days of pain for no good reason. Really, she remedied the problem in minutes! 

I'm such an ass.

Here's to an uneventful, enjoyable weekend. I need it!

 

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash 

Thursday Thirteen #429

 

 

 

Brrr! Our water heater suddenly crapped out and I was relegated to cold showers for 2 mornings in a row. I hated it. But I learned that while uncomfortable, I was actually doing my body good.

1. Typically cold water out of the tap is between 45º and 60º. That may not sound cold, but trying showering in it.

2. Cold showers leave you alert. You relax in a hot shower or a warm tub, but you emerge from a cold shower with eyes wide open.

3. Regular cold showers can help fight acne, because cold water tightens pores.

4. It can undo the damage of the night before, because cold water reduces eye puffiness.

5. Some chronic skin conditions respond well to cold water. Patients with eczema and hives report that it helps. 

6. If your hair tends to be dry, cold showers might help. It's believed that hot water can strip your hair of natural oils, while cold water doesn't.

7. Your hair will be shinier, too. Cold water helps seal the cuticle, or top layer of the hair strand. A flat cuticle more effectively reflects light and your hair will appear glossier.

8. Cold water gets your blood pumping. It's believed cold showers bolster your circulation.

9. Your muscles may thank you. Cold showers may soothe aches, the same way an ice pack does.

10. They can be a good choice during cold and flu season. Here's the theory: cold showers speed up your white blood cell count, and those white blood cells will help your body resist illness.

11. A cold shower can enhance your workout because it boosts your metabolism.

12. It can naturally increase your oxygen intake. A cold shower stimulates deep breathing, which can help with anxiety or depression.

13. Cold showers are good for the environment. They tend to be shorter – I know mine were! – and no gas or electricity is used to warm the water up. 

All this is well and good, but I will forever prefer my nice long showers.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

Busy weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent this sunny, mild weekend in the dark at Noir City Chicago, watching murder and mayhem. This film festival is presented by The Film Noir Foundation, and when it comes to town it returns to the gorgeous old Music Box Theater. 

One of the founders is Eddie Muller of TCM's Noir Alley. He's my (sigh) TV boyfriend and I was thrilled to see him, live and in person, at Noir City Chicago and have him sign my copy of his book, Dark City Dames. 

I saw four movies this weekend – two that we were rewatches and two that were new to me. It was exciting to see all of them restored and on the big screen with an audience of like-minded movie geeks.

 

Saturday was movie group day. I saw Detour and Gun Crazy with Will, Madonna, Bobby and Sherrie from our regular Monday night meetups.

 

Sunday was with Elaine, and I happened to see Bob and Patricia, who are my neighbors but we were surprised to run into one another at The Music Box.

I was exhausted today, though. I worked Friday at the card shop, then I hung out with people on Saturday and Sunday. That is, frankly, too much people-ing for me. I was very happy to spend all day today in silence until our movie group met tonight at 6:30.

I think about my old life, before I retired, and how I was surrounded by people Monday-Friday. How did I stand it? I know I always hungered for my alone time, but I don't recall that people exhausted me the way they do now.

I think maybe covid locked down changed me.

 

Sunday Stealing

From A to F

Give yourself a letter grade (A, A-, B, B-, C, C-, D, D-, F)  on the following. Just the letter grade is requested, but you're free to elaborate.

• Happiness: B

• Being a decent human being: B

• Being serene (calm, peaceful): C-

• Kindness: B

• Anger management: B-

• Creative thinking: A-

• Modesty: B-

• Being an original: B

• Knowing yourself: A-

• Being true to yourself: B-

• Getting along with others: B-

• Liking yourself: B-

• Admitting your flaws: C-

• Self improvement: C

 

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: It's So Nice to Be Nice  (to Your Neighbor) – 1947

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Monica Lewis encourages us to greet our neighbors with a smile and a hello. Tell us about one of your neighbors. There's "Encyclopedia Brown" at the end of the hall. Always with the dumb questions! Example: I'm walking toward the backstairs which lead to the dumpsters. I'm carrying a black trash bag. "Where are you going, Gal?" Um ... the dumpsters. Or it's 6:00 PM. I'm heading toward my front door with a pizza box. "Pizza for dinner, Gal?" I know he's lonely and looking for a connection – plus it's so nice to be nice to your neighbor – so I'm always pleasant. But I'd be lying if I said I look forward to our exchanges.

 

2) She reminds us that it's "nice to be nice." Who has recently shown you kindness? We have the best customers at the card shop! Yesterday I was having a terrible time trying to get a woman her rewards points because the register wasn't cooperating. I got the manager on duty involved, but still, no luck. The customer kept saying, "You're fine." I appreciated her patience so much!

 

3) Monica Lewis was born in Chicago, where her mother performed with the Chicago Opera Company. Have you ever been to the opera? Nope.

 

4) Her family moved to New York City, where she attended college by day and worked at radio station WMCA in the evenings to help support her family. Which do you listen to more: the radio or podcasts? I listen to the radio everyday as I shower and do my hair/makeup. But I listen to complete podcasts and often binge. So I listen to the radio more often, but spend more time with podcasts.

5) In the 1940s she appeared all around New York – in nightclubs, on Broadway, and on radio shows. It was then that she got her best-known and longest-running role: the voice of Chiquita Banana. For decades she was heard singing the jingle, "I'm Chiquita Banana and I'm here to say ..." Do you have any bananas in your kitchen now? Nope.

 

6) Around 1950 she moved to Hollywood. She had recently divorced and wanted a fresh start. There she dated an actor who was also newly divorced: Ronald Reagan. Obviously she never had to ask, "Whatever became of him?" Who is the last former romance, classmate or coworker that you looked up on the internet? I used LinkedIn to check on a former coworker. Warren is a likeable guy but I worry about him because he can't stay out of his own way. I hoped to see he'd landed a new job. Alas, he has not.

 

7) In 1947, when this song was popular, actor Ted Danson was born. He's best known as Sam Malone, the bartender at Cheers, "where everybody knows your name." Is there a bar or restaurant where you are recognized on sight? Strangely enough, I'm on a first-name basis with a lot of people at the bank. I'm there a lot – weekly, I guess – to deposit quarters from our laundry room. I take that opportunity to cash my paycheck. I have a "personal banker" and a "wealth manager," which makes me sound far more elite than I am. So yeah, when I go in, I often hear, "Hi, Gal."

 
8) The 1947 Studebaker Champion was one of the first cars to have an adjustable driver's seat designed to accommodate motorists of various heights. When you're driving someone else's car, do you usually adjust the seat? I don't drive, but if I did I probably would because I'm only 5'1.

 

9) Random question: When someone takes advantage of you, are you angrier at them for doing it, or at yourself for letting it happen? A bit of both,but it's probably 60% them and 40% me.

 

 

Thursday Thirteen #427

 

 

Play ball! I watch a lot of baseball, and one of the standard shots is of fans in the stands enjoying tasty stadium fare. I admit that when I go to the park, I tend to stay pretty traditional: a hot dog and Cracker Jack is fine by me.* But that hardly reflects what's available at my beloved Wrigley Field, or other MLB parks.

As we enter the final month of the season, let's look at the fan favorites at the 13 most-attended ball parks.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: Dodger Dog. A 10" hot dog that hangs out of the bun on both ends. Served with ketchup, mustard, onions and relish.

2. New York Yankees: Lobel's steak sandwich. Served on a bun, au jus. Yankee fans seem equal parts proud and outraged that their concession offerings are the most expensive in the MLB.

3. San Diego Padres: Quesobirria tacos. With braised short ribs instead of ground beef. 

4. Philadelphia Phillies: Philly cheesesteak. Were you surprised?

5. New York Mets: Fuku chicken sandwich. A spicy chicken sandwich named for the restaurant where it originated.

6. Atlanta Braves: Cleanup Burger. A grilled hamburger topped with a fried egg and bacon and served between two waffles. (I admit I'm intrigued.)

7. Chicago Cubs: Buona Beef. Italian beef with hot giardiniera and dripping in au jus. I won't argue with anyone who makes this choice, because it's delicious. But be warned: it's awful messy. You'll need lots of napkins, and your jersey will likely never be the same, no matter how often you wash it.

8. San Francisco Giants: Burrito bowl. Fans report that it's hot in every way, made with fire-roasted salsa and jalapenos. 

9. Boston Red Sox: Fenway Frank. Grilled and served on a bun just the way The Babe liked it, with mustard and relish. 

10. Houston Astros: McRBI. (Love the name.) A smoked pork rib sandwich on an onion roll. 

11. Los Angeles Angels: Chronic Tacos. Mashed potatoes and cheese, topped with lettuce and sour cream, served on a crispy shell.

12. Detroit Tigers: Gyros and/or Greek salad. It's a tie. Apparently it's custom for fans to order both and share.

13. Milwaukee Brewers: Bratchos. Tortilla chips topped with a chopped brat, cheese and sour cream.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

*Though when it comes to my beverages, I'm not so old school. Jimmy Buffett was a Cub fan, so it feels only right to raise a margarita in his honor. 

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. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell. Here's the thing about Trump: he's so awful that everyone else moves up a notch. Nixon served in wartime even though, as a Quaker, he didn't have to. He never disparaged veterans the way Trump mocked John McCain. He never splashed his visage on the side of federal buildings the way Trump (and authoritarians and dictators) do. He didn't ignore the sovereignty of governors by deploying federal troops onto residential streets. When faced with the end of his Presidency, Nixon somehow managed to avoid leading an armed insurrection on the Capitol. So there's that.

 

Since the Nixon era now feels like The Good Old Days, I figured it was time to revisit the man and his Presidency. I enjoyed Farrell's fair but unflinching view of Ted Kennedy's life and career, and I hope I'll learn a lot from this book.

 

This book and I have a conflicted history. My friend Henry bought it for me for Christmas 2017, the last holiday we spent together before his accident changed everything. His friend owned the bookstore and he supported her after Hurricane Irma by giving me a $100 gift certificate. What fun we had that day. Henry couldn't believe I chose a book about Nixon (among others). I finished the Grafton book and the Bobby bio and had begun to read the Nixon book when Henry had his accident and the book – which still had its Key West bookmark – made me too sad. I abandoned both books till now. It's time. I'm going to finish this one and, hopefully, get to Bruce before the year ends. 

 

Here is post about the day we bought these books

2. What did you recently finish reading? Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam by MC Beaton. My response to this addition to the series – #10 of 33 – is mixed. I read these mysteries for more than whodunit. I like Agatha, the deeply flawed, often grumpy heroine who turns to sleuthing because, frankly, she's bored after retiring from PR agency life in London. I like the country life as vividly painted in these books, filled with quaint names and eccentricities and customs and secrets. 

In book #9, Agatha went on vacation to a small rural town. Beaton introduced us to a new setting a new cast of characters with affection and specificity, but Agatha herself felt a little "off." She not only didn't feel like the character I got to know, I didn't even like her anymore.

This time around, Agatha is back to being Aggie (God, how she hates being called Aggie!). I'm glad because I missed her. But the setting, the village of Fryfam, feels less charming than weird and goofy. There are too many new characters and none of them is memorable. 

I hope when I return to the series for #11, Beaton will address both sides of the equation.

3. What will you read next? I don't know. Nixon is going to take a while.

 

  

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 31

My 2025 Happiness Icon

Today's happiness: Freedom. Not in the red/white/blue sense. Since it appears likely that Chicago will soon be invaded by federal troops, I'm not feeling that right now.

 

Today it made me happy that I had the freedom to do absolutely nothing. I awoke with a wonky gut. Back in my old life, I would have dosed myself with Imodium so I could keep going. This morning, I fed the cats, ate some bread for breakfast, and went back to bed, where I stayed until 5:00 PM. I only got up to ... well, you know. Why does this make me happy? Since I no longer have a full time job, I don't have to get all my errands and laundry done on weekends. I'm glad I was able to let my body work it through. I bet I'll feel better tomorrow than I would if I'd gone the loperamide route. So I'm happy I got to take care of myself in the way I felt that was best for me – not my clients or my coworkers.

 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

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.

Photo by Ayşegül Baykal on Unsplash

 

Sunday Stealing

F.A.B.

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching? Mostly I've been watching Cubs baseball, but I took time out for A Farewell to Arms (1957). I know it's not very good – Hemingway himself panned it – but the war scenes are heart-wrenching and the romance? Rock Hudson is so dreamy it's ridiculous. Really, Brad Pitt looks like canned dog food compared to Rock in this movie.

A. Audio: What are you listening to? Alexa has been playing 1970s-era Sir Paul McCartney for me.

B. Book: What are you reading? Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam. This is the 10th book in the mystery series and I'm about halfway through. I'm happy to say I'm enjoying it. I wasn't crazy about #9 and it's a sad thing when a beloved cozy mystery series lets you down, so this turnaround is welcome.

  

August Happiness Challenge – Day 30

 

My 2025 Happiness Icon

Today's happiness: Leavin' on a jet plane. I just made my plane reservations for Grand Rapids. I'm going up to meet my great niece Violet in about a month. I am excited to see the little one in her own home, in her own room, and to see how my niece and her husband are navigating parenthood in everyday life – not during the hectic holidays. Also, when we finally meet she'll be about 4 months old and will have real personality by then. (True confession: I find newborns rather boring.)

 

It makes me happy to make a special fuss over my niece with this visit, instead of just piggybacking onto any upcoming trip she makes to her parents' home or including my first meeting with Violet with the Christmas holidays. I want her to know how important this milestone in her life is to me, and that I support her. 

 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

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.

Photo by Ayşegül Baykal on Unsplash

 

Saturday 9

Manic Monday (1985) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Bangles lead singer Susannah Hoffs sings that "it's 6:00 already." What time did you wake up this morning? Too early! 5:30 AM. After I finish this meme and my cup of water, I'm going back to sleep.

2) She's running late for work and she wishes her bed was already made so she wouldn't have to spend time doing it. Do you ever leave the house without making your bed? I never make my bed.

 

3) She sings that it would take an airplane to get her to work on time. Are you usually early, on time, or late? Late. When I used to take the train every day, I was always on time because they stick to a schedule and would leave without me. But now that I'm left to my own devices, I've gotten sloppy. I'm never more than 5 or 10 mins. late. 

4) Since Monday is the start of her hectic workweek, she wishes it was Sunday because that's her "fun day." What's your favorite day of the week? Saturday. (When I was a little girl, it was a toss-up between Wednesday and Thursday because Batman was on.)

5) "Manic Monday" was written by Prince. What's your favorite Prince song? "Little Red Covette."

6) In 1985, when this song was a hit, Sears promoted sleepwear with characters on them in their children's department. GI Joe pajamas were popular. When you were a kid, did you have a favorite pair of pjs? Yes. They were pink, covered in little blue flowers, and had a little ruffle at the neck. My mom let me pick which pjs I wore, and if these weren't in the laundry basket they were my first choice. 

7) A fashion tradition dating back to the early 1900s states that you should put your white slacks, shoes, jackets and belts away after Labor Day. Do you follow that rule? Kinda sorta, in that I never wear white slacks, jackets or belts any time of year. My Nikes are white, but I don't think this "rule" applies to tennies.

 

8) Traditionally Labor Day marks the moment when fans turn their attention to the NFL and NCAA football. Will you be rooting for a particular football team this season? No. Baseball is getting too good. Are Detroit and Milwaukee for real? Will the Padres overtake the Dodgers? Right now it looks like my Cubs are a lock for a Wild Card slot, but as Joe Maddon used to say, "Sometimes the shit rains down sideways, just because we're the Cubs."

9) According to the auto insurance industry, the average American spends 52 minutes (26 each way) behind the wheel every day traveling to and from work. How do you while away the time when you're stuck in traffic? I sleep or read. Don't worry, I don't drive, so this puts no one's life is in danger. 

 

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 29

My 2025 Happiness Icon

Today's happiness: I slept like a log! My Cubs are in Colorado, so the game didn't start until late. This gave me the opportunity to take a nap after work and I slept. I really slept! Since Roy Hobbs' dental adventure on Wednesday, my sleep has been fitful. It was wonderful to doze soundly. 

 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

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.

Photo by Ayşegül Baykal on Unsplash

 

August Happiness Challenge – Days 27 and 28

My 2025 Happiness Icon

 

I have been overwhelmed with worry over Roy Hobbs, so it was hard for me to update this, But I believe it's important, so here we are:

 

Wednesday's happiness: OxyClean Laundry Stain Remover. I was in a hurry Wednesday morning and of course that's when I got a barely noticeable bloody nose in the shower. Truly, I didn't realize it until I dried my face and saw a little red on my (very) white and pink bath towel. I love this set of towels and figured when I got back from the vet I'd do a load of wash to save it. In the meantime I squirted it with OxyClean so it wouldn't set. Hours later, the blood was gone. Just from the pre-treat!

 

Thursday's happiness: Three reservations. The most stressful part of planning for the TCM Classic Film Festival is getting a good hotel reservation. I've stayed at three different hotels and an Airbnb and while they were all nice, one just made the festival going experience so much better: Loew's Hollywood. Of course, the convenience and safety it provides makes it crazy popular with fellow festgoers, and once the dates are announced, it sells out in snap. Karen from my movie group shared her hack for getting her favorite hotel every year: Expedia's fully refundable booking policy. I made three reservations, one for each of the likely weeks in April. Two with Expedia and one with Loew's itself. So now I can relax.

 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

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.

Photo by Ayşegül Baykal on Unsplash

Greetings from Nightmare Alley

I'm not going to bury the lead here: I believe my cat, Roy Hobbs, is going to be OK. But I wish we weren't where we are, and it's causing me considerable stress.

He had dental work Wednesday morning. Two teeth were pulled. Because he is younger and stronger than my Connie Cat, and because she had nine (9!) teeth pulled a couple months ago, I thought his recovery would be easier than hers. I was wrong. Here it is, Thursday evening, and he's still not fine. No interest in food. His balance compromised.

I spoke to the vet tech this morning in a regularly-scheduled follow up call. She said that, since he's social and affectionate, he's probably just slower to recover from anesthesia and the trauma of being hospitalized. If he hasn't improved by tomorrow night, I'm bringing him in on Saturday as an emergency.

All I've done yesterday and today is look at him. I'm exhausted. I take naps but my sleep is fitful. I've been having nightmares, which is why, when I wake up, I don't feel refreshed. 

I don't remember much of the nightmares except that they aren't violent. Just frustrating. I recall bits and pieces of one where someone whose help I need claims not to know me. In another one, I'm squabbling with someone.

I know what's going on. I feel inadequate to provide Roy Hobbs with wise and deft care as he recovers. If I can't hide his meds in his food, I have to jam the pills down his gullet, which upsets him even more, but he won't heal without those prescriptions. I feel like someone else would have better judgement and a surer hand. I'm afraid I'm failing him.

I understand intellectually that I'm probably doing him no harm. If he was in severe pain or seriously struggling, he would hide from me and Connie. He's so happy to be home that he's been purring almost nonstop, enjoys me talking to/petting him, and lets Connie groom him. He's drinking, if not eating. All that is good and important.

But I'm impatient. I want him to be well. I want to do better by him.