Tagged!

Alison has tagged me for the "7 Random Things" meme. Here goes:

1) Part of why I enjoy watching Open Court on Court TV is that it gives me the opportunity to check out host Lisa Bloom's makeup. Like me, Lisa (right) has very fair skin, and her shadow/lipstick color choices run from subdued to unconventional.

2) Many Christmas seasons ago, my purse was stolen. Ripped right off my arm my a bike messenger, who pedaled away with it. While I wasn't delighted about the loss of my wallet with my cash and credit cards, I found what I missed most was my glasses. That night, when I took out my contact lenses, I was blind. So now I have a spare pair of glasses at home … just in case.

3) The best movie I've seen this year (so far) is Michael Clayton.

4) I took the RealAge Test, which revealed that while I may be 50 chronoligically, my RealAge is 46.

5) I can never remember my own cellphone number, and frequently have to look it up in my Franklin Planner.

6) I really would prefer not to mingle or chat when I'm at church. I find it a very personal time, just for me and God.

7) I feel naked if I leave home without my watch.

Now I think those are all new little Gal factoids, and I know they were pretty random!

I'm not tagging anyone this time around, but if you'd like to complete this, too, let me know so I can check your answers.

Why this book?

Last night was my last birthday celebration of the year. My best friend was in town, and oh, how I'd missed him. I was also CONSUMED with curiosity about my birthday gift! He began mentioning over the summer that he was wrestling with coming up the perfect present.

So imagine my surprise when I unwrapped this paperback. I've never heard of this book, much less asked for it. So I was surprised to learn that it was on the NY Times bestseller list on the day I was born. Also in the gift bag was a DVD of Bridge Over the River Kwai, the most celebrated the movie of the year I was born. Best of all was a press clipping about the Quarrymen, who played a small club in Liverpool the day after I was born. Fronting the group were an impossibly young (15 and 17, respectively) Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

It was a thoughtful, imaginative gift. My best friend done good.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #44 -- It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas

MY 13 FAVORITE

SONGS OF THE SEASON

1. White Christmas. “May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.” A sweet, enduring sentiment, and I especially love the pure, restrained, peerless rendition by Barbra Streisand.

2. Blue Christmas. By Elvis. Of course. Accept no substitutes.

3. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. When you hear John Mellencamp do this, you’ll just know that Santa rocks.

4. Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me. If Santa heard Elvis' plea, he couldn't possibly refuse.

5. Merry Christmas, Baby. When the Boss sings this, I have very vivid fantasies about mistletoe and all its possibilities.

6. Sleigh Ride. I love Andy Williams’ "ring-a-ling" version. Maybe it’s cheesy. I don’t know, as I can’t be objective when it comes to Andy and Christmas. I so loved his Christmas specials when I was a kid!

7. The Christmas Song. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire …” You know, I’ve never seen, heard or smelled chestnuts roasting on an open fire. And yet, this is one of the most powerfully evocative holiday songs. Go figure.

8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It’s always lovely, but no one does it like the lady who introduced it – Judy Garland.

9. River. “I’m so hard to handle. I’m selfish and I’m sad …” The holidays can be an emotional roller coaster for me, and this wistful Joni Mitchell song completely captures that spirit of the season. James Taylor did an exceptional rendition of this recently.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. But only by Dean Martin. Dino gets goofy and begins referring to “Rudy, the red-beaked reindeer.” Cracks me up every time.

And beyond Santa and Rudolph and snow, Christmas is about the birth of Christ the Savior. I love welcoming Christmas Day by singing these carols at the midnight service.

11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.


12. The First Noel.


13. Silent Night.


Include your link in the comments and I'll list you here
1. Samantha K shares what popped into her head this afternoon
2. Damozel shows us how to increase our blog traffic
3. Lori lists 13 of life's toughest lessons
4. Sandy Carlson is a biblical one about fear
5. Sandee highlights 13 very funny people
6. Shesawriter lists 13 men who are guaranteed to get your pulse racing
7. Chelle Y. loves holiday TV specials
8. Nicholas' TT is a literary one, this time highlighting the ladies
9. Greatfullivin takes a closer look at George and Mary Bailey
10. Mocha Mom tells us a little more about Mocha Mom
11. Malcolm's TT is a birthday tribute to Little Richard
12. Lori's TT is very wise and insightful
13. Jenny McB's TT is yummy
14. Works for Mom has some genuinely "unique" holiday gifts
15. No Nonsense Girl shares what's on her mind
16. Secret Agent Mama has an astrological TT
17. Candy shares 13 inspirational quotes
18. Fresh Girl has a warm, funny list
19. Natalie shows us why she's a Calvin & Hobbs fan
20. Adelle's TT also celebrates the season
21. Denise's TT is about St. Nick
22. Carrie Lofty tackles 13 questions
23. Mo and I are tracking with our lists!
24.




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Why you should always check for shoes

Yesterday I stopped at the ladies' room en route to our status meeting. Even though I was behind closed doors, I knew who had entered the next stall. One of my coworkers -- I'll call her "Brittany" -- is a bit of a germophobe and she always takes the tissue paper toilet seat covers from the wall dispenser with great flourish. She also only had a moment, since she was due in the same meeting I was. She concluded her affairs before I did and was headed out the door. Before she made it, her boss -- I'll call her "The Terminator" -- entered.

The Terminator and I have a complicated relationship. I hate her, and for some reason she refuses to accept this. She is a Vice President, a woman with good ideas, and the worst people skills ever. Rather than say that she doesn't know or needs to check on something (thereby fearing she'll lose our respect), she shoots from hip. Because of her stature, we act on her edicts. Since she's often wrong, we frequently end up doing double work. But that's OK -- she'll haughtily deny the direction she gave by saying, "Did I not make myself clear?" Because she knows I can't stand her, she spends more time on my efforts, giving me pointless direction I don't need in a fruitless attempt to "bring me to heel." Other times she tries to chat me up and compliments me excessively when I don't deserve it. I've known me for a long time and trust me, these are not the ways to win me over.

Sometimes I feel sorry for the old Terminator. She clearly feels she's in over her head and is terrified we'll find out. The thing of it is, she is smart. She is qualified to do this job. If she just wasn't so unutterably pushy and brittle, I might actually enjoy working with her. As it is, knowing that she actually cares what lowly little me thinks of her imbues me with a bratty, childish sense of power.

Anyway, Terminator intercepted Brittany and asked what she was doing for the first night of Hanukkah. Brittany was having people over but bemoaned the color of her candles. Since I didn't feel like dealing with them, and because I didn't think this conversation could last long, I stayed … put.

The Terminator took the opportunity to complain about how "obnoxious" Christmas is. How if she sees any more "red and green" she'll "puke." Her Kindergarten-aged daughter only gets to celebrate Christmas at her father's house, and the Terminator is sick of hearing her cry because the little girl doesn't understand why she can't have Christmas lights in her bedroom window at home. Then the Terminator started on "them." Why can't "they" devote more space in stores to Hanukkah? Why do "they" have to do so much for "their" holiday? Again, she said, "Christmas is obnoxious."

By now I was afraid I'd be late for the meeting -- and that I'd have a red ring forever imprinted on my ass -- so I stood up, zipped up and emerged from the stall. The Terminator and Brittany looked soooo embarrassed! They couldn't even make eye contact with me. Because I'm perverse, I wanted to put a hand on each of their shoulders and say, "That's OK. I forgive you both for killing my Lord."

Yes, I was offended by the Terminator. Not because she was Christmas-bashing. Yes, as a Christian it made me uncomfortable. But my faith is not so fragile that the Terminator's disdain for the non-religious traditions of Christmas can rattle me. Plus I have compassion for how hard it must be to try to raise her daughter in a Jewish household when her exhusband tempts the poor wee one with Christmas.

It's just that what she did was SO STUPID!

I could have been a client visiting the agency. Because she's a VP and in a position of power, I could have taken her to Human Resources and complained that she was creating a hostile workplace. It's scares me that a dumb bunny like the Terminator actually has power in this agency, yet not the sense to check for shoes before she starts bashing another religion.

Plus, let's face it, folks: We're in marketing, and we know that stores stock items based on supply and demand. If she wants to go to stores that don't have a lot of Christmas decorations, she needs to shop in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. She understands demographics, she knows this.

It makes me happy that it was me that heard her. She knows I hold her in only the mildest esteem to begin with, and that this won't help. Tee hee. Tee hee.

My office was already decorated for Christmas, with a stocking hung on the bulletin board, Santa and snowmen in the window, and big bows on the file cabinet. But now that I know how much my obnoxious holiday bothers her, I think I have to go out and get a nativity scene to display. Would a life-size one be over the top? What about real animals? Too much, you think?

And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to start playing Christmas Carols. Tee hee. Tee hee.

Heads & Tails #12

Today's theme is the Number 3. I'm taking this opportunity to celebrate three of the best cats ever -- mine.

Joey is my ginormous gray and white tom. He really is huge, once actually frightening the cable guy. Poor Joe was turned in to the animal shelter at Christmastime, 1999, because his original family could no longer afford to care for him. Joey loves hearing his name, he loves having his neck scratched, he loves roughhousing with the other cats, he loves powernapping … Joey loves life.

Charlotte Anne is my tiny, tailless diva. She hates Joey. Only she knows why. Every day he tries to play with her, and every day she rebuffs him. This has been going on since she arrived in 2001. She joined us after a fire at the animal shelter -- unfortunately most of her background info was lost. Miss Thing is a picky eater who always has room for Friskies Tender Treats. She is also picky about her litterbox, and has been known to punish a particular spot on the hall carpet if things aren't to her specifications. She is a big help to me when I put my makeup on in the morning, sitting on the toilet seat, chatting with me and sharing her opinions.

Reynaldo is a skinny, beige streak of adrenaline. He was turned in to the shelter as a stray kitten in Fall 2004. I keep waiting for him to calm down and leave his mischievous kitten days behind. The long wait continues. For all his faults, he is very affectionate with me, submissive with HRH Charlotte, and the perfect rough-and-tumble playmate for Joe.

These three are a perfect example of why you should "make adoption for first option." Shelter animals make unique and completely adorable companions!

For more about Heads/Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittles' Place.

Manic Monday #4

What's the longest you've ever waited in line?
Well, on Saturday I waited more than 40 minutes, with wet feet, in the freezing rain, for an el train that never arrived. Since it happened so recently, it's very top of mind. Does that count?

It's been said that, "The best things in life are free." Do you think this is true? Why or why not?
Yes, I think it's true. And as an example, I'll use shelter pets. While technically not "free," they are certainly way, way less expensive than their bred counterparts. Yet they are just as loving, loyal, and adorable.

If you could go back in time and re-live one day in your life, which day would you choose and why?
I have two very different answers to this one. The first one is the day I broke up with the guy who, looking back, was the love of my life. I said something really mean to him. I'm not even sure I meant it. I just wanted to hurt him -- and I did. It's one of the few things I really regret. The other was a summer afternoon in the 1970s I spent talking with my grandpa. He explained the importance of the Hearst family to me (Patty's kidnapping saga was going on at the time). It was a beautiful day, it was just the two of us, and he was speaking to me like a grownup. I always knew he loved me extravagantly, but usually we talked about me. Or he made silly jokes. On this day, I learned he had a smart, serious side, too. We lost him shortly after that, which is why I treasure the memory so. I wish I had more time with him.

For more information about Manic Monday, or to participate yourself, click here.

Stolen from Kwizgiver …

… as all the best memes are.

EITHER/OR

1.Get kissed under the mistletoe or in the snow? Both :)
2. Santa or Rudolph? Rudolph … and Clarice
3. Stocking or presents? Presents
4. Egg nog or hot cider? Cider
5. Angel or star? Angel
6. Decorating the tree, or putting lights on the outside? This year, neither. But under perfect circumstances, the tree.
7. Warm cozy fires or sleigh rides? Fire
8. Family time or friend time? Some friends I consider family. (Kwizgiver's original answer; I love it.)
9. Expensive presents or presents that come from the heart? Is it wrong to want expensive gifts that come from the heart?
10. Snow ball fight or snowman? Snowman.
11.Coal or present? Presents.
12. Open presents quick or slow? Slow.
13. Diamonds or rubies? Not interested in either.
14. Caroling or Christmas movies? Movies.
15. Snowy days or ice days? Snowy.
16. Red or Green? Green.

QUESTIONS

1. Best Christmas present received? Blaze, a talking rocking horse
2. What’s the number one thing you want for Christmas? Lovely Body Lotion by Sarah Jessica Parker
3. If you were going out with someone, what would you want them to give/get you? Something personal and sweet
4. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe? Yes, but not well
5. Age you stopped believing in Santa Claus? 10
7. Do you wake your parents? Yes, but not before 7:00 AM

Ah. spa!

Yesterday was almost totally a great day! A friend of mine celebrated my 50th by booking two spa treatments for my old, tired bones. First I had the most fabulous hydrotherapy treatment … citrusy steam, scrub and shower for all-over moisturizing. Then we broke for lunch, followed by the most delicious Swedish massage -- important for my poor, tragic, over-moused/over-clicked shoulder. It was wonderful! Pampering, food, and conversation combined left me feeling very zen.

Which was a good thing, because while I was being pampered and fed, an ice storm was taking place outside. The roads and rails were all screwed up. It took me 45 (so uneventful I don't even recall them) minutes to get downtown and 2 1/2 (my feet were soaked and it was so cold on the platform) hours to get home.

My mantra all the way was: "Ah, spa! Ah, spa!"

Unconscious Mutterings #19

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Music :: iPod
   
2. Insanity :: Lunacy
   
3. Curtain :: Shower
   
4. Nickname :: "Mouse," a nickname my dad gave me when I was very young
   
5. Container :: The Container Store
   
6. Roast :: Pork
   
7. Thong :: Ouch
   
8. Purple :: sweater set
   
9. Holidays :: They're upon us
   
10. Christmas tree :: Maybe this year … but maybe not. My cat Reynaldo still has his destructive moments, and I wonder if trying a tree this year isn't just buying trouble.
    

For more information, or to mutter yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

My tummy hurts

Yesterday I had the most terrific dinner ever! We went to Moto, where the food is delicious, creative and fascinating. Our ten-course meal began with an edible menu, personalized in honor of my birthday, included a Greek salad puree served cold and in a shot glass, bbq pork and baked beans (the beans were cooked, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and converted to thin, spaghetti-like strips that melted in my mouth), and a truffle that tasted like -- and, once in my mouth, had the consistency of -- cotton candy. It was all amazing!

But this morning I woke up with the ickiest gastrointestinal malady. DON'T BLAME MOTO! I know exactly what set this off. Yesterday, at lunch in the cafeteria, I tried the fish. As I was placing it in my "to go" container, I actually asked myself if fish from a buffet is ever a good idea. I should have answered "no." OH! How I wished I'd answered "no."

Friday's Feast #24

Appetizer

What is your favorite carnival/amusement park ride? Roller coaster or Tilt-a-Whirl (depends on which one has the shortest line)

Soup
How do you react in uncomfortable social situations? Depends. I either try to dive in and make it better by changing the subject, or I withdraw

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy discussing deep, philosophical topics? Again, it depends. If the person I'm talking with is interested in exchanging ideas, I'd say 11! If the person is devoted to changing my mind, then a 2. I like learning, not being lobbied.

Main Course
Did you get a flu shot this year? If not, do you plan to? No and no. I'm allergic to thimerisol, which is a preservative used in the shots.

Dessert
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend watching television? A GAZILLION! I'm a news junkie! I have MSNBC or CNN on most of the time. What if something happens and I miss it?

For more information, or to serve your own feast, visit Friday's Feast.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #43 -- About a Blog …

13 FACTS ABOUT THIS VERY BLOG

I’m hooked on stats! The ones that follow are from Statcounter, Technorati and Blogger. I realize that keeping up with these stats is the geeky, silly, self-obsessed blogger equivalent of Googling oneself, but I can’t help it.

1. My Technorati “authority rank” (the number of blogs that link back to this one) is an even 80.

2. 23% of my visitors are from outside the United States.

3. Most international visitors come to my humble posts from Canada, but I have had five hits from the United Arab Emirates.

4. The visitor who found me over the greatest distance was from Queensland, Australia. Alas, that blogger never returned. (I’m sorry for whatever it is I did or said that offended you! Please come back!)

5. Domestically, I’ve had hits from all 50 states, but I am not exactly hitsville in Delaware. Only one blogger from Delaware has stopped by, and that person left immediately. (After only 1 second.)

6. The keyword used most often (14 times) to find this blog is “Nailah Franklin.” Ms. Franklin is the local woman whose death this past autumn touched me so. I have posted about her 3 times to date.

7. Thursday Thirteens bring me a lot of interaction. The post that earned the most comments (46) was my recent TT on “Tearjerkers.”

8. The oldest post that still attracts folks is my Thursday Thirteen from back in July – “13 women I want to hang with in Heaven.”

9. According to my own labels, I love memes and … BASEBALL!

10. Of my 90+ baseball posts, more than half have highlighted my beloved, future Hall of Famer (and now Padre), Greg Maddux. This surprised me. I thought I was more purely Cub-obsessed.

11. The famous person who has received the next most mentions is Paul McCartney. This does not surprise me. I’ve been in love with him since I was 6 years old.

12. Those little Adsense ads have earned me a princely $10.83 to date. I’m cashing out my 401(k)!

13. And now, in a public display of gratitude, I want to thank the following bloggers for honoring me with awards:

• “Be the Blog” and “The Friend Award” from Misty Blue
• “You Make the Smile Award” from Lori
• “Blogging Star,” “Sweet Treat” and “Community Blogger” awards from Alison
• “Nice Matters” and “Sweet as a Candied Apple” Award from Kwizgiver
• “Smile Award” from Tina
• “Thoughtful Blogger Award” from Mo
• “Rockin’ Girl Blogger” from Gabriella Hewitt

Just because I don’t display these awards all the time doesn’t mean that I don’t catalog, appreciate and remember them. When I began this silly thing, it was merely an online journal. How nice to enjoy back-and-forth with readers! I’m a very lucky blogger.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens.

1. This week, Holly blogs about a subject she's the undisputed expert on
2. Sandee has a not very typical Christmas-themed TT
3. Chelle Y shares her son's Christmas wish list
4. Let Ellen b (and her grandpa) make you smile
5. SJ highlights some unsportsmanlike comments she's received from Ron Paul supporters
6. Nicholas shares highlights of his DVD collection
7. Susie J helps out by sharing 13 great places to hide gifts
8. Works for Mom takes on those dopey holiday letters (it needs to be said!)
9. Lori lists 13 of her favorite movies
10. Malcolm has a cool TT about TV stars and their nationalities
11. Yellow Rose has a very random TT
12. Denise spotlights a little known (at least to this Gal) historical woman ruler
13. Greatfullivin encourages us to laugh
14. Secret Agent Mama gives close examination to peanut butter sandwiches
15. Wylie Kinson competes with People for the best list of the Sexiest Men Alive
16. No Nonsense Girl has a wise and enriching TT
17. Deb puts us in the Christmas spirit with her favorite carols
18. Cordia Amant has a book TT, and I love book TTs
19. Fresh Girl has a musical TT, too
20. Harlekwin -- who did the kitty banner you see above -- takes on the holiday blues
21. She's revealed herself! Grace is my visitor from the United Arab Emerites! And her TT is suggestions of what to do when your lifeline -- I mean, your ISP -- is down.
22. Beth lists the first 13 TTs she visited. This one's not listed, so go there looking for new links to click.
23. Candy's TT is really a love note to her hubby
24. Robin (from Israel!) has a TT about Hannukah
25. LA Day takes us shopping
26. Joy Is My Goal captures the spirit of the season with nativities
27. Carrie Lofty has a musical TT
28. Mom Huebert enjoys 13 simple pleasures
29. I am the diva shares the google searches that brought her readers



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Heads & Tails #11

This week, the theme is MARK. Ms. Skittles inspired me with a priceless videoclip of Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere and the Raiders, a popular pop band of the late 1960s.

Since that period was important to my youth, I'm highlighting a couple of other Marks from the era:

• Mark Slate was a Brit -- veddy important in 1964 -- and right-hand man to April Dancer, The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. (He was played on the show by Noel Harrison, son of Rex.)

• Mark Lenard was an actor whose name you may not recognize, but whose characters you do. I knew him best as Aaron Stemple, the millowner on Here Come the Brides (1968 and 1969). He was also Spock's father on Star Trek and had a recurring role on Mission: Impossible.

For more information about Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittles' Place.

Point. Click. Give.

The Today Show makes giving to less fortunate kids sooooo easy! With their toy drive, all you have to do is select a gift from their Amazon.com Wish List (I purchased a Rubik's Cube for just $9.99) and it will automatically be sent to the charity. You don't have to wonder what to buy, you don't have to bother wrapping it, you can even do it while wearing your jammies and slippers! Consider brightening a kid's Christmas. Go to the Today Show's website for details.

To paraphrase Gene Kelly, "Gotta Meme!"

Here's today's Manic Monday meme. My boss is reviewing my work from last week, and I'm hoping that a fresh Monday meme will distract me from being nervous.

Which personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble? I can be very insensitive. Like my mom, I blurt. We both say things that we believe are self evident, and later find out they aren't. For example: I once asked a lover, who was about 5'5", if it bothered him that he wasn't tall. He looked completely stricken. I was so sorry.

If you had to gain 10 pounds what would you eat to gain the weight? Burgers. Or pizza. Or perhaps I'd combine them and have a pizza with a ground beef topping.

How is your private self different from your public self? Because I'm pretty deft with words, people think I'm confident. No, I'm just clever. There's a difference. I'm as (or perhaps more) wracked with self doubt as the next gal. Especially about my looks.

For more information, or to join the mania yourself, visit Manic Monday.

If I had to choose today …

… my candidate would be John Edwards. It isn't that I don't care about Iran, Iraq and Korea, because I do. But the other Democratic candidates have allowed foreign affairs to suck all the oxygen out of the debate. Oh, every once in a while we hear about health care and immigration reform, but mostly it's Iraq, Iraq, Iraq.

John Edwards keeps revisiting his "two Americas" theme and reminding us of our responsibility to one another. I especially like his idea about encouraging grocery stores to do business in low-income areas. I recently saw a story on our local PBS station about inner city kids and obesity. There are neighborhoods in Chicago that don't have real grocery stores, just convenience stores with aisle after aisle of chips and prepackaged cupcakes and refrigerator cases filled with frozen pizza. What produce they carry is very expensive and not exactly as fresh as it might be.

Edwards is doing what I believe a statesman should do -- he's using the system to amplify the voices of those we don't always hear.

Of course, when I look at the Democratic field, I am pleased and proud. Our side looks like America -- with a woman, a Black and a Hispanic all still viable candidates. No matter which one my Party nominates, I will be comfortable with my choice next November.

I hate it when this happens

My depression ebbs and flows. When I'm sad, it's a strong emotion, leaving me feeling like this lighthouse: isolated, irrelevant, and with few resources to help me stand up to the powerful forces of nature. Then it passes, and I feel like slapping myself. "What's with the self pity, Gal? This is, after all, YOUR life! If you don't like it, change it!" Of course, that healthy helping self loathing doesn't necessarily help, either.

Today I did do something productive, which gave me some respite from the "pushmi-pullu/I'm so blue-stop whining" whiplash. I took 4 pullovers, 2 purses, a blanket and a dozen plastic hangars over to the Goodwill store. It was not only a good deed, it freed up a little room in my armoire. Now I'm going to FINALLY hem those black slacks.

In addition to distracting myself from my whiny, slothful existence, I should also try some more positive self talk. This is not real, it's hormones. My life is fine. I have a job I'm good at, my finances are in decent shape, I still have my mom, my incredibly adorable cats are healthy, I've got a lot of diverse friends in my life … and my period is almost over.

Now where's that needle and thread?

Brazenly stolen from Kwizgiver

My mood has swung and I'm feeling bleak right now. Knowing it's just perimenospausal hormones screwing with my head doesn't make it hurt any less. "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me. Guess I'll go eat worms." Or perhaps I'll distract myself with this meme, which I found at Kwizgiver's place.

Completely, Ridiculously Random

What is the single largest item in your house? Bed
How well can you write your name with your non dominant hand? Not well at all
What color is your bedroom? Blue
What type of computer mouse do you use? None -- touchpad
What is your earliest memory? Leaning on the ottoman, looking out the window at "the old house" (I was about 3)
Have you ever jumped off of a high dive? No
Do you take vitamins? Yes
Do you like to color inside the lines? At times
What do you have set as your home page? AOL
Do you have your own radio? In the shower
Where would you hate to have to work? Food service
Who is on your speed dial? At home: nobody. On my cell: voicemail, cab company, work, my best friend, my theater buddy, work and the vet
Do you prefer lightbulbs or candles? Bulbs
How much money did you spend today? Less than $50
What are you sitting on right now? Sofa
Do you look at yourself when you pass by reflective surfaces? Yes
Would you ever get plastic surgery? No
Did you play with shaving cream when you were a kid? No
How big is your bed? No
Do you like the smell of axe? I don't know
What is your favorite flavor of lifesavers? The white mint. Is that spearmint, wintermint or peppermint? I'm confused.
Have you ever seen a volcano? Yes, but it wasn't currently active.
What is the best halloween costume you have ever worn? Harpo Marx
What kind of soap do you use? Tiramisu liquid soap
Can you snowboard? No
How many icons do you have on your desktop? Three
What is the biggest amount of money you have ever had at one time? $200
Do you understand how telephones work? Can I dial it? Yes. Do I understand the inner workings, or the satellite towers, etc.? No.
Do you write notes on your body? No
What is the prominent color in your closet? Blue
What is sitting next to you right now? My cat, Charlotte Anne
Do you believe in lots of conspiracies? No
Do you own any really old video game systems? No
Are you good at baking? No
Have you ever made your own clothing? No
How many doors does your house have? 1 (it's a condo)
Do you prefer tootsie pops or blow pops? Tootsie
Do you sneak into movie theatres? No
Are you a really fast text messager? No
Do you have anything you keep on you 24/7? Light in the dining room
Do you usually write in print or in cursive? Depends
What was your first job? Babysitting
Do you prefer crushed ice or cubed? Cubes
What print is on your plates or cups in your kitchen? Solid blue stoneware
Have you ever made a mixed cd for someone? Yes
What do you want to buy from an infomercial? the nifty "green" bags that keep produce forever
Do you believe that animals have souls? Yes
What word/phrase do you find really annoying? "Walk the walk"
Do you have a lava lamp or a black light? No
Do you find yourself not having enough electrical outlets? No
What is the longest you can wait patiently? With iPod -- forever; without iPod -- 10 minutes
Have you ever been under anesthesia? Yes
Are your fingernails long or short? Short
Are you afraid of bright colors? No
Has anyone ever accused you of being gay? Yes
Can you tell people honest things to their face? Yes
Would you rather eat grits or oatmeal? Oatmeal
Do you own a kite? No
Have you ever run down and up escalator or vice versa? No
What do you think of clothing for pets? Depends on how the pet is reacting. Sometimes dogs look miserable or embarrassed, and I hate that.
Do you tend to want things you cannot have? Yes, yes, yes
Is it true that you can be anything you want to be? No.
Were your parents honest to you about serious things when you were little? As well as they understood the issues at hand.
Would you ever dye your hair purple? It was called eggplant when I did it, and hey, it was the 1980s
Who do you think should play you in a movie? Carrie Fisher
Would you ever kill someone? I can't imagine a situation where I would
Do you prefer stripes or polka dots? Dots. Stripes make my ass look soooo big.
Do you dot your is and cross your ts? Yes.
Are you double jointed in any way? Just my index fingers
What kind of super power do you wish you had? Flying
Are you easily offended? Today, yes!
How often do you watch the news? Constantly
Do you have nightmares very much? No
Which power ranger was your favorite? Don't remember any of them
Did the movie Jaws ever scare you? No
Have you ever cried to get away with something? No
What do you think of feminists? Well, I am one, so I can't be objective
Are you friends with anyone famous? No
Do you lack common sense sometimes? Yes
Are you afraid of snakes? No
Do you use recycle bins at your house? Yes
How hot do you like the water in your shower? Closer to hot than warm
Do you ever walk around your house naked? All the time
What is your favorite art form? Words
Do you want to be bilingual? No
Is energy wasted on little kids? No
Do you lie to make people feel better? Yes
How many times a day do you look at the clock? Lots
Do you like to organize things? No
Are you going to have smile lines or frown lines when youre older? WHEN I'm older? Baby, I'm there. Mostly it's wrinkles around my eyes.
Do you floss your teeth every day? Yes
Do you like the game red rover? No
Which is better, thick crust or thin? Yes
How good are you at keeping secrets? No
What stupid little thing really stresses you out? Being waited on by that sullen, rude bitch Vicki who works at the local post office
Can you remember what you wore yesterday? Yes, jeans and a gold/green/brown sweater
Which Disney parks have you been to? World and Land
What do you think the drinking age should be? 18
Do you like to wear socks? Sure
What is the last cartoon you watched? I truly can't recall
What does your bed comforter look like? I have a nice, blue floral bedspread instead

Well, that certainly was completely, ridiculously, random, wasn't it? If you do it, let me know so I can check out your answers.

Why, you'd think I was a Cub fan or something!

Birthday gift tally:

Cub-related presents lead the way. I've received a Cubs glow-in-the-dark pen (selected by my second-grade nephew and paid for with his own money), a Santa-is-a-Cub-fan (of course he is!) ornament from my Mom, and a book about Cub fandom from my friend "John," who knows nothing about baseball except that it's healthy young men looking fine in tight pants.

Paul McCartney is a close second: I guess that's because it's hard to tell which I've loved longer -- my romantic troubadour or my heroes in blue. So far I've received a Beatle book from my oldest friend and a set of McCartney (solo) concert DVDs, also from "John."

Non-themed gifts include Robert the demonic doll, an afghan, various skin lotions, a book about evading zombies, the roses from my niece and nephew in California, and a gold and black watch (also from my mom).

I believe I still have two gifts left out there somewhere … unless I'm a greedy, presumptuous gal who should just be satisfied with birthday booty already received.

Is it OK if this doesn't exactly fill me with sorrow?

Do you recognize this man? His name is Joe Francis. He made a fortune getting dumb girls drunk, encouraging them to flash their boobs, and videotaping the results. Yes, he's Mr. Girls Gone Wild.

Poor Joe has had problems lately. First he was sued by underage girls for making money off of their … er, um … "images." They were not legally old enough to drink, nor old enough to enter into contracts. There were allegations that he physically took advantage of these girls, as well. That suit was settled, then there was a drug charge. Now he's in jail regarding tax evasion.

I am shocked … SHOCKED! … and horrified to learn that he's had a hard time in prison! He charges that guards forced him to be naked -- in public!

No one should abuse their power. That's always bad. Whether it's a prison a guard with a badge, or a millionaire with a videocamera.

If November 22 is your birthday …

… then you share it with ME! And here's our horoscope, courtesy of the Sun Times: "This year presents many lessons in love. Your heart will have so many reasons to feel fulfilled, but you are also learning that you don’t need a reason — love is always there for you when you are open to it. December brings a financial windfall. There’s a chance to showcase your talent in July. You share a special connection with Gemini and Aries. Your lucky numbers are 30, 1, 4, 33 and 15."

Celebration update:

• Tuesday was dinner with an old friend, Linda. I'm pleased she remembered because her life has been hectic (good and bad) lately. She's broke, so we went to an all-you-can-eat buffet. It IS the thought that counts, though, and I hope I was able to convey that to her.

• Wednesday I received my very own Robert the Doll from my friends in Key West. The original Robert is a local hero, a demonic doll who did the evil biddings of his owner (including pushing people down stairs and locking them in wine cellars). Now that his owner is long gone, it is rumored that Robert can still make mischief (throwing shadows, moving drapes, etc.). I'm a big fan of both the doll and his legend and visit him each year, safely behind glass at the East Martello Museum. Naturally I am thrilled to have one of my own!

• I also had dinner last night with my friend Kathleen. I was happy to go, but she did not have to give me anything. After all, she's the one who took me to my one and only CUB PLAY OFF GAME last July. That meant soooo much to me! In a way, I wish we'd left it at that, because I drank a couple of pear cosmos and woke up this morning with a headache. I've drunk more than two cosmos in shorter time with no ill effects, so I think I should stay away from the fruit flavorings.

Gotta get dressed so I can head over to my mother's for my birthday with her, and then the Big Bird. Wish me luck. Family celebrations don't always go so well …

Thursday Thirteen #42 -- The Secret Word Is Groucho

THIRTEEN OF MY FAVORITE
MARXISMS

Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, let me give thanks for film, kinescopes and videotape. Without the magic of media, I couldn't be as familiar with Groucho Marx. What a loss that would be, because everything about the man cracks me up. His silly, painted-on mustache. The stooped walk. His wonderful, goofy songs (Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Hello I Must Be Going, Hooray for Captain Spaulding). His timing and delivery. Even the names of his movie characters: Hugo Z. Hackenbush, Rufus T. Firefly, Otis B. Driftwood.

Here are 13 of his quotes. As you read these lines, imagine them spoken as only Groucho could.

1. If you want to see a comic strip, watch me take a shower.

2. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

3. Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read anyway.

4. Last night I shot an elephant in my pajamas. And how he got into my pajamas I’ll never know.

5. Don’t gulp that poison! It’s $4 a bottle!

6. Any man who can see through women is missing a lot.

7. I don’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like me as a member.

8. I have here an accident policy that will absolutely protect you no matter what happens. If you lose a leg, we'll help you look for it.

9. I intend to live forever or die trying.

10. I’ve known and respected your husband for many years – and if you’re good enough for him, you’re good enough for me!

11. Here’s to our wives and our girlfriends … May they never meet!

12. I could dance with you until the cows came home. On second thought, I’d rather dance with the cows until you came home.

13. I wish you’d keep my hands to yourself.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Holly recommends drinking mimosas and 12 other non-football endeavors for Thanksgiving.

2. Susie J takes us into the kitchen and shares the secret to really great cornbread

3. Ellen b sings the praises of New York

4. Tink fills us in with 13 facts about her life today

5. SJ introduces us to 13 of her ancestors

6. Nicholas returns to his bookshelf with his TT

7. Yuriko shares 13 Thanksgiving wishes

8. Lori has a thankful TT this week

9. Get to know Ms. Nononsense a bit better through her TT

10. Susan Helene shares Thanksgiving lore from her town of Riverview

11. Janet has a dreamy Thanksgiving menu


12. Shesawriter has a literary TT

13. Fresh Girl pauses to be thankful with her TT

14. Wacky Mommy shares "a little about us."

15. Grace lists 13 momentous events that happened on 11/22 -- her birthday!

16. Sassy Lucy is thankful today, and here's why

17. Amy's TT is a how-to about reaching your goals

18. Geek Betty is a thankful one, but from her one-of-a-kind POV

19. Adelle's TT is filled with fascinating facts

20. Aline PROVES she exists!

21. Di shares her iPod playlist with us.

22. See why Leslie enjoys Fall

23. I Am the Diva is suspicious, and here's why

24. Harlekwin's TT is beautiful

25. Denise introduces us to 13 fascinating characters

26. Tina Kubala is thankful, and here's why

27. Damozel gives us 13 profiles in courage

28. DriverAA is thankful, too, and shares 13 reasons






Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



My sixth birthday

Jenny McB asked me what I recall about November 22, 1963. In Brookfield, IL, I turned 6. In Dallas, TX, the world changed. I think my indelible memories of those days all these years later may serve to help parents understand that when major news events happen (Columbine, the death of Princess Diana, 9/11), children are very, very aware of it.

It was a Friday. My teacher's name was Mrs. Kroch. Because it was my birthday, I got to pass out a special treat (round milk chocolate discs individually wrapped in red/black aluminum foil and glued to black paper "feet" so that they looked like lady bugs).

The loudspeaker came on suddenly but it wasn't our principal, Miss McCann. Instead it was a scratchy radio broadcast that I couldn't understand. (I still can't understand announcements over loudspeakers.) Mrs. Kroch seemed confused and upset and sent a classmate next door to see "if it's true." I still didn't know what "it" was.

I realize now that at this point, no one knew JFK was dead, but that he had been shot. The teachers conferred in the hall for a while and then we were all sent home -- not just for lunch but for the whole day. I don't remember what we were told, but what amazes me about this today in 2007 is that (1) we were all allowed to walk to and from school; no one got a ride and (2) the school was confident that we each had a stay-at-home mom who would be there waiting for us.

When I got home, my mom was sitting on the coffee table, staring at the TV and crying. I remember that she was sitting on the table because we got yelled at for doing that. I think she wanted to be as close to the TV as possible. By now it had been announced that the president had died. She told me she'd heard the news at the grocery store and was so upset she just left her cart and came home. This part of the story is highly significant for me because it meant I WOULDN'T HAVE A BIRTHDAY CAKE AT DINNER THAT NIGHT! Remember, I'm a six-year-old first grader. I barely knew who JFK was, but I sure as shit knew it was my birthday and I wanted a cake.

Still, I'd never seen my mother cry like that before so I kept quiet. She was kinda scaring me. This was the first clue that there was something very wrong in my world.

My older sister (second grade) came home shortly after and informed me I was NOT going to have a birthday party the next day . She has always enjoyed whipping me up. This couldn't be true! I confronted my tearful mother about my party. She took me into my room to help me change into my playclothes and confirmed that yes, she was going to call all the moms that night and cancel my "kids party." I would still have my "family party" that night, but you just can't have a "kids party" when the president has been assassinated.

I don't recall if I argued with her or not. I just remember her crying and crying and crying. I realize now, looking back, she was half in love with JFK. My mom was 26 years old, and loved that the Kennedys had two kids and she had two kids (Caroline and I are just days apart). She had been terribly upset when Jackie had a miscarriage earlier that year. And JFK was just too cool. And now he was dead. She kept mentioning "those two kids."

I don't remember much until that evening, my "festive" party with no birthday cake. By now the Zapruder film was on TV. Over and over and over again. The same film! (Though the goriest frames had been censored.) My dad, still in his 20s himself and a gearhead, was just THRILLED to see that we had the same model Lincoln Continental convertible as Kennedy was shot in. "Look at the doors! Those are our doors!" My mom already hated that car because riding with the top down gave my older sister earaches. Anyway, every time my dad mentioned the convertible, my mom got this look on her face and I knew that car was gonna be gone soon. (It was. We got a nice blue Cadillac sedan after that.)

My icky grandparents (my mom's side) were guests. I was so happy that I got the one gift I'd really, really wanted. Ordered from the Avon book, it was a pink whale filled with baby shampoo. Press his tail and the shampoo comes out his blow hole. I showed it to my icky Grandma, who snapped, "Can't you see I'm watching TV?" That's all any of the adults did that weekend -- watch TV.

I have no memories until Sunday, when my dad took me to my good grandparents' house to get my birthday gift from them. My grandpa (one of my favorite people ever) was playing Lincoln Logs with me, showing me how to make a fence, when my dad started yelling at the TV. It was the first time I heard the word "lynching." Oswald was dead now, too. Being a budding wordsmith, I remember thinking that "assassinate" and "lynch" were very fancy words for "shot."

Since the next week was a short week anyway (Thanksgiving), school stayed closed until the following Monday. My mother wouldn't let us ride our bikes or play with other kids because it would be disrespectful to the President, so my sister and I stayed inside and fought. My mom tried to explain to us that we should watch the funeral, that this was history and very important. But she was still crying a lot and making me uncomfortable.

About four years later, my kid sister was a toddler and very ill. My mom explained to my older sister and me that our sister was staying in the hospital for a few days but not to worry -- SHE WAS NOT GOING TO DIE. Mom kept emphasizing it so we wouldn't be scared, but she needn't have. I remember thinking, "She's not crying like when JFK died, so it can't be bad." Same thing when the Apollo astronauts were lost in space. I figured they'd be OK because my mom wasn't crying like when JFK died. Or when she herded us into the basement because a tornado was sighted not far from our home. How close could the tornado really be? She's not crying like when JFK died. That remained my measurement for bad news for years: How hard is Mom crying compared to 11/22/63?

Most important to me at the time: while my party was never rescheduled, I did eventually get most of the gifts from my classmates. I know it sounds shallow, but remember, I was 6!

Most important to me now: Jackie managed to throw a third birthday party for John-John after the funeral on 11/25/63. I am completely in awe of her for that. I remember my own mom -- and every adult in my world -- confused, mournful and almost non-functioning between the assassination and the funeral. Yet somehow Jackie, at the center of it all, managed to suck it up and host a party for her little boy. That woman must have been made of very strong stuff.

The Gal's Gala

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving, the 44th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, and my birthday!

Since my birthday falls on a holiday, it's hard for people to celebrate what Elvis would call "the wonder of me" on the anniversary of my arrival. So instead it's a festival, which began last Friday with a trip down to Springfield with my oldest friend. We rode Amtrak, which made it an event, visited Lincoln's home (shown), law office, tomb and Presidential Museum. And my friend gave me my first birthday gift of the season (the Beatles book, Yesterday).

When I was a little girl, Abraham Lincoln was my first hero. I think part of that is because I've always been embarrassingly, geekily patriotic. But it's also because I was born and raised here, in the Land of Lincoln. We learned about Abe early and often and reverence for him is imprinted on me, just like my vaccination scar. Even though I spent the weekend in search of the man, he's still more mythic than real. Like Santa. I know he suffered depression, I know he lost his mother at an early age and buried two of his sons. He was smart as well as wise, literate, compassionate and decent. Even in wartime. It was impossible for me not to draw comparisons to the current, all-too-human resident of the White House -- who seems to have none of those attributes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I'm wrong about Bush #43, and that 100 years from now, schoolchildren will be studying him along with Lincoln?

And then, the Lads. Black and white photos -- many that I've never seen before! -- of them in 1964. How young they were! Ringo, the oldest, was just 24. It's fascinating to see them at the beginning of Beatlemania, before drugs and Yoko and Apple dragged them down. It's also a little sad to see how much they smoked, especially when you consider what ultimately happened to poor George.

This afternoon, a dozen roses arrived. On the card, my niece and nephew in California refer to me as their "cool aunt." That I am. Even at 50. Of course, I've met my competition in the "cool aunt" category and it's not exactly tough. But still, the flowers are pretty and it's good to hear.

Heads & Tails #10

Today's theme is NEVER. As in, "Never Say Never: What is something you thought you'd never do or say, but now you do?"

I'm stealing this one directly from mememistress Skittles, but it applies to me, too. I never thought I'd be this B-I-I-I-G. My size 12 jeans are now tight, and in the good old days (my 30s) I was a 6.

This can be blamed on a slower metabolism, drug interaction, and the fact that for years I had the worst diet on the planet. I am attempting to make a change, though. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to the health club.

THIS JUST IN: No, I'm not. Because some work needs to be done NOW! Damn job interferes with my working out, my blogging, my TV watching …

For more information on Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittle's Place.

What a nice thing to return to!

I went away for the weekend and came back to find that I AM AN AWARD WINNER! Misty Dawn has presented me with a pair of blogging trophies.

(1) The Be the Blog Award because my musings "really sum up what a successful blogger does. And what I mean by successful is that they make it their own, stay with it, are interactive with their readers, and just plain have fun."

(2) The Friend Award. What a lovely gift this is.

I just began this blog as online journal. I didn't expect to have readers or receive praise. This is fun and very satisfying. Thank you, Misty Dawn!

Friday's Feast #23

Appetizer
What was your first “real” job? A secretary (we were called "secretaries" back then) in the Newspaper Advertising Dept. at Sears Corporate Office in Sears Tower.

Soup
Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity? The tub. I seem to get my best ideas while I'm bathing or showering, and can't write them down!

Salad
Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when my stomach growls during a meeting.

Main Course
What values did your parents instill in you? I learned from my mom that pets are members of our family, too, and must be treated with love and respect.

Dessert
Name 3 fads from your teenage years. (1) TV was dominated by cheesey variety shows -- Donny & Marie, Sonny & Cher, Tony Orlando & Dawn; (2) Girls wore their hair long, straight, and parted down the middle; (3) CB radios

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com.

Oh no I don't!

I've been just laying down for a minute, just resting on the sofa, and then waking up at 2:00 AM. While I'm wide awake at 2:00 I do a few chores and find myself crawling into bed at 4:00 … to be awakened by my alarm clock at 6:00. So I start my workday exhausted, with vague memories of bad dreams.

It's almost 9:00 and I feel that lethargy coming on. So I'm getting UP OFF THE SOFA! I'm going to pack my overnight bag for my weekend trip with my oldest friend. I'm not going to sleep until 10:30. And when I do go to sleep, it will be in my bed. Tonight it stops.

Thursday Thirteen #41 -- 13 Tearjerkers

THIRTEEN MOVIES THAT
ALWAYS MAKE ME CRY

I do not cry in public. Never have. Unless I’m watching a movie. Then the faucets open up. Perhaps it’s because I’m so in love with the movies that it’s easy for me to get drawn into their world. Or maybe we each get a certain number of tears to shed in life and the ones I don’t weep in “real” life, I cry in “reel” life. But I’m not sure it really matters. I love a good tearjerker, and here are 13 reliable ones.

1. Titanic. (1997) Poor Jack, who perished. Poor Rose, who persevered without him. “Jack Dawson saved me in every way a person can be saved.”

2. The Wizard of Oz. (1939) I agree with Dorothy. The Scarecrow was my favorite, too, and I believe I’d miss him most of all.

3. Gone with the Wind. (1939) Damn that Civil War! But don’t you worry about Miss Scarlett O’Hara. She’ll never be hungry again. Not her, nor any of her folk. If she has to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is her witness, she’ll never be hungry again.

4. Casablanca. (1942) Damn that World War II! But thank God for men like Rick. He was wrong, you know. He was “good at being noble” after all. That’s why he sacrificed his great love so that right could prevail.

5. Shenandoah. (1965) Damn that Civil War! When Jimmy Stewart visits his wife’s grave and tries to explain how it decimated her family, how it took her sons, how only the politicians and undertakers and old men won, I just dissolve.

6. Mr. Roberts. (1955) Damn that World War II! It took a good and decent man like Doug Roberts, broke his spirit and then took his life. Some consider this movie a comedy, and it has its moments, but its portrayal of mundane reality of war and what it does to the soldiers and sailors who live it day to day breaks my heart.

7. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. (1967) OK, so it’s well-meaning but dopey and dated and at times even insulting. But if you can get through that scene near the end without tears … that scene where art imitates life, when an aging Spencer Tracy, in his last movie, publicly tells Katharine Hepburn – the woman he secretly loved for decades – that his passion for her is still there, that he remembers how it felt to first fall in love with her … then there’s something very, very wrong with you.

8. Splendor in the Grass. (1961) When a grown-up, married Bud tells Deanie he doesn’t think much about happiness anymore, and she gets back in the car to go home, impossibly beautiful in her white hat and gloves, and recites to herself, “nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass or glory in the flower, we will grieve not but rather find strength in what remains behind,” I ache for them both.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird. (1962) I know young Scout has no idea why her neighbor tells her to stand up because her father is passing. But I also know that some day she will, and she’ll be a proud woman because her father was Atticus Finch.

10. The Way We Were. (1973) Yes, I know Hubbell is a shitheel – a man who knowingly squanders his talent and refuses to stand up for what matters. Yes, Katie probably is better off without him. But how she loved him and believed in him! It’s so hard to let go of such a beautiful dream. Who hasn’t felt this romantic, impossible longing?

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. (1961) That scene in the alley in the rain … am I happy because Holly reunites with Paul, or with Cat? Oh, what difference does it make? Just so all three live happily ever after.

12. Brian’s Song. (1971) A male buddy of mine says that there are only 3 acceptable reasons for a real man to cry: Pain, extreme pain, and Brian’s Song. Maybe it’s a Chicago thing, but I know of no one over 30 who can be in an elevator when the theme comes on without choking up. There are many movies about romantic love, but few that tackle (pardon the pun) the powerful, platonic love of friendship. This is the true story of enduring Bears hero Gale Sayers and his brave, doomed teammate Brian Piccolo. The shy, private Sayers really did accept the Halas Award saying that “I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him, too.”

13. Old Yeller. (1957) I can’t even look at the DVD cover without welling up. Was he a great Yeller Dog or what? Capable of so much joy, so much love, so much courage. This movie introduced me to one of life’s toughest lessons – our furry friends never live as long as we need them to, and they depend on us to do right by them when they’re suffering, even if it breaks our hearts.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Nicole Austin has a seasonal TT with a great banner

2. Chelle Y. has a warm and lovely list of things she's thankful for

3. Susiej's TT is an important one -- safe toys

4. Tink shares facts about her favorite jungle cat, the black panther

5. Sandee asks Why? 13 provocative times

6. Malcolm takes us down memory lane with 13 terrifically sleazy quotes from my favorite nighttime soap, Dallas

7. Crimson Wife shares 13 yummy recipes

8. WorksforMom shares bumper sticker wisdom

9. Hard-hearted Nicholas lists 13 books with cities, states or countries in their names

10. Susan Helene Gottfried sings the praises (as it were) of the rythm guitar

11. Janet gets down to basics with her TT

12. Sandy Carlson shares fascinating facts about her family tree

13. Greatfullivin has a TT that will leave you feeling warm all over

14. Leeann shares some amazing pregnant lady cravings

15. Lori offers up lovely quotes on love and friendship (and a really cool banner, too!)

16. Nononsense Girl lets us read the thought bubble over head

17. The Head Gaggler comes clean and names the worst bands

18. Journeywoman has a wise and sensitive TT about IVF

19. Jenny McB is back and funnier than ever!

20. Open Grove Claudia was kind enough to do a TT that makes me feel better about myself

21. Fresh Girl has a birthday coming up. Swing by and wish her well.

22. Wakela's TT was is all about hyperthyroidism

23. Megan is a frustrated book-a-holic

24. Morgan Leigh shows off her beautiful family

25. Heads up! Crazy Working Mom has a birthday coming up, and her gift list is her TT

26. Mitchypoo has 13 one-liners about weight loss and diet

27. Becka muses about 13 imponderables

28. Visit Grace for 13 facts about dates (as in tasty food, not men nor the calendar)

29. MomG has funny courtroom anecdotes

30. Raggedy takes us back to airforce in 1920

31. Xakara gives us insight into her creative process

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants