2008 in Review

I got this idea from Mo, who snagged it over that other Gal's place.

Copy, paste, & share the first sentence(s) of the first post of each month during 2008: (link to each post by clicking on the title)

January: In Praise of Captain Tony's "This is my favorite bar in Key West."

February: You Big Babies! "Ok, so it snowed last night and all morning."

March: Where have you been all my life? "I'm talking about the show NCIS generally, and Mark Harmon specifically."

April: Tuesday Tunes "Word association week: Remember name the first song/album/artist/musical style that comes to mind when you see the following 10 words."

May: Grrrr! "I'm wound a little tight just now."

June: She gets me every time "I was channel surfing just now and came upon Olive Hoover as she prepares to do her big "Super Freak" number in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant."

July: Today would have been her birthday. "#47, I believe. I wonder what a middle-aged Princess Diana would be doing."

August: Miss Me? "The Blogger robots came by yesterday and decided I was one of them."

September : When Is a Duck a Real Ass? "When Mad Men is on, that's when."

October: Well, that was cruel "I cannot believe how tonight's Cubs/Dodgers game went!"

November: Lunch with my niece "We celebrated her birthday, just she and I, at an Italian restaurant."

December: Funny or Sad? You Be the Judge. "You are looking at the interest my Chase checking account earned during the month of November."

Let me know if you choose to play along, so I can see how your world looks in review.

Happy Birthday, Your Highness

“It was like he came along and whispered some dream in everybody’s ear, and somehow we all dreamed it.” Bruce Springsteen

“When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew that I wasn’t going to work for anybody, and nobody was going to be my boss...Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.” Bob Dylan

“Before Elvis, there was nothing.” John Lennon

“Elvis is a truly great vocalist, and you can hear why on this song. His phrasing, his use of echo, it's all so beautiful. It's the way he sings it, too. As if he's singing it from the depths of Hell. It's a perfect example of a singer being in command of the song.” Paul McCartney on “Heartbreak Hotel”

I say a little prayer

My best friend lives outside Boulder. He says he can see the wildfires from his home office window. He seems more concerned about his big 2009 planning meeting this afternoon than he does about being evacuated, though. Which means: a) the fires are a comfortable ways away from him or b) agency life and job prospects in Boulder are scarier than a wildfire. Maybe both.

I'm keeping the front page of the Boulder Daily Camera open so I can monitor the situation, just in case.

PHEW! LOOKS LIKE THE FIRES ARE UNDER CONTROL!

The Soul Patrol Meets Rydell High

I saw the Broadway in Chicago production of Grease, with Taylor Hicks, last night at the Auditorium Theater, and I had a wonderful time. This is largely because, as they say, a girl never forgets her first, and this show reminded me of a couple of notable firsts in my pop culture-loving life.

1) Grease. It was one of the first big musical productions I ever saw live. About this same time I also saw A Chorus Line for the first time. I fell in love. Not only with big musicals, but with living in Chicago, a world-class city with a flourishing theater community. (Grease originated in Chicago, you know.) So last night, while I was watching Danny and Sandy and Doody, I remembered the teenaged Gal I was the first time I met them, live, at the Civic Opera House, when I was also introduced to all my city has to offer.

2) Taylor Hicks, my first American Idol. I'd avoided the show until season 5. Then, for some reason, when it was narrowed down to 12, I tuned in. Once I saw Taylor Hicks among the others, he was my candidate. Sure, I got a kick out of Chicken Little. Rocker Chris Daughtry seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the middle-of-the-road, adult/contemporary format. Elliott Yamin screwed up the lyrics to Elvis' "If I Can Dream," an unforgivable sin in this Gal's book. I didn't really find any of the women memorable. But then there was Taylor Hicks. Good-natured, corny, with terrific pipes and blue-eyed soul that was part Johnny Rivers/part Michael McDonald, and yet somehow all his own. Watching Taylor Hicks pick off his competition and rise to the top hooked me, and I've been an AI addict ever since.

Last night he was Teen Angel, so his big number was "Beauty School Dropout." His blue glitter jacket was worth the price of admission, as was his entrance, emerging from a heavenly ice cream cone. He was in fine voice, and his style is well-suited to the nostalgic material. He connected well to the audience, so I was sorry to see him go. I wondered why they didn't just dye his trademark gray hair and let him play Danny. After all, Danny is usually played by actors who can sing (Barry Bostwick on stage, John Travolta in the movie). Why not turn it around a little and cast a singer who can act? Why not give it to my American Idol?

Because Taylor Hicks is a clod who can't dance for shit. When he came out at the end with the entire cast to reprise the big numbers, he soloed on "Grease" and was terrific. He even did a harmonica solo. But then he moved to the back of the stage. Waaaaaay back. Because he knows he can't dance for shit. It's not just his feet, it's his hands, too. Watching him try to "hand jive" was priceless.

The thing of it is, the audience still loved him. Filing out of the theater, people of all ages were laughing (affectionately) and imitating his awful moves. Like me, many were disappointed that he was onstage for such a limited time. I heard, "Jennifer Hudson's got an Oscar and he's doing this," as though as an American Idol winner he should be doing more prestigious things.

Maybe. Maybe not. There's a delightful lack of pretension to Taylor Hicks. He doesn't seem to feel like he's slumming as he struts around in his glitter jacket or whips out the harmonica. He seems to know that all he's doing is giving the crowd a little pleasure on a cold, January night. It's not lasting Art-with-a-capital-A, but it's fun. Perhaps that's his calling. Fun is certainly a worthy goal these days.

P.S. Since I'm a clod who can't dance for shit, either, I still consider Taylor Hicks my own personal American Idol.

Stolen from Kwizgiver, again.

If you want to see how she answered, click here.

What is on your bed right now? I'm not home so I can't say for sure, but I bet my cat Joey is powernapping on it right now

When was the last time you threw up? My last migraine. It's been months (September?) but they are completely dreadful.

What’s your favorite word or phrase? "That's cool." (Followed closely by, "What the fuck?" I swear entirely too much.)

Name 3 people who made you smile today. 1) A woman whose kids I babysat for back in the 1970s -- she contacts me every now and again and it always makes me happy. 2) A coworker who told me some jokes that I thoroughly enjoyed. 3) My boss, who affectionately finds me unintentionally funny.

What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Wondering why I'm just constitutionally unable to be ready to leave at 8 am.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Taking a call from the lady from LifeSource who wants me to give blood again.

What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

Have you ever been to another country? Yes

What is the last thing you said aloud? "Good night."

What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip

What was the last thing you had to drink? Pepsi

What are you wearing right now? Jeans and a purple sweater (that kinda itches)

What was the last thing you ate? Clam chowder (the white one)

Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No, but it's only Wednesday

When was the last time you ran? To catch an elevator or a train sometime today

What’s the last sporting event you watched? Bears/Vikings on December 11 (My true love -- Cubs baseball -- begins on Monday, April 6, in Houston)

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I'd love to take my niece and nephew to Washington DC

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on Facebook? Judy. Ick.

Ever go camping? Yes, when I was a Girl Scout.

Do you have a tan? No. And I hope never to tan again. My dermatologist has made it abundantly clear that a tan is not my friend.

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? just my pride (Kwizgiver's answer and I loved it)

What is your guilty pleasure? Nancy Grace on CNN Headline News ("Justice for Caylee!")

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot? No.

Do you drink your soda from a straw? No.

What did your last text message say? Where r u?

Are you someone’s best friend? Yes

What are you doing tomorrow? I really want to work out at lunchtime

Where is your mom right now? She is probably at her house, watching the news

Look to your left, what do you see? My desk phone, a photo of my best friend and I at a company softball game, and some handlabeled manilla folders

What color is your watch? Band is purple

What do you think of when you think of Australia? Hugh Jackman's chest

Ever ridden on a roller coaster? Yes. Love 'em

What is your birthstone? Topaz

Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru? I go in because I don't have a car

Do you have any friends on Facebook that you actually hate? No.

Do you have a dog? No. But I'd love one.

Last person you talked to on the phone? That LifeSource lady

Any plans today? Grease with Barb (and American Idol's Taylor Hicks)

Are you happy? yes

Where are you right now? at the computer

Biggest annoyance in your life right now? My best friend's emailbox is full so he's incommunicado

Last song listened to? "This Love" by Maroon 5

Last movie you saw? The Day the Earth Stood Still

Are you allergic to anything? Bee sting, thimerosol, morphine, and some chemical that's in paint thinner

Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I have this pair of divine black Enzo Angiolini flats that I love so much ...

Are you jealous of anyone? Yes

Are you married? No

Is anyone jealous of you? Yes

Do any of your friends have children? Almost all of them have children

Do you eat healthy? I'm working on it

What do you usually do during the day? Write

Do you hate anyone right now? "Hate" is a rather strong word ...

Do you use the word “Hello” daily? Yes

How many kids do you want when you’re older? None! If I had a baby when I was older than I am now, I'd have to shoo away tabloid reporters and Barbara Walters

How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 52

Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes

How did you get one of your scars? Last April, before dawn, we actually had a 5.2 earthquake. Here. In Chicago! Either my response startled my cat Joey, or his startled me, but as he and I were scrambling out of bed, he scratched the inside of my left knee. It wasn't deep, but for some reason it left a scar.

I like this one better

Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence

People with Linguistic intelligence love and are talented with words. They enjoy reading, writing and learning languages. They have an ability to teach and explain things to others. They learn best by reading, taking notes and going to lectures.

Common Characteristics

Notices grammatical mistakes
Often speaks of what they have read
Likes to use "fancy" words
Loves word games
Cherishes their book collection
Easily remembers quotes and famous sayings
Likes puns and rhymes
Enjoys writing
Enjoys foreign language
Always enjoyed English class

Career Matches

Writer (any type)
Editor
Public Speaker
Politician
Preacher
Teacher
Journalist
Broadcaster
English / Writing Tutor
Actor / Actress

Now doesn't this fit me better than those unfortunate comparisons to Fred Mertz?

To take the test yourself, click here.

Grease is the way I am feeling

Tonight I'm going see the ten billionth production of Grease to play Chicago (it started here, you know). What makes this one special? TAYLOR HICKS as Teen Angel!

It's completely ridiculous how much I'm looking forward to this. Here's hoping I can refrain from yelling out "SOUL PATROL!" when he comes on for his number.

Heads or Tails #21 -- Three Things

Tell three things you learned in 2008.

1) How to both spell and pronounce Kosuke Fukudome's name. It was hard, but being a Cub fan is not always easy.

2) That before I apply the new silicone, I am supposed to scrub the old grout around my bathroom tiles with bleach. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I'm not exactly Ms. Handy Home Depot.

3) Rice with pigeon peas is an authentic Puerto Rican dish and not bad at all. (If there's anything I know less about than home repair, it's cooking.)

To play along, or see to see what other bloggers have learned, click here.

Tuesday Tunes #16

Word association time again! Give us the artist/album/song etc that you think of when you see the following words:

Country: Reba

Break: I'll Be Back by the Beatles ("You know, if you break my heart I'll go, but I'll be back again.")

New: Another Girl by the Beatles ("You're making me say that I've got nobody but you. But as of today, well, I've got somebody that's new.")

Instrumental: Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass (I hate instrumentals)

Horrid: 70s soft rock (Air Supply, Barry Manilow and Tony Orlando, I'm talkin' to you!)
Bells: Tubular Bells (another instrumental that I hated)

Cute: I Don't Want to be Alone Anymore by Billy Joel ("You're a sad sight, Honey, but you look so cute.")

Cat: Cat Power

Mother: The John Lennon song of that name

Inspirational: "Imagine" (John again!)

To play along, click here.

Fred Mertz? REALLY?

I just took this personality test and found that one of the TV characters I'm most like is Fred. Of Fred and Ethel. Lucy and Ricky's old, tightwad landlord.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to lay down with a cool cloth on my forehead and recover.

Today's phrase that pays

"Cross-Dressing Killer Doctor
Found Dead"

I admit it -- I see a headline like that and I click on the link. For those of you who are curious about such lurid things, you can find the details here.

The Travolta Tragedy

I'm sure John Travolta and Kelly Preston loved their boy. It must have been horrible to lose their child, and I don't imagine that being in a foreign land over the holidays made any of it any easier. But ...

IF I HEAR ONE MORE PERSON SAY HOW AWFUL IT IS TO LOSE "THEIR ONLY SON," I WILL SCREAM!

What does that mean, anyway? Would it be less painful for them to get over the death of their daughter? Or that if you have two sons, one of them is disposable?

Manic Monday #21

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating? I eat one thing at a time. For example, on Thanksgiving, I finish my turkey before diving into the stuffing. This annoys the people I dine with. I don't know why, as I don't pay attention to how they eat. But there you go.

Have you ever written love letters? If so, do you still have any of them? Love letters, specifically? No, but I have written chatty letters that include mushy parts. And I have hung onto them until long after the relationships have ended. Deleting them just always seems as final as getting my keys back.

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry? Depends on who it is and how big the infraction. The smaller the infraction, or the less intimate the acquaintance, the easier it is. It shouldn't be that way, but again, there you go.

To play along, or to see how other bloggers responded, click here.

What goes on behind closed doors?

We're all back at the office after the Christmas holiday, and we're all nervous about our jobs. Mr. Big (my boss' boss) has been behind closed doors all day, talking alternately to my boss and others at that level. Their faces as they leave Mr. Big's office are inscrutable, as all in management seem united in pretending that this is normal, despite the fact that the Chicago Sun Times business columnist announced today that 2008 "was an exceedingly difficult year for many top Chicago agencies -- and '09 looks no better."

Oh, well. I'm trying not to fixate. If it's gonna happen and I'm to be let go, I imagine the decision has already been made and there isn't a thing I can do about it.

I've got to start somewhere

Today, for the first time in ages, I went to Bally's at lunchtime. It was PACKED with other poor souls, like me, who have resolved to lose weight, lose inches, add muscle … There were so many people there today that all three rows of treadmills were in use.

I spent 30 minutes on the bike, keeping my heart rate up for the full half hour. Then I did a few reps on one of the arm machines and finished with leg lifts. It felt good to do this old body good.

I know my January dedication to fitness makes me a cliche, but I have to start somewhere.

Sunday Stealing #15

1. Looking back on 2008, what might your theme song have been? "Rosalita." Because Bruce sings, "Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny."

2. If 2008 was a movie, who would play you? Carrie Fisher. This year and every year. We have similar round faces and sharp-edged observations.

3. What was your greatest gift of 2008? My friend Kathleen not only talked me into going to the Election Night rally in Grant Park, she followed up by giving me the original press plate from the Tribune's historic 11/05/08 front page. I'm so lucky to have her!

4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year? Getting more organized and getting healthier. Looking over this living room, with stacks of paper, shoes, luggage and laundry on the floor, that organization thing looks like an especially daunting task.

5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be? "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" by Jimmy Buffett. "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane."

6. What do you wish for your body in 2009? More stamina and flexibility. I figure if I get healthier, my body will look better, too.

7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year. (Blushing) I'm having nothing but deliciously dirty thoughts here.

8. What do you long for 2009 to bring? I long for 2009 to bring the opportunity to do #7 with Don Draper.

9. If that happened, how would you feel? Divine. Heavenly. Complete. Spent.

10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object? Manhattan or London.

11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be? "Happy Days Are Here Again." It was a lucky charm for FDR, let's hope it works the same magic for Barack Obama.

12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be? 2009: Better than 2008

To play along: Sunday Stealing: The New Year Meme

I love this show

This show would be The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Napoleon Solo (right) is the man of the title, Ilya Kuraykin is a fellow top agent, and they use karate, guns and wicked humor to save the world from Godless Communist spies. (I don't know what episode/"affair" this still is from, but something serious must have just happened for the sartorially splendid Napoleon to be wearing such a damaged suit.)

U.N.C.L.E. stands for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Their offices were beneath (or behind?) Del Florio's tailor shop in New York. Their arch enemies were the evil agents of THRUSH. I remember it so well from my girlhood. Happy to see it back again.

Saturday 9 -- Dying to Know

1. What do you believe happens when we die? We all go to Heaven.

2. Do you consider yourself religious? I prefer "spiritual."

3. Do you believe in ghosts? No.

4. Do you believe that people live on other planets? Logically, yes. I mean, isn't it arrogant to believe we are the only intelligent life in the universe? But emotionally, no.

5. Have you ever seen something abnormal? "Abnormal?" God, yes! Why just this week I flew from Miami to Key West with a woman who wore a permanent black eye patch, bragged about the new Tiffany tennis bracelet she was wearing, and carried a purse that was filled with nothing but Marlboro Lights. But "supernatural?" No.

6. Do you believe in reincarnation? No.

7. Have you ever witnessed a miracle? No.

8. Is there a person living or dead that influences your philosophies? Jesus.

9. Is there a work of fiction that closely matches your spiritual beliefs? No. Maybe the The Bible, in that I believe in its truth emotionally but not on a literal level.

Want to play along? Saturday 9: Dying to Know

Back home

Reflections on my trip ...

• I flew down with John Cusack. He's better looking in person but seems to be losing his battle with male pattern baldness

• The weather was perfect. Between 75º and 80º, slight breeze, sunny.

• My friend hugged me more often than usual. He knows how scared I am about what's about to happen at work and was trying to comfort me.

• I visited a new museum! I thought that after more than 10 trips, I had seen just about all Key West had to offer. WRONG! Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum has been on the island for years, but it was new to me. Treasures of retrieved from shipwrecks like the Atocha are on display. I was stunned by the 78-karat uncut emerald. Gorgeous!

A gal turns her back for a moment ...

... and her crazy Governor defies authority by appointing a Senator when he KNOWS he was specifically told not to!

... and her baseball team (who ended the regular season with the best record in the National League) trades away their second baseman for PROSPECTS!

It must be said that Roland Burris has always appeared to be an honorable public servant and that I trust Lou Pinella about everything, so maybe neither of these moves are the head scratchers they appear to be. But ...

I think I must have a pomegranite martini as I watch the ocean and consider these momentous events back home. It's the only wise and reasonable response from here in sunny, 78-degree Key West.

This is a public computer with a strict time limit, so I can't respond to your yesterday comments from here. Therefore this will have to do. It's not original but it is very sincere:

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

I thought he was going to be a jerk

Robert, that is. My seatmate from Miami to Key West. But he wasn't. Turns out Robert was practically my guardian angel.

I fly from Miami (or Tampa) to Key West every year. And every year I have my heart in my mouth because if there's anything I dread more than flying, it's flying in a tiny plane over shark-and-gator infested water. Yet there was Robert in the seat beside me, already drunk and assured of his charm, which he seemed insistent on sharing with me.

Oh, good.

Well, it turns out it was. For Robert is an air traffic controller here in Key West, returning home from Christmas with his family. He was able to explain what communications go on between pilot and tower, reassured me what different creaks and noises meant, and even predicted which runway we would use. I really appreciated his sharing his expertise with me.

Isn't it nice when a jerk turns out to be sweet and rather nice seatmate after all?

Two very important little letters

An email from my best friend made me feel a little better about everything: "So just take things as they come. Go to Key West and have a great time and live in the moment. We will figure things out when you get back."

Wise words, yes. Of course. But even better was his choice of pronoun. "We will figure things out when you get back." We. A comforting thought.

He cracks me up

James Roday, who plays Sean on Psych. I could watch this smart ass all day. Unfortunately, USA is tempting me with a Psych marathon.

I wish they'd stop. The USA network has exposed my complete lack of discipline in the past with SVU and NCIS marathons. I admit it, I'm weak!

Trying to let it go

Almost a week ago, on 12/23, my office closed for the holiday. Coworkers started filing out at about 3:30. I stuck around because, well, that's what I do.

A little after 4:00, my boss' boss' admin (the secretary to Mr. Big) was asked to please stick around until 5:00. Our HR representative showed up after 4:00, as well. I thought she was just doing her pre-Christmas Woman of the People number and I came out of my office to give her a hug. (It's her first Christmas since her father's death.) She looked genuinely surprised to see me.

Now why were Mr. Big, the HR rep and an admin stuck in the office right before the office closes until January 5?

Also, while we didn't receive bonuses this year, our paychecks were direct deposited early. We got our 12/31 checks on 12/23. Yes, it was nice to have it early, but was it really done to make our holidays easier? Or so that they wouldn't owe any of us any money on January 5 if they lay us off?

Will I return to the office to receive a pink slip? Or to watch my coworkers get axed? I'm leaving for Key West tomorrow -- so does thinking about this serve any purpose at all? The answer to that last one is no. My airfare and a portion of my hotel is paid for already so there's no reason to fret about the cost of the trip. If I'm being laid off, my name is already on a list and the forms are in work. So I'm trying to let it go.

It's 77º in Key West right now. It's supposed to precip-free and just under 80º every day I'm there. I'm trying to concentrate on that instead.

Didn't feel a thing

Today my oldest friend and I celebrated her birthday. We went to see The Day the Earth Stood Still and then had lunch. I toasted her with a pair of chocolate martinis and you know what? I never even felt buzzed. The drinks were delicious and I enjoyed them, but I wish they had hit me harder (at all).

Sunday Stealing #14

Oh, I am all over this one!

1. Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice: Moonlighting

2. Name a show you can't miss: Mad Men (Oh, how I love Don Draper!)

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show: Alan Alda

4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show: Patricia Heaton

5. Name a show you can, and do, quote from: Moonlighting ("Did I happen to mention, did I bother to disclose, that this man that we're seeking has a mole on his nose?")

6. Name a show you like that no one else enjoys: Snapped on Oxygen (the more lurid, the better)

7. Name a TV show which you've been known to sing the theme song: Growing Pains ("Show me that smile again/don't waste another minute on your crying/we're nowhere near the end/the best is ready to begin …") Sing it with me! What do you mean, you don't know it?

8. Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch: Mad Men

9. Name a TV series you own: Moonlighting (Even before I loved Don Draper, I loved David Addison)

10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting chops in television: Alec Baldwin. Who knew from his movies that he would be so damn funny on Friends and Will & Grace and now 30 Rock?

11. What is your favorite episode of your favorite series? Atomic Shakespeare on Moonlighting

12. Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven't gotten around to yet: 30 Rock

13. Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad? Grey's Anatomy, which leaves me avaialble for 30 Rock

14. Name a show that's made you cry multiple times: Brian's Song, originally a made-for-TV movie. As a friend of mine once said, there are only three reasons to cry: pain, extreme pain, and Brian's Song

15. What do you eat when you watch TV? Depends

16. How often do you watch TV? Constantly. I'm a news junkie.

17. What's the last TV show you watched? Law and Order: SVU

18. What's your favorite/preferred genre of TV? The news.

19. What was the first TV show you were obsessed with? The Man from U.N.C.L.E

20. What TV show do you wish you never watched? American Idol, because now I'm hooked

21. What's the weirdest show you enjoyed? Twin Peaks (Just thinking of it makes me want cherry pie and a cuppa damn good coffee!)

22. What TV show scared you the most? IT (it's a made-for-TV movie, but it has to count for nothing is scarier than Pennywise)

23. What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched? Fawlty Towers ("Don't mention the war!")

To play along yourself: Sunday Stealing: The TV Meme

The last Christmas card of the year

In the long-ago 1980s, I dated a lovely man. He loved movies and Monty Python's Flying Circus and Saturday Night Live. He was funny, literate and had really terrific hair. Oh, he had flaws -- he wore a mustache to camouflage acne scars and wore a tie even when he didn't have to. He seemed dull and more than a little wimpy during the days when I was into coke and late nights and bad boys. So I threw him over for a better looking, far more tortured SOB who would go on to be the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Still, I have kept up with the Lovely Man. I remember his birthday every year (he's joked that he has more birthday cards from me than Susan Lucci has Daytime Emmy nominations) and we exchange Christmas cards. His arrived today. He is the Director of Corporate Branding. His wife has finally agreed to let him have a dog. Their oldest daughter has graduated from Notre Dame and is planning a winter vacation in Costa Rica. Their oldest boy is a junior at Marquette. (Last time I saw him, he was 7 years old and amused himself by running back and forth, up and down the hall, for no particular reason.) Their youngest boy plays highschool football and their youngest girl is in junior high, involved in theater and just as eager as her dad about the arrival of the puppy.

After reading the card and note I wondered: Would I have this bucolic life if I had married him? Would I be the happy mother of four? Would that be me, getting ready to bring a new puppy home?

No. Because I didn't love the Lovely Man. While he was better for me, he was still ultimately wrong because I didn't love him. My conundrum was set to music in this popular song of the day. So while I feel wistful, I have no regrets. For to answer Glenn Frey, when it comes to choosing between the one who loved me and the one I loved, I had to choose the one I loved. I'm just sorry that the one I loved was so unworthy of me. But it's nice that the one who loved me, the Lovely Man, went on to fall in love with the woman who gave him such a wonderful life.

Shout Outs to Mimi and Bud

I have tried (and tried and tried) to leave comments on your blogs but Mozilla is conspiring against me. I can be dogged and/or stubborn, but the cybergremlins finally wore me out, so I'm addressing you here:

Mimi: Loved your Cialis/Viagra comments. During that famous Super Bowl halftime show featuring the "wardrobe malfunction," my friend Mindy was far, far more upset about being home alone with her young sons for the premiere airing of a Cialis commercial. Big Bear fans, they were fascinated by Mike Ditka hawking some drug. She told me she had an easier time explaining Janet Jackson's nipple than she did answering, "But Mommy, what's wrong with Da Coach?" And I'm crossing my fingers to bring you luck next week.


Bud: Cubs vs. Cards -- nothin' like watching a rivalry as old as time, or at least as old as the Lou Brock trade. Also, your answers to #3 and #4 echo mine (though I promise I won't hold Obama responsible if I don't have more sex in 2009).

To those of you who aren't Mimi and Bud, visit their blogs and you may wish you were. They are very funny and right-minded.

Saturday 9 -- Crazy Sam's Last Meme of 2008

1. What was the best thing that happened to you personally in 2008? Taking my nephew to his very first Cub game, during the magical 2008 season where they ended up with the best record in the National League.

2. What was the worst thing that happened to you personally in 2008? The Cubs breaking my heart by folding like a cheap umbrella during the playoffs. (Yes, that did happen to me personally. My relationship with my team is intense and heartfelt.)

3. What was the best thing to happen to all of us in 2008? Barack Obama. Or, more precisely, the way we responded to Barack Obama. Being in Grant Park on Election Night restored my faith in America and what we can do if we pull together. It was a truly inspiring night.

4. What was the worst thing to happen to all of us in 2008? The economy, and the panic it has caused in so many lives. (Mine included.)

5. What was the best gift you receive during the ’08 holidays? The birthday/Christmas combo from my best friend. It's nice to be known so well.

6. What was the best gift (most appropriate or best received) you gave during the ’08 holidays? I got two of the moms on my Christmas list 5x7 wooden photo frames with their kids' names inlaid. I thought the frames were neat, but I was surprised and tickled to see how much these women loved them.

7. Do you have any regrets about what you did in 2008? See below.

8. Do you have any regrets about what you didn’t do in 2008? I didn't lose weight, I didn't organize my den, I didn't do something (anything!) about about my hideous bathroom.

9. Did you meet anyone that became important to you in 2008? No. Isn't that weird? Maybe I better get out more.

Play along yourself:
Saturday 9: Crazy Sam's Last Meme of 2008

Lazy, lazy, lazy

What have I done today? Hmmm ... That would be nothing. I took a shower. I wandered over to the post office, Petco, Old Navy (I got my brother-in-law a plaid shirt for 70% off) and Boston Market. I took a nap on the sofa, looked up and saw how very dark it is out there already.

I don't regret my sloth. I just wonder where the day went! Tomorrow I will do laundry, wash a floor or two, I promise.

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world ...

... she walks into mine."

I love this movie. Happy Birthday, Bogie, and Merry Christmas to me. Thanks, TCM.

I hope she's happy

I am watching a C-Span rebroadcast of the dedication of the Heinz College (yes, I know it's Christmas Day, but my geekiness knows no season). Teresa Heinz is speaking, honoring her late first husband. She is beautiful and articulate and so wise as she talks about water pollution and the impact on our health, especially the health of our children.

I think she's great, and I'm sorry that she isn't our First Lady today. I know that there are some who blame her for Senator Kerry's loss in 2004, but I'm not one of them. If Americans weren't ready for a foreign-born, independent, feisty First Lady who would represent us elegantly and intelligently abroad, then that was our loss.

But I wonder about her. Is she happier now, as a Democratic Senator's wife and a Republican Senator's widow, able to pick and choose when she uses her celebrity to interact with the public? I hope so. She's had a complicated life and she seems to have kept her head and her integrity. Atta girl, and Merry Christmas.

Christmas 2008

We had a good Christmas (Eve) yesterday.

I love my niece. We were not so close last year. She was growing up and, I felt, away. I realize this is a completely normal part of growing up, but it made me sad. I missed the imaginative little girly-girl who loved Kit and Addie and the whole American Girl gang, and who would only wear pink and purple and cried if her socks didn't match her barrettes. That little girl was replaced by a sarcastic, disaffected teenager who wore black and camouflage all the time. Eventually we began bonding again over politics and current affairs. (Don't let anyone say that no good came out of Bush 43's administration.) Then the most wonderful thing happened -- my niece discovered The Beatles and now loves them with a passion. Like me, she can quote A Hard Day's Night and Help! We can talk about The Lads forever. And so, for Christmas, she made me a pair of CDs that represent the best solo work of her favorite, George. She decorated the discs themselves as well as the jewel case. They represent a lot of work and I'm thrilled we have common ground to enjoy again.

My nephew, on the other hand, was a pain in the ass. But at 9, sleep deprived but filled with adrenaline and sugar, I guess that's to be expected. Even though he was never still, never quiet, and frequently obnoxious, I still tried to cherish each moment with him. Because I am quite sure this is our last Santa Christmas, and I realize that his bouncing off the walls was fueled by anticipation of a visit from The Big Guy. Next year, he may be better behaved but he won't believe in Santa anymore, and a little of the magic will be missing. He was terribly excited about the gifts he got me -- all by himself. First a keychain, decorated with his own artwork of the ocean floor. Then a pen holder he chose for me at Santa's Secret Shop -- the globe actually spins, which he believes is a key part of its beauty, and he's certain it will look terrific on my desk at work. When he's at his best, that boy is too cute.

My sister and brother-in-law are generous. They let me enjoy their two kids virtually whenever I wish. They don't have to, I know. I am grateful, because my niece and nephew make my Christmas feel complete.

My mom loves her Christmas tree. It's a lovingly assembled, incongruous mess, a collection of ornaments across the decades and throughout our lives. She loves walking around the tree and remembering how a specific ornament came to her tree. That's why I'm glad I got her three more (mismatched) ornaments -- a tree house to signify how she loves the birds in her backyard, a sassy and saucy flamingo in furry pink boots from Key West, and a Grandma's Angel ornament, personalized with the names of her four grandchildren.

Do dads realize how heartbreakingly attractive they are? Last night at church, seated in the first pew, was a father/daughter duo. She was 11 or 12, very nervous, and dressed like a pint-sized business woman in gray blazer, white shirt and black slacks. She kept referring back to the folder on her lap. Dad was far more casual in both dress and demeanor. Turns out the little girl -- Julia -- was a soloist, and the only child who sang with the choir. Dad was so proud of her, his phone open so someone on the other end (Mom?) could hear Julia's solo. After her performance, Julia was able to relax and upon returning to the pew, was relieved to slip her arm through his and rest her head on his shoulder. Between his fetchingly scruffy, unshaven face and the comfortable affection and support he gave his little girl, by the end of the service I was half in love with him. (Whoever he is.)

I hope everyone out there is having a Merry Christmas, too!

Love's Pure Light

So goes the last hymn of the candlelight service: "Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light." After completing the hymn, I extinguished my candle and went out into the clear, cold night, walking just a couple blocks before I found myself back here at home, surrounded by my fur-bearing roommates. It washed over me that I am so blessed. In no small part because I believe that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me, but also because He has given me so much love in my life. These cats love me, yes, in a pure, trusting, nonjudgmental way reminiscent of "Silent Night." But even better He has given me the capacity to love them. It's a dependable source of joy, wonder and pride for me that I was able to save these three little furry lives (they were all shelter cats) and give them a good, healthy, safe home.

I have a lot of faults. Just scroll through this blog and you can find them. Yet with critters I am at my endlessly patient, empathic best.

"Love's pure light." As Christmas 2008 dawns, that's the gift I'm very grateful for.

I will post about Christmas Eve with my family tomorrow. It wasn't perfect, but it was fun. For now, though, I am going to sleep in Heavenly peace, undoubtedly with a cat at the foot of the bed.

Sometimes I'm not so wise

I have known I should be wrapping gifts for about a week now. But I've been so lazy lately. And, just like the highschool Gal who furiously did her homework for first period on her lap while riding in the car pool, I spent more than two hours wrapping last night. I still have about four or five presents to go.

Will I never learn?

Hmmm ... Let's see now ... I'm 51 ... So I guess, the answer is "no." Oh well, Christmas is about love, right? Guess I better love my (oh-so longstanding) procrastinating ways.