September Fitness Challenge

Day 15. Stick-to-it-ive-ness. Met my friend John for drinks after work at our favorite burger joint. Only I didn't have a burger, nor did I have fries. I had a grilled cheese and knoshed on the peanuts on the table and "spent" the calories I saved on beer. Of the 1890 calories I'm allowed today, I came in at (drumroll, please) 1875! Yea!

PS John, who hasn't seen me since mid-summer, noticed I had lost weight!

Uh-oh

I just heard from my friend Barb. The next theater season begins in early November. I owe her $303 for the tickets. I have $77 put aside. Gulp.

The Queen's Meme -- The Tick-Tock Meme

1. Are you a Rolex watch, a Mickey Mouse watch, or a pocket watch? I'm a Timex kinda gal. A former lover used to tease me about wearing "nun" watches because I favor white faces and easy to read, sanserif numerals. I wear a watch to tell time, not complete my outfit.

2. Can you think of a time when you couldn't see the forest for the trees? This happens to me often when I'm working on a project. I can focus so much on making a deadline for the task at hand that I lose sight of the impact it has on the whole assignment.

3. Can you think of a time when you were on the outside looking in?
What did you see? I once had 5th row tickets for a Wings concert. When the stage was black, the musicians paid no attention to those of us in the crowd who were close enough to still see. Paul McCartney was so solicitous of wife Linda, holding her wrist as she navigated over the electrical equipment to go from one set of keyboards to the other. After all those years of marriage and 4 kids, he obviously really cared about her. I don't think I understood that before.

4. Go back in time. Maybe a long time ago, maybe today. Pick an hour you'd like to freeze frame forever and tell us why. It doesn't have to be THE most important hour of your life, but make it a good one. It was 3 years ago. I was visiting my best friend, who was on a long assignment with a client in Los Angeles. He was at work and I was farting around in a Hollywood hotel, getting a luxury pedicure by the pool, listening to Enya and sipping a beer and looking at the palm trees against a very blue sky. I was very happy.

5. If you were a cuckoo clock, what would others say about you? "I'm not surprised. I always knew she was a little cuckoo."

6. Can you think of a time when time stood still? I'm sorry, my Queen, but you stumped here. I answered the other 7, though! Shouldn't that keep me out of the dungeon?

7. Watch this! You are a stopwatch. What would you stop? I would stop all this divisive and angry talk that is just going to lead to no good. The President is NOT a Kenyan by birth. He is NOT a Socialist. You do NOT have to protect your children from him. STOP IT NOW!

8. Imagine you were just born and have infinite wisdom. After the doctor smacks your newborn dust ruffle you look around and say to the Universe: "Give me a whole lifetime to do "this" and I will bless the day I was born."
What did you choose? Hang out around critters. I have infinite patience with dogs and cats (and, unfortunately, little else.)

If you have time to play this meme, click here.

I'm singing "Go, Cubs, Go!"

What a fun game! Dempster won his 10th. D Lee's bat is on fire. Sam Fuld is our future outfield superstar. Vince Vaughn sang the stretch and was amusing in the booth. I am happy.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 14. Fitness Failure. All I have done today is take a shower and put on makeup. While I'm very alert brain-wise, I am weary and lack the energy to move much. Wish I could give myself credit for at least one healthy habit, but alas, I cannot.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I'm almost done putting together a pair of Christmas packages for a pair of soldiers. I'm doing this on behalf of my uncle, a Viet Nam vet. Since he knows firsthand how lonely Christmas in the jungle can be, I thought he'd appreciate making two troops' lives a little better as they celebrate Christmas away from home and in the desert.

From drugstore.com I just ordered:

Zinc oxide cream (SPF 45)
Toenail clippers
Hand sanitizer
Shave cream

I'm combining that with what I've already purchased:

Powdered drink mixes (lemonade and sweet tea)
Granola bars
Individual serving breakfast cereals (Sugar Pops and Apple Jacks -- how can they not brighten your day?)
Comfort Twin razors
Q tips
Shampoo
Body wash
Baby wipes
Playing cards
Mystery novels (someone gets Janet Evanovich, somebody else gets Agatha Christie)

When you think of it, this really isn't very much to give someone who volunteered to take a bullet for you, is it? Judging by this photo of WWII soldiers sharing similar gifts from home, I guess it's always been this way.

I hope to have this whole project done and in the mail by mid October. Operation Shoebox needs donations by early November so they can put together the gift shoeboxes and get them to the soldiers in time for the holidays. I am putting the organization's "thank you" note into my uncle's Christmas card.

If you would like to spend these last sunny days of autumn getting a headstart on Christmas, click here to found out what Operation Shoebox needs to go into their holiday packages for the troops.

Movie Monday

ON LOCATION -- Share movies set in your part of the world and then link back here at The Bumbles.

The Break Up. Vaughniston's sad valentine to love gone wrong. Since they meet at Wrigley Field, and he's a tour guide, there are many great shots of Chicago, the best city in the world.

The Blues Brothers. The quintessential Chicago movie, starring our gone-but-not-forgotten most-favorite favorite son, John Belushi.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off. If Belushi is our favorite son, then John Hughes is our cinematic poet laureate. This movie perfectly captures the greatest temptation of my boring suburban high school years -- sit through another boring day at school or have an adventure in that nearby and so glorious city on the Lake?

My Best Friend's Wedding. Union Station and The Chicago River look so lovely (remember when they dance to "The Way You Look Tonight?). Plus, a friend of mine is an extra and you can see her very clearly in the scene where Julia Roberts catches the bouquet.

Back Draft. Maybe it's not a great movie, but much of it was filmed in the office building on Wells Street where I worked at the time. I stole chips from the caterer. I felt entitled since our building only had two elevators, and we were inconvenienced because "Mr. De Niro" refused to ride with any of us and commandeered one, so I either had to wait for the other elevator or take the stairs. (Fortunately it wasn't a high rise.)

Worn down, worn out

I'm soooo tired today! Had a nasty bout of indigestion last night and this morning I am weak. Took a shower, needed a nap. Makes me wonder if yesterday's nap wasn't sloth, after all. It's almost 11:00 and I'm eating a warm bowl of oatmeal. I feel that if I never have to move from this spot, I could be a happy woman.

Left a long, rambling message for my boss, updating him on the one project that may need tying up today. I handled my portion, now all he has to do is approve it or add to it. Or, if the account exec was able to get us more time, just pass it back to me. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 13. Bad choices have consequences. I had a lovely, large coffeehouse breakfast. On the way home, I did a little grocery shopping and consumed a box of Hot Tamales candy, satisfying my cinnamon craving. All that heavy food and followed by a sugar crash left me a little sleepy so I lay down for just a moment ... and woke up during the 4th inning of the (also very satisfying) Cub game.

Dammit! I was going to use most of my naptime to do my laundry! The healthclub closes early on Sunday! I screwed up. Dammit.

So I'm paying the price. Just a bowl of oatmeal and some rice cakes for dinner. Period. I'll do leg lifts and maybe some sit ups during Mad Men.

Yesterday I had a good reason for missing my workout. A dental appointment to repair my crown and my friend Kathleen's problems are more important than my health regime. If there's a valid reason for a lapse, I'll forgive myself, toss the calorie count out the window and start anew tomorrow. But a lazy-ass nap and a big, movie-sized box of candy don't constitute a reason.

Go, Cubs, Go!

"Hey, Chicago, what do you say? Cubs are gonna win today."

Now that I have made peace with the fact that post-season play is not in my future, I'm back to enjoying the games. Ted Lilly was awesome today. They're playing with a lot of heart again. What more could a fan ask for?

"Back to school" takes on a poignant meaning

I have recently conversed with 4 parents (2 moms, 2 dads) who saw college freshmen off to begin a new chapter in life. "Wistful" is the word that best describes them all.

"The house is so quiet."
"My wife couldn't stop looking back."
"She's always been independent, so she's doing fine."
"He couldn't wait to get there."
"I miss him so much."
"Can you believe it? I can't believe it. His childhood is over."
"The dogs sure miss him."

I reminded each of these parents how happy she (or he) was last May when high school graduation season was upon us. It didn't seem to help much.

I just hope as Jenna, Joshua, Max and Harry begin their college careers, they realize how very much their parents love them.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: One Long Meme (Part One)

1. The phone rings. Who will it to be? Number Blocked. They call me all the time but I don't know what they want because I don't pick up.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Yes. Always.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Blab, blab, blab. A Talker.

4. Do you take compliments well? Depends. If it's professional, yes. If it's personal, well, aw, shucks, not really.

5. Do you play Sudoku? No.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? Not happily!

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? I was at Girl Scout camp all the time -- day camp every summer and overnight camp several times a year.

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? Clue.

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew she was married, would you? No. I'm simply not into women.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? Yes. While my faith is important to me, I don't really much care what anyone else believes.

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Pursue. Being pursued makes me a little uncomfortable. My therapist would tell you I have control issues. But it's Sunday, so let's not bother her today.

12. Use three words to describe yourself? American, Cub fan, Beatlemaniac.

13. Do any songs make you cry? "Save the Best for Last." It so perfectly captured our relationship at the beginning. Unfortunately it ended badly, so that song tugs at my most sensitive heartstrings.

14. Are you continuing your education? No.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? No.

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? Yes.

17. How often do you read books? Right now, only once. My TRB pile is so deep I don't have time for rereading. Though there are some books I have read more than once (Gone with the Wind, The Princess Bride, The Lord of the Flies, In Cold Blood).

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? Past and future. I have a hard time staying in the present.

19. What is your favorite children’s book? Sheila Rae the Brave. I so enjoyed my niece snuggling up beside me and laughing as we read this together.

20.What color are your eyes? Green

21. How tall are you? 5'2.

22. Where is your dream house located? It's a highrise in the Loop.

23. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? My cat Charlotte. My boys cats would get themselves out the door in the even of fire, but she would hide.
24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? Last November, for my niece's birthday.

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? About 15 miles to my dentist.

26. Do you like mustard? I don't hate it.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 12. Priorities. I stayed within my 1890 calorie limit and walked a little more, but no workout. My friend Kathleen needed me. She was very upset about her job and I couldn't fit my hair and dentist appointments as well as dinner with Kathleen and a workout all into one day. So I will exercise on Sunday isntead. Some things are more important than a nicer ass.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: You Like Me Too Much

1. If everyone liked each other, what would we complain about? The weather

2. If you were most powerful person in the world, how would you use that power? I would somehow get everyone to listen, really listen, to each other … and themselves. I think much of the silly talk that becomes dangerous and divides us would evaporate.

3. If had exactly one year to live, what are the three things you'd want to do before you died? Fall in love, have lots of sex, see as many Cub games (both at home and on the road) as possible

4. If you could change one thing about the world, what would that one thing be? Insecurity and depression would make us more attractive. (Borrowed from Broadcast News)

5. If you could take one thing back, what would that one thing be? I once said something very mean to someone. It left nothing but scorched earth between us and I'm very sorry.

6. If you were stuck on an island forever but had all the water, food and shelter you needed. What would be the three other things you'd bring with you? My iPod, some kind of generator to recharge it, and a generous supply of books

7. If the internet didn't exist, would the quality of life go up or down? Down, because productivity goes down.

8. If a million dollars fell off a back of a truck, would you keep it? I'd like to think I wouldn't ...

9. What is something you said, something you stole, something you did wrong? "The thing of it is," a few moments of happiness, and see #5.

You were on my mind

As I rode the train in this morning, through the shadow of Sears Tower, past Marina City, to my office more than 40 stories up in the Aon Building, today's date took on an ominous meaning and I was frightened again -- remembering what happened 8 years ago at that very hour, and wondering if "they" were going to try it again, but this time in Chicago.

I love downtown Chicago and it pisses me off that the very structures that are so beautiful against the bright blue sky that they take my breath away suddenly look dangerous. How dare those frigging terrorists do that to me! I can only imagine the rage New Yorkers must feel.

9/11 pops into my mind, unbidden, every day. I suddenly see cops patrolling Millennium Park, or police with dogs standing near trash cans on the el platform, or police boats under the tracks in the Chicago River, and I know there's "chatter" out there and the City is trying to keep me safe. If I'm in an office building that requires an ID not only to get in but to leave (or like this one, to enter the restroom), and I remember why. If I leave my home on a cloudy/foggy morning and can't see Sears Tower from my porch, I imagine that's how New Yorkers feel every day when they look for the World Trade Center.

So New Yorkers, here's to you. Your spiritual sister in The Second City can only imagine your pain, anger and pride today when you look over to where these towers once were.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 11. 100 lbs.! I worked out for a good, challenging 40+ minutes today -- 32 devoted to cardio. Then I moved on to do 12 reps each on a trio of machines. Being 5'2, I spend a lot of time adjusting and readjusting the seats. When I got to the leg press, I was so focused on getting the seat right that I didn't even check on the weight, I just started moving my legs. It was hard, to be sure, but it felt good, too. I looked at the weights and saw it was set at 100 lbs.! I didn't realize I had become that much stronger (if not slimmer) since I've been taking all this more seriously. I'm really very proud of myself.

"Maggie Poppins"

This summer, one of my least favorite coworkers was on maternity leave and the agency replaced her with an independent contractor, Maggie. She was terrific. Not only did she more than fill the new mom's shoes professionally, Maggie was like a balm for the creative team here. She was so easy to work with! She took the time to listen to me regarding the new mom, who Maggie has known for years. She then explained that the new mom is defensive and nervous because she's very young to have risen to the position of Account Director. It's not even a job the new mom wanted yet, it was offered to her. Maggie assures me that she's really very nice, just insecure.

I decided to keep Maggie's insights in mind and, when the new mom returned to work, treat her like a new employee. Tabula rasa.

Yesterday the new mom and I were together for about 5 hours, some of it with the client, much of it just the two of us. I believe we got along very well! She was less defensive and respectful of my contributions and responsibilities when it came to the presentation, so I suspect Maggie may have given the new mom some insights about those of us on the creative team, too.

Life is easier and more pleasant when there's less tension in the air. So even though her assignment here is over, I send a thank you through the cosmos to Maggie. She's like a marketing Mary Poppins, landing in an agency, healing the rift between account and creative, and then, just as suddenly, flying away to help others in need.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 10. Good choices. Yesterday morning I rode Amtrak down to the client's offices. I got there just in time for a quick meet 'n' greet with our client before The Big Presentation. We sat in the company cafeteria. Both she and my coworker/copresenter had salads. I really wasn't hungry but hadn't eaten anything all day and was worried that my stomach would make an unattractive rumble during the song and dance. So to stave off rumbling, I reached for a bag of chips. And put it back, instead opting for a low-fat raspberry yogurt.

My healthy wisdom didn't end there. Last night I stubbed my toe (I am a klutz) and sustained an interesting but unacceptable break on my right toenail. Part of it just chipped away and it looked like the eye of a hook-and-eye pair. I have plans Friday PM and all day Saturday so I decided I would just have to get a new pedi over Friday lunch ... even though I had planned to use that time to work out.

"Wait a moment!" I said to myself. "Does anyone really have to get a pedi?" So I actually grabbed the nail clippers and emery board and took care of it myself. Just like the pioneer women did! Thereby preserving time for my workout.

Trying not to think about it

There's a certified letter waiting for me at the post office. Aren't these things usually legal? Uh-oh. What have I done?

THIS JUST IN!

While I wish The Bumbles were correct in guessing the contents, the certified letter didn't fill me with delight. Nor with dread. It was just an, "eh!"

The developer who was going to tear down the shops around the block and across the street from my building went bankrupt. So now those store fronts and empty and there are no plans for them. Until September 1. My village recently passed an ordinance that states that, since I live within 500 feet of the property, I have the right to question the new developer who just bought the parcel of land.

Since I can't see that property from my condo, I don't much care. But it's nice to know that the developer is following all the rules and touching all the bases and dotting his i's and crossing his t's.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 9. Self restraint. Lunch at my desk, meeting prep for tomorrow, a new assignment ... It was a busy day. Limited myself to one 20-oz. bottle of Pepsi. That's the only caffeine I had during the workday. The rest of the day I drank water. I heard a can of Red Bull calling my name, but I resisted!

There are no bad ideas, right?

That's what I keep reminding myself as I try to "brainstorm" titles for the client's new promotion. I really am not very good at this, therefore I don't enjoy it, and have put it off all day until now. All the creative pieces for tomorrow's client presentation have been carefully proofread and all the art boards are done. No more excuses, Gal. Time to throw some ideas at the piece of paper and see if anything sticks.

Sorry I won't get to see the President's address on healthcare to Congress in about an hour. I know this is a very important speech. But I'm sure they'll rerun it. And, speaking of healthcare, the reason I'm lucky enough to have good healthcare is that I have this here job, so I guess I better concentrate!

Perfect for the day!

Thanks, Mlle. Kwizgiver.

You Are "Across the Universe"

You are spiritual, deep, and at peace. You try to keep life in perspective. You can't help but realize how small you are in the universe. You're just thankful you exist. You tend to be a stream of consciousness thinker. You just let your thoughts flow, even when they don't make sense initially. You trust your intuition to guide you. You know that whatever is in your heart is right and true.

What Beatles Song Are You?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

09/09/09 >>> IT'S BEATLES DAY!

I want to buy the boxed set of remastered CDs, because, well, I want them. Even more, I'm enjoying the resurgence of Beatlemania! Look at Amazon's top-selling CDs. It's a whole new British Invasion!

OPRAH-PALOOZA

Oprah Winfrey shut down a few blocks of Michigan Avenue for the taping of Thursday's show. The event attracted quite a crowd and I'm sure it will show off my city beautifully. Ended up on the train home this evening beside a middle-aged man who was thrilled to have attended the taping. It was obvious when he struck up a conversation that he's slow. He couldn't believe his good fortune in getting as close to the stage as he did. He couldn't wait to get home and hopefully see himself on TV. This was the thrill of a lifetime for him and I'm glad I removed my iPod headphones and listened to him. He needed to share and it was uplifting to hear.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 8. Good gal. I knew I wouldn't be able to work out today, but that's OK because I exercised so thoroughly for the last three days my muscles could probably benefit from a night off. But I have stayed well within my 1890 calorie limit, partly because I went with grapes for dessert instead of the cinnamon candy I really wanted. I also walked an extra half hour to Union Station to pick up my Amtrak ticket (client meeting on Thursday). Feeling more virtuous than deprived, which is a good thing.

In case you want to re-indoctrinate your child

Beware, though. This is dangerous stuff!

The Queen's Meme

The Who, What, Where, When and Why Would You Meme

WHO

• is easy to love? My nephew. My niece, too.

• do you just wanna smack? My oldest friend. Sometimes she doesn't act in her own best interest.

• do you trust? My best friend.
• do you talk to when you're alone? James Lipton of The Actor's Studio

WHAT

• dangerous things do you do while driving? Considering I haven't driven since Reagan was in office, the very act of my getting behind the wheel would be dangerous.
• are you allergic to? Bee stings. My epipen is with me at all times between May and the first hard frost.
• is Satan's last name? Ono

• is the last thing that moved you? In For The Thrill of It, the book I just finished about 1920s thrill killers Leopold and Loeb, I was moved by how badly their parents wanted to save these two little creeps from the death penalty

• is the freakiest thing in your house? Define "freaky."

WHEN

• is it time to turn over a new leaf? Spring, the time of rebirth.
• will you be all that you can be? I like to think it will happen someday.
• is enough enough? "101." This response was inspired by a favorite oldie of mine, "This Old Heart of Mine" by The Isley Bros. "But if you leave me 100 times, 100 times I'll take you back." When we hit 101, enough is enough.
do you go to the dark side? When my train of thought jumps the tracks

WHERE

• are your pants? Carmen Sandiego took them.
• is your last will and testament? My safety deposit box.
• is your junk food stash? Kitchen counter, right out in plain sight. I believe we should each have the integrity of our junk food.
• is Carmen Sandiego? I don't know. But if you see him, please ask him to return my pants.

WHY

• was the Lone Ranger alone? Because there are so many things about him we don't know anything about. That we couldn't understand. That we shouldn't understand ... NO, WAIT! That was Pee Wee Herman! I don't know why the Lone Ranger was alone.
• was The Scarlet Letter scarlet? Inspired by Miss Scarlet in the game of Clue. Duh.
• are musicians sexy and plumbers not? I don't know that's true. After all, I'd rather do Mike Delfino from Desperate Housewives than Charlie Watts.
• are there no seat belts on school buses? There should be!

WOULD YOU

• Channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not that, what? Nah. I hate coffee.

• forgive someone who deliberately hurt you? I have.

• rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth? Yes.

• you still be alive if you were sucked out of an airplane window? Would you just float around in space for while? Gee, thanks Your Highness. Anything related to botched air travel terrifies me. So yes, I'd be alive for a few, terrifying, excruciatingly painful moments as I desperately and unsuccessfully try to breath.

If you'd like to play along, click here.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 7. My legs are delightfully achy. 35 minutes of cardio followed by leg curls and leg presses will do that. Did more than a dozen reps on my new love, the fixed lateral. Gulped 12 oz. of water during the workout, too. I do feel better when I hydrate. (Old dog, new trick!) I rewarded myself with a brownie and yet am still within my 1890 calorie limit. Think it's because I resisted the temptation to stop at Five Guys on the way home. (Bows deeply.)

Tribute to Nailah Franklin

I never knew this young woman, but her story touched me deeply back in September 2007 and I haven't forgotten her. When she was first reported missing, her friends and family leaped into action. Her mom and sisters were on TV, making sure her name and face and Impala were known to everyone. Nailah had worked at a competitive ad agency, Leo Burnett, and her former coworkers were out in force, handing out "Have You Seen Me" flyers to people like me as we boarded the el trains.

When her body was found a few days later, I was so sad for those who loved her. Nailah Franklin must have been a very special woman to have engendered such love, respect and loyalty from those whose lives she touched.

The Chicago Tribune recently (August 17) ran a story updating us on the case. I'm not including a link because the story necessarily mentions the suspect in her murder case. I am not a newspaper, I don't have to be fair or balanced or complete in my reporting. I want to shine the spotlight exclusively on this special woman. I owe much to Dawn Turner Trice's column, but if you want to read it yourself, you'll have to find it yourself.

Nailah Franklin was one of 5 daughters.

She graduated first from Homewood Flossmoor High School and then the University of Illinois.

She spent 5 years at the prestigious ad agency, Leo Burnett.

She moved to Eli Lilly in 2006 because she believed a sales job would help give her greater control over her finances and career.

She loved "all things Oprah."

She loved clothes and had a terrific sense of fashion.

Her mother told the Tribune that she wondered why Nailah "always seemed to be in such a hurry to live life. I think her spirit knew she had such a short time on this Earth and she had to cram in as much living as possible."

An older sister remembers her "little baby voice that she never grew out of, but she was bold and spirited, headstrong and beautiful."

Her father recalls "an exceptionally smart woman" and says that not a day goes by that he doesn't miss her.

A younger sister smiles when she remembers CD/DVD collection because "it was such a reflection of her -- a combination of old school songs by Luther Vandross and Tae Bo exercise DVDs."

Her youngest sister tried to follow Nailah to Urbana but she wasn't accepted. She treasures Nailah's words of encouragement as she applied to other schools. "When we learned she had died, I considered quitting the nursing program. But I remembered how much she believed in me and I thought it was important to keep going."

She volunteered at the Chicago Urban League.

She was eulogized as "not a star, but a superstar."

She was just 28 when she died.

I watch so you don't have to

Telethon Update: There's an Ethel Merman impersonator singing a medley of Ethel's big hits. She doing a credible job, which is to say she's really annoying. (Ethel Merman is like Milton Berle -- I have no idea why these people become stars.) It occurs to me as she belts out "There's No Business like Show Business" that this may be the first time I've ever seen Ethel Merman impersonated by an actual woman. Go figure.

Remember, you can't mock the Telethon if you don't give to MDA. Here's that link again.

Monday Movie Meme

This week's movie topic is all about Work...

In honor of the Labor Day holiday here in the U.S. we thought we'd focus this week's topic on movies centered around work - finding a job, getting a job, loving a job, hating a job - you get the idea.

The Bumbles already included Baby Boom, the Diane Keaton movie that popped into my head first. So count this as me seconding their vote for that one. Now here are my other choices:

Broadcast News. Ah, Jane Craig! Holly Hunter personifies how heady the most socially accepted addiction can be -- the need to be "the go-to girl" at work. The exhilaration of pulling it off, right on deadline. The tearful and very private exhaustion. The dependency on a more-than-friends/less-than-lovers "office spouse." The purpose work gives your life. There's a lovely bit of dialog that I keep reminding myself is meant to be funny, but I struggle because it's been echoed in my own professional life countless times. BOSS: It must be nice to always believe you know better, to always be the smartest person in the room. JANE: No, it's awful.

What Women Want. Mel Gibson plays the creative director at a Chicago ad agency. Like me. So where are my two secretaries and expansive expensive account? While this movie contains little nuggets of truth, mostly I enjoy it for all it gets wrong. My favorite: a multi-media presentation for running shoes that takes your breath away. In real life, the computers wouldn't be compatible, or the plug would require an adapter that someone forgot to bring, or the sound wouldn't sync and no one from IT would be available ... No matter how big the account or how famous the client, I always insist on going retro: art boards!

The Best of Everything. An ancient (1950s) soap opera. When I first saw it, in junior high, I thought this is what the adult world would be like. Caroline (my favorite) starts out as a secretary at Fabian Publishing in (of course) Manhattan and eventually works her way up to editor with a wall office. Along the way she meets a suicidal, lovelorn struggling actress, a dumbass, lovelorn country girl, a barren, lovelorn career woman, assorted married men/pigs and a fantabulous, albeit alcoholic, sensitive hero who understands her. It's the kind of movie where women wear white gloves and hats to work and remove their clip-on earrings when they answer the phone. I love it, love it, love it.

To play along yourself, click here.

Ah, the Telethon

The act that's on now is a ventriloquist that had a big old Sir Paul puppet and he performed the duet, "The Girl Is Mine." It was delightfully wretched. You don't see stuff like this every day. I hope I get to see a plate spinner before I switch it off for the night!

Remember, keep your karma in check. If you make fun of Jerry and this corny cast of characters, you gotta contribute to MDA. It's only right.

September Fitness Challenge

Day 6. Pushed the cardio to 45 minutes! And I discovered a new machine -- the fixed lateral. It works well with my usual lateral pulls. I also did sit ups. That hurt a little bit, not in the abs but because my bum knee makes it hard to get up off the floor. Maybe tomorrow I'll devote my workout completely to cardio ...

Good News!

Even if I still felt about Michael Jackson the way I did when I insisted my birthday party start late so I could watch the premier of the "Black or White" video, it would bug the living shit out of me that The Gloved One has the rights to the Lennon/McCartney catalog. Especially now, with the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band game and the release of 14 remastered Beatles CDs. (9 of Amazon's Top 20 Bestselling CDs are by The Beatles, and they won't even be released until Tuesday!) The glory and the profits from Beatlemania Redux should go to the Beatles, especially the Lennon/McCartney families.

Nine years from now, in 2018, the songs may begin becoming the property of Paul McCartney again.* According to US copyright law, 56 years after music is originally published, songwriters can move to regain their lost rights. So "Please, Please Me" and "I Saw Her Standing There" and other songs written in 1962 can be returned to Paul. (Exactly where the songs will be returned from is still shrouded in mystery. The Jackson estate is so deeply in debt that it's not known if the songs will be used to settle with creditors.)

Paul McCartney will be 76 years old in 2018. I hope he's still here to enjoy getting his own songs back.

*John Lennon's death in 1980 complicates his situation a bit. His widow has to negotiate a separate agreement.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Random Dozen Meme

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration? 12-pack of Coke

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate? Last week the Entertainment Weekly cover was devoted to a Seinfeld reunion. Yawn.

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about? This week the Entertainment Weekly is devoted to the Beatles and discusses the 14 album reissues.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car? Dancing in the Moonlight ("It's such a fine and natural sight ...)

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient: Cucumber slices

6. What advice in a nutshell would you give to new bloggers? Post often. It's more important to capture the moments of your life than to agonize over every syllable.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you? John. I would have had to have been born a boy to get it, and I like being a girl.

8. What in your life are you waiting for? To have enough money put aside to redecorate this condo

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from? It's a present from my Cousin Rose. I'd have to open it to know what's inside, and I promised her I'd wait until my actual birthday (which isn't until November).

10. Today–what song represents you? My Tears Dry on Their Own by Amy Winehouse

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself? How lucky I am. Yes, I have been known to battle the blues. But by chronicling my life I have discovered how many things lift my spirits each and every day.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today? My Inspi(red) Gap t-shirt was a gift from my friend Mindy back in 2007. I chose it because I hadn't worn it much this summer and soon it will be too chilly to wear it.