Everyone needs Frangoes

According to Macys.com: "A delectable combination, smooth milk chocolate and refreshing mint come together to dazzle your taste buds. Since 1918, Frango has been cooking up batches of savory, yet refreshingly melt-in-your-mouth mint chocolate."

Until recently, Frango Mints were the trademark of Chicago's Marshall Field's. When the Field's name disappeared, Macy's picked up the banner. While I'm a fan of the original milk mint, you can also enjoy double chocolate, dark mint, toffee, sugar free and milk caramel.

They are fabulous. Completely fabulous.

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 17

91¢ A tourist did the nicest thing today! As I cut through Macy's at lunchtime today, I decided I deserved a four-pack sampler box of Frangoes (retail: $3.25). While I was paying, a young man suddenly appeared at my side and handed me a Macy's gift card. "It's got less than $2 on it and I can't use it. I want you to have it." Then he disappeared.

There was still 91¢ left on the gift card. My Frangoes were even more delicious than they would have been at full price. Thank you, generous tourist.

10 on Tuesday

Where It All Goes

I have two credit cards in my wallet. One I use for big purchases that I intend to pay for over time, the other for more expected things that I charge so I can get airline miles. I pay this second one off every month. I'm budgeted for $650, and it's always way more. And I'm always surprised. For example, this month it's $737. This warrants closer examination.

The last 10 purchases to post to my Citi/American Airlines credit card statement:

1) Guthy-Renkor Principal Secret. My moisturizer, cleansing mask and tinted moisturizer are delivered to 4 times a year, and my card is billed automatically for this every month. A good deal, and not a surprise.

2) Groupon -- $5 for $10 worth of frozen yogurt. An impulse purchase, yes, but undoubtedly a good deal.

3) Book of the Month Club. A Robert B. Parker tribute/Spenser compilation. This one I kinda regret. For while I loved Robert B. Parker and Spenser, I don't think I will ever reread these mysteries. PLUS it violates my "no new books in 2010" edict. So that's $13.78 I wish I hadn't spent.

4) Paypal for computer software. I hated spending this, but it was necessary.

5) Peapod. Grocery delivery service. It's been so freaking hot, there's no way I was going to lug a 15-lb. jug of cat litter, carton of Coke, bottle of bleach and Lord knows what else home. I stand by this one, too.

6) Quinn for Governor. Don't know if you've heard, but Illinois has had some bad luck with Governors lately. I hope this turns out to the a good investment.

7) Pumpkin Moon. Local card shop. I stocked up on silly cards and funny notepads and magnets to send to my friend Kathleen as she deals with her treatments. I couldn't have seen this coming, but it was $16.33 very well spent.

8) USPS. A month's worth of stamps, plus postage for a package of paperback books to Operation Shoebox. Obviously money well spent.

9) Comcast. Cable and Internet. More important than air and water for this Gal.

10) The Humane Society of the US. My monthly contribution, automatically billed to my card. How can we not help our furry friends?

Reviewing these, I feel better about going over budget, even though the frivolous, unnecessary purchases that I should be ashamed of and regret undoubtedly appear further down the statement.

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 16

Sleep. My slumber had been disrupted alot lately, and I think it contributed to my catching a pesky summer cold. So I really enjoyed sleeping in yesterday at the hotel, today in my own bed, and (most delicious of all) an afternoon nap on my sofa. Tomorrow it's back to my real life and regular schedule, but today I was able to savor blissful sleep.

Welcome to The Queen's Meme #49

It's called The Watch Me Watch You Meme. So hunker down with your spyglass and bourbon, don dark sunglasses if you choose and tell us your deep dark and guarded secrets. Or not.

1. I have given you a pair of binoculars. If you could watch anyone in the world in the act of being creative or creating something, what would you choose to watch? Sir Paul. He plays so many instruments completely by ear and composes on both guitar and piano. He has begun painting, too. So I'd just like to watch his creative process unfold, seeing which media he chooses.

2. Turn your head to the left. What do you see? Explain its significance in your life. A fan in the window. This is the first evening in freaking AGES that I haven't had the air conditioning on. I hate hot weather.

3. You are watching a parade. You see a float float by (they float, don't they?) with three of your favorite people on it. Who are they? Joe, Mika and Willie

4. What do you like to watch on television? NCIS. I love Gibbs. He's my TV boyfriend.

5. Your blog is under surveillance by the Blogwatchers Association.
What are they watching for? Threats against Carlos Zambrano.

6. Watch out! Your greatest superstition has befallen you. What do you "watch out" for on a daily basis? I always hold my button when I pass a cemetery.

7. Have you ever "watched" at a wake in the deceased home or funeral parlor? I don't really understand this question. I have attended visitations, if that's what you mean.

8. Name one thing you always want to be awake for. Sex.

9. What is the next opportunity you are waiting or watching for? Sex.

10. You are standing guard in Central Prison. It is your job to watch the prisoners online activities. What site would you recommend to someone in prison? Nancy Grace. She'll scare them back to the straight and narrow!

"I loved a man, truly I did ..."

From an old Barbra Streisand song. Because in my head, I sound like Babs.

I did have a great love with a good man. He was the wrong man for me, too remote, but he was smarter than I am and well read and steady as they come and very good looking. I have many happy memories. We broke up but I have never stopped loving him. I understood his short-comings, even as I was unable to deal with them, and since he wanted a family so badly, hoped he would find a woman who could deliver all I couldn't.

Which is why, when I saw his profile on a professional networking site, I was thrilled to see that he mentioned his son. I wish I had left well enough alone.

Out of boredom and curiosity, I searched around and found the woman he married. Looked her up on Facebook. So far, so good. She's hyphenated, using both her maiden name and his surname. Pretty, but not gorgeous. Tall and but not THAT thin. Works for the local Republican Party (figures, he has quite the Libertarian streak). 43, with a 9-year-old son. That checks out. Lists herself as, "In a relationship."

Maybe she just didn't scroll down far enough for "married."

I could see from her wall that posted and conversed often with an author who writes exclusively about autism. She wrote of her 9 year old's son struggle with language, using words like "desperate," "frustrated," and "frantic." She's looking for help with how to get him to use a keyboard, and was hopeful to learn that children with a condition similar to her son's respond well to using an iPad.

I am afraid of the conclusion that I am drawing ... that the child he wanted so much is autistic, and that because of his remote nature he wasn't able to be the husband his wife needs as they dealt with their son's condition and they divorced.

I don't want that to be true.

Yet, until recently, he and this woman lived in the same town (white pages listings) and they both have one child, a son.

The girl he was with before me committed suicide. Then there was our misfire of a relationship. Now this.

I don't want him, but I do love him and I hope he's happy.

And I hope I'm wrong.

Movie Monday

This week's topic is all about the films of the late John Hughes. Admit it. Once upon a time (in your life), you were bitten by the John Hughes bug. I haven't seen all of his movies, but those I saw still beat those chick flicks running around these days. Show how much you love John Hughes' movies by answering this:

John Hughes... How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
and then link back to The Bumbles.

I love John Hughes because he gave us Ferris Bueller's Day Off. And by giving us that movie, he:
1) Introduced me to one of the most fabulously cheesey songs of all time, "Danke Schoen"
2) Made parades cool again
3) Showed how funny Ben Stein could be, simply by intoning a single word ("Bueller")
4) Contributed a valuable quote to my vernacular, "He's so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal up his ass, in two weeks you'd have a diamond."
5) Gave us the funniest scene over the credits EVER ("You're still here? Go HOME!")

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Days 14 & 15

"She died laughing." Spent this weekend with my oldest friend at the annual Fest for Beatle Fans. For me, the highlights all came on Saturday. They were:

1) Listening to Klaus Voorman, artist and Beatle insider since they met in Hamburg back in 1962. You have seen Klaus' work -- he designed both the Revolver and Beatles Anthology album covers.

2) Seeing Denny Laine, Lawrence Juber and Denny Seiwell, all members of Wings.

3) Laughing. I always laugh a lot with my oldest friend. Much of it was ridiculous, silly. Since I have been battling a cold, at times it was hard for me to breathe. She assured me she would tell my mother, "She died laughing."

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Superstition

1. What are you superstitious about? Airplane travel.

2. What’s the story behind one of your scars? One Good Friday when I was about 10, I was jumping on my bed, all excited about the prospect of coloring eggs, and somehow missed, cracking my chin on my dresser. At the Emergency Room, they didn't believe my parents that I missed my entire bed Maybe it was because my dad was both covered in my blood and seemed royally pissed that this was how he was spending his day off, but the nurse wanted to give me the opportunity to reveal any abuse I'd suffered at their hands. She asked my parents to leave the room for a moment, and I vaguely remember her saying, "We're alone here." I completely didn't understand and thought, like, "Duh. I may be a kid but I can count to two. I know we're alone." I just thought she was an idiot. I was worried about stitches and wanted to get them over with.

3. What are three things that you would rather be doing right now? Making love, having sex, doing "it."

4. What do you do when you're bored? Farting around on the internet.

5. What's your favorite thing to do? Why? See #3. It's been so long, I'm not sure I even remember why. Just a primal urge, I guess.

6. What do you do when you're lonely? I don't get lonely very often. But when I do, I drink and cry. Or go the movies. They're both good.

7. How do you measure the passing of time in life? I don't understand the question. Calendar?

8. What would constitute "the perfectly lived day" for you? If I go to sleep happy and think I've learned something.

9. If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do in your final days? See #3.

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 13

I accidentally discovered that my blog has made a difference in someone's life, and it makes me happy.

Every now and again I check my statcounter to see who visits here and where they're from. I have received an unusual number of hits today from The Daily Kos. Huh? What? How on earth did I get referenced on The Daily Kos?

Well, one of the regular blogs on The Daily Kos is called Sistah Speak. The author is discussing race, racism and the impact on black women. A mention was made of the coverage of violent crime against women of color, and how it isn't covered as extensively as offenses against white women. Someone calling herself Amazinggrace commented, linking back to this blog:

Mitrice [Richardson] was an exception in reporting, as was my cousin Nailah Franklin here in Chicago. Their disappearances received continuous coverage because of the diligence of their families in pressing the issue.

Up until today, I had no idea that any of my posts about Nailah Franklin was actually seen, obviously appreciated and even remembered by her family! I hope they got some comfort from knowing how deeply Nailah's story touched the heart of this stranger.

P.S. There is some news about this case. The suspect is still in jail, awaiting trial, and has been charged for assaulting a corrections officer. Sounds like a terrific guy, doesn't he? But, since today's post is about happiness, and since all of my Nailah Franklin posts have been more about her life than her death, I will say no more about him.

I may not be sleeping, but BOY, am I ever dreaming!

My slumber this week has been fitful at best. I wish there was a fascinating reason behind this, but I suspect it's just because with this ungodly heat, my bedroom air conditioner has been running longer, higher and louder than usual and it's been disrupting my sleep.

While the reason behind my altered sleep patterns may be ho-hum, my dreams have been very interesting. They all have to do with bathing. Publicly.

In one, I am bathing in my tub and suddenly people appear in the doorway. I slide down under water to cover myself. I am not frightened or even surprised, simply annoyed by this interruption, so I think I'm only recalling a fraction of a longer dreamland saga.

In the second one, my bathroom is somehow out of commission and I am reduced to showering in a public stall on the el platform. The fact that there are no public shower stalls on el platforms is irrelevant -- this is a dream. Mostly I am concerned with how dirty the floor is.

According to Dreammoods.com, this is what's going on:

To dream that you are taking a shower or are in a bathtub suggests a need for self-renewal and escape from everyday problems. You need to rid yourself of the burdens that you have been carrying. Alternatively, it indicates your mood for love and pursuit of pleasure and relaxation, or the dream may be a metaphor for "showering" someone with gifts or love.

Interestingly, Dream Moods makes no mention of my noisy air conditioning unit.

Oh, and by the way, where's this famous cold weather that makes people shun Chicagoland. I'd like some of that NOW, please!

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 12

Discovering another terrific version of an old song. Peter Allen wrote this song back with Carole Bayer Sager back in the 1970s. I have two versions of it somewhere on vinyl, one by Rita Coolidge and one by Carole herself. Anyway, I kinda forgot about it until I stumbled upon it by my new fave rave, Dusty Springfield.

No one sounds quite like Dusty. She lends a romanticism to this song that reminds me of who I was in the 1970s, and who I still am at heart. I've been listening to it all day.

I am a professional writer.

It's what I do. Using nothing but words, I can convince people to respond in a certain way.

I am a professional writer.

This occurred to me while on the treadmill today when, instead of reading my book, I was composing the opening sentences of one of the letters I have to get finished today.

I am a professional writer.

Back in the summer of 2008, my oldest friend dismissively told me she used the kinds of things I write "to light the grill." If that sounds bitchy, well, it was meant to. But she was in a bad place in those days, her life filled with lots of problems and drama and, I suspect, regret over her own long-ago career choices. After all, she has drawers filled with the beginnings of short stories and novels and memoirs and here I am, getting paid handsomely for being a hack.

But instead of being insulted, her comment got me thinking: there are cooks at coffee shops who will never win Top Chef, yet their skills make people happy every day. Somebody designed those argyle polos you can buy at Old Navy this week for $10; just because that person's name isn't as familiar as Isaac Mizrahi's doesn't mean his or her work hasn't touched the lives of tens of thousands of people.

I know I'll never be Lillian Hellman or even Lilian Jackson Braun. But what I do has value. It can, and has, been measured, as a matter of fact. I'm good at selling shit. When I'm firing on all cylinders, like I was at the health club, I enjoy it. If I'm not talented, then at least I am skilled. I have learned a lot and honed my skills over the years. And what I do for a living is, indeed, creative.

I am a professional writer.

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 11

A special lunch companion. My former coworker came in for lunch and to officially say goodbye. She brought her little boy with her. Around four months old, he is just toooo cute, and very well behaved. A fine time was had by all!

Stumped

I need to write three different letters promoting the same financial product. This way the client can choose the one she likes best. It's 5:00 and I don't even have the first one done.

The ideas aren't simply aren't coming.

I don't need to have them done until end of day tomorrow, so I suppose I could go home and hope some inspiration washes over me. But I'm afraid none will.

Sometimes this job is easy. At moments like this, though, it's miserably hard.

I Want Wednesday

I want THIS John Kerry to talk to THAT John Kerry. Then perhaps Senator John Kerry will show the nerve and nads and patriotism that Lt. John Kerry displayed when he asked a Senate hearing back in 1971 the question that got to the heart of the Viet Nam quagmire:

"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?"

I admire John Kerry enormously. I always have. (Yeah, I know about his yacht. Bite me.) He's been a hero before, and has proven he loves his country and the troops that defend it. And I hate to think that he reached his moment of personal greatness before he turned 30.

Alert and alarm us about Afghanistan the way you did about Viet Nam, Senator. Please. Only this time, you'll be on the other side of the desk, asking the questions instead of answering them.

That's what I want this Wednesday.

What about you? What do you want today?

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 10

Guilt-free chocolate. Low in fat, rich in fiber, and only 100 calories. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Chocolate Cheerios.

10 on Tuesday

Ten things on my mind this lovely Tuesday:

1) Why did I wait so long to fall in love with Mark Harmon? I saw him in a clip from a made-for-TV movie of Sweet Bird of Youth and he took my breath away. As handsome as he is now, he was heartbreakingly gorgeous in 1989. And far more comfortable flashing teeth and bare flesh than he is now.

2) How come I always get bitten by mosquitoes? These red welts are making me nuts.

3) This Cubs season blows, but I still don't want it to end. And as August melts into September, it will evaporate and I will be sad(der.)

4) I brought my lunch today, and am feeling very virtuous about the money I saved.

5) I really love the new book I started, Let's Take the Long Way Home. I wish it was acceptable to read at my desk when things are slow (like they are today).

6) I hate going to the health club, and I hate being at the health club, but I do love having worked out.

7) I'm trying not to be mad at my mom. She's in her mid-70s, we don't have much more time together, and I guess have to decide whether or not this is something that really matters. There's a post about this bubbling up in me, and I'm going to write it soon. Maybe "musing" about it will help diffuse some of the tension.

8) I just bought a gerbera daisy for a coworker's birthday. It cost little more than buying a card, was much easier than trying to find the right Hallmark sentiment, and looks so much more special.

9) Slow work days tend to bring out the worst in everyone. Maybe that's why someone coined the phrase about idle hands being the devil's workshop.

10) I really wish we weren't in Afghanistan. I know that as an Illinois Democrat, I should be supporting my President in this. But I think he's wrong here.

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 9

Dynamic Duos. Because I took today off for my annual mammogram (an occasion for rapture itself), I was able to lazy around in front of the TV. And, much to my delight, I unexpectedly caught two favorites: The real Batman, starring Adam West (today he and Robin vanquished that evil-doer, King Tut) and the movie that Roger Ebert and I consider an American masterpiece, Bonnie & Clyde.

I wonder what would have happened if Bonnie and Clyde had been unfortunate enough to land in Gotham City. While Batman never used guns, you can be sure he would have found a way to return these two reprobates to prison.

Movie Monday -- Future Legends

Share the actors and actresses under 50 whose careers you think will become legendary, linking back here at The Bumbles.

Two of the Bumbles' choices -- Michael Cera and Sean Penn -- were so spot-on that the bar is set rather high for the rest of us. But here I go with my predictions …

George Clooney (Age 49) There's something so familiar about his screen presence. Is it because he's the next in line, after first Paul Newman and then Robert Redford, the current superstar who uses his influence to get films made about important topics? Michael Clayton and Good Night and Good Luck make me think so. Or is he the new Cary Grant? Every time I see him on the red carpet, I think George looks born to a tux like no man since Grant. Or is he this generation's Burt Reynolds, brightening the TV talkshow circuit with jokes about his sex appeal and his less than stellar start on TV. Remember him as Roseanne's boss? Perhaps George Clooney isn't the next anyone -- maybe he's the first George Clooney. Like a really hot Tom Hanks, he draws us to him with charisma and seems familiar because no matter what the role, he's good company.

Julia Roberts (Age 43) I like her. No matter what she's doing -- from doomed young mother to hooker to crusading legal assistant -- I find myself rooting for her. She's always fresh and funny. The same can be said about those other two American Sweethearts, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston, but while I would go out of my way to see a movie a starring any of the three, Julia Roberts has the most impressive body of work. Is she a better actress or a simply better judge of material? I don't know, but whatever it is, she'll be the one who's remembered in decades to come.

Leonardo di Caprio (Age 35) Robert Pattinson, take note! It wasn't all that long ago that it was Leo's face decorating girls' lockers and dreams. It was right after that movie about the boat, remember? He wasn't content to be a heartthrob and he resists even being a romantic leading man. Instead he turns in one terrific, complex performance after another -- whether it's The Departed or Revolutionary Road or Inception. His movies challenge us, and his performances soar.

Angelina Jolie (Age 35) Like Elizabeth Taylor before her, Angelina's romances and beauty fuel her persona. And, like Liz, she's making a name for herself with her humanitarian work. I think it's that combination of sex goddess and earth mother that makes her stick. (Even though, of all these stars, she's the one I can't stand.)

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 8

Went to a concert tonight at Ravinia to see The Four Tops and The Temptations with my friend Mindy. We had a great time, sitting in the grass, eating a picnic dinner, yakking and listening to Motown. Mindy is the sweetest person and it was interesting to catch up on her life. We've known each other forever -- 30 years, to be exact. So my happiness comes from treasured old friends and treasured old tunes.

Checking in the old fashioned way

Kathleen called me this morning! She sounded good after Friday's procedure, and I'm so relieved. I was worried that I hadn't heard from her until now, but I need not have been. She included me on her Saturday email to her aunt and her siblings, only she sent it to my office email, and I didn't even think to look for word from her there.

Oh well, it was good to hear her voice.

On Tuesday, she will know what the next steps in her cancer treatment are. That's when the evaluation of her lymph nodes will be completed. I'm keeping her in my prayers, though I feel very confident that she will come through this fine (or as well as to be expected).

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Crafty Fifty Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Introduce yourself. "I'm a man of wealth and taste."
Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil Lyrics @ LyricsTime.com

5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21? I can honestly say I never drank in a bar before my 21st birthday.

6. What countries have you been to? 6 (counting the US)

7. Do you watch MTV anymore? No

8. What do you think about Oprah Love the magazine. I'm over the woman and her show, though.

10. You need a new pair of jeans: what store do you go to first? Old Navy

11. Did you ever watch The O.C.? No

12. What kind of car do you drive I don't have a car

13. Honestly, is that car insured? My imaginary car? Yes, it's insured.

14. Do you like sushi? No.

15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave? Yes, Saks.

16. Did your parents spoil you growing up? I don't think so.

17. Do you like roller coasters? Yes.

18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to? Time, Newsweek, Glamour, Allure, US and People.

19. Do you remember the old WB show “Popular”? No

20. When you go out do you prefer to go to a dance club or to a bar? Bar

21. What do you think about gay marriage? I think it's not my business who someone else marries.

22. Who do you think will be the next president? After Barack Obama completes his second term? It's too far off to even speculate. My instinct tells me it will be someone who isn't a household name yet.

23. Are you registered to vote? Yes

24. Do you own an iPad? No

25. Is your bathroom filled with beauty stuff? Yes

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 7

Today I'm happy that I have so much to be grateful for:

• As I went to the post office to send paperbacks to the troops, and then to the food pantry to contribute a variety of canned goods and pastas, I am grateful that I have the resources to do these really rather small things

• As I went to the vet with my beloved Charlotte, I was grateful for both her clean bill of health and that I can afford to give the furry souls that depend on me the care they deserve

• While doing laundry I encountered The Saddest Boy in the World. I was so grateful that if I'm alone on a Saturday night it's because I relish a little solitude after a week with an office full of people, and not that I'm lonely

I'm happy that I'm such a lucky old broad.

Sometimes the credits set the mood perfectly

Here's the rendition of "Solitary Man" that opens the Michael Douglas movie of the same name. In the movie, we see Douglas navigating a New York City street alone, and Johnny Cash's aching vocals prepares us for everything we are about to learn about this man.

I mention this in case you are tempted to avoid Solitary Man for fear of hearing Neil Diamond drone in your head over and over. You won't, I promise.

If you haven't heard of this movie, I'm not surprised. It's not in wide distribution and doesn't seem to have any major studio backing. Yet I found it very moving.

Michael Douglas plays Ben, a once successful businessman just a little shy of his 60th birthday. He still compulsively hits on every young woman who crosses his path. Sometimes he gets lucky, sometimes they find him pathetic. He's in a foot race with aging and death. It scares him so shitless he can't stop himself, can't even accept the real love offered him by family and friends.

Susan Sarandon plays his ex-wife, and while her part is small, their scenes together are treasures. She's the only woman in the film who is Ben's contemporary. Yet she looks warm and serene and alive, compared to his graying and wrinkled desperation. It's not plastic surgery or witchcraft, it's acceptance of -- and enjoyment of -- life as it is.

As the movie continues to get well-deserved Oscar buzz, I hope it becomes more available.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Friends

1. How many of your friendships have lasted more than ten years? Which of your current friends do you feel will still be important to you ten years from now? I currently have about six friends -- and by friends I mean people with whom I share more than annual birthday or Christmas wishes -- that have lasted more than a decade. I expect to carry all of them forward, plus my current best friend.

2. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what’s the first thing you look at? The shape of my face -- which is very round.

3. Who was the most recent person on your missed call list on your cell phone? What’s your relationship with the person? The dispatcher from the local cab company was calling to tell me the cab I requested had arrived. I didn't pick up because I was already getting into the cab when the call came. I don't consider the dispatcher and I as having a relationship ...

4. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? It's gobbledy-gook, a confirmation message from my bank that my cell phone can receive their texts.

5. How would you “label” yourself? Highly individual and difficult to label.

6. What was your favorite age that you’ve been? 35. I felt very sexy and womanly.

7. What is your current desk top picture? What’s its significance? These two photos rotate. Believe it or not, Jackie O is under a great deal of duress in these shots. I keep them on my desktop to remind me to keep my head, no matter what. For the full story behind these photos, click here.

8. What was the last thing you said to someone that you‘d like to take back? Oh, Lord! I seem to forever being putting my foot in it! One recent thing was telling my oldest friend that I believed that, if we were living out The Golden Girls, she's be Rose and I'd be Sophia. I meant that she was very sweet. It wasn't until I heard myself say it that it hit me -- she could think I was calling her "stupid."

9. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose? ALL my mistakes, not just one? Hell, I'd jump at that!

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 6

Summer hours. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our office closes at 12:30 on Fridays. Everyone starts heading out as soon as the clock strikes 12. It's a lovely perk.

Mostly this summer I have used the free Friday afternoons for appointments -- vein treatment, hair cut, massage, pedi. Today I designated it for lazy. Got home, watched the Cub game, and then headed over to the library book fair (see post below). It was a very good use of my time. Doing nothing suits me, and I feel very relaxed right now.

Frankly, my dear ...

We no longer give a damn.

Tonight kicked off our community's book fair, a 3-day event to benefit the public library. Every year there's a book that you'll see time and time and time again. The book that many locals enthusiastically bought and then decided (almost in unison) that they were done with it and would never read it again. I always make a mental note of the title that wins each year's dubious honor.

In 2006, it was The Corrections.
In 2007, The Nanny Diaries.
In 2008, The Da Vinci Code.
In 2009, My Life by Bill Clinton.
This year, Scarlett, the Sequel to Margaret Mitchell's Gone with The Wind.

This surprised me, since it was originally published in 1992. It was reissued in 2007. Maybe it's that more recently issued edition that's decorating the tables at the book fair.

Now let me make a note of all I picked up, for the princely sum of $5.00:

For me --
Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
Size 14 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
The Careful Use of Compliments by Alexander McCall Smith

For the troops --
Ocean's 11, a novelization of the movie
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
When the Wind Blows by James Patterson

I'm pleased by how gently used these last three are, and I like thinking of the escape they will provide three of our soldiers.

Yup, I agree

Though I'm not so crazy about standing out in a crowd …

You Are Independent

You are fiercely proud of who you are, and you're not about to change for anyone. You hate it when people try to control you. Responsibilities tend to bum you out. You like to stand out in a crowd and you definitely turn heads. You are fun and fearless. People envy your courage.

What's True About You?

My tummy hurts!

I'm taking it easy this morning, consuming only Pepto Bismol and Canada Dry Ginger Ale. I want to feel better -- fast! -- because today is our village book fair, the big fundraiser for the public library and the perfect opportunity for me to score some paperbooks for the troops. I'm thinking John Grisham, Nora Roberts, and JD Patterson are rather universally liked authors. And, since it's a charity event, I am raising my self-imposed "No New Books" ban. Especially because any books I find will be used.

Me and the Prez

I saw him today! It was a harmonic convergence of me staying late at the office and him running late (click here for his official schedule). At about 6:20 his motorcade raced up Randolph, along with a police escort -- both motorcycle cops and police cars -- and Secret Service vans and a fire department ambulance. The coolest part was seeing all the families along the route, waiting to see Barack Obama, with children cheering him as he went by.

Children cheering the President -- it did my old heart good.

Lose that long face

Maybe I'm too swept up in the August Happiness Challenge, but right now -- at this very moment -- I am enthusiastic about my job.

This week, my team got new senior management. The new head of the marketing side came from a prestigious competitive agency by way of a popular not-for-profit. The new head of the creative side joins us from another account internally. Both of the gentlemen in these important positions have been blessed by our client (which is better than just saying, "Here they are! Work with 'em and pay 'em a ton for the pleasure," as it appears we have done in the past) and indicate that The Powers that Be believe this account has a future at this agency after all.

Yea!

So why is my boss walking around like Mr. Bad Posture, all grumpy and negative? While I don't expect a Knute Rockne speech from him, I am surprised that he's so cynical, doubting that anything will change.

I am hardly new to this industry, with decades under my belt now. I'm not easily bamboozled or distracted by smoke or mirrors. But these changes look good to me!

And so I am going to continue acting like Pollyanna, being so unremittingly upbeat that all my coworkers will lapse into a diabetic coma in response to the saccharine I spew.

Seven Subjects

Recycled from Kwiz:

SUBJECT ONE- THE OUTSIDE
What's your name? The Gal Herself
How tall are you? 5'2
What color are your eyes? Green
What color is your hair? Light, reddish brown
Are you Male or Female? Female
What is your best physical feature? dimples
What's your shoe size? 6.5 or 7
Glasses, yes or no? Usually contacts
Did you ever have braces? yes
On a typical day you are wearing? Jeans and a t-shirt
When you go to bed you're wearing? A nightshirt
How often do you exercize [sic]? At least 2x a week, and yes, I know it should be more

SUBJECT TWO- MUSIC
Name two of your favorite bands: The Lads from Liverpool and Del Amitri
Name two of your favorite singers: Bruce Springsteen and Dusty Springfield
Name two songs you currently love: "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay and "Fever" by Eva Cassidy
Name one song that describes your life right now? "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer
Name one song that describes your life 1 year ago? "Wake Up Alone" by Amy Winehouse
What are the preset stations in your car? I don't have a car
What's the last CD you bought? Soulbook by Rod Stewart
Was the last CD you burned an actual CD or a mix? A mix
Name one band you're embarrassed to like but do? The Partridge Family
If you could only attend 1 concert ever again, it would be? Sir Paul
Name one band or singer you absolutely can't stand? Barry Freaking Manilow
Name a group you use to like but feel you've grown out of? Michael Jackson ... for a variety of sad reasons

SUBJECT THREE- MOVIES and TELEVISION
Name your favorite actor? Leonardo DiCaprio
Name your favorite actress? Jennifer Aniston
Name your favorite television show right now? NCIS
Name a really cool movie you have recently seen? Inception
Your favorite canceled television show? Law & Order
Name 1 movie you wish you hadn't wasted time and money? Babel
You would never watch a movie with? No one comes to mind -- I'm really very easy in this regard
Three favorite TV channels? USA, MSNBC, ME-TV (a local channel)

On these last two, I completely agree with Kwiz

Favorite reality show? American Idol... but I'm not so sure about this new season
Favorite character on a reality show? It used to be Simon Cowell


SUBJECT FOUR- WORD ASSOCIATION
coffee- cup
dog- cat
slut- ho
candy- cane
pole- North
ocean- beach
brave- strong
loving- You (Elvis, "I'll just spend my whole life through loving you ...")
cookie- Mrs. Fields
death- and taxes
life- live
child- toys

SUBJECT FIVE- WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER?
Eaten by a lion OR Eaten by thousands of small insects? lion
Skydiving from a plane OR Bungee jumping off a bridge? skydiving
No television OR No music? no music
No more pizza, ever OR No more chocolate, ever? pizza
A trip to Europe OR a trip to Hawaii? Europe
An hour with your future soul mate OR An hour with a lost loved one? lost loved one
Sex without love OR love without sex? love without sex

SUBJECT SIX- THE LOVE LIFE
Are you currently in a relationship? Lots of them! Just no romances
Are you currently looking or interested in someone? Interested, yes. Looking, no.
How many times have you been in love? Twice
Looking back, how do you feel about that person now? They are both still very nice men, it just didn't work
Name three physical things you look for in someone? Sweet smelling hair, nice eyes, strong arms
Biggest turn offs include? Suspect hygiene, bigotry, bossiness
Your ideal date would be? comfortable
You want to get married, where, when, how? Never, nowhere, no how
Does anyone have feelings for you right now that you don't return? It's possible

SUBJECT SEVEN- THE FRIENDS
The one you immediately go to with a problem? Depends on the problem
The most rational? Barb
The funniest? My oldest friend
The one you spend the most time on the phone with? My mom
The craziest? John
The most honest? Edgardo
The purest? Ditto
The smartest? Kathleen
The most athletic? My best friend
The most compassionate? Mindy
The one most likely to get thrown in jail? John.
The last one that who said I love you? I don't remember

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 5

Good News! My friend Kathleen left word this morning that the additional growths found in her breast turned out to be benign, and so the outpatient procedure she's enduring today is to remove a single malignant lump.

I'm grateful that her prognosis is still as positive as it was when she first shared this scary news, and I'm happy that she remembers to update me. (I'm a worrier.)

My cat Joey refuses to tell a joke

He's both sensitive and PC. We love that about him.


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