Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The 5000 Question Meme, Part Three

Cheers to all of us thieves!

51. Make up a definition for the following silly words...

Fruitgoogle: Confirming how to spell "pomegranate" by plugging it into Google

Ambytime: The hour when you take your sleep meds

Asscactus: The imaginary spines that appear on any ass you long to touch but know you shouldn't. For example, in The Thorn Birds, Father Ralph should have respected the asscactus growing on young Meggie because he was a priest, after all, and shouldn't have been fixating on fondling parishioners.

52. What was the last thing you made with your own hands? The bed. I changed my sheets.

53. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Lassie Dog

54. How many TV’s are in your house? Two

55. What is your favorite thing to do outside? I enjoy long walks. They help clear my head.

56. How do you feel when you see a rainbow? I miss my best friend. We have a running joke about rainbows that stemmed from a comment I once made which he thought was stupid but I still maintain was just ill-phrased. I'd repeat it but it was a "you gotta be there" moment.

57. Have you ever dreamt a dream that came true? No. Which is unfortunate because I have had more than one revolving around either administering or receiving a massage from late-80s vintage Bruce Willis, aka "David Addison," my ultimate TV boyfriend.

58. Have you ever been to a psychic/tarot reader? Yes, indeedy.

59. What is your idea of paradise? Either administering or receiving a massage from late-80s vintage Bruce Willis, aka "David Addison," would be nice.

60. Do you believe in God and if so what is he/she/it like? I believe in God because God believes in me and He is love.

61. Do you believe in hell? Yes. But I think we make our own hell here on earth. Then, when we die, we all go to Heaven. As with Question #60, I know this to be true, like gravity, and am not interested in any discussion.

62. What one thing have you done that most people haven't? I kissed Bruce Springsteen, and even better, he kissed back.

63. What is the kindest thing you have ever done? I can't think of anything specific.

64. Have you gone to WTIT's facebook page and hit "like" yet? If not, why not? (No pressure.) Are you sure Leo asked this in the original meme?

65. What holiday should exist but doesn't? World Beatle Day. It should be observed around this time -- during the first week in April -- because in April, 1964, the Lads held the Top 5 positions of the Billboard Top 100. No artist or band has accomplished this before or since. The songs, included here only to impress Bud, were Can't Buy Me Love, Twist & Shout, She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, and Please, Please Me.

66. What holiday shouldn't exist but does? Presidents' Day. I think we should celebrate Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays individually. What the hell, they both rocked. Besides, February can be a dreary month and two days off would be nice.

67. What's the best joke you ever heard? A grandmother is watching her grandson playing on the beach. A huge wave comes and takes him out to sea. She pleads, "Please, God, save my only grandson. I will live a blameless life if only you return him to me. I beg of you, bring him back." And a big wave washes the boy back onto the beach, good as new. She looks up to Heaven and says, "He had a hat."

68. Where is the most fun place you have EVER been? Wrigley Field.

69. Is your hair natural or dyed? Yes. It's natural now, but I dyed it Lucy Riccardo red for decades.

70. Do you have any deep dark secrets or are you pretty much up front? Yes

71. What is under your bed right now? All manner of shit I probably don't need and should throw out.

72. If you were in the Land of Oz would you want to live there or go home? I think I'd stay.

73. If you drive do you frequently speed? N/A

74. What is the world's best song to dance to? The Macarena. See?



75. What song was on the last time you danced with someone? I remember dancing with my friends John and Steve to this last summer. Liquor was involved.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Hey Nineteen

1. What was the best thing about being 19? Everything was a little perkier

2. Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity? Water. Even just washing my hair gives me a fresh perspective.

3. Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when... my stomach growls

4. Name 3 fads from your teenage years. The Bee Gees, Boone's Farm, Charlie cologne

5. What's the best birthday present you've ever had? My friend Kathleen works for The Chicago Tribune and she gave me the press plate for the front page announcing Obama won the Presidency. Looking at it again, I can see how much the last couple years have aged him.

6. What's your oldest possession? My plush Lassie Dog, not unlike this one, though she's not so much plush anymore.

7. Do you have any phobias? Air travel (or, more precisely, not surviving a crash). I'm also none too crazy about squirrels and clowns.

8. This is pretty much the start of Spring (regardless of the snow in the east this week!); what's on your to-do list for the next few weeks to transition away from this long Winter we've been having? Sorting my clothes as I put my sweaters away and bring my blouses and t-shirts out. I'd say I'll be doing the same things with my shoes, boots, and sandals but let's face it, I never put my sandals away from fall.

9. Which of the 50 states in the U.S. would you rather die than live in? While my feelings about it aren't that drastic, I'd have to say Ohio.

Retail in Williamsburg

I love shopping in Merchants Square. I was only able to spend three hours there, but I know there are tourists who happily spend a full day traversing the little shops just up the street from Bruton Parish and all the other historic sites.

This year, my favorite shop was Shirley Pewter, opened in 1962 by a silversmith and Korean War vet named Shirley Robertson (a gentleman who, unlike Leslie Nielsen, must not have minded being called "Shirley"). It's not a big shop but it is a beautiful one. I found I appreciate pewter more than its hoity-toity cousins, silver and platinum. It all looked more substantial and had more character -- the same reasons why I'm more drawn to stoneware than china.

As a result of my time at Shirley Pewter, my friend Kathleen (the proud breast cancer survivor) will receive a pink ribbon charm, my best friend will get a nice, heavy horseshoe (to accompany his turtle, acorn and clover talismans) and I now have a lovely peace symbol pull for my wallet.

At the Colonial Garden and Nursery, I bought garden seeds for sturdy indigenous plants (Joseph's Coat and strawflower) for my mother's backyard. And at Everything Williamsburg I got everything else -- a sweatshirt for my oldest friend, a t-shirt for myself, a cap and a book (George Washington as action hero) for my nephew, sweet potato muffin and gingerbread mixes for my niece, and their choice of magnets or little canons for the folks at work. (I know it's crap, but I firmly believe that bringing tchotchkes back to everyone, and having everyone display them on their desks, makes us look and feel a bit more like a team).

There were boutiques I wish I had time to visit, too. Maybe next year ...

Let us pray

As one who worships in a church that is also a building of public interest, I felt a great kinship with the congregation of Bruton Parish. The pews are elevated from the floor and have doors because it got so cold in the church, back in the days before central heat. Stones were heated and placed in a big bucket in the pew and then the doors were closed to keep the heat in. Because the Capital was in Williamsburg, VIPs from all over the colonies would visit and they had "reserved" pews for when they were in town.

I've included the current service announcement to show that this beautiful building is still an important part of the Williamsburg community.

We interrupt this vacation for breaking news

Hey, hey! Holy mackerel! No doubt about it! The Cubs are on their way!

Happy Opening Day! And it was an emotion-packed one at Wrigley Field. First the official 9/11 flag was presented. It's touring the country to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the loss of the WTC. Then schoolchildren recited The Pledge of Allegiance. Misty yet? How about a twin spin of "God Bless America" and "The National Anthem." But wait, there's more. When the players were presented, Kerry Wood was among them! Yea! Kerry Wood never should have worn any other uniform than this one. And all the guys were wearing these #10 caps in honor of late Cub great Ron Santo. After his playing days were over, he was the voice of the Cubs on WGN radio for twenty years. I grew up on him, and now he's gone. His death came on the morning my uncle was buried, so I'm not sure I fully realized it until today. Now I miss him more than I can express.

And then, oh my God! ROY HOBBS threw out the first pitch. Yes, Robert Redford, The Natural. He made it over the plate but it was way high. What the hell. It was amazing to see Roy Hobbs pitch at Wrigley Field, chat up Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, and give an autograph to his catcher for the day, an obviously star struck Kerry Wood.

Gulp. I admit it, a tear or two was shed here today.

So what if the Pirates won today? BFD. It's a 160-game season. And this one got off right. The wins will come. You just watch.

Pumpkin. It's not just for pie anymore.

Wednesday was steam heat day for me at the spa. First I had a very energetic hot stone massage. Veronika, the massage therapist I'd had on Tuesday, knew where my knots and kinks were and she stretched and pressed and manipulated me back to alignment with trained hands and careful placement of hot stones. Then I had a custom facial. Yes, there was exfoliation and moisturizing and (ouch!) extracting, but my favorite part was the pumpkin mask. Rich in antioxidants and enzymes, it absorbs quickly into the skin to refresh and protect. It felt so good I bought a tube to use in my very own bathroom.

Though I miss the quiet, elegant, relaxing atmosphere of the spa. If I go to Williamsburg again next year, I think I want an extra day, or at least an extra half day. I could use a little more pampering.

The Randolph House

One of the most impressive homes in Williamsburg, and my favorite tour. Peyton Randolph and his wife were childless so they lived alone here, with their orphaned niece, and were served by up to 20 slaves.

Peyton Randolph was an influential citizen during these times. So much so that he was right up there with his buddy George Washington on the list of Virginians that the Crown wanted to capture and hang. The Randolph family was large, well-connected and related to everyone, including George's wife Martha and young Thomas Jefferson. After Peyton's death, he left his entire law library to Jefferson.

A note about slavery

Looking at the way the Randolphs lived vs. their slaves left me feeling skin crawly and ashamed.

Peyton Randolph was a true patriot and did many important things that helped found this country, and yet he kept 20 human souls as property. Look at these photos and see how different life was between them that's got and them that's not. Six slaves slept in, and 16 ate in, that one room -- the drastically smaller one you see in the in rear view of the house . All but one slept on the floor. The slave who got the bed was the elder. This decision was made strictly in the slave quarters. The Randolphs left such matters to their slaves.

The Ewing Shop

This little (200 sq. ft.) slice of heaven is where I stayed in Colonial Williamsburg. 220 years ago, the building on this spot was a dry goods store run by a Scottish immigrant named Ebeneezer Ewing. Today it has a gorgeous four-poster bed with curtains, a working fireplace, and just enough modern touches (plumbing, TV) to make it comfortable but not enough to ruin the vibe. I even had my own little backyard!

One of the coolest things about staying right there in one of the historic houses on the grounds is that it was convenient. After touring one of the exhibits, I could just run home and use my own bathroom instead of the public restrooms. The little sign on the front door discouraged any tourists who thought my humble abode was an attraction.

I loved every moment I spent here.

(Sick of my trip yet?)

I'm Indi-a Mood for Love

That's the name of the OPI polish I got during my spa pedi. Prior to my luxury soaking, exfoliating, moisturizing and painting, I got a reflexology massage. Veronika, a Russian lass, worked wonders on my neck, wrists/hands, and especially my feet. Which is why I think of Tuesday as Tootsie Day at the Spa at Colonial Williamsburg.

Home

I picked these as my first posted photos from my four-day sojurn to Williamsburg because people-watching, especially kid-watching, was one of the great joys. Student groups seem to be high on their own independence, being away from their parents. Younger kids, there with their parents, got swept up in making believe that they live back in the 1700s. I noticed a lot of Beatle t-shirts, more on young people than baby boomers. I view this as England's revenge for the Revolution.

More later. Lots more. I predict you'll all just plead with me to quit posting about about Williamsburg before too long!

Food coma

Just finished the most luscious hunka pork roast I have ever been served, along with some delectable potato concoction and green beans .... and, OK, a pair of pomegranate cosmopolitans. Which means I am now ready for bed at an hour earlier than any time in my life since grammar school. But it's a good, comfortable exhausted. Part too much food, part fabulous facial and hot stone massage, part three solid hours of shopping. (Who knew I would love pewter so much?)

I have had a lovely trip. I am relaxed and only think about my oldest friend and her daughter and what they're doing to my brochure back at the office occasionally. The only real dark cloud on my horizon is worrying about the exceptional young people I flew here with. On my flight from O'Hare to Richmond were more than half a dozen kids en route to deployment at Langley Air Force Base. On the one hand, flying with them was a comfort because when we hit turbulence, they couldn't have been more nonchalant. Here I was, surrounded by young people with exceptional reflexes and relevant knowledge of planes and they didn't think our rocky flight was worthy of notice. Hurray! On the other hand, though, as one young man leapt from his seat to help me (unasked) slip my suitcase into the overhead, I thought, "Please, God, don't let him die." It's weighing heavily on me. But that's life, and as my shrink reminds me, "bad is part of life." I can't let the bad obscure the good.

So while I plot ways to help those serving us, I will also curl up in my fantabulous four poster bed, eat Fig Newtons, enjoy American Idol, and relish every moment spent here in Colonial Williamsburg thus far. More details and photos when I get home. (I promsie, Kwiz!)

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

Windy City Limos is set to pull up to my front door in less than an hour. I am nervous and happy and excited and scared. I don't fly well, I really don't. My best friend is supposed to be back from celebrating spring break with his family today -- hope I am able to reach him before I board the plane. I could use a text of commonsense "dad talk." If I can't have that, I still have my Xanax!

Once I land in Richmond, all will be fine. I am eager to get to Colonial Williamsburg and settle into my "authentic historic accommodations." There are museums to explore and grounds to wander through and stores to pillage. (I need a new ring for my right hand -- I lost my beloved topaz last week but I didn't freak out because I know Williamsburg has terrific shopping and wouldn't a replacement be a great souvenir?)

Monday Movie Meme

Movie Madness. Share on your blog movies that feature maniacs, lunatics, psychos, crazed behavior or mentally tortured souls. And be sure to link back here to The Bumbles.

Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Vivian Abbott Walker is such a big personality that it takes two actresses -- Ashley Judd and Ellen Burstyn -- to play her. She's the ringleader of the Ya Yas, a group of Louisiana neighbors who grew up together from girlhood to through their teens and motherhood and beyond. Their rallying cry, "Ya Ya!" does make them seem more than a little crazy. Vivian is a lot crazy. At times her approach to life seems wild and unique and liberating. But at other times, it's indulgent and Vivian seems as immature as her children. One incident, when Vivian was being treated with a dangerous but very popular barbiturate called Milltown, is very dark and we see how quickly a colorful personality can slide into a dangerous one.

Nuts. Barbra Streisand plays Claudia, a high-priced New York call girl. She kills a very nasty, abusive john, Leslie Nielsen. (I guess she called him "Shirley.") Claudia has issues. She's rebellious, stubborn, pushy and, well, nuts. Yet she insists she's fine, it's the rest of the world that's nuts. Richard Dreyfuss plays the attorney who defends her sanity in court.

Finally, in tribute to the late great Elizabeth Taylor, here's her greatest loony role: Cathy from Suddenly, Last Summer. It was quite shocking for 1959, and if not for the considerable artistic credibility of Katharine Hepburn and Liz's star power, it never would have been made. Hepburn is wealthy matriarch Violet Venable. She promises to donate a ton of money to Dr. Montgomery Clift's mental hospital if only he will lobotomize her troublesome niece, Liz Taylor. Hepburn tells Dr. Clift that Cathy is horny and hostile and keeps spouting "crazy talk" about what happened last summer, when she went traveling with Cousin Sebastian, an incredibly talented writer and Hepburn's beloved son. Sebastian died tragically last summer, but the story Liz recounts is so gothic, so sordid, so scandalous and nuts that it can't possibly be true, can it? Of course it can! After all, this is Tennessee Williams!

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The 5000 Question Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

26. Who has done something today to show they care about you? My mom asked thoughtful questions about my life

27. Do you have a lot to learn? Hell, yeah!

28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be? Become proficient in Spanish, ballroom dance, and the InDesign software program

29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel? How people make me feel.

30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship? Compassion, respect and fun

31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die? Run a 10K, lose weight, get organized

32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing? Gain weight, become dependent, lose my teeth

33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause? I'm a big fan of the American Humane Association. They protect kids and critters from neglect and abuse.

34. What does each decade make you think of:
1950s: Elvis; 1960s: Beatles; 1970s: Elton John; 1980s: Bruce; 1990s: The Clinton Era; 2000s: 9/11 & The Recession

35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why? The 1960s. I love the Beatles and the clothes and the idealism

36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song? "Close your eyes and I'll kiss you, tomorrow I'll miss you ..." The Lads from Liverpool, of course

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country? I live in Galtopia, and, as The Gal Herself, I lead it.

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be? Why are we in Afghanistan?

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night? The Hallmark Channel. I am enjoying the old Cheers episodes with Sam and Diane

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why? Shenzi, the girl hyena from The Lion King. Because she clearly doesn't think she's bad. She's just fallen in with a "bad boy," Scar, who then blames her for everything. So then naturally she eats him alive. (Yes, I'm still in therapy. Why do you ask?)

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout? I was a Girl Scout and had badges all the way up the back of my sash. So there!

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat? I'd rather stay here. But thanks for offering.

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night? Why do birds sing so gay? Or lovers await the break of day? Why do we fall in love?

43. What does your name mean? "She who loves the Cubs"

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space? I'd rather stay here. But thanks for offering.

45. Word association

What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: Space

Meat: Ribeye

Different: Drum

Pink: Flowers

Deserve: "You get what you ...."

White: Whine

Elvis: King

Magic: Kingdom

Heart: of Gold

Clash: "London Calling"

Pulp: Fiction

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be? JBKO, my all-time idol. Sister, I need some advice!

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive? My beloved future Hall of Famer, and current Cubs consultant, Greg Maddux. Let's talk 2011, shall we?

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday? The Godfather

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do? My laptop so I can fart around on the Internet

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved? I saved my kid sister from drowning when we were swimming together. I was in high school, she would have been about 8.

Aw ...

This scene gets to me every time. I realize it's a retro/male rescue fantasy and I should reject it on a psycho-sexual, gender stereotype basis. But instead, I yell, "Way to go, Paula!"

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: A Long December

1. Looking back at it now, how were your holidays and your time on New Year's Eve? I rang in 2011 with a very good friend in Key West. What's not to love about that?

2. Do you have any unusual collections? I suppose I collect purses. I guess what makes it unusual is that I never intended to have "a collection." I just bought bags that made me happy. And many, many bags make me happy.

3. If you could train a machine to do one thing for you whenever you wanted, what would you have it do? I live on the top floor, and the laundry room is in the basement. Nothing bugs me more than hauling all my dirty clothes, as well as the detergent and fabric softener, etc., and finding all the machines are already in use. If there was a machine that could somehow tell me which washers and dryers were available before I make that long trek, I would be happy. Well, happier.

4. What is one thing that makes you cry? I'm not much of a crier.

5. What do you love to do on the weekend? Go to the movies.

6. Do you and your family get along? Ha! I'm getting along well with my mom these days. As for the rest of 'em? Eh.

7. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell. The Nixon Presidential Museum. I corrected the docent a time or two and she objected to this. Specifically in the section regarding the 1960 election. She didn't appreciate my help. Actually, I am rather proud of this event. Presidential Museums should not deal in rumor and innuendo. Too bad I never made it to the exhibit regarding Cambodia ...

8. Who do you normally turn to when you need to complain about something? My friends.

9. What is the last thing you ordered on-line? Burberry short winter boots. (Half off, end of season sale!)

He was gorgeous

I'm watching a golden oldie, Destry Rides Again, starring James Stewart. I am surprised anew by how sexy he was. For some reason, my first thoughts of him are always the silly, stammering old man I saw on talk shows when I was a kid. But in his prime he was lithe, graceful, smart and sensual. Remember that lovely scene in It's a Wonderful Life when George and Mary are sharing the phone, listening to the "Hee-Haw" guy from New York? Watch him respond to the smell of her hair, to her body next to his, and you can see him falling in love. Yes, James Stewart was sexy back in the day.

Unsettled

I am now officially on vacation. I have been looking forward to this trip for months. These past few days at work have been productive. I have stayed within my self-imposed limits -- with both money and calories. I have even finally gotten closure on the issue with the IRS and learned they will be sending me a check! So why am I feeling so ... vulnerable? Why have I suddenly been having macabre fantasies centering around my own violent demise? Yes, my thoughts have been running to all the horrible things that could happen to me in Colonial Williamsburg.

Fortunately I had a good therapy session last night. And, while I'm still burdened by the diffidence, at least I know the cause, and that helps. A lot.

So many people around me are in pain, both physical and emotional. My oldest friend and her turbulent children ... my friends John, Kathleen and Ed ... even my shrink herself. I have been wondering why I have been spared ... and worried that my luck will soon run out.

I get angry at myself for being too judgmental about those I love and fear I'll be punished for it. I get frustrated and furious with situations I can't fix. I'm terrified of air travel. These are familiar topics for her and me: my need to control and "fix things," my reluctance to simply accept myself and others the way we are, and that sadness is the downside of caring so deeply for others.

So now I know. And now I can chill out and wait for it to past. And know that come tomorrow, or maybe Sunday, I'll be in fine form to leave for my vacation on Monday morning.

Now this makes me happy!

Robert Redford to throw out first pitch in Chicago

By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

Robert Redford directs James McAvoy on the set of 'The Conspirator.'

CAPTION

By Claudette Barius, The American Film Company

We're guessing Robert Redford, who had a college baseball scholarship before turning to film, will go with a fastball as he throws out the first pitch next week at Chicago's Wrigley Field on opening day, April 1, when the Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Redford, 74, will be taking a break from his work on The Conspirator, which opens April 15, to make the MLB appearance.

Starring James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Huston, Justin Long, Tom Wilkinson and Alexis Bleidel, The Conspirator tells the story of what happened after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, as seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the president, the vice president, and the secretary of state. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks.

The film is produced by Joe Ricketts' The American Film Company. The Ricketts family owns the Chicago Cubs, and Wrigley Field played a pivotal role in Redford's film The Natural.

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If I drove, I'd drive a Subaru

Because of this commercial. I know it's been running for about six months, but it still gets to me every time. "Daddy OK."

In praise of the Peach Bowl ... and restraint

It's peach liqueur, orange juice and a lot of ice and I love it. I snuck away at lunch to a real restaurant, dined leisurely and without interruption on food that was brought to me by a server, sipped a cocktail as I read my book. It was $19, including tip. It was glorious.

Whereas I used to indulge in this practice about once a week, this is the first time I've done it since January 18. That's my austerity initiative for you. Not to mention that this one meal alone was more than 1500 calories.

I think I appreciate it more as a treat. Plus, as much as I enjoyed it, it's not really worth 6,500 calories and $82.33 each month, which is what I estimate I was wasting by doing this weekly.

Bad choices

Spoke to my oldest friend today. She's weary and overwhelmed. Her daughter is home, and that's good. But the high school called my friend in for a very serious conference -- counselor, principal, and mental health consultant of some sort. They told her that her daughter is severely depressed, smoking during school and that her truancy is on the verge of becoming a legal problem. My friend felt attacked, ganged up on, emotionally depleted. So she brought her 21-year-old son along. Not only to drive her to the meeting (she shouldn't get behind the wheel because of her incapacitated arm and her the pain killers), but to give her reinforcement. This was such a mistake. Part of her daughter's problem is that she believes her mother loves her older brother more. Also, he has his own anxiety/anger issues. A high-school drop out and anorexic (nearly 6', he once got down to 113 lbs.), it wasn't that long ago (12/2008) that he was actually committed for a few days. It's not wise for her to lean on him so. He cannot handle it.

What is she thinking? I told her she should ask her cousin to come along to these things. That woman is an adult, a mother herself. Besides, she moved 2000 miles to California just to be closer to this cousin. My oldest friend says, "She'd come if I really needed her." I couldn't help laughing. How much worse can this situation get?

At any rate, the school had a separate, one-on-one with her daughter today. As I understand it (the meeting hadn't taken place yet when we spoke), the school will explain to the girl that if she doesn't participate in counseling and follow whatever pharmaceutical regimen her pediatrician prescribes for her, her mother (my oldest friend) will be brought before a judge to explain why not. And then the State of California will decide how best to handle her. The high school freshman will be told that judges tend to be very strict, and reform school is not an impossibility.

I told my friend that, as much as she loathes him, she has to call her ex-husband and discuss together what they will do. Their daughter will have just begun therapy when it's interrupted first for spring break and then summer vacation, two extended periods that will find the girl here in Chicago. My friend maintains she simply can't do it.

I know she's tired, sad and sick. But I also know that if she blows this, she will look back on her behavior at this critical juncture and be angry at herself, and she'll become more depressed. I've seen this before -- back in Summer 2009, when she thought she had completely screwed up with her son and her romantic relationship, she literally wanted to die. I'm not kidding: she had gall bladder surgery and prayed to die on the table. Today, in 2011, she has two messed-up kids, messed-up finances, a tenuous job situation and no lover. I worry so about how she's going to feel when this month is receding in her rear view mirror and she reviews her behavior. I worry about it a lot.

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

60 Things You Can't Possibly Know About Me

Liberated from Kwizgiver

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? Nothing. No car.

2. When was the last time you threw up? Mid-December. It was a Monday morning. I was in Beverly Hills, the first to puke in my oldest friend's new apartment. I had a migraine.

3. What's your favorite word or phrase? "What the fu ...."

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? The little kid in the orange jacket and hood, Ken the Maintenance Man, Carlos

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Saying a little prayer for LaLiz

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Riding home on the el, seated uncomfortably in front of a homeless man who made walrus noises with his mouth for no apparent reason

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? Yes

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? "That's it for the Gourmet Grill" (I was feeding the cats)

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water

12. What are you wearing right now? My nightshirt

13. What was the last thing you ate? Lean Cuisine Rigatoni

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? no

15. When was the last time you ran? Friday, February 11. I almost missed the train.

16. What's the last sporting event you watched? Last weekend the Bulls and someone

17. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Boston or Atlanta

19. Ever go camping? yes, and I don't ever need to go again (Kwiz' answer, and it applies)

20. Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? Yes. I swallowed a gold crown. It cost me hundreds of dollars to replace, but there are some things that I simply won't do for money.

22. What is your guilty pleasure? The after-midnight sitcom reruns on the Hallmark Channel

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

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Only when I get fountain drinks

25. What did your last text message say? "OK"

26. Are you someone's best friend? yes

27. What are you doing tomorrow? I have a lot of meetings and a shrink appointment

28. Where is your mom right now? At her house

29. Look to your left, what do you see? My green lamp

30. What color is your watch? Today's watch is silver with a deep blue face

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Hugh Jackman

32. Ever ridden on a roller coaster? yes

33. Birthstone? Topaz

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive through? Go in

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

36. Do you have a dog? No, but I wish I did

37. Last person you talked to on the phone? Kathleen

38. Have you met anyone famous? Yes. I met Bruce Springsteen in 1981. And in 1982 I hung around by the stage door after a matinee and saw Elizabeth Taylor leave the (then) Shubert Theater, where she and Burton were appearing in Private Lives. She was wearing a big caftan and carrying a parrot in a cage. She certainly was a colorful character!

39. Any plans today? American Idol

40. From whom did you get this? Ms. Kwiz

41. Are you happy? yes

42. Where are you right now? My spot on the sofa

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? That I have to go to all those meetings tomorrow

44. Last song listened to? I fantasize that I can play the piano when I listen to this



45. Last movie you saw? Blue Valentine
46. Are you allergic to anything? Bee sting and morphine (my but that sounds like quite a combo, doesn't it?)

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Roxy flats

48. Are you jealous of anyone? Yes

49. Are you married? No

50. Is anyone jealous of you? I suspect so

51. What time is it? 7:39

52. Do any of your friends have children? Yes

53. Do you eat healthy? I'm making a renewed effort in this area

54. What do you usually do during the day? Sit at the computer

55. Do you hate anyone right now? No

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes

57. How many kids do you want when you're older? When I'm older? Please! The Baby Ship has sailed.

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 54

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes

60. How did you get one of your scars? Like most boomers, I got a vaccination

I Want Wednesday

I want the cubs at Firefox Live to stop growing up! They are far more sedentary, far less playful these days, and soon they will be moved outdoors with the adults. I have enjoyed these two darlings so much. I hate that their youth is ending so quickly.

Farewell, Old Girl

Elizabeth Taylor died this morning. Her life was certainly well, even extravagantly, lived. Yet I feel kinda bad. Partly because it's the end of an era. And partly because I truly did enjoy her work. Here's a post I did, years ago. Consider this my tribute.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

An appreciation of La Liz

When I was growing up, Liz Taylor was one of the most famous women in the world. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was her only competition. Princess Grace and Sophia Loren certainly had their fans, but when it came to dominating magazine covers, Liz and Jackie were in a class by themselves.

Jackie is a woman I always admired. Stylish and stoic, smart and enigmatic, she is still the lady I wish I could be. Liz, on the other hand, had become a garish joke. She and Burton always seemed to be drinking, fighting and smoking. She wore mu-mus and obscenely big diamonds and too much makeup. Her movies sucked.

But then I discovered her old movies, and suddenly I understood what all the fuss was about. She might not ever have been a great actress, but for a time she was a most compelling movie star. Did they coin the phrase, "she makes love to the camera" about her? If they didn't, they could have. Her cinematic charisma is genuine and powerful, like a force of nature.

She herself once said, "Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses," and that's certainly true of her child-star years. She's so affectionate and natural when she throws her arms around Lassie or The Pie that you remember that your first great love was was four-legged, too.

Her teen movies are all pretty dopey, as MGM teen movies tended to be. The only one I've watched more than once is Little Women. She made a terrifically selfish, yet somehow lovable, blonde Amy.

Then she grew up, and her beauty was breathtaking. Father of the Bride and Father's Little Dividend show her as this ideal little 1950s girl. She had no aspirations in the world beyond being a good daughter, then a beautiful bride, a supportive wife and a loving mom.

Then came A Place in the Sun. She is fabulous in this film, literally the embodiment of the American dream. She made a ton of really great movies during this period. She came to dominate the screen and seem somehow more modern, more vibrant and more carnal than anyone around her. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Giant, Suddenly Last Summer, even Butterfield 8 (a movie she hates) are all watchable and rewatchable because of her.

Then there's her Martha. Her work in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is the high water mark of her career. This was the perfect material for her contemporary, carnal qualities and she is simply brilliant. I had the opportunity to see Virginia Woolf live a few weeks back. Kathleen Turner was ill that night, so I don't know if her live Martha could have eclipsed Liz' cinematic creation. But the understudy who played the part was unable to erase the memory of Liz's boozy voice barking out those lines.

Now when you think of Liz, it's easy to dismiss her as silly. Her friendship with Michael Jackson, her weight gain, her ceaseless health problems, her addictions, her jewelry. I understand this because when I was growing up, I thought she at best irrelevant and at worst frivolous.

But then I saw her work, and I'm the better for it. Thank you, Dame Elizabeth, for some indelible screen moments.

10 on Tuesday

10 Vacation Facts

I am excited about my vacation (one week from today I'll be in the Spa at Colonial Williamsburg, getting a reflexology treatment and my spring pedi). So my 10 on Tuesday reflects my current fixation.

1) August is the most popular month for leisure travel

2) Thanksgiving weekend remains the most popular single weekend for travel

3) It's a good thing most of us travel domestically, because 2/3 of Americans do not have a passport

4) For those of us with the proper documentation, Paris is the top international vacation spot for Americans

5) It's no surprise that Orlando is the most popular vacation spot in the country, thanks mostly to a certain mouse and his magic kingdom

6) For families with teenagers, Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont is recommended. In winter there's downhill and cross country skiing, airboarding, dog sledding and skating. Summer boasts biking, hiking, and four water slides eight heated pools. And there are adults-only hot tubs and teens-only game rooms.

7) Fisher Island Resort near Miami is this year's hottest spot for a romantic getaway. Once the private estate of the Vanderbilts, it's on an exclusive island that can only be accessed by ferry, boat or helicopter. Once you get to the resort, there are beaches, racquetball/tennis courts, a full spa, restaurants and a piano bar.

8) The Palms Place is the busiest luxury spa in the US. It looks nice enough, but I think it's where people to go to relax after partying, not simply to relax.

9) Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, is considered America's premier shopping destination.

10) New York City is the most popular destination of foreigners coming to the US for leisure travel. Broadway, Times Square and Central Park are the must-sees.

Oh, I don't know

Should we be involved with Libya? I don't know. I really don't. We're fighting a homicidal madman that the world would be better without, that's for sure. But what about Afghanistan and Iraq? How much war can wage at once?

This is too big for this country girl to fathom. Good luck to you, Mr. President. Ever wish you were still Illinois' junior Senator? (There's a famous story about President Lincoln. A citizen demanded to see him in the White House and somehow managed to bully and cajole his way past the guards to see The Man Himself. Since Lincoln was busy -- that pesky Civil War took up a lot of time, after all -- he was surprised to see this visitor. The man explained his presence by saying, "I voted for you. I put you in the White House!" To which Lincoln replied wearily, "I forgive you.")

Anyway, while I don't know how I feel about the conflict, I know I support our troops. Which is why this afternoon I am sneaking down to the post office and mail off a package to Operation Shoebox. A couple of paperbacks, some sample-sized tubes of body lotion, a tube of toothpaste, some handiwipes ... Nothing that feels of much value to me, but stuff I hope will brighten the day of soldiers willing to risk life and limb for us.

And the beat goes on

I haven't heard from my oldest friend since last week. That's really not like her. I know she had a follow-up doctor's appointment last Wednesday and worried that perhaps it didn't go well and she had been readmitted to the hospital. No, that wasn't it.

Last Saturday, her 21-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter got into a huge argument over something, and her daughter moved out. She went to a Sweet 16 party and then .... nothing. She has her phone turned off and my friend can't find her. She did speak to the mother of the girl turning 16, who reassured her that her daughter was fine on Sunday when she disappeared with a group of other partygoers and had said something about "crashing." The other mom thought my friend knew about this.

My oldest friend is exhausted and weak and loopy on pain meds. She feels that under the circumstances, she can no longer control or adequately raise her daughter and is sending her back here to Chicagoland to live with her father.

I suppose that's the best option. Except, of course, the kid has to come home before she can be shipped off. And she has put her mother and brother on notice that she's never coming home.

No one has as much drama in her life as my oldest friend. Her health is compromised. Her job is tenuous. Her finances are a mess. Her oldest son is a high school drop out with anger and anxiety issues. And her daughter is a handful.

It doesn't matter that much of this is of her own creation. It's still taking its toll on her. There has to be a way to rectify at least part of it, but I'll be damned if I can come up with any solutions.