Thursday Thirteen #188

WHY EVERYBODY KNOWS SOMEBODY

NAMED "MICHAEL"

According to the Social Security Administration, here are the 13 most popular boys names from 2011.

1) Jacob
2) Mason
3) William
4) Jayden
5) Noah
6) Michael
7) Ethan
8) Alexander
9) Aidan
10) Daniel
11) Anthony
12) Matthew
13) Elijah

I checked 2001 and 1961, and "Michael" appears near the top on those lists, too. While my search was by no means exhaustive, it looks like it became massively popular in the mid-1940s and has remained so ever since.

The nearest female equivalent is "Elizabeth," which hangs rather tenaciously in the top 20 though she doesn't rank as consistently high as "Michael."

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I Want Wednesday

I want this to all be behind us. My mother wants out of the nursing home she's in. She's currently sharing a room with three other people, all there for long-term hospice care. BUT that is because she was checked in last night at 11:00 PM* and they had nothing else available for her. If she's not in a semi private room today, she will be soon.

She just wants out. The home she's in is "not acceptable." It smells bad. The people in her room make nasty noises. It cannot possibly be the best we can do for her.

Um ... yeah, well it is. It got a 5-star rating from the Department of Health and Human Services and an A on Angie's List. And, thanks to Medicare, the first 20 days are free.

If she leaves there, we'll have to find 24/7 private nurses for her. I don't have thousands of dollars in a box under my bed to foot that bill. And besides, the facility she's in has an onsite pharmacy for pain management and facilities for respiratory and physical therapy, which she wouldn't get at home.

I know she's been through a lot and she's angry about being sick again. But she is where she needs to be.

*Their usual closing time is 8:00, so they stretched the rules to accommodate my mom.

Not sleeping

It's 4:00 AM and I'm blogging. Why?

Because I can't sleep. Mostly because I can't breathe. It's pathetic what a baby I am when I have a cold. I complained less about the discomfort of having my internal organs removed (a year ago at this time!) than about this weariness and nasal congestion (my throat feels better just now).

Part of it is worry about money. My mom checked into a nursing home in her hometown, about 20 minutes from me, this evening. Her doctors in Madison, WI, predict she'll be there two weeks. Which is good because not only is she feeling "antsy," Medicare will pay for up to 20 days.

I hadn't planned for paying for my mother's healthcare costs. I help her out every month because she's my mom. I pay for her Medicare Part B insurance and her snow removal every autumn and give her a $20 giftcard* for the local drugstore each month. That comes out to about $230/month. I can afford that and I'm happy to do it because she is my mother.

I have always known in the back of my mind that I'll have to pay the lion's share of her funeral costs because she doesn't have life insurance and because my sisters are ... well ... the way they are. (One is always broke and the other has never been forthcoming with money for our mother.) This I am not happy about because it's so not fair but hopefully it's not something I'll have to deal with for quite a while.

But this was never on my radar. Not for a moment. I'm going to be 55 in two months. If I empty out my savings to pay for my mom's care, who will pay for my old age and retirement? I don't have kids to lean on.

This scares me awake.

But hopefully she will be strong enough after two weeks that she will be able to come home. Her recovery so far has been really awesome. I'm surprised and impressed by how tough she's turned out to be.

Much tougher than her whiny middle daughter, who has a cold.

*She uses it for "treats" -- nice shampoo for herself, treats for her cat, presents for the grandkids …

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It bears repeating

On the morning of September 11, 2001, The Today Show did a quick story about an event at Washington's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I have no recollection of what that event was -- naturally the news of the today overtook it -- but I do remember one of the last things I saw before the first plane hit the Tower and our world changed forever.

It was grainy news footage of President Kennedy from 1962 regarding the importance of The National Cultural Center, which would be renamed for him:

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."

And so it is after 9/11. It's no longer the rage over the unwarranted attack on civilians that moves me. It's the tremendous pride and tenderness I feel when I recall how we all pulled together to overcome it.

God bless everyone who perished, and everyone who persevered, the day Al Queda put "a black hole in the sun."

Ah-Choo!

My niece is having wisdom teeth removed today. My mother is still in the hospital. So I feel guilty for feeling as debilitated by this cold as I do.

I can't sleep but I'm weary to the bone. I can't breathe. I can't think. I have a damp tissue forever embedded in my hand. I just want to lay down.

I suffer from a sore throat, a cough and more than an occasional sneeze. But no fever. So I really should just buck up and recognize that this is really not that bad. (Even though it so feels like it.)

Trifecta

This weekend's challenge: Take the 33 words below and then add 33 of your own words to move the story along:

The last strains of sunlight lingered in the corners, grasping every available point of refraction.  She slid her fingertips along the glass wondering if this was all there ever was. Or could be.

Winter days are always short, and none felt shorter than this. She waited for Christmas all year, planned for it and imbued it with such importance, and then it was over so quickly. 

Blessed and Healed

To most of the world, Eddie Vedder is the lead singer of Pearl Jam. To me, he's a fellow Cub fan. "Go All the Way" is his anthem, and these lyrics mean a great deal to me:

Don't let anyone say that it's just a game
For I've seen other teams and it's never the same
When you're born in Chicago you're blessed and you're healed
The first time you walk into Wrigley Field
Our heroes wear pinstripes
Heroes in blue
Give us the chance to feel like heroes too
Forever we'll win and if we should lose
We know someday we'll go all the way
Yeah
Someday we'll go all the way

I was thinking of this song as I sat there in my seat Friday night, waiting for my friends to arrive and the Boss to begin his show. I was so happy to be in Wrigley Field. It was such a balm to my soul. I have never had a bad time there. How could I while watching my heroes in blue … or sitting through the one Bear game I ever attended with my dad when I was a little girl … or seeing Sir Paul in concert almost exactly a year ago? It always feels like a privilege to be inside The Friendly Confines.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I saw Eddie Vedder get onstage, at Wrigley Field, to sing with Bruce! They performed "Atlantic City" together. I was happy for both Eddie the Rocker and Eddie the Cub fan.

Working backward

I have so much to write before I forget! Between the drama with my mom and having no modem, it's been nearly impossible to post.

First out of the box -- I spoke to my mom yesterday! Her voice sounded strong and she was completely lucid. Happy and able to move from her bed to the chair in her room. She knows where she is and how she got there.

She had a bleeding ulcer and a hiatal hernia. Together, the strain on her gastrointestinal tract was the catalyst for another attack of ischemic colitis, just like she had last spring. The ischemia is what caused her to vomit blood, and unfortunately she aspirated some blood into her lung and gave herself pneumonia.

I used my AAdvantage miles to fly up to Madison to see her in the hospital and it was brutal. She was in terrible pain, so the doctors put her on a powerful combination of meds. This left her delirious. She yelled and was profane (very much not like her!). She told me to shut up and said she wanted to hit for me "conning" her (I said she was going to get well). She actually did hit my kid sister and called my older sister a bitch. She was desperately thirsty and was content to suck on a tiny sponge on the end of a stick.

I kept remembering what JFK once said, after visiting his stroke-debilitated father, "Old age is a shipwreck."

I think part of what upset her was that we all raced to her bedside and seeing us all there convinced her she was dying. She was so agitated and her heart rate was over 120. So, after talking to her doctors, I thought it right that I get out of Madison. I hate flying, especially on small planes, so I was distressed when I went in to say goodbye to her and she opened her eyes wide and gasped, "I'M DYING!" That evening, while waiting in the tiny Madison airport, the sky opened up and the night sky was bright with lightening, I was sure I was the one who was going to die, in a fiery crash. The airport had the good sense to close down, and after a night in a budget motel I ended up flying back home.

So it's been stressful, but I'm impressed by her fight. My mother wants to live, and so she will. I did my share of prayer, but the answer I kept getting back was that it's up to her. And she came through like a champ!

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The 88 Meme, Part Three

46. What are your LEGAL initials? TGH

47. Who's the first B in your contacts? Barb
 
48. When was the last time you laughed really hard? Friday afternoon at work
 
49. Your number 1 top friend walks out of your life, do you go after them? It would depend on the circumstances, of course, but naturally I would want him back him. And as The Beatles have always advised me about relationships, "Pride can hurt you, too. Apologize."
 
50. Explain your last awkward moment? Telling my friends how much happier I am with the care my mom is receiving in Madison, WI, as opposed to the hospital here in Chicagoland. Turns out my friend had her IVF treatments in that hospital and credits them for her son's very existence. Well, 1) that was outpatient and 2) that kid is now in high school and things most certainly can change over more than a decade.
 
51. Are you afraid of the dark? Nope.
 
52. Do you have good vision? Nope.
 
53. Have you ever tripped someone? Not intentionally.  
 
54. Have you ever slapped someone? In self defense.
 
55. Are you Irish? Yes, 12.5%.
 
56. Do you use chap stick? Yes
 
57. Do you have any scars? Yes

58. Is there someone you will never forgive? Yes

 
59. Are you dating the person you last held hands with? No

60. Name the last person to text you? My friend/coworker Tom. He lives in Wrigleyville and texted that he could hear me singing "Born to Run" during Friday night's show. (Ha! I knew I could work the concert in here somewhere!)

 
61. Would you marry someone 8 years older than you? Why, yes! In fact, Bruce Springsteen is 8 years older than I am. Did I mention I just saw him in concert Friday night? (Another mention! Jackpot!)

62. Can you go in public looking like you do? Why yes, I CAN. Will I? No. It would end in certain embarrassment and possible arrest.
 
63. Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with a A? On the cheek, yes. Full on mouth? No.
 
64. What side of the bed do you sleep on? The outside.
 
65. What's the first thing you'll do on your wedding day? Reassure myself that we don't have to sleep together and will be able to break up as soon as he gets his immigration papers.
 
66. Do you fall for people easily? Yes. Sinatra and I both fall in love too easily and fall in love too fast for love to ever last.
 
67. Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 5 days? Yes.
 
68. Do you miss the way things used to be? Yes. Especially my waist.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Do You Want to Dance

1. When was the last time that you danced in public? Last night! The Boss was at Wrigley Field. Two of his last numbers were “Dancing in the Dark” and “Twist and Shout,” both of which I did. It was a glorious night. I will post more later.

2. Tell us about one of your closest friends. I attended last night’s glorious event with Mindy. We met in (gulp!) 1981. She was one of the girls who was with me, back when we all were girls, the night in Indianapolis when we met Bruce Springsteen. I think it was very telling that her husband contacted a limo service from his iPhone during the concert to arrange their ride home. She was a different girl in that different time – now she’s a career woman with a lifestyle to support. But she’s self employed, and so she has stayed true to herself. She always hated working for someone else. So while her choices wouldn’t be mine, I admire the way she took the wheel and drove her life where she wanted it to go.

3. What is the most that you have ever lost? Time.

4. What was the last thing that you have done to help a neighbor? I collected my neighbor’s newspapers for him every morning when he was on vacation. He’s an older gentleman believes that both leaving your papers sit by the front door and putting the service on vacation hold invite break-ins. I was happy to do it because I know it put his mind at ease.

5. It’s election season. What do you think the priorities of the United States really should be? Compassion for our fellow Americans. Our neighbors are suffering. I am reminded of what Broooooooce sang last night, about “the promise from sea to shining sea, wherever this flag is flown, we take care of our own.”

6. What was the last severe weather situation that you and your neighbors endured? This summer’s unremitting heat was a bitch.

7. Have you been or are you a vegetarian? Thoughts? No. And I really have no deep thoughts about it. Sorry.

8. If you had a wish for your future, what would it be? Security for myself and my loved ones.

9. Who just doesn’t get it? Those who don’t get the difference between “a handout” and “a hand up.” We take care of our own! (This was the last question, so I can’t work in any additional Springsteen references.)

 

Up and running again

The little gremlins who allow me to access the internet are cooperating again and soon I'll be updating. So much to get down before I forget it all!

Thanks to everyone for your sincere good wishes. I appreciate them more than you can ever know.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #187

THIRTEEN THINGS ABOUT THE WORLD DIANA LEFT

August 31 marked the 15th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. Seeing her beloved boys all grown up is a constant reminder of how long she's been gone.

I remember Lady Diana Spencer, the shy teenager catapulted onto a world stage. I remember Princess Diana, the beautiful bride. Followed by the neglected wife, the troubled captive of unfathomable fame and a powerful family. Then there was The People's Princess, the charity crusader and jet setter who was so much fun to watch. Then she was gone. I miss her.

Here's a snapshot of how the world looked 15 years ago when she died in that tragic car crash.

1) Diana and Dodi were big news. She was the world's most popular cover girl, and the week of her death, PEOPLE magazine wondered if Dodi Al Fayed was the "guy for Di."

2) JFK Jr.'s family feud. They may not be the House of Windsor, but the Kennedys as America's Royal Family have sold alot of magazines over the years. In August 1997, John Kennedy Jr. took his cousins to task in an editorial in George magazine, referring to them as "the poster boys for bad behavior." At the time, Joseph Kennedy II was running for governor and apparently bullying his first wife into a politically expedient annulment. Joe's brother Michael Kennedy was embroiled in a cheating scandal with a 16-year-old babysitter. Joe responded to John by telling the press, "Ask not what you can do for your cousin, ask what you can do to sell magazines."

3) The President and First Lady were on vacation in Martha's Vineyard. In more positive Kennedy news, Ted and Patrick Kennedy played host to Bill and Hillary Clinton, who spent that week sailing, golfing and attending cook outs.

4) "The Death of Privacy." TIME devoted its cover story to how the advent of the internet and ATM led to information gathering on consumers. Ironic, when you consider that Diana's lack of privacy had paparazzi chasing her through the streets of Paris that last night of her life.

5) Brad Pitt was having some privacy issues of his own. Playgirl published nude paparazzi shots of the hunk, front and back.

6) Air Force One was in theaters. And Harrison Ford was our #1 action hero.

7) Remembering Elvis. August 1997 was the 20th anniversary of The King's death, and it was observed by a month of magazine covers and TV specials.


8) Steve Jobs and Bill Gates made a deal. In August 1997, they announced Microsoft Office would become available for Macs.
 
9) We were all listening to The Spice Girls, whether we wanted to or not. They were all over the radio and in August, began filming Spice World. (Girl Power!)

10) The Beanie Baby craze was in full swing. People waited in lines to get new ones on the day they were introduced, and collectors scrambled to buy their favorites once they were retired.

11) Michael Jordan was the world's dominant athlete. The buzz was whether he could lead the Bulls to a championship three-peat. (He so did.)

12) The Cubs' Sammy Sosa hit his 200th homerun. In that more innocent summer, there was only a whisper of juicing.

13) Tyra for Victoria's Secret. Today Tyra Banks is a media mogul. 15 years ago this summer, she was known for gracing the fall lingerie catalog cover.

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Quick update

My modem has been operating in fits and starts, so this will be brief.

My mom is going to be okay. YEA! She's out of ICU and in her own room.

I appreciate how supportive my friends in the blogosphere have been. My family and I are stronger for your good wishes and I thank you, thank you, thank you.

Back home and tomorrow it's back to work. I'll post more then. (On an internet connection I can actually trust for more than a minute!)

Please keep us in your thoughts

Charlotte is fine, sitting behind me as I post this. So that's good news.

But my mother is very sick again.

While on vacation with my sister's family in Wisconsin, she began vomiting blood. They took her to a hospital in a town called Portage, where they stabilized her. But her doctor acknowledges he doesn't have the capability to diagnose and treat her there, so tonight she's in Madison, having tests done.

Their goal in the new hospital is two fold -- 1) to find the source and stop the bleeding and 2) ward off pneumonia. Some "old" blood is unfortunately in her lungs, and for a woman of 77, that can be dangerous.

Fortunately I have lots of airline miles and am able to fly up there tomorrow morning for just $80. Booking this was difficult because my modem has been winking and blinking all day and it timed out before the transaction could go through. I actually made the reservation with my tablet at Starbucks. Without the internet, I feel like I'm roughing it a pioneer woman!

Being in Madison I will be surrounded by my sisters, which is always awkward at best. But I keep reminding myself that this is not about us, it's about my mother.

As Sir Paul sang in a song called "Two Of Us" .... she and I have memories longer than the road that stretches on ahead. That's what this is all about.

She sent me a note that I just received yesterday. She thanked me for helping her put together a get well gift for my niece/her granddaughter, who is scheduled to have her wisdom teeth pulled out next week. When we were talking about this last week, my mom was sad about not having the money to buy my niece anything, so I picked up a Bath & Body Works gift set in the scent she likes and told  my mom to send me a "get well" in her own hand for me to stick in the package. No reason why that can't be from my mom, right? Then my mom is happy AND my niece is happy.

In the note I got yesterday, which accompanied the get well wishes for my niece, she wrote, "Thank you for being so helpful with this. You are quite a special kid and I love you."

I cherish that note, even as I'm frightened.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The 88 Meme, Part Two

 

23. Why do you think so many people cheat? Hell if I know. When I've been unhappy with a man, the last thing I wanted was another man.

24. Tell me what's on your mind? I'm pissed that MDA fired Jerry Lewis. Where else but the Labor Day Telethon could I see a grown man stick his hand up the ass of a giant Paul McCartney puppet and perform a duet of "The Girl Is Mine?" (I'm not imagining that act. I actually saw it on one of Jerry's last telethons.)

25. What are you looking forward to in the next three months? I see THE BOSS at Wrigley Field this Friday. In October I see Streisand. November is Holy Month (my birthday). 
 
26. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing? Sure. I've noticed boyfriends like giving me shirts to wear the morning after.

25. When did you last talk to your BFF? Received an email from him Friday afternoon. 

28. When is your next road trip? I don't have anything planned. BUT I do have over a week of vacation time left, so I may just take off.

29. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to? Yes. My aforementioned BFF is a man. My friend John is very accepting, too.

30. How's your heart? Been battered so many times it must look like Ali's fists after one of the Frazier fights.

31. Have you ever felt like you weren't important? Yes. My high school years were very painful in this regard.

32. Do you think somebody's secretly in love with you? I suspect so.

33. What are you planning on doing after this? I have no plans for today. The makes me happy.

34. Last time you yelled at someone? I don't remember.

35. Have you told anybody you loved them today? It's rather early ...

36. Who do you not get along with? My least favorite coworker, The Chocolate Covered Spider.

37. What does your most recent text say? Mine to him: "For real?" His to me: "No lie! I saw ID." A friend of mine told me actually met someone named Elvis.




38. What are you wearing right now? My Vitameatavegamin night shirt. (I'm a slave to fashion.)
 
39. You're locked in a room with the person you last kissed in high school, how is it? More comfortable now that I don't have braces on my teeth.

40. When's the last time you had a grilled cheese? A couple days ago.

41. What's your favorite boy and girl name? Michael and Gracie.

42. How did you feel when you woke up? Thirsty.

43. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now? It's a little early ...

44. Do you think Clint Eastwood would have been better talking to a table? Poor old Clint looked pathetic, didn't he?

 
45. What were you doing yesterday at midnight? Watching Dead Again (1991) with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. I looooove that movie! It's a murder mystery/love story. Just romantic enough, just scary enough. What? You haven't seen it? You must!

My backsliding baby

Charlotte is back under the bed again today. I must remember what the vet said -- this is not unheard of. And it's possible that hovering over her might make her feel more nervous, not less.

Sigh.

I wish she spoke English, or that I was more fluent in feline, so I could better help her get over this.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Always The Last to Know

(I'm a big fan of this song. Happy to have it in my head as I answer these.)
  

1.    When was the most recent time that you felt that you were the last to know something important? When I met the “new kid” my boss hired to handle an important new project. This “kid” is not only my age or older, he has a better title, a better office and, I assume, a bigger paycheck.

2.    Have you ever had a good thing in your life that never ended? Sure. I’ve always gotten a great deal of joy from reading and pets. That’s why I stole a quote from Edward Gorey as my motto: “Books. Cats. Life Is Good.”

3.    Do you have any nasty habits? I’m a slob.

4.    What is something that you still do that you thought you'd outgrow? Farting around neverendingly on the internet!

5.    Have you lost any of your dreams as time went by? Oh, sure.

6.    As you've grown older, what ways are you still act and think the way you did as when you were younger? The way I respond to my Cubs and to music. BROOOCE IS THIS FRIDAY!

7.    Is there a person in your life who still treats you as the same person you were when younger? Do you like it? My oldest friend. In her mind, she’s still the sweet delicate one and I’m still the daring one, like we were in first grade. Sometimes I like it. Sometimes I think I have to be like a Warner Bros. cartoon and drop an ACME anvil on her head when I’m the one who may need support once in a while. In fairness, when she finally understands that I’m sad or blue, she does come through … like a champ.

8.    Have you let yourself go wild in any aspect of your life? Not anymore. I was more daring when I was younger and had less to lose.

9.    How do (or did) you parents feel about what you do for a living? My mom was a housewife and my dad was an auto mechanic. They have/had no real understanding of what I do as an advertising writer.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 31

Today's Happiness: a healthy Charlotte. It took me ten minutes to chase her from room to room and finally herd her into the carrier. She was paralyzed with fear all the way to the vet and throughout her exam. The vet reported that all of her vital signs are fine and asked when the smoke detector went off and terrified her. "Tuesday," said I. "Oh," he said, "so it hasn't even been a week yet."

A week? A week!

He told me that he wouldn't be surprised if she remained confused and upset for two weeks. Looking at her file, he said, "If she's not more social when you bring her in for her shots in October, we'll do some tests."

OCTOBER?! He said it's not unusual for cats to do this to themselves. I've never encountered it in a lifetime of feline ownership, but he's a vet and it's his job to know this stuff.

And, it turns out, he was right. The HORROR of going to the vet was so ginormous that Charlotte forgot the mere terror of the smoke detector going off and she's been fine all afternoon.

I'm so relieved!

And thank you to the ladies who asked after her:

Kwizgiver

Vivian

Pearl 

Endomental

Reading the good wishes was a happiness moment, too!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My poor girl!

I'm taking Charlotte to the vet this morning. It's going to be a gruesome experience.

She hates going outside under the best circumstances, and these are not the best.

First of all, it's going to be hot outside. Secondly, something is up with the old girl. It's true she's always been skittish, but she has always been affectionate and lively around me. Since Tuesday, though, she has been afraid of me. It's painful to see her spending her days hiding under the bed.

I opened the door to the bathroom too soon after my shower and the heat/steam set off the smoke detector. It's sent her into a tailspin of terror. Last night she crawled into bed with me and curled up on the pillow beside me. When I pet her she was fine, but as soon as I rose I became scary again.

We're going to the vet today for a second treatment of her seasonal allergies. I hope that's all that's wrong with her. I'd hate to think she's losing her sense of reason because of something more serious.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's Happiness: my pedicure. Nearly a week old and it still looks great. Looking at my pretty toes does indeed make me happy, and I'm glad it should last until I switch back to closed-toe shoes.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thursday Thirteen #186

THIRTEEN EASY, EXPERT BEAUTY TIPS

I got these from the terrific Allure Insider's Guide to Beauty & Style. They're all affordable and easy to accomplish, and just a sample from the issue that's on stands right now, as well available at Ulta stores.

1) Don't sip through a straw. It can create fine lines around your mouth.

2) If your skin is sensitive, choose "fragrance free" products. "Unscented" means no scent (like "powder fresh" or "minty") has been added so there's nothing to complete with the smell of your cologne or body lotion. But low levels of "masking fragrance" are permissible. Really! Read the ingredient statement on the back of an "unscented" product and you're likely to find "fragrance" listed there.

3) To make your manicure last longer, avoid alcohol. No, not vodka! Hand sanitizer! It can make your polish look dull. Wash your manicured hands in soapy water instead.

4) Also, avoid folding laundry just out of the dryer. The dry heat can weaken your nails.

5) You know that face cream you tried that just didn't work out? Don't throw it away. Instead, apply it to your heels. Your skin there isn't as sensitive as it is on your face, but still needs moisturizing.

6)  The worst place to store your cologne or perfume is the bathroom. The shifts in temperature and humidity can alter the fragrance.

7)  Shop for fragrance at midday, because that's when the average person's sense of smell is the sharpest.

8) Liven up your fall/winter wardrobe with a coat or trench in a bright color. Since you wear it closed, you don't have to worry about it clashing with your blouse.

9) If your hair tends to be dull, choose a more powerful hair dryer. If it has 2,000 watts or more, it will dry your hair faster, which reduces the chances of overworking and overheating it.

10) Change your conditioner periodically. Every brand has a slightly different formula, and mixing it up every now and again will help reduce build up.

11) The mascara wand is as important as the formula. The conventional round brush is for fullness. If separation is important to you, choose one with a spiky, comb-like wand.

12) To achieve a natural look that's better than no makeup at all, try using a sheer metallic face bronzer as your eyeshadow. It adds definition to your eyes but no discernible color.

13) It's a myth that using lip balm will leave you needing more.

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August Happiness Challenge -- Day 29

Today's Happiness: old movies. I'm curled up in front of the TV for Ingrid Bergman night on TCM Summer Under the Stars. Here she is in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, where she's Ivy, a tart who is about to meet a bad end at the hands of our evil doctor. Then, of course, I'll watch her as the incomparable Ilsa Lund from Casablanca. These old black and white films enchant me.

Her cheeks are always ruddy

I'm thinking about the woman who is always on the corner of Michigan and Randolph for the evening rush hour. She's solemn, pink-cheeked, and holds a sign that says, "I'm not a bad girl. I made bad choices."

Since I changed health clubs, I know longer see "my" McDonald's Man, the homeless gentleman with terrible eyesight I always passed en route. He always said, "Thank you for your blessings" whenever I dropped coins in his cup.

So instead I give my few cents a day to her. Whereas his graciousness always touched my heart, so does her terrible dignity. This has been a hot, uncomfortable summer and she's been there every day, holding that sign in which she owns up to her shortcomings. I wonder what her life is like, and how she got here.