Trifecta

This week's challenge: Using exactly 33 words, compose a pithy summary of your feelings about the holidays.

This Christmas is new. The old ways are gone and that’s sad, not bad. For our family traditions were familiar, not happy. In their place are friends and their astonishing love and support.

 

 

Dream sweet dreams for you, dream sweet dreams for me

This post is in memory of Ben Wheeler. I never met him, but I feel like I knew him, and he has touched my heart.

He was 6 years old and he died one week ago today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

He was a Scout and "he loved The Beatles, lighthouses and the number 7 train to Sunnyside, Queens."

I'm posting this Beatles song for little Ben.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #202

THIRTEEN FACTS ABOUT BARBIE

When I was a little girl, there was almost always something Barbie related under our tree. And so, for this last TT before Christmas, I focus on her. Much of the biographical material comes from Mattel press releases, a long-ago series of Random House childrens books and now fashion comic books.

1) Barbie's full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts.

2) Even though the Barbie best seller at Toys R Us this Christmas is her elaborate Malibu Dreamhouse, she was born and raised in Wisconsin.
 

3) Her siblings are kid sister Skipper and twins Todd and Stacy.

4) She was introduced to the public in 1959 as a "teenage fashion model."

5) Her mad success in the fashion industry is evidenced by the willingness of top designers to create clothes just for her. Over the years, Mattel has marketed Barbie clothes by such luminaries as Vera Wang and Diane Von Furstenberg.

6) Her younger cousin, Francie Fairchild, followed her into modeling in 1965. Francie was not as "well endowed" as Barbie, but my friends and I all agreed Francie had prettier eyes. 

7) She is mysterious about her love life. I happen to know that in the mid 1960s (at least at my house) she had a secret romance with Beatle Paul McCartney that included many picnics, trips to the zoo and drives in her pink convertible with teal upholstery. Yet the only relationship she ever publicly acknowledged is with high school sweetheart, Ken Carson.  

8) In 1965, well before Sally Ride, she became America's first female in space when "Miss Astronaut Barbie" was introduced. I imagine that when she went back into the sky years later as "Stewardess Barbie," being a flight attendant seemed very tame in comparison.

9) She has also been a NASCAR driver, a nightclub chanteuse (my personal favorite), and a doctor. 

10) A decorated veteran, "Army Barbie" earned the rank of Sergeant when she served as a medic in Desert Storm in 1992.
 
11) Despite Barbie's uncanny ability to succeed at all these professions, no one is quite sure what Ken does for a living. This probably caused tension between them and could explain why they never married.

12)  Strangely enough, though she and Ken never actually made it all the way down the aisle, Barbie had many bridal gowns designed for her. That's her 1965 "Wedding Day Set" at the top of the page. Francie and Skipper are her bridesmaids.

13) Barbie's figure is the subject of much debate. She is estimated to be 5'9 and 36-18-33. Being this top heavy, with feet permanently molded for high heels, would make it difficult for the average woman to keep her balance. Yet Barbie is imminently graceful.

PLEASE NOTE: Hot Wheels were not introduced until I was too old to care, but I did love my Tonka truck. Some of us girls cannot be pigeon-holed or defined by our toys! 

For more about the Thursday 13,

or to play along yourself, click here.

Holidailies -- Day 18

Today's prompt: Write a 'holiday card' letter - the sort that recaps the year. Say what you want to say instead of what you might send to relatives.

Well, I'm not going to do that exactly. But what I really want to say is that -- with the highly notable exceptions of my Aunt Jo and Cousin Rose --  my relatives mean less and less to me. The ones who have provided me with comfort since my mother died in September have been my friends (real live and cyber). Developing new traditions with them has been what brings me joy this holiday season. I'm not sure how that sentiment would play in a card, though.

Could I interest you in a tie?

Had drinks last night with my friend, Ed. He is now working retail -- men's shirts and ties, first floor at Macy's. And he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

Which is good, because Ed's life has been more difficult than just about anyone I can imagine. In 2008, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and there were harrowing complications to his surgery. Then he lost his job, one that he truly loved, working for a film institute. Then in 2011, his only child was diagnosed with leukemia on the eve of her wedding and almost died.

Both he and his daughter are in remission (yea!) and his wife works regularly as an editor. So while finances are tight and it's been a blow to his pride to not find a new job as approaches (or maybe he already hit) 60, he's had the freedom to try some unconventional things in an attempt to bring in new income. For example, he's appeared live on stage as an extra for the Lyric Opera and will have non-speaking roles for the TV show Chicago Fire.

And he's working part-time selling ties at Macy's, where he's met some interesting people and has some very good stories. And he gets 10% off all Macy's merchandise and brings home about $100/week after taxes.

My best friend -- unemployed since August 1 -- has been dabbling in catering, a career he's been dreaming about. My friend in Key West, a college professor a few years ago, is now at the local newspaper, designing classified, and he's very happy, too (though, like Ed, he misses his old salary).

I hope that all these men that I love have highly enjoyable second acts.

I Need a Little Christmas

This is one of my favorite carols this year -- not only for its rich Jerry Herman melody but for its context. It's from the venerable Broadway musical, Mame. Our eccentric heroine has just lost all her money but gained a ward, her nephew, Patrick. To cheer herself and her family, she summons up Christmas. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Lucy croak lyrics that don't normally make the covers in your Christmas carol rotation:

"For I've grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older,
And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder,
I need a little Christmas now."

After what happened in CT last week, that describes me rather perfectly. And I need a little Christmas.



According to Broadway lore, Angela Lansbury completely nailed the role, winning a Tony and becoming the stuff of legend for her rapport with costar Bea Arthur (also a Tony winner). While Arthur got to reprise her role for the big screen, as you can see Angela Lansbury got replaced by a bigger star. It's unfortunate because, though Lucy was undoubtedly talented and (to borrow a phrase) I love her, she completely sucked as Mame. So Angela Lansbury's Mame, like Julie Andrews' Eliza Doolittle, is lost to us.

But that doesn't diminish how much I enjoy this song. Take it away, Mame!

Baby's First Bond

I just saw my very first James Bond movie: Skyfall. It was gritty and exciting, when I thought Bond movies were silly and campy and sexist. And David Craig is so cool and yummy. I may have to watch more Bonds.

Sunday Stealing: The Deleted Meme 

Who is your favorite artist (Any field.):  

Sir Paul McCartney. And if that answer surprises you, you don't come here often.

Describe yourself:  

A pudgy middle-aged woman. Short, light brown hair. Dimples. Green eyes.

How do you feel today:  

A little bruised but really, none the worse for wear.

Describe the area where you currently live. 

 Chicago is the best, most livable city I've ever experienced. Great architecture, theater and, of course, The Cubs. You should come here!

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
In less than two weeks I'll be in Key West with dear friends. That's where my mind drifts these days.

Your favorite form of transportation:

Trains

Your best friend is:

The man I originally refer to on this blog as, "My Best Friend." He's a wise man and a good dad.

You and your best friends are:

I don't understand this. We are "best friends."

What's the weather like:

Too warm and rainy. As someone once sang, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas ..."

Favorite time of day:

Evening

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:

What is life to you:

"Tell me what is life without your love? Tell me who am I without you by my side?" If Bud is reading this, he's smiling.

Your relationship:

Again, I don't quite understand the question.

Your fear:

Being in a plane crash

What is the best advice you have to give:

Increase your fiber intake

Thought for the Day:

Increase your fiber intake

How would you categorize your soul's present condition:
I'm good with God

Me fall down, go boom ... again

Almost a year ago I took a nasty spill that hurt both my pride and my knee. Last evening the same thing happened. The rain left the neighboring blacktop driveway so slick that I lost my footing and down I went. HARD! I landed on my hip and elbow. And even though I didn't hit my cranium on anything, I could hear the impact disturbingly loud inside my head.

There's a middle eastern couple who lives in that building. I see them all the time. They very kindly came to my rescue. However, they speak almost no English. I extended my arm, asking them to take the full canvas grocery bag that hung there so I could get up slowly, unfettered. He completely misunderstood and yanked me up by my arm rather roughly. She kept trying to wipe my pant leg clean. It's funny now. Last night it hurt. Still, they were trying to be kind and helpful and I appreciated it.

Hours and hours went by and I still had a headache. I was a little nauseous, too. Was it a concussion? Even watching Sir Paul on SNL didn't distract me!

I called my oldest friend -- she who has worked in doctors' offices for decades and has had every malady imaginable* herself -- and asked her what she thought I should do. We agreed I should give it till morning and then, if it's no better, go to the ER.

Then I got dressed and went to the ER anyway. It's up the street, after all, and I have insurance. Why not be safe? After two hours and a CT scan, I got a clean bill of health and was home. I woke up this morning and the headache is still there, but it's slight and I know it's nothing serious.

Being in the ER was humbling. I heard a baby crying so loudly and consistently I thought it was a doll. In the next cubicle (I was in #3) were two siblings and their elderly dad. He was dehydrated from fever and (I think) vomiting. The daughter was arguing rather petulantly with the doctor about how her father was being treated, while the son just wished his sister would let the doctor do her job. As I was being discharged I heard a man moaning and groaning rhythmically. I was very grateful to just have an owie. I slept wonderfully last night.

I wonder how much this episode will cost me ... $500 perhaps? Oh well, my head is worth it.

*I'm not kidding. She's battling MRSA now!

A little in love

I'm watching The Shop Around the Corner (1940) with Margaret Sullivan and … sigh … James Stewart. I grew up believing he was stammering old man, a fixture on Johnny Carson's couch. But then I discovered his films of the late 1930s and 1940s and was enchanted. An authentic, sensitive, quintessentially American man. His persona took on darker hues as he grew older and made riskier movies (the Hitchcock films and Anatomy of a Murder). He was good then, too. But for me, this represents The Golden Age of Jimmy Stewart.

Holidailies -- Day 15

Today's prompt: Share your mad crafting skills.

That would be nearly impossible, since I don't have any. However, last year for Christmas, I did make my foodie-best friend the world's most AWESOME cookies. My pride in these was immense, since I'm not much of a cook.* Unfortunately, since he's unemployed this year and can't get himself to Chicago, we won't be seeing one another this holiday season and I miss him something awful.

*Massive understatement.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Christmas Carols

1) What's the first holiday song that comes to mind? "Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It's the best time of the year ..."

2) Are you sending cards (either by postal service or email) this year? If so, have they gone out yet? Yes. I always try to get them mailed on December 1. I like the thought of brightening people's mailboxes.
 

3) Can you see any holiday decorations from where you're answering these questions? Just the cards I've received and placed on the coffee table.

4) Do you wrap gifts in paper or take the gift bag route? Paper

5) The holidays are an important fundraising time for charities. Here's an opportunity to do a shameless plug for your favorite. What organization or cause do you wish got more support at the holidays, and all year around? I'm a big fan of Feeding America, and other food pantries. It's so sad to think of families going without, especially on Christmas.

6) Andy Williams was famous for his family holiday specials. What TV family would most like to spend Christmas with? Kate and Allie. I like how "family" was expanded to include best friends. This holiday season, my friends are morphing into my family and I appreciate them all enormously.

7) The holidays are a big time for travel. Where did you go on your first airplane flight? From O'Hare to Ft. Lauderdale. I was 16, accompanying my cousin to visit her dad/my uncle for a couple weeks.

8)  Does the weather have an impact on your mood? I wish it would snow. That would help me feel a bit more "Christmasy."

9) Snack time! You're about to make yourself your favorite sandwich. What ingredients do you need? Hmmm .... Ham and cheese on wheat. Light mayo. Maybe a little relish. Or lettuce. I'm not picky.

5 Loads of Wash

Yesterday I did nothing productive. Today I nearly made up for it. I paid bills, stopped by the dry cleaner, went to the bank (a roll of quarters for laundry and savings bonds for the safety deposit box) and added money to my transit card and did five (count 'em, five!) loads of laundry.

Tomorrow I still have to do my grocery shopping. But I'm almost done with the icky domestic chores I intended to do this long weekend away from work.

Heartbreaking

"Close to 30 dead, mostly children."

"Yes, by all means, let's have more handguns available out there!" That's what I have been shouting at the TV ever since I heard about the CT school shooting.

I refuse to believe that this is what our forefathers had in mind when the Bill of Rights was written. There has to be a way to fix this! "… mostly children." God help us.

Holidailies -- Day 14

Today's prompt: What is the best gift you ever gave someone?

The best gift I gave was to my niece. It wasn't for Christmas -- in fact, it was for no particular reason at all. The year was 1998. She was 6, and deep into the movie Anastasia. She used to walk around pretending to be Anastasia and could recite dialog. She was so Anastasia-obsessed that she had a dream about a mythic Anastasia Store that carried only Anastasia products. As her dream went, she could purchase everything Anastasia for $100, and she happened to have exactly $100 in her purse.

I went on eBay and purchased all the memorabilia I could find from all over the world (my favorite: plastic Anasastia medallions that had been packaged in cereal boxes in Ireland). I spread them out all over my apartment and put a sign on the front door: Anastasia Store -- Everything $100. The look on her face when she came in the door, the way she clasped her hands together under her chin and looked around the room in wonderment at the Anastasia dolls and books and puzzles and pillowcase, etc. was pure magic.

In a way, this was the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. I mean, how often in life do you get to make someone's dream come true?

The wait is over!

I got my coveted ticket to The Book of Mormon early this year -- at least 10 months ago. And this past Wednesday I finally saw it.

It really is that good. The staging is awesome, the score is memorable (I'm still hearing "I Believe" in my head) and the cast is great (Syesha Mercado of American Idol made her debut in Chicago).

And no, it's not shocking. It's vulgar and profane, yes. But my jaw didn't drop anywhere near as far as it did when I saw Seth MacFarlane's movie Ted.

And while it's irreverent, it's very affectionate and good hearted. I was worried that it would bash Mormonism and organized religion. But all the main characters are really very sweet and decent and you leave the theater thinking that maybe the world could indeed use more like them. Clearly I'm not alone in thinking this way: The LDS took out three pages of ads in the Playbill.

So when The Book of Mormon comes to your town, see it, see it, see it. It's higher concept and more original than South Park (which seems afflicted by sameness to me). Just be prepared for the adult (albeit good natured) material, and enjoy.

Holidailies -- Catching Up

Day 12's prompt: Pets and the holidays - share your stories.

In the 1980s I had a wonderful, skinny little calico named Wilma Dean. She was a wild woman, not unlike my Reynaldo in the energy department, but she was scary-smart and therefore lower maintenance than he is. She could amuse herself. And she was very much my companion, more than my "pet." She was my buddy.

Two days before Christmas, her personality changed radically. She showed no interest in food and was lethargic. Overnight her eyes got glassy and she started throwing up. That morning I rushed her to the vet, conveniently located across the street. I didn't have an appointment and the receptionist -- the vet's daughter-in-law -- told me condescendingly that "Doctor" wasn't in yet and besides, I didn't have an appointment.

Please! I matched her condescending tone by reminding her that I lived across the street and I saw his car pull in. And Wilma and I were very content to sit and wait for "Doctor" to be free. I don't recall if there were other patients in the waiting room but it wouldn't have mattered. Wilma Dean was getting sicker by the moment and she needed care.

The vet took us promptly -- because, after all, resistance was futile -- and the news was surprisingly good. So good, in fact, I didn't believe him.

He said she had the flu. Garden variety flu. He gave her a shot of something to help curb the vomiting but warned me that diarrhea may follow. But, since she had no fever, he was certain that she'd be fine in 24-48 hours.

"And if she's not? Then what? Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Will you be here?"

He explained it would take time for the bug to work its way through her system but promised me that, if on Christmas Day, she needed him, he would come in to treat her. He reiterated that he was certain she'd be fine, though.

I didn't believe him. She appeared sooo sick and, as he predicted, the vomiting had given way to runny diarrhea, which made her cry in pain. I couldn't leave her alone, so I brought her with me for our Christmas Eve celebration at my mom's. I set her up in the den. She was sick, possibly contagious, so it was important we keep her tucked away from my mother's cats. We'd open a present or two, and I would excuse myself to check on Wilma Dean. If she was asleep on the sofa, I'd cover her with my jacket. It was scary and upsetting to see her so still. She was either sleeping soundly, lapping water from her aluminum foil travel bowl or whimpering in her makeshift litterbox. I was certain she was dying.

When I went to sleep on Christmas Eve, on the sofa in the den at my mother's house, my last thoughts were not of sugar plums or Jesus. It was of how most definitely I was going to hold my vet to his promise to come into the office for us on Christmas Day.

It wasn't necessary. I was awakened, pre-dawn, by paws raking my hair. Wilma Dean was hungry and bored. Just as the vet had promised, the bug had worked its way through her system and she was fine. Bright eyed and happy. My Christmas miracle.

I guess I needed this

I have really done nothing to day on my day off but sleep. I had a lazy morning, took myself to brunch and when I got home, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I slept for three hours and if I could, I'd lay back down now. But my self loathing would be ENORMOUS if I didn't do anything productive today!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thursday Thirteen #201

THE THIRTEEN 

MOST POPULAR 

CHRISTMAS SONGS

Thanks to Wikipedia for this list (and the pretty tree photo, too).

PLEASE READ: This is a repeat of a TT I did last year. Yes, I know that Bing Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" sold a gazillion copies. But individual recordings are not what this list is about. It's how many times a song has been recorded and played. So while Crosby's "White Christmas" was a massive hit, the song itself hasn't been recorded as often or as successfully by other artists as four others on this list.

And now, without further ado ...

1  "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Mel Tormé, Robert Wells 

2  "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin

 

3  "Winter Wonderland" – Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith

 

4 "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" – J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie

 

5  "White Christmas" – Irving Berlin

 

6  "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" – Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne 

7  "Jingle Bell Rock" – Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe 

8  "The Little Drummer Boy" – Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone

 

9  "Sleigh Ride" – Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish 

10  "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" – Johnny Marks

 

11  "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" – Edward Pola, George Wyle 

12  "I'll Be Home for Christmas" – Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram

13  "Silver Bells" – Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

I'm not surprised to see #12 on the list. I think I have heard "I'll Be Home for Christmas" performed by everyone from Karen Carpenter to Lou Rawls this year. I'm starting to wonder where the singer is that he or she won't be home for Christmas. Prison? The military? Working the holiday shift at a hospital? The backstory on that one changes for me depending on who is doing the singing.

For more about the Thursday 13,

or to play along yourself, click here.

I Want Wednesday

I want my officmate to stop singing. I hate to sound bitchy, but she is making me nuts! She is absent-mindedly singing softly as she works and it's sooooo distracting. Thank God for headphones!

Happy Birthday to Me, Part 6

The final chapter of 2012!

Celebrated my birthday (11/22), Christmas and Kathleen's birthday (12/23) last night. First we toasted with fruity tropical drinks and then had a lovely Cantonese dinner.

I gave her decorative tiles from last year's vacation spots (Key West and Colonial Williamsburg) to add to the collection that rings her dining room wall. She gave me a lovely little bracelet and a vintage Fossil bag. They're both so cute!

Over the past six months I've done some freelance for her and have hoped that I could work with her more formally at her new job. Meaning we had spoken about my jumping ship and joining her at her new company. Last night I learned that's not likely to happen, at least not in the near future. When we first discussed it, she was very optimistic about how successful she could be in growing that business. The reality has not been so rosey. Instead of building her own inhouse staff, she has turned to our friend (and my theater buddy) Barb -- who works at a full-service advertising agency that offers, in addition to the copywriting I can provide, metrics and analysis and production. Kathleen is simply not ready to staff her own crew.

Oh, well. It's Christmastime. I have a job right now, even if it's not a job I loooove. That's all I need to know for the time being.

Holidailies -- Day 11

Yesterday's prompt: If you could spend the holidays anywhere in the world, where would you go?

London. I think it's because of Scrooge and Cratchitt.

Aw ...

Got a letter from my Cousin Rose in Tampa today. In the middle of all the doings of her day-to-day was an invitation to spend Christmas with her, her sister (my cousin Barb) and her sister's kids/grandkids.

It was such a lovely gesture. It means a great deal to me. And who knows? Maybe I'll end up there next year.

I am loved. That makes me happy.

Holidailies -- Day 10

Today's prompt: What will bring out your inner Grinch?

People who work so hard to take the "Christ" out of Christmas.

No, I'm not one of those RWNJs who believes there's a "war on Christmas." And I am, in fact, against the government-supported displays of nativity scenes because I'm a strong proponent of the separation between Church and State.

On the other hand, I consider "Xmas" disrespectful. And I have a dear, very sweet Jewish friend who just sets my teeth on edge when she says, "Christmas trees and carols don't really have anything to do with Jesus." She doesn't mean to offend me, but she does. It would be as if I said the menorah is really just a pretty candle holder and who cares about the Maccabees?

There. Was that Grinchy enough?

Holidailies -- Day 9

• Today's Prompt: What is the thing you wanted most as a child that you *didn't* get? For the most part, I did pretty well by Santa. I guess I must have been a fixture on the "Nice List." However I did always want the accessories that weren't included, and somehow the elves forgot to include them. For example, my oldest friend always had real baby powder for her baby doll. I thought that completely rocked! And Barbie always had "stuff" that would have enhanced her adventures with Ken, if only I had them. Sigh.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The 11/11 Questions meme


What is your favorite possession? I'm a packrat. I have alot of "favorite possessions." Right now, the nod goes to -- believe it or not -- a set of padded hangers my best friend sent me. It's not the hangers themselves, obviously, it's the gesture. Sometimes he can be very thoughtful, and I miss him enormously these days. 

Do you like to read? If so, which books do you love best? I'm a big reader. I bounce back and forth between biographies and mysteries. I think of it as alternating between "good for you" brainfood and dessert.

Do you have any pets? Yes! I love my cats even more than I love books.

What was your favorite food as a child? Is it the same now? Fish sticks. And no, it's not my favorite food now.

What is your favorite thing about blogging? Creating an accurate snapshot of how my life looks at any given moment.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here. Chicago is the best, most livable city I've ever been in.

What is your favorite number? 7. I like how it looks when you draw and when you write it in cursive.

Which of these things would you find hardest to give up for a year? Chocolate, reading, coffee or smoking? Chocolate. Because I neither drink coffee nor smoke, and there's no way I'd give up reading.

If you could make your life into a movie, what would you name it.. and who would you want to play you?

If you had £20,000 for a shopping spree, what would you buy? Leave me alone for a while at Macy's and then we'll see.

If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be? Bill Clinton. I admire his joie de vivre and he's so smart about such a wide range of subjects.