Saturday 9

Your Mama Don't Dance (1972)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This song is about how the older generation often doesn't understand what the younger generation is up to. Do you keep up with trends? Not really. One of the nicer things about being old is that no one expects me to! I do go out of my way to make sure my appearance isn't dated -- tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, adding brighter, seasonal colors to my wardrobe -- but I consider that a part of my job, not something I do for fun.
 
2) This song was in the top 10 in 1972, which is also the year HBO was introduced. Do you have any premium cable channels? Too many! Last year I bundled my phone, internet and cable and just got all these premium channels that I never watch. I keep meaning to call Comcast because now that that introductory first year of bundling is up, perhaps I can save money by dropping a couple.
 
3) Mother Winters taught Sam how to kill the lingering food smells in her microwave (take a bowl of water, add a few drops of vanilla extract, and heat it in the microwave). Do you have any useful household hints to pass along? Shampoo is a very effective laundry pretreat for food stains and blood.

  
4) The French word for "mother" is "mère." What other French words do you know? Bonjour. That's about it.
 
5) Flowers and plants are popular on Mother's Day. How is your yard or garden? Is it green and/or blooming? My condo building doesn't have much of a yard, but I am cheered by the flowers that are appearing all over town.

6) Mother's Day is a big holiday for card shops. So are birthdays, weddings, and St. Patrick's Day. Hallmark sells greetings for everything from "Congratulations on Your New Job" to "Happy Retirement." Who received the most recent card you bought? My aunt's birthday is this week. I just mailed her a kitten card. She always relates me with cats.
 
7) Have you put away your winter clothes yet? No. I should. I just haven't been feeling very well this week.
 

8) Mother Winters used to scold Sam for leaving her dirty dishes in the sink. Sam admits it: as a grown up, she's still a bit of a slob. Do lean toward "neat" or "messy?" Oink. I have transcended "messy" and moved straight into "piggy."
  
9) To celebrate Mother's Day, Sam is giving away candy bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate with almonds?
Almonds, s'il vous plait. (Hey! I do know more French!)

Atta Girl!

This thumbs up is for both Charlotte and me.

She seems livelier and isn't straining anymore. I'm still giving her a spoonful of baby food with every meal to up her moisture intake. Besides, it makes her happy.

Our client meeting went unexpectedly well, too. She's been at the job a month now and is a bit less confrontational. And in person, she was more vulnerable and nicer than her bitchy conference call persona.

As we ate our Panera box lunches at the conference table, we bonded over our cats. I was worried about Charlotte, of course, but I shared a few Reynaldo stories with her.

The drive back was a trial. Highway construction. It took us barely two hours to get there, and more than four hours to get back. I haven't been feeling well, and that long ass Thursday didn't help. Ongoing headache, tenacious sense of nausea. It began as a cold, but now it's just a drag on my system. Hope it passes soon! I have a lot of work I haven't been doing because I crash as soon as I get home.

Poor Girl

Charlotte was dealing with constipation on Wednesday, straining unsuccessfully to feel completely empty.* I worry that she may be becoming dehydrated, so I'll have to watch her more closely. I dosed her with catalax (a kitty laxative) and gave her some meat baby food, which is mostly water.

I've got a client meeting today out of town and am way behind on a major project, so I simply can't take off work right now. So hang in there, little girl!

*Though what she did manage to pass looked normal to me.

Six months later ...

Last November, my handyman left a hole in my wall that he couldn't repair. Rain was coming in from around my through-the-wall ac unit, and until that sealant is replaced, there wasn't anything to be done with the wall. Other than jam a towel in the hole.

Then Chicago turned into Chiberia and became one of the coldest winters on record. Too slippery and dangerous for the condo association's maintenance man to replace the sealant. Then it got warmer but it rained all the time. We need two days of dry weather for the sealant to take.

Today, finally, the maintenance man made the repair! Yahoo!

I took today off. Unfortunately, I have a dreadful cold which kept me from getting all the work done I intended to. All I did was vacuum and walk to the vet for Miss Charlotte's meds. Maybe tonight I feel more like doing the work in the folder that is making me feel so guilty.

Stacy and Clinton tell me it's OK

Thursday morning I have a big meeting with my new, high maintenance client. This is the first time we've met face to face.
I want to appear serious but not staid. I'm going with solid gray slacks, a bright pink shell and a pale pink cardigan. According to Stacy and Clinton, gray goes with everything. With their voices in my head, I shall feel more confident.

Oh! And black shoes and a gray/pink bag.

Sunday Stealing

TV Meme, part two

16. Talk Shows. Do you watch daytime talk TV? If so, do you prefer the calm shows like Oprah or the wilder side like Jerry Springer? Let's see: there's Live with Kelly and Michael, and Queen Latifah, and Rachel Ray, and Ellen, and The View and Bill Cunningham and Maury and The Talk and Springer and Steve Wilkos and Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz  .... and I don't watch any of them. When I'm home from work I watch the court shows, like Judge Judy and People's Court.

17. Which daytime talk TV show would you like to be on? What would the topic be? I love Judge Judy. And I'd let her talk about whatever she wants because she intimidates me.

18. Before talk TV took over game shows ruled the airways during the day, which do you prefer? Or are you a soap opera fan? Jeopardy is still on. I like Jeopardy.

19. Is there a game show (past or present) you think you would do really well on, as a contestant? Wheel of Fortune, because you have to be a moron to not do well.

20. Who is your favorite game show host? Who is your least favorite? I never liked Gene Rayburn of The Match Game. I don't know why. He just gave me the willies.

21. Marathons. Have you watched any TV marathons? In part? In whole? Is there a show you’d like to see run an all day marathon? On the flipside is there a show you’d avoid in marathon? I'm watching a Will & Grace marathon as I write this. I always hated Seinfeld, so naturally I wouldn't enjoy that.

22. Out of curiosity, what’s the longest you’ve ever watched TV in one stretch? God, I don't know. When I was recuperating from surgery in the hospital, I kept it on all the time. It helped me orient myself when I'd drift in and out of consciousness.

23. On the whole do you feel most Special Reports are really that special? Or are they simply annoying? What special report has effected you most? (IE: (9/11, Reagan being shot…etc) 9/11. Though it wasn't a special report. I watched The Today Show as Matt Lauer and Katie Couric reported it live. BTW, if learning about a tornado, assassination or foreign attack on our soil doesn't seem "that special" to you, I think there's something really wrong with you.

24. What is the (pick one: stupidest, saddest, silliest, most disgusting..) thing you’ve ever seen on TV?  I think Welcome Back, Kotter might have been the stupidest thing I ever saw.

25. What’s your fondest memory of something on TV? 

The Lads, Ed Sullivan, 2/1964

26. What’s the first show you remember watching regularly? I used to watch As the World Turns with my mom.

27. What shows would make up a perfect night of TV viewing for you? I'd love a network that alternated between Law & Order and NCIS.

28. You get to create one show to put on the schedule, with any stars you choose. Who and what would it be? I'd like to see a show like SATC, but with older women who live more realistic lives. Like me and my girlfriends.

29. Canceling or Not. What show(s) would you cancel without a moment’s hesitation? Is there a show (previously canceled or just no longer airing) that you’d bring back, original cast and all? I'd cancel The Kardashians and bring back Men of a Certain Age. It starred Ray Romano and was only on two seasons because I was the only one watching it.

30. What’s the best series finale you remember? MASH

Shouldn't have worried

I was relieved to get a chatty little note from my Cousin Rose. It was all about NCIS and the new drapes for her room.

I had been dreading this letter. She was very close to her uncle, who unbeknownst to her was my molester. I know she was confused that I was uninterested in the rituals -- visitation and funeral -- that attended his passing. I was worried that she would ask me about it. While I was certainly tired of covering for the old perv, I didn't want to hurt my cousin with the ugly truth about a man she loved.

Her letter today contained no mention of him. I think now my nightmare may truly be over. I may never have to hear his name again.

It's the little things that mean a lot

What made today a really good Saturday? A lot of little things.

•  Good day, sunshine! 65º and clear skies. Perfect!

•  The staff at my vet's office. Reynaldo's prescription cat food is about $50 for a case of 24 cans, and I just can't afford that right now. I stopped by and asked them for about 5 cans to tide me over until his scheduled appointment next month. They explained that the price of an individual can is more than $3. I told them I could spare $20 right now, but just $50. They sent me home with a full case of 24, saying that since I had an appointment on the books, they'd just add it to my bill when he gets his check up. I thanked them profusely and asked if they wanted the $20 down, but they wouldn't hear of it. So while I recoil in horror at the thought of a bar like Cheers where everybody knows my name, I'm very grateful for veterinary clinic where my cats and I are recognized.

•  $8.34. That's how much I saved in coupons at CVS. I do so love me my coupons!

•  Impromptu conversation. First my neighbor Brian stopped me by the recycling bins and we gossiped a bit about goings on in the building. He's such a nice guy. Then, when I went over to my favorite coffee shop for a late breakfast, I was invited to join Nancy and her family, who had just ordered lunch. Nancy is a long-ago coworker who said she misses seeing me every day. That was nice. I'm fortunate that I'm able to make lasting connections easily. I should appreciate this gift more.

•  Cubs win! Cubs win! Now that it's May, the bats of both Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo have awakened. YES! I dug out my old Walkman (yes, you read that right) so I could listen to the game on WGN-AM radio as I did my errands. God, I love having Pat Hughes' voice in my head.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Blues in the Night (1952)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

   
1) Was last night a good night for you? Or were you singing the blues? It really was fine. I didn't do much -- tired from a lot of drama at work -- but relaxing and I woke up happy this morning.

2) In this song, Rosemary Clooney sings about hearing "big talk" she didn't quite believe. What's the last fib, tall tale or out and out lie you heard? Thursday we were talking about our client's major (3-5 year) project and my boss completely contradicted a story he told me last year. Which is the truth and which is the fib? I don't know. It's quite frustrating.

3) Rosemary Clooney has a well-known nephew -- George, the Oscar winner and frequent People magazine cover story. Do you have any nieces or nephews? My favorite niece is 21 and off learning to become a chef in Michigan. My favorite nephew is 13 and about to graduate from jr. high.

4) Ms. Clooney married the same man twice. They married, had five children and divorced. Then three years later, they tried again ... and divorced again. Have you ever been tempted to give it another try with one of your former loves? I have fantasized about it, played "what if?" in my head a lot, but never really done it.

5) Singers as diverse as Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler and Amy Winehouse have said they admired and were influenced by Rosemary Clooney. If you could meet any artist (singer, writer, actor, director, painter, musician ...), who would it be? Sue Grafton, who writes the Kinsey Milhone alphabet mysteries. She just gave us "W" is for Wasted, so I fear we're reaching the end! What does she have planned for our heroine? Is she going to miss Kinsey?

6) 1952, the year this record was a hit, is also the year the "Big Bang Theory"

was introduced by physicists Ralph Alpher and George Gamow. That is too lofty a topic for this humble meme, so instead we'll just ask: Do you watch the TV show of the same name? Yes. This week at work we were confronted with a rather complicated calculation and all I could think of to do was call Sheldon.

7) Sam Winters just broke her right thumbnail. While she won't go so far as saying it has her singing the blues, she must admit it bugs her. What little annoyances are you dealing with today? A zit on my chin. REALLY? At this stage in my life I still have to deal with pimples?

8) The house next door to Sam's has a FOR SALE on the lawn. Are you contemplating a move? No. I like my neighborhood and I hate moving.

9) What's your search engine of choice: Google, Bing, Yahoo or Ask?  When I upgraded my Firefox, suddenly Yahoo just appeared as the go-to search engine, so I've been using that again. Yes, I am that lazy.

The Wisdom of SnarkyPants

"I’m relaxed and peaceful because
I trust the process of life.
All is well in my world."

I have been nervous and worried. It does leave me tired. I need to be more positive from the inside out. Otherwise, as my minister warned on Easter Sunday, I could miss out on the joys of life and become one of the walking dead.

Thanks, Snarkela.

Thank you, John

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Tribune

Sebastian, a guy I like but only barely know through our mutual friend John, got a new, better paying job in 2013 and decided to thank all his loyal friends for their support through the tough times by buying a block of tickets to Diana Ross' concert at the Chicago Theater. One of their Ross-loving crew had unexpected dental surgery. My friend John, who knows I love Miss Ross and that I fit in well with his buddies, got me the ticket. FREE!

I asked John to call his friend again, one more time, just to make sure that he doesn't want the ticket. I really want to go, but not at the expense of someone else. But we're on!

Yea! I could use a nice night out and free makes it all the better.

When smoking really creeps me out

I don't like smoking. I don't get smoking. I think this is because both of my parents and three of my four grandparents were smokers and I spent my childhood feeling like the canary in the coal mine.

And so it was that smoking distracted me from an otherwise entertaining little movie called Married Life (2007). It's a romantic thriller -- not a triangle but a square, really -- that unfolds slowly and quietly. Set in 1949, it's heavy on period details like clothes and cars and home furnishings. And all the men smoke.

One of the two men at the center of this tale is Richard, played by Pierce Brosnan. He seldom goes an entire scene without lighting up. This disturbed me because I know that in real life, Brosnan lost both his first wife and their daughter to cancer. (Though his daughter didn't die until 2013, long after the film was completed and released.) I wondered how he felt about indulging in behavior that introduces carcinogens into the system. I also always feel a little skin crawly whenever I see photos of Beatle George Harrison puffing away, knowing that the habit would ultimately take his life.

Still, Married Life was an interesting movie with lots of tension and plot twists. If you get a chance to see it, do. (Even though you may wish to leave a window open because of the smoke.)

I'm never alone

Because the shingles virus is always with me.

I had it in 2010. And it reappeared on Easter Sunday. No rash this time, no fever. Just the bitch of a backache. My doctor confirmed today, when I went in for my annual physical, that I can count on getting recurring muscle aches in that same area for the rest of my life. She did bloodwork just to eliminate anything more serious, but considering that the pain went around my back and across my stomach, just like in 2010, it was probably just a milder recurrence.

Gee whiz, I love getting older!

Image courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

More than I want to spend

I'm surprised by how expensive tickets are for Sir Paul's summer show at the United Center. I think it's because it's one night only. I was hoping he'd add a second night when the first sold out, but it's not gonna happen. As near as I can tell, all of his appearances this time around are one night only. Not surprising, I guess, when you consider that he's 72 years old.

I'm going. I don't know how I'm going to manage it, but I will be there. Not great seats, like 2011 at Wrigley Field. But I will get in the door. Somehow.

Sunday Stealing

TV Meme, part one
 
1. TV Theme songs. Which is your favorite, and which makes you crazy enough to hit mute on the remote?  I like the themes to Kate and Allie ("Just when you think you're all by yourself, you're not") and Friends ("I'll be there for you 'cause you're there for me, too") because that's how I feel about my friends. I get annoyed by the theme to Big Bang Theory, not because I don't like it but because after hearing it 2000 times I still don't know it. 


2. The Classics. What is your favorite Classic TV show? I never get sick of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and I think I have literally been watching it all my life.


3. What character from a Classic TV show would you like to be? Ann Marie on That Girl. She had the best wardrobe, a career, a great apartment, a supportive boyfriend, signature hair and exciting adventures all around New York.

 
4. Can you remember a line you liked from a Classic TV show? "To the Bat Cave!" I love Adam West as Batman.

5. Heroes. What show featuring those who protect your country (fiction or non-fiction) is your favorite? I will again go with Batman. You can't go wrong with Batman.


6. TV Cops. Who is your favorite (past or present) TV cop? Which TV cop do you think was the most crooked, or the most inept? The cops on Law & Order are my favorite. Lennie Briscoe was kinda crooked -- he had his problems with Internal Affairs -- but I adored him anyway. I was a little in love with Mike Logan, Rey Curtis and Elliot Staebler (SVU). I can't think of an inept TV cop.

7. You need to hire a bodyguard for yourself. Which TV cop do you choose?  He's not a cop, but I'll go with Thomas Magnum. If he's my bodyguard, I must be staying at the palatial estate of Robin Masters in Oahu. I can play with the dogs, Zeus and Apollo, and at some point Magnum and I will inevitably make out on the beach. Once the danger is over, I will fly home with wonderful memories and great stories to repeat whenever I have a tropical drink. (Now if you'll excuse me, I have to spin a similar fantasy revolving around Gibbs and the team from NCIS.)


8. TV Doctors. Which TV doctor would you choose to remove your appendix? Which TV doctor would you not let touch you with a 10- foot pole? Marcus Welby, MD, may remove my appendix. Dr. Frank Burns from MASH must keep his distance.

 
9. TV Moms. Which TV mom would you have liked to have had for your own? Is there a TV mom you would never want as your own? June Lockhart on Lassie would have been a wonderful mom. I love that the dog was so totally a part of the family. I really can't stand Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond. I seriously can't even look at her.
 
10. TV Dads. Which TV Dad would you have most liked to have for your own dad? On the flipside, who was the TV Dad you’d have least liked to have had? Sheriff Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show was a great Pa. The worst would be Arthur, Carrie's dad on King of Queens.
 
11. Comedies. How do you feel about sitcoms? Good, wholesome fun or saccharine inanity? I can't generalize 60 years of TV like that.

12. If your life was a sitcom, what would the title be? The Thing of It Is, because I say that all the time.

13. If you went to a comedy club on amateur night, and they gave you some jokes and a microphone, would you go onstage?  No


14. Reality. Are you a fan of Reality TV? What’s your “can’t miss” reality TV show (or shows), or what reality TV show do you suppose the devil plays on the TV in Hell as punishment? Decades ago I really enjoyed The Real World. (Remember Pedro and Judd and Puck?) And I believe Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian are run on a continuous loop in hell.


15. If you were given a free ticket to be on any reality show, which one would you choose? All tickets to TV shows are already free. The FCC makes it illegal for networks to charge. It would be the airfare to New York or Los Angeles that would make seeing a show expensive. But I'd like to see American Idol live because Harry Connick and Keith Urban are so hot.

 

Sunshine and an umbrella

It was my favorite weather today: sunny and in the 60s. I had a lovely walk under clear blue skies, trekking across town to the vet to pick up Reynaldo's prescription food. There's a charmingly retro independently owned grocery store over there that I wandered through, expecting to run into Opie and Aunt Bea.

Then I went to the local Mac store and bought a new power cord ($80!) for my MacBook Pro and had a leisurely lunch at Flat Top Grill, accompanied by a good book and a tropical drink with an umbrella.

Got home and took a nap. A good day!

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Stuck on You (2012)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This upbeat song is from a CD called The Bright Side. What is brightening your world this fine Saturday? Saving money! This little MacBook Pro died Wednesday night. I couldn't get it to power up, no matter what I did! I feared the repairs would be hundreds of dollars (which I don't have). Instead, it's just the power cord, which I'm replacing today. I don't know what the price tag is, but bet it's less than $30.

2) Our featured artist Meiko sings, "You are the one I can see having fun with ...". When is the last time you laughed hard? Who were you with? Friday I laughed very hard at myself, with my boss. He asked me to cover for him at the end of day because he was going home a little early. "I don't know if I told you, but my wife passed." HUH? She's dead? No, she passed her real estate exam. I can't get over what I dope I was.

3) She also sings, "I must confess when I wear this dress I feel like dancing ...". Does your mood have an impact on what you wear? I suppose. More often the reverse is true. What I'm wearing effects my moods in that if I believe I look nice, I'm happier.

4) In this video, she accidentally drops one of her meatballs on the floor. Do you believe in "the five second rule," which states that if food has been on the floor less than five seconds it's still OK to eat? Or, after it hits the floor, is the next stop always the garbage? I'm a ground to garbage Gal.

5) Despite her exotic-sounding name, Meiko was born in Atlanta, home of the Braves. Do you plan on going to the ballpark this season? I'm taking my friend John to see the Cubs. We're celebrating two birthdays -- his and Wrigley Field's.


6) Meiko recently posted a photo of herself in DisneyLand posing with Goofy. Who took the most recent photo of you? What were you doing? It was a selfie for my LinkedIn page.

7)  Are you stubborn? I can be.

8) Let's visit your bathroom: What color is your toothbrush? Purple and white.


9) Which would we find: bar soap or liquid soap? Bar. A paper wrapper is easier to recycle than a bottle and pump.

Let's see ...

Why am I happy today?

•  I've been emailing regularly with my best friend these past two days. We hadn't been getting along well lately and it's confused me. He's been unemployed for 21 months now and is just so closed-mouth about his life! I assume his wife his working, but he hasn't told me. I have no idea how he spends his days. His communication has been infrequent. He mentioned that it's "weird" that I don't email him like I used to. I told him that, since he doesn't answer, I've simply gotten out of the habit. That I don't feel like I know him anymore, and that our friendship doesn't seem relevant to him anymore.

Well, I discovered that if he can't talk about work, if he can't discuss job leads or employment opportunities, he doesn't think he has anything to say. Straight men! Go figure! So we got past that and have been comparing notes on books we've read and shows we watch. You know, stuff friends talk about.

As always, I'm happier when my best friend is in my life.

•  My back no longer hurts. YEA! I don't know what the cause was, but the horrible icky pain is gone, replaced by a barely noticeable ache. I'll mention it to the doctor when I see her on Monday, because I want her to rule out anything serious. But I'm happy I'm no longer creaky.

•  Good workouts. Maybe those stretching exercises DeWayne the Trainer showed me are part of why my back doesn't hurt. But this week I've worked out three times and I'm actually starting to feel better (more energy, less lethargy).

•  It's sunny. I skipped the pedway and walked outside to the healthclub. No jacket! I suspect all of us Chiberians looked like moles, venturing out and above ground for the first time in months. We were probably all wriggling our noses as we sniffed the fresh air.

•  $45.36. That's how much my trench coats and blouses earned me at the local resale boutique. I'm glad, because my MacBook died Wednesday night and I was worried about how I could afford to have it repaired (something tells me I'm going to hear the word, "motherboard" from the tech) and give my nephew cash for his upcoming 8th graduation. I've cashed in my Discover rewards for a $50 GAP/Old Navy giftcard and now I'll give him $50 cash. At 13, $100 is still very impressive to him, and it really won't cost me anything out of pocket.

It's a beautiful day

The sun is shining on Wrigley Field's 100th birthday. Which is, of course, as it should.

I have many, MANY wonderful memories revolving around The Friendly Confines. In 2005, I sat with my best friend and saw my beloved Greg Maddux make his 3000th strike out. In 2007 I became the only member of loyal Cub fan family to see a playoff game here. During the early-mid 1970s, I spent so many exciting afternoons -- sometimes with my girlfriends, sometimes with my Cousin Rose -- enjoying the independence of going from burbs to the Big City for a day. And I had the honor of seeing that most iconic Cub team (Jenkins, Santo, Banks, Hundley, Kessinger, Beckert) live and in person.

My most amazing memories, though, were of seeing Sir Paul here in 2011. The only thing that has
dependably brought me as much joy as the Cubs and that is, of course, The Beatles. I was thrilled when I got seats close to the stage because it meant close to Paul. I was unprepared for how thrilling it would be to walk onto Wrigley Field, to step foot on the infield where my heroes in pinstripes played.

So it's only fitting that this morning, on Wrigley's 100th birthday, that Sir Paul would add Chicago to his summer 2014 tour. No, it's not here at Wrigley, it's at the United Center. But that's OK. Summer is coming to Chicago and I have the Cubs and Sir Paul!

Oh, I don't know

I recently caught my oldest friend in a lie. A small lie that doesn't really have anything to do with me. But it disturbs me because I don't know why she bothered.

She told me she spent Easter with her cousin in the hills and that it took three hours to drive home (instead of the 90 minutes she expected) on Sunday, causing her to miss Mad Men.

But her cousin posted a family Easter pic to Facebook on Saturday, saying they celebrated early, and my friend peppered me with Farmville requests all day Sunday.

So they celebrated on Saturday and my friend was alone at home on Sunday. I don't know where her kids were. They were not in the Saturday Easter photo.

I don't know why she'd bother to lie about this. I'm not going to bust her because it's really none of my business.

She's unhappy with the way her life is going. In three years she's had four jobs, so she just HAS to make this one work. Her daughter failed her high school proficiency test. Her 22-year-old son still hasn't moved out, and he and his buddy are crashing on her living room floor. She has health problems. I'm not going to mention the lie because it really doesn't matter and I don't want to hassle her and add to her troubles.

But it bothers me.

The game was closer than the score would indicate

That's a venerable old sports cliche and one that we Cub fans are used to reciting almost by rote. But it's true of today's 8 to 2 loss to Reds.

This team never game up. They scored their only two runs in the bottom of the 7th when the game was already out of reach. The offense took each at bat seriously. Their hearts were still in it.

Yes, we're in last place. But it's still only April. The heart I'm seeing from this team makes me hopeful that this season won't be as bad as last year.

The Easter Story and The Walking Dead

My minister gave a memorable sermon this morning. One of his best. And it wasn't the one he intended to give.

Word came to him last week about an interesting exchange in the pre-school Sunday School class. The teacher gave the 4 year olds a high-level explanation of the upcoming holidays. First Passover, when the Hebrews gained their freedom, and then Easter, when Jesus was killed and rose from the dead.

"So," one of the kids asked, "Jesus was a zombie?" The question caused quite a stir because the little boy who asked that question last weekend was Martin, who happens to be our minister's son.

Our reverend and his wife were surprised to learn how much their young son knew about zombies and how fascinated he was by the concept of "the walking dead." Mom and Dad vowed to redouble their efforts to monitor their son's pop culture influences, and this week's sermon was born.

He warned us not to be spiritual zombies, not to let cynicism or the complexities of today's life turn us into "the walking dead." With Jesus as our guide, our hearts can continue to be filled with love and enthusiasm.

So when I feel the joy slipping away from my life, when I start to get angry over things I can't change or re-litigate old battles, I'll remember young Martin's question: "Jesus was a zombie?" No, He wasn't. And neither am I. I need to be alive and present and in love with my life.

Happy Easter!

Sunday Stealing

The Easter Meme
 
What are your Easter traditions? I don't really have any anymore, beyond sending cards to my niece and nephew.

Do you hard boil and decorate eggs? No.

How do you decorate your home for Easter? I don't.

Do you make/buy special outfits for yourself and your kids on Easter? No. I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound like such a bummer but I don't have kids and I just wore a sweater and jeans to church.

What is your favorite Easter dish? Ham.

When did you learn the truth about the Easter Bunny? I don't think I ever really believed in the Bunny. I had too many questions. What's the connection between a rabbit and eggs? Does he have a workshop filled with chickens like Santa and his elves? And what was his delivery system, a la Santa's sleigh?

Do you spend Easter at home, on vacation, or with family? I go to church, and that's it. I feel like I'm a tremendous disappointment to Sunday Stealing memedom today.

First one up on Easter morning? Me.

Go to mass or church? Yes. It was a lovely service.

What are your favorite Easter hymns and/or choir arrangements? This morning at church we all sang this. It was inspiring. And I always feel like a rockstar when I can sing without the hymnal.



How many Easter egg hunts does your family usually participate in? That would be none. I'm sorry, Kwiz.

Do you make deviled eggs out of leftover Easter eggs? I did, years ago, when my family celebrated together. But with my mom gone, my niece living out of state and my nephew a teenager …

Are you tired of eggs by the end of the Easter Season? No.

Are Peeps good or gross? One day a year I can stand them.

What company makes the best chocolate for Easter time? Fannie Mae.

Lots of candy or not? Haven't had much this year.

What is your favorite Easter candy? Hollow chocolate bunny.

Do you find plastic Easter grass hidden in places for months after Easter is over? Again, I'm sorry but there's never been an Easter egg hunt in this condo since I've lived here.

What’s your favorite color for fake grass? Atomic green.


Really, I like Easter. Church was lovely this morning! I love redemption and renewal. I'm not in a bad mood at all. It's just I'm not into the Bunny.

Ow, ow, ow!

It's a sunny Easter morning and I had so many spring cleaning plans for today! So imagine my surprise and distress when I woke up with a bitch of a backache.

I don't know what caused it. I didn't really do anything on Saturday but take it easy.

Oh well, I swallowed some Advil and maybe a shower will help. After church I still want to get something meaningful accomplished today!

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