July Journal Challenge

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Day 13 -- Nature

 "Nature" can be defined as, "a result of inborn or inherent qualities." That's the meaning I'm going with as I write to this prompt.

Do any of us see ourselves accurately? Probably not. But I think there are certain things about my nature -- those inherent qualities -- that I can identify and that I think most people who know me will agree with.

The Gal Herself is … 

•  facile. Things I get, I grasp quickly. Sometimes I appear smarter than I am because I can be such a fast study.

•  loyal. I am a good friend, and I've had my friends for a very long time.

•  dreamy. Day-to-day life often seems dreary and disappointing. That's why I've always found it easy to send my mind away to happy place, why I often find fantasy preferable to reality.

•  tough. I'm as strong as I need to be. It's a quality I admire in others. Especially other women. Yes, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a peerless style icon and Barbra Streisand is an actress and singer of rare gifts. But I'm drawn to them both because of their steel. As another one of my heroines, Scarlett O'Hara, is described in Gone With the Wind, these women "take their fences cleanly, like a good hunter." So do I. When a fence needs to be gotten over, I take it cleanly.

•  clumsy. I am the most graceless person you'll ever meet. No, really. I'm forever finding fresh bruises and cuts yet I can't remember how I got them. That's how often I bump into things.

•  lazy. When I was in high school, one of my teachers complained to my mother that I was "impossible to motivate." I'm still impossible to motivate. I resist doing anything I don't really feel like doing.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: One Thing ..... 

that makes you smile: My big old tomcat, Joey. He is a most loving soul.

that makes you cry: "See ya, Katie." "See ya, Hubbell."

that you love to do on the weekends: Going to the movies.
 
that you do for only yourself: Going to the movies. (I like going to the movies.)

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: Nothing. Answering this made me happy. I think of myself as unorganized and sloppy, and yet my bras and panties and spanx are highly organized.

that you do before going to sleep: Watch TV or read

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: Visit the bathroom, she said delicately

that's in your purse: my Epipen. I'm allergic to bee sting.

that you actually LIKE to clean: Hmmmm ... hmmm .... thinking, but coming up empty

that you DETEST cleaning: LAUNDRY! I feel like I spend half my life on it and I resent every moment.

that other people would find odd about you: That I don't drive. I swear if I told people I keep human heads in my freezer, they wouldn't look at me as oddly.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: A gift card for my niece. Her graduation is coming up and I'm worried I won't have anything nice for her.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: I dunno. I'm not very "bucket listy." Maybe satiate my incurable thirst for Farmville 2.

He STILL really loves pizza

Yesterday afternoon my nephew and I went to The Taste of Chicago for the second year in a row. I think he had a good time.

Like last year, he concentrated on pizza. He compared and contrasted slices from two different vendors and then returned to his favorite for a third slice. He also had fudge and an Oreo Smoosh from Eli's (that's cheesecake topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce). I tried to get him to try something new -- specifically Mac-and-Cheetos, pasta shells in cheese sauce covered by Cheetos. But he rejected the new dish because of "the green stuff." Yes, they sprinkled scallions on top and it was enough to turn him off. He is a purist.

I'm more adventuresome. I had peach cobbler (my old favorite), a crab cake, a chocolate covered banana and (new this year) an enormous barbecued turkey leg. The latter was so big that I had a turkey sandwich for lunch this afternoon.

We had beautiful weather (sunny and about 80º) and I really enjoyed talking to him. My nephew is an interesting kid. Very smart. Rather geeky. His favorite topics of conversation were Brazil's meltdown in the World Cup and anti-jokes (jokes which are deliberately not funny). His favorite anti-joke: A horse walked into a bar. Several patrons left because they spotted the potential danger in the situation.

He's 14 now. I wonder how much longer he'll actually look forward to spending a summer afternoon with his old auntie.

July Journaling Challenge

Day 12 -- Grateful

Oh, I'm grateful for a lot. I'll just go with what's top of mind today:

I'm grateful that I am able to get/receive love and affection from animals. It's a gift I inherited from my mom. I understand dogs and cats so well, and I get so much enjoyment from my relationship with my furry friends.

This morning I took Connie to her first visit to her new vet. In addition to feline viral rhinotracheitis -- an incurable infection that means she will always be plagued with excessive and often icky eye secretions -- he discovered that two of her teeny, tiny front teeth are gone. Connie belonged to a hoarder, a woman who had at least six cats in a small apartment, and probably spent her kitten/early adult period eating a cheap and inappropriate diet.

I am grateful that I was able to rescue her, and that from now on she will get the care she deserves -- a nutritious diet and medication for her eyes. (Note I said "deserves," not "wants;" she really hates the eye drops.) I am grateful that doing this comes to naturally to me and that I get such pleasure from it. Cats bring a bit of nature indoors, and I learn so much from having them around.

Saturday 9 -- Already Gone

Saturday 9: Already Gone
(recommended by Diana)

1) Eagles lead singer Glenn Frey proclaims that he's "feeling strong." How would you describe yourself this fine Saturday? I'm fine. I'm just really annoyed by the angry red zit on my chin. HOW MUCH LONGER WILL I HAVE TO DEAL WITH ZITS?

2) The song begins with a rumor: "I heard some people talking just the other other day ..." Have you heard anything juicy/interesting lately? Please share! My nephew shared with me that his mom (my kid sister) wants to her family to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary in California and that they'll stay with (gulp) our older sister. Our older sister is a stone bitch. This is not going to go well. I'm glad I'm just sitting in the stands, munching on popcorn and watching this one. I'm not in this family drama.

3) When "Already Gone" was popular, the news was dominated by Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. What do you consider today's top news story? Castro and Rizzo representing my Cubs on the All Star squad.

4) In the 1970s, Eagles Glenn Frey and Don Henley were at the center of a social circle of very creative people, including singer Linda Ronstadt, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and actor-comedian Steve Martin. How do you express your creativity? I write. I'm a writer by trade.
 
5) Even though they broke up in 1980, the Eagles are currently on a reunion tour, and after knowing each other more than 40 years, Frey and Henley still consider each other friends. What quality to do you value most in a friendship?  Can you make me laugh? Will you be there for me? In exchange, I promise I'll make you laugh and I'll always be there for you.

6) Are there any mirrors in the room you're in right now?  No. Which is fine because of the aforementioned zit.

7) What's the last beverage you drank with ice?   I don't remember exactly but I'm sure it was Coke.

8) Whole, skim, 2%, half-and-half, almond or soy ... what kind of milk is in your refrigerator right now?  2%

9) Sam likes to mix sliced almonds into her salad. What do you think makes a good salad?   Raisins. I like that unexpected touch of sweet amid all the vegetables.

 

July Journaling Challenge

Day 11 -- Favorite Outfit

Cardigan or jacket over a tee and a pair of dark wash jeans. I wish I could wear shoes like this model's, but alas, my high heeled days are behind me.

I love this because it's comfortable and appropriate everywhere. I wear something like this to church, to the theater and to meetings, if the client is visiting us. (I'll swap out black slacks if I'm going to a funeral, wedding or onsite to my client's offices.)

I hate being a grown up

Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune

Sir Paul was here Wednesday night. But I wasn't there.

I have entirely too much credit card debt. Charlotte's final illness just added to it. I do not regret first trying to get her well and then my decision to ease her comfortably out of life. I loved her, she trusted me, she was my responsibility. But I did charge more than $1,300 at the vet.

Paul played only one night at the United Center, which seats about 16,500. When he was here in 2011, those glorious nights at Wrigley Field, he played two nights to crowds of 32,000+. So there were nearly 75% fewer tickets available this time and what happened next is predictable: The show sold out instantly and the scalper prices were exorbitant. It would have cost me $300 to just get into the United Center and be stuck up in nosebleed. And that doesn't include my souvenir(s) and the cab fare home.* It's easy to see how a decent seat where I could actually see and hear Sir Paul could have cost me $700.

I just couldn't afford it. And that blows.

So Wednesday night represented the first engagement Sir Paul has played here since 1976 where I wasn't there with him. I'm happy to report that he's fine, no lingering effects from his health scare earlier this year. (" …he performed for about two-and-a-quarter hours before the first encore without appearing to take a sip of water. He’s one of the wonders of the artistic world, a thoroughly joyous presence, and these moments must be savored.")

He's 72 now. I'm not sure he'll be back. But if he is, I'll want to be there ... if I can afford it.

*This is one of the neighborhoods that's plagued by crime. I love my city but I'm not an idiot and I don't have a death wish. I won't get on the Green Line at 11:00 at night.

July Journaling Challenge/Playing Catch Up

Day 8 -- Best Friend

He's out east right now, on a family vacation planned around universities his daughter wants to visit. He shot me a photo of The Green Monster after catching a White Sox/Red Sox game in Boston earlier this week.

I've blogged extensively about him and our relationship, so to rise to the challenge, as it were, I'll write something I've never shared before:  Looking back, the thing that cemented our friendship is that he usually sees the best in me. To him, I'm not obsessive, I'm dedicated. I'm not overbearing, I'm enthusiastic. It's as though the things about me that frequently make others want to smother me in my sleep are the very things he finds virtuous. That makes him very comforting to be around.

It's nice for me to pause and remember that, too, since there have been quite a few times in the last year that I've been tempted to smother him in his sleep, too. It's important for me to stop and appreciate what makes him quite wonderful.

Day 9 -- Favorite Things about Winter

Maybe it's because of the holidays, but everyone seems to be merrier in winter. Hot weather has a negative impact on our collective mood here in Chicagoland. When the mercury tops 85º for two days in a row, we start snarling at one another. But when it's winter, we smile and hold doors for one another.

Day 10 -- Dream Travel Destination

Right now, anywhere. I missed my annual spring spa getaway this year because I'm using the funds and the time off on my upcoming new medicine chest/bathroom lighting.

The aspect of travel that appeals to me most right now is waking up in a hotel room after spending the night on high thread count sheets. I love the big fluffy bath towels and the complimentary shampoo and conditioner. I don't often get room service, but I like having the option of ordering it.

I'm traveling a lot year end. Los Angeles in October, Las Vegas in November and Key West for Christmas. That's three different hotels in my future!

Isn't she lovely?

It's said that Lucille Ball is one of the first beautiful comediennes, that she stood out because before Lucy, Hollywood glamor girls were reluctant to take a pratfall or receive a pie in the face. And Lucy used to say her idol was Carole Lombard.

Last night, in my classic film meetup, we saw the very strange Hitchcock film, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, starring Lombard and Robert Montgomery. This movie stands out in Hitch's filmography because it's a straight-up, screwball comedy. No suspense, no violence. Hitchcock was charmed into directing it by the immensely charming Miss Lombard.

She talks fast, slams doors, pops out of her dress, shares her dinner with a cat, is stranded on an amusement park ride in the rain, rubs snow in her face and gets tangled up in her skis. And is warm and funny and beautiful every step of the way. Non-stop silliness masterfully performed by a comedienne at the top of her game. It makes me sad to think this was the last movie of hers released before her sudden death.

Robert Montgomery is an effective romantic lead and a facile comedian, too. I saw a biography of his daughter, Elizabeth (Sam on Bewitched) and was left with the impression that he could be a dick as a dad. I'm glad I was able to put that aside as I watched this film.

Unfortunately, the script doesn't always serve its stars well. The plot has a million holes in it.  I wonder if Hitchcock took this screwball comedy as seriously as he did his thrillers.

And I really love my Meet Up. More on that later.

Food allergy?

I've been looking at this picture a lot because I love the size difference between my massive old cat, Joey, and his new best girl, the petite Connie. Upon closer review, I noticed something I didn't like -- Joey's fur is a new color by the base of his of his tale. For more than 14 years, his coat has always been a uniform hue across his entire back.

I never noticed this when I pet him because he's very "one sided." He curls up on the same side whenever he sidles up against me for a cuddle or in the sun for a nap. But sure enough, when I checked him out, I can see that his coat is indeed thinning back there.

It might be a food allergy. Since Connie joined us, I have been giving her and allowing Joey to snack on Purina One instead of the prescription food Reynaldo must have. I thought it was an easy way to economize, since neither Joe nor Connie has Rey's dietary restrictions.

That ends today. Hopefully by the end of the month, Joey's lustrous coat will be back. If not, it's another trip to the vet. He'll hate it, of course, but it's for his own good.

July Journal Challenge

Day 7 --What I did today

What did I do on Monday? It started with work. I got in early, had a productive meeting, worked out, incorporated some client updates to our upcoming September mailing, and then I waited … and waited … and played Pogo canasta. That's the bad thing about being on the creative side. It's rather passive. I have to wait for my account team to bring me new assignments, have to wait for the client to respond to the work they have in their midst so we can make their revisions.

I felt kinda funky all day. No appetite and mild but tenacious tummy trouble. I bought my lunch but couldn't bear the thought of eating it. While I certainly could live off my hump for a few days (weeks?), I know it's not smart so I had ginger ale and a couple small slices of Lou Malnati's thin crust cheese/spinach pizza. (Free! I love it when there's food in the coffee room.)

I took a nap on the train home (yeah, I know; not a smart thing to do on the Green Line) and felt better. Then I had a light dinner with my friend Kathleen and saw Maleficient. Both were awesome.

My old friend has two fantastic kids and it was was great to hear all about their young adult lives. I've known those kids since they were four and a fetus, respectively, and it's been a privilege to watch them grow up. All I had was a grilled chicken sandwich because I was still worried about my gut, but all was good in the gastrointestinal department.

The movie was terrific. I'm not an Angelina Jolie fan, and while she's beautiful I was unimpressed with her performance at the beginning of the movie. She doesn't do sweetness and light very well. But boy, once she suffers heartache and gives in to rage ... WOW! You can't take your eyes off of her. Jolie may not a likeable screen presence, but she's more than credible as a force of nature.

I liked the story of Maleficent much better than the play it's not unlike, Wicked. Maybe because Sleeping Beauty isn't as dear to me as The Wizard of Oz movie. I'm a purist when it comes to the 1939 MGM classic.

Was in bed and asleep by 11:00. It was a good day.

Yeah, I'm going to hell

My Cousin Rose will be in Chicago for a weekend in August, and I twisted myself into a pretzel in my explanation as to why she can't stay with me.

"My bathroom is being redecorated, and I only have the one …" Not exactly untrue, just not true. My bathroom won't be done by then, but it will certainly be useable.

"The hole in my living room wall has to be repaired, and that could put my ac out of commission." OK, that's a lie. I mean, it could have an impact on my ac, but that's not likely. And besides, I'm not even having that done in August.

I love my cousin and honor how much she has always loved me. I can't think of a time that I've really needed her that she hasn't been there for me ... and I'm talking about the whole of my life.

But damn, she gets on my last nerve. When I visited her last fall, celebrating my birthday, I couldn't wait to get away. Everything I did or said was wrong or stupid. She wasn't always this argumentative, just since her shattering divorce about 15 years ago.

She's going to stay the weekend with a cousin on her dad's side (we're related on her mom's) and I'll see her either Saturday or Sunday.

It's better this way. I just wish it wasn't.

July Journaling Challenge

Day 6 -- Draw/paint something

No. I don't wanna.

Instead I'm giving you this picture of Joey and Connie. I love it because of the disparity in their sizes ... something they both seem completely unaware of.

Connie is going to her first vet appointment this Saturday. In the past, the doctor has told me that even though they're both fixed, they're undoubtedly still aware of their gender difference. Now I want to know if I'm right and they have no idea that Connie is petite and Joey is ... not.

BTW, the bleach bottle is there beside the refrigerator to stop her from sliding back behind there. It was a favorite hiding place when she was a new arrival. By end of summer, I think the compulsion to hide from me and the boys will only be a vague memory in her tiny brain. She's really integrated herself into our lives very comfortably.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Patriotic Meme

1. Are you "proud to be an American?" Very. Especially after reading excerpts of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's opposing opinion in the "Hobby Lobby" decision. I love it that we can voice our dissent so freely.

2. Favorite Founding Father? Thomas Jefferson. "Religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship …" As a Christian and an American, I'm a big fan of the separation of Church and State, and it's clear Jefferson was, too. A man of amazing intellect and a wonderful writer, too.

3. Favorite president? Oh, I know I should say Lincoln because well, he's completely wonderful and I do love Illinois' favorite son. But it has to be JFK. He maintains such a hold on my heart and my imagination. This past week, when we observed the 50th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation he introduced, he's been on my mind a lot. His short life (he was 46 when he died and it sobers me to remember that I've now outlived him) has taught me so much.

I believe President Kennedy agreed with me about Jefferson, too. I recall his toast the evening he hosted every living Nobel Prize winner: "This is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, ever at the White House -- with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

4. Biggest "Patriotic Moment?" Every time I vote. I know that sounds corny, but it's true. It always feels very "big" to me.

5. Favorite patriotic song? "America, The Beautiful." Especially when we sign all the verses in church. There's one about the heroes who "more than self their country loved and mercy more than life." Gulp! That gets me every time.

6. Favorite American cuisine? Burgers

7. Happiest political moment of your life? Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Soldier Field. Standing with thousands of my fellow Chicagoans in Soldier Field watching our senator give his acceptance speech as the nation's first African American President. The crowd was so diverse, so peaceful, so proud. I remember Sen. McCain's succession speech was uncommonly gracious, too. A very important, very healing night. I wish everyone could have been there.

8. Best fireworks display you've ever seen? At Navy Pier, behind the ferris wheel, over Lake Michigan. Navy Pier is so crowded and touristy that sometimes I forget how splendid it can be.

9. America's gift to the world? Coca Cola. And I'm only being a little flippant. I do dearly love the stuff.

10. Favorite Bill of Rights right? I'm a big fan of the First Amendment. And again, even though I thought the Hobby Lobby ruling was dangerous, I think it completely rocks that the ladies of the court not only dissented but that Justice Ginsburg's opinion was published almost immediately. Dissent is a good, healthy thing in this country.

11. Favorite American Holiday? Thanksgiving, I suppose, because it's such a warm time with friends.

12. Favorite D.C. monument? The Lincoln Memorial. A breathtaking tribute to our greatest President.

13. Your dream for America's future? That we remember that we're supposed to love mercy and tolerance. So many of my fellow citizens are so quick to judge anyone who doesn't think exactly as they do, who doesn't worship exactly as they do, who doesn't love exactly as they do. It's OK, folks! Diversity is what makes us great!

Greetings from Padua!

I am watching The Taming of the Shrew on TCM and I'm having a wonderful time.

Here we have Richard Burton as Petrucchio, delivering the Bard's lines in that voice. Here we have Elizabeth Taylor, more athletic than I can ever recall her (except maybe for National Velvet) and charmingly game, performing alongside stage-trained Shakespearean actors and holding her own. And Mr. and Mrs. Burton generate real heat in their scenes together. Their passion is palpable, even after nearly 50 years.

I'm always surprised by what a fan I've become in middle age. For when I was a girl, "Liz and Dick" were everywhere and I thought they were ... well ... silly. Smoking, drinking and brawling, showing off their huge baubles and tiny dogs.

What was lost on me back then was how really good these two could be when they were doing their jobs. It's obvious now when I watch them at their best, separately and together, that they both enjoyed acting and took it seriously. I'm glad they're captured forever as Kate and Petrucchio, as George and Martha. I prefer their screen performances to their movie magazine incarnation.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

1) This week's song was performed by James Cagney in the famous movie of the same name. Do you plan on going to the movies this holiday weekend? Maybe tomorrow

2) Though known for his larger-than-life screen presence, Cagney was only 5'5". How tall are you? 5'2

3) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits this holiday weekend? It's entirely possible. That reminds me that I need to pick up orange juice today.

4) American history was one of Crazy Sam's best subjects in school. In which class did you earn your best grades? History/English were best (math/science were worst)

5) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? Yes, indeed! It was last Memorial Day I had two "suspicious" moles removed. Thankfully they were benign. For more about skin cancer, click here.

6) Mosquito bites can be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?I haven't had a single bite yet this year. (Knock wood.)

7) Emergency rooms report an increase in wrist injuries in summer, with people falling off bikes and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching hard-hit softballs. Have you ever had a sports-related injury? Nope.

8) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? Perhaps tomorrow. After all, there is a package of Ballpark Franks in the refrigerator.

9) Atlanta hosts a 10K Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July. Are you a runner? Ha! No. It's something I'd like to try because it looks easy and fun. But right now? I can't even imagine it.

Day 5 -- Favorite Quote

“And then the dreams break into a million tiny pieces. The dream dies. Which leaves you with a choice: you can settle for reality, or you can go off, like a fool, and dream another dream.” 

Nora Ephron from Heartburn

July Journaling Challenge

Day 4 -- Special Memory

Because it's 4th of July, I'm thinking of a patriotic memory. When I was a little girl, we took the train from Chicago to Washington DC. (My mom was pregnant and in those days, pregnant women didn't fly.) We saw all the memorials and toured the Capital, but my memory of those are very vague.

What I remember vividly was touring the Jennie Wade Home. Jennie was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. She was a young single woman, still living with her parents and engaged to a Union soldier. She was baking bread when a minie ball pierced the thick door. Her boyfriend died a few days later in another part of the war, never knowing that Jennie was already dead.

Touring the house, which is rumored to be haunted by Jennie, had a tremendous impact on a 7 year old Gal. Romance! Tragedy! Ghosts! A gift shop! It also taught me how I best learn history: make it personal. RFK's abandoned tortoise shell reading glasses, the too-short bed where Lincoln died, the ceramic donkeys Truman brought to his vacation home in Key West ... the things that touch my heart bring American history to life. And it started with Jennie.

Gee, thanks, Dan!

Went to the health club today for my usual afternoon workout and to schedule my next training session. I've had a hard time reaching Alex, my new trainer, but I wanted to be sure I got on his calendar.

I sought out Dan. He's in charge of the trainers and the personal training program, and we have talked in the past. Dan's the first one I spoke to after I found myself disappointed with Alex, and Dan helped me get through to Alex and improve our relationship.

Today Dan was very chatty and charming as his fingers danced across the keys and he accessed Alex's schedule. He booked me two weeks out because he reminded that consistency is important to results. I told him I was grateful for the attention he was giving me, and said I didn't want to fall back into bad habits.

"If we don't ride you, you'll end up just strolling on the treadmill, not pushing yourself and watching General Hospital," he said with a smile. "I know because I grew up with someone like you. You remind me of my mom."

OW!

Dan looks to be about 30. So I could easily be his mother. I don't doubt the reasonableness of what he said. I just didn't like hearing it.