Unconscious Mutterings #15

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Inaugural :: Balls
   
2. Pledge :: Furniture polish
   
3. String :: Cheese
   
4. Trot :: Canter
   
5. Fitness :: Health club
   
6. Cinder :: Block
   
7. Edge :: Shaving gel
   
8. 31 :: Flavors
   
9. Blue :: Sky
   
10. Leather :: Bag

For more information, or to "free associate" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

"My Hometown" Meme

Sparky Duck touched his beak to my shoulder and now I'm it.

Of course there are rules: answer the questions, tag 5 people and then go off on your travels to their hometowns. The hardest part is that you can only give one answer for each of the questions. No ties, which sucks.

While I firmly believe Chicago is the greatest city in the world (because it is), I will follow the rules to the letter and answer regarding the town where I reside: Oak Park, IL. As you will see, it's nice, too.

Best place to eat. This one is only difficult because I'm a regular at so many local restaurants. Right now my favorite is Winberie's. It fulfills all my requirements for a favorite dining spot -- varied menu, attractive decor (I like exposed brick), good service and a full bar. Best of all, I've never felt out of place there while wearing jeans.

Best shopping mall. Oh, good! Open that can of worms, why don't you? Technically speaking, Oak Park no longer has a "mall" because Marion Street, which had been closed to traffic for decades, is being turned back into a street right now. Literally and loudly as we speak, with jackhammers and cement mixers and other heavy-duty equipment I wouldn't presume to identify. As most things are in Oak Park, it was controversial and many citizens (including me) think it's a bad idea. But never mind. Even though it's no longer a mall, DTOP (Downtown Oak Park) still has many of my favorite stores, a health club and our movie theater.

Famous landmark. "For the worship of God and the service of man." That's what's carved over the entrance to my church, Unity Temple, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright over 100 years and shown above. I love this building. Of all the FLWs in Oak Park, my church is the only one designed as a public building.

Best tourism attraction. Hemingway Birthplace and Museum. Old Ernie was born in Oak Park and spent his first 20 years here. The museum is interesting and the home where he was born has been lovingly restored. (I was tempted to mention the Wright Home and Studio, but I gave Frank his props above.)

Best place for kids. Wonderworks Children's Museum. I've never been there myself, but the North Avenue Art Works Exhibit has gotten high marks from wee ones who have.

Popular outdoor activity. Skateboarding past the signs that say "NO SKATEBOARDING." (Oak Parkers are a free-thinking, lawless lot.)

Breathtaking view. Take in the view of Scoville Park from the new public library. On an autumn day like this, when the leaves have color, it really is breathtaking.

Only found in Oak Park. The Lake Theater. It's been open continuously since the 1930s, which adds to the romance of going to the movies today. Renovations and restorations went on throughout the 80s and 90s and now it's considered "a model of art deco style." Lately it's been home to all the summer blockbusters, today I'm going there to see Michael Clayton, and I just love that it gives today's audiences an "old-time movie palace" experience in a new century.

Now who shall I tag?

No Nonsense Girl
Mo
Jenny McB
Kwizgiver
Boho Rap

So hello, Gorgeous!

As this week draws to a close, I'd like to thank the good people of Entertainment Weekly for their current issue. Every time I saw the fabulous Patrick Dempsey cover, I was happy. Every time I saw the old-fashioned Hollywood McDreamy-noir photos within, I was sure life is indeed worth living.

I cannot imagine how EW can top this. You're right -- they can't.

Friday's Feast #20

Appetizer. Name a great website you would recommend to others. Just Give.com. You can buy your friends and family charity "gift certificates" that can be redeemed at any of the million charities participating (anything from legal aid to literacy groups to animal shelters). This way, the person who receives your gift certificate can choose the cause closest to their heart.

Soup. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night? 3. I don't often remember my dreams.

Salad. Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name? When I still lived with my parents I had one of the world's great cats, Tommy. Big, affectionate, always happy -- he was my best friend and some of my happiest childhood memories include him.

Main Course. If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise? Shout Color Catchers. Throw them in the wash and they capture the loose dye in the water, enabling me to wash darks and lights together. I truly love Shout Color Catchers. They have shortened my time in the laundry room and saved some of my clothes.

Dessert. What is your favorite kind of hard candy? The little cinamoon disks that my florist has in a bowl next to the cash register.

For more information, or to serve up your own feast, visit fridaysfeast.com

"Scared and thinking that maybe we ain't that young anymore"

I had dinner with my friend John in our favorite pub. The one we've been going to for more than 25 years. It was a typical evening for us. We laughed as we compared notes on Britney, discussed our jobs, gossiped about our friend, Linda … the usual.

Then, as we were leaving, he told me that his doctor has twice suggested he get a implantable defibrillator. November 18 is the first anniversary of John's hospitalization, and his heart just isn't getting as strong as they hoped. He's healthy enough, certainly stronger than he was before they aspirated all the fluid around his heart, but he will never be strong. And the defibrillator will help ensure he won't "just drop dead." Huh? What? I didn't think it was still that serious. I asked him why he was stalling. He explained that:

1) Sudden death might be preferably to the alternative -- which is slow, painful death
2) There are rules that go with the defibrillator (can't stand by the microwave when it's on and has to have the wand, not the metal detector, at the airport, etc.)
3) It will show and he's afraid he'll feel like a freak or a grandpa.

I told him I'll give him until after the first of the year before I start nagging him, but he's got to get this done. I offered to go with him and take care of him afterward if he needs me. But he's got to get this done.

I'm reeling. We're standing in front of our familiar old bar, and we're talking about how he wants to die! It's not right. It's surreal. I don't accept it. This is not a reality I want. Not John. I'm not done with John. I would miss him so.

Thursday Thirteen #38 -- Regarding Miss Hepburn

THIRTEEN THOUGHTS ON

One of The Gal Herself's Favorite People Ever …

KATHARINE HEPBURN

I just adore her. She’s been gone for more than four years now, but her work remains as vibrant and timeless as ever. So today I celebrate her life, spirit and career with 13 thoughts about The Great Kate.

1. She has more Best Actress Oscar nominations (12) than anyone else. (Meryl Streep has 14 overall nominations, but three of hers were for Best Supporting Actress.)

2. She also holds the record for most Best Actress Oscars with 4. (If you haven’t seen Morning Glory, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter and On Golden Pond, get thee to Netflix right now.) In a way, she received a 5th Oscar, because Cate Blanchette won an Academy Award for portraying Hepburn in The Aviator.

3. Despite all her acclaim, she was fired once – from Travels with My Aunt in 1972. Legend has it she demanded too many script changes. I have fired people and trust me, they don’t take it well. I cannot imagine the guts it would take to face The Great Kate and tell her she was being replaced by Maggie Smith. I’d probably have chickened out and done it over the phone. From an undisclosed remote location.

4. Her career spanned more than 50 years, so naturally she made some flops. So many that, in the late 1930s, an influential theater owners group named her “Box Office Poison.” With characteristic determination, she set out to rebuild her career, heading to Broadway to star in The Philadelphia Story.

5. Among those flops are two of my all-time favorite Hepburn movies, Holiday and Bringing Up Baby.

6. She lived by her own code of personal conduct – which demanded dignity and integrity but did not preclude passionate love affairs with fascinating men. Howard Hughes and Leland Hayward both gave her expensive jewelry. She didn’t wear it often in public, but she did keep it. After her death, her diamond, emerald and ruby pieces were among the personal effects auctioned by Sotheby’s.

7. Her great love was Spencer Tracy. Their romance lasted more than 25 years, and their professional partnership included 9 films. She was with him when she died, but didn’t attend his funeral. He never divorced his wife, Louise, and Hepburn respected that Louise was his widow.

8. A good tennis player and golfer, she was proud to do her own sports in the Tracy-Hepburn classic, Pat and Mike.

9. She based her wonderful performance as Rose Sawyer in The African Queen on Eleanor Roosevelt.

10. Her Bryn Mawr accent and cadence so impressed young Anthony Hopkins (he played her son in The Lion in Winter back in 1968) that it was his inspiration for Hannibal Lector’s speech pattern in Silence of the Lambs.

11. I’m in heaven when I watch the early version of Little Women. It’s my favorite actress portraying Jo March, one of my all-time favorite heroines.

12. She never shied away from controversial material. Though it seems dated and corny today, the subject of interracial marriage addressed in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? raised eyebrows in the 1960s. Suddenly, Last Summer, with its heady mix of homosexuality, insanity, incest and cannibalism, was downright shocking in the 1950s. Without the prestige Hepburn brought to that project, the film may not have been made.

13. In closing, here she is, in her own words:

“Life is supposed to be hard. After all, it kills you.”

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

“To keep your character, do not stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.”

“I don’t care what’s said about me so long as it isn’t true.”

And my favorite …
“Love has nothing to do with what you expect to get – only what you expect to give – which is everything.”

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Works for Mom shares 13 comical quotes (I'm stealing #9 for myself)

2. Chelle Y. lists 13 unforgettable children's songs

3. Country Dawn warns us AGAINST visiting a Haunted House

4. Sandee takes a closer look at Murphy's Lesser Known Laws

5. Ellen b. uncovers 13 very funny town names

6. Malcolm gives us some deliciously quotable "Grease" trivia

7. Nicholas has another one of his inimitable book lists.


8. Susan Helene Gottfried has a TT "ripped from today's headlines"

9. Irene's imaginative TT combines the green with the Greek

10. Jenn has 13 FAMILY-FRIENDLY Halloween jokes

11. Janet gives funny and ever-so useful Halloween wisdom

12. Wylie has a great list of rewatchable movies

13. Yen takes on a subject she's an expert on

14. Buck Naked Politics fantasizes about the best publicly funded shopping spree of all time!

15. Lori offers up unbeatable ways to beat stress

16. Greatfullivin takes us traveling

17. Jenny McB takes us through her busy day (wear your track shoes if you want to keep up)


18. Yellow Rose has a movie TT, and you know how this Gal loves those!

19. Joyismygoal takes us for a hike

20. Bermudabluez makes some vacation recommendations

21. Carrie Lofty's TT is a tribute to special 5-year-old on her birthday

22. I'm in heaven! Patti gives us another movie TT to check out!

23. Maribeth gives us the derivation of some enduring superstitions

24. Ann Anguirre has a thought provoking TT

25. Xakara shares insights about a topic she's an expert on

26. Adelle has a very porcine TT

27. Claudia posted some funny, some truly NOT funny photos of unwise plastic surgery

28. Harlekwin (who created my fabulous banner) gives us 13 ways to tell if it will be a good day

29. JLynne answers any questions you may have about Halloween superstitions






Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



He's my person

Remember last year on Grey's Anatomy? Christina didn't want Burke to tell anyone about their engagement until she had a chance to speak to Meredith first, one on one. Burke thought it was because Christina needed Meredith's approval. No, Christina insisted, it's just that Meredith is her "person." As I recall, Christina said something like, "Telling her makes it real. She's my person."

My best friend showed up unexpectedly last night. He's only in Chicago for the day for a meeting. But even though he was tired (clearly very tired) from a busy family vacation last week and a bumpy flight in from Denver, he sat up with me drinking and talking and yawning until nearly 1:00 AM. He's also going to try to get in some time next month.

This is important because he's my person. Telling him everything that's important to me -- the hurtful and confusing issue with my niece, the professional opportunity I'm considering, even my lingering ambivalence about Hillary Clinton -- makes them real and less daunting. I know he gets something out of reporting the major and minute of his life to me, too. You should have seen his face as he described how tiny the white part of his youngest daughter's French manicure was and how much she enjoyed her "day of beauty" before her first stint as flower girl.

So now the only question is, which of us is Meredith and which is Christina? Yeah, I know, it's obvious. He's more sensitive, whinier and marginally better adjusted. I'm outwardly tougher and far less socially adept. Clearly he's Meredith and I'm Christina.

Duh! Why did this never occur to me?

From the October issue of Allure: "Recycle body wash bottles, or use bar soap. 'If every household did so, we'd keep up to 2.5 million pounds of plastic out of landfills,' says Elizabeth Rogers, coauthor of The Green Book." It's so obvious! And after I empty and recycle the bottle of body wash currently in my shower, it's back to old-fashioned bar soap for this old Gal.

Handsome is as handsome does

This is Jennifer Levin. She was found strangled to death in Central Park back in the summer of 1986. She was only 18, ready to begin college in the fall. She was loved by her parents and a group of girlfriends who were traumatized by her death. Her confessed murderer claimed he killed her in "self defense" because she attempted to "rape" him during "rough sex." Her reputation was dragged through the mud as the sensational Preppy Murder gained more and more media attention, including a made-for-TV movie where Ms. Levin was portrayed by Lara Flynn Boyle.

Her killer, whose name and photo I choose not to include here, captured the public's imagination at first because he didn't "look like a killer." He was the precursor to Scott Petersen, a handsome, All-American Boy accused of the unthinkable. He plead guilty to manslaughter and served his entire 15 year sentence, refused parole because he assaulted a corrections officer and dabbled in weapons and drugs while behind bars.

Released in 2003, Ms. Levin's convicted killer continued down that same lawless path. In 2005 he was back in prison for heroin and cocaine possession. Today, at age 41, he is featured prominently in the New York Post for felony sale of narcotics to undercover officers. I am pleased to report that he looks rather dissipated these days.

I am sure that the "wanton sex maniac party girl," as Jennifer Levin was so unfairly portrayed during her killer's trial, would have done so much more with the past two decades. Life just isn't fair. Neither is death.

Heads & Tails #7

Today, the theme of Heads or Tails is "Train." I shall take this opportunity to applaud Thomas the Tank Engine for all the hours of joy he has brought my nephew.

My niece, his older sister, was passionate about American Girl dolls for a time. I wondered what toy would similarly capture his imagination. It was the pride of Island of Sodor, loyal friend to Gordon and Henry, nemesis of the evil Diesel 10, staple of Sir Topham Hat's Engine Depot … Thomas. It's been a constant source of amusement to me -- one the of the world's great Beatle fans -- that my young nephew knows Ringo first and foremost as The Conductor.

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit the Heads or Tails Mememistress.

The 4 Q&A Meme

Look what I liberated from Kellan.

NAME FOUR …

Jobs you've had:
1- Secretary at Sears HQ in the Sears Tower, on the 6th floor
2- Receptionist in a real estate office
3- Copywriter
4- Creative director

Movies I could watch over and over:
1- The Way We Were
2- Sound of Music
3- Little Miss Sunshine
4- Laura

TV shows I watch:
1- Grey's Anatomy
2- L&O Special Victims Unit
3- American Idol
4- Snapped!

Places I've lived:
1- Brookfield, IL
2- Oak Park, IL
(Sorry this is so boring)

Favorite foods:
1- Burgers
2- Eggs Benedict
3- Salmon
4- Pizza
(No wonder I've become Fatty McFat)

Favorite colors:
1- Green
2- Purple
3- Yellow
4- Blue

Places I'd love to be right now:
1- Chateau Elan Spa in Atlanta (getting a massage)
2- Anna George Salon in Chicago (getting a massage)
3- The Arlington Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs (getting a massage)
4- Soaking in a big tub of moisturizing bubbles
(That unreachable itchy spot in the middle of my back is clearly making me crazy!)

Names I love but could/would not use for my children:
1- Grace
2- Lisa
3- Michael
4- Robert

Gotta build an addition to the "Dig Me" room

Look what I got from Lori! You know, back when I first started this blog, it never occurred to me that anyone would read it at all, much less come back to it.

No wonder I live for Dancing with the Stars

I have been watching MSNBC off and on this afternoon/early evening and it's left me quite depressed. None of what I've learned today is really new, but it is all stuff I've chosen to forget about and today it was presented to me, point after point after point:

• There are conspiracy theorists out there, looking normal and moving among us, who actually believe that the US Government knowingly allowed 9/11 to happen so Bush, Cheyney and the neo-cons could get their way and invade/occupy Afghanistan and Iraq. How sad! I have made no secret of my on-going disdain for and disappointment with my President, but I have never once believed him to be evil.

• There are other Americans out there -- and make no doubt about it: they voted in 2004 and will in 2008, too -- who still believe that Saddam Hussein was actively involved in the planning and execution of 9/11. It's been disproved time and again, but still, the hardcore insist on believing.

• Vice President Cheyney is spouting rhetoric about Iran that sounds like a lead up to war. Another, concurrent conflict. From the people who brought you Iraq and Afghanistan.

I hate all this. It depresses me to my bone marrow and leaves me soooo weary. The only thing that will soothe me is watching mind-numbingly inconsequential TV, and to hear Bruno say something fabulously ridiculous like, "You are a seismic event! Like an earthquake! Complete with aftershocks!"

Congratulations, Red Sox Nation!

If it can't be the Cubs, I'm glad it's the Red Sox in the World Series. One of the oldest, most storied teams in the history of game now has the opportunity to school one of the youngest. And look at all the Red Sox had to overcome to get here! I'm lovin' the drama. I predict that the long time off has interrupted the Rockies' momentum/destiny status and it will be Boston in 5. (Of course, I believed the Cubs would be in the Series, so feel free to ignore me.)

Unconscious Mutterings #14

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Las Vegas :: Viva, Las Vegas!
2. Linus :: His blanket
3. Struck :: Moonstruck
4. Movie :: Star
5. Anxious :: Eager
6. Bandit :: Armed
7. Picks :: Quick Picks (lotto tickets)
8. Lasso :: Rodeo
9. Dinner :: Date
10. Bargain :: Dollar store

For more information, or to mutter yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

If the devil on my shoulder spoke out loud

… it would sound like Kathy Griffin.

My oldest friend and I went to see my sister Oak Parker Kathy Griffin last night at the Chicago Theater. She was raunchy, vulgar and so, so funny as she took on Dr. Phil, Larry Craig, Paris, Britney, Paula Abdul, Fox News, etc., etc. She says a lot of things about hypocrisy and personal choice that need to be said, but she's also a complete riot as she does it. I thank her for a terrific Saturday night out, and recommend everyone go see her, if only to hear the hilarious story behind this photo. (Borrowed from kathygriffin.net)

Behold My "Dig Me!" Post

My favorite baseball player, future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, was recently asked where he kept his record-breaking 14 Golden Glove Awards. His response, "At home in my 'dig me' room."

Yesterday I was surprised and happy to find this blog has received two more awards, both from Alison,* who warmly and generously shares her experiences as kindergarten teacher, wife and mother to "two angels" with her readers. And so I'm pleased to display them here, in my "dig me" post. Naturally I'm happy to be referred to as a "sweet treat." But I'm proud of my Community Blogger Award. "This award celebrates people who reach out and make the blogger community a better one."

*P.S. Alison, Blogger won't let me open the "comments" link on you blog so I have to thank you here. But please know that these made me very happy this morning. THANK YOU!

Saturday Special #8

~Words Ending in OWL ~ I Say You Answer~

1. Screeching Owl..."from the trees up above"

2. Night To Howl..."Halloween"

3. Evening Prowl..."the bars"

4. Nasty Scowl..."icky Debbie from work"

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit The Saturday Special.

Look what I got!

Kwizgiver has honored me with the tastiest award ever!

Update on Nailah Franklin

This post is dedicated to the 28 year old woman who disappeared on September 18. For nine days, Ms. Franklin's friends and family were mobilized: searching for her, recruiting others to search for her, praying for her, keeping her name and photo in front of the news media. It was impressive and quite moving. Clearly Nailah Franklin was much loved. Sadly, her dead body was discovered on September 28.

There doesn't appear to be any progress in the search for her killer. At least nothing has appeared in the press recently. A former boyfriend of Ms. Franklin's was taken into custody on an unrelated matter. Since she recently reported that an old boyfriend had been threatening her, this seemed like a promising lead, but to date no one has been charged in her murder.

On a positive note, there's a Nailah O. Franklin Memorial Fund at Chicago Community Trust Bank. The fund will provide grants to community organizations working to prevent violence and guide young people's educational and social development.

About this woman who I never met, but whose story has touched me:

• One of five daughters
• Graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School and University of Illinois
• Spent 5 years at the prestigious ad agency, Leo Burnett
• Joined Eli Lily as a sales rep in 2006
• Volunteered for charities including the Chicago Urban League
• At her funeral, which was attended by hundreds, she was remembered as "not just a star, but a superstar"

Friday's Feast #19

Appetizer If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why? A mutt. I believe they're the most charming dogs and besides, no living thing should be judged by its breed, bloodline, nationality, etc.

Soup What does the color purple make you think of? The book, movie and play by that name.

Salad Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning? As little as 45 minutes or as long as 2 hours, depending on how motivated I am. (Today I was not motivated.)

Main Course How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them? Six. And no, I'm not to close to any of them.

Dessert Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter) TGH = Tickles Giggles & Hilarity

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit fridaysfeast.com.

Thursday Thirteen #38 -- Favorite Love Songs

THIRTEEN LOVE (OR LACK OF LOVE)
SONGS THAT ALWAYS GET TO ME

Maybe it’s because Sweetest Day is almost upon us, but this Gal is really feeling romantic and sentimental and mellow today. So here are 13 love songs that stop me in tracks and make me sigh every time I hear them. My mind is on “shuffle,” so these songs are in the order they occurred to me. I could easily come up with 13 more, but then I’d just melt into a romantic old puddle.

1. “Thunder Road,” Bruce Springsteen. Show a little faith, there’s magic in the night.

2. “Sunday Morning,” Maroon 5. Back and forth we sway like branches in a storm. Change the weather, still together when it ends.

3. “I Will,” The Beatles. Who knows how long I’ve loved you? I know I love you still. Will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you want me to, I will.

4. “The Right Thing to Do,” Carly Simon. Hold me in your hands like a bunch of flowers. Set me moving to your sweetest song, and I’ll know what I think I’ve known all along: Loving you’s the right thing to do.

5. “Bubbly,” Colbie Caillat. It starts in my soul and I lose all control. When you kiss my nose, the feeling shows.

6. “Change the World,” Eric Clapton. You would be the sunlight in my universe. You would think my love was really something good, Baby, if I could change the world.

7. “You Don’t Know Me,” Ray Charles, Elvis, and dozens of others. To you I’m just a friend, that’s all I’ve ever been. No, you don’t know me.

8. “This Old Heart of Mine,” The Isley Brothers. But if you leave me 100 times, 100 times I’ll take you back. I’m yours, whenever you want me. Not to proud to shout it, tell the world about it: I love you …

9. “Dream a Little Dream,” Mamas & the Papas, Louis Armstrong, etc. Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you. Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you. But in your dreams, whatever they, dream a little dream of me.

10. “I Love You,” Martina McBride. So totally wrapped up, emotionally attracted, physically acting, so recklessly I need you, so desperately sure as the sky is blue … baby, I love you.

11. “If Only You Knew,” Patti LaBelle. I dream of moments we share, but you’re not there. I’m living in a fantasy. You don’t suspect, could probably care less, about the changes I’ve been going through. But if only you knew, how much I do, do love you …

12. “Someone to Watch Over Me,” Streisand, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald. There’s a somebody I’m longing to see. I hope that he turns out to be someone to watch over me.

13. “Foolish Heart,” Steve Perry. Foolish heart, hear me calling. Stop before you start falling. Foolish heart, heed my warning. You’ve been wrong before, don’t be wrong anymore.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Chelle, who has somehow managed to miss ALL 13 of these songs!, has a TT devoted to songs her piano students are practicing

2. Tink displays 13 unexpectedly beautiful photos (you'll have to go see what they are for yourself)

3. See WorksforMom for trivia tidbits I guarantee you will repeat in conversation to amaze your friends.

4. Bloggers lists 13 scary movies you can watch online, for free!

5. Malcolm gives props to 13 stand up comics

6. yh reminisces about 13 terrific stage productions

7. ellen b proudly shows off her favorite state

8. Nicholas says 13 things he'll never say (it makes sense; really, check it out)

9. Sandee touches us with 13 bits of wisdom

10. Country Dawn gives all us gals excuses for not shaving our legs

11. Ornery's Wife lists tedious traffic-related tribe of travesties. Whew!

12. Yen offers up a random Q&A, a good idea for a future TT

13. Jenn helps Northerners like me understand the South

14. Jenny McB likes perhaps the world's cutest kittens, and 12 other things

15. Visit Susan Helene's TT to see the impact of cold and flu season on Shapeshifter

16. Nicole Austin takes us along on her trip to San Fran, but only if you stand lots of blue skies, clear beaches and fun

17. Lori features a very funny banner and an upbeat TT about fall

18. Harlekwin (she who produced my lovely banner) has tips for online dating

19. No Nonsense Girl went on a shopping spree last week and shares the highlights

20. Damozel has a juicy list filled with political gossip

21. L-squared promotes her new business venture, which is highlighted by PUPPIES!

22. Gabriella Hewitt goes where no TTer has gone before to list her 13 favorite sci-fi shows

23. Natalie tempts us with her 13 favorite desserts

24. See how Kate Davies (aka The Birthday Girl) celebrated her Big Day

25. Xakara has a spooky and challenging TT

26. Christy! I apologize but I can't get to your TT! Forgive me.

27. QuietMom has a peaceful audio TT

28. Michelle has 13 terrific reasons for why she needs to go on that job interview. (Go, Michelle, go!)

29. Sue recommends we spend our time with these 13 hand-picked bloggers

30. Mercy's Maid's TT is a challenging musical quiz

31. Joy Is My Goal finds happiness in the rain

32. Erin takes us back to 1981, a special year because it's when she arrived!

33. That outdoorsy Vixen takes us camping

34. Mark thrills us with dastardly, deadly traps!

35. Race downhill with Nap Warden


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Palace Intrigue

It's weird here at work today. Two of our big bosses were "let go" (fired, canned, booted) yesterday. I've been in this business long enough to believe they both had it coming, or at least had both been given ample warning that this was on the horizon. These two men at the top just couldn't get along, couldn't agree, couldn't cooperate, and it compromised the work we delivered to our client. When you consider that, if allowed to continue, their egocentric "dick wars" could have actually jeopardized our relationship with the client, thereby risking the jobs of at least 50 people who worked for them (including me), I say "screw 'em."

It's on days like this, though, that I'm glad I'm old. So many of the young pups are walking around either shell-shocked or frightened and the rumor mill is working overtime. I wouldn't trade places with them. Today I'm grateful I'm a seasoned vet who has seen it all, and knows to have 8 months* living expenses in the bank at all times, just in case.

*OK, I confess -- my savings are stalled at 7 1/2 months living expenses and somehow I can't just get over that hump. It's like the last 5 lbs. you can never lose, except completely opposite. Hey, cut me some slack! My nose and throat may have recovered from my bout with the flu, but my brain remains a little fuzzy.

Heads & Tails #6

The theme for this week's Heads & Tails is "Ten Things."
I've listed 10 characters who star in their own book series,
and who I feel I've come to know.

1) Nero Wolfe, an obese, orchid-loving genius detective, by Rex Stout

2) V. I. Warshawsky, a detective and a Cub fan, by Sara Paretsky

3) Spenser, a smart-ass Boston detective, by Robert B. Parker

4) The Southern Sisters, two genteel crime-solving retirees from Birmingham, by Anne George

5) Amanda Pepper, Philadelphia prep school teacher who can't keep away from crime, by Gillian Roberts

6) Kay Scarpetta, great cook and great medical examiner, by Patricia Cornwell

7) Jim Qwilleran (and Koko and Yum Yum), the most popular columnist and sleuth in Moose County, by Lilian Jackson Braun

8) Kinsey Milhone, the Santa Theresa detective who is working her way through the alphabet, by Sue Grafton

9) Britt Montero, a savvy Miami crime reporter, by Edna Buchanan

10) Becky Bloomwood, the Shopaholic herself, by Sophie Kinsella

For more information, or to play Heads & Tails yourself, stop by Skittles' Place.

This is soooo NOT FAIR!

It's Monday and guess what. I'M FEELING BETTER! Perhaps not as strong as Rosie the Riveter here, nor as motivated and alert as I should be, but better than I was all weekend, or last week, for that matter.

I wasted an entire weekend curled up on my sofa, drinking orange juice and passively staring off into the middle distance. And now that it's Monday, here I am at my desk. Isn't there some cosmic loophole which bequeaths me an extra vacation day to make up for my lost, lamented weekend?

Unconscious Mutterings #13

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Illicit :: Naughty
   
2. Go :: Go, Dog, Go! (Dr. Seuss)
   
3. Jacket :: Hood
   
4. Blow :: Cocaine
   
5. Coach :: Mike Ditka
   
6. Effort :: "A" for Effort
   
7. Leadership :: Inspiring
   
8. Snore :: Sleep
   
9. Fearless :: Superhero
   
10. Network :: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"
    

For more information, or to "mutter" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

Is it a cold or is it the flu?

I've taken the Cold and Flu Symptom Quiz on WebMD, and guess what. I can't figure this thing out.

Do you have a fever? No. "Generally a high fever points to flu." Okay then. I'm just a big baby with a bad cold.

A stuffy nose? Yes. "Classic cold," it says. Though congestion "can occur" with flu.

A sore throat? I did at first, but now I don't. A sore throat is "a sure sign it's a cold coming on. Sometimes, however, a sore throat can show up with the flu." Well that was helpful, wasn't it?

Chest discomfort or cough? Yes. "A cough can appear with either colds or flu but is more common with the flu. And a severe cough usually signals the flu." Uh-oh. Sounds like I've got the flu …

Are you exhausted or weak? Yes. I considered curling up on the floor and taking a quick nap while waiting in line at Walgreen's. "Slight fatigue can occur with a cold, but extreme exhaustion is a definite sign of the flu."

Do you have a headache? Yes, on and off. "Generally, headaches are more common with the flu than with a cold." Looks like the flu, ladies and gentlemen.

Are you complaining of an aching body? Well, I wouldn't complain because the cats don't give a shit. But no, I'm not achy. "Body and muscle aches are common flu symptoms." So it's a cold, right?

Or is it? I'm too foggy to decide. Don't they know it's not nice to mess with an old broad with a stuffy head? I think I'll go to Blogthings and find out my vampire name. (It's Jezebell of Macedonia.)

As Fred Astaire sang, "Oh no, they can't take that away from me"

Look what came in today's mail. I may be reduced to watching the Rockies/Dbacks, but I have verifiable proof (what's more credible than an official MLB shirt?) that MY GUYS were the 2007 Central Division Champions. I will save it for my New Year's holiday in sunny Key West. I will proudly proclaim my love for and loyalty to the team that went from worst to first.

No joy here

This post is going to be long and intense. If you're going to comment, please understand how sensitive all of this is. Thanks.

I was raped shortly after my 30th birthday. I was involved in an abusive relationship, and that is what the violence finally escalated to. I remember cataloging my bruises in the shower the next morning and realizing I could no longer be with this man. After years I finally ended it. I was unable to put it behind me, though, because the rape left me with health issues.

I don't think about the rape every day anymore. But it does come up regularly. For example, it was top of mind as I watched The Brave One. It's been part of every relationship I've had since. It's there. It's always there. Like a birthmark or a vaccination scar. It's part of me.

So is my niece. What she's done has confused and hurt me. I'm having a hard time processing it.

This past summer she graduated from 8th grade. The photos are still in my camera. She had a terrific summer with her gang of girlfriends. There's one girl that she's close to, but they have a dramatic, incendiary relationship. We'll call her "Jane."

Jane has had vision problems since birth, and that's a card she often plays to get her own way. One day, when the two of them were alone and arguing, my niece decided she was sick of hearing it. She said something to the effect of, "So what if your eyes bother you? I was raped!"

Jane wanted to know who did the deed. My niece named a boy, known around town because he'd been caught shoplifting and breaking into the school. As the summer went on, Jane kept pressing my niece for details. Rather than admit the lie, she kept embellishing it. She believed it was between her and Jane.

High school starts. My niece is getting straight A's. She seems to be enjoying life as a freshman. We thought she was adjusting well.

Until the call came from the school principal.

Seems that now that they're in high school, Jane's been making lots of new friends. Two of them mentioned how cute that particular boy was. "Stay away from him," Jane warned. "He's a rapist." These two girls, who barely know my niece, went to the principal.

My niece is a 14 year old virgin. She's never had a date. The only boy she's ever been interested in is John Mayer. She's curious about sex certainly, but has no up-close-and-personal experience. She barely knows the boy she named.

She cried and cried in the principal's office when she was confronted, in front of her mother, Jane and Jane's mother about the lie. The school has mandated that she get counseling.

I love my niece. She is very smart, funny as well as clever, and curious about the world around her. She is very gentle and patient with her kid brother (I love him, too, but he can be a handful). She is very sorry that she got caught in the lie, heartsick about the pain it's caused her parents, and unhappy because she's grounded until further notice.

But she doesn't seem to understand the horrible, horrible thing she has done. False rape accusations diminish what happened to all of us who have survived it. She's only 14, so I've never told her what I went through or how it felt, but I'm sorely tempted to. Rape is nothing to aspire to, nothing to joke about, nothing to co-opt. Rape is desperately serious.

Likewise she doesn't seem to understand what she's done to that poor guy. She seems to think that since he has an arrest record, his reputation was already ruined. She doesn't get that what she accused him of is heinous on a whole new level.

She also doesn't seem to realize that her reputation will be forever changed because of this. She's now either the girl who got raped, or she's the girl who lied about rape.

My niece says SHE didn't report him as a rapist, Jane's friends did. She sees herself as a victim in this, embarrassed and betrayed by Jane. (And yet she and Jane remain friends. Go figure.)

I am, quite literally, sick and tired. I don't feel well and I had a busy day at work. I know I should call and talk to my niece but I can't right now. Whatever I say to her will stay with her forever, and I'm too angry.

My niece works in a soup kitchen. She goes to church regularly. She writes well and has a wonderful sense of humor. She's a good student and an avid reader. She's endlessly respectful and helpful to my mother (her grandmother). I am trying to remember all those many good things, all those things that make proud of her.

Because I love her, and can't bear to think of her as a girl who tried to gain the upper hand socially by portraying herself as a victim of violence, as "The Girl Who Cried Rape."

Friday's Feast #19

Appetizer When was the last time you were surprised? Yesterday. My niece, a high school freshman, is in trouble in school. I know every loving adult says this, but I didn't expect this at all!

Soup Fill in the blanks: My eyes are a pretty shade of green, but I wish they were not so very, very near-sighted!

Salad If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be? I'd be a tiger cub, and my name would be McAndrew. When I was a little girl, I slept in a tiger costume. My dad's nickname for me at that time was McAndrew. (I don't remember why he called me that, but I liked it.)

Main Course Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits. I walk and take the stairs whenever I can. I have begun swapping out cans of cola for bottles of water.

Dessert What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not? AIM. It's fine, but I don't have an undying loyalty to it. I chose it because it's formulated with baking soda.

For more information, or to serve up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com.

Thursday Thirteen #37 -- The Most Recent Books I've Read

Thirteen Books

THE GAL HERSELF

Has Read in 2007

(I Enjoyed 12)

As luck would have it, I just finished the 13th book I've read this year. That inspired me to steal this idea from Thomma Lyn, who did the very same TT on October 4. I’m sure she’s honored, since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

1. Where There’s a Will by Rex Stout. This Nero Wolfe mystery is a joy. I loved it as a whodunit and as a period piece, a stylish valentine to long-ago Manhattan. Oh, and there’s that desperate crush I have on narrator Archie Goodwin. What made this even more charming is I got this particular edition at our local book fair for 25¢. It’s an original paperback from 1940. I love the cover, with the hot pink and bright yellow type against the black background and the illustration of a femme fatale.

2. Reclaiming History: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi. Another murder mystery, this one solved once and for all by the passionate former prosecutor. Not at all exploitive, it’s a serious, important work. I must admit I’m not done with it yet. It’s massive – more than 1600 pages. It’s beside my bed and it’s taking months but I’m chipping away at it slowly but surely. Maybe I should rethink when I turn to it, as this isn’t exactly the stuff of sweet dreams, is it?

3. Last Chance Saloon by Marion Keyes. I loved this book. A warm and affectionate story of three long-time friends who move from small-town Ireland to London in search of romance and success. The characters are carefully drawn and believable, and the plot took some unexpected but credible twists. Yes, it’s chick lit. But it’s chick lit of a high order, and at times it really touched me.

4. The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton by Joe Klein. The 1990s feel so long ago. Pre-9/11, the world and the political landscape were completely different than they are today. Klein is careful to place Bill Clinton, his accomplishments and failures, in the proper (and fair) context.

5. Bookends by Jane Green. This novel started strong – introducing us to a group of friends at the beginning of their university careers – but then ran out of gas after they graduated. It’s harmless, but there are so many better books out there I don’t recommend you spend your time on this one.

6. The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown. I observed the Dianaversary by reading this detailed biography. It’s hardly a love letter to the Princess, as it details her infidelities and petty publicity ploys. But as I was finishing it, I still felt great compassion for her. I don’t know if it’s because of Brown’s writing or Diana’s spirit, but I kept hoping that last night in Paris would end differently for her.

7. Spare Change by Robert B. Parker. A Sunny Randall mystery. I have a love/hate relationship with Parker. What he does well – unusual plotlines, spare dialog, and action – he does very, very well. But his attitude toward women can be soooo exasperating, and it’s never more obvious than when he writes a female heroine.

8. Angels by Marion Keyes. Not as stong as Last Chance Saloon, but still warm, funny and entertaining. A Dublin divorcee runs off to Southern California to heal. It’s filled with amusing, astute observations about LA, as well as about love, sex, friendship and forgiveness.

9. High Profile by Robert B. Parker. A Jesse Stone mystery. Everything I wrote about Spare Change (#7) applies here. It isn’t that I didn’t like it, really. It’s just that I found some aspects positively infuriating. I wonder why I stick so stubbornly with Parker when he so often disappoints me.

10. Short and Tall Tales by Lilian Jackson Braun. A brief, completely adorable history of Moose County written in the voice of Braun’s “Cat Who” narrator, James Mackintosh Qwilleran. I am 110% City Mouse, and would never even consider living “400 miles north of everywhere.” But I certainly enjoy visiting this corny, imaginary rural haven.

11. Camelot at Dawn: Jacqueline and John Kennedy in Georgetown, 1954 by Ann Garside. The Senator and his new bride open their home to a magazine photographer. The b/w photos show one of American history’s most famous couples in a more innocent, more unguarded way than we would ever see them again.

12. Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers by Elizabeth Edwards. This book, written before the recurrence of her breast cancer, had a tremendous impact on me. Not really about politics, it’s Mrs. Edwards explaining how the death of her son taught her to open up and reach out to others. Her reminiscences about those horrible days are shockingly, breathtakingly honest. She got through to me and encouraged me to have the strength to be vulnerable. I’m grateful.

13. I Feel Bad about My Neck by Nora Ephron. Nora is the wise, witty and wonderful older sister I always wanted. She writes essays about aging, treating everything from facial hair to love and money with her own brand of gentle, sophisticated humor. I finished it quickly and Nora left me wanting more.

PS -- Do you like the new banner? I got it from Harlekwin.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Ellen B's TT is both spiritual and visual

2. Chelle Y takes us shopping

3. Works for Mom gives us 13 facts that we'll want to work into conversation to impress our friends

4. Nicholas revisits his book shelf and comes up with 13 (more) books with one-word titles

5. Malcolm bravely shares his musical guilty pleasures

6. Susan Helene Gottfried lets us watch Kerri pack for a road trip

7. L-Squared gets inside the heads of some adorable critters

8. Damozel has examples of bureaucratic waste that will make you laugh, cringe and scream

9. No Nonsense Girl had a roller coaster week and she recounts it for us

10. Writing in Faith finds the beauty in street art

11. Lori shares 13 of her favorite songs

12. Harlekwin (creator of my new banner) vents about her 13 pet peeves

13. Janet shares 13 of her recent Halloween photos

14. Claudia's TT is 13 reasons why she's glad that paparazzi don't follow her

15. Wolfie's personality is revealed through 13 tests

16. Hootin' Ani has 13 terrific Halloween recipes

17. PJ lists 13 popular teen TV shows

18. Bloggers quotes from Napoleon Dynamite

19. Carrie Lofty lists 13 unusual titles

20. Sparky Duck takes flight with 13 faeries

21. Joy Is My Goal has a bright and brilliant TT

22. Samantha K brings the game of Clue to life

23. Laura shares her 13 all-time favorite movies

24. Bermudabluez lists her 13 favorite TV shows

25. Go to Denise's Den to see 13 works by her favorite artist, Franz Xaver Winterhalter

26. Vixen tells us 13 reasons why she blogs

27. Mama Pajama recommends some soundtracks for your listening pleasure

28. Karen has a highly admirable TT

29. Nicole's TT is all TT's!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Smile!

I'm not sick exactly. I just feel crappy. Scratchy throat, achy, weak … Can't sleep because of the lovely cough I just developed. I turned on the TV and believe I heard that the Banquet Pot Pies I just bought cause salmonella. (But how can that be? Is there anything on earth more benign than a Banquet Pot Pie?)

Then I logged on and discovered that Tina gave me this award for making her smile.

Well, Tina, thank you so much for making me smile when I feel so icky!

"You say it's your birthday. It's my birthday, too, yeah."

No, it's not my birthday. But it would be his, were he still with us. Happy birthday, John.

He was a giant, and his career cast a long shadow over music, over his generation, and over me personally. John was never one of those artists who was afraid to let his world view inform his art. He was aware that there were those out there who just wanted him to stay a "mop top" forever, to do fun music that didn't make them think. But he understood that the role of the artist always has been to challenge the status quo. I loved him for his uncompromising courage in this area.

Just because he knew how to articulate what he saw around him and set it to music doesn't mean that's all he did. Not by a long shot. Now that I've given him his props for his message music, I want to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite (and lesser known) Lennon CDs, Rock'n Roll. If this CD has a message, it's simply that early rock can fill us all with joy. I still miss the old boy, but I'm grateful I can still hear these 13 songs through my iPod headphones whenever I feel like celebrating his life.

1. Be-Bop-A-Lula
2. Stand by Me
3. Medley: Rip it up/Ready Teddy
4. You Can't Catch Me
5. Ain't That a Shame
6. Do You Want to Dance?
7. Sweet Little Sixteen
8. Slippin' and Slidin'
9. Peggy Sue
10. Medley: Bring It on Home to Me/Send Me Some Lovin'
11. Bony Maronie
12. Ya Ya
13. Just Because

I'm not moving from this spot. Ever.

Left work at 12:30 today. Stopped for snacks and coughdrops and juice on the way home and now I'm settled in. For the duration. My throat is sore and I'm weak and my thought processes are fuzzy (OK, fuzzier than usual). I'm grateful I don't have a fever, and that I do have a cat. My very own Miss Thing, Charlotte, is fascinated that I'm home this early and is happy to keep me company.