Flutterby

I learned the butterfly stretch today. Good for my inner thigh and my hips, I should do it before and after my work sessions. My adorable young trainer boy tells me this will improve my flexibility and reduce my chances of injury.

So there.

Ah! That's more like it!

Guess who slept well last night -- with nary a memorable nightmare.

That would be me!

I love therapy.

Weird Dreams.2

I have had three distinct, upsetting nightmares about my best friend recently. I remember little of them when I wake up, except for the fact that they shake me enough to wake me up and it's hard to get back to sleep.

Here's what I recall of the first dream: He is devastated, telling me that he and his wife have separated because he's been having an affair with a coed named Meely. Now he does live in a college town, both he and his wife come from broken homes so splitting up would upset him, and Meely is what we call my sister's cat, Amelia. Tried to find something -- anything -- about this one on dreammoods.com and the only relevant note was that cats often symbolize feminine sexuality.

Here's what I recall of the second dream: I am upset and anxious about something he has told me. (I don't know what.) I get out of his car in front of my house and he peels away and I just watch him disappear up the street. It doesn't sound like much, I know, but that's all I remembered when I woke up with a start. Dreammoods.com has a lot to say about car dreams, and this one seems to mean that by having been a passenger, I am frustrated by the passive role I have in our friendship. OK, that makes sense. But is it important to remember what it was he said to me in the car? That thing that upset me so much? Because it's gone.

Here's what I recall of last night's dream: He, his wife and I are all in a car traveling somewhere together and I'm in the backseat. I'm upset because so many of the storefronts we pass are shuttered, which means unemployment for the people who live here (wherever we are). They are speaking to one another in hushed tones and I am terribly frustrated, feeling like a little kid whose parents are ignoring her. (Except that they are both younger than I am.) According to dreammoods.com, being in the backseat means, "that you are putting yourself down and allowing others to take over. This may be the result of low self-esteem or low self-confidence." Okay, but take over what? I know none of these sound particularly scary or even interesting as I recount them, but I only remember snippets and the mere act of posting them here is upsetting me.

I'm glad I'm seeing my therapist tonight.

THIS JUST IN: My shrink tells me my dreams are not as they seem!

My best friend is nurturing and a very good dad, so he (and his wife) symbolize family in general and my family in particular. I am not getting the support and attention I need from my family, and that is causing me great frustration.

My sister and brother-in-law don't listen to me about their kids. He's been out of work off and on for the last few years (the shuttered stores we pass in the car). "Meely" represents my sister. Bouncing around in the backseat like a kid represents how I relate to my niece and nephew and how they (my sister and brother-in-law) aren't hearing what I have to say. I believe that, as parents, they are making mistakes with two kids I love very much and I'm frustrated and angry.

Makes sense to me. So, while knowing the origin of my dreams don't lessen my frustration and anger, it will make it easier to sleep tonight.

Tuesday Tunes

Tell us about one album you purchased that you were seriously disappointed in and why? And do you still have that album in your collection?

The first one that springs to mind is Nebraska. Sorry, Boss, but I just wasn't ready for your depressed world view at that point. To be honest, I still don't like those songs when you do them in concert. Many fans agree with me -- the auditorium is almost lit from within as the crowds heads for the exits to use the restroom and buy more beer when he goes Nebraska on us. But I admire Springsteen for continuing to perform songs he feels a profound, artistic connection to, even if we don't (and even if I gave the album away back when it was still on vinyl).

To check out Tuesday Tunes or play along yourself, click here.

Here we are again

Last night I watched the Rockies blow a lead and be eliminated by the Phillies right there at Coors. How deja Red Sox!

I had hoped the outcome would be different because (1) my best friend is a Rockies fan and (2) former Cub Jason Maquis now wears a CR logo. But now I must stop watching baseball until next spring. I am beginning to suspect I'm a jinx and besides, what's the point in getting all sad over a team that isn't even the Cubs?

C'mon! You know you want to!

Join us in the Blog Blast for Peace on 11/5. It costs nothing, except a bit of creativity and heart. Click here for details.

Give Me Five Monday

Five favorite (or unfavorite) things to shop for:

Since today would be a good day for retail therapy, here we go with my faves:

1) Purses. Don't need them, yet always want more.

2) Books. My TBR pile is almost waist high, and yet, I'm drawn to the bookstore almost against my will.

3) Bath stuff. Body washes and bubble baths ... Ah ...

4) That perfect gift. Is anything more exciting than finding just the right thing for someone who is hard to buy for?

5) Office supplies. I don't know why, but I love immersing myself in folders and felt tip pens and binder clips.

Monday Movie Meme -- True Romance

In honor of The Bumbles' anniversary: If you could live any movie's love story, which one would it be? I have two, chosen for the same reason: When Harry Met Sally and Two Weeks Notice. Wouldn't it be great to already know someone really well before you fell in love, and into bed? To be aware of the personality quirks that usually surprise you about a lover before he became a lover? To have the only surprise be how good he is in bed? Sigh ... Will someone please throw a bucket of cold water on me?

Outreach to my Red Sox brethren

I watched the end of today's game while doing my cardio at the health club because I miss baseball. I didn't expect to see the Angels come from behind and sweep in Fenway. I know there is no joy in Red Sox Nation right now, and this Cub fan feels your pain. (Boy, do I ever!)

You will thank me.

Take my advice and go see The Informant. It's a terrific little movie. Loved the performances (especially Matt Damon's deadpan geek). Loved the story. Loved the music and the graphics. It was a most pleasurable way to spend an afternoon. Go, go, go see it!

By the way, this little gem was produced by George Clooney and directed by Steven Soderberg. That Ocean's 11 crew is truly becoming The Rat Pack for The New Millennium.

Important to remember

I'm watching Marley & Me again, and I'm crying again because I know. Reynaldo was particularly naughty all day today, scattering papers, chewing holes in my umbrella and knocking down photographs. Joey has been successfully emptying the contents of his stomach up and down the hall. Charlotte has a sore on the inside of her hind leg, undoubtedly the result of one of the boys playing a bit too rough with her and reaching for her as she scurried away. It doesn't seem to bother her too much, but it bothers me. It could open up again and get infected next time I leave them alone and they play with her.

Yes, these three cats are a lot of work and they so frustrating at times. And yet, I love them so. I know they will slow down as their time slips away. And I will have to deal with losing them. It will break my heart. For as the movie ends, Owen Wilson reads lines that are just as true of cats as they are of dogs: "They have no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. They don't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give them your heart and they'll give you theirs."

So on days like today, when I bemoan their maintenance, moods and mischief, it's important to remember that they won't be in my life anywhere near as long as I need them to be or want them to be, and someday I'll wish I had them for a few more days, a few more hours of meowing and hairballs and catfights.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Magical Mystery Tour Meme

1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? Not at the moment. Which is refreshing.

2. How do you flush the toilet in public? With my hand. Unless I'm visiting my client. In that office, the handle is a foot pedal.

3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? Always. Except in cabs. I always forget when I'm in a cab.

4. Do you have a crush on someone? Yes.

5. Name one thing you worry about running out of. Coca Cola. That's why it's perennially on my shopping list.

6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? I used to hear that I looked like Cruise Director Julie McCoy. But since the Love Boat has been off the air, I get that way less often.

7. What is your favourite pizza topping? It changes. I've gone through sausage and pepperoni phases, but now I'm back to plain cheese. (It is just me, or did that sound rather vulgar?)

8. Do you crack your knuckles? No.

9. What song do you hate the most? Can't Smile Without You.

10. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? "I feel sad when you're sad, feel glad when you're glad ..." Barf bag, please.

11. What are your super powers? I am never at a loss for words.

12. Peppermint or spearmint? Peppermint.

13. Where are your car keys? My key ring is in a basket near the front door. If I had a car, its key would be there.

14. Last song you listened to? "F-me Pumps" by Amy Winehouse.

15. What's your most annoying habit? Amazingly, it's the same as my super power.

16. Where did you last go on vacation? Chateau Elan

17. What is your best physical feature? My nose

18. What CD is closest to you right now? Love Is the Answer by Barbra Streisand

19. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Orange juice, Coke and cat food

20. What superstition do you believe/practice? I have probably tossed $200 in pennies in fountains while making wishes.

21. What colour are your bed sheets? White with intersecting blue and red lines.

22. Would you rather be a fish or a bird? Fish. I like water.

23. Last thing you broke? A bowl.

24. What are you having to eat tonight? Meat loaf

25. What colour shirt are you wearing? Gray

26. If you could be doing anything else today, what would you rather be doing? Talking to my best friend.

27. Do security cameras make you nervous? No, I find them comforting. I often wave at them.

28. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? The Thing of It Is

29. Last time you went to a cemetery? Key West Cemetery. It sounds odd to say, but it's a very entertaining place.

30. Last concert you went to? Brooooooce, last spring

31. Favourite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? Sir Paul.

32. Next concert you're planning to attend? I have no plans

33. Do you talk to yourself? Yes

34. Have you ever adopted or purchased a pet? My life has been filled with shelter rescue fur babies

35. Have you ever been present when an animal is being born? My guppies.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Lie to Me

1. Can you tell when someone is lying to you? Sometimes. Not always. It's not like I have a sixth sense or anything.

2. Tell us about one of your flaws. Do you live with it or try to correct it? I'm a slob and a packrat. I wrestle with it periodically.

3. When was the last time you laughed hard and what struck you as funny? My friend, John, and I were comparing notes on recent doings on The Nancy Grace Show. As always, it was in very bad taste and I'm embarrassed to repeat it here. (But it was funny.)

4. Tell us about a time when you should have tried harder. A few times last month (too many times last month) I felt too droopy to workout. Even though I know in my heart that if I had exerted myself and got the blood pumping and the endorphins going, I wouldn't have felt as droopy.

5. If you won the lottery, what would you buy first? Does paying off my credit cards count as buying something? If not, then I'll say buying my mom a series of gift cards that she can use at the grocery store. She hates having to economize at the grocery store.

6. What movie do you know every word to? "You'll never find anyone as good for you as I am, to believe in you as much as I do or love you as much!" That's K-k-k-katie from The Way We Were.

7. What was the best thing that happened to you this week? The bowling party with kids from the community center.

8. What was the worst thing that happened to you this week? Oh, I dunno … A sense of loss that accompanies the end of the baseball season. It may sound corny, but I'm going to miss the Cubs.

9. What do you think is the biggest difference between men and women? This isn't an original observation, I was introduced to it by my shrink: Men talk less. Sometimes it seems that they are allotted a certain number of words in a day and that's it.

The President's Nobel Peace Prize

What a lovely surprise! What graceful recognition of Obama's worldview and agenda of change.

His acceptance speech was humble and articulate. I am very proud of my President.

I am thrilled that it was awarded to him today, October 9, the anniversary of John Lennon's birthday. "All we are saying is give peace a chance."

Said it before, and I'll say it again

Today would be John Lennon's birthday. I'm repeating my post from the anniversary of his death last December because it's still good:

This is the anniversary of John Lennon's murder. That tragic event still makes me angry. Not sad, pissed. Just think of the wisdom, the music, the wit we were all deprived of! Because of a crazy fan with a gun.

I am honoring John with the lyrics to my favorite of his solo songs … and a prayer of thanks that at least we will always have his music.

Didn't want to, but glad I did

I was sorely tempted to blow off the health club today. It's one of those gray, rainy Fridays that doesn't automatically inspire one to get out there and move, you know? But I forced myself. 25 minutes of cardio, 24 sit ups, and quality time with these machines. Instead of a burger, I'm eating tuna salad on wheat, and feel very virtuous!

Tired but happy

This evening our agency hosted a bowling party for kids from a community center from one of the more beleagured parts of the city. Boys and girls between 6 to 16 go to the center every day after school and participate in reading, music and art projects. In exchange the kids must promise to follow the center's rules to a tee.

They met us at the bowling alley, and each and every one of them hugged and thanked us as soon as they arrived. Then we were paired woman/girl or man/boy. My bowling buddy was an 11 year old named Brianna. When we weren't bowling or eating pizza, she was telling me about her younger brother and older sister, and I told her about my cats. Turns out, though, that the real stellar attraction of the evening was my purse. Specifically my make up bag (she loved my lotion) and my phone (a photo of my cat Charlotte is the wallpaper).

It was tiring, because these kids were pretty lively, but also very satisfying. Tonight's special event was their reward for good school attendance and avoiding gangs. All the hugs were my reward, and I feel I got the better end of the deal.

Well, I think it's funny

Because I have no sympathy whatsoever for Roman Polanski, I thoroughly enjoyed this spoof of the director being interrogated by Chris Hansen of MSNBC's To Catch a Predator. (If only he'd offered Roman a little iced tea, it would have been perfect.)

GAL'S DISCLAIMER: Now you know before you click on the link that it's going to be in bad taste, so don't blame me if you're offended.

The song remains the same

Unfortunately. Because it's such a sad song.

In Chicago, kids are killing kids. For the last two years, since the murder of Blair Holt on a city bus as he was pushing a classmate out of the line of fire, the papers have been covering the horror of kids and violence in greater detail. It's enough to break your heart.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan came home yesterday. He was in charge of the Chicago Public Schools until President Obama tapped him for the Cabinet. Duncan met with Eric Holder and Mayor Daley to discuss the problem ... and join together to search for the solution.

I wonder how much of the violence is tied to gangs and dogfighting. According to the Anti Cruelty Society, 1 in 6 Chicago school children has attended a dog fight. Violence toward and victimization of animals for entertainment. What message does this send about compassion, about decency?

I don't think that eradicating dog fighting is THE answer to the epidemic of violence, but I do believe that concentrating on younger children now and making sure they aren't exposed to this cruelty will help. After all, there's a connection between pets and kids. They both require and deserve our protection -- and it's obvious we're falling short.

I tried it. Didn't like it.

I have given the new Jay Leno Show a half hour and you know what? It's not that funny. Sorry, Jay.

Sounds good, but I'm not sure I agree

To play yourself, click here.

To see how you compare to Kwizgiver, click here.

The 09 Season Is Over, & I Never Got to See Him Play

"He" of course is my beloved future Hall of Famer, #31, Greg Maddux. I saw his number retired twice, first at Wrigley Field (where it flies beneath the number of my Grandma's all-time favorite Cub) and then at Turner Field in Atlanta. (He's one of only 8 players in history to have his number retired by 2 teams.) But on this bright autumn afternoon, I feel it keenly that I never got to see him "paint the corners" this season.

Wherever you are, Professor, this Gal misses you.

"I Want" Wednesday

What do you want to do dress up as and do for Halloween?

I'm not dressing up for Halloween, though I suppose I could just get into costume and wander around the house. I'm feeling very sitcom-y so ...

I want to dress up as Lucy Riccardo.

As someone once said, "I love Lucy."

To play "I Want" Wednesday, click here.

That was one long day

Up at 4:30. On an Amtrak train by 7:00. Client meetings at 10:00 and 1:00. Back home at 6:30. Asleep on the sofa by 8:00. Awake again at 12:30. My living room looks like an episode of A&E's Hoarders.

The highlight of the day was the train ride. It's cheaper for my client than driving would be (we're reimbursed for gas by the mile). Even if I was still comfortable enough behind the wheel to take a company car, there's no reason for 4 of us to go down, each in our own car. Besides, I like my alone time.

Monday Movie Meme: Daddio

Share movies featuring Dads and then link back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!

The Bumbles already mentioned my favorite screen dad, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. What a genuine hero Atticus is! There are still a couple that I really loved:


Juno (2007). "Mac" MacGuff is Juno's loving, accepting father. Remember that scene at the kitchen table? He advises his daughter to find someone who loves her for who she is, no matter what. "The right person is still going to think the sun shines out your ass." He tells her she that no matter what happens with her romantic life, she'll always have him ("your old D-A-D") to love and support her. How great a dad is that?

Shenandoah (1965). James Stewart is Charlie Anderson, a cantankerous widower with a passel of kids who is trying very hard to stay out of the Civil War. He's not pro-slavery, just the opposite, but he's a pacifist who sees no good coming from his involvement in a war that he fears could harm his sons. My favorite scene is toward the end, when he explains the toll the war has taken to his late wife Martha. Standing at her grave, he tells Martha who from their family will be joining her soon. You realize how much he misses her, how heavy this load has been for him, and how important keeping the children safe has been. Tissues, please!

A lovely afternoon

Spent the afternoon with my nephew, celebrating his 10th birthday. He was most pleased by the WII game I gave him, along with a Harry Potter scarf and a stuffed turtle to add to his collection of plush friends. We had baseball decorated cupcakes and watched the final Cub game of the season together. He's a happy little guy and we had a very nice time.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Starrlight Meme

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? Vitamins

2. Where was your profile picture taken? Hollywood & Vine, of course!

3. Can you play Guitar Hero? I'm sure I can, but I have never tried.

4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about? Well, it's not even 8:00 AM yet. But a radio commentator encouraged the Cubs to spend the off-season trying to unload Milton Bradley. She was asked what she thought we could get. "Take anything. A bag of balls. Anything!"

5. How late did you stay up last night and why? Only 10:30. I wasn't feeling that great yesterday.

6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why? I wouldn't leave this area. How could I desert Chicago after the Olympic snub? If I had unlimited cash, I'd like to live in a luxury high rise with a doorman. "Let me get the door for you, Ms. Gal." "Thank you, Rodney!"

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Not that I recall. So if I was, it wasn't a great kiss.

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you? Kathleen lives just a few blocks away.

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits? It's funny, but two of my exes maintained that we should stay friends, but then their new womenfolk put the kabosh on it.

10. Do you like Dr. Pepper? Yes.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling? Watching a rerun of the original Incredible Journey. When Bodger comes over the hill and is reunited with his boy.

12. Who took your profile picture? One of my many fans. They also maintain my star and keep it free of heel scuffs and gum.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? My nephew, Nick.

14. Was yesterday better than today? Why? No. Today will be better. It's sunny and, since it's not eve 8:00 AM yet, it's still full of opportunity.

15. Can you live a day without TV? No. Nor would I want to.

16. Are you upset about anything now? Just that I completely wasted yesterday.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Of course! We always learn lessons. Painful lessons, perhaps, but necessary.

18. Are you a bad influence? In ways. I have an unconventional life view.

19. Night out or night in? I like my own company, so I'd rather have a night in alone than a night out with people I don't really care for.

20. What items could you not go without during the day? TV, Internet, iPod, books, moisturizer.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? I don't recall.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? The headline is "Theater Dates." It's from my friend, Barb, letting me know what we're going to see and when.

23. How do you feel about your life right now? I'm pretty happy.

24. Do you hate anyone? Not really.

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find? I don't know. I don't check it very often.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Yes.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? NO! Nor should they!

28. What song is stuck in your head? "Where Do You Start" from Babs' new CD.

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be? My best friend.

30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50? Never really thought about it. Children, yes. Grandchildren? Never crossed my mind.

31. Tell us your Saturday night. I thought I answered this. See #5.

32. Do you think too much or too little? Too much. I overthink everything.

33. Do you smile a lot? Yes. I'm generally a happy old gal.

Lazy day

Why am I soooo damn tired? Fatigue? Post-Olympic depression? All week I have felt tired, and today, when I had no obligations, it was blaringly obvious that I'd rather not move at all. Did a little shopping for my nephew's birthday (I picked up an official Harry Potter Gryffinder scarf) but just that trip to a local toy store and the convenience store left me wanting a nap. I promised myself I'd just lay down for a moment and woke up 3 hours later!

My home looks like A&E is about to shoot an episode of Hoarders here. I had so many things I wanted to get done this afternoon. But no, I slept it away.

It was a good time, but now it's over

There's an old song -- introduced by Liza Minnelli, I believe -- that I want the city workers to sing as they remove all the "Back the Bid" signage this weekend.

"Since you're gone and won't be mine again
There are many stars that will not shine again
Except some time deep in my reverie
You return and then I remember when
It was a good time, it was the best time
It was a party, just to be near you ..."

I mean it, Gang. I want those banners down before we all come back downtown Monday morning. Otherwise we're gonna experience a massive, ugly citywide hangover. I recommend that from today going forward, "the Bid" be treated like the 1968 Democratic Convention: "It never happened."

An important message

Breast cancer facts, as originally posted by Kwizgiver

Facts
* Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
* One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
* Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.
* Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
* Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't panic-call your doctor for an appointment.
* Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
* When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. This is good news! Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.

Let's spread the word. Please, go forth and share these facts with another woman this month!

"That's so gay"

I asked a thirtysomething coworker to please not use that phrase when she was being derogatory. She got all defensive and said that she has "plenty of gay friends" and "it doesn't mean that." Meaning it she's not implying that something bad is something "homosexual." I said that "gay" either means "homosexual" or "happy" and her comment meant neither. She told me that "times change," meaning I'm an out of it, oversensitive old fart, but she'll try not to use it in front of me again.

Am I just an out of it, oversensitive old fart?

I feel terrible for him

Mayor Richard M. Daley is aces with me. Chicago is most emphatically not a perfect place to live, but I'd rather be here than anywhere else. He keeps it cleaner and safer than other cities of comparable size. We have reliable public transportation and a thriving arts community and museums and parks and baseball and shopping and diversity. Because he makes sure of it. He loves this city. Yes, he may unscrupulous at times and of course he plays hardball. But while he may have helped friends get wealthy, he hasn't enriched himself or his immediate family while in office. This city is the family business and he protects and nurtures it.

That's why today I feel awful for him.

He really put himself out there. Our #1 cheerleader, he insisted we all "back the bid." He called in important favors from Washington DC. Seeing Chicago eliminated first has to feel personal and I hate how crappy he must feel right now.

I believe her

I believe Mackenzie Phillips was sexually abused by her famous father. It explains her particularly sticky problems with overcoming addiction. The shame and pain she was anesthetizing must have been powerful.

That's why it bothers me that so many around her are blaming her for what happened. She's making it up ... or she's responsible for seducing him by being too "clingy" ... c'mon, if it went on for 10 years she must have enjoyed it ... how dare she sully his name when he's not here to defend himself.

This attitude, while typical (at least according to this column), is very disturbing. Why do we blame the victim? As I asked in an earlier post about Roman Polanski: how much damage are you entitled to do to others because you are talented?

The girl who "went after" Kobe Bryant was a gold digger and a whore. The kids who accused Michael Jackson were teeny-tiny scam artists. The child who was raped by Polanski is now a woman who wants to keep the past in the past, so why must poor Roman punished? Nicole Brown dressed provocatively and flaunted her sex life in her ex-husband's face, so what did she expect? Bryant, Jackson, Polanski and Simpson were all more famous, more talented and more powerful than those they victimized, and it seems the public just doesn't want to see heroes brought down.

I wonder what the impact of having the victims minimized or publicly pilloried is: Are other girls who are raped, wives who are the subjects of domestic abuse, children who are molested, less likely to step forward? That would be a tragedy. For, to paraphrase Ms. Shelton:

"The snowball affect of abuse and silence is massive. The silence is deafening."

I agree the last point is true

You Are a Poached Egg

You are a competent and successful person. You are obsessed with making sure your life is well organized and scheduled. You have an incredible sense of focus and determination. You don't let yourself make many mistakes. You are a high achiever. You like to challenge yourself, and you get great satisfaction from being the best at something. While you have high standards, you aren't really all that competitive. You only compete with yourself.

What Kind of Eggs Are You?

Glad I got to tell her

My former boss and current theater buddy Barb and I went out to a "cultural event" last night. The performance itself was pretty pretentious ... a poetry reading accompanied by a string quartet. She and I disagreed on why it was bad (I think the thespian/esteemed man of letters who did the reading was 100% ham hock, she just thought the poem blew), but agreed that the other patrons in attendance and the dinner served after were terrific (wherever I go with Barb, I know there will be good hootch!) and we agreed to attend similar events they sponsor through the end of the year.

For me, though, the best part of the evening was being able to tell Barb what a positive impact she has had on so many women's careers. She'd had a long, difficult day at work and said, "Sometimes I think my whole staff hates me." I was tempted to be a smart ass and say, "Surely not your WHOLE staff!" Instead I told her the truth ... that while working with Maggie over the summer, she credited Barb for her ability to think like a marketer, that my friend Kathleen remembers Barb's critiques of her work (good and bad) as she strives to improve, and that what professionalism I have gained over the past 12 years of so of our acquaintance I owe in large part to her.

She brushed off the praise, repeating, "Sometimes I think my whole staff hates me." But I know she heard me and I believe it made her feel better. Besides, it's true, and I should remember to praise the people in my life more often.