Swamped!

This week I am soooo busy at work! The days are just flying by because I have three projects going simultaneously!

Three at once is not unusual in advertising. Early in my career -- even earlier during my tenure at this agency -- it was standard. But over the last year it's been so very slow that this feels unusual and exhilarating.

While I'm at work, that is. Unfortunately, when I get home, I'm exhausted and crash on the sofa. I had meant to be do serious housework and take walks in the evening -- the weather has been unseasonably cool and beautiful this week -- but it just hasn't happened. Between being tired from work, and staying up late with my Cubs during this Western road trip, I'm feeling kind of sluggish.

Good news!

Carol, the older sister of my best friend from high school, is on the mend. She had a major heart attack on June 30, which required major surgery. It was touch-and-go for a while. But she's now able to get out of bed, sit in a chair and whisper occasionally. Her throat is very raw from the ventilator tube she had for weeks, and until it heals a bit more she's still on IVs.

But she's going to be OK. I don't want to actually interact with Judy and Carol, but I am glad she's going to recover.

Missing her today

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Cambridge, was born Monday. I am unashamedly excited about this, and have found my thoughts wandering back to the Princess who is no longer with us.

I wasn't a Royal Watcher before Diana, and wouldn't care about Prince William except that he was one of her boys.

Diana at 52. Diana as a grandmother. I can't imagine it.

While I admired her and felt tremendous compassion for her, I also realize she could be a hot mess who often acted without thinking. (Remember the Panorama interview with Martin Bashir? The authorized tell-all with Andrew Morton?) So I guess it's a good thing that she missed social media. I worry about her on Twitter. I mean, Diana instant and unfiltered would probably be a very bad idea: "London Zoo called and the baboon wants its butt back. #Camilla"

But TIME was right. She was a charmer. I still miss her, hope she's resting in peace, and know how proud she is today, looking down at her Wills, his Princess and their new baby.

It's almost time

Forget Your Troubles! C'mon, Get Happy!

On August 1, this year's August Happiness Challenge begins. The idea is very simple: "Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world."

Really. That's all there is to it. No rules.

I like finding an icon that will make me smile every time I see it for 31 days. I *think* I'm pretty much in love with this year's. Here are the ones I've used in the past. You know what? They all still make me smile.
 

Judy performing the original version of "Get Happy"

I still love the swings

Ren and Stimpy

Sir Paul performed for me at my favorite place in the world

Good Day, Sunshine!

 

 

 

The Gal Goes to Michigan

My flight to Muskegon was, thankfully, on time and uneventful. My niece picked me up at the adorable little airport.We checked me into my nice, clean room at the local Rodeway Inn and then she showed me around the off campus apartment she shares with her boyfriend, Jason.

She's so proud of the place, which is spotless. The serving platter I gave them for Christmas was brought out for the occasion and displayed proudly on their kitchen table. She complained a lot -- about the local electric company and the interruption to their cable service when she and Jason needed it most. But I could tell that she enjoys feeling womanly and adult.

Then we went to see the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. It's a free show on a hill near the mouth of Lake Michigan. The water and lights are synchronized to music. It's a lovely, family-friendly half hour that means a great deal to my niece and her boyfriend. He helps program the performances every night. Afterward, the three of us and Jason's friend John went out to a late dinner at a diner that serves breakfast 24/7. John picked up the tab for all of us -- $28. 

My niece adores Jason and he's very good to her. Their friend John looks to be about my age and lives on a farm outside of town. She's living a life that seems right out of The Andy Griffith Show, but she seems happy. It's not what I had hoped for her -- a culinary degree followed by a position as a sous chef at a big hotel or a five star restaurant. Instead she'll probably end up the manager of a Culver's or Chili's or Olive Garden in this small town, or one like it. And that's fine, because (as I kept reminding myself) it's her life, not mine.

Saturday she showed me around her campus -- tinier than Kendall, the one I wanted for her here in Chicagoland. But she knows her way around and feels quite at home. We had lunch at the restaurant run by and staffed by students at CIM. I was pleased to see that she knew some of the students (I didn't like the idea of her best friend being a 50-year-old farmer -- pleasant though he was. I mean, she's 20!). The meal was delicious and the prices reasonable.

Then we walked the beach at Pere Marquette Park and it was gorgeous. So clean! You can have your oceans. Lake Michigan is a very great Great Lake and I love being around it.

While we walked and played in the water, she told me how she and her boyfriend are talking wedding. Nothing is in the immediate future -- they don't have the money for a wedding and she's got at least one year of school left -- but she made a rueful comment about not being able to seat me and my older sister together. I told her that, for the sake of her day, I'd suck it up and put a good face on it. I promised, in fact. But I was so upset inside that I wanted to vomit onto the rocks along the lake. I had really hoped that once this legal rigamarole was over, I'd never have to deal with my older sister again. In fact, I was counting on it.

It always feels that, within my family, my older sister is allowed to treat me any way she wants and there's no downside. It doesn't seem to bother anyone. I know that's not how my niece looks at it -- she's close to her cousin Beth and the only way she can have Beth at the ceremony is to invite Beth's parents. But I can't imagine an afternoon and evening with my older sister, a woman who aggressively wishes me ill. Right now my head is spinning, trying to figure out how I can get out of my niece's as-yet unplanned wedding without hurting her feelings.

Oh well, nothing is happening right away. No reason to borrow my dread.

I was also a little unhappy to hear that my niece is trying to plan her life around where her mom and dad want to live. There's a little town in Wisconsin they like ... they like this area of Michigan ... I told her that she and Jason need to go where their lives take them. That her parents aren't victims or invalids, they can travel to see her for holidays and they can email and call. She seemed dubious. Then I mentioned my nephew. What if his life takes him to Vermont, or Alabama? Her parents may decide they want to be near him, too! She can't make these decisions based on her folks, and I said they don't her to. I'm not sure I believe that part -- I suspect my kid sister would want her next door. But that's not the point, is it?

Got to the airport and as smooth and uneventful my flight to Muskegon was, the flight back home was complicated. First, there was a problem with the plane that was arriving from O'Hare, so we had to wait for a new one to arrive. Then, when we finally took off, there was a flash summer storm over O'Hare and we were diverted to Milwaukee. Then we refueled in Milwaukee and made the 15-minute flight to O'Hare. Sigh. Oh, well. It's better to be safe than on time!

Sunday Stealing

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Have you ever clicked on an ad on the side of your screen by accident?: All the time. And I always get mad at myself.


When was the last time you were disappointed?: The reaction to the Trayvon Martin verdict.

People are actually saying that an unarmed boy deserved to be murdered because he had tats and posed flipping the bird for his friends on Facebook! (Let me be clear: I don't dispute that the jury did their best and followed the followed the rule of law. I respect their hard work and I respect them. Just not my angry, hateful fellow Americans.)

I'm old enough to remember those not-so-long ago days where it was often said a woman somehow brought upon her own rape for wearing "provocative clothes." This retro, "blame the victim" thinking leaves me so very, very disappointed in our society. I am a 50+ year old white woman who walks alone at night, and I am Trayvon. I deserve to travel my street on foot without some guy with a concealed weapon intimidating me! And believe me, if I had been Travyon that night, I would have been frightened and angry, too.

Do you like the smell of rain?: Unless people are smoking. The smell of cigarette smoke hanging in the rain is EXTREMELY barfilicious.

What was the last thing you took a picture of?: I went to visit my niece in Muskegon, Michigan. It was lovely to see the other side of Lake Michigan for a change. And yes, this beach was outstandingly clean and beautiful!



When you go to McDonald's, what drink do you usually get?: Medium Coke



What were you doing today at 2:15 in the afternoon?: It hasn't happened yet today. But yesterday I was taking pictures at Pere Marquette Park.


What's the nickname of your home state?: The Land of Lincoln. As an Abe-o-phile, I am very proud of this. He arrived here as a young man of 22, stayed and raised a family and became a national
spokesman against the proliferation of slavery, left here for DC in 1861, and came back for his eternal rest less than 5 years later. Abe so rocks! One of my favorite authors, Doris Kearns Goodwin, has often said that there are so many books about Lincoln because it's so easy for authors to fall in love with him. I agree!

What's the worst type of weather in your opinion?: When the mercury tops 85º, I start suffering.

Do you have a Kindle, Nook, iPad or none?:  Kindle. It's fine. It just hasn't rocked my world the way I thought it would.


Would you rather read or write?: Read

When was the last time someone took a picture of you?: Like Garbo, I try to avoid photos

Do you own a pair of slippers?: Yes. I never wear them, but people keep giving them to me.

Name something negative that you hate about yourself: Lack of discipline

Is your house currently hot, cold or just right?:  It's a wee bit chilly

Is there a Dead End road near where you live?: Yes. Well, maybe. Maple Avenue turns into a cul-de-sac just past the hospital. Does that count?


Do you roll your eyes often?: Yes. Lately when people say George Zimmerman was found "innocent." There's a humongous difference between "innocent" and "not guilty." (My heart goes out to those poor jurors as they watch this ongoing debate.)

Growing up, did you see your cousins often?: I saw my cousin Kathy a lot.

Where was your first job at?: I was a secretary in the newspaper advertising department at Sears Corporate Headquarters.

When's your birthday?: November 22. Please feel free to make a note of it so you can send regards. :)

Is life a party to you?: I think of it more as a journey or adventure than a party. I am a woman of faith, and know that Christ promises us Eternal Life, not an easy trip en route.

Who are you tired of seeing in the news a lot? : Wayne LaPierre

When was the last time you flew a kite?: Never

How long have you had a blog?: Since 2006

Have you ever had to call and complain about a product you bought?: I'm sure I have, but nothing springs to mind. Sorry.

Name something positive you love about yourself: I try.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Endless Summer

Thanks to Kwizgiver for recommending The Beach Boys

1) The best-selling Beach Boys album of all time is this two disc greatest hits compilation. Do you have favorite Beach Boys song? 

2) The original members of the group were the Wilson brothers, their cousin Mike and a friend from the neighborhood. Have you ever worked with a family member?

No. Hell, no. Can't even imagine a way that would go well.
3) Originally released in the mid-1970s, Endless Summer was one of the first fast-selling albums sold on TV. Have you ever picked up the phone and purchased anything directly from TV?

I was a loyal Principal Secret user until very recently, and I got started by calling that 800-number on the bottom of the screen.
4) The Beach Boys are very popular in Australia. Have you ever been Down Under? 

No. 
5) Actor John Stamos played bongos on the Beach Boys' hit, "Kokomo." In his younger days, Stamos was Blackie on the daytime drama, General Hospital. Have you ever followed a soap opera?

All My Children and, when I was a kid, Dark Shadows.
6) Many Beach Boys songs revolve around the surf. How are you on a surf board?

No. Hell, no. Can't even imagine a way that would go well.

7) Would you prefer summer to be endless? Or do you enjoy the changing seasons? 

I love the changing seasons. One of the many reasons why it's great to live in Chicagoland. 

8) Do your summer 2013 plans include a trip to a waterpark?

No. Hell, no. Can't even imagine a way that would go well.

9) Describe your swimsuit.

One piece floral swimdress. Very very much like this one, except mine is pink and brown, not black and white.

I admit it: I'm scared

I'm flying this afternoon. On a teeny-tiny 70-seat aircraft called a Canadair RJ. I'm going from O'Hare to Muskegon over Lake Michigan with a 30%-50% chance of rain. I am not happy.

While in Muskegon I will be visiting my niece. So that's good. Let's concentrate on that.


I have my Xanax. I have my tunes. I have my book and a magazine. And I see more than a little prayer in my future.

Trifecta

This week's challenge: Create a 33- to 333-word response using the third definition of the word:

CRACK
1a : a loud roll or peal 
 b: a sudden sharp noise
2: a sharp witting remark; quip
3a : a narrow break : fissure   
  b : a narrow opening —used figuratively in phrases like fall through the cracks to describe one that has been improperly or inadvertently ignored or left out
4a : a weakness or flaw caused by decay, age, or deficiency :unsoundness
  b : a broken tone of the voice
  c : crackpot
5: moment, instant

GIRL CRUSH

Mary fascinated Tess. First there was the way she spoke. Mary’s soft, husky voice drew you in and made you feel like an intimate or a conspirator, even when she was talking about the bagels in the coffee room.

And her style! While Tess never left the house without trying more than one top or changing her earrings – and yet was still usually disappointed by her reflection in the mirror – Mary always looked effortlessly perfect.  One day, in the restroom, Tess was washing her hands at the basin when Mary breezed in brandishing a Macy’s bag.

“I made good use of my lunch hour because I found the scarf that goes with everything,” Mary announced definitively, withdrawing a bright red and blue print that looked too loud to go with anything. Tess stared transfixed as Mary swiftly, efficiently tied it around her slender, porcelain neck. And damn, if it didn’t look just right.

Mary may seem imperturbable, but Tess suspected otherwise. If her marriage was such a charmed union, why the separate vacations? Tess knew they had one child, a rambunctious toddler who looked just like his handsome father, but she’d heard Mary make fleeting references to other pregnancies – she didn’t toast the New Millennium because she was expecting … the convention she missed in ’07 because her doctor advised her not to fly in her condition.

So Tess sensed Mary’s life wasn’t as lovely as it looked. But the only real crack in the perfect demeanor were Mary’s hands. As many times as Tess saw Mary stride toward the elevator with a pack of Newport Menthols firmly in hand, she never got used to the sight. And often, when Mary was lost in thought, her arms were folded across her chest, each hand massaging the opposite elbow. Tess thought Mary looked so vulnerable and sad, as though somehow trying to comfort herself.

Yes, the hands gave her away.

CRACK
1a : a loud roll or peal
  b : a sudden sharp noise
2: a sharp witty remark : quip 3a : a narrow break : fissure   
  b : a narrow opening —used figuratively in phrases like fall through the cracks to describe one that has been improperly or inadvertently ignored or left out
4a : a weakness or flaw caused by decay, age, or deficiency :unsoundness
  b : a broken tone of the voice
  c : crackpot
5: moment, instant - See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.kYt68euA.dpu

FLY (intransitive verb) 1a : to move in or pass through the air with wings

  b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
  c : to float, wave, or soar in the air
2a : to take flight : flee
  b : to fade and disappear : vanish
3a : to move, pass, or spread quickly   

  b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion   

  c : to seem to pass quickly

- See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.ozjMwpAt.dpuf

FLY (intransitive verb) 1a : to move in or pass through the air with wings

  b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
  c : to float, wave, or soar in the air
2a : to take flight : flee
  b : to fade and disappear : vanish
3a : to move, pass, or spread quickly   

  b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion   

  c : to seem to pass quickly

- See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.ozjMwpAt.dpuf

a 33- to 333-word response using the word:

a 33- to 333-word response using the word:

FLY (intransitive verb) 1a : to move in or pass through the air with wings

  b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
  c : to float, wave, or soar in the air
2a : to take flight : flee
  b : to fade and disappear : vanish
3a : to move, pass, or spread quickly   

  b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion   

  c : to seem to pass quickly

- See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.ozjMwpAt.dpuf

a 33- to 333-word response using the word:

FLY (intransitive verb) 1a : to move in or pass through the air with wings

  b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
  c : to float, wave, or soar in the air
2a : to take flight : flee
  b : to fade and disappear : vanish
3a : to move, pass, or spread quickly   

  b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion   

  c : to seem to pass quickly

- See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.ozjMwpAt.dpuf

About the photo: Life Magazine makes a library of their archive images available for free to use for “non-commercial personal purposes."

A good reminder ...

… that as much as I love my cats, they're still just cats.

A couple months ago, the vet changed their diets. Since then I have noticed less ... um ... "solid waste" in the litter boxes. No one is acting as though they're uncomfortable, but I want to nip any gastrointestinal problems in the bud with OTC kitty laxative. There are a couple brands available, both similar: a petroleum jelly base with mineral oil and caramel coloring/flavoring that appeals to felines. You administer it by putting a dab on their paws and they lick it off.

Except for my three.

All three responded well to the smell of the cat lax on my finger. Then, when I left the dab on their front paws, they wondered why it was no longer on my finger. And wondered and wondered what happened to it. Was it on the carpet? No? Oh, well. Then they gave up and went about their business.

Charlotte finally found it first licked it off rather completely. Next Reynaldo figured it out. Joe, by far the sweetest but definitely the least likely to get into Mensa, discovered it right around eventually.

Finally!

My friend Barb's birthday is mid-June and we just now got around to celebrating it. We had a delicious La Cantina, and they were nice enough to bring us a celebratory slice of cake.

Barb, a most indulgent dog owner, listened with sympathy and amusement as I brought her up to date on the travails of Reynaldo. And we gossiped a bit about our former coworkers.

So why aren't I happier? She's a good friend to me and she had good news …

•  She and her husband went on vacation to Hilton Head … and came home with a condo. They bought a 2BR condo where they will spend long weekends and holidays, and where they'll probably retire in the next few years. It's furnished and they paid cash for it. Now she has two homes that are nicer than where I live now. And I'm broke and scared.

•  She's planning a vacation to France. She's so excited because before she married John seven years ago, he had no interest in doing anything on vacation but camping and fishing along Illinois' Chain o' Lakes.

•  She bought the next series of theater tickets for us and I owe her more than $250. It's a great deal and she doesn't expect repayment right away. But ... it's another expense I hadn't budgeted.

I told her about how I expect to be let go next month and asked her if she could give me freelance year-end. She told me that she can't imagine my agency will let me go and that she'll "see what she can do." I had hoped for a more enthusiastic response. I know she'll help me out if she can, but I wanted an "of course, Gal!" And I didn't get it. There are no sure things in this industry, I know. But it would have been nice to hear.

I feel like a bad friend that I'm not able to just enjoy her happiness. I know it's silly and counter productive to compare my life to hers. In fact, at one point, I said to Barb, "Can we just take a moment to bask in how cool your life is right now?" I believe it intellectually. But in my heart, I'm scared.

I Want Wednesday

I want more of these bras! Playtex Secrets Natural Fit. I bought two on sale and I couldn't be happier. If I was a wealthy woman, I'd go through my underwear drawer and toss out my existing supply and replenish with these. Alas, I am not a wealthy woman.

Piling on the perky

I am so saddened by the Travyon Martin case, and by the reaction to the verdict (read Joe Scarborough's near-perfect column, but skip the comments as they unfortunately prove Joe's point), that I have been avoiding the news. That is not like me. But the story that dominates the news depresses me so.

I have, instead, turned to the antithesis and sought out aggressively happy energy. Last night, after work, I watched a DVR'd episode of Katie*, which featured Katie Couric, Jane Lynch and Susan Lucci playing a word game. This morning I turned to ME-TV's rerun of That Girl. Ann and Don went to Connecticut to be maid of honor/best man for Ruthie and Jerry's elopement and got snowed in and havoc ensued.

Gotta remember to put PEOPLE and US in my bag to take to the health club. No serious news for me!  How I wish the Royal Baby would get here. That would truly distract me.

*BTW, I can't believe Couric and I are the same age, but we are. She looks fabulous.

Is it OK if I find this funny?

My oldest friend's erstwhile crush, Archie Bunker, is at it again. Amid all of his rather disturbing -- though, I guess, not surprising -- posts about the Trayvon Martin tragedy are his Twitter rants about customer service at the deli counter of his neighborhood Vons grocery store. The thing of it is, though, he has been aiming them not at @Vons_Pavillions, which is their twitter handle, but at @Vons, which is just a guy named Owen.

Archie doesn't mean to, but he can bring a smile to my lips.

Thank God my friend appears to be over him! I know this means I can stop monitoring him, but then I'd miss gems like this.

Look at My Little Man!

Ok, so he's not perfect. He does begin waking me up at 5:30 AM and he still gets off on knocking things over and howling and scratching the furniture and drapes.

BUT he does do it all less. And, blessedly, the peeing on my paperwork seems to be a thing of the past.

A lot of this turnabout comes from Reynaldo having his own domain. The above kitty condo is his and his alone. Occasionally Charlotte will climb into the bottom compartment, and Joey will playfully slap at Rey to initiate playtime (always welcome), but for the most part the other cats respect this as Rey's territory.

As Jackson Galaxy recommends, for every "no," a cat must have a "yes," and this is Reynaldo's "yes." I appreciate how hard he is working at trying to communicate with and please me. I am hopeful that soon this months-long nightmare period will be behind us.

Lazy Sunday

I was going to do so much today, but I just never got to it. Instead, I did three loads of wash, followed by some serious napping.

Part of it is that, while this summer has been lovely so far, hot weather takes a lot out of me and I was out all day Friday and a lot of Saturday. I actually got a sun burn, despite my best efforts which included lots of sunscreen. I am, as my Grandma might say, "tuckered out."

Part of it is Trayvon Martin. I don't blame the jury that found his killer "not guilty." I understand that "not guilty" isn't the same as "innocent," and I believe they did the best they could with the laws they were handed.

But I'm trying to get my mind around the idea that a man carrying a concealed gun can follow an unarmed kid, after dark and through the rain. And if the kid reacts in anger and fear, the man can shoot him. I walk a lot at night. I have to, because I don't have a car. If I was in Trayvon's position, if I spun around and slapped or kneed the man who was stalking me, I guess FL law says the man can shoot me.

And get away with it.

No wonder I just want to take a nap!

Oh well, I'm also watching the last Cub game before the All-Star break. We're holding our own against a much better Cardinal team, and Wrigley Field looks just beautiful on ESPN tonight, so the Boys in Blue are doing me proud.

Thank God for baseball!

Sunday Stealing

The Wackadoo Meme part 2

30.] What brand of batteries do you usually get? Walgreens' store brand.
 
31.] Are any of your friends pregnant or have kids?  One of my coworkers is about to pop. She's due on Monday.

32.] What is in your medicine cabinet? Qtips and bandaids and my supply of contact lenses

33.] What's your favorite aspect of the natural world?  I'm sorry but I don't understand this question.

34.] What's your favorite man made thing?  Language. It makes everything else possible.

35.] Can you whistle properly?  No

36.] What song do you think is the most widely heard in the world?  "Happy Birthday"

37.] Where's the strangest place a fast food restaurant was located? I remember reading that the McDonald's in Malasia sells chicken porridge.

38.] What states surround your state? Or are you not land locked? Missouri and Kentucky and Indiana and Wisconsin. I think that's it. (I'm in Illinois)

39.] Do you own binoculars or monoculars? What do you use them for?  I have binoculars that I've used for ballgames and concerts.

40.] Do you ever wish you had a telescope on the roof or attic to stargaze?  No

41.] What's your favorite chocolate bar?  It changes. Right now, Snickers.

42.] Do you fall asleep easy in cars? How about planes, trains and boats? Trains and cars, absolutely. I don't sail often -- it's been years -- and I'd hate to miss any of it. I do sleep well on planes but that's because I'm tranquilized.

43.] Would you rather live a year of your life in every major country or stay in the same place you live forever without vacations? I'd stay here, but thank you for asking.

44.] What will you not tolerate in a person?  Racism

45.] Do you forgive others easier or yourself? Why is this?  I forgive others more easily. I expect a lot from myself.

46.] How was God made, if He exists? I find this question vaguely offensive and am moving on.

47.] Have you ever done aqua aerobics or polo?  Does Marco Polo count?

48.] What age were you when you learned how to swim? Between fifth and sixth grade I took  swim classes at the high school. I still remember those horrible tank suits and our bathing caps. SHUDDER!

49.] What shows or characters scared you as a child? I don't know if this counts, but I remember being frightened by The Perry Mason theme. Not the show, just the theme.



50.] Do you stay up all night on New Years Eve/Day or go to bed after 12am?  I was in bed not long after midnight. But I did celebrate with friends.

51.] What's something unusual currently in your fridge?  Catnip.

52.] How about your freezer? Chocolate covered bananas

53.] What could you be doing now that is more productive?  Honestly? Anything but this would be more productive. I owe both my aunt and my cousin letters. I should be writing those.

54.] Give me some lyrics from the song that's stuck in your head? "Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's DOA ..." Guess what show had a marathon on TBS this afternoon.

55.] What's your favorite type of firework? The Katy Perry kind.

It's Where I Left

I spent today in the village where I grew up. First I went to the dentist (No cavities! Atta, Gal!), then I stopped at the yard/bake sale being held to support the animal shelter that gave me Reynaldo. (I no
longer blame them.) Then I wandered up the street, carrying the coffee cake and kitty water bowl I'd just purchased and had a grilled cheese sandwich at the local fast food restaurant. I still had about 15 minutes to kill before my hair cut (who knew the dental appointment would go so smoothly?) so I went to the park across from my grade school.

It has two tennis courts, two basketball hoops, a sandy area for beach volleyball and a soccer field. There's a covered picnic area, drinking fountains, a porta potty and -- my favorite -- a swingset and slide.

And I had it all to myself!

On a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon, there were no kids playing soccer, no moms passing out sandwiches at the picnic table, no teens playing tennis, no elderly friends chatting on a picnic bench, no one reading under a tree.

It was sad and spooky.

I took advantage of the opportunity to climb onto a swing and fly through the air with the greatest of ease. I watched my K-8 career fly by, too, as I looked at my old school. I remembered which entrance I used for which grade.

Parks like this are used in my current hometown, by people of all ages. I wondered where everyone in girlhood town was. As I swung I heard laughter from a backyard pool party and the distant rumble of lawn being mowed. But I saw NO ONE from my high flying vantage point. I didn't even see any cars in driveways. (Don't parents make their kids wash the family car anymore?)

I don't recall it being like this when I was a kid. I recall riding my bike all over town, playing with jump ropes and hula hoops. And how I love(d) the swings!

At any rate, I enjoyed being outside so much today. I also realized anew I am happier in the town I currently call home.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Just Give Me a Reason

Thanks to Carielle for recommending this great song.

1) When she first burst onto the scene, Pink was a self-proclaimed tomboy. Now she's glam. Literally. She was on the cover of the June issue of Glamour and is a spokeswoman for Covergirl cosmetics. Does a celebrity endorsement increase your interest in a product? Yes, in that the commercial, display or print ad gets my attention faster. For example, I checked out the Rimmel eye makeup after spotting the Zooey Deschanel poster at CVS. But she didn't influence me to buy their brow pencil. I left the store without any cosmetics. (I was going to say "I left the store empty-handed," but that wouldn't be true. I always find something at CVS that I need. Milk, Kleenex, dishwasing liquid ... you know.)

2) This song is about a woman who feels her lover slipping away. Do you believe a couple can repair a relationship once it starts to sour? I haven't been able to, but then maybe I just haven't met the right guy yet.

3) As a little girl, Pink wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. If you could excel (or, if you do excel) at any sport, which one? I'd like to run. You can do it anywhere, it keeps you healthy, and people who do it seem to really enjoy it.
 

4) Pink is married to motorcycle pro Carey Hart. Have you ever ridden really fast on a motorcyle? Not since junior high.


5) When she found out she was pregnant, Pink says she gave up whiskey and cigarettes … but admits she misses the whiskey. Do you have a habit you know you should break? I drink way too much Coke.

6) In 2010, she fell out of the aerial harness that was supposed to carry her across the stage. Are you afraid of heights? Nope.

7) Pink enjoys showing off her tattoos. Do you have any body art? Nope.

8) Pink can be very salty in her language. When was the last time you cursed? Friday afternoon.

 

9) On her website, Pink sells 10 different t-shirts. Do you have a favorite t-shirt? What does it look like/say? My That Girl t-shirt because it makes people smile.

He REALLY likes pizza

My nephew and I got to The Taste of Chicago today just before 1:00 … and spent six hours there! It was impressive how he could put it away. We hit all three pizza booths (returning to one of them twice), as well as Billy Goat Tavern (twice), The Fudge Pot, Eli's Cheesecake and Rainbow Cone.

We had a good time. He's a very bright and sweet boy. At 13 he has discovered staying up late and sleeping in and really enjoys it. He's spent the summer on the computer, playing basketball with his buddies and flopping around in the above ground pool in the backyard. He likes creative writing and thinks he's good at it, and that's the class he's looking forward to most when school starts.

He can stubborn. We both got sunburned, but then I can get sunburned waiting for the bus. Six hours in the summer sun can toast anyone. I kept trying to get him slather on the sunscreen but he was very resistant. Especially about his face. I finally got him to put some on his arms, but it was a battle.

The Taste itself was fun for me, too. It's smaller this year -- fewer, but better, vendors and just 5 days instead of a week. The crowds, while still prodigious, are smaller and less ... well ... ganged up.

My highlights: (1) Every time I visit the Taste I try to sample something new. This year I went to the Kasia's Deli booth and got the strawberry/cheese blintz with chocolate sauce. I also really loved the peach cobbler from BJ's, but I had that last time. (2) Some CPS high school kids interviewed me for their class project, thinking that I was the happy mother of a student. Also, we rode the train downtown with my nephew's best friend, who didn't believe that my kid sister is actually younger than me. So that took some of the sting out of last Tuesday night's "senior moment."

Here's something you don't see every day

This morning I rode the el with a young man who kept talking to himself -- perhaps even arguing with himself -- repeating over and over, "They're going to finish me. They're going to fuck me."

Unfortunately, this in and of itself is not unusual. People are forever carrying on monologues these days. Perhaps more often than I even realize. I bet that many people I just assume are talking on their cell phones are really conversing with the voices in their heads.

Two things made my companion this morning unusual:

1) He looked so fresh and clean! Solid shoes, clean jeans and t-shirt. His teeth looked like they could use a little work, but there are lots of people out there who are afraid of the dentist and don't go as often as they should.

2) The catalyst for his paranoid tirade was -- wait for it -- a Quill catalog. He muttered his "finish me/fuck me" mantra as he thumbed through the pages and toner cartridges and Sharpies flipped by.

I've been thinking about him all day. Was he off his meds? Is there anyone who cares that he's off by himself, riding the rails and talking to himself? Of all things to be tormented by -- OFFICE SUPPLIES?