Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Chains (1962)

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

1) The song is about a woman who is in love with her boyfriend, but still attracted to someone else. Do you believe a woman can be in love with more than one person at a time? Yes. It's not wise, but it's possible and probably not unusual.

2) What about the male of the species? Do you believe a man can be in love with more than one person at a time? Yes.

3) This lyrics were by Gerry Goffin and the music by Carole King. Carole was a favorite guest of David Letterman's. When she appeared on his show, he often commented on how impressed he was by her firm handshake. She credited her memorable grip to time spent milking goats on her Idaho farm. Have you poured goat milk on your cereal? Eaten goat milk yogurt or cheese? Not that I can recall.

4) When it first came out, "Chains" was a favorite of 18-year-old George Harrison. It was at his recommendation that the Beatles added it to their early stage shows and even recorded it on their first album. When you were in high school, what was one of your favorite songs? I listened to this cut from Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player over and over (and over). I had a crush on my English teacher. He had the most divine head of black curls. I just Googled him -- he now only has a ring of white around a bald head.



5) In 1962, when this song was released, epic movies were popular on the big screen. The Longest Day was three hours long, and Lawrence of Arabia ran more than three hours and a half hours. Today's most popular movies are nowhere near that long. Do you think the average American has a shorter attention span today than he did in 1962? No. If our attention spans were short, we wouldn't be downloading and bingewatching entire seasons of shows. Instead, I think today's theater owners are more business savvy. Shorter movies mean more showtimes. More showtimes mean more tickets -- and Goobers and Twizzlers -- sold per day.

6) In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy went on a two-week goodwill tour of India and Pakistan. She received a ceremonial "welcome necklace" in India. Made without jewels or precious metals -- just beads, sequins and paper -- it was valued by the First Lady for its delicate appearance and craftsmanship, and today it's on display at the John F. Kennedy Library. Tell us about a piece of jewelry that means a great deal to you, and why. I often wear a charm like this one as a pendant. It's a recreation of one of the coins found on the Atocha, a Spanish ship that went down just off Key West in the 1600s. The charm is made from scrap silver that went down with the ship. Amazing to think of, isn't it? Metal that rested for hundreds of years at the bottom of the sea! 

The pendant means a lot to me because it reminds me of my favorite uncle, who loved Key West and collected Atocha coins -- he acquired one worth thousands of dollars -- and of my dear friends, Reg and Henry, who live in Key West today.

Click here for more about the Atocha

7) In Pakistan, Mrs. Kennedy made headlines by riding a camel. Have you ever ridden a horse, donkey, camel or elephant? I've ridden horses and once, while at the San Diego Zoo, I rode an elephant. An elephant has very coarse hair.

8) Also in 1962, the New York Newspaper Guild went on strike, so the nation's largest city went 114 days without a single daily paper. In 2018, how do you get your news? I read the paper on the train in the morning and I have cable news on throughout the day.

9) Random question -- Complete this sentence: Before I go to sleep, I always turn off the bathroom light.

WFH vs WAH

My boss: On vacation through 7/16.
My art director: Vacation day.
My producer: Vacation day.
My three account executives: Two enjoying "personal time off," one "available by phone."

Objectively speaking, there was no reason for me to go into the office. So I didn't. The only question was how to word my email to "the team" (which today consisted of one account executive and a project manager). Was I working from home or working at home? WFH or WAH?

I did do some work. I polished a deck I'm handling in my boss' absence and set up a meeting to review it on Monday. I came up with two different approaches to introducing my client's new, improved app (without using the words "new" or "improved") and emailed my manuscripts to the art director so she can start working on it Monday.

I was done by 12:30. I took myself to lunch at my favorite coffee shop, went to the post office and did my grocery shopping. It was delightful to run errands with the Cub game in my headphones. But I felt guilty. What if something had blown up at the office?

So I hied my way back before 3:00. No emails. No phone calls. I turned on my heel and went back out. After all, it was the first day in, like, forever that wasn't beastly hot and humid. It would be a shame to waste it.

If you don't want to be called "deplorable," stop acting deplorably

Last night, President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Montana. He took the opportunity to make fun of President George H. W. Bush ... for encouraging volunteerism.

“"Thousands points of light.' What the hell was that, by the way?" Trump said to a crowd of supporters in Great Falls. Why is Trump making fun of a 94-year-old man who just lost his wife? Why is Trump bringing up a (successful) campaign slogan from the 1980s? Why is Trump mocking people who volunteer?

WHY IS THE CROWD CHEERING?

Last night, President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Montana. He took the opportunity to make fun of the #MeToo movement. This is a man we heard on tape brag about grabbing women without their consent. This is man who has two daughters. Why is he making fun of #MeToo?

WHY IS THE CROWD CHEERING?

Hillary Clinton was wrong about a great many things. But she was right about this: many Trump supporters are, indeed, deplorable.

Many of these supporters -- who applaud sexual assault as a punchline, who laugh at volunteerism -- pretend they can tell me how to vote my Christian values.

One thing about my POTUS and his supporters: they are an inspiration. Because he is such a monstrous bully, I'm going volunteer more of my time to Democratic candidates in hope of defeating him and his toxicity. I know, I know ... he'd just mock me as a sucker, doing something for others without compensation. "Giving of yourself to others? What the hell is that, anyway?"

Two crumpled bills

The Ventra machines, where we reload our transit fare cards, can be very picky. If a bill is crumpled or torn, Ventra won't accept it. And so I have two $1's balled up in my jeans pocket, set aside for Caleb and Napoleon.

But I haven't seen them! I walked past their corner, both at lunchtime and after work, before and after the 4th cut the week in half but I saw no sight of them.

Maybe Caleb is working double shifts. He works overnights, driving a forklift at a grocery warehouse. He was enthusiastic about the possibility of covering for his vacationing coworkers. I hope that's where he is.

I hope he's not preoccupied by his wife's lingering health problems. I remember him thumping his chest through his shirt as he told me that Randi's heart is still weak ... compromised by her bout with a virus and not helped by her cancer surgeries. She tires easily and has been encouraged to use a wheelchair, which she hates. It's obvious when he talks about her that he loves her so. She's battling so much, and I'm not sure she's turned 30 yet.

Happy 4th of July

The Right Words at The Right Time

One of the most valuable things I ever learned at church is that God sends word to us in the way we're most open to hearing it. I've received valuable lessons from the most unlikely pop-culture messengers ... from Lenny Bruce to Paul Harvey to Rob Lowe.

Add the sitcom Mom to list.

It's a show I don't usually watch because the characters don't seem to like one another very much. And since I didn't watch from the beginning, I'm not sure about all the relationships. But it's on in syndication so it's aired a lot these days, and the other night I came upon it when I couldn't sleep.

The main character, Christy, is having a very bad day. At home, at work, in traffic, everywhere. At her AA meeting, she begins venting to Marjorie, who says to her: "If you run into jerks all day, you're the jerk."

Oh my God! That's so me!

I've been annoyed with everyone and everything for the last two or three weeks.

A lot of it is the weather. The heat is making everyone a little edgy, a bit more unpleasant. And I'm on a rather constant diet of NSAIDs for my kidney stone, and meds can wreak havoc on one's outlook.

But most of it is me. I'm not happy with my life right now -- my home is such a mess and I feel lazy and helpless about the state of the nation. And so I'm projecting that on everyone else.

I should have this tattooed on my fat ass. No, make it my thigh. So I can see it.

I'm getting used to it

At first I was embarrassed when I requested the AARP/Walgreens discount. The first Tuesday of each month is Seniors Day. 20% off non-sale items or AARP members who have a Walgreens Balance Rewards Card.

I've gotten over it.

This month I saved on Gerber baby food (Connie's favorite), Slim Fast milk chocolate shakes (my favorite), fiber gummies and bottled water.* The girl at the counter teased that I didn't look old enough for the 20% and I thanked her, but I mean, look what I was buying! That's hardly the shopping list of a 22 year old.

I saved over $6.00 on that one trip. If I'd planned better, I could have saved even more. Walgreens also sells light bulbs and batteries. But I hadn't thought of that until I was halfway home.

Do better next month, old girl!

*The Kraft Mac and Cheese for my local food pantry was already on sale.

Snuggle bug

My cat Connie has become so much more social lately. She's always been affectionate with me. The first time I held her, that day we met at the animal shelter, she tucked her head under my chin and burrowed into my neck. She has enjoyed her share of pets and kisses ever since.

But she's also a cat's cat. She has always spent a good portion of her day playing and napping with her adoptive brothers. When she first joined our household, Joey was already 20 and most of his playing days were long behind him. Connie went out of her way to curl up near him, snoozing away as a little gray fur shrimp next to his slumbering bulk. She and Reynaldo have torn up the place -- literally. Racing to and fro. Batting catnip toys up and down the hall.

These days, Connie is by my side more. Chatting with me, looking seriously into my eyes. The way Reynaldo used to, but he's sleeping so much more these days.

Maybe it's the heat. Even with the ac going almost around the clock, it's godawful hot in here. Perhaps it's just too exhausting for Reynaldo to exert himself in the heat.

But it could also be the passage of time. Rey is now 14 years old. That makes  him about 70 years old, in human years. He still has his bursts of energy, attitude and mischief, but there's no denying that he sleeps more than ever before. More than Connie feels like napping.

So I'm happy to bond with my girl. But I wish it didn't mean my boy is entering the last innings of his life.

Plenty of Nothing

The heat really takes it out of me. We've been under an extreme heat warning since Friday noon and I'm exhausted. Even indoors, even in my air conditioned home, I feel uncomfortably warm and depleted.

And outside? Fuhgeddaboutit!

All I did this weekend was:
1) Close on my (gulp!) home equity line of credit
2) Get my hair cut/colored
3) Pay bills
4) Do laundry
5) Grocery shop
6) Sleep (alot)
7) Watch baseball

I feel like I'm wasting time. Wasting summer. Wasting electricity.

And I've got nothing to show for it. I haven't even vacuumed because I couldn't bear to be without the AC, and I was afraid plugging one more appliance in would blow the circuits. So my home is hideous and I'm boring.

Sunday Stealing

I LOVE A PARADE

1. Do you like parades? Not really. My antipathy comes from being dragged to the local ones when I was a kid. Now that attending is my choice, I don't mind them as much. But I can't recall when I ever went out of my way to attend.

2. Rate the following parade attractions in order of affection:
*. horses; 1
*. marching bands 4
*. floats; 2
*. anything that gives away candy: 3
*. politicians ride in cars? 6
*. antique cars/tractors; 7 *. fire trucks; 5

3. Have you ever been in a parade? Yes. I marched with my Cadet (Girl Scouts) troop. I was very proud of my sash. I had lots of badges. Also, as I walked by, my mom ran up and grabbed my hand. I was embarrassed at the time, but it's a nice memory now.

4. Do you bring lawn chairs to parades?  No. My father complained about people who do this. My father complained about everything related to the parade: we couldn't park near enough to the route, people took the best seats with their lawn chairs, the bands played too much pop and not enough patriotic music ... I felt like screaming, "If it's so bad, why did you make me come?" In fact, I'm sure at one point I did scream this. I was the only one in the family who wasn't somehow in the unspoken pact to just let my dad complain and cause unnecessary tension without addressing it.
 
5. Does it bother you to have to park a long way from the parade, and then walk back to the car afterwards? I don't have a car, so no. But this was one of my dad's pet peeves. I don't know why, really. If you're going to the same spot at the same moment as many of your neighbors, why would you expect to get the perfect parking spot?

6. Do you wave at people you know? Yes

7. At people you don't know? Yes

8. Do you take pets -dogs particularly - to parades? No

9 Have you ever been to a big parade in person (Rose Bowl, Macy's, etc)? No

10. Do you attend more warm weather or cold weather parades?  Warm.

Saturday 9

SATURDAY 9: BACK IN THE USA (1978)


1) This song lists seven cities -- New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge and St. Louis -- that Linda just loves. How many have you visited? Four

2) The lyrics refer to hamburgers sizzling on the grill. What toppings do you believe make a perfect burger? Cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a fried egg. Awesome!

3) The original recording of this song by Chuck Berry has always been one of Linda Ronstadt's favorites, one she used to enjoy singing along with in the car. What's the most recent song you sang? I sang "Kiss on My List" along with Hall and Oates and my shower radio. Funny, because it's a song I don't particularly like. It just burrowed its way into my consciousness.
 
4) Linda sang The National Anthem at Game 3 of the 1977 World Series. 
The New York Yankees won both that game and the series. How is your baseball team doing this season? My Cubs are currently in second-place in the National League's best division. 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee and 3 games ahead of St. Louis. We had a tough June, with a 5-game losing streak. But we've won 3 of our last 5, and I'm hoping for a powerful, victorious July! (BTW, I'm celebrating Independence Day with a trip to Wrigley Field with my nephew on 7/6.)

Since this is our last Saturday 9 before Independence Day, let's ask some questions about the holiday. 
 
5) During the Revolutionary War, General Washington celebrated the 4th of July by giving his troops a double ration of rum. Will you imbibe any spirits on Independence Day? Probably not. We only have Wednesday the 4th off work, no long weekend for this gal. So I don't foresee any partying or celebrating.

6) The first man to sign the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, said he wrote his name so large King George could see it, even without his glasses. Do you require glasses for reading? I need my "cheaters" for small print. 

7) Since July 4 is a federal holiday, banks are closed and there's no mail delivery. Thanks to email and ATMs, Sam finds going without those services isn't a hardship. What about you? Will you find it inconvenient that banks and the USPS are closed on July 4? Not at all.

8) The first 4th of July parade each year is held at 12:01 AM in Gatlinberg, TN. Will you attend a parade or fireworks to celebrate the 4th? Golly, I haven't been to my local parade in years! Maybe I'll make my way over to watch on Wednesday morning.

9) More and more Americans celebrate our nation's holiday by eating foods from Italy and Germany. For the July 4, 2016 holiday, more than $50 million was spent on Italian sausage and bratwurst. What's on your 4th of July menu? I don't have a July 4th menu this year. In recent years, I've celebrated the 4th together with my friend John's birthday as part of a long weekend. But John and I have already celebrated his birthday with a special trip to Springfield to see Mr. Lincoln, and with the 4th landing mid-week, I guess I'll just celebrate with whatever I bring home from Boston Market on the 3rd.

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading?  

Thereby Hangs a Tail by Spencer Quinn. Our narrator is Chet, a dog who flunked out of police school. Chet lives and works with his human companion, Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private investigator. The mystery at hand involves threats against a show dog named Princess.

I just cracked this one open, so I don't have much to say about it. It was gifted to me by someone I gave The Art of Racing in the Rain to. He figured if I enjoyed a dog narrator then, I'll enjoy one now, though I can see already this book doesn't have Racing's artistic aspirations.

And that's OK. Just as I enjoy a popcorn movie at the theater every now and again, I can have fun reading lighter fare.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading?  

Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews. This book was a difficult read. Not because of the writing -- Chris Matthews is far more graceful in his prose than his TV persona suggests. No, it was hard because of Bobby is such a challenging topic.

This is, after all, the kid JFK used to call "Black Robert." He could be a prig. He could be without nuance. He had an unfortunate penchant for seeing the world (in his wife Ethel's words) "as black and white hats." His puritanical outlook made it hard for him to fit in -- at college, in the service, in the workplace.

Then he fell into politics and he hit his stride. He was successful in running John Kennedy's campaigns, he was effective as an activist Attorney General. He believed he was making a difference. He was happy. But that happiness ended in the worst way possible after only 1000 days.

 

President Kennedy's death transformed his brother. He became more sensitive and almost achingly empathic. He yearned to close the gap between generations, between races, between classes. Bobby was driven to run for President himself because he believed he could do real and lasting good. Then the unthinkable becomes inevitable, and Bobby himself is murdered. At just 42. 

The parallels between 1968 and 2018 are inescapable. Reading this book is like walking around with a pebble in your shoe. Bobby annoys and reminds and cajoles you into doing what you can to help your country now, when your country really needs you.

3.  What will you read next?  

Maybe another biography? Or a mystery. My TBR pile is stacked dauntingly high with both.

That was fun!

I spent 90 minutes on the phone to my oldest friend! We just blabbed and blabbed. We just laughed and laughed. It felt so good to reconnect. I have been so worried about her health and well being that I'd forgotten how much I depend on her, how much our connection means to me. I've known her since Kindergarten. I can literally think of only three people on earth who have known me longer. I feel rejuvenated after our talk.

I didn't tell her that a finance company contacted me, looking for her. She knows she's not making her car payment. She knows they are trying to reach her. Why embarrass her? Especially when we were getting along so well.

I am not fooled by what happened here. Just because I feel better doesn't mean she feels better. She is still unemployed and beyond broke. She is still trying to get her welfare straightened out so that she can get the meds she needs. She is still battling heart trouble, arthritis, bad teeth and most of all, depression.

But I think of that phone call as a little bud, a little shoot on a venerable old plant. I'm going to nurture and make sure our connection stays strong.

All good

Napoleon update. Before I went to Springfield, Caleb asked me to bring him something from my trip, so I'd been carrying a postcard from Lincoln's Home. When I gave it to him, he told me that his grandfather told him about touring the house when he was a little boy, and that his grandfather was "a Lincoln fanatic." It was the first I'd heard about Caleb's grandfather, and was glad the card brought back happy memories (though I'm still not reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, even if it is one of Caleb's favorite books).

While he and I were talking, a woman walked up with a 24-can case of Friskies cat food. Napoleon's favorite! Napoleon acted as though he knew what it was. He hopped into the plastic bag and started pawing at the cardboard. Now he could not possibly smell the gravy through the cardboard box and the metal can ... could he? At any rate, the woman knew her act of kindness was enthusiastically received by both human and feline.

Caleb has a lead on another place for the little family to live. His wife still needs a wheelchair off and on throughout the day -- with her weakened heart, when she feels tired she must stay off her feet -- so sleeping in their tent by the river is an impossibility. The furnished room where they are makes both Randi and Napoleon uncomfortable because they neither trust nor like their landlord. Plus, it's an illegal rental, which means they have no lease and no rights. This worries me.

Anyway, a woman who works for IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) walks by Caleb and Napoleon every day and has taken an interest in them. She is investigating a state-sponsored home where Caleb and Randi would have their own furnished room, a shared bathroom and access to a kitchen. He seemed excited about having a lock on his door and extra privacy. I hope it works out. It would be nice if Randi could relax and recuperate in a room where she feels safe and comfortable.

Sunday Stealing

Cricket's Drivel

1. When was the last time you went to the doctor? Do you like your doctor? I went to the doctor in April. I like and trust her. I have issues at times with her office staff, but I'm not thinking of switching doctors. BTW, this reminds me that I need to make an appointment with my dentist.
 
2. My back is itching, will you scratch it for me? Through your shirt? Certainly. But if you're wearing something backless, I'll hand you a nice ruler to do the job.
 
3. Do you have nice handwriting? I have very nice handwriting. This confuses me, since I can't draw for shit.

4. We are sending you to either New Zealand or Canada, which one do you choose? Canada. I don't want to fly that far, and I mean, just look at him:

But seriously, folks, I had a serious brush with matrimony in the 1990s and back then, the groom decided that I would enjoy Quebec City for our honeymoon. The wedding never took place, and enough time has elapsed that I could tour the city without feeling sad. I'm curious as to why he thought I'd love it so much.

5. Do you sing in the shower? Every morning.

 
6. Have you ever been streaking? If so, how far did you streak and did anyone see you? Is this from 1975? I not only have never streaked, I've never seen a streaker.

 
7. How soon is too soon for Christmas decorations and music playing in the stores? I'm all for November 1. Once the Halloween decorations come down, put up the holly.

 
8. If you celebrated Halloween as a kid what was the costume you wore at 5? I have no recollection. Sorry.
 
9. How many cavities have you had in your life? A gazillion.
 
10.  Is there anyone you regret meeting. Oh, I don't know. Sometimes I look back on a relationship and rue the day we met. On the other hand, I learned a lot. But does anyone need to learn about cruelty? So I'm back to, "Oh, I don't know."

Good enough for what it is

via GIPHY

It's summer. When the dinosaurs return to the movie theater, so do I. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is not high art. It's a movie where the CGI dinosaurs are the most interesting characters, and I'm good with that.

Watching from a mostly empty row,* I waited to see my girl Blue.

Yes, I bought my ticket to see one specific dinosaur. I'm a fan.

She's very loyal to Owen (Chris Pratt) and is capable of both trust and empathy. She's also impulsive, willful and really, really smart. Just because she hears you, doesn't mean she's listening. (Reminds me of my cat, Reynaldo.)

Jeff Goldbum's scientist has a cameo where he makes a compelling argument for letting the dinosaurs die of natural causes. We messed with nature, to disastrous results, by bringing them back. It's wise to step back and let nature resolve this.

I was all for it. Until I thought of Blue.

SPOILER ALERT: She's alive at the end of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

*Though at my local theater, it's playing on two screens and offers a stunning 15 showings, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. I suppose they can't all be full.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Shut Up + Dance (2014)

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

1) This is about a man who meets the woman who is his destiny on the dance floor. Do you think we each have One Great Love preordained by fate? Or do you think life offers each of us many opportunities for romance? I think life offers us many opportunities. I disagree vehemently that fate or God "preordains" who we love, or who is "right" for us. As a woman of faith, I believe Jesus smiles on us when we behave lovingly, well and honorably in our relationships.

2) Lead singer Nick Petricca says this song is inspired by a true story. He was all keyed up and his girlfriend dragged him onto the dance floor, insisting that dancing would cheer him up. Therefore he considers this song an "anthem to letting go and having fun." Think of the last time you really had fun. Who were you with? What were you doing? On Monday, I had an Olive Garden lunch with Nancy. I never really laugh with her, but it was a comfortable, good time. She may join my agency and I would like seeing her every day again.

3) The dance floor incident that inspired this song took place in Echo Park, an LA neighborhood located near Elysian Park and Chinatown. Tell us about your village or city. Do the neighborhoods have interesting names? My Chicago haunts are The Mag(nificent) Mile, The Loop, South Loop, Old Town, River North and, of course, Wrigleyville. There's also Hyde Park, Logan Square, Englewood, Chinatown, Logan Square, Pilsen and Austin. (And more I'm sure I've forgotten.)

4) Walk the Moon promoted this record by a performance on Good Morning America. Are you enthusiastic and energetic at 7:00 AM? Or do you hit your stride later in the day? I feel best beginning at about 2:00 PM and into the evening.

5) "Shut Up + Dance" is the biggest hit by Walk the Moon. The bandmembers met as at Kenyon, Ohio's oldest private college. Tell us about something that's old and revered where you live. The Chicago Tribune staff has left The Tribune Tower (1923) and the building is going condo. Much care is going into preserving it. The facade features stones from famous buildings, all around the world. Every time I walk by, I stop and touch them. 

Here's more about the "Stones of the World"

6) Walk the Moon took their name from the Police song, "Walking on the Moon." What's your favorite song by Sting and/or The Police? "Don't Stand So Close to Me."

7) In 2014, the year this song was popular, Robin Williams took his own life. What's your favorite Robin Williams performance? Moscow on the Hudson (1984).

8) Also in 2014, the Apple Watch was introduced. Are you wearing a watch as you answer these 9 questions? Not right now.

9) Random question -- You must create a coat of arms for yourself, representing your life and spirit. Which of these items would you place at the center: a heart, a sword, or a pen? A pen. 

Whereas I got high and fell asleep

One of the benefits of working where I do is "summer hours." We work an extra hour Monday through Thursday and then get to leave the office at 1:00 on Fridays.

I always try to do something with those four extra hours. Those four wonderful, free hours. On Friday 6/22 I thought maybe I'd go see the new Jurassic Park movie. Or wash clothes when I know I'd have the laundry room to myself.

Instead, I just got high and fell asleep.

Thursday I was, literally, stuck in place for about four hours. I was working to a crazy tight deadline. I didn't get up and walk around periodically, nor did I keep chugging water -- two things I know I'm supposed to do. Consequently, Thursday night, my kidney stone became irritated. And it irritated me to the point of OW!

I soaked in the tub for a while, getting pruny and waiting for the pain to subside. Then I slept for a few hours.

I woke up feeling a pinch. I wanted to stay home and soak some more, but I had to go to work. I was afraid the pain would linger and get worse. So I popped one of those "break glass in case of emergency" Vicodin I have in my purse. It didn't complete obliterate the discomfort so I took a couple Advil on top of it.

My head was thick-thick-thick. But it was also only for a few hours, just while I tied up some loose ends on my four-hour Summer Friday.

On the way home from the train, I started to hurt again. I treated myself to lunch -- clam chowder and a pulled pork sandwich -- and popped another pill. It had been more than seven hours since the morning dose. I got home and fell asleep for about four hours. So that the summer Friday wasn't a total waste, I did head on over the grocery store and bank, and was then able to mark two errands off my list.

I understand the appeal of Vicodin. It's interesting to walk around with a twinge, knowing that if it wasn't for the meds it would be a distracting, awful pain. But I was desperately tired and found it hard to concentrate first at work, then on my book as I ate my lunch.

And lest you think I'm on my way to ending up like Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland or Whitney Houston ... I've only taken 15 pills in the last month.

My goal is prevention -- to stop the attack before it starts. That's far preferable to masking the pain.

Those halls

I keep thinking of the last time we see Mr. Lincoln alive in Speilberg's Lincoln. It's an evening meeting at The White House. He gets word that Mary is waiting for him to accompany her to Ford's Theater. "It's time for me to go," he says, taking his hat and gloves from his valet. "But I would rather stay." Then he ambles down a White House hallway, never to return.

Donald Trump walks those halls now.