THURSDAY THIRTEEN #237

 

Reflections on my little madman on his 11th birthday

1) I adopted Reynaldo from an animal shelter in November 2004. He was estimated to be about 7 or 8 months old at the time, which means he was probably born in April 2004.

2) The shelter volunteers called him Houdini because he had rather deftly figured out how to get out of his cage. I should have known then what I was getting into.

3) During our first meeting, he leaped out of my arms and attached himself to the side of the cage that held the rabbits also up for adoption. I should have known then what I was getting into.

4) I renamed him Reynaldo Curtis, after my then #1 TV boyfriend, the detective Benjamin Bratt played on Law and Order.

5) He answers to "Rey," "Rey-Rey" and "Reynaldo." For all the faults I'm about to list, it must be said that he reliably responds when called.

6) Rey has an astonishing need for my attention that has not abated with time. The vet says he is "unusually attached" to me.

7) This manifests itself by waking me up at all hours of the night, just to get me to interact with him. He eats my hair, cries at the ceiling, or knocks things off my dresser one-by-one until I awaken.

8) He hates it when I'm on the computer or on the phone -- or basically doing anything that doesn't directly involve him. To distract me, he likes to knock things off the dining room table or living room end table. He does this even though he knows it will get him banished to solitary confinement behind the bedroom door. He can't help himself, he's compelled.

9) In his quest to capture and hold my attention he has been quite destructive. He's destroyed picture frames and ripped the curtain rods out of the wall (resulting in plasterwork and repainting). He also did an impromptu dance on my electric stove, turning on one of the burners, which was scary. That's why the stove's control panel is now gusseted in bubble wrap. It gives the appliance an unusual look, but it's better than letting him burn the building down.

10) He has a box of balls and catnip toys at his disposal, and yet he finds it more intriguing to torment me.

11) His liveliness makes him a good playmate for Connie, my two year old cat. Though they used to be boxing buddies, my 20-year-old tomcat Joey now finds Rey's tomfoolerly increasingly tiresome.

12) Rey has no temper. None whatsoever. I can clip his nails or shove pills down his gullet and he's fine with it. A neighbor kid once lifted Reynaldo up by his tail -- which had to hurt -- and he was very patient about it.

13) When he's a good boy, curled up upon his kitty condo, I realize he's adorable and well worth all the trouble.

Please join us for The NEW THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Afraid

I'm afraid of how much today's news frightens me. I'm afraid of how much it will hurt if I let it.

For years my agency employed a freelance writer, a happily married mother of two who was content to work from her downstate home. We all loved her. The client loved her. She was referred to often today as "a good egg." She had integrity and warmth and dignity. When the project she was working on ended and we had to let her go, she sent a tray of cupcakes over to the office to thank us for the opportunity.

I reached out to her after she was let go. She told me it was just as well, because she could use the extra time to drive her kids to their sporting events. Her husband was so proud and pleased that their children were such jocks.

Today I found out her husband, age 45, was killed instantly in a small plane crash. He and 6 friends were flying back from seeing the NCAA finals and their plane lost its way in the fog. I saw the photo of the wreckage. It's sickening.

His Twitter account is still up. His last tweet was about Wisconsin and Duke.

This should not have happened to her. She is a good person. She deserves better from life than losing her life partner, than trying to shield her kids from the horror of that photo of crumpled steel.

I am reminded of Elizabeth Edwards' words of wisdom -- God promises us enlightenment and eternal life. He doesn't promise us protection or an easy ride.

Isn't she lovely?

All winter, Wrigley Field has been under construction. We've all heard rumors about the renovation, how drastic it would be, how after all the modernization the Friendly Confines won't be the same fabulous old girl we've all come to love.

Well, tonight the park was unveiled and all I can say is BAH! The bricks are covered with green ivy and the iconic, manually operated scoreboard remains. So it's still my Wrigley Field.

And so tonight it begins again. My Cubs are back and hope springs eternal. Maybe this year will be THE YEAR!

Who's a Good Girl?

Connie is a good girl!

We went to the vet yesterday, only our second trip in her 10 months living here. I didn't know how she'd be, either in transit or at the office. But she did fine. She's healthy enough -- her eye has cleared up nicely, her heart and lungs are good. Her gums are a bit bloody, though. The vet suggests that might be residual damage from the bad diet she endured at her previous home with a hoarder in Indiana.

Thinking about the condition she was in when she was arrived at the local shelter here -- emaciated, pregnant, with light sensitive eyes because of FVR -- makes me proud and happy that I'm able to give her the stable life she deserves.

Happy Easter

It's such a holy time of year. Passover ... Good Friday ... Easter.  I was preoccupied this morning with thoughts of freedom, faith, and love. It seemed so fitting that it was cloudy when I went into church but then was greeted by sunny blue skies when I emerged.

Just a coupla chicks, sitting around and talking

I met my niece for lunch at Olive Garden, my mother/her grandmother's favorite restaurant. It was the first time either of us had been back since she passed in Autumn, 2012. We agreed it was a nice way to think of her this Easter.

She told me about her impending breakup with her boyfriend. They're still living together, but it's platonic and only until she can get her own place.

As her college years grind to an end, she told me about her career aspirations. I'm jealous of her optimism and ambition. She isn't sure if she wants to stay in Michigan -- which she thinks is so beautiful with its lakes and beaches -- or come back here because it's home. And because there are so many more professional opportunities here.

She told me that she just discovered Friends on Netflix and is totally into it. Her favorite is Chandler. I think this is great.

I love her so much and really enjoyed the one-on-one time with her.

Well, it's advertising

This past week was tough at work. Three people from our team were let go. The official reason was the "aggregate." One of our clients (not the account we work on) was supposed to be involved in a merger, but it turned out to be a takeover, leaving our agency without billing.

I don't believe that's why one of the three was let go. Crazy smart, he was rumored to have a drinking problem. I suspect the agency used the layoffs as an excuse to rid themselves of a headache.

I'll never know, though. It's advertising. This happens all the time. I'm grateful that I have retained enough humanity to still be shocked.

Sunday Stealing

The More Or Less Meme

3 (or more, or less!) things... 

1. ...you cannot live without.  Cable, internet, books

2. ...you CAN live without, but cannot seem to part with. iPod, Farmville 2, and ice cream

3. ...you wish to accomplish this COMING week.  Pick up Connie the Cat's prescription, return to the gym, begin The Big Project at work

4. ...you have accomplished this PAST week.  Paid bills, stayed within my budget, got my heavy winter coat cleaned and put away until next year

5. ...on your holiday (or non-holiday) 'wish list.' New headphones, a portable DVD player (before they stop making them) and a new phone

6. ...you would like to change about yourself.  Reduce my waist, be healthier, be more patient

7. ...you like about yourself. I'm smart, loyal and funny

8. ...you should be doing right now instead of what you ARE doing. Scrubbing the tub, putting away my winter clothes, dusting

9. ...in your life that could use a little more organization. My finances, my refrigerator, my wallet

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Easter Parade ("In Your Easter Bonnet")

1) This song is about a special Easter hat to be worn with your "Sunday best." Will you be getting dressed up this weekend? Well, I'll swap my sweatshirt for a sweater for Sunday service, but other than that, no.

2) Sam is not crazy about hats because she cannot stand "hat hair." Do you have a lot of hats or caps? "Hat hair" is precisely why I prefer hoods and earmuffs.

3) This song was inspired by New York City's Easter Parade. Does your community host a similar event? I admire New Yorkers for doing this every year. After all, Easter weather is very unpredictable. Maybe that's why we don't have such a parade.

4) On April 6, President Obama and Michelle will host lucky children for the 137th White House Easter Egg Roll. Which are your favorite eggs: colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate marshmallow eggs, or plastic eggs with coins inside? My favorites were always the ones with the coins inside. It's one of the few things I remember fondly about holidays with my other "icky" Grandma. She hid plastic money eggs. And at Christmas, she let me do glass wax stencils on her kitchen window pane. Every other memory I have of her is bad.




5) How about Peeps? Would you rather have yellow chicks or pink bunnies? Not a big Peeps fan. Sorry.

6) The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you thinks it's possible to have too much chocolate? It's difficult to eat too much chocolate, but if you work hard at it, it can be done. I've had the tummy aches to prove it.

7) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. A 2013 poll tells us that red is by far the favorite jelly bean color, with yellow a distant second. Do you have a preference? Green. Purple is good, too.

8) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween? Halloween.

9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?  Going to church. Washing my hair also, to borrow from The Stylistics, makes me feel brand new. I like that song better than "Easter Parade," so let's close with it.



Happy Easter!

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #236

THIRTEEN 

TOP-SELLING 

SECOND HAND BOOKS

I think there's something romantic about a used book. Who owned it before? Why did they part with it? 

If you feel like I do, here's a site you should know about: Abe Books. There you will find hardcovers and paperbacks, text books and best sellers. Many of the books have been rescued from libraries. All are reasonably priced and a great way to feed your bookish habit.

Recently they posted their bestselling used books of this young century. Here are the top 13. I've read #2, #3, and #9. What about you?

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
6. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
7. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
8. Night by Elie Wiesel
9. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
11. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
13. Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

Please join us for The NEW THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Don't do this

I twisted my ankle while running for the bus last Saturday. It still hurts. So if you can avoid being a klutz like me, I recommend you do so.

I've read that sprains can take up to 6 weeks to heal completely. I guess I should count myself lucky that after just three days, the swelling has gone down, I can put weight on it and walk on it -- though going down stairs hurts like a son of a bitch.

WWW.WEDNESDAY

This meme is no more. And yet I persist in answering the three questions it asked each week. Stubborn, ain't I?

1. What are you currently reading? Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston. Just started it and all I can say is, "Wow." Everything about it is unique and memorable.

•  The premise: What happens to a family if they get their wish and abducted kid is recovered and returned to them? Yes, one of those "Have You Seen Me?" milk carton kids -- an 11-year-old boy -- is found four years later. What is that like? The questions … The scrutiny … The trial and punishment of the kidnapper … The seismic shift in family dynamics … all of it is explored.

•  The characters. Each of the five central family members -- the boy, his parents, his brother and his grandfather -- is uniquely and skillfully drawn.

•  The prose. Mr. Johnston turns a beautiful phrase. It's a pleasure to read, even if the story is intense.

2. What did you recently finish reading? Wake by Anna Hope. Another emotionally intense story by another talented first-time novelist. This is about three women living in London and dealing with the aftermath of "the war," aka WWI. But that's the thing of it. We know what they do not -- that while they put their shattered lives back together as best they can in the 1920s, it will all come apart again too soon when WWII breaks out and hits much closer to home.

 

 3.  What will you read next? I can't wait to return to  Frank: The Voice by James Kaplan. I started reading this book as my own way of celebrating Sinatra's centennial (he would turn 100 this September). I had no idea I'd enjoy it as much as I am.

 

What an artist. What a rascal. Kaplan writes well and pays attention to both Frank's auspicious talent and his audacious life. It's just it's 800 pages long, and I wanted to take a break and read something else before going back to it.

And I shall. This accounting of Sinatra's life is too entertaining and too uniquely American for me not to finish it.

Not the letter I expected ...

In mid-March I wrote to my Cousin Rose, telling her that I would be busy throughout Memorial Day weekend but would love to spend a few hours with her. All of this was a lie. I have no plans for Memorial Day. I just don't want her staying with me.

I hated doing this. Rose loves me and her heart is tender and dear. The thing of it is, though, she's maddeningly grumpy. Ever since her painful divorce, she's been short-tempered, judgmental and intolerant. I can't stand being around her for more than four or five hours at a crack. (Really, I timed it.)

I felt so bad about lying to her that I've actually had nightmares about it. I have so much respect for her as a person, and I so honor how she stood by me when I was growing up, that this dilemma has really hurt.

So yesterday, when I saw the envelope with her familiar scrawl across the front, I was more than a little nervous. I was afraid that she'd seen through my lie and that I'd hurt her. 

Nope. That wasn't it at all. It was a short, chatty and surprisingly upbeat letter about NCIS (a passion we share) and how eager she is to receive the results of her DNA test so she can find out once and for all if she's more Germanic or English (genealogy is her #1 hobby.)

I feel so much better about life right now. Tonight might be the first really restful night's sleep I've had in a while!

It's really quite a compliment

Last year, I took my friend John to Wrigley Field for his birthday and he had a wonderful time. So, of course, predictably, did I. After all, I can think of no place on earth I'd rather be on a warm, dry day than within the Friendly Confines. But I was surprised by how much he enjoyed it. Even though he and I aren't very demonstrative, he hugged me frequently during that celebration day and has since referred to it as "a perfect day."

So this year I'm taking him to a game again. This time the Cubs happen to be home on his actual birthday. I was surprised that it took him a couple days to get back to me with his RSVP.

Turns out it's because we'll be at the ballpark for his 60th birthday. He called and said there was nowhere he'd rather be, and no one he'd rather celebrate it with.

Wow. I'm not only happy to be delivering something to him that matters to him, I'm flattered that he'd rather spend his landmark birthday with me than with anyone else.

Old friends. I tell you, they're the best.

Sunday Stealing

The Dirty Dozen Meme

1. This weather is really..... sunny. Yea!

2. You think you've seen it all, you should see me.... wiggle my ear. It's delighted the generations of children I've babysat.

 3. I'm sure you would still love me even if... you saw what a terrible housekeeper I am.

 4. I think I have finally realized... that not everyone needs to hear every thought I have.

 5. Since the last time we linked up... um, this is embarrassing but I wasn't aware that we had linked up.

 6. I get super embarrassed... when anyone hears me sing.

 7. I really thought by now... I'd be more domestically inclined.

8. If I thought no one would read it, I would write about... There really isn't anything. This humble blog pretty much sums me up.

9. I knew I was in the wrong place... when I saw two pairs of shoes under the bathroom stall door, and they were facing in the same direction.

10. I am so not above... reality TV.

11. Let's pretend... that tonight will live forever if we close our eyes and believe it might come true. So darling, darling, hold me ... (I'm such a sap for a love song.)



12. Just you wait... Henry Higgins, just you wait!

I'd like my faith back, please

I am both patriotic and Christian. Like Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy, I believe strongly in the separation of Church and State. I don't think either my faith or my country is well-served when the State is too formally infused by the Church.

I'm offended by neighboring Indiana using my faith to sanction bigotry against gays. Yes, I know scripture can be quoted that damns homosexuality. But scripture can also be quoted about not touching pigskin, which means every Notre Dame football player is going to Hell and the concussive brain damage former NFL players are suffering is a punishment from God. So let's not even go there. 

I remember watching, slack jawed, in 2012 when Rev. Franklin Graham talked about how Newt Gingrich was a "Christian candidate" because he's a (twice divorced) Catholic but the Mormon Mitt Romeny wasn't. I can't foresee any eventuality that would have me voting for Mitt Romney, but I admire the way he has raised his sons and honors his wife. Romney says he believes in Christ and that's between him and Jesus. There's no Gal in that equation. It's offensive that any mortal would try to insert themselves into a relationship so personal and so dear.

And then there was the incident that made me want to "throw up," when Rick Santorum went off on JFK's landmark 1960 speech about his Catholic faith. Then-candidate Kennedy said he believed in an America that wasn't officially Catholic, Protestant or Jewish, where "where religious liberty is so indivisible that an act against one church is treated as an act against all." Is Santorum's own faith so fragile that the acknowledgement of others threatens it?

I look at the countries where there is a state religion, and I'm proud to say that as Americans, we've got it all over them.

This is the week that leads up to Easter. Obviously the Resurrection is very, very important to me. The message to me is that love ultimately conquers all. After all, God's love for us overcame His son's death, giving us Eternal Life. So yes, in my heart I believe that Christianity is the most wonderful, true and joyous way to live.

But that's in my heart. Not in my ballot box. Not in my legislature. The way my neighbors worship isn't, and shouldn't, be my business.

And please, Indianans, don't go discriminating in the name of my Christian faith. Thank you.

A Saturday in Spring

It was cold -- about 30º -- but dry and sunny. I dragged my big old down coat to the cleaners and took Frank Sinatra to the coffee shop for eggs scrambled with ham and read about how he managed to avoid military service in WWII.*

I got home and was lazy, indulging in a little Bonanza (thank you Me-TV) and taking a nap. Then I hurried to the bus stop so I could use my last Goodwill Sale coupons at Carson's. I sprained my ankle crossing the busy street to the catch the bus. It didn't bother me much while I was shopping.

I refreshed my sock drawer (1 navy, 1 light blue and 3 black) and bought some Clinique for myself and my niece. I also picked up a pair of bracelets at crazy low prices. Less than $15! I'm giving the "friendship" bracelet to Mindy for her November birthday because she always says I'm "a friend for the ages." I'm giving my oldest friend the "love/laugh" bracelet because 1) no one makes me laugh like she does and 2) she needs to remember she's not alone because she has me. My oldest friend's birthday isn't until December. I must remember where I put these bracelets! That's the downside to doing my shopping in advance.

I still had some coupons left and forgot I could have used them on carsons.com. Dammit! Oh well. I got bargains and Goodwill got donations so it's all good.

Then I stopped at Tony's. It's a local grocery chain -- less than a dozen stores -- that has a much bigger and cheaper selection than my usual haunts, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. I seldom shop there because the bus ride to and fro adds $4.50 to my grocery bill. Hell, I can have a whole order delivered by Peapod for $6! But since Carson's is walking distance to Tony's, I figured what the hell. I was quite happy with my purchases in the meat department, my Sara Lee bread (I like white bread, so sue me!) and the less-than-a-dollar addition I picked up for the food pantry (Idaho Spuds Mashed Potato Mix). It's crazy how much I enjoy shopping new grocery stores, but I do.

I got home and my ankle started hurting like crazy. When I was at the store, it was stiff but fine. Once I stopped shopping … ow, ow, ow! That tells you something about retail therapy, doesn't it?

I watched the Columbo marathon on the Hallmark Mystery Channel until I went to bed. Happy to see it's still on this morning. I never watched Columbo when it was on the first time and find it Monk-like and charming. Also, with all the news stories about the German plane crash, I need escapism. I'll be flying to LA in a few weeks, and if I think too much about that crash I'll have an even harder time getting on that plane to the coast.

*He was 4F, a classification that was controversial at the time.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Thinking Out Loud (2014)
 
1) This week's featured artist, Ed Sheeran, was discovered by Elton John. Tell us your favorite Elton John song. It's not one of his best known, but I like it. ("I just want to tell you, Honey, I ain't mad, but I don't wanna go on with you like that.")




2) Ed's arms are covered in tattoos, so clearly he doesn't suffer from trypanophobia, or the fear of needles. Do you get nervous when the doctor gives you a shot? It's not one of my favorite things, but it doesn't scare me.

3) One of his tattoos depicts a Heinz Tomato Ketchup label. What condiments are in your kitchen right now?  Barbecue sauce, ketchup, mayo, relish.

4) Spotify named Sheeran the most-streamed artist in the world for 2014. Do you use Spotify? Pandora? I listen to Pandora on occasion.

5) Ed celebrated his success by purchasing a farm near Suffolk, England. Would you prefer to live in a rural, suburban or urban area? I'm a City Mouse.

6) In this song, Ed sings about kissing "under the light of one thousand stars." Were you able to see the stars last night? Or was it it too cloudy or overcast? I know this sounds silly, but it's really dark out there. I don't see any stars at all.

7) Ed is a natural red head, a trait he shares with only about 2% of the population. Does red hair run in your family? My niece has red hair. She got it from her dad's side of the family, but it's in our gene pool now.

 8) One of Clairol's most popular shades is a red (Nice 'n Easy Natural Light Auburn). Have you/would you dye your hair? I have, I do, and will continue to.

9) Random question: Look at the windows in the room you're in. Are they covered in curtains or blinds? Curtains.

And to think I used to make fun of Lolla

It used to be that Lollapalooza meant very specific and non-musical things to me.

1) NO CABS. Unlike Chicago's other awesome outdoor festivals, Lolla attracts lots of out-of-towners. Tourists don't really know their way around and consequently take cabs everywhere. Giving a cabbie an address is easier than trying to find an address on a map and then walk there. This means there are no taxis available for me. This makes me sad, because Lolla is always on the hottest weekend of the year and traversing the city leaves me late and sweaty.

2) Invisibility. Twenty somethings don't seem to see me. When they join me in revolving doors, on escalators, etc., it's as though I'm still alone. I'm irrelevant to them. Has it really been that long since I was hip? Yes.

This year, however, Lollapalooza means something else. Something wonderful.

Every summer, I do something special with my nephew. This year it will be Lolla. I'm already freaking out when thinking of those hot and smelly porta potties. But I'll endure anything for Sir Paul.

Talking Alot

I had a few important conversations this week, and they made me feel better about life.

1) My kid sister. I told her about the comparatively minimal money that the state is holding our mom's name, and she agrees that if I go for it, I should just keep it ... and that we will never, ever mention it to our older sister because no good would come of that. We also agreed that, should my aunt qualify for the funds in our grandmother's name, she deserves it and should just keep it. The State of Illinois makes laying hands on this money -- probably unclaimed insurance payments -- really difficult. I suspect they make us jump through all these hoops to help prevent identity theft. Anyway, we may never see the money. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it anymore.

2) The New Girl. Her name is Michelle, she replaced The Chocolate Covered Spider and she tries waaaay too hard. But her heart is in the right place, she brings a welcome infusion of enthusiasm, and she's cultivating me. It's nice to be wooed. We spent a good deal of time together at the office, and then grabbed a drink after work Thursday night. My feelings toward her are an interesting combination of optimism (I may actually learn something new about marketing from her) and ache (she's very lonely, living with her mom as she goes through a bad break up). I can foresee her exhausting me -- she's brings a lot of personality and intensity and I'm not sure the work-and-after-work thing is a good idea. But for now, I'm enjoying her transparency and her eagerness to communicate (or even overcommunicate). It's a welcome change after Spidey.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #235

THE TOP THIRTEEN SONGS FOR MARCH 23, 1985

I think of this as my, "30 Years Ago Today" edition. You remember 30 years ago -- when hits were made by FM radio airplay and MTV. 

I believe 1985 may have been the last year that I was hip. The only one I couldn't sing along to right now is Jagger's "Just Another Night." If you're like me and need a refresher on Mick's solo effort, click here.



1) One More Night -- Phil Collins

2) Material Girl -- Madonna

3)  Lovergirl -- Tenna Marie

4) Too Late for Goodbye -- Julian Lennon

5) High on You -- Survivor

6) Can't Fight this Feeling -- REO

7) Nightshift -- The Commodores

8) Just Another Night -- Mick Jagger

9) Private Dancer -- Tina Turner

10) Missing You -- Diana Ross

11) We Are the World -- USA for Africa

12) Keeping the Faith -- Billy Joel

13)  I'm on Fire -- Bruce Springsteen

Please join us for The NEW THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Nightmares and tummy trouble

Deja teen years! My sleep has been restless and my gastrointestinal tract has been rebellious.

The dreams are all family related. I discovered on the state's website that both my mother and grandmother have unclaimed funds floating about out there. (According to the state treasurer, 1 in 4 Illinoisans does.) My mom's is less than $200, my grandmother's looks to be about $500. I may let my mom's just go. After all, after I dig up all the paperwork and copy everything and go to a notary and mail it, I'll get a check for $150, that I have to split three ways. Which means I'll have to traipse back to the post office. And deal with my older sister, which is reliably unpleasant and always galling. And I will be the one taxed on the $150. Sounds like a lot of work for very little pay off. I had figured my aunt would just pocket my grandmother's money. After all, the lady died nearly 20 years ago. My aunt wondered if I thought she should split the money among my grandmother's 5 heirs (herself, me and my two sisters, and my odious Uncle Jim). I haven't answered her yet because just thinking about this leaves me feeling tense.

Then there's my cousin Rose. You know, the cousin who loves me that I lied to. I don't want Rose staying with me, but I don't like lying and I certainly don't want to hurt her. This is causing me massive stress.

So lately I've been waking up upset, with vague recollections of nightmare family scenarios. Just like when I was in high school.

And, oh, my gut! I started getting heartburn more and more regularly, so instead of taking Pepcid before a "big" or "heavy" meal (does my stomach understand these terms?) I switched to Prevacid. I've been belchy and gassy and last night I was ... worse. Let's just leave it at that. I know it's supposed to take Prevacid up to four days for full effect, and I just started. But I'm so tired of being ruled by tummy troubles. I went through adolescence with IBS, so this feels very high school, as well.

The only teenage irritants I'm missing are zits and The Periodic Table of Elements.

Sunday Stealing

The I Meme. To play along, click here.

I am... feeling lazy.

I want... a burger for lunch. I bet I'll go to Five Guys this afternoon.

I have... cold feet. I'm not reluctant or nervous about anything. My feet are literally cold.

I wish... the country wasn't so divided and hostile.

I hate... sitcom actress Patricia Heaton.

I fear... that my heels won't be smooth in time for sandal season. (I give this an embarrassing amount of thought.)

I hear... Meet the Press on NBC right now. I love Chuck Todd.

I search... for a reason to really get behind Hillary Clinton. I want to enthusiastically support her, but I'm not there yet.

I wonder... why some people are so angry all the time.

I regret... as little as possible. It's a wasted emotion.

I love... The Cubs.

I never... drink coffee.

I ache... when I think of the homeless dogs and cats. Please, everybody, adopt a shelter pet. Don't go to a breeder. Someone will always buy a healthy pet with a big price tag. But you'll save a life if you adopt from a shelter.

I always... watch Morning Joe on weekdays.

I usually... am late for work.

I am not... motivated to do housework.

I dance... badly.

I sing... worse.

I sometimes... wonder why I'm hooked on Farmville 2. What does it trigger in my brain?

I cry... very seldom.

I am not always... as sensitive as I might be.

I lose... umbrellas, ear muffs, sunglasses and mittens.

I am confused... by phenomenal Cub rookie Kris Bryant's contract. Like, maybe he can't play in the majors on Opening Day? Is there some kind of minor league indentured servitude thing going on? Why is this so complicated? Part of why I love baseball is that it's so gloriously easy to follow. Please don't confuse me with this shit.

I need... to shave my legs.

I should... get off my fat ass, get into the tub and shave aforementioned legs.

I never really considered this before

There's a bar in my neighborhood that serves the very best clam chowder.* My neighbor Sally treated me to a bowl to thank me for helping her out at our condo association meetings. Now in her 40s, she has been deaf and slightly debilitated due to a stroke in her mid 20s. She has trouble following the action in these meetings -- she can't read everyone's lips at once -- and so I sit beside her with my laptop and key in what I hear everyone saying. It's not a big deal in that I type all day every day. It is a big deal, though, because I have to attend more meetings and pay closer attention than I would otherwise.

Anyway, over clam chowder, we found we share a love of our companion animals. Sally then proudly told me about her college-age son, who was a toddler when she lost her hearing. She told me about how much she misses music, especially Christmas carols.

Right now I'm reading a book about Frank Sinatra. To augment it, I'm listening to a lot of Sinatra on my iPod. I wouldn't be reading that biography or enjoying The Voice if I'd lost my hearing in my 20s.

I'd miss Frank.

I'd miss Sir Paul and The Lads.

I'd miss The Boss.

I'd miss Earth, Wind & Fire singing "September." 

I think the ache and longing would be unbearable. I wonder if it isn't easier to be born deaf than to lose one's hearing.

*Chili, too, I'm told, though I don't care for chili.