August Happiness Challenge -- Day 26

Today’s happiness: Rizzo. Today Anthony Rizzo went 2-4 against the Reds and scored 3 runs. He was flawless, as usual, with his mitt. All this, even though it was over 90º on the field. It was thrilling, but not surprising. That's what he gets paid for.

Earlier today, I saw this video of him. Last night he was eager to look foolish, singing "Piano Man" (with former Cub pitcher Ryan Dempster) for charity. 



Rizz regularly donates his time and his money to Lurie Childrens Hospital. His Foundation built the parents' waiting room in Lurie's pediatric cancer ward. He raised money for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico, seeded with his $25,000. He's worked with kids in Parkland, FL, who were traumatized by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, his alma mater. (And that's just what I know from memory. I'm sure I could list more if I looked it up.)

And last night, he sang for the Chicago Public Schools.

His joy in everything he does and his oversized generosity lift my mood whenever I look at him.

I love this kid.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Sunday Stealing

Misc. Questions

1. How has your life most benefited from the Internet? Whether it’s meeting people, cutting business overhead, finding rare collectibles, or simply sharing funny cat pictures, share how the web has made life easier. It has certainly made work go more smoothly. I am a writer. Being able to electronically send my manuscript to an art director is so much faster, and so much accurate, than old-school typesetting was.

2. The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you? To the border! The northern one. I don't speak Spanish, so I'm off to Canada. Can we stop at Niagara Falls?

3. Do you reply to comments on your blog? All of them? Or just the really interesting ones?  Do you go back to check if the authors or the blogs you comment on reply to your comments? I don't often reply to comments, but I try to visit everyone who visits me.

4. On average, how long does it take you to make an important decision? I can be pretty decisive on the big things.

5. Do you gather a lot of information prior to making the decision, or do you go with your gut in the heat of the moment?  Depends on what we're talking about.

6. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned recently? That not everyone needs to hear every single thought I have. (That's what this blog is for!)

7. What’s your hidden talent? Are you double-jointed? Can you sneeze the alphabet? Share your unique skill. I can wiggle my ear.

8. Rate the level of intensity you have about wanting to know God – no desire, low priority, curious, great desire, high priority, desperate to learn more. Explain your answer. I don't get this question. I feel like I know God. I don't feel there are degrees -- at least not for me,

9. What’s one of your nicknames?  How did you get that nickname? "Gal." I gave it to myself.

10. What do you have to have with you when you travel? Why? I must have all kinds of things. I pack like Thelma.

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11. What do you think about reading books on an electronic reading device? Do you have an electronic reading device? Do you love it? Why? If you don’t love it, why not?  I like books. With binding and pages.

12. Do you prefer writing on paper or a keyboard? Why? Keyboard. When I write in long hand, my mind works faster than my hand.

13. If the shoes make the man (or woman), what do your shoes say about you right now? (Assuming you’re wearing shoes. Although if you’re not, that certainly says something, too.) I'm barefoot. Judge me as you will.

14. Describe your favorite pair of shoes. Traditional Birkenstock Arizonas. Reinforced heel well, two straps. Comfortable and durable.

15. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability or quality, what would it be? Self discipline.

BONUS:  When they "cool sculpt" your body, where does the fat go? Apparently it dissolves into your system and you eventually piss it away. Of course, I may not know what I'm talking about.

No, they most certainly do not

Rest in peace, John McCain.

I worked on John Kerry's 2004 campaign. In those days, campaign contributions were all checks, very little was done online. The required reporting was arduous. Forget cutting corners; in some ways John Kerry is a true Boy Scout.

We were warned against complaining about the campaign finance reporting: "Remember, it's called MCCAIN-Feingold." Volunteers 980 miles outside of Boston knew not to say anything negative about John McCain while in a room with John Kerry's name on the door.

Don't believe it for a second when today's dirty political doings are explained away with "everyone does it." No, they don't. These two Vietnam-era public servants didn't.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 25

Today’s happiness: Nancy's husband, Paul. I had lunch on Saturday with my friend, Nancy. She has moved into my old hometown, where I still go to get my hair cut. Now that my nephew is away at college, I no longer see him after getting my locks shorn. And since I'm there, why not see Nancy?

Well, I'm glad I did. Short story: we met at a new (to us) burger place and I had some fantastic grub as we caught up. Who knew you could get a peanut butter and jelly hamburger? Long story follows ...

Nancy is unemployed. Her father died a year ago and they just observed the anniversary, her daughter is going back to college this week and her son is in rehab ... for heroin. She knew he'd been fighting a losing battle with alcohol since his teens (he's now 22). It was his way of self-medicating as he dealt with his parent's divorce, ADD, and now the slow pace of his music career (he'd been working as a bus boy). The heroin was a shock. She's bereft. She is overwhelmed.

That's why I am so happy she has Paul. After lunch, she took me to her home and I met him again for the first time in years. The three of us sat around and talked for two hours. He is, like me, a pop culture nerd and we compared notes on old TV shows. And the Cubs. Nancy seemed to enjoy watching us interact, and at one point she curled up next to him, looked up at him and said, "I love you."

I'm so happy she has him. With everything going on in her life, I'm glad she has someone can, literally, lean on.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Saturday 9

Think (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.
In fond remembrance of The Queen of Soul (1942-2018).
 
1) As befits one of America's premiere artists, Aretha Franklin sang at three Presidential inaugurations. The first was Jimmy Carter's in 1977, when she sang "God Bless America." What's your favorite patriotic song? "America, The Beautiful." If anyone asked me -- and no one has -- I'd suggest making this our national anthem. "And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!" C'mon. How does that not get to you?

2) The daughter of a Baptist minister, Aretha grew up with church music. She told Rolling Stone one of her favorite songs was the hymn, "Victory Is Mine." What's your favorite religious song?  I'll stick with "America, The Beautiful." It's in our church hymnal, and one of the later verses especially applies today: "O, beautiful, for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self thy country loved and mercy more than life." There's so much macho chest thumping these days about being "tough" on our allies, "tough" on NFL players, even "tough" on mothers who enter this country looking for asylum for themselves and their children (which is legal). It would help us to remember that heroes can be merciful.

3) She welled up a bit when President George W. Bush presented her with the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. When is the last time you shed a tear? Last week. Streisand Day on TCM.



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4) In 1980, the Queen of Soul sang for the Queen of England in a Command Performance at The Royal Albert Hall. Have you ever been to London? Nope.

5) Since Aretha had many honorary degrees, it would have been appropriate to refer to her as Dr. Franklin. Who is the last person you referred to by his or her title (Officer, Father, Sgt., Dr., etc.)? Golly, I can't remember the last time I addressed anyone directly by title. I referred to my GP as "doctor" when I was talking to her office staff, last week, over the phone.

6)  In this week's song, Aretha tells her lover that it doesn't take a high IQ to understand what's going on in their relationship. Do you know your IQ? Nope.

7) A sculpture of Aretha is on display at Madame Tussaud's in New York. Do you think wax museums are cool, or creepy? I don't see this as an either/or.

8) Aretha and Motown legend Smokey Robinson were literally lifelong friends, since they were playground buddies in Detroit. Smokey is one of the only people who can claim to have seen The Queen of Soul with a bucket in a sandbox. If we went to the playground today, would you head for the swings, the slide or the jungle gym? Or, like Aretha, would you play in the sand? Swings! By the way, my mom never let us go near the sandbox. She maintained it was "filthy." When I was a wee one, I thought she was crazy. "Other kids use it!" But now, I see her point. Who patrols it to make sure that outdoor cats won't do what cats do in sand?

9) Random question: Do you like pumpkin seeds? I don't not like them.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 24

Today’s happiness: Grilled cheese with bacon. This was one of my last "Summer Fridays," one of the last times I can end the workweek at 12:30 on Friday.

Today, I got off the train and took myself to lunch at my favorite summertime coffee house. They have the best clam chowder, and you can get a small bowl for free with their lunch special. Today is grilled cheese with bacon. Can you think of a better lunch for stolen, rainy Friday afternoon?

Even better, I'm really into my book. Put me in a quiet booth by the window, immerse me in a big biography, add in good soup and a gooey sandwich, and I am happy.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Here comes that rainy day feeling again

Earlier this week, I received preliminary word from Chase that my mortgage payment was going up, up, UP! Well, today I saw the actual statement that detailed all the elements of this increase ... and how it could be avoided.

Some of it is an increase in my property taxes. The reason for this is two-fold: my neighborhood has gone up in value (yea!) AND the State of Illinois raised my rate. OK. It is what it is.

But then there's this: my property taxes are paid by Chase from my escrow account. That means Chase can increase the monthly escrow amount deposit. Or I can pay Chase all or part of that increase as a lump sum now. Doing that would reduce my monthly mortgage payment and keep it manageable.

I have accumulated $1480.00 in my "rainy day" emergency fund. I figured I'd use it when my refrigerator or air conditioner craps out, or if there's another special assessment from the condo association.

But, it turns out, rainy days can take different forms. And I'd say this turn of mortgage events constitutes a shower, if not a storm. So I wrote a check for $800 on that emergency fund and sent it to Chase. Now, my monthly payment will go up just $80. I can handle $80.

I still have $680 in my emergency fund. Sears sells a through-the-wall air conditioner like mine $550 and a refrigerator for $450. So I still have enough if one (but not both) fail me.

Adulting is hard. But I'm doing it.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 23

Roomy Alana

Today’s happiness: Alana and Elsa. I love Miche purses because you just simply swap out the outer shell, placing it over the plain, black cloth bag. (Here's a video that explains it all.) I got into Miche when my mom called me, many moons ago, and alerted me to their infomercial. And Kwizgiver is a fan.

I used to buy shells all the time. But then I stopped, because reckless spending is not good for me. I haven't purchased a new one in a year.

Textured Elsa

But Miche is still my day-in/day-out bag. Two factors contributed to my deciding I needed to shop. First, the company has gone out of business and second, two of my favorite "shells" were just so damaged I had to toss them. (OK, Reynaldo peed on one of them.)

I found three on sale on eBay, and two arrived on Thursday. Miche named their bags after women, so I feel like I made two new friends: Alana and Elsa. A third shell, Cheryl, was purchased from another seller so it (she?) hasn't arrived yet. I'm less excited about that one because it's a replacement and familiar to me.

Taking advantage of the eBay close-outs, I got all three bags for $71.25, including shipping. Or $23.75 each for my perfect handbags.

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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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 22

Today’s happiness: Talking to contractors. I interviewed a pair today -- one recommended by my friend, Nancy, the other from Home Advisor. They are each putting together proposals for renovating my bathroom.

I'm leaning toward Nancy's guy because he seems to be willing to do more for me, whereas Mr. Home Advisor is leaving some stuff to me. Of course, I haven't seen their estimates yet. So maybe that painting and prep will cost me a lot. I simply don't know yet.

But here's the thing: the two consults went smoothly. This is a very big deal for me. I've never done anything this expensive and consequential before. Yet neither contractor seemed even remotely rattled by how crappy my bathroom currently looks. Neither seemed appalled by the clutter in my living room (though they weren't able to see in the den, which still looks like a disaster area). Neither seemed to be taking advantage of my frankly admitted naiveté.

I'm so relieved.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Who's a good boy?

Reynaldo is a good boy! This morning, after breakfast, he took a nap and he was so cute. He was dreaming, and suddenly sat upright, turning his head this way and that, all while still sleeping. Finally, he curled back into a fur shrimp.

He is 14 now. That makes him about 72 years old in human years. He is still exasperatingly naughty at times. Still lively -- as you can see above, even in his sleep. But he naps now, more than ever. So much so that his partner in crime, Connie, is getting bored. And he's had some health problems. Easily handled, but still, they make me realize our time together isn't long.

This afternoon, I made him happy by putting him in his carrier and taking him to the park. From his vantage point in the shade, he saw a squirrel and a bird and blades of grass moving. Being Rey, he was fine as long as he knew as I was there beside him. I'm still his obsession.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 21

Today's happiness: This blog. Sometimes I'm just so grateful to have a place to express myself, and to know people out there are hearing me.

Earlier the year I sent out a valentine to Kwizgiver and Snarkypants. They came through when I had the blues and it was the sweetest, most unexpected rescue.

Today I want to shout out to BookMama and Lisa G. BookMama is in Chicago with her children, seeing Hamilton. I have been following their activities via Facebook, but I've been enjoying them so much because we got to know each other here, on Blogger.

Lisa G. gave me a heads-up at the perfect moment. She sent me a link to a credible story about the FDA extending the expiration on some Epipens ... including the one that's in my purse! That will save me a ton by allowing me to wait and order my Epipen from my insurance preferred vendor. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

via GIPHY

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 20

Today's happiness: Sir Paul. James Corden ran an extended episode of "Carpool Karaoke" in prime time tonight. An entire hour of Paul McCartney riding around with Corden, singing and giving us a tour of Liverpool.

At 76 years old, he's no longer the heartthrob of my girlhood. His hair is streaked with white. His voice is strained when he reaches for those high notes. 

But he's still making new music. (New CD is released in early September.) And he's enjoying who he is. He accepts that he's what's left of "the act you've known for all these years." (Sorry, Ringo.) He handles the adulation with grace and ease. He appears healthy, happy, and energized.

When I think of rock's lesser lights who have fallen by the wayside, and of his peers (like John and Elvis), I am so happy I get to witness this stage in his life, his victory lap.


via GIPHY

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.

 

One step up, two steps back

That's the story of my finances these days! I finally figured out a way to pay for my bathroom remodel and scheduled two contractors to estimate the work. They're coming by Wednesday.

But then Chase tells me that my mortgage payment is going up $150/month. It's escrow, reflecting an increase in my property value and famous Cook County taxes. I can pay this -- shit, I have to pay it, I have no choice -- but it will be a pinch. Just when I was figuring my budget was going to feel less pinched!

And then there's the Epipen shortage. I am allergic to bee sting. If I get stung and I don't get fast treatment, I could die. The Epipen I've been carrying in my purse is expiring on September 1. Last week, I called Walgreens -- the pharmacy chain preferred by my insurance company -- is completely out of Epipens and has no idea when they'll get more. I asked the pharmacist what he suggested I do. He told me not to bother with CVS, as they don't have any either.

OK, that's what I shouldn't do. But what should I do? After all, the one in my purse expires on September 1. Will neighborhood drugstores have a fresh supply in the next 10 days.

"I don't know."

I found a local, independently-owned pharmacy that had one in stock. One. They were nice enough to call my doctor and get my prescription, even though they know I'm kinda contractually-bound to Walgreens. But, because they aren't a preferred pharmacy, I have to pay a steep price.

Like $500.

Now that's a year supply. And it's $100 less than it would be without insurance. And I'm lucky to get one, because there's a drought in my area.

But this is $650 that I have to come up with ... NOW. $650 I wasn't planning on spending at all.

I'm 60, and I still don't have this money thing figured out. I guess that means I'm never going to have this money thing figured out.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 19

Today's happiness: Abe. He's iconic. He's patriotic. And, unless you have some kinda creepy Confederate fetish thing going, you simply gotta love him.

My nephew certainly does. When he was a little boy, we talked Lincoln all the time. His first train ride was with me when we went down to Springfield to see the Lincoln sites.

That's why I was so happy to find this greeting card. It's a cutout of Mr. Lincoln himself with a sheet of stickers. I put "GOOD LUCK" on the inside, along with a $20 giftcard to Burger King (the anchor of the student union). I put Abe's stovepipe chapeau and "NICE HAT" on the back of the envelope.

It will make my nephew happy to get mail. It will make him happy to be able to eat free burgers. It will make him happy, during this first week in the new away-at-college chapter of his life, to get something from home.

And that all makes me happy.


via GIPHY

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.

 

Sunday Stealing

Stolen from Penny Royal Princess 

1: 3 Fears
•  Air travel
•  Clowns
•  Highways during nighttime storms (this is new; I can't pinpoint when I started being afraid of this)

2: 3 things I love
In alphabetical order:
•  The Beatles
•  Cats
•  The Cubs

3: 4 turns on
•  Beatle fans
•  Cat lovers
•  Cub fans
•  Classic movie fans

4: 4 turns off
•  That myopic "I-hate-the-media-they're-the-enemies-of-the-people" crap. Journalism is the rough draft of history. And it's always bad form to let those in power determine whether the press is "fair." They never think it is! Quoting Stalin tends to be a bad thing, too, folks. Oh, and by the way, how do you know your President demeans the press at every rally he attends? Because the media covers him doing it. (Sigh. I'll get off my soapbox now.)
•  "Dog people" who think that you can't love cats; "cat people" who disparage dogs
•  Bullies
•  Hypocrites
Turn offs make me grumpy. I wish we could have stopped at turn ons.

5: My best friend
It changes. These days it's Henry, my Key West buddy. No one sees the good in me the way he does. I treasure that so. It's like being wrapped in eiderdown.

6: My favorite book
Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers. Elizabeth Edwards' memoir is a searing saga of spirituality, vulnerability, and finally, acceptance.



7: My best first date
Are you asking me to describe a generic first date? Or to recall an actual outstanding first date? The answers would be different.


8: How tall am I
Nearly 5'2


9: What do I miss
Actually being 5'2. I think I may have shrunk!

10: What time were I born
I was born at the stroke of midnight between November 21 and 22. The stroke of midnight does not exist legally, so the hospital told my mom she had to choose -- 11:59 or 12:01. She was still quite doped up (I was a big baby) and confused about what she was asked, but she chose 12:01, which made it 11/22. Astrologers love this story because I was born on the cusp of a cusp.

11: Favorite color
Pantone 294. Cubbie blue. It's my special favorite when worn by Anthony Rizzo, my favoritest Cub.

First baseman, cancer survivor, children's advocate, GREAT GUY!

12: Do I have a crush Always


13: Favorite quote
I'll go back to Philip Graham: Journalism is the rough draft of history.


14: Favorite place
This changes, too. These days, my mind likes to travel back to the holidays in Key West. This year, I'm returning to the same hotel, and the same pool.

Those are my toes, CHRISTMAS MORNING!

15: Favorite food
This changes, too. Lately it's chocolate ice cream.

16: Do I use sarcasm
Why ever would I?

17: What am I listening to right now
Aretha Franklin. There's a tribute on NBC's Sunday Today.

18: First thing I notice in new person
Hair. I'm extremely hair-motivated.

19: Eye color
Green


20: Hair color
Light brown with blonde streaks

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 18

Today's happiness: An afternoon nap. A luxurious high point of a lazy Saturday.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There (Theme from Monk) (2003)

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

1) This week's song is the theme from the detective show that ran from 2002-2009. Were you a fan? Love Monk. I watch the reruns on Sunday on WeTV.

2) The song warns us about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Does your home have an air or water filter? I have an air filter right here beside me, but it's not plugged in. When it gets cooler and the air conditioner isn't running all the time, I'll put it back to work.

3) The lyrics say, "People say I'm crazy to worry all the time." Are you a worrier? Or do you just take things as they come? I'm a worrier.

4) TV's Adrian Monk is known for his outstanding deductive powers, an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Have you read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books featuring Sherlock Holmes? Nope. They were written early in the last century and the style confuses and irritates me. (My fault, not Sir Arthur's!)

5) Monk was also known for fastidiousness and precision, an homage to Hercule Poirot. Have you read any of Agatha Christie's books featuring Poirot? Yes. I'm reasonably new to her books -- last decade or so -- and the 1970s Murder on the Orient Express is one of my favorite movies. Albert Finney is freaking awesome as Poirot. The more Poirot I read, the more I appreciate his performance.

6) This song was written and performed by Grammy and Emmy winner Randy Newman. Do you have any trophies or plaques? I won a Clio, which is a very big deal in advertising. But I won it back in the 1980s, so I keep it hidden away because I don't want to emphasize what a dinosaur I am. After I retire, the plaque comes out of the closet and goes up on my wall.

7) Before winning an Oscar in 2001, Mr. Newman had the distinction of having the most nominations (15) without a win. Do you consider yourself a graceful loser? I'm a lifelong, do-or-die Cub fan. One World Series in 108 years. So I have a great deal of practice.

8) In 2003, when this song was introduced, Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France. Later, he was disgraced in a doping scandal. Can you think of a time when a hero disappointed you? Years ago, this was one of the prompts of a blog challenge. Here's what I wrote then. Even before #MeToo.

9) Random question -- We're catering lunch. Should we put you down for a burger or a taco? Burger, please. And may I have cheese?

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 17

Today's happiness: The "W" flag. I saw it twice today.

First, when my nephew texted me a photo of the wall of his college dorm room. He just moved in today, but he wanted to share with me that he decorated with a poster of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road, a tin replica of the Wrigley Field marquee (which I gave him), and the "W" flag. 

I was pleased that, as he enters this new phase of his life, he's taking the things we share with him. And I was touched that, on this first night in a new place, he reached out to me.

Then, when the Cubs beat the Pirates 1-0. Chicago fans who made the trip to Pittsburgh displayed the flag in the stands. Our heroes in Cubbie blue have won 7 of their last 10. This is the way to enter the home stretch!

via GIPHY

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 16

Today's happiness: crispy Asian chicken wings. It's the main course of my favorite lunch. Two wings, a side of fried rice, some fruit and a Coke. Enjoyed alone in a booth with a good book.
 

The cafeteria in the building where I used to work has become my refuge. They have the best Asian chicken wings in their buffet, and now that we've moved across the street, no one from the office goes there anymore. So I get a delicious, private lunch.

via GIPHY

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 15

Today's happiness: Client Love. Presented to my favorite client this afternoon. I like Sheila so much because she likes me, and today she showed it again. After I went over our work, she said, "I knew it! I ask you for one thing, and The Gal opens Pandora's Box and gives me even more."

via GIPHY

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 14

Today's happiness: Crayolas. I grew up preferring Crayola Crayons to the generic. I found they moved more smoothly across the page and the color was deeper and more true. When you're a kid, this is important. I no longer color, but some Chicago school child will, and with the Crayolas I dropped in the back-to-school donation box.

via GIPHY

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.

 

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

I know Trump supporters disliked Hillary Clinton's characterization of them as "deplorable." And yet, they keep supporting a man who behaves deplorably, day in and day out. Most gallingly, they wrap themselves in my Christian faith when they applaud this President.

I'm always all for the separation of Church and State because that is one of the foundations this nation was built on. But now I even more vehemently for it because of the pretzel logic today's Christians use to support Donald Trump.

Yesterday, Donald Trump went to Fort Drum to sign the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. Yet he refused to refer to the bill by its official name.

Yes, the most powerful man in the free world was petty enough to deny a dying war hero an accolade. By the way, it bears noting that the war John McCain served in and suffered through is one that Donald Trump avoided because of "bone spurs."

Walk me through how this lack of charity, lack of compassion, lack of humility, is in any way Christian.

This President, who wraps himself in his love of "the troops," has never visited a war zone. Barack Obama visited Afghanistan four times. George W Bush went to Iraq and Afghanistan. We're still at war in the same places. Why won't this President go?

Yet Donald Trump proposed cutting benefits for disabled veterans who live alone. That cut was abandoned once veterans groups read the fine print and exposed it. (You can thank those "enemies of the people," a free press, for giving the veterans groups a voice.)

Walk me through how this hypocrisy is any way Christian.

Keep clapping while Donald Trump pimps the troops for photo ops. Cheer while he disses John McCain one last time. Behave as deplorably as you wish. But please, stop blaming faith for your bad behavior.

This reminds me of Charlotte

I once had a total diva cat. She never let me forget that she was descended from Egyptian gods.

This one is for you, Girlfriend.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 13

Today's happiness: $18.49. I came home and found a rebate check in my mailbox. "Thank you from Phillips Colon Health." It's like finding $5 in your jeans as you're loading the washer. Only better, since I don't really like having to buy probiotics. So this is like getting that bottle for free.

via GIPHY

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.

 

Sometimes I really hate myself

This is not my home. You know how you can tell? I don't have a treadmill.

Really, my living room and den are such a mess. My living room mess is perpetual. My den has been in disarray since I had to take all the books off the shelves back in 2016. 2016!

I had left Sunday open to do housework. To make a dent in the mess. And I didn't. You know what I did instead? Nothing.

I have to get the living room decluttered and the bathroom clean by 9:00 AM Tuesday, 8/22. That's when the first of two contractors is coming over to check out the bathroom and give me estimates for renovation.

Then I have to get the den elevated to at least presentable by the time I have the work done in October.

Why is this so hard for me? Cleaning up after oneself is something other people do rather effortlessly.

Sometimes I miss being in therapy. Sometimes I really hate myself.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 12

Today's happiness: 16 jars of Gerber Turkey baby food. It's the best, easiest way to get Connie her meds. The Viralysis mixes so well and the turkey flavor and scent just appeal to her. Connie is a picky eater, and I spend a great deal of time worrying about our supply.

You think your local CVS has a wide selection of baby items? They don't carry Gerber meats at all. Only larger Walgreen's and Target stores carry it, and they're often out of turkey and only have chicken. (Connie doesn't like chicken.) Last week I went to Mariano's grocery store and they had jar after jar of ham (Connie doesn't like ham) but only one jar of turkey left. I was starting to panic.

I stopped at a massive grocery store on my way to movie group Saturday night and stocked up. (Yeah, I was approximately 5 minutes late but this is Connie we're talking about.) And Sunday I jus so happened to hit my local Target when they still had turkey on the shelf.

16 jars!

via GIPHY

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.

 

Sunday Stealing

See the Stars Ablaze

1 - You’re in a tattoo parlor about to get inked. What are you getting done? If I were to be convinced to get a tatt, I like this one. It's Sir Paul's signature Hofner bass.

2 - If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Jo from Little Women

3 - You’re given $10,000…under one condition: you cannot keep the money for yourself. Who would you give it to? I'm assuming it's tax free. So, I'd give $1,000 each to:
• Napoleon and his humans
• A Key West vet, so my friends Reg and Henry can get their dogs checked out thoroughly
• The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, because their current financial crisis is a sin
• My niece, who worries about her college loan
• The local food pantry 
• The animal shelter where I met my cats, Reynaldo and Connie 

Then I'd buy a $1,000 CVS giftcard so my oldest friend can get OTC meds and health/beauty ... but not cigarettes.

The rest would go to a trip to Washington DC with my nephew. That would make him so happy.

And this would all make me very happy!

4 - If you had to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? I wouldn't have been as sharp tongued at times.

5 - If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be? 1987 was not a good year for me.

6 - You’re an Action Movie Hero. What’s your weapon of choice and the line you scream when defeating your arch enemy? My weapon of choice would be the free press, and my battle cry would be, "Print It!" (Take that, Mr. President.)

7 - What is the first curse word that comes to mind? "Fuck." Though technically speaking, it's a vulgarity and not a curse word. I can be trashy tongued, but I seldom take the Lord's name in vain.


8 - Would you rather be stranded on a desert island with someone you love for ten years or someone you hate for a month? Explain why. Someone I love for 10 years. Because it's someone I love.

9 - 5 things within touching distance:
My checkbook, the calculator, an envelope of receipts that will eventually go to my accountant, water bottle, and, of course, this computer.

10 - What are you supposed to be doing right now? Showering. I can't believe I'm still not dressed!

11 - Currently wanting to see anyone? Yes

12 - Would you go against your moral code for money? I'd like to say "no," but I'm sure at times during my career in advertising I have promoted products or services that I personally would not use. So what exactly are you asking me to do?


13 - What’s more important to you: strength of the body or strength of the mind? Mind.

14 - How important you think education is? I agree with the founder of Faber College:

One of the first scenes of Animal House

15 - If you were the president, what would you do? I'd try to be the President of all people. I wouldn't demonize everyone but the 35% who steadfastly support me.

Oh yeah, and I wouldn't mock the disabled.