Sunday Stealing

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

What is the most fun thing you have ever done? Ever? That's a little broad isn't it? The most recent fun thing I did was Friday. I went to the opening night of Noir City Chicago film festival at the Music Box Theater. It was a nice night out with Will from my movie group. It left me happy and relaxed.

Are you left-handed or right-handed? I am right-handed. Or, in the words of my chiropractor, "highly right dominant."

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you? Again, EVER is just too broad for me. The first kindness that comes to mind was my friend Nancy over 4th of July weekend. She reached out to include me in her family's plans. I didn't take her up on it, but that's not the point. John, my running buddy over the 4th since (gulp!) the 1980s was ill and I felt sad and alone. Just the invite was enough to brighten my day. How thoughtful of her!

What is the biggest animal you’ve seen in the wild? First of all, I have never been "in the wild." I have hiked through state parks and forest preserves, but I've never been to a remote tropical island or anything. And you know what? I don't want to. Now that we have that out of the way ...

I saw a whale show once at SeaWorld in San Diego. I have seen elephants many times at various zoos. The biggest animal I have ever seen, roaming loose, is a deer.


What is the smallest animal you’ve seen in the wild? Geez, do we really have Sunday Stealers who regularly travel to the Cocos Islands? Sparrows are very common here in Chicagoland, and they are very small, often weighing little more than an ounce.
 
Do you ever have funny dreams at night? Sure, on occasion.

If you could make a law for your country, what would it be? I'd make it illegal for civilians to own assault weapons.

What would you do if you were invisible for a day? Eavesdrop.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be? Jennifer Aniston. Because she's pretty and likeable and I'm sure she's much nicer than that icky Angelina.


What would you like to change about yourself? I would like to not be so lazy.


What is your daily routine. Get up, get out of bed. Drag a comb across my head. (Wait! That's Sir Paul's daily routine!)


What would your perfect day be like? I would sit in the sun and watch the Cubs reign victorious at Wrigley Field. All the drama would take place on the field, none in my real life.


How old were you when you learned to read? First grade.

What is the most interesting thing you know? If you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce, they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. (OK, I stole that from Groucho.)

What makes you nervous? Leavin' on a jet plane.



What is your favorite flower? Carnation. They come in so many colors!

This isn't even all your choices.

Have you ever ridden on a horse or any other animal? Yes.

What time do you go to bed? When I'm tired.

What time do you get up? When my cat Reynaldo lets me know he's hungry.

What is something that is always in your refrigerator? Coke.

Now entering Crazy Town

I had a very, very disturbing call on Thursday with Henry. I'm still not quite over it. Since his accident last October, Henry has not been the same. He has come a long way. He goes to church regularly, he participates in his the poetry guild. Some days, when we talk, he is his happy old self. But he is always in some discomfort, he takes a handful of pills every day, and his coworkers are always on alert for his seizures. This stress takes its toll.

And Thursday night, pain and stress and sleeplessness and wine led us into Crazy Town. He told me the reason for the call was a quick check in, wanting to hear how I was healing after my oral surgery. I was dopey* enough to believe him. That is not why he called.

He called to whip himself up into a panic, and he wanted an audience.

A bill arrived from the hospital for $7,000. He doesn't have $7,000. They're going to take his house. He's going to be homeless.

I explained to him that no one is going to take his house over $7,000. That he needs to talk to his insurance company about working out a payment plan.

No, they will take his house. They said they wanted him to pay by check or credit card. They're going to take his house. He's going to be homeless.

I told him it would cost the insurance company more than $7,000 to evict him. Lawyers and court costs, etc. Call them. Work out a payment plan.

No, I don't understand how corrupt Florida is. They're going to take his house. He's going to be homeless.

I suggested he talk to his HR rep. She can be his liaison with the insurance company.

No! HR will want to see the police report from the accident. The police report is dishonest! It will ruin him. He is going to lose his house. He's going to be homeless.

By now he's crying. He says he can't take this anymore. He says he wants to die.

I tell him to call his minister. He says his minister has told him to, "Shut up and get over it." I wanted to laugh, because I mean, really! Not even in a Monty Python skit would a minister talk to a parishioner that way. But Henry was really, sincerely in pain. So I asked him where his husband Reg was.

Reg was asleep.

OK, what about his best friend Phyllis? Here I am, in another time zone and trying to heal. I don't know how to handle this. At least Phyllis could get in the car and drive over.

He doesn't want to talk to Phyllis. What he does want to do is "remove himself from the situation."

Suicide.

I told him it was cruel to bring that up in a conversation with me. I am more than 1000 miles away. I can't help him. How could he so vicious to someone who loves him like I do?

By now he's really slurring. He says he can't do this anymore. He simply cannot.

I told him I was calling Reg and waking him. That if Reg didn't answer, I was calling the police.

He said OK, and that he loves me.

I called Reg. And awakened him from a sound sleep. He was surprised to hear from me, and saddened by the turn of events, but strangely calm about Henry.

He told me they have had no conversations with the insurance company, so that whole "pay by check or credit card" call never took place. Reg told him not to worry, that they have the funds to pay the bill from their Gofundme. He said he suspected Henry had been drinking with Phyllis. He said he would take care of it from here.

I was too wound up to sleep. Between Henry and Reg, I'd been on the phone for two very intense hours and now my heart is beating out of my chest like a character in a Warner Bros cartoon. This is not good for me. I'll be honest: I resented it.

The next morning, after a sleepless night, I called the office and told them I'd work from home. I got a text from Reg, thanking me for being there Thursday night, and telling me that Henry claimed not to remember talking to me at all. Reg says he could tell that Henry remembers, and is embarrassed.

I know we're all doing the best we can here. I'm just exhausted. I don't feel well. I have money woes. I am not a shrink. I am not equipped to handle this.

Love is not enough. I am learning that, slowly and very late in life, I guess. I cannot love him well.

*And I mean "dopey" literally. Prescription-level pain killers make me stupid.

Saturday 9

The Sweet Escape (2006)
 
1) This song begins with, "First of all, let me say I must apologize ..." Who most recently apologized to you? Friday Joanna apologized for standing me up for dinner. I really didn't mind that much. I didn't feel like spending the money on a meal that I may not enjoy because I'm still not 100% over Wednesday's dental work.

2) Gwen Stefani sings that she acted like "sour milk on the floor." Is there milk in your refrigerator right now? What about non-dairy creamer? There's a quart of 2%.

3) In the video, Gwen wears several different pairs of stiletto heels. What are you wearing on your feet as you answer these questions? I'm barefootin'.

4) Mrs. Stefani named her daughter "Gwen" after a stewardess in the book/movie Airport. Who was your favorite character in the book you just read, or movie you most recently watched? It's Thelma (pronounced "Telma"). The Viscountess Furness, thank-you-very-much. I'm reading a biography of Gloria Vanderbilt, and Thelma was her aunt, her mother's identical twin. 

Thelma with her fella, the future king

She was her own girl in the 1930s, a time when being an individual wasn't necessarily valued in a woman. Her sister (Gloria Vanderbilt's mother/Anderson Cooper's grandmother) was a perpetual victim. Not Thelma. Despite family pressure, she refused to stay married to a man who abused her, just because he was heir to the AT&T fortune. She brought her camera, not a gun, when she went on safari, and hung around with Charlie Chaplin, with whom she discussed becoming a movie producer. She was romanced by a Broadway leading man and the Prince of Wales (right before he met Mrs. Simpson).

Now I'm not done with the book yet. Maybe I'll change my mind about her. But right now, I think she rocks.

5) Gwen is a distant cousin of Madonna's. Are there any performers in your family? My cousin is a musician. He teaches at a community college but his heart is in performing. Often, when Broadway touring companies come to Chicago, he's in the pit. He's played in shows like The Lion King, Beautiful and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I'm very proud of him.

6) In high school, she joined the swim team not because she enjoys swimming but because she wanted to lose weight. Are you doing anything (dieting, participating in an exercise regimen) in order to shed a few pounds? No, but I sure should.

7) Before she became successful, Gwen worked at the makeup counter in a department store. What was the last thing you purchased? Did you buy it online or at a store? Our tickets to the Noir City Chicago film festival. I bought the online.

8) Gwen has gotten a great deal of publicity for her romance with country star, Blake Shelton. What's your favorite Blake Shelton song? I know he sang a song called, "Mine Would Be You" because it was once a Saturday 9 theme. So I guess, since it's my only, it's also my favorite.

9) Random question: Which of these compliments would make you the happiest -- to be called fascinating, or brilliant, or gorgeous? Fascinating. Yes, I know I should say something sanctimonious here about how I'd prefer to be thought of as charitable or pure of heart. Whatever. I know I'm nice. I know I'm smart. But I'd love to be thought of as fascinating.

My bright spot is noir

Friday night Noir City Chicago opened, and Will and I were there! So was my TCM boyfriend, festival host Eddie Mueller.

This festival is a celebration of the stylish, dark and cynical style of filmmaking that reached its height in the 40s and the 50s. We saw a Barbara Stanwyck movie that was new to both of us  -- The File on Thelma Jordan. This was exciting because Will loooooooves Stanwyck, and for him to discover one he'd missed was an event.

Before the movie, we met for gelato and caught up. I enjoyed finding out about his work. Six years we've known each other, we've really only talked movies and pop culture. Until tonight, I truly didn't know what he did for a living.

Part of why we had the time to chat one-on-one is that Joanna, who was going to join us, didn't. She had a cold. I felt like yelling, "They took a saw to my jaw and I'm still going!" But that would be childish. Still, I was annoyed. Sometimes she's brings a little too much drama to the party. (Fortunately I myself am the perfect companion.)

I've had a rough few weeks. (More on recent events later.) I needed this night at the movies.

My molar is gone

via GIFER

This summer, my crown on my top left molar popped off. It didn't hurt -- I'd had a root canal decades ago -- but it left a massive hole. Because I was in no discomfort, I was surprised when my dentist refused to pull the tooth. He referred me to an oral surgeon that he thinks the world of. But he warned me -- Dr. Fred is a great doctor, but his office staff leaves something to be desired.

No shit! When I first made the appointment, this office admin and I discussed a date, a time and my insurance coverage. They asked me to call my dentist and have him send over x-rays. I was relieved everything was going so smoothly.

In mid-July, about ten days before the procedure, I called Dr. Fred's office. The office admin didn't recall me and had no appointment for me scheduled. After a few minutes of incredibly awkward conversation, she did say that they had received an x-ray from my dentist back in June. I was starting to lose faith in these people, and then I recalled what my dentist said. "Dr. Fred is a great doctor, but his office staff leaves something to be desired."

Well, Wednesday I finally had my appointment. Dr. Fred is a great doctor. Very gentle, very thorough in his explanation of both the operation and what to expect, post-op. And he played the Beatles throughout the procedure!

It turns out my dentist refused to do the procedure because my molar roots came so very close to my sinuses. But this is what Dr. Fred does, so my sinuses are safe.

I'm still feeling crappy today (Friday). Rundown and a little confused. I think it's the antibiotic/painkiller mix. I took my air purifier apart to clean the filter and couldn't figure out how to reassemble it. I've had that sucker for years and have cleaned it over and over, about a dozen times. But all of a sudden, I'm befuddled! Blame it on the Tylenol and codeine.

First, the good news

I haven't been posting much lately because I've been overwhelmed by events, which I will try to get down here today. But, because I love the joke about the kid who finds a pile of manure and begins happily digging because, "there must be a pony in here somewhere," I will lead with the pony.

My air conditioner doesn't need to be replaced! At least not now. About a month ago, the big, through-the-wall unit in the living room started rebelling. It cools fine, but when I shut it off, it kept running. The fan just kept murmuring. I had to unplug the unit.

Yesterday, the HVAC guy came by to look at it. Of course, it worked like a charm when he was here! But after poking around in there, he discovered that the digital thermostat was stuck. He jiggled something and talked to a parts distributor on the phone and then explained it all to me. I almost understood it. Here goes:

Moisture can cause mess with the control board and cause the thermostat to stick. What he did yesterday may have fixed it. It may not have fixed it. Usually he guarantees his work, but he didn't yesterday because he can't be sure without removing the "main board." And you should only remove the "main board" when you replace it.

But here's the thing. Even if the thermostat sticks again, and the fan continues to run after I shut it off ... so what? Obviously it's indicative that something is wrong with the "main board," but it could still operate that way, effectively if not efficiently, for months.

And if I decide to replace the "main board" -- which he kinda sorta recommends but not enthusiastically -- it will only $225 to order and install. A new unit would cost about $700. HVAC guy isn't sure it's worth $225 to get another summer out of it, and then have to buy another one in 2021 anyway.

So the final takeaway is that I don't have to do anything right now, and when it comes to doing nothing, I'm your girl! Plus I only had to spend $68 to get to where I am. I consider that a win.

Happy Anniversary!

Before I went to bed Sunday night, I learned that September 2 is an important day for Cub fans:

Anthony Rizzo has been cancer free for 11 years.

When our first baseman was 18 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This kid was not only worried about his future as a ball player, he was scared for his life. And for his family. His grandma was already battling breast cancer.

After six months of chemotherapy, his tumors were gone. He was not yet well, but he was in remission. Weeks later, his grandma died.

That period of his life taught him that cancer doesn't just affect the patient, it has an impact on the entire family. Now that he's a star, he gives tirelessly to groups that support children with cancer and their families. Here in Chicago, we are familiar with his work with Lurie Children's Hospital. In Florida -- where he grew up and lives in the off-season -- his efforts benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and the cancer center at the University of Miami.

Anthony Rizzo is a hero. Happy Anniversary, Rizz! You're my all-time favorite Cub and I am so grateful that you're OK and you're ours.

Learn about the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation

That's what I want

I had a glorious time at the TCM Film Festival in April. From the moment I got home, I dreamed of going again in April 2020.

I can't.

For, since April, I've been hit with the following unanticipated expenses:

•  New refrigerator
•  Tooth removal; between $600-$800 copay
•  My a/c is on the fritz; I'm trying to have it repaired, but if that doesn't work out, that's another new appliance
•  My niece is engaged and getting married in Michigan in October 2020; new clothes, transportation, gift, hotel, etc. (Though I have about $250 earmarked for that. Not enough, but a start.)

On top of this,* I know that I'll be expected to pay my portion of the new roof, which will run between $2000 and $3000. And I really, REALLY have to seriously look at replacing my living room windows.

The dates and theme for the Film Festival were just announced. I am bereft. But, at this stage in my life, I know that to just plop it on my credit card would be foolish.

I have to make the adult choice. I have to stay home.

I do not like being an adult.

*"On top of this," and it's the roof! I made a pun!

Sunday Stealing

MUSIC ASKS   
  

I'm going to try to answer these only with Beatle songs

A song you like with a colour in the title   "Baby's in Black"
 

A song that needs to be played very loud  "Back in the USSR"
   

A song that makes you want to dance  "Twist and Shout"
   

A song to drive to  "Drive My Car"
   

A song with a number in the title "One After 909"
   

A song that makes you happy  "All My Loving"
   

A song that makes you sad  "Let It Be"
   

A song that reminds you of summer  "Penny Lane"
   

A song that you remember from your childhood  "She Loves You"
   

A song that breaks your heart  "Two of Us"
   

A song that you never get tired of  "Good Day, Sunshine"
   

A song from your preteen year "Yellow Submarine"
   

A song that is a cover by another artist "Long Tall Sally"
   

A song from the year you were born Stymied by this one. "Jailhouse Rock" (After all, the Lads loved The King.)
   

A song that makes you think about life "The Long and Winding Road"
   

Your favourite song with a persons name in the title "Rocky Raccoon"
   

A song that you think everyone should listen to "Eleanor Rigby"
   

A song by a band you wish were still together "Can't Buy Me Love"
   

A song by an artist no longer living "Help!"
   

A song by an artist with a voice you love "You're Gonna Lose that Girl" (I love the harmonies on this. "Watch what you do, yeah ...")

-;

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 31

Today's happiness -- A booth and a good book.  Everything I had on tap to do today? I did none of it. I don't know why ... I've just been bedeviled by laziness.

 

But I did have a wonderful breakfast as my late lunch. Two eggs, over easy. Juicy bacon. Wheat toast with strawberry jam. And a good book.

 

Little Gloria, Happy at Last is the detailed account of the Depression-era trial that made pre-school Gloria Vanderbilt a household name. Gloria's aunt, a born Vanderbilt, and her mother fight over the little girl ... and her multi-million trust fund. It's fascinating. I imagine if I was around in 1934, I'd be glued to my radio, listening to every day's trial update.

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.

"I'm hiding out at The Hole"

So read Thursday's text from my friend John. It annoyed me for a number of reasons.

1) That bar hasn't been called The Hole in the Wall for more than three years. It has new owners, a new menu and a new decor based on Alice in Wonderland. He complains that he doesn't like the "pretentious" upgrades and refuses to call it by its current name. This is indicative of his attitude toward the world these days.

2) That doesn't stop him from going there several times a week to watch TV and drink. It's not as though he doesn't have TV and liquor at his home. And food. As a diabetic, he should be paying closer attention to his diet and he shouldn't drink so much.

3) Plus, his job just ended. I don't know if Thursday was his last day, or if on Thursday they told him when his last day would be. He says we'll talk sometime "over the weekend." I've tried calling twice.

4) I can't leave a message because his voice mail is "broken." He doesn't know how to access it. (He also says his cell phone won't "accept" apps.)

How can this 64 year old white haired man -- who walks with a cane -- get a new job in advertising? He has no LinkedIn page, no personal web page. He can't even access voice mail.

How can he afford not to? He suffers from congestive heart failure and diabetes. He has a fistful of pills that he has to take every day. He has doctors he sees on a regular basis. His rent is at least $1200/month.

When I told him that I had enough retirement money to last me 5-6 years -- which I admit is nowhere near enough -- he said, "You're doing better than I am!"

So what happens to him now? I am so scared for him.

Saturday 9

Money for Nothing

1) Sweatbands are prominent in this very 1980s video. What's the last thing you wore on your head? Probably a hood. I'm not really much of a hat wearer.

2) The lyrics are from the point of view of a man who delivers and installs appliances. What's the biggest purchase you've made lately? Was it big in size or expense? My new refrigerator. It was big in every way.

3) The delivery man of the song imagines the worst thing that happens to a musician is a blister on his little finger or thumb. Do you have any minor aches or pains bedeviling you as you answer these questions? Lately, my sleep has been fitful. Does that count?

4) The term "dire straits" describes a troubling situation that's difficult to extricate oneself from. When's the last time you found yourself in dire straits? Now, I suppose. There's not much budge in my budget. July was a new refrigerator. This week I'm having dental work. My air conditioner is being rebellious. These are unexpected expenses and I'm not happy. My "emergency fund" was prepared to handle one, maybe two, but not three emergencies. Plus, I know we're having a special assessment this year, which means I'll have a hard time refilling my depleted "emergency fund."  I know, wah-wah, right? Everybody has money trouble.

5) There's a dinosaur called masiakasaurus knopfleri. It's a prehistoric, predatory lizard, and the paleontologists who discovered it were big Dire Straits fans, so they named it after lead singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler. Do you find dinosaurs fascinating, terrifying, or both? Fascinating. I love the Jurassic Park movies. I think it's because to me, dinosaurs aren't monsters, they're just sad critters.

6) Prior to his music career, Knopfler was a junior reporter, covering the entertainment beat for the Yorkshire Evening Post. Do you believe you would make a better musician or journalist? Journalist

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, rib eye steak was $3.89/pound. Today it's more than twice that. Do you have any beef in your freezer right now? Nope. (Unless the layer of beef in my frozen lasagna counts.)

8) In 1985, Michael Jordan won the NBA Rookie of the Year award after his first season with the Chicago Bulls. It was the beginning of a career that made him a hero and a household name. Who do you think today's young people look up to? In Chicagoland, Javier Baez is crazy popular. I think it's because he combines passion and commitment with a real sense of fun. And heart. He really enjoys the fans.

 

9) Random question: Friends take you to dinner for your birthday. The menu you're handed doesn't have any prices on it. Do you try to estimate the costs and choose what you guess is the least expensive entree? Or do you figure that since your friends want you to have a good time, you should order whatever you want? A little of both. I'd order what I wanted that wasn't lobster. 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's happiness -- Spaghetti pie.  There's a local Italian restaurant that has the slowest service and rather uncomfortable booths. And the best-ever spaghetti pie! I think it's the way the ground beef is actually baked in that makes it so delicious.

Anyway, it was my lunch on Friday and I predict the leftovers will be devoured gratefully and greedily on Saturday.

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 29

Today's happiness -- My shower radio.  As the month comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to honor the $15 appliance that inspired this year's "Happy" photo.

This morning, while I lathered and rinsed, I sang along with "Working My Way Back to You, Babe" by The Four Seasons and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" by Chicago.

Singing in the shower reliably lifts my spirit and gets me ready for the day.

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 28

Today's happiness -- A seat on the train.  Just in time for the evening commute, there was a mechanical disruption on the el. My trains were running very late. Consequently they were very crowded. Yet, when the doors opened before me, there it was ... glowing like a Wonka golden ticket -- a seat!

To put this miracle in perspective, an estimated 25,000 ride the Green Line one way or the other every day. And I got a seat! I could read my book in peace, all the way home!

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 28

Today's happiness -- Flying the W. The Cubs beat the Mets this evening. 5-2. The game was never close.

This season has been rather disappointing, as on paper, my guys are one of the best teams in the league, yet they have suffered losing streaks.

But tonight, I'm going to sleep happy. Thanks, Guys!

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 26

Today's happiness -- I found my earring! It was a small, bluish white faux pearl. I thought I lost it on the el last week, but I still hung onto its partner because I'm constitutionally reluctant to part with things.


Monday, I found it on my filthy carpet. I didn't step on it, I didn't mangle it with my vacuum cleaner. It was just sitting there, waiting for me.

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 25

Today's happiness -- Reynaldo and Downton Abbey. That's what Henry I talked about on the phone today. It was such a relief to just discuss my cat, and which Crawley girl is our favorite.

Since his accident, so many of our conversations have been fraught with tension and dominated by his health and his mood swings. Today there was little of that. Sure, he complained a bit about the way he was treated at the hospitals he's visited, and while I think his gripes veer into paranoia, perhaps that's to be expected with the misery he's endured.

He's alive. He's still him. He still cares about my niece and nephew (whom we discussed at length) and we both love our pets. And we both loved Sybil Crawley (but who didn't?). He staunchly defended Edith while I remain firmly Team Mary. And so the time spent on the phone today was my happiest hour.

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

Love Me Some Surveys

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music? Yes. A coworker disliked the Beatles because they were "too popular." Since that's so stupid, I didn't care.
 
2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up? My nephew's birthday is early October.
 
3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight? I had a massive crush on Bobby Sherman.



4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body? Last month, I got a sunburn on my neck while watching the Cubs play within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on? Lunch
6. What are you most excited about right now? The NL Central race. I do not want the Cubs slated in the Wild Card slot!

7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military? My dad served in Korea. 


8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist? Not really


9. Do you like sour candy? Not really


10. Are all nighters something you have grown used to? I don't enjoy them, but can pull one if I have to.


11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving? I don't drive, but my eyes are light sensitive so I wear them whenever I leave the house.


12. Do you wear your shoes around the house? Nope
 

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in? Jeans and a t-shirt


14. Are you good at painting nails? I can do touch ups, but I tend to leave this to the professionals.

 
15. Smoothies or slushies?  Smoothies

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 24

Today's happiness -- Ladies who lunch.  I met Nancy for lunch and we lingered and blabbed for hours.

She's working again. Her kids are doing well. She's happy. It was a relief to spend some carefree time with her, as I've been so worried about Henry, and John, and my oldest friend. Being around her happiness made me happy!

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.

Bad news for Bernie

In 2016, my high school student nephew idolized Bernie Sanders. Bernie was the first politician whose words made sense to him. Because of his tender years, he was unable to contribute to Bernie's campaign coffers, but he worked around it by spending his allowance on every bit of Bernie merchandise he could lay his hands on.

Three years later, he's in college and canvassing for Elizabeth Warren in Davenport, IA. He was really stoked. He's a poli-sci major at Western Illinois University, and Warren was one of the candidates who reached out for help from the students. He was thrilled to be asked, thrilled to work on a real campaign, thrilled to help someone he now believes in 100%.

I'm proud of him. Jealous, too. Working a campaign for candidate you believe in can be as thrilling as falling in love. While I know that, of course, I won't vote for President Pussy Grabber, I haven't yet fallen in love.

And I'm sorry for Bernie Sanders. For if my unshakably loyal nephew can be persuaded to move to her camp, then the momentum is definitely in her favor.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: No One's Here to Sleep (2013)
 
1) This song is the theme of How to Get Away with Murder, the legal drama that premiered in 2014 and airs on Thursday nights. Are you a fan? Nope. I watched it once but it seemed crazy complex. Still, I know the show has rabid fans, so maybe I should give it another chance OnDemand.
 
2) The song's refrain says, "I'll never catch up with you." Behind the wheel, do you carefully observe the speed limit? Or do you have a lead foot, making it hard for anyone to catch up with you? I don't drive.
 
3) How to Get Away with Murder is about Annalise Keating, a law professor at a top Philadelphia university. She has a reputation for being tough, demanding and able to turn her students into successful defense attorneys. Tell us about a teacher who helped prepare you for life after graduation. I wish I had a great, inspirational answer for this, but I don't. One of my teachers back in high school taught me how to look at what I'm watching and reading with an objective eye. We studied and dissected the coverage of the 1968 Democratic Convention. What we discussed in that classroom has made me a more careful consumer of news.

 
4) The students she feels show the most promise -- and are recruited to help her solve murders -- are known as The Keating Four. Did you ever sense that you were your teacher's favorite? Not since junior high.
 
5) Viola Davis was just nominated for an Emmy for playing Professor Keating. Ms. Davis was born on a farm in SC. Have you spent more of your life in a rural, suburban or urban setting? I'm a City Mouse.

 

6) Next to Annalise Keating, Viola Davis is best known for her Oscar-nominated role as Aibileen in the movie, The Help. Have you seen it? Yes. Both at the theater and on TV once or twice.
 
7) In 2014, the year How to Get Away with Murder premiered, we lost two famous comedians: Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. Who was the last person to make you laugh out loud? (This means actually, literally laughing out loud, not just keystroking LOL.) The woman I sit next to at the office. I bought her a box of tissues to deal with her sneezes -- she'd been using paper towels! After she blew her nose she told me they were the softest, strongest tissues ever, and a pleasure to use and they were so delightful she was actually glad she got sick. I get such a kick out of her.
 
8) The 2014 Olympics were held in Sochi. Have you ever been to Russia? If not, is it a dream destination of yours? I've never been to Russia, and there's nothing about it that beckons to me.
 
9) Random question: The sign on the railing says, "Wet Paint." Do you touch the railing to see if it's really wet? I might not touch it, but I admit I'd be tempted.