These are the thoughts and observations of me — a woman of a certain age. (Oh, my, God, I'm 65!) I'm single. I'm successful enough (independent, self supporting). I live just outside Chicago, the best city in the world. I'm an aunt and a friend. I feel that voices like mine are rather underrepresented online or in print. So here I am. If my musings resonate with you, please visit my blog again sometime.
2. Where were you living 13 years ago? Right here. I have been in this condo since 2001.
3. Is anyone jealous of you? If they are, they shouldn't be.
4. Where were you when you heard about the 9/11 terror attacks? I was in my bedroom, tying my shoes, getting ready to catch the 8:10 train into Chicago's Loop. When I got to work, the building was swarming with police, who sent us home. The Israeli Consulate had office space in our building and since no one knew what was going on yet or why, they shut the building down. It's the only time in my life I could sense that the cops were frightened, too.
5. Do you consider yourself kind? I work at it.
6. Can you change your car's oil? No car. But even if I had one, I wouldn't do this myself. Places like Midas, Auto Zone and JiffyLube will recycle your oil properly and efficiently. Plus they will change the filter and may add other services, like rotating your tires or topping off other fluids, as part of the oil change. (Listen to the lady who doesn't have a car. I know what I'm talking about here.)
7. What's the last thing you heard about your first love? His mom died.
8. Have you ever been burned by love? Yes. Of course. Everyone has. That's why sad love songs are so popular.
9. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?A chocolate shake with whipped cream.
10. Do you hug your friends? Yes, but it's always weird with Elaine. Her family wasn't very affectionate and hugs don't come naturally to her.
Saturday 9: Hold On (1990) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song gives encouragement to someone who is enduring heartache. Have you more recently given support, or received it? Received. I find myself in a new situation. My niece's baby – my grandniece – has been born but she's a preemie (36? weeks and not quite 5 lbs.) and she's been kept in the hospital a few more days. Plus, the birth mother can still legally change her mind about the adoption. So I'm confused. How much celebration is appropriate now? Do I start sending cards and gifts or do I wait until the baby is home in the nursery my niece and her husband have prepared for her? My nephew – my niece's kid brother – has been my sounding board and advisor. He's sensitive and wise for one so young and I appreciate it.
2) "Hold On" is featured prominently in the 2011 movie Bridesmaids.
It's an anthem for the friends in the film and they love to sing it
together. Is there a song that reminds you of good times with a good
friend? "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was my friend John's favorite song. By far. Whenever it came on he would light up like a candle and stop what he was doing to announce, "Yes! This is what I'm talking about!" Even if we were at his home and he knew to expect it. This song brought him such joy, and the joy was infectious. (I miss him so very much.)
3) The
video for this song finds Wilson Phillips outdoors on a snowy
mountainside and then on a sandy beach. What's the view outside your window? A lovely pale blue, cloudless sky.
4) The
mountain segments were filmed in California's San Gabriel Mountains.
The girls were flown to the set by helicopter. Have you ever been in a
helicopter? No.
5)
The members of Wilson Phillips are authentic "California Girls." Wendy
and Carnie Wilson's father is Brian Wilson, who wrote the Beach Boys
hit. Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of
the Mamas and the Papas, who sang "California Dreamin'." Have you been
to California? If yes, where did you visit? Los Angeles (including Hollywood and Beverly Hills), San Francisco, San Jose (and Freemont), San Diego and Hesperia.
6)
Another generation of the Wilson family has entered the music business.
Carnie's daughter/Brian Wilson's granddaughter, Lola Bonfiglio,
participated in the current season of American Idol. Has a family member followed you in your chosen profession? Kinda sorta. I was an advertising writer and my nephew is now a baseball writer. But that's not why I take complete credit for his career choice. I'm the one who taught him to read a box score and I'm the one who took him to his first baseball game.
7)
In 1990, when this song was popular, satellite radio was in its infancy
and streaming was unheard of. Our cars gave us a choice of AM/FM and
maybe CD player/tape deck. When you're driving and a favorite song comes
on, are you more likely to sing along if you're alone? Or don't you
care if anyone hears you? No car. But I never sing in front of people. I even just move my lips in church. I'm completely tone deaf and very embarrassed by my voice.
8) Also in 1990, actor Alan Hale Jr. died. He was "the skipper" on Gilligan's Island. Without looking it up, can you name the other six castaways? (If not the actors, then their characters.) Gilligan, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann.
9) Random question: What superhero would you like to have as your best friend? I'm going to be very specific about this: Adam West as Batman. If he's not Adam West, then I don't want to hang with Batman.
