Yum!

I am hooked on Japanese Cherry Blossom bath products by The Body Shop. It has the most delicious smell! It's only available for a limited time, so get yourself to The Body Shop, at the mall or online, today. Really. You will thank me.

"Maybe my blood pressure is a little high"

Yesterday we celebrated my friend John's birthday. A big Heath Ledger fan, he wanted to see The Dark Knight. So we did. He wanted to eat dinner at a specific restaurant near the movie theater because he enjoyed drinks with friends there and wanted to sample their menu. We did.

He didn't really like the movie. He was disappointed that the restaurant didn't serve burgers. I had a nice enough time, but he kept apologizing for the subpar movie and the limited menu. He wasn't drinking anything stronger than Sprite, and that is sooooo not like him.

He explained it away by saying he was tired, that his blood pressure was probably a little high. Almost two years ago, he suffered through a bout with heart failure and his recovery has been slow but steady. He didn't seem concerned by this, just weary and discontented, but it bothers me. Next week when I check in with him, I'll be sure to ask him if he's spoken to his doctor.

Yes, he is that good

Saw The Dark Knight on Saturday and it was better than I expected. Easier to follow, and with a better story than any of the previous Batman movies I've seen (Keaton, Clooney, Kilmer, and the previous Bale included).

Now let's talk Ledger. His appeal always escaped me. To be completely honest, I thought he mumbled through one of the sudsiest, silliest, most over-hyped and unintentionally funny movies of all time, Brokeback Mountain. With this in mind, I had quite the "show me" attttude toward his much-heralded final role as The Joker.

Incredible. Awesome. Original. Engaging. Deeply, darkly charismatic, the movie comes alive only when he's onscreen. Which is ironic and ultimately very, very sad.

P.S. Not for kids! I don't care how many cereal boxes the Caped Crusader currently graces. This movie is too violent and too intense for children.

The Gal as Performer

This personality quiz is just another treasure I originally found at Kwizgiver's.

Summary of Performers

• Love fun, people and the world around them
• Prefer hands-on learning to reading a book
• Think of themselves as enthusiastic, sociable or sensitive
• May forget about commitments because they're having so much fun

For the Performers, people and the exciting world around them come before rules and routines. This group believes you can get work done efficiently and have fun at the same time. Others are naturally drawn to the Performers' outgoing nature and enjoyment of life.

Performers are good at reading people and figuring out what their needs are. They don't believe in making plans and are confident that they can handle whatever comes their way. These skills allow Performers to quickly motivate others.

In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Performers may become distracted, fail to accept or meet deadlines, or take criticism too personally. Under extreme stress, Performers can be overwhelmed by thinking of all the things that could possibly go wrong.

Performers may live for the moment and forget the consequences of their actions.

Performers are drawn to careers that require people skills and attention to detail.

Two additional cents on Britney

This just in: Britney Spears has decided to stop fighting her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, for custody of their two young sons. The former couple has agreed that he will be the full-time, custodial parent and she will have visitation rights.

I give her a lot of credit. I believe this was a very smart, and perhaps very loving, thing she did for her kids. It wasn't that long ago that she was in dire straights, in and out of the mental ward. She seems to be better, or at least more private about her pain and problems, which leads me to believe she's healing. It's possible that she's self-aware enough, and unselfish enough, to realize that she's too fragile to deal with two young boys full-time. Leaving them to their father (that's their FATHER, not a fire station!) may be best.

Perhaps it's because I'm not a mother myself, but I do not necessarily believe that mothers are always the better parents. I have friends who are infinitely patient and involved dads, and I have watched moms who are simply unable to put their kids' needs ahead of their own.

I'm not stupid, but I'm willing to play the part

Ah, the twisted relationship I have with my plumber! He's in his mid-60s and retired. He takes only the occasional job as it suits him, and coming to my condo suits him.

Because he thinks I'm younger, sweeter and dumber than I am.

The first time he came here -- five years ago -- it was because he was curious. I called him, desperate for a plumber who would even answer the phone on Christmas Day. He was happy to come by on Christmas evening, after he finished his dinner, because he had handled the maintenance for this building when it was still apartments and he wanted to see what it looked like after it was converted to condos. When I told my friends and family that I had a Christmas evening emergency visit from a plumber scheduled, there was much concern and many warnings about what I'd be charged. By the time he showed up, I was pretty worried. (But hey, one needs a toilet.) Hours of apprehension took its toll on my Christmas spirit. When he only charged me $200 for parts and labor, I was grateful. Impressed by his integrity -- he could have charged me way more -- and his kindness, I thanked him profusely.

I made quite the first impression on him. One of the naive, damsel in distress variety. He's been here five times since and every time it's the same. Since I really need him, he'll come by, even though he doesn't really do this kind of thing anymore. He talks to me about his daughter, his "lady friend," and everyone else in his life. When he spins these tales, he always mentions the characters ethnicities (German, "Negro," Italian, Mexican), which makes me uncomfortable, because, really, what difference does it make? But because he doesn't use epithets, I let it go. I do more than that -- I pretend to be amused. He explains everything he's doing there under the sink, but he talks to me like I'm on the verge of tears over my decrepit pipes. Oh, and on the way out he this evening he carefully and pedantically advised me to not speak so quickly when leaving him messages on his answering machine. "You go a mile a minute, you know." Everything about our conversations is condescending and annoying.

But tonight he only charged me $140. He does a good job and he guarantees his work. And he always shows up within hours of when I call, even if it's not an emergency. So in exchange for prompt service, good work and almost criminally low rates, I will pretend to be Goldie Hawn's flightier sister. I predict he and I will continue this mutually beneficial relationship until I completely redo my bathroom and kitchen (target date: 2010).

Hello, Boys!

I am so happy right now, curled up on the sofa, watching my heroes in blue play the Houston Astros. I was proud that so many Cubs were on the All-Star team, but I'm glad the break is over. I missed these regular-season games. Just look at Ryan Theriot! His hitting streak continues to 11 games! All is right with my world again.

I am so lucky to have a team whose heroics I can lose myself in.

An open letter to Sir Paul McCartney

Do you get Grey's Anatomy on your side of the pond, Sir? If you do, perhaps you remember that episode a few seasons back when Meredith beseeched Derek to, "Pick me, choose me, love me!" That is what I say to you this morning.

Odd, I know, considering that we've never met. Perhaps frightening, considering that John was murdered by a crazed fan. But I have given this considerable thought (all the way from the Randolph/Wabash el station to the security desk in my office building!) and I believe it's a good move for both of us.

Here's the thing: I'm tired this morning. And all I did was take a friend out to dinner last night to celebrate her birthday. Yes, we ate heavy food and killed a bottle of wine but I was still home before 10:00 PM. Yet this morning I am tired. Tomorrow I'm going out with another friend to see the Batman movie. Since we're going to a matinee and having dinner afterward, I'll probably be home before the end of the SNL monologue. To tell you the truth, Dr. Paul, I wish we weren't going tomorrow. It feels like a lot of booze and a lot of socializing and not enough alone time.

Now I read Heather Mills' complaints about you, and they lead me to believe you and I would be very compatible. She basically called you a boring old pothead who doesn't want to go anywhere or do anything. Fine by me! I don't smoke pot, but if you want to, be my guest. As evidenced by the above paragraph, I no longer crave the nightlife, nor do I love to boogie. And I can think of no one I'd rather sit on the sofa with as we do nothing together, hour after hour. Just please promise me I can have the remote and we'll be fine. (Have you seen the stars of Psyche send up "Ebony and Ivory?" It's wickedly fabulous! I'll Tivo it for you.)

She says you are stingy. Fine. Whatever. I live in a 2BR condo with leaky pipes and don't even own a car, so I'm sure the lifestyle she considered parsimonious wouldn't bother me at all.

She says you are no longer interested in your appearance. Okeedokee. When I look at you, all I see is February 1964 and the cover of Meet the Beatles, so I don't care about your current appearance, either.

She says you two often disagree on how to raise your daughter, Beatrice. My baby factory is closed, so we won't have that problem. Just don't try to discipline my cats in any way and we'll be fine.

Let's face it, Macca: In the past, we both have chosen poorly when it comes to romance. You certainly could and have done worse and so have I, so why shouldn't we give it a go?

Thursday Thirteen #77 -- THE DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION EDITION

THIRTEEN QUOTES FROM ANIMAL HOUSE

This movie delighted me when I saw it for the first time at the theater in 1978. Every time I've seen it since, I've still loved it. It remains as shameless, outrageous, vulgar, hip and almost unbearably funny as ever.

What follows are some of my favorite quotes from the film. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you're a fan and one of your favorites isn't included, I apologize -- but gimme a break, there were only 13 slots! And if you're not familiar with Animal House, I suggest you memorize these quotations because as Emil Faber, esteemed founder of Faber College, once said, "KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD."


1) “Eric Stratton, Pledge Chairman. Damn glad to meet you.” Otter

2) “The time has come for someone put his foot down. And that foot is ME!” Dean Vernon Wormer

3) “Thank you, sir, may I have another?” Chip

4) “Listen! I’m not joking! This is my JOB!” Professor Jennings

5) “Toga! Toga!” Bluto

6) Boone: “You’re going to hump her brains out, aren’t you?”
Otter: “I anticipate a deeply religious experience.”

7) “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” Dean Wormer

8) “Over? Did you say, ‘over?’ Nothing is over until we say it’s over! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!” Bluto

9) “We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part. And we’re just the guys to do it!” Otter

10) Flounder: “I can’t believe I threw up in front of Dean Wormer.”
Boone: “Face it, Kent. You threw up on Dean Wormer.”

11) “You fucked up, you trusted us!” Otter

12) “I’m a zit! Get it?” Bluto

13) “Christ, 7 years of college down the drain!” Bluto

Leave your link in comments and I'll add you here (unless, of course, your comment is pointless or it annoys me; in that case I'll delete it as quickly as I can):
1) SJR shows us around her workplace
2) Malcolm shares the agony of dial up
3) Adelle helps us put romance into words
4) Claudia has a relaxing, yet interactive TT
5) Sandy speaks fluent text
6) Lori shares what's on her mind
7) Lisa concentrates on the letter "T"
8) Poppingbubbles gets up and dances
9) Forgetfulone gives us tips for keeping our candles fresh
10) Journeywoman takes us to the movies!
11) Denise captures 13 moments from her week away with the kids from church
12) Nina posts her scrapbooking wishlist
13) Let's go to the cottage with Clara!
14) We're all invited to sing along with Lori
15) Bellezza takes us to the arboretum.
16) Marcia gives us a tour of Pioneer Country
17) Starrlight reveals that she is a musical schizophrenic!
18) B Boys Mom shows us around her desk


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

"Harold, call me!"

Remember that awful commercial Harold Ford found himself up against in 2006? When he was running for Senate in Tennessee, the opposing party portrayed him as a lightweight party boy, out of touch with mainstream values and too fond of white women. The spot ended with a blonde holding her hand like a phone receiver and mouthing the words, "Harold, call me." Yes, Tenneseans, it's true: the black man is after your women. It was appalling and those behind it should be ashamed of themselves. Unfortunately, the commercial seemed to have an impact on voters.

After losing that election, Ford has rebounded nicely, as head of the DLC and a TV commentator. I must admit that I always perk up when he comes on screen. I mean, as cable network talking heads go, he is hot.

Ten Things Tuesday

Once again, an idea I liberated from Kwizgiver.

Ten Terrific TV Themes

1) The Patty Duke Show. "Meet Cathy who's been most everywhere, from Zanzibar to Barkley Square ..."

2) The Andy Griffith Show. I love it, and I don't even know how to whistle.

3) Magnum PI. It's fun and lively and sets the tone perfectly.

4) Kate and Allie. "Just when you think you're all by yourself, you're not." My favorite part of the show was always the opening, after the theme, when we'd catch the girls out and about, just talking.

5) The Fugitive. So lush and dramatic and adult.

6) Cheers. "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name ..." OK, I would find being in a bar where everyone knows my name scary, but I can be a little antisocial and that shouldn't reflect on the theme.

7) Growing Pains. "Show me that smile again. Don't waste another minute on your crying ..." The theme song is more memorable than the show! I have always loved BJ Thomas' voice.

8) That Girl. "Diamonds, daisies, snowflakes, That Girl!" The first few seasons it didn't have lyrics, but I like that version, too. Like Magnum, the theme sets the right tone (light, enthusiastic).

9) Friends. "So no one told you life was gonna be this way. Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's DOA." Yeah, it got too much play on the radio and I became sick of it. But we have all felt this way, haven't we?

10) Flintstones. "Let's ride with the family down the street, by the courtesy of Fred's two feet." No, I'm not embarrassed that I know all the words. Yabba dabba dooo!

Morgan Fairchild was Faye Dunaway's Stand-In!

I love Bonnie & Clyde. I have seen it a gazillion times and the ending always hits me like a baseball bat to the gut. I believe it's the best, and certainly the most influential, American movie of my lifetime.*

But tonight, I'm not watching my new Bonnie and Clyde DVD. I'm watching the second, extras disc and I'm enjoying it enormously. Deleted scenes, Beatty's wardrobe tests, a documentary on the real -- and nowhere near as gorgeous -- Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Before today, I didn't know Morgan Fairchild had been Faye Dunaway's stand in! God, I love the extras when they're about a movie I love!

* Think of The Godfather and Sonny Corleone's last moments at the tollbooth. Consider the chasm it explores between money/power on one hand and respectability on the other. The visuals and the themes in The Godfather owe so very much to Bonnie & Clyde. And that's just the most obvious movie that springs to mind.

It happened again

My mother's short-term memory isn't for shit anymore. During yesterday's less-than-an-hour-long conversation, she gave me two more very clear examples:

1) I helped her out by picking up a picture frame for her to give as a gift. I mentioned how remarkably odd the photo that came in the frame was. Black and white, it was two musicians with greased-back hair, horns of some sort, posing in a 1940s bandstand setting. I mean, this was very retro, very WWII. I asked my mom if she recognized the musicians. Dorsey Brothers, perhaps? She said, no, they looked to her like "Frankie Valli and the Jersey Boys." She was serious. I reminded her that The Four Seasons were from the 1960s, not the 1940s. She certainly knows this -- she lived through it! She said nothing and just seemed confused.

2) Changing the subject to something merrier, I told her how beautiful the wedding invitation I just received was. I explained how my friend's initial was intertwined with his intended. My mom said, "What's her name again?" I told her -- no big deal. It's an unusual name, after all. The bride was born in Lithuania. My mom said, "That's a funny name. Where is she from?" Now, my mother and I have discussed the bride-to-be's family countless times over the last three years because I am so ambivalent about her. She helped her parents and some aunts and uncles come over from Europe and they speak NO English, which has put restrictions on where my friend, the groom-to-be, can live and work. (If it's a city that doesn't have a big Lithuanian community, his beloved vetoes it because her parents and aunts and uncles couldn't live comfortably there. And she can't be too far away from her family because, due to the language issue, they are so dependent on her.) MY MOM KNOWS THIS! We have been talking about it for years!

My mother is going to the doctor in a few weeks. She simply has to discuss this with him! I must be careful not to condescend or sound like I'm scolding her. She acts like she doesn't realize how much she forgets, but I'm not sure it's not scaring and embarrassing her. But her doctor has to be aware of this problem. My mom is on antibiotics and inhalers and blood thinners … this could simply be drug interaction and easily remedied.

Manic Monday #12

What do you do when you are feeling very sad or depressed? I heal with alone time, soaking in the tub and then vegging in front of the TV with a dependable movie or that old standby, Law & Order.

Who was your first crush? Paul McCartney. Sigh. Still not over him.

If given a chance to skip work for a day (without repercussions), how would you spend the entire day? Weather permitting, I'd love to go for a loooong walk with my headphones for company (Cubs baseball in the spring, summer and hopefully fall, iPod if there's no game).

To play yourself, or to see how other bloggers responded, click here.

A bipartisan farewell to two happy warriors

Hamilton Jordan, the whiz-kid who led the "Georgia Mafia" that ran Jimmy Carter's successful Presidential campaign and became Carter's chief of staff at the tender age of 32, was cruelly stricken by three forms of cancer. Instead of letting it get him down, he began Camp Sunshine, a retreat for sick kids. He died this past May. He was 63.

Tony Snow, the class act of the Bush press office (arguably the class act of this administration), died of complications of chemotherapy this week. He was 53.

Look at these photos. At the time they were taken, both men had already been battling cancer for years. Yet they celebrated life and, at least in public, showed us their most inspiring game faces. I thank these two men for their service to country -- both in and out of the political arena. And now that their painful battles are behind him, may they both rest in peace.

Yawn!

It's almost 10:30. I'm still in my jams, curled up on the sofa, eating some Yoplait, watching Meet the Press. As I consider what a comforting, avuncular presence Tom Brokaw is, even as he fillets both Carly Fiorino and Claire McCaskill, it occurs to me that my energy level doesn't match my to-do list. This confuses me, because, after all, I slept in this morning.

Even though we had tons of fun yesterday, there's just something about a day of sunshine, along with an exciting/stressful ballgame and, most of all, a second grader who enjoys lots of interaction, that wears me out!

You moms, you schoolteachers, and you schoolteachers who go home to be moms, all have my sincere admiration this morning.

Grandma's heavenly handiwork

My grandmother was a Cub fan. Specifically she loved Ryne Sandberg, but she was loyal to any and all who wore Cubbie blue. She died in 1997, before my young nephew was even born.

Today I took him to his first-ever Cub game. We had spectacular fourth-row seats along first base and both he and I were breathlessly excited about the adventure before us. However, it really rained last night, and torrential showers were predicted for the whole of the day today. So my nephew and I filled my purse and his backpack with umbrellas and raincoats and headed off to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.

Guess what! The Weather Channel, NBC, CBS and WGN were all wrong. The clouds parted, the sun came out, and my nephew and I both have slightly burnt noses! Not only did the Cubs get a standard 9 innings in, we even went into two extra innings as the game that began as a route suddenly became a nailbiter.

How to explain this? Easy. Grandma's heavenly hands pushed the clouds away so that her great grandson could enjoy a long, exciting, sunny day at the ballpark with her team.

An unconventional dinner

I didn't just have the Hot Tamales. I also downed a few fists full of Cheez-Its and some water. I considered a beer, but beer with cinnamon and cheesey crackers just sounded gross. (Hey! I guess that means that I do have some culinary standards after all!)

Friday's Feast #34

Appetizer. When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed? About 3 weeks ago.

Soup. Name one thing you miss about being a child. Surprises from Santa.

Salad. Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil. Margarine.

Main Course. If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why? Spanish, because a close friend of mine is Puerto Rican and I think it would make him happy if to converse in his native tongue.

Dessert. Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be… soaking in the tub of my finally, fabulously renovated bathroom.

To whip up your own feast, or to see how other bloggers responded,
click here.

Schadenfreude

Tonight during my rainy commute home, the el trains were packed. Seats were rare. I prefer not to ride backwards, so as soon as the car doors opened, I made a beeline for the open seat facing forward. After I settled in I noticed that, even though people were standing, there was an open seat -- but facing the other way -- on the aisle. The gentleman sitting by the window was sound asleep. I didn't think much of it.

At the next stop, a damp-but-not-quite-soaked woman looked thrilled to find that empty seat on the aisle and dropped herself into it. Her seatmate woke up, and suddenly the reason why those in the know would rather stand than sit with him became apparent.

He began speaking animatedly, loudly and completely unintelligibly. The woman sitting beside him looked startled and tried to understand what he was saying to her. This tirade of mumbles had nothing to do with her, though. Judging by what I could make out, he was upset by how poorly his umbrella fit in its matching sheathe. (If that doesn't justify a loud, slurred fit in a public place, what does?) The woman sitting next to him went from surprise to embarrassment. She concentrated on keeping her eyes straight ahead. Being ignored didn't deter Mr. Noisy Mumbler, though. After about 10 loooong minutes, he finally wound down and fell back to sleep.

I feel guilty admitting that part of me enjoyed this. Because usually I'm the one who gets the loony seatmate.

Thursday Thirteen #76 -- All Singing! All Dancing!

THE 13 GREATEST MUSICALS
IN AMERICAN FILM HISTORY

The American Film Institute loves to make lists, and, as a movie fan, I love to read them. In 2006, the AFI nominated 180 American movie musicals and distributed ballots to AFI members. Here are the top 13 vote getters. In italics I've added the musical scene that springs immediately to mind when I think of these classics.

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN 1952 MGM "The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love."

2 WEST SIDE STORY 1961 United Artists "A boy like that would kill your brother! Forget that boy! Go find another!"

3 WIZARD OF OZ, THE 1939 MGM "With the thoughts I'd be thinkin' I could be another Lincoln, if I only had a brain."

4 SOUND OF MUSIC, THE 1965 Twentieth Century-Fox "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good."

5 CABARET 1972 Allied Artists "Farewell, Mein Leber Herr! It was a fine affair, but now it's over."

6 MARY POPPINS 1964 Disney "With every job that must done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and SNAP! The job's a game! And every task you undertake becomes a piece of cake ..."

7 STAR IS BORN, A 1954 Warner Bros. "Ever since this world began there is nothing sadder than a one-man woman looking for the man that got away."

8 MY FAIR LADY 1964 Warner Bros. "Oh, so loverly sitting absobloominlootly still. I would never budge till spring crept over me windersill."

9 AMERICAN IN PARIS, AN 1951 MGM CONFESSION: I have never seen this movie start to finish, so I don't have a favorite scene

10 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS 1944 MGM "As he started to leave I took hold of his sleeve with my hand, and as if it were planned, he stayed on with me and it was grand, just to stand with his hand holding mine … to the end of the line!"

11 KING AND I, THE 1956 Twentieth Century-Fox "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me ..."

12 CHICAGO 2002 Miramax "Start the car, I know a whoopee spot where the gin is cold and the piano's hot ..."

13 42ND STREET 1933 Warner Bros. "C'mon along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway, the hip-horray and bally-hoo, the lullaby of Broadway."

I don't completely agree with this list. I have never been crazy about West Side Story. Natalie Wood was a luminous screen presence, but she was a lousy Maria. And what about that lame-ass Tony? For what it's worth, I've always found An American in Paris pretentious. Instead I would have included Easter Parade because I love the "Couple of Swells" number, and Young at Heart, where Sinatra sits at the piano and breaks our hearts by singing "Someone to Watch Over Me." But isn't disagreeing now and again part of what makes these lists such fun?

Include your link in the comments and I'll list you here:
1) The Green Movement gets the Pink Flamingo treatment
2) Nicholas shares his plan for world rule
3) Malcolm -- the speed demon who once again hit my TT before I could visit his! -- takes us out to the arcade
4) Sandy Carlson has a "sultry," and evocative TT
5) Hootin' Ani waxes poetic this week
6) Lilibeth's TT is a valentine to her home
7) Sobeit has a movie TT -- and you KNOW how the Gal loves movie TTs!
8) Marcia takes us back to the 4th
9) Kay helps us learn more about Kay ... and ourselves
10) Claudia takes on an online version of Scrabble. Play along ... if you dare!
11) Jenny McB faces her apathy head on!
12) Diana M's TT is musical, too!
13) Poppingbubbles introduces those who came BEFORE her prince
14) Janet's TT is a trip down memory lane
15) Kristi shoots the fireworks, and the results are great
16) Travel to Ontario with Adelle
17) Visit Kim's birthday TT
18) Jane shares the most beautiful baby in the world
19) Toni's TT is all about the month of July
20) Feefifoto is about my least favorite domestic chore
21) Lori introduces us to a super new superhero
22) Randlin's TT is musical, too.
23) Chris has another laugh out loud TT
24) Jen has a name-calling TT
25) Angie has a colorful TT


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Unexpectedly melancholy

This morning, for the first time, I left my condo without passing the venerable old elm tree in the parkway out front.

I knew it was coming down. We got notice over the holiday weekend that the village discovered Dutch Elm Disease and was removing it. I didn't think I cared. After all, it's not visible from my condo unit and the tree that amuses the cats and provides shade to my livingroom remains strong and healthy.

Only this morning, I did care. A lot. Turns out I will miss that mighty old tree, after all.

Tuesday Tunes #5

Word Association Week

You know the drill, name the first musical thing ie artist/song/album etc that comes to mind when you see these words:

peace: Give Peace a Chance, John Lennon
love: All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
sign: "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind …" Signs, 5 Man Electrical Band
summer: Summer in the City, Lovin' Spoonful
trip: Vacation by the Go-Gos
book: "If anyone should ever write my life story …" The Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me, Gladys Knight and the Pips
drug: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, The Beatles
simple: Don't You Forget About Me, Simple Minds
psychedelic: She Said, She Said, The Beatles
70s: Elton John -- he really owned the decade, didn't he?

To play along yourself, or to see how other bloggers responded, click here.

I loved it!

Last night a friend and I went to see Kit Kitteridge, An American Girl and we had a terrific time. We were, I believe, the only adults in the theater unescorted by little girls, but that's because both my niece and her daughter have, sadly, outgrown the American Girl phase.

Abigail Breslin won my heart in Little Miss Sunshine, and Kit was my niece's favorite American Girl (with Molly a close second), so I was familiar with the basic outline of the story and presold. But for those of you with a kid in your life (probably beneath the age of 12), let me set your mind at ease. It is NOT a commercial for the dolls. In fact, no mention of the dolls is made.

As always with the American Girl series, though, it's historically accurate, entertaining, and best of all, inclusive. Your kids will learn important lessons without even realizing that they're being taught. And the cast -- including Ms. Breslin, Stanley Tucci, Glenne Hedley, Joan Cusack and Jane Krakowski -- is entertaining for adults, too.

P.S. Animal lovers, there's no need to worry. The tough lessons about life during an economic downturn do NOT include harm to Grace the dog, nor Curtis the monkey.

Time for a beauty break

My order from Sephora.com just arrived and I confess -- I'M IN LOVE! Behold my new philosophy® Supernatural Retractable Blush Brush. A natural hair* brush that folds down to a little over 4" long and fits beautifully in my makeup bag.

Earlier this year, when I was on my fantabulous spa vacation, I got not so much a makeover as a makeup refresher. The way I had been doing my face was a bit dated, and esthetician Lauryn laid down the law: no more mascara on my lower lashes and blush is mandatory. I've been trying to follow her edicts, but the brushes that come with powder blushes are so uniformly crappy that I haven't been able to touch it up during the day.

No more. From here on out, this ol' Gal will be as pink-cheeked as she was in her long-ago, dewy youth.

* I can't help but notice they don't specify what kind of "natural hair." I'm trying not to dwell on this.

Manic Monday #15

Who would you like to see on a new banknote (dollar bill, etc.)? Eisenhower. No special historical reason. It's just last time I was in DC I noticed he's really not on anything. No museum, no memorial. There's a little bust of him in the Kennedy Center, but that's all I saw. So I say, "Let's give Ike his due!" After all, he has a very kind face and would be a worthy addition to any wallet or billfold.

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? A cat who lives like my cats. I wouldn't want to be a stray, trying to stay warm and dry and fed on the streets, dodging cars and predators. I'd want to be a cat like my Joey, who was laying in the middle of the living room, sound asleep, looking downright beatific, when I had to leave for work.

If you owned your own restaurant, what would you call it? The Gal's Greasy Spoon Grub. I believe in truth in advertising.

To play along yourself, or to check other bloggers' answers, click here.

But I want them to!

Look at them. Olivia and Elliott. Benson and Stabler. Hard at work on the other side of the yellow tape. Two dedicated New York city detectives investigating heinous, sexually-based offenses for the Special Victims Unit. But much to my chagrin, the brave cops who form the foundation of Law & Order: SVU will never be rewarded with romance.

That pisses me off because I believe they are in love. Watching today's USA SVU marathon confirms it for me. Sure, I sense sexual chemistry between them (I especially feel it when El loses the jacket and rolls up his sleeves; those arms lead to strong shoulders and a firm, hairy chest, I just know it). But it goes beyond the heat these two generate. They understand one another in a way no one else could because no one else has seen what they have seen. They share a passion and compassion for crime victims. Olivia, because she was born of rape. Elliott, because he's a good father who can imagine the anguish survivors feel.

Oh, I know … they will never act on all this affection and passion. Elliott would never cheat on Kathy and Olivia wouldn't want him to, anyway. Liv and El's lives have become so intertwined that Olivia found herself caring for Elliott's pregnant wife after a car accident, and was there for the birth of their youngest son. Besides, if Olivia and Elliot slept together, they couldn't work together anymore, and they are each other's perfect partner.

Even more relevant, they saw what happened to Moonlighting after Dave and Maddie did it.

Congratulations, Cutie!

Geovany Soto is one of three Cubs named to start at this year's All-Star Game. What an honor for a rookie! And is there a more adorable little pup in the MLB?

Alfonso Soriano was chosen but may not make the game because of that hand injury. Kosuke Fukodome also made it and will start in the outfield. I'm proud of these Cubs but I'm thrilled for Geovany Soto. Hats off to the fans who did the right thing and voted for him.

Look what I found! Guess where I found it.

Got this at Kwizgiver's. She's always got good memes and quizzes. This one is called 90.

1. What was the highlight of your week? Mmmm .... yesterday's massage

2. Whose car were you in last? I don't remember, so it was probably a Chicago cab

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone? Gawd, I hope it's soon.

4. What color shirt are you wearing? Still not dressed yet (lazy Gal)

5. How long is your hair? Just past my ears

6. Are you good looking? For a pudgy, middle-aged woman with a zit on her chin

7. Last movie you watched? Jailhouse Rock

8. Who were you with? myself

9. Last thing you ate? I'm eating left-over lasagna right now

10. Last thing you drank? I'm drinking a can of Coke right now

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken? About two years ago

12. Who came over last? A neighbor representing my condo association -- the trees in our parkway have Dutch Elm disease.

13. Are you happy right now? Yes

14. What did you say last? I don't remember

15. Where is your phone? One's on the end table near the front door, the other is on the nightstand in my room

16. What color are your eyes? Green

17. Are you left-handed? No

18. Spell your name without vowels: Gl

19. Do you have any pets? Yes

20. Favorite Vacation? Spa

21. What do you dislike currently? My angry, red zit

22. What are you listening to? Law & Order: SVU

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be? A fool-proof overnight remedy for that damn zit

24. What is your favorite scent? SJP Lovely

25. Who makes you happiest? My best friend

26. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping

27. When is your birthday? November 22

28. Who has the same phone as you? No one

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool? Years ago

30. Do you read your horoscope? Only on my birthday

31. Where was the last place you bought something? Border's

32. How do you feel about your hair right now? I'm on my way to liking it

33. Do you bite your nails? Yes

34. Do you have any expensive jewelery? No

35. Do you have any expensive jewelery? Still don't

36. Myspace or facebook? They both annoy me

37. How fast have you driven a car? Don't remember

38. Have you ever smoked? No

39. What was or is your favorite subject in school? Social studies

40. Do you have Verizon? No

41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for? The only common denominator seems to be that they all have/had good hair

42. Do you have any hidden talents? Yes (she wrote, blushing)

43. Favorite Song? It changes. Currently "Heart and Soul" by Marcia Ball

44. Do you like to sing at all? Yes, but I suck at it

45. Dream Job? What I'm doing, but with a little more security. (However, there is no security in advertising/marketing.)

46. Where does most of your family live? A couple towns over

47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings? Siblings

48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled? No

49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? It's Sunday!

50. Do you drink? Yes

51. Know any other languages? No

52. Ever write a coded message? No

53. Have you ever been IN a wedding? Yes

54. Do you have any children? No

55. Did you take a nap today? No, but I will

56. Who has the same birthday as you? Jamie Lee Curtis

57. Ever met anyone famous before? Yes

58. Do you want to be famous one day? I'd rather be rich

59. Any Pet Peeves? People who smoke right in front of the sign that says "no smoking"

60. Are you multitasking right now? Yes

61. Do you like Britany Spears? Like? No, but I have compassion for her.

62. What is your least favorite chore? LAUNDRY!!!!

63. Last place you drove your car? Don't have a car

64. Ever been out of the country? Yes

65. Where were you born? Elgin

66. Could you handle being in the military? No

67. What is your average cell phone bill? About $50

68. Who are you thinking about right now? My best friend

69. When was the last time you laughed REALLY hard? Talking to my mom

70. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Lots

71. Are your toes always painted? Yes. (Currently Puerto Vallerta Violet)

72. How many piercings do you have? One on each ear

73. What are you doing today? Law and Order SVU marathon! Cubs vs. St. Louis! (Sitting on the couch)

74. Have you ever been gambling? Yes

75. When is the last time you updated your page? More than a week ago

76. Do you like rollercoasters? Yes

77. Have you ever been to disneyland or world? Yes

78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Stimpy

79. Last thing you cooked? I don't cook, but I do reheat. (This leftover lasagna)

80. How's the weather? About 80º and sunny

81. Do you e-mail? Yes

82. What's the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? Nothing

83. Last time you were sick? A migraine a few weeks ago

84. What states have you lived in? Illinois

85. Do you wish you could move? To a new condo? Yes. Away from Chicagoland? Hell, no!

86. Do you take a lot of quizzes? Yes

87. What is your dream car? One with a driver

88. Have you ever wanted someone you cant have? Oh, yes

89. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be? The Garden and Commons in Boston

90. Are you happy with your life? Yes

I have a hard time accepting this

The Cubs blew a two-run lead in the bottom of the 9th. In ST. LOUIS! And here's the worst part -- KERRY WOOD is the one who gave up the runs!

How can this be?

I had a completely yummy massage earlier in the day. I know I dozed off on the table. Could it be that I dreamt this less-than-ideal game?

All for under $15!!!

I'm reviewing my bag for the local food pantry and am feeling very proud of myself. I have managed to collect an eclectic variety of non-perishables and toiletries and still stayed within my own budget:

1 can each:
Peas
Pork and beans
Spaghettios

1 box each:
Rice-a-Roni Beef
Rice-a-Roni Herb and Butter
Shells and alfredo sauce
Three cheese rotini
Semolina spaghetti

2 each:
Bars of deodorant soap
Full-sized tubes of toothpaste
BIG rolls of toilet tissue (a special request of the pantry)

And a pump bottle of anti-bacterial soap. (You were expecting a partridge in a pear tree?)

I am inventory-ing this month's contribution because summers can be hard for food pantries even during the good times. People are naturally generous between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but community giving may slip our minds when the weather is warm. But these are not good times, with grocery costs rising and and gas prices going through the roof, and it's undoubtedly harder for people to give, so it falls to those of us who can to pick up the slack.

To find a food pantry near you, or to send a check to a very worthy charity, visit America's Second Harvest. Pulling together to care for our neighbors is a very patriotic thing to do this Fourth of July weekend!

Not fair!

Not on the Fourth of July, for heaven's sake!

Today, the day when we celebrate everything our country is and dream of what we know it CAN be, I receive a letter from,* of all people, Elizabeth Edwards. Asking for money to support the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Here's how she opens:

"Throughout my battle with breast cancer, so many extraordinary people have reached out to me and my family, holding us up with their gentle but unwavering support. The truth is, I have been very fortunate -- not just because of their support but because I have good health care coverage. I also haven't had to worry about whether I might lose my home to foreclosure or how I'll put food on my children's table or gas in my car."

Dammit, I don't have a chance. Just let me get my checkbook.

This woman is practically a saint. Certainly a much, much better woman than I am. I cannot imagine being in Elizabeth Edwards' position and considering myself "fortunate." In November, 2004, on the very day that Senator Kerry heartbreakingly conceded defeat and Elizabeth watched her husband NOT win the Vice Presidency, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In March, 2007, she learned that her cancer returned with a vengeance and is considered incurable. Yet she feels lucky because of her loving family and friends and her financial resources, and is fighting on behalf of those who don't have these benefits.

I adore her because of her candor. The confessions in her autobiography Saving Graces: Finding Strength and Solace from Friends and Strangers touched me deeply. After the sudden, tragic death of her son, Wade, she came undone. Unable to work, barely able to function, she courageously chronicles those raw and desperate times in searing detail, and acknowledged the assistance she received when she needed it most.

She discusses how she pulled herself out of it, slowly over time, and concentrated on the family that survived. Her then-teenaged daughter Cate needed her, so did the husband who decided to honor Wade by dedicating his life to public service. Between the ages of 48 and 50, she gave birth to two babies, Emma Claire and Jack (now 9 and 7). Her book made a difference in my life. Her example emboldened me to reach out to others when I hurt, and this wise woman has taught me that letting them help can deepen my relationships with those I love.

Aside from the really great hair, the blue eyes, the practically flawless skin and honey-sweet voice, I love John Edwards for his partnership with Elizabeth. She's a great campaigner and an independent voice and his closest adviser. When I recall all this couple has gone through together over the last 30+ years, things that have sunk many other couples, I am in awe. And I realize that it has taken more work on their parts than good fortune.

The woman is dying. She knows that. She has said, though, that everyone dies -- she just has a better idea of when and how. And she considers herself fortunate, and is working on behalf of those she sees being left behind.

She represents the best of America.

*OK, it arrived yesterday but I'm just now getting to my mail.

Friday Music Memoirs #2

Happy 4th of July to all of us here in the USA! And to celebrate:

Top 5 songs/and or albums that have America in the title.

Wings Over America -- Paul McCartney and Wings

Breakfast in America -- Supertramp

America the Beautiful -- Ray Charles

Living in America -- James Brown

America's Greatest Hits -- America*

*OK, I don't know that this is a real album, but I believe it's a really good guess

To play along yourself, or to see how other bloggers answered, click here.

Thursday Thirteen #75 -- Meet my Dad

THIRTEEN THINGS ABOUT MY DAD

My late father loved the Fourth of July. Wait, no, that’s not really true. Like everything else about him, his feelings about the Fourth were complicated.

He was very patriotic and loved the IDEA of celebrating the country he defended. But my memories of the Fourth when I was a girl all generally go like this …

If I marched in the 4th of July parade with my Girl Scout troop, he complained about having to drive me “all over creation” on his day off. If I didn’t march in the 4th of July parade with my Girl Scout troop, he was mad that I didn’t take my responsibilities seriously.

At my grandmother’s annual 4th of July barbecue, he’d complain that we kids were so loud he couldn’t hear the ballgame. Playing badminton or Frisbee, we might come too close and nearly knock over his plate and ashtray. Couldn’t my mom keep us in line?

Then we’d go to the village fireworks. If we drove, he’d be mad that he couldn’t get a parking space close enough to the field. If we walked the six or so blocks, he complained about the litter on the sidewalks and proclaimed the neighborhood kids “pigs.” Since the neighbors we were marching alongside could hear his assessment, I wanted to die of embarrassment.

My dad was a very hardworking man who got nowhere financially and it made him bitter. Off the chart bitter. He measured himself and others by material possessions, and always came up short. I wish he had been able to enjoy the real things in his life – my mother, his three daughters, our pets, the simple pleasures of the lawn and garden. But no, he obsessed about “them,” the people who were simply given the opportunities he had to work for. “They” included the poor on welfare, unions that handed a living to the lazy, women who didn’t have the sense nor femininity to stay home, minorities who weren’t satisfied with how far they had come in just 100 years … You get the idea.

This 4th of July – a holiday he always intended to celebrate – I am spotlighting him. I am trying to include things in this TT that aren’t tainted by vitriol, but it’s hard because unhappiness spread like a stain across his life and relationships.

1) He died of a stroke in 1991, but if he were still alive, my dad would have turned 75 last May.

2) He was a voracious reader. Like me, he enjoyed biographies. Unlike me, though he also had a real appreciation for poetry.

3) He was a lifelong Cub fan. As were his parents, and my mom’s parents. That’s how I KNOW my blood is Cubbie blue.

4) He loved cars and was a real gear head. A mechanic by trade, he spent weekends working in the pits at the local racetrack. My mom persuaded him to give it up when she was pregnant with my older sister because she was sure it was too dangerous.

5) He had a nice voice and sang with the car radio. I remember enjoying that a lot when I was a little girl.

6) For the first 10 or 12 years of their marriage, he was very comfortable showing my mother how much he loved her. During her difficult pregnancy with my baby sister, he brought my mom a rose every week and sang, “Red roses for a blue lady,” as he handed it to her. It’s tragic how sour their relationship became. He believed it was because he stopped making a lot of money, but it wasn’t that. As their finances started going south, in desperation he lied on their joint tax forms and let her unknowingly sign the bogus returns. There were fierce penalties for this. It wasn’t the money that upset her – she was pretty poor as a kid and really didn’t expect to be anything but – it was the exploitation of her trust that broke her heart.

7) He was very proud of his service as a corpsman in the Korean War. He enlisted in the Navy, but his unit was swallowed up by the Marines when he went into action, so he liked to say he was a Marine. This is when he learned some cool medical procedures. I was very proud that he could perform “butterfly stitches” on neighbor kids who got hurt outdoors in the summer. He was good at it and his handiwork never left noticeable scars.

8) He followed politics. That’s something else I got that from him. But I never respected how passive he was about it. A big one for yelling at the TV and complaining about “them,” he really never did anything about the “wrongs” he railed against. Once I became a voter, I became a letter writer and activist. (Just this week I got an email from Senator Durbin explaining his FISA vote.) I asked my dad why he didn’t do the same, even though we seldom agreed. It seemed to me that getting involved and doing something constructive would make him feel better than lecturing his wife and daughters. I still don’t understand why he preferred to do the latter.

9) The nightly news wasn’t the only show my dad yelled at. I grew to avoid watching sports with him because of the yelling, grunting and groaning. It wasn’t fun and made every game way more stressful than entertaining. After all, we weren’t the ones competing on the field or the diamond, we were sitting in our living room.

10) He was the middle child, between an older brother and a much younger sister. While the stories of his childhood that I have heard from his parents and siblings make their homelife sound pretty damn idyllic, my dad was by his own account often an unhappy kid. He often felt ignored – passed over for his accomplished older brother and adorable baby sister.

11) Since I, too, am a middle child and not unlike him in temperament, he was determined that I got my share of his attention. Sadly, what he meant as constructive criticism, I took as constant carping. I couldn’t understand why he didn’t love me as I was. It was especially confusing because my older sister got away with much more than I did and didn’t receive the same amount or concentration of his attention. Even worse, she felt neglected by him and jealous that I was his focus. Her bad behavior escalated in a futile attempt to get him to stop her.

I wish I had understood all this when I was younger, but that would be expecting an awful lot of a little girl. Better yet, I wish he’d been able to articulate all this to me so I didn’t have to figure it out on my own. It would have made a difference in his relationships with his kids.


12) He had a difficult time keeping friends. I remember Joe, Bobby, Ed and Lenny were all his pals for a time, but eventually they each stopped coming around. My uncle (his brother-in-law) suspects it was because my father could be terribly competitive. Not when he was playing pinochle, which he loved. But over money, homes, cars, etc. Apparently, if someone was down, my dad was a good friend. But he had a hard time enjoying his friends’ successes. It’s as though somehow it diminished him if they did well.

13) Toward the end of his life, he was very lonely. He alienated almost all of us – my mom, my sisters, his friends and me – with his bad temper and bitterness. His mom, my grandma, became his only friend. It was very sad. After my dad's massive stroke, but before he died, I remember sitting with my grandmother in her kitchen and talking about him. Talking helped her process what had just happened. She shook her head and said, "Poor Bill. Nothing ever came easily to him."

So, Daddy, here’s the Independence Day prayer I'm sending your way:

Thank you for my stubbornness. Ironic, considering how you felt about feminism, but it helps a woman to be willful in this world.
Thank you for my own patriotism, and my love of the written word.
Most of all, thank you for the blueprint of
how NOT to be – for showing me how
anger and bitterness can devour us whole if we let it.

Include your link in the comments and I'll add you here:
1) Hootin' Anni talks Betsey Ross, Uncle Sam and more
2) Allison reveals secrets and facts about … Allison!
3) Lost Hemisphere has a very funny Star Wars TT
4) Susan Helene Gottfried tells us how to celebrate like Shapeshifter
5) B Boys Mom lets her imagination run away with her
6) Bellezza shares her review of 13 books
7) Lori has words of wisdom for single parents
8) Sandy Carlson writes about the real meaning of Independence Day
9) Nina has a very romantic TT
10) Lady Rose's TT includes other, lesser Lady Roses
11) Jenny McB takes us along on her morning off
12) Chris has a genuinely riotous TT about reunions
13) Storyteller shines a spotlight on the good stuff
14) Jenn gets into the spirit of the holiday with her TT


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Just not that into it today

Yesterday I got an A-OK from the dermatologist at my annual "mole check" … the Cubs are playing on the west coast, which means I'm staying up late … I'm suffering from the inevitable dip in energy that comes after finishing the latest phase of The Big, On-Going Project … and, since the office is closed Thursday and Friday, I'm looking longingly ahead to a four-day weekend. These elements have combined to leave me more than a little distracted and, well, not that interested in being productive. It's hard to stop my brain from wandering to subjects that are definitely more appealing than introductory APRs (like men, or handbags, or something chilled and made with vodka).

Oh well, I'm sure that next week when I return from the holiday, I'll be my old Type-A self again.