Looks like love again

"Oh, looks like love again. I'm sure, yes I am, it's love that I'm in. My head is reeling, my heart is feeling that it looks like love again."

That's the refrain of an old top 40 song from the 70s. (Really, it is. Look it up.) And it's going through my mind as I watch Castle, starring Nathan Fillion. I knew him from Desperate Housewives and Waitress, but I didn't fall in love with him until I saw him as the crime-fighting mystery author on this new ABC show.

Good thing Clooney dumped me, because it leaves me free for Castle. He's a more conventional and kinda prettier version of David Addison from Moonlighting.

Color me inspired ... at least for now

I finally spoke to my best bud today. I did most of the talking, as he was chomping on a salad and chugging a beer at the airport, where his flight was delayed. Anyway, as he updated me on his schedule (jury duty, work, presentations, one daughter's soccer, the other daughter's choir, more work, his wife's birthday party, extra work) he also shared that he's joined a gym and is working out 4x a week. It's very important for him, since he is diabetic. He and his wife had been using an elliptical machine in their family room, but he felt he needed cross training.

Damn!

Now I am not diabetic. I am, however, older and fatter than he is. My schedule is also less daunting than his. There are days I can't to the health club at lunchtime because work has picked up. But that doesn't mean I should let myself off the hook so easily at home. I dragged out my Lateral Thigh Trainer (it's a piece of crap, but it's good for getting my heart rate up).

So I am going to try to catch up with him. I am going to use the Thigh Trainer every evening -- more so if I wasn't able to work out at lunchtime. Let's hope that I can maintain this enthusiasm (and that he does, too).

Don't know how accurate it is, but I like thinking of myself this way

You Are a Lake

You are inviting, friendly, and even playful. You are flexible and always up for fun. You are downright cheerful and optimistic. You have a sparkling, radiant spirit. You love relaxation and quiet. However, you are equally able to be entertaining and active. You live a very well balanced life. People find you very easy to be around.

What Body of Water Are You?

I originally found this over at Endomental. She'd make a far more enigmatic body of water than I would. :)

George Clooney dumped me last night

Ok, technically speaking it was Dr. Doug Ross. And, while I don't know who dumped whom, I have strong suspicions based on the "well-just-look-at-him" factor.

I had a dream last night, undoubtedly inspired by ER teaser commercials that don't show Mr. Clooney. For some reason I was outside the hospital on a cold, rainy night, waiting for a cab, when Dr. Ross appeared. We had one of those poignant, sweet moments that former lovers share (in movies and on TV, but never in real life, at least not in my experience). You know, the "are you happy?" and "what's new with you?" questions.

Why did I dream about George Clooney? Hell, look at him! The real question is, why did my memory of the dream pop into my mind as I was doing leg lifts at the health club?

According to dreammoods.com, the rain may be a metaphor for tears, crying and sadness. (Naturally, because I somehow let him get away.) Since night is often synonymous with reflection and new beginnings, I think this means that Dr. Doug and I are finally over one another.

Or it could all just mean that those NOAH WYLIE! ERIC LASALLE! ER commercials are just too damn ubiquitous.

Manic Monday #22

What would you do with an extra hour each day? My appropriate, well-intentioned answer is that I would use the time to work out, or organize my paper-dominated, over-cluttered condo. In reality, though, I'd probably just veg and recharge my battery with more alone time.

Do you wear a watch? If so, tell us about it. If not, how do you keep track of time? Right now I'm wearing a nice silver Timex with an easy-to-read face and a brown band. I also have a similar watch with a black band. I'm looking for a reasonably-price (reduced down to damn cheap) dressier watch.

If it was possible, would you want to know how many days you had left to live? No! What would be the point, unless I could change it?

Click here to play along: Manic Monday

This just in! Home-baked bread brings people together

When I went to play with my nephew this afternoon, I was treated to a few slices of home-baked bread, left behind by my niece for me to taste. She spent last night trying her friend Lisa's new bread making machine! There has been a thaw in High School Freeze Out!

I have been so worried about that girl, and am glad that things appear to be turning around for her. Thanks to my compassionate sister bloggers who understood that, while these things are just part of growing up, they are difficult for the teens involved (and the aunts who love them).

Sunday Stealing #21

Sunday Stealing: The Random Question Meme

1. How old do you look? About 45.

2. Where do you live? Chicagoland area

3. Are you waiting for something? A World Series in Wrigley Field

4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common? Absolutely everything about Madonna

5. Do you want/have kids? At times, but it wasn't meant to be.

6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion? Yes, and I did it, back in 1993. I enjoy having a spiritual home where I feel I belong.

7. Last shocking news you heard? Woman charged in murder of ex-Bear Shaun Gayle's girlfriend and unborn child

8. What was the last thing you drank? A can of Classic Coke

9. Who do you most look like in your family? My grandpa or maybe his favorite daughter, my Aunt Jo

10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be? A flat tummy

11. Where does most of your family live? Here in Chicagoland

12. Where did you grow up? Here in Chicagoland

13. Where do you want to go on vacation? Chateau Elan -- and I am going at the end of the month!

14. Have you ever had a panic attack? No

15. What can’t you wait for? See #13.

16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it? I mean it every time I say it.

17. Have your parents ever smoked pot? DEAR GOD, NO!!!! But it is a funny notion.

18. Want someone back in your life? Not really.

19. What do you order at the bar? My neatest new discovery, the Asian Pear Mojito

20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard? I don't remember. I'm not a big cryer.

21. Ever licked someone’s cheek? No.

22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter? Apple slices

23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008? I don't remember, but I bet it involved cheering on the Cubs

24. What are your nicknames? None

25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go? Must I go back? I'd prefer to see the future.

My poor niece

She's flunking German. I think it's an ugly language, but that's not the point. She's been a good student for so very long -- now a sophomore in high school, she's been on the honor roll since 6th grade. She's especially driven now because she understands how important good grades are to her getting the grant money she expects to need for college.

She's not doing well in school because her posse has defected on her. She has been the alpha dog/leader of the pack among her coterie since grammar school. When they all got into high school, she was able to maintain her leadership role. But it was hard. Other grade schools fed into the high school and her friends were distracted by many other new students they were just meeting. Especially Courtney and Jan. My niece feels that Courtney and Jan are frivolous, goofy, superficial, silly ... She drew a line in the sand: If you want to hang around with Courtney and Jan, you cannot spend time with her.

Guess what. No one walks home from school with my niece anymore. Her social schedule, which used to be jam packed, is now empty. Her phone doesn't ring at all over the weekend.

She's devastated. Her gal pals have chosen Courtney and Jan over her.

She's been crying a great deal. Her grades are clearly suffering. She's in so much pain. I can't discuss it with her because she doesn't know her mother has compared notes with me and my mom. If she was aware of how aware we are, my niece would die of embarrassment.

Her friends aren't dissing her. There's no organized conspiracy to exclude her. In a way, this was her choice -- she's the one who decided that no social gathering was big enough for her, Courtney and Jan. But she's unwilling or unable to rescind her stand about these two.

But it's still painful for her. A tough way to learn a lesson about trying to control others.

The teen years are rough. (Actually mine were unbearable.) It's hard to figure out who we are and where we fit in the world.

I love my niece. She's funny and thoughtful and respectful to my mom and me. She's very good student, too (that F in German aside). But she's not wise, and I don't see how I can help her. She's gonna have to learn these hard lessons on her own.

Saturday 9 -- Your Bestest Day

Saturday 9: Your Bestest Day

1. What one day of your life do you think was your best day? Hard to choose just one. The first one that pops into my mind was the morning I was awakened, pre-dawn, because the man I loved was holding me sooo tight as he slept. I was so happy to be with that man, in his arms, at that moment. A beautiful way to start the day

2. What one day of your life do you think was your worst day? November 3, 2004. The day after John Kerry lost the Presidential Election. I'd devoted nearly a year and a lot of my own money to that most worthy cause and I could not believe it ended as it did. What's worse, my beloved cat Billy had been diagnosed with bone cancer and I had to make the awful decision about putting him down. My entire world felt dark and ugly and wrong for months after that.

3. If you had to pick the best year of your life, when was it and why? My 35th. I was in love, my career was taking off, and I was in terrific shape. Ah, those were the days!

4. If you had to pick the worst year of your life, when was it and why? My 30th. A long-term, very tumultuous relationship ended and socially, romantically and professionally I was starting over.

5. Most recently, what night did you do something that you loved? Last month my friend Barb and I went to see Grease with Taylor Hicks.

6. Most recently, what night did you do something that you hated? Tuesday, 2/24, when I prepared for last month's festivities. Not funny. Really not fun.

7. Tell us about your best relationship that did not work out. See #1. He is a very nice man. He's just not the right man ... for me. I hope that wherever he, he's happy.

8. Tell us about your worst romantic relationship that you’ve had. See #4. Sometimes when I think about what that relationshp cost me, I am filled with regret -- and I don't want to waste my time on regret.

9. Is there a celebrity that you’d love to spend a “no hold bars” night with? One of the Bruces (Springsteen or Willis).

He's my person

It was a very memorable scene from (I think) the second season of Grey's Anatomy. Cristina was trying to tell her fiancee Burke why it was so important that she tell her best friend Meredith about their engagement before they announced it. "She's my person!"

Burke doesn't get it. "And if Meredith doesn't approve, then what?"

Cristina is getting frustrated, trying to explain her relationship with Meredith, "This is not about approval! It's that telling her makes it real … If I murdered someone, she's the one I'd call to help me drag the corpse across the living room floor. She's my person!"

That's how I feel about my best friend. He's been unavailable this week. We exchange emails, and he tried to call me Monday but got my voicemail, but he's been too busy to really talk to me. Jury duty, unrelenting pressure at work (he's worried about layoffs, too, plus he has a major presentation in Houston on Tuesday), family obligations (his daughters are both involved with band and one plays soccer, too). I believe they're celebrating his wife's birthday this weekend, too.

I understand that none of this can be helped. He takes his job and his family very seriously, and I admire that. I trust that if he could call me, he would. Next week will be better, I'm sure.

But it's hard because he's my person. I want to tell him about my niece's F in German. He's a good dad, he might have a few insights. I want to tell him about my run in with a coworker this morning. I want him to tell me what's up with his girls, to hear about his confidence level at work, to find out if they're all going to visit his mother-in-law in New Orleans for spring break ...

I'm not lonely. That's not what this feeling is. I don't want "company." Being around people who don't really get me just makes me feel more isolated. I want my person. And until he's available again, I must remember to not murder anyone in my home. After all, I have no one to help me drag the corpse across the livingroom floor.

Well, that was sobering

While visiting my client yesterday, I had a new ID photo taken that allows me to move freely around their facility. As you can see, it's not too flattering.

OK, so maybe this isn't a true likeness. Still, I really must MUST start moving more!

I hurt someone's feelings this morning

She said I embarrassed her during a meeting and treated her like she was stupid.

This surprised me, as she frequently doesn't sheathe her claws when she speaks to others, but that's not the point, is it?

I hurt someone's feelings this morning. She came in, closed my office door and confronted me. That must have been very hard for her to do.

Here is the email I sent in response. "I don’t think you’re stupid and my point was not to be condescending. I would not hurt your feelings for the world. Someday, when we’re not as upset, maybe we can talk about this further. But for now, please accept my apology."

I don't know what else to say, except that I feel shitty.

Thank you, Rush Limbaugh

Let's see now ... Rush Limbaugh is a recovering drug addict who has been divorced three times. He's fat and ugly and smokes cigars. And here are just some of his more sensitive comments about women:

Of the Rielle/John & Elizabeth Edwards triangle: "It just seems to me that John Edwards might be attracted to a woman whose mouth did something other than talk."

On Hillary Clinton during her Presidential campaign: "Meanwhile, Mrs. Clinton is where? She's in the Northeast. She is surrounded by her good old, white female, new castrati male base."

"I prefer to call the most obnoxious feminists what they really are: feminazis. I often use it to describe women who are obsessed with perpetuating a modern-day holocaust: abortion."

The compassionate gentleman who made these comments is the one that is proudly, brazenly beating his chest and proclaiming himself a force of nature, someone who deserves to debate President Obama.

Because he's so loved by his ditto-heads, I don't think Rush Limbaugh appreciates how desperately repellent he is to many Americans. Or maybe he doesn't care. Maybe he's just a very clever entertainer who understands that all this publicity about him being "the head of the Republican Party" is very good for his ratings among his core of true believers.

It's wonderful for Barack Obama. He doesn't have to demonize Rush -- Rush makes himself unlikable every time he turns his mic on. The people who spend their afternoons with Rush Limbaugh would never vote for Barack Obama anyway. There are those who are in the center, or who are undecided as to whether or not they support the President's policies. If most of them believes that Rush Limbaugh personifies the President's political opponents, that's very good news for the President.

Thursday Thirteen #99 -- Wheels turning, gears meshing ...

THIRTEEN THINGS THAT
ARE ON MY MIND TODAY

1) When I consider all the homeless pets in overcrowded/underfunded shelters, I fight the urge to adopt another cat. I realize that my first responsibility is to the three cats I currently have. I couldn't provide the necessary attention, affection and vet care if I had four cats. If this concept makes sense to me as a cat mom, why didn't similar thoughts occur to the Octo Mom?

2) I thought my niece was really into her German class, so what's up with that F? She's been on honor roll every year since junior high, and now she flunks a course? At least it was her quarter, and not her semester, grade.

3) What happened to those football players in the Gulf of Mexico?

4) What if I made some HORRIBLE financial/investment mistake or I lose my job and I end up bankrupt?

5) The air at home is so dry that I get nosebleeds. So why can I never remember to fill the humidifiers?

6) I worry about my mother's short-term memory loss.

7) I'm no prude, but the sex scenes in The Reader made me very uncomfortable. That boy looked soooo young!

8) I can't decide if I want hardwood or tile flooring in my kitchen and dining area. But that's OK, because I can't afford either one right now.

9) I also can't decide which athlete I dislike more -- Kobe Bryant or Alex Rodriguez.

10) My boy cats, Joey and Rey, seem to view me as their mother, while my female feline, Charlotte, interacts with me on a more co-equal basis, as if we were buds.

11) If I had it to do all over again, I think I would have attempted a career as an historian.

12) I live for April 6: Cubs vs. Houston. This is the year.

13) I suspect that Nancy Grace not only wants "The Tot Mom" Casey Anthony to get the death penalty, she wants to give the lethal injection herself.


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Break my heart

This is terrible, but true.

He was "Bat Man'' or "Bat Guy'' or "Bat Boy,'' the minor league baseball player traded for 10 maple bats. It became a big joke last May when word of the unusual swap jumped off the sports pages, and the former San Francisco Giants prospect went from pitcher to punch line. "People are like, 'I'd kill myself' and stuff,'' Odom said at the time, dismissing any such notion. Three weeks after the trade, he abruptly left the team. Six months after the trade, he was dead. The medical examiner said Odom's death in Georgia on Nov. 5 at age 26 was an accidental overdose from heroin, methamphetamine, the stimulant benzylpiperazine and alcohol.

Odom's death had drawn little notice by the start of spring training this year. Now, former teammates, managers and club officials keep asking a question for which there is no satisfying answer. "I guarantee this trade thing really bothered him. That really worried me,'' said Dan Shwam, who managed Odom last year on the Laredo Broncos of the United League. "I really believe, knowing his background, that this drove him back to the bottle, that it put him on the road to drugs again.'' Shwam added: "There were some demons chasing him, they'd been after him for a long time. But there's no way to really know whether the trade did it, is there?''

Idol Observation

More of tonight's contestants impressed me than last week's. Junot was bluesy on "Hey there, Delilah." Scott McIntyre resurrected "Mandolin Rain" and I liked it a lot. Lil Rounds really sailed and closed the show on a high. Nathaniel has to go. He's gone from overly dramatic to incredibly skin-crawly.

Heads or Tails #24 -- Getting There

I may be in the minority, but I love Amtrak. I use it on occasion to travel on business, and every time I go down to Springfield to visit Honest Abe. It's often cheaper than driving (just $12 to visit my client downstate) and it's great for people watching: Families going down to Springfield to see the Lincoln sites, soldiers going home from Iraq or Afghanistan, business people, students going to and from college ... I prefer the leisurely pace, too. If you like watching the scenery go by, sipping "affordable" wine in the snack car without worrying about driving drunk, and eavesdropping on your fellow travelers, I recommend Amtrak. (Warning: Sometimes I suspect they view their schedules as mere "rough estimates," so make sure you give yourself enough time.)

To participate in HoT, click here.

Tuesday Tunes #16

New Releases
This unintentionally became The Bruce Edition.

Do you preorder new music or do you wait and buy it at a store on its release day? Usually, neither. I tend to download a song or two first and then decide to buy -- unless it's Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. Then, like the fanatic I am, I snap it up on release day. I don't preorder because what if the mailroom misplaces it?

What's your most anticipated release this year? Working on a Dream. Brooooce! The Boss! Yea!

Have you ever been so excited about a new release only to have it disappoint you? If so what was it? Devils and Dust. By the aforementioned Mr. Springsteen. I've only listened to it once all the way through. Hated it.

Have you ever expected the worst of a new release and then were pleasantly surprised when the album was better than expected? Working on a Dream again. I love this one, and The Rising, too. But I really didn't care for Devils and Dust or Magic, so I approached this one with some trepidation. It didn't help that the opening track ("Outlaw Pete") is kinda silly. But then I fell in love. Specifically with "Queen of the Supermarket," "This Life," and "The Wrestler."

To play along yourself, click here.

Nice work if you can get it

Hepburn had quite a life, didn't she? High cheekbones, limitless charisma, effortless grace, awesome talent ... and men. She had real-life affairs with Howard Hughes, John Ford, Leland Hayward and Spencer Tracy. As if that weren't enough, she was immortalized on film having James Stewart and Cary Grant compete for her in The Philadelphia Story. As I watch it again tonight, I'm struck by how phenomenally attractive they both were in 1940. Way to go, Kate!

Monday Movie Meme #2

Is the movie ever really BETTER than the book, comic book, musical, play, folk story, or true life story?

These 3 Are:

The Godfather, definitely! I went back and tried to reread the novel not that long ago, and it has none of the elegance of the movie. It's just kinda pulpy and gory, with a little sex thrown in there now and again. But the movie aspires to, and achieves, so much more.

The Natural. Malamud's book may not be worse than the movie, but it's certainly different (and darker), and the movie is very dear to me.

Breakfast at Tiffany's. Capote's novella is not a romance, and Holly Golightly is more obviously a hooker on the page than onscreen. As with The Natural, I can't give up the Hollywood happy ending, no matter what the author originally envisioned.

If you'd like to play along, click here.

Incommunicado

My best friend was called for jury duty today. On the one hand, I hate that I'll only get quick little texts now and again throughout the day. On the other hand, this could be VERY exciting! He's very wise, so I can't imagine how he won't make it through voir dire. If he gets seated, it will take all my (almost negligible) self control to not question him about the case.

Her name was McGill and she called herself "Lil" ...

Your Preppy Name Is: Pyne Winthrop Lenox the Third

But most people know you as Bunny

What's Your Preppy Name?

I can't believe I'm watching this

What's more, I'm enjoying it. I'm surprised by how likable Joan Rivers is. She's not obnoxious at all, and she's really very smart about people. Tom Green is nicer and more collaborative that I expected, too. Conversely, Andrew Dice Clay is just as unfunny and wretched as I assumed he'd be.

Feeling a little wicked on a Sunday afternoon

So today I was a teeny-tiny bit more productive than yesterday. Instead of going to the movies, I went shopping for boring utilitarian things -- like Charmin and a humidifier filter. Now I'm doing laundry, which I never enjoy. Yet there's a certain spring in my step.

For I went out for lunch and ordered a pear mojito. Yum!

It worries me that I enjoy these reruns

I never watched The Golden Girls when it first aired. I believe it was on Saturday nights, and in those days, I put a great deal of work into never being home on Saturday nights (and in not remembering what I did; it was the 80s). But now, when I catch it on cable, I stop and watch and am usually very amused.

Is it because I now carry an AARP card and had my first colonoscopy? Do I now belong in the picture? While I'm short and carry a big purse, like Sophia, and I suspect that I'm really more like Dorothy ...

A selfish Saturday

It DID start with a drop off at the food pantry, so I'm not an unredeemably self-centered person, but the rest of the day was all about me, me, me -- and it felt good.

I had breakfast at my favorite coffee shop and continued with my current book -- a "guilty pleasure" true crime tome with little or no redeeming value. Then a massage to work out the icky ooky knots in between my shoulder blades, and a pedicure because ... well ... I wanted one. Then I went to see The Reader. (A perplexing, disturbing movie -- Why did she take her young lover? What was it in her past to screw up her values so much? -- but Winslet was terrific.)

I intend to continue the trend by watching back-to-back episodes of Law and Order while sitting on the sofa, surrounded by cats.

Days like this do wonders for recharging my internal battery and salving my soul.

I love the Ciroc commercials

Like there's any way that hearing Sinatra isn't going to capture my attention. Then I look up and see these commercials are shot in black and white, which makes the entire scene look so elegant. There's Diddy, looking so casual in his black tie, like this is just another day in the life.

I drink vodka but I don't buy it. Vodka is like a Border's Gift Card, the gift all my friends know I can always use. (Right now there's Svedka and Stoli in the cabinet.) But if I were to invest in a bottle tomorrow, it would be Ciroc, just to support this campaign.

Blah

That's how I feel -- just blah. I'm tired, my gut is having a difficult time getting back with the program after Wednesday's festivities, I miss my best friend, and while I have a lot to do here at home, nothing captures my interest. I don't feel like going out either. I'm not happy, but I'm not unhappy, I'm uncomfortable.

I'd forgotten how much I loved this movie!

I'd also forgotten how much I once wanted to be a nun! Made in 1966, this movie follows the "scathingly brilliant" adventures of Mary (Hayley Mills) and Rachel, best friends at a Catholic boarding school. Rosalind Russell is the Reverend Mother, a stern, yet wise and comforting presence.

The nuns were so compassionate, the girls were so much fun, that I wanted to go to Catholic boarding school and then go on to become a novice, then a nun/teacher. Except I wasn't Catholic, and eventually it dawned on me that something was missing at St. Francis: boys. I was already very much in love with Paul McCartney and didn't see how I could be both Mrs. McCartney and Sister Elizabeth. (I don't know why, I just liked the sound of "Sister Elizabeth.") Still, when I was 8 or 9, there was something very attractive about the idea of having my future planned out … all safe and sound.

I'm so happy that I stumbled upon this gem as I spun the dial on a rainy Tuesday night. It makes me feel happy, safe and sound again.

Idol Observation

Adam made that hoary old chestnut, "Satisfaction," relevant, so I'm very glad he made it through. Also, I like his hair. And I was afraid that Norman Gentile, while entertaining, would be this year's Sanjaya.

Is it OK if I feel sorry for Rielle Hunter?

Regular readers of this humble blog know I consider Elizabeth Edwards a true heroine. Her memoir, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers, touched me deeply and finally taught this ever-independent Gal the life lesson that sometimes it requires strength to ask for help. Mrs. Edwards' dedication to the causes that matter to her, like universal healthcare, has not wavered as her cancer has progressed. Last summer, as part of a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser, she wrote: "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." I doubt I would be able to maintain such selfless perspective if I was suffering from inoperable cancer.

That's why I was so disappointed and disgusted that John Edwards would hurt and humiliate her as he did. I admit it, I was so upset you'd think I was the one he cheated on. (Well, that is kinda how it felt!)

Yet as the press starts swirling around the upcoming release of Elizabeth's next book (Resilience, due in May), whispers have started about "the other woman" in Edwards' life, Rielle Hunter. Here's one columnist's take on Hunter's life since the affair was confirmed in August 08: "Soon after that, the private arrangements between Edwards and Hunter more or less fell apart. Fred Baron, an Edwards associate, had been funding Hunter’s stay at a rented Santa Barbara home. But Baron died suddenly and tragically in late October after a short bout with cancer. This left Hunter in the lurch. The lease on her house ran out in December. Since then, she’s been relying on the kindness of friends, sources say, and hoping that Edwards would do the right thing. So far, that hasn’t happened. Hunter has forged on ahead as a single mom, refusing to sell her story or sue Edwards for paternity. The baby’s birth certificate still lists no father."

From where I sit, Hunter and her daughter, Frances Quinn, are victims of Edwards' selfish lack of self-control, too. There are no winners in this saga, just losers.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #96 -- "The Welcome Back" Edition

First of all, thanks to Mr. Pop Culture Dish himself, Malcolm, for reuniting me with my all-time favorite meme! Because it's too late/too early for me to be up, I'm going to let music, and this post, "soothe the mind and give it rest," so I can go back to bed for a bit. (Please remember that I am a proud Baby Boomer and my list reflects that.)

Without further ado ...

THIRTEEN SONGS MY IPOD
PLAYED WHILE ON SHUFFLE

1. 100 Years -- 5 for Fighting
2. (Between a) Rock and a Hard Place -- Rolling Stones
3. Domino -- Van Morrison
4. Martha, My Dear -- The Beatles
5. Just a Little Lovin' -- Dusty Springfield
6. You're My Best Friend -- Queen
7. Jessie's Girl -- Rick Springfield
8. I'm the Greatest -- Ringo Starr
9. Little Sister -- Elvis
10. Love in an Elevator -- Aerosmith
11. Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows -- Lesley Gore*
12. Already Gone -- The Eagles
13. The Rising -- The Boss

*Yes, I'm embarrassed that one came up. But what kind of person fakes her TT? I had to include it.

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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!

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Now I know my ABC's ...

This seems pretty easy to complete, even after those warm, fuzzy drugs. (Liberated from Kwizgiver.)

Accent: Well, I don't think I have an accent. My best friend, who lives in Denver, maintains I have "a Chicago accent, like Hillary Clinton," which he tells me means my r's are hard and my a's are broad. Which could very well be true, since I don't think Hillary has an accent, either.

Breakfast or no breakfast: Monday-Friday, just a glass of milk and a can of Coke. Weekends, either a bowl of cereal or a big coffee shop breakfast with eggs as the centerpiece.

Chore I don’t care for: I don't really enjoy any chores. I hate, loathe, despise and abominate laundry, though.

Dog or Cat: Cat. Or cats. Today my best feline friend has been my big old black and white tub of guts, Joey. He's been very affectionate and attentive surrounding today's festivities. He has seemed more in tune to why our daily schedule was off and he's been very sweet about it. I've said it before -- Joey may be my dopiest cat, but he's my hero. He has an unfailingly sensitive, positive nature.

Essential Electronics: iPod.

Favorite Perfume: Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker

Gold or Silver: Silver

Handbag I carry most often: No such thing. I change my bags at least twice a week.

Insomnia: At times.

Job Title: Associate Creative Director

Kids: None

Living Arrangements: Me and the cats in the a 2BR condo

Most Admirable Trait: I'm strong like bull

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: I was a "loud" child. "Keep it down!" "Shush!" "Will you PLEASE knock it off?"

Overnight hospital stays: In 2003. Removal of uterine fibroids. Much worse than today's festivities.

Phobias: Air travel. No, make that suddenly and violently aborted air travel.

Quote: The proverb, "What man has done, man can do."

Reason to smile: All the kindness and support I received yesterday and today in regards to the festivities.

Siblings: Two sisters with me in the middle

Time I wake up: 6:00 or 6:30 am

Unusual Talent or Skill: I can wiggle my right ear

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Uncooked tomatoes. Their consistency is just wrong and gives me the heebies jeebies.

Worst Habit: I can be a very lazy, lazy slug (A habit Ms. Kwiz and I share)

X-rays: Dental x-rays and an MRI

Yummy Stuff: Whoopie pies. Newly discovered and highly addictive (A vice Ms. Kwiz and I share)

Zoo Animal I Like Most: Okapi

If you want to play along, let me know so I can compare.

Clean as a whistle

That's really all I have to say about today's festivities. I'm tired, I have a caffeine headache, and yet I'm very grateful.

• My oldest friend actually took the day off to get me to and from the hosptial. She's a champ!
• I don't have to go through this again for TEN YEARS
• I am completely healthy, gastrointestinely speaking
• I was strengthened by all the good wishes floating my way from the blogosphere

Nap time!

Now THIS was a feel good

The hospital called about tomorrow's festivities. I was hoping they were calling to cancel. No such luck. They wanted information about my insurance, my next of kin and my religious affiliation. You know, just in case I DIE!!!!* I was hoping that when I told them I was a Unitarian, they would say, "we don't touch your kind here." No such luck.

*It's not the dying part that I'm unhappy about. My faith in Jesus and Heaven give me peace in that regard. However, even though I know He loves me no matter what, I really don't want to meet Him when I've got a tube up my ass!