WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading? The Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig by Jonathon Eig. The corona virus has put baseball on hold, and I miss it so! So I reached for this book, about one of the game's genuine heroes.

His is a great American story. The son of immigrants, physical strength was his way out of the slums. Painfully shy, he was at his most comfortable with physical activity. Even after achieving superstardom, he worried about disappointing the fans, the press and his bosses. He took nothing for granted.

He enjoyed touching relationships with the powerful women in his life. He unabashedly adored his mother and doted on her for all his life. He loved his bold, outgoing wife, Eleanor, who was by his side to the end. 

The author, Jonathan Eig, clearly respects Lou and loves baseball and it shows in the writing. "Gehrig found his joy ... in the reassuring feel of a leather ball with raised stitches squeezed in his left hand." (God, I miss baseball!)

2. What did you recently finish reading? The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock. I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I was drawn to this novel about Princess Margaret, the royal rebel of her generation. 

This story takes us from Margaret's days as King George's pampered younger daughter, through sister Elizabeth's ascension to the throne, her heartbreaking love affair with Captain Peter Townsend, and her combustible relationship with sexy, swaggering Antony Armstrong-Jones. The Margaret we meet on these pages is exasperating, petulant, yearning and energetic. Just when you want to slug her, she says something that touches your heart. Just when you want to hug her, she throws a drink in someone's face.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. Our narrator, the fictional Vera, has a great back story and as Margaret's lady-in-waiting, she has a front row seat to Her Highness' life. But Vera is a rather weak willed girl whose values seem a bit askew. I wish there'd been someone in the book who I wanted to unreservedly root for. I realize that, in real life, no one is all good or all bad. But since Vera is completely fictional character, the author could have made her a bit more likeable.

3.  What will you read next? I don't know.

Today was the Illinois primary

Joe Biden got 60% of the vote here, doing better against Bernie Sanders than Hillary Clinton did. I think a lot of it has to do with the virus.

•  College students are away from campus and that hurts Bernie's GOTV efforts.

•  Voters (like me) want someone with a steady hand and empathy at the wheel during a crisis. That's old Joe, not Bernie.

And certainly not the current occupant of the White House, who was downplaying this when he should have been acting on it. Example: on January 22, in Davos, Donald Trump told CNBC that this problem was “totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine." Really? Then why can't I sit in a booth at my coffee shop and enjoy a burger? Why can't I go into the office? Why can't I find Purell on any store shelves? Our economy doesn't look so solid now, does it, Mr. President? (Here's the full interview, lest you think I took it out of context.)

Greetings from self containment

Because of the coronavirus, I'm "working from home," but there is no work. Our client downstate is also "working from home," which means they are unlikely to get it together to give us any assignments. Working remotely is simply not their culture. They are a big face-to-face, let's-write-things-on-a-wipe-board kinda crew. Being in different locations will be hard for them.

Oh yeah, and they're ready to sever ties with us anyway.

So I sit at my adorable little gold MacBook Air and compulsively check my work email, because, well, they're paying me. But today I got literally three messages, and all of them were about administrative tasks. No assignments.

So I freaked out.

•  What will happen to my hair if Governor Pritzker follows the lead of Pennsylvania's governor and shuts down salons? I called my stylist and made an appointment for Thursday afternoon at 4:00.

•  What about my cats? They're on a special diet! What if veterinary offices are deemed "not essential?" I played hooky, went to the vet and stocked up. I have now more than a month of their prescription food. The vet tech promised me that I need not worry. She said, "You know me, Gal. I'll look out for your babies." She said, if need be and they're forced to close, we'll meet in the alley and if I pay cash she'll give me the food. I believe her.

•  I stopped at the little local grocery store across from the vet. They had toilet paper! I only bought one roll. I left the four-packs for families. I think I have more than a month's worth on hand. I also bought some chicken salad for dinner. This is a small store, independently owned, and I want to support them. I also hate to cook.

•  I picked up my belt at the local old-school shoe repair. Tony, the 70-something Italian immigrant who owns/runs it, thinks this "whole virus business is crazy." He's been down there in his basement shop for decades, all by himself. I hope he's being careful. He doesn't seem like the hand sanitizer type.

•  This all took an hour. No emails from the office. So I did laundry.

At 4:30, I ate my chicken salad dinner. At 6:30, I took a nap.

I am not happy. I am not relaxed. I am worried.

I have to settle into this.

This is going to go on for quite a while. I think the two weeks of working from home declared by our corporate headquarters may have been optimistic.

I think, when I settle into it, I may enjoy this. I have books to read. I have movies to watch. I have cats to cuddle. My freezer and pantry are stocked. My paycheck is promised on 3/30.

My temperature is 98.3º.

Chill, Gal, chill!

This is all just too weird

When I left the office Friday, we were told to take our laptops home, "just in case ..." but to expect to be in the office for a 4 day/week this week. Different teams were going to stay home different days. I was assigned to wfh on Friday.

Then on Sunday night, we got an email from our COO. We're working from home for two weeks. All of us. Every day. Until March 30.

And then my computer crapped out. I had trouble with connectivity and the battery wouldn't charge.

I sent a hasty email to the director of our department, explaining to her that my company laptop wasn't going to last me two weeks. (I wasn't even confident it would last me through composing that email!) I told her if the IT department was working, I was happy to bring it in. But otherwise, I could work off my brand new personal computer. Only I wouldn't have the sanctioned email software -- and we have been slapped silly on numerous occasions for jeopardizing client confidentiality using the wrong email account (shades of Hillary Clinton).

I had a chiropractor appointment in the Loop anyway. I was confident that seeing him would be OK. They disinfect everything before/after each patient as part of their protocol. So I packed up two computers -- the company's and my own --  and headed downtown.

On the el.

If I catch the coronavirus, this is where I will have been exposed. The car was empty by daily commute standards. I counted 18 passengers. Clearly, we weren't 6 feet apart.

Oh yeah, and a guy coughed and spit on the floor. He had a smoker's cough, so I don't think he was contagious. But he was disgusting. I was very upset when I got off the el.

The doctor's appointment went fine, and I walked to the office. The city streets were lightly populated, but then the rain had turned to snow. People would have been moving fast to get in out of the weather anyway.

I got to the office and went straight to IT. Yes, they were working, though with a skeleton crew. They deemed my company laptop in dire condition. It needs to be cracked open and according to the warranty, only Apple can do that. There wasn't anyone available to authorize sending it off, or to give me a loaner. So I asked them to load what they could onto my personal laptop. Thank God I brought it with me!

When we were done, I saw that the director of our department finally answered my email. She emphatically said, twice, that what I chose to do was my decision. Go into the office, or don't. Completely up to me. It's okay to use my own software, my own computer. I don't have to worry about doing timesheets.

I don't have to worry about doing timesheets?

It became obvious to me that she, as an officer of the company, was not going to put in writing that I needed to step foot in the office while it was closed for the virus.

Folks, corporate America is scared shitless right now.  

At that moment, so was I. I wouldn't get back on the el. I took a taxi to the commuter train. It's more expensive, but it's cleaner and right now, cleaner means safer.

Tuesday 4

Odds and Ends
 

1. Ever been to a Drive In Theater? Would you like to see Drive In Theaters make a come back?  One of my happiest childhood memories was going to see HELP! at a drive in. I was 7. My dad switched cars with a coworker, getting a station wagon, so my classmate and I could have lots of room to bounce around and scream and cry and sing along. It was an unusually thoughtful thing for my dad to do. I appreciate it more with time.

I don't drive, so I wouldn't take advantage of a drive in. But I'm all for people seeing films on the big screen, so if there's an appetite for drive ins, I hope they come back.

2.  Should towns provide community entertainment like bands in the park, fireworks on the 4th, community picnics or is the cost just too much? Yes. I'm all for things that foster a sense of connection and community.


3.  What would you change about your town if you had the power? I'd like the school district to pay closer attention to the high school's infrastructure. Every ballot seems to have a referendum for a remodeled pool or bigger stadium. But the cafeteria and bathrooms are a mess! I'd be more likely to vote "yes" if the money was going to the building itself.



4. My  little high school offered 3 courses of education:  Business, University track and General education where you could also major in shop , carpentry, home economics and metal working, etc. Would you like to see schools bring back business courses, shop classes and home economics? I think that's a great idea.

Sunday Stealing

SLEEPY RAMBLES

1. What is the wallpaper on your computer screen? Why did you choose it? This is a new computer, so this is a freshly chosen pic. It's my all-time idol, JBKO, riding her bike through Central Park in 1970. It seems like a good metaphor for these coronavirus days. Jackie knew she would be hounded by the paparazzi every time she left her apartment, but she wouldn't let it cramp her style too much. She put on her big dark glasses, avoided eye contact, and kept moving. Just as I wash my hands, slip a little bottle of Purell into my purse, cough into a tissue and try to get on with my life as best -- and as reasonably -- as I can.

2. Who is the person you text the most in your life? My nephew.

3.Is there carpet or hardwood floor in your bedroom? Carpet. If I had it to do over, I would have replaced it with hardwood before I moved in. Shoulda/woulda/coulda.

4. Do you believe in superstitious things such as breaking a mirror? Not much. But I did make note of it the last time I dropped a mirror. It was Christmas Eve. As I picked up the pieces, I wondered if this was portent for 2020.

5. Do you like those ‘end of the world,’ ‘Armageddon’ movies? Nope.

6. Chocolate or strawberry birthday cake? Strawberry. It feels more special, and my birthday is a special occasion.

7. Do you eat more vegetables or fruits? What’s your favorite fruit/veggie? I guess it's about 50/50. My favorite veggie is corn, and my favorite fruit is grapes (or raisins).

8. Does the dentist calm you or does it tend to stress you out? Those are my choices? If I'm in pain when I go to the dentist, I feel sweet relief. If it's just a check up, I feel grateful my dentist and his hygienist  are so friendly and professional.

9. If you had to choose, which is the worst movie you’ve ever seen? The movie I disliked most as of late was the 2018 Oscar winner Three Billboards Outside Ebbings, MO. I found it a completely sour experience, and couldn't believe I saw the same print as everyone who raved about it.

10. Have you ever found yourself talking to an inanimate object? Often.

11. Do you like movies that are originally based on children’s books? Well, one of my favorite movies of all time is Mary Poppins.

12. Is your hair more thick or thin? Is it more curly or straight? My hair is naturally wavy still thick, but has grown thinner with time.

13. Something on the human body that grosses you out the most: Cracked, white heels. Ick!

14. What is your favorite color of apple? Red, green or yellow? Red

15. Do you hardly ever remember where you put things? Yes

16. Do you ever lay in the grass and look up at the sky, just because? I did when I was a kid. Not anymore. I don't have a lawn.

17. Are you a controversial person? Do your views oppose others? I'm an opinionated person.

18. Have you ever thrown a surprise party for someone? Who for? I once hosted a surprise part for a friend back in high school.

19. What would you say your average word per minute time is on the keyboard? I have no idea anymore.

20. Do you like fiction or non-fiction books more? What’s your favorite? I tend to read a lot of biographies. The best one I read last year was Little Gloria, Happy at Last, about Gloria Vanderbilt.

21. Do you know how to play pool? Are you any good at it? I've only ever played twice, not enough to get good at it.

22. The most painful medical procedure you’ve ever had? None of them has been fun.

23. Are you someone who tends to take a whole lot of naps? Yes


24. Have you ever been pulled over by the cops for speeding? No

25. Is anyone in your family a firefighter? No

Happy, happy, happy

I had my second therapy session today. I left feeling energized. I didn't expect resuming therapy to feel so good.

Especially since today, the important part of our conversation centered on grief.

I began this journey because I'm not handling Henry's accident, and his aftermath, well. We were told, shortly after the accident, that his brain injury would cause fits of depression, aggression, and erratic behavior. After all, the portion of his brain that is most effected controls reason. This causes Henry to experience great frustration, and he lashes out. I understand this. So why does it hurt me so when it happens?

What feelings does it trigger in me? What's unresolved that won't let me get past his bad behavior (which I know he can't help)?

Today she brought me back to my uncle, whom I mentioned in last week's session.

My uncle has been dead for nearly 10 years. And while his life and death had a massive impact on me, I may not have allowed myself to mourn him. Or perhaps I'm not over the grief. But the connection is there, and it's powerful.

Like Henry (before the accident), my uncle always saw the good in me when not everyone did. Now all that unconditional approval is gone. I miss it.

At the end of his life, my uncle's battle with Parkinson's left him different. He was super emotional and ultra sensitive. The meds caused delusions. So I missed him when he was still here, much as I do with Henry.

Also, Henry and my uncle really hit it off. They met when my uncle, his wife and my mom spent a week at The Banyan. As a child, my uncle was a a big part of my Christmases. As my family fractured, I've begun spending Christmas with Henry and Reg.

This is all deja intense for me. But it makes sense. Giving me a handle on this helps me restore order to the chaos of my feeling. I never would have made this connection on my own.

I'm grateful to my new shrink, who gave credit to "the foundational work" I did with my previous shrink. She said she thought that made me more open to this process, and makes it easier to connect these dots.

So the dots are connected. Now what? Knowing where they feelings come from doesn't show me how to handle them.

It's only been two sessions. I have time.

Saturday 9

I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen (1975)

Chosen because St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday.

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


1) This week's song is widely considered a traditional Irish ballad. Are you of Irish descent? I've got a wee bit of Irish blood, maybe 10%. My dad's mom was 1/4 Irish. Except for Grandma's branch, the rest of my family tree is, as far as I know, German.

2) It's a song from a groom to his homesick bride. Who did you most recently serenade? (Yes, "Happy Birthday" counts.) My cat, Connie. I work her name into songs all the time. As in, "Connie, how I love ya, how I love ya, my dear old Connie!" She's very patient with me.

3) Kathleen considers "home" her mother's cottage. How about you? Is "home" where you live now, or is it where you grew up? This condo. I've lived here since 2001. Though when I dream, I am alternately living in parents' home, or in my previous apartment. I wonder why that it is.


4) St. Patrick is credited with driving snakes out of Ireland, and to this day the Irish report there are no snakes on their land. Ophiophobia is the fear of snakes. Do you suffer from ophiophobia? Nope.

5) Irish Americans held the first St. Patrick's Day parade on our shores in New York City in 1766. Does your town host a St. Patrick's Day parade? Chicago has two freaking awesome St. Patrick's Day parades. (The south side throws their own.) But alas, not this year. With the coronavirus outbreak, they have both been cancelled.

6) Leprechauns are a symbol of St. Patrick's Day. These small Irish fairies are said to live in the forest, guarding their gold. Do you more often wear silver or gold? Silver. I worry about what all that Purell will do to my ring!

7) The signature color of St. Patrick's Day is green. Will you wear green next Tuesday? Probably. I may not have to go to work on Tuesday. (Coronavirus. Or layoff?)

 
8) This week's featured artist, Elvis, was the idol of millions. But not the Songfellows. In the early 1950s, a young Elvis auditioned for this gospel group and they refused him. Just as well, as the King of Rock 'n Roll did rather well for himself as a solo. Like Elvis, did you ever interview for a job that you didn't get? Oh, good goobies, yes! This one still bugs me: An executive secretary from a small but reputable agency out in the suburbs called me. 

She called me. Remember that.

She said her boss really wanted me to come in. This agency was known for its digital work, and at that time I had no web experience. I mentioned that to her.

"He really wants to meet you," she insisted.

I told her I was quite busy with my current job and now wasn't a good time.

"He really wants to meet you," she insisted again.

Naturally, I was flattered. I took a vacation day, got all dressed up, took a train and a bus, all in 80º+ heat and humidity, for this interview. He casually flipped through my portfolio and said, blandly, "You don't have any digital here."

I refrained from clawing his face.

I did, however, ask why he wanted to meet me. Seems an old boss of mine had recently become his next door neighbor and gave him my name. Literally, over the hedge. 

He was so remote and bored that it was clear he felt I was wasting his time. Never mind that he had wasted mine. I wanted to yell, "Don't be such a cheap bastard! Hire a recruiter or an HR rep who knows how to screen people properly!" But it can be a small world so I didn't. I did, however, make him find me a Coke before I headed to the bus ... and the train ... in 80º+ heat and humidity.

The upshot was, he sent me a rejection letter. As though that was necessary. The last line was, "We reserve the right to call you in the future."

And I reserve the right to not pick up!


9) Random question: Do you believe women are more emotional than men? No. I think women are freer to express those emotions.

"First I prepare. Then I have faith."

So said the noted philosopher, Medicare Coverage spokesman and football legend, Joe Namath. When Joe Willie is right, he's right.

With the news that came down last week, I know I'm losing this job. Maybe this month. Maybe next. But I don't see how my agency can keep me if my client is eliminating the lines I work on.

So I'm preparing.

Monday I bought a gold Macbook Air. My personal computer -- a MacBook -- is from approximately (gulp) 2002. I can use it for email, paying bills and occasional writing, but I couldn't count on it to be my workstation if I'm a freelancer. I don't know that I want to be continue in writing, but I want to keep my options open.

I made my purchase at a local Apple authorized shop, so they will be my tech guys if I go out on my own. They're far easier to communicate with than the staff at The Apple Store, which have woeful interpersonal skills. (I ended up with gold because this shop gave me a $100 discount. Their reasoning: it saved them having to order a silver or gray one, and I was wearing a Cub jacket. Tell me The Apple Store would give me such a break!)

I also stopped at the public library to see what printing capabilities I'd have. I really don't want to buy a printer, and it looks like I won't have to.

I won't have to interrupt the therapy I just began. At least not for insurance reasons. My bout with bronchitis satisfied my deductible for the year. It makes sense for me to continue with COBRA, which means my treatment will go on seamlessly. HOWEVER I need to call For Eyes and find out whether I can get new contacts or (even better) new glasses while I still have vision coverage. I'm not sure that's included in COBRA.

I tweaked and touched up my website. I don't loooove it, but it's adequate. And it's ready. Two former coworkers, both of whom are out on their own, tell me that, while prospective clients like that writers have websites, it's really LinkedIn and references that have helped them get jobs. If that's the case -- and since I'm not 100% sold on continuing in the biz anyway -- I don't want to pay anyone to do my site for me. This is good enough. And when the axe falls, it's ready to go live.

As unsettled as life appears right now, the prospect of losing my job is not completely unattractive. Just being an American is draining these days: Trump is still President, the economy is volatile, there's a virus out there that's a threat to people like me (over 60, newly recovered from bronchitis). Maybe shedding the added stress of a deadline driven job wouldn't be a bad thing right now.

So when I get scared and nervous, I invoke Broadway Joe. I have to have faith that I'm ready for what comes my way. I don't know what my next chapter will be, but I'm keeping my options open.

Tuesday 4

The Sky Above Us! #10

1. Some people have a pet planet or a planet they think is cool. What about you? Not really. I always do look up and check out the moon. It looks so cool against the skyscrapers.

2. Whether you believe in astrology or not, you do have a "sign". What is yours and do you fit the description in any way? I'm a Scorpio-Sagitarrius cusper. I'm told this means I'm passionate, capable and ready to fight for what I think is right. I'll accept that. (Though doesn't everyone view themselves that way?)


3. Do you stay up late to watch meteorite showers or crane your head to see the clouds in the daytime? Not the clouds but the color of the sky. I just snapped this a couple Saturdays ago, because the sky looked Cubbie blue and I figured that was nature's way of telling me spring (and baseball) must be around the corner.

4. Do you think money is wasted on the space program that might be better used on earth? No. I don't always understand science, but I believe we have to keep exploring. Though I don't see why we need Trump's Space Force when we already have NASA.

Fun with technology

Saturday night, when I was on the phone with my oldest friend, Kathy texted me. She was on her way home from a little weekend getaway with her grandkids and wanted to check in to see how I was doing, job-wise.

I immediately texted her back. Or rather, my phone texted her back.

•  Can't talk, text me.
•  Driving, call you right back.
•  What's up?

Three messages within three minutes. And I was nowhere near my phone.

This completely freaked Kathy out. For I don't drive. I don't even have a driver's license. She worried that it was code that I was in some kind of trouble. Sunday morning, she asked me to text her back, something that only I would know, so she would know it was me texting and that I was OK.

I responded that Reynaldo and I were arguing about his breakfast. That satisfied her.

It was sweet of her to be freaked out. It's nice to know someone is looking out for me.

And it's funny that I used "Reynaldo" as my safe word, since it turns out he was the culprit. I recharge my phone on the kitchen counter, and I just now saw him walk across the screen. Those were auto messages I sent Kathy, and I think they were courtesy of cat paws.

From now on, I leave the phone face down when I charge it!

Sunday Stealing

COTTAGE BY THE SEA 

01  What is the worst nickname that anyone has ever called you? When we were in junior high, my older sister liked to call me "Butchy" because it reminded both us of that she was the pretty, feminine one. I will always wonder why my parents allowed her to do this.

I love 'em all!

02  Have you got a favorite flower? Carnations. They are lasting and come in so many colors!

03  Do you add a sauce, ketchup or other artificial flavorings to your food? Yes. Always. Like my nephew, I put ketchup on my ketchup.

04  Describe yourself using only words that begin with the letter 'T.'  Talkative and tender.

05  What is/was your lover's pet name for you? Moonbeam. He only used it on cards, never in conversation. I don't know why.

06  What is your least favorite color? I look terrible in yellow.

07  Who did you vote for in the last election, and did they win? JB Pritzker was at the head of the 2018 ticket here in IL, I voted for him, and he's now our governor. I think he's doing a good job.

08  What is/was your grandfathers’ names? Al and Roy.

09  What is the best present you ever received? Blaze! I just mentioned him in yesterday's Saturday 9. I told Santa how desperately I wanted him, and will always remember the glorious moment when I spotted him under the tree.

  
10  What is 17 1/2% of 97 + 42 x (6 / 2) – 137 ? No one told me there would be math.

11  What would be the best possible way you could live? Peacefully

12  Given the choice of absolutely anything, what would be your dream job?  Pet sitter

 
13  What position do you sleep in at night? On my right side.

14  What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? Too many to choose only one. That's why I love Lucy so much. She's my spirit animal!

via GIPHY

15  Who is your favorite fictional character?  Lucy Ricardo.

16  What food do you hate most in the world? Raw tomatoes.

17  When was the last time you were ill? Earlier this year, I had bronchitis.

18  If you were transformed into a wild creature, what would it be? Okapi. They're rare and gentle. They communicate with each other by making this charming little "chuff" noise.

19  What was your favorite toy as a child, and whatever happened to it? My stuffed Lassie was my favorite. She's in my bedroom closet right now.

20  What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen? Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. It still makes my heart sing.

The magic moment my guys became WORLD CHAMPIONS!

And so we begin again

Saturday afternoon, I had my first session with a new therapist. It felt good.

I made the appointment to talk about Henry. Our relationship causes me pain and it shouldn't, because I intellectually understand everything we were told when he was still in the hospital back in October 2018: we can look for him to often be depressed, irrational, paranoid and hostile. And he frequently has been. I'd like to add manipulative, too. I know it's the brain injury. I know he can't help it. I know he often doesn't even remember much of what he's done. And yet it still hurts.

We also had to discuss my impending joblessness. It will have an impact on my insurance and ability to pay for sessions, after all. She said she thought I was handling it well. And I suppose I am, when I'm talking about it. It's when I wake up first thing in the morning, alone and swirling in my own thoughts, that I'm scared.

Which is why, Saturday night, I reached out across the miles to my oldest friend. I told her that when the new shrink asked about my relationships, I mentioned that my oldest friend and I are Beatle bonded and have been buds since 1964, when we were six and seven. The doc literally sighed and touched her heart. Anyway, talking to my oldest friend also helped. I have to remember to reach out when I get weird.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Bye, Bye Blackbird (1957)

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

1) In this song, Julie London complains about all the "hard luck stories" people are handing her. Did you more recently listen to someone else's problems, or share your own? My friend Kathleen shared her concern about the impact the coronavirus is having on her 401(k). I'm sure it's having the same effect on mine, but I haven't checked like she has.

2) She promises to arrive "late tonight." What time do you think is too late to drop in on someone? 9:00 PM. I got that from my mom. 9:00 PM was the magic hour. Polite people don't call other polite people after 9:00, nor do they drop in after 9:00, either. (Though to be honest, I don't like being dropped in on at all.)

3) Julie's nickname was "The Liberty Girl" because she was Liberty Records' first successful artist. The second was singer-songwriter David Seville, who had a couple novelty hits as "The Chipmunks." There were three singing chipmunks. Without looking it up, can you name them? Simon, Theodore and ALVIN!

4) Julie's love of music was shared by her mother. When Julie was a little girl, mother and daughter would listen to Billie Holiday records together. What recordings did you enjoy when you were very young? My Other Grandpa (my mom's parents were divorced) lived alone in a two-room suite in this lady's house. He kept a record player and some records for me to enjoy when I visited. I remember this one, specifically. "You know the feeling that you get each time your birthday comes? That's the feeling that you get when Cubby plays the drums. Hey, Cubby Boy! Play, Cubby Boy! Play those drums!"



5) She began modeling when she 17. Julie was working as an elevator operator when a talent agent saw her and decided she would photograph well. With the advent of push-button elevators, elevator operator is a job that doesn't exist anymore. Can you think of another job that was once common but now is rare (or non-existent)? Milkman.

6) Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was named "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956. If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose? Honest, the first one to pop into my head is Ringo. I've seen Sir Paul so many times, and Ringo is 80 this year, so I think I'd like to see him and his All Starr Band while I still can.

7) She appeared in Westerns on both TV and in the movies. Have you ever dreamed of being a cowboy/cowgirl? Oh, yes! Blaze and I were going to tear up the Wild West.

8) For six seasons, Julie played Dixie McCall R.N. on the show Emergency! The series was about Los Angeles paramedics and firefighters. Do you often hear sirens in your neighborhood? This is relative. My friend John, who lives just off Rush Street, can't get over how quiet my neighborhood is. Whereas Nancy, who was once a neighbor but has moved about 10 miles to the west, complains about how noisy it is.

9) Random question: You're pulled over for speeding. Do you think you'd have an easier time talking your way out of it if the officer was a man ... or a woman? I don't drive, but I suspect I'd be screwed either way. I have a wee problem with authority.

Achingly proud of him

My nephew worked hard for Elizabeth Warren. Though managing a full class load, he still spent his weekends driving three hours from his dorm to Iowa, canvassing, and then driving three hours back. He slogged through snow. He crashed over night in the homes of other volunteers he didn't even know. One night he even slept under a White Sox blanket!

For a while, she was at the top of the polls. Then the Iowa Caucus actually happened and her vote total was disappointing. Her momentum had vanished. She didn't even carry her own state on Super Tuesday, and dropped out.

My nephew is desolate. Of course. He's a true believer.

In a way, that makes me even more proud of him. He not only gave his time and gas money, he risked his heart.

He hasn't yet committed to Bernie. I know that's where he leans ideologically, but he seems to feel a little too bruised right now to do anything more than vote in the Illinois primary.

But he'll be back in the arena. I know he will.

My nephew is our future. We're lucky to have committed young people like him.

A letter from Darius

As part of my commitment to my OneWord, I want to do MORE to help make the world a better place. So when my church asked for volunteers to be pen pals for prisoners, I raised my hand.

After all, we shouldn't judge a person's entire life by his worst moment, and we should treat the least among us as we would treat the Lord.

But then I was paired with Darius, who is serving a life sentence for double homicide. I admit I was apprehensive. But I made the commitment, so I wrote to him.

Today, I got his first letter in response. It was humbling. He said he wished he had words bigger than "thank you" to express how it felt to have me take time out to write to him.

In my initial letter, I asked him about his spiritual path. He answered that he was raised Baptist and while he's drifted some during this stay in prison, he still believes in Christ. He reads occasionally and likes to play chess. He hopes someday to be free, though at 49 he's already spent more than half his life in prison. He hinted that he'd like help with his legal fees, but I'm ignoring that. He worries that I may never write back, but even so, he's grateful that I took the time that one time "to reach out."

I wrote back to him immediately. I let him know that I'm 62 -- hopefully dispelling any romantic notions he may have -- and how tough it is to be surrounded by nothing but millennials. I mentioned that, while I write for a living, it's a refreshing change of pace to express myself with handwritten words to a specific individual. I outlined my own spiritual path, that like him I was raised in a traditional Protestant congregation but I found it lacking because it didn't give me much opportunity to live my faith. I promised him I'd write him once/month.

We'll see how it progresses. But right now, it feels good. With really very little effort, I'm brightening someone's day and helping him feel better connected to the world outside the prison walls.