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Entries from November 2017

Saturday 9: Man In Black, And Other Stuff

So, I'm feeling chatty today. I don't know particularly about what I want to chat, so we're just gonna go'head and do the Saturday 9 I missed from this past Saturday and go from there. I have plenty to say, but it's all rolled up into one big ball of confusion and chaos in my mind, and I'm not sure any of it would really make sense anyway. A meme it is, then. Link up here if you want to play along ever, y'know, in the future.

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Saturday 9: The Man in Black (1971)

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

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 24, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

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Nope, not me. I'm more of a Cyber Monday shopper than a Black Friday shopper, but even then... nah.

2) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose?  What would you buy?

Image result for kohls funny

It would be a toss-up between Kohl's and Target, because either way I could get a lot and save a ton of money, and I'll end up with something I really like. That's not so true at Macy's, and I'm just not a big fan of Best Buy. At all.

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

Image result for university of miami logo

We did a little feasting, but I didn't watch any football because we don't have TV service still. I can't figure out WHO, here in Boise, can provide us TV service that isn't from DirecTV. I hate DirecTV and refuse to use their service. So. Here we sit, with no television shows to watch. #FirstWorldProblems

4) Thanksgiving weekend is a major time for travel. How far did you venture from home for the holiday?

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I did not go anywhere. I didn't mind this at all. My older daughter, Chloë, was in the hospital for about a week, and she came home in time for Thanksgiving. Staying home together as a family was definitely not something to complain about.

5) This week's song, "Man in Black," is about a singer who refuses to wear bright colors. What color are you wearing as you answer these questions?

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Well, despite my white hoody and my gray pants, I am still a very colorful person. Just... ignore the clothing today! ;)
  
6) Johnny Cash first performed this song at Nashville's Vanderbilt University.When were you last on a college campus? What brought you there?

Image result for boise state university logo

I took my son, Jack, down to the Boise State campus this morning, because he had sold his Xbox One Fallout 4 game to someone there.

 7) The average American man wears a 10.5 size shoe, the average woman wears a 7.5. Johnny Cash wore a size 13. Are your shoes bigger or smaller than the national average?

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At 5½, my feet are smaller than average for American women.

8) He preferred his coffee very strong. To make sure what he was drank was to his liking, he carried a jar of instant coffee with him and would ladle it into his cup in restaurants. What about you? What's your standard coffee order? 

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I like it decently strong, but I also do need to add almond or coconut milk, and Splenda or other non-sugar sweetener. I can't drink my coffee black.

9) While in the air force, Cash wrote short stories under the pseudonym "Johnny Dollar." Make up a pen name for yourself.

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Those are hilarious! Ummm... Lilah Penelope.

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I'll write more later. Or tomorrow. But in the meantime, I am struggling to keep the kids on track so we can have a great Christmas break! 

Au revoir!


Sunday Stealing: The Monday Morning Meme

Hello! I neglected Saturday 9 yesterday because I had no computer available. We have finally received all of our belongings from Miami! Hallelujah! Anyway, now I'm back on my old computer (and happily so), so here I am: participating.

Link up here if you'd like to join in the fray!

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We stole this from Phoenix the Blogging Mama , who stole it from Karen, who made up the questions herself.

 1. How has your life most benefitted from the Internet?

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I met my husband on the Internet! We're almost to the 17-year wedding anniversary, so I'd say we're doing all right!

2. How do you deal with negative comments on your blog?

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They generally sting, I dwell on them, and then I usually delete them. Whatever. I ain't got time for that!

3. There’s never enough time, is there? What would you do with an extra three hours today?

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Unpacking. I would be unpacking. I missed our stuff these past 9 months, but I did not miss the amount of that stuff!

4. The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you?

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Back to Miami - to the beach! ;)

5. Who was your "arch enemy" in high school? Do you have any enemies today?

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I don't really "do" the whole enemy thing nowadays, and I can't name my "arch enemy" from high school, because I'm now FB friends with her. And I actually quite like her!

6. You’re giving the keynote address to the graduating seniors of a high school today. What’s your advice to them?

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SO I'm not really great at giving advice. I would say, fix the effing planet already! This world is yours to inherit, so take care of it. And whatever matters right now, if it's not going to matter in five years, it probably really doesn't matter now, either.

7. Thinking of words of wisdom: What's the worst advice you've ever received?

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Hmm. It probably came from inside my own mind, whatever it was. Or from my sperm donor's mouth. He's given me a number of gems on which to, um, reflect, over the past four + decades. "Maybe your body wasn't put together right to have children." "If you lost weight you'd find more friends." On my first time behind the wheel to learn to drive, with him, "Okay, turn it on. Now go," with no other instruction given. And so on and so forth...

8. Tell us about the best summer vacation you EVER had.

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That would be the two-week Mediterranean cruise that Hubs and I took aboard Holland America's MS Zuiderdam in 2008. That was an utterly epic vacation, and I loved almost every second of it. You can read all about it here.

9. What do you have to have with you when you travel? Why?

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Besides obvious things? I don't know, everything I need seems obvious to me! I have to have Diet Coke available. I have to have my phone and its charger. My crossbody purse is essential, with at least 1 pair of working nail clippers in it and a good lip balm. Good facial skin care goes along, as well as an excellent lotion.  Snacks. Comfy shoes, usually Crocs. I don't know what else, but that's for starters! The rest depends on where I'm going, for how long, and with whom.

10. Would you accept $1,000,000 tax free, if it meant you had to leave the country and never come back?

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Hm. I don't know. A million dollars is not what it used to be. Maybe not!

11. Do you believe the world will be a better, or worse, place 100 years from now?

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For whom? For people? I believe it will be much worse. We may not exist then! But for organisms that can adapt, survive, evolve, reproduce, et. cetera... It may not be so bad. I don't know. It's a scary thought for me.

12. Do you expect to buy a new winter coat this year?

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Not unless I can have THAT one!! Not for me, anyway. For Sophia, the kid who actually grows, probably!

13. If you could spend one year in perfect happiness but afterward would remember nothing of the experience, would you do so?

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I would totally go all Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for a year and then, if I have to, forget it all. Yes, I would. But preferably not where I lose any memories of wonderful things about or with my children. Even then, yes I would do it.

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Welp, that was fun! Maybe later I'll do yesterday's Saturday 9, because I love it, and because I want to. We'll see. Unpacking boxes calls, though...

See y'all!

 


Sunday Stealing: Thanksgiving Thoughts

Hey, y'all. So, it's early in the wee hours of Monday morning, which is officially late for participating in Sunday Stealing. But, as my daughter has been in the hospital since Wednesday afternoon and I have been one big bundle of scattered brains, I feel like I have a decent excuse. However, I missed you guys and still want to participate, and here I am. So there!

Let's begin.

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1.  What made you feel patriotic this year?

Earth Day march

Well, while it may not seem to fit the standard definition of patriotism, I felt that way when my daughters and I participated in the Women's March (in Miami) and the Earth Day March and March for Science (here in Boise) this year. I felt so united for a good cause or two with my fellow Americans, and in that mood of solidarity, there was definitely and uplifting of good feeling toward my country.


2 . What do you value most about your life?

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This little family of mine is my whole, entire everything.


3.  What do you appreciate about your friendships?

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Among other things: Loyalty, Honesty, and the Ability to Share our Senses of Inappropriate Humor ;)


4.  Name one person who can make you laugh, even months later. Why?

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That honor belongs to Hubs. He's ridiculously funny. I can't even stand it. When I am pissed at him, and the last thing I want to do is laugh, he cracks me up. I hate that!!

5.  What is the funniest thing you remember about a Thanksgiving past?

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My husband loves to tease me about the fact that, every single year I make a pumpkin pie or two for Thanksgiving, and every single year I leave out a different ingredient. Without fail. Ugh!

6.  Do you have any unusual traditions, rituals or habits around Thanksgiving?

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I don't think we do anything unusual for Thanksgiving. I do like to go all out with the big feast, starting from a full breakfast (or brunch if you're going by the clock, since we sleep the morning away), to snacky things for lunch and throughout the day, until the giant spread for dinner. Hubs and I usually have something sparkly to drink for dinner, so I typically pick up a couple bottles of sparkling grape juice for the kiddos. It really matters to them; they always look forward to that!

7.  Name one ancestor that you think about on Thanksgiving and tell us why.

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I always think about my grandparents, especially when I break out the can of black olives, and my kids put them on each of their fingertips. My sister and I always did that at Thanksgiving. Grandma made sure to stock up just for that. Hee!


8.  Is there a family heirloom at the Thanksgiving table? What its story?

 
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Not an old family heirloom, but maybe a new one is beginning: I collect Fiestaware, and my collection always adorns the Thanksgiving dinner table. I love ALL the colors, so we have quite the rainbow going. So pretty! There is really no story there. In Miami, we had hard tile floors and we are all klutzes. There were quite a few dropsies and smashed Fiestas during our tenure there. But that's okay... it gave me the excuse to buy more!

9.  What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving Day?

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I'm hoping to get TV service in time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I've always loved it. Even went to Manhattan one year and froze my tuckus off watching it with the snow falling everywhere! Such fun.

10. What random act of kindness did you perform or that was done to you this year that makes you feel grateful?

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I don't like to point out my own RAOKs, and I know several happened to us this year for which I'm grateful, but I'm drawing a complete blank. However, right now with Chloë in the hospital, I know several of my friends are planning on sending her some fun mail to cheer up her day(s) there. And I truly appreciate them for that.

11. What do you appreciate about the change of seasons?

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Here in Idaho, the Autumn colors are beautiful enough to rival any of Vermont's, all day long. I've turned into quite the leaf peeper!

12. Name five things that make you happy about today.

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  1. I got to speak to Chloë on the phone and hear how she's doing!
  2. I picked up some stuff for ice cream sundaes for Jack & Sophia, who were ridiculously excited about it.
  3. Sophia and I went to the grocery store together and acted like complete, idiotic goofballs, and instead of being annoyed by us, the cashier thought we were hysterical. He said we were entertaining and brightened his shift.
  4. Rob's migraine went away (thank you, caffeine).
  5. The dinner I made turned out to be super yummy.

13. How has the celebration of Thanksgiving today changed from when you were little?

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For me, personally, Thanksgiving changed from having my entire extended family over for the day to it just being our little nuclear family. We've only had one Thanksgiving in our marriage where it was more than just us. And you know what? I don't mind.

14. If you could share Thanksgiving dinner today with one person in history who would it be? Why? (Note: it can be a relative)

Mama

Of course, now that I'm feeling all sappy and reminiscent, I'm gonna say me mum. She was a great cook and a lovely hostess. But all that is beside the point; she was just a fabulous mom and person in general, and I miss the crap out of her.

15. What is one wish you have for the next generation as they begin to establish their own Thanksgiving traditions?

For my kids, I am hoping that they will continue to love and express that love for each other and for each of their own families when the time comes. When I depart this world, I want to know that Sophia, Jack, and Chloë are taking care of each other and keeping the Team Odette love going...

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Welp, that's it from me! It's not yet 0500, so I'm going to go'head and visit y'all, too.

Happy week!


Saturday 9: Son Of A Preacher Man

Hey, everyone. A bit (severely) down in the dumps at present, so I'm just going to get right to it. Link up here if you'd like to join in this weekend.

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Saturday 9: Son of a Preacher Man (1968)

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


  
1) This song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down. What's the most recent thing that you said "no" to?
 
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Staying home alone during these very stressful, trying times. I just couldn't do it, despite trying very hard to convince Hubs to stay at the hospital with our baby girl... he'll be here momentarily. I just didn't feel safe alone with myself. :'( #DepressionSucks
 
 
2) Two years later, Aretha recorded "Son of a Preacher Man." What's something you changed your mind about? 
 
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Trying Lithium for my Bipolar I Disorder. I was very resistant, for reasons I can't quite elucidate here, but now that I'm on it, I think it was the best choice for the present.

3) This song tells the tale of Billy Ray, a young man who could be very persuasive. If we wanted to change your mind about something, would you be more easily swayed by an emotional argument, or with verifiable facts?
 
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Every single day of the week, you better back that argument up with facts! #BecauseScience
 
4) If you ordered a "Son of a Preacher Man" in a bar, you'd get a cocktail made with peppermint schnapps, gin and lemonade. When did you last have lemonade? Was it just lemonade, or was it spiked with alcohol?
 
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I do not care for lemonade much, so I wouldn't order it at all. Here's the last drink I ordered from a bar this past Sunday: an Asian Pear Martini. It was excellent!

5) Dusty had a thing for maps. She admired them artistically and enjoyed using them to take long car trips. Do you use printed maps? Or do you rely on technology, like GPS or Google Maps?
 
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Oh, well, for driving, I definitely need to rely on my GPS technology. However, in the house, I absolutely have a thing for maps. We had a decoupaged map wall in our Virginia Beach house that I'd like to replicate when we once again own our own home someday. Maybe something like the above would be a little better reflection of our current tastes, however.

6) As a girl, she attended convent school. There, one of the nuns discouraged Dusty from performing, telling her that if she would do better to be a mother or a librarian. When you were growing up, did the adults in your world encourage your dreams? 
 
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Yes and no. I had always planned on being a scientist, but my father did/does not believe in science. So he was not altogether supportive. I did my own thing anyway, though, and went as far as I could before marriage and motherhood claimed my future career aspirations. I'd really like to go into family law one day, so we'll see where that leads. Other adults - those in my school  setting - were much more supportive of my scientific goals, btw. ;)
 
7) That nun inspired Dusty's first major act of rebellion. In an attempt to make herself look less like a future librarian or housewife, she bleached her hair platinum blonde. In school, were you much of a rebel? Or did you conform to the expectations adults had of you?
 
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Back in high school, I mostly conformed. Now, though, I have zero interest in that. I just let me be me.

8) Early in her career, Dusty provided the entertainment at a family summer camp. She appeared on the bill with a clown, a fire-eater and a hypnotist. Have you ever been hypnotized?
 
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Yes, I have. During my period of grief counseling after the death of our son, I underwent several sessions of EMDR Hypnosis with my therapist. It was extremely helpful.

9) Random question: Have you ever played matchmaker to your friends? If yes, did your efforts lead to romance?
 
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Nah, I don't think I've engaged in that, really. No good can come from such things, IMO! ;)
 
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Well, that was fun, and I feel a little less depressed and sobby than I did before I started this, so thanks Crazy Sam!!
 
Cheers, y'all.
 
 
 

Sunday Stealing: The Simple Life

Welcome back, my loves! I'm sooo sleepy today for some reason, so I'm going to get right into things. Link up >here< if you're playing along this weekend!

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What are five things you would like to do more?
 
In no particular order, my answers are:
 
1. Image result for knit
 
Knit. I haven't been doing enough of that at all lately.
 
2. Image result for make love
 
Spend passionate time with my husband. Always want more of that! ;)
 
3. Image result for exploring the outdoors
 
Spend LOTS more time exploring our newfound outside world.
 
4. Image result for ganesh
 
Exploring my spiritual side and learning more about other religions.
 
5. Image result for traveling the world
 
Travel the world.
 
 
What is your quote to live by?
 
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I have several, but this is by far my favourite.
 

What was the best thing that happened this week?
 
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I had a lovely, romantic dinner at our local Ruth's Chris Steakhouse with Hubs for the 17th anniversary of our meeting. Not our wedding anniversary, which is upcoming in January... but we had a fantastic time!

What is something you are stressed about?
 
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Our finances. Always with the $%^&* finances!!! >:(
 

What book has influenced your life?
 
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I read the book I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb in college or grad school, and I will never forget it. In fact, I think about parts of it quite often.
 
Also, honorable mentions to: 
 
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The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, which I read in high school, and:
 
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Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, which my BFF Lisa gave me for a college graduation present and which had a profound impact on my psyche.

Share a childhood memory:
 
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For several years, when I was very young, like 3-4-5 years old, I would be sent to my bed for bedtime but could not sleep, because I kept hallucinating the walls were collapsing in on me, that my bed was a dangerous place and was also going to collapse on me, and that I was basically unsafe in bed, in my room, in my house. I would scream and sob and run to my mother's bedside. She would try to get me into bed with her to cuddle, but I adamantly refused to touch their bed either. My father tried the same, but I wouldn't even go near him. Eventually, it always ended in my mother taking me out to the center of our living room, away from any walls, and sitting on the floor in her lap, rocking me and singing softly to me to comfort her.  I have no idea what precipitated all of this, but I start with a new therapist in a couple weeks and aim to explore it further.
 
What fictional character would you most like to be?
 
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Alice in Wonderland, for I, too, like to think of impossible things..!

What is something you are proud of?
 
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Despite our sometimes-tempestuous union, I'm proud of our 17 years of togetherness and the young family we have forged together! <3

What was the last thing you celebrated?
 
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Same thing. Seventeen years of Team Odette! ;)
 

What are weird things you like?
 
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I have tons of quirks. Our whole family does. I don't even know where to start. Two things: I like it when the doggos lick my feet, and I like when Sophia, my 12yo daughter, and I sing shrilly to Sam Smith songs...
 
What is your favorite song to sing?
 
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If I ever have the nuts to get drunk and do karaoke, I will belt out "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes! #BucketList
 

Name three things you do well.
 
1. Image result for making plans
 
I'm great at making plans. I hate when they fall through!
 
2. Image result for being spontaneous
 
Being optimistic. Despite lots of incredibly horrible things happening in life, I always believe something good is around the corner.
 
3.Image result for being spontaneous is amazing
Being spontaneous! I know all these things seem a little mutually exclusive, but that's how I roll!
 

What are your priorities in life?
 
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1. Family
 
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2. Travel - I want to see everywhere there is to see!!
 
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3. This: Happiness, contentment, and inner peace.

What is something that scares you?
 
Death of a child at any age. Missing my son.                                                                                                                                                                                 More
 
Losing another child. The first one was an epic pain. I could not live through it again.

Best book you read this year?
 
 
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I'm still reading it, but Recipes for Repair is a great book for promoting health and healing through dietary changes.
 
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Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Saturday 9: Get Down Tonight

Hey everyone! I'm home alone with the two younger kidlets tonight while Hubs and Chloë are headed to Utah to volunteer for a big Quidditch match. Chloë is really into Quidditch and all things Harry Potter, so there they be. Anyway, let's get to it! Link up here if you're playing along this weekend.

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Saturday 9: Get Down Tonight (1975)


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

1) Tonight, KC has three things on his "to-do" list: do a little dance, make a little love and get down. Tell us three things you'd like to accomplish this weekend.

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Well, I'd love to do those three things tonight, too, but I don't think Hubs would appreciate it while he's out of town! hahaha! So instead I'd like to get caught up on all my reports, get my clothes all organized and put away, and organized all my yarns (and maybe even use some!). Super exciting.

2) This week's song is considered emblematic of disco, a genre that had as many detractors as fans. Is there a kind of music you simply cannot stand?

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I can abide by and even adore almost every kind of music except for country. Not a fan. Never will be.

3) Before becoming a musician, KC, aka Harry Casey, worked in a record store. In those days, record stores were very popular. Peaches, Coconuts, Sam Goody and Tower Records are four store chains that once dotted the landscape but now are gone. Today, if you wanted to purchase a CD, where would you turn?

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I wouldn't! These days, all my muzak is digital.

4) One of his duties at the record store was unloading the big corrugated shippers filled with LPs. What's the heaviest thing you've lifted lately?

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The groceries. All $530 worth of groceries at once. Okay, I'm a little prone to exaggeration, but...

5) KC is proud that he's lived his entire life in Miami-Dade County. Do you expect to change your address in the next year or so?

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Oh, now I'm gonna do the ugly cry! I'm really missing Miami like crazy this past week or two!! We moved here to Boise from Miami. Wahhhhhh!

6) In 1975, the year this song was popular, former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, never to be seen again. Many theories flourish about what may have happened to him. Is there a famous criminal case that has a hold on your attention?

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You mean like this one? Yeah. #IMPEACH

7) Jaws was the most popular movie of 1975. Are you afraid of sharks?

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Hell no. I would love to swim with sharks again and I'd go RIGHT NOW if I could. Beautiful, enthralling creatures. Even if I did crap my pants in the sea the first time I dove with them... but we've told that story before! ;)

8) Actress Angelina Jolie was born in 1975. People magazine once named her "most beautiful." Who is the most beautiful woman you can think of?

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I've always had a thing for Alyssa Milano, ever since her young teen days on Who's The Boss?

9) Random question: A wizard offers you a choice -- would you like your life to stay as it is right now (in terms of your health, your career, your relationships and your finances) for the next 5 years, or would you like to take a chance that the future will be brighter?

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I would always take the chance on a brighter future!

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Super fun, Crazy Sam! Thanks for the questionnaire! ;)

Cheers, y'all.


Sunday Stealing: First Things First

Well hello there, you sexy thang! Thanks for stopping by! Time for some Sunday Stealing, yes? Link up here if you want to play along with the rest of us Thieves this week! Let's go!

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{1} First thing you would do/buy if you won the lottery:

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Welp, of course I'd finish paying off my student loans and our other debts, but then I think I'd fly out to Maui and hunt down this gorgeous beach house to buy. Sorry, kids, but I desperately miss my beach life! ;)

{2} First person you call when you get amazing news:

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It depends on the circumstances! If Hubs isn't with me, then of course he is the guy. If not, either my sister or my best friend Lisa, probably. I'm all about the texting now, though. I loathe talking on the phone!

{3} First thing you do when you've had a bad day:

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I have my little (big ol') hissy fit, say a lot of bad words, maybe throw something unbreakable in no one's direction, then cry and take a nap. Or something.

{4} First movie you went to without your parents:

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A Nightmare on Elm Street, with my sister and two stepsisters. I was maybe eight years old. I am still scared of Freddy Kreuger!

{5} First sport you played (Little League-style or in school):

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I didn't go out for sports, but I was a dancer: Tap, Jazz, & Ballet. I was pretty damn good, too. I was invited to dance in Dance Olympus in Manhattan after only one year, much earlier and younger than most dancers from my studio were asked or allowed. I loved every minute of dancing.

{6} First major injury:

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My first C-section, immediately post-surgery, was probably the first horrible wounding I'd ever experienced. And this meme, posted above, is the most recent. I'd like to shout out a big "fuck you!" to whomever created it! For the record, I had three emergency, slice-and-dice, terrifying operations because I had severe pre-eclampsia for all three pregnancies, and my babies and I were in grave danger. Not to mention, the first kid and the twins, second, were all premature. Additionally, Chloë, Baby #1, had an abrupted placenta inside me, which caused one, long, torturous, protracted contraction when labor started, and I had extreme polyhydramnios, the likes of which none of the doctors or nurses at the teaching hospital had ever witnessed. So, yeah. I'm a little pissed off that this meme, and those who think this way, exist. GAH!

{7} First product I use in the shower:

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Um... water?

{8} First apartment or house on your own (away from your parents!):

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Does my first dorm room count? I was 17 when I moved into Pearson Residential College at the University of Miami, in August 1994. Loved it!

{9} First Roommate(s):

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Not in the dorm, but in the summer house where I lived in South Miami for two years in a row, it was this guy - now known as Dr. Jasper Lament. He was working on his doctorate at UM at the time.

{10} First Time Living Away from Home: 

Image result for beautiful Miami

Again, Miami, beginning in 1994. And I never went home again.

{11} First magazine subscription:

Image result for Sassy Magazine

My girlfriend Shana read Sassy magazine, so she bought me my own subscription for several years running. And I totally remember this cover!

{12} First real piece of jewelry you owned:

Related image

When I was 12 years old, my dad and stepmother gave me a sapphire ring, much like this one, for my birthday. I loved it; my birthstone.

{13} First time staying home alone:

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Eh, I was a latchkey kid from the time my mother died when I was 7, on. No one cared when I came home or if I even did, it seemed. I did my homework, some housework, and watched TV. No biggie.

{14} First thing I reach for in the fridge:

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Hummus. If there's hummus. Speaking of which, I need some hummus!

{15} First car accident or traffic violation:

Image result for St. Petersburg downtown

Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, circa 1998, age 22. I was looking for an address and was hopelessly lost. I accidentally made a sudden right turn down a side street, but I was in the middle lane. Of course, there was a car coming, and going straight, in the right lane. BAM! I learnt my lesson straightaway from that episode.

Bonus:  Toilet paper, over or under? 

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I'm an "under" person, and this is precisely why: we have cats!

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That was fun. Thanks, Bev! Have a lovely week, y'all!


Saturday 9: Suddenly I See

Hello, hello, friends and guests! ;) So it's 10:35 PM here in Idaho, which means that I'm not technically late for Sat9, amirite?? So don't dock my pay. I've been a busy girl today, and here I am just getting home. So let's do this, shall we? Link up here to play along this weekend!

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Saturday 9: Suddenly I See (2005)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a tribute to Patti Smith, the rocker who inspired KT Tunstall. What woman has inspired you?
 
Mama
 
My mama. She was not long for this Earth, but she taught me how to be a good mother and a decent human being. I strive to be a small fraction as wonderful as she was every single day.

2) In this video, you can see a turntable and an LP. When is the last time you played a record? 
 
Image result for cabbage patch kid record
 
Oh, gosh, we're probably talking late 80s, and it was probably this CPK one! I knew every word!

3) Growing up, Ms. Tunstall seldom sang at home because her father is severely hearing impaired and music interfered with his sensitive hearing aid. Do you, or does anyone in your family, wear a hearing aid?
 
Image result for miracle ear funny
 
No, but OMG I wish my husband would! The VA won't approve it because they think his hearing is "fine." Bullshit. The Navy blew his ears out with all those helicopters and LCACs. (We won't go there with all the concerts.) He shouts when he talks and drives me up a wall. "Fine," my butt!

4) In high school, she got experience performing on street corners. Have you ever tipped a street musician? 
 
LA Trip with Chloe 020
Heck yeah, all the time! I love buskers! This was Clare Means, whom I am following on Instagram, on the Santa Monica Pier in LA, in May. She's pretty awesome. Check her out. ;)

5) When this song was popular, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 to North America. Are you into gaming?
 
Image result for words with friends meme
 
Meh. We have a Wii, which I love, and a Xbox One S, which is cool for the kids, but I'm mostly into Words With Friends on my phone.
 
6)  In 2005, Prince Charles married his long-time love, Camilla Parker Bowles. At the time of their wedding, 73% of Brits said they disapproved of her. Today, her popularity has increased somewhat and her disapproval has dropped to 55%. Do you know anyone who married someone you didn't like? Did their spouse grow on you with time?
 
Yes.... and no. No further details, please. ;)
 
7) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was popular in theaters. Who is your favorite "Harry Potter" character?
 
Image result for awesome hermione

So, like, I haven't actually read the books or watched the movies. Yet. But my daughters are seriously into all things Harry Potter, and so I can somewhat confidently say I think Hermione would be/is my fave.

8) In 2005, YouTube was introduced by three young men who met while working at PayPal. What's the last thing you paid for using PayPal?
 
Gotta go look...
 
Shakshuka with feta and toasted pita
 
Oh, cool. It's our next - and first - order from Sun Basket! Our three meals will be vegetarian because me, but there are other (meatier) options at Sun Basket if you want to give it a try. If you use my link, you'll get $35 off your order! I can't wait to get this Shakshuka With Feta & Toasted Pita, along with our other two meals. YUM, I love food delivery services, do y'all?
  
9) Random Question: After a long, exhausting day of travel, you check into a motel. The room is not at all to your liking. It's next to the ice machine, so you can hear cubes dropping noisily into metal buckets. Your view is of the parking lot. The bath towels and thin and tiny. In short, you feel like you're being ripped off. Do you grab your bag, turn on your heel and check out, hoping there are better accommodations nearby? Or do you say, "What the hell, it's only one night," and climb into bed?
 
That sounds exactly like the motel where we recently stayed in Utah for the Young Living Fall Festival. The room was dreadful. But we were exhausted and went the "what the hell" route. Never again!
 
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Well that was fun! And now I'm tired, and I haven't done Sunday Stealing yet, and I still have lengthy reports to write. Dear me. I think a nap is in order.
 
G'night!