Welcome back! I saw a few of you guys left comments, but I haven't had a chance to read most of them yet because of being suuuuuper tired. I was already dealing with exhaustion, and then I had to go the ER for pain relief last night. We got home as the sun was coming up! Needless to say, I'm hitting the sack early(er) tonight!
Link up here if you're playing along with us this weekend!
1. What is the nearest book to you? Your Kindle does not count.
These are the latest ten books we received for free from Kellogg's "Feeding Reading" program this month. I have the book Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven next to me, atop the printer. I've already ordered Book #11 and can't wait to get all 20!
2. When was the last time you took a "me" vacation?
Does naptime count? If so, then I just woke up an hour or two ago...
3. How many telephone numbers do you have?
Me, personally? I just have one. But with five people in the house, each with a separate cell phone number, and then individual phone numbers for each of the kids' tablets... we have eight.
4. If you could fix one thing in the public school system, what is the one thing you would do immediately?
There are so many big things that need fixing with our educational system, but I think the number one thing is money. I would pour it in, to raise the annual teacher salaries and to buy excellent curriculum. There is no reason in the world why the U.S. shouldn't have the best educational system one could find.
5. Are you a big tipper?
I tip appropriately.
6. Do you watch reality shows?
Nowhere near as much as I used to be, but I did watch the entire latest season of The Voice, and I picked Maelyn Jarmon (shown with the legendary Sara McLachlan) out as the one who had to win during her first appearance, in the Blinds. If you don't watch, treat yourself to a screening of her singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" in the finale, or Fields of Gold in her blind audition. I could watch and listen all day long. And, she's deaf!
7. Who is your favorite sports team player?
Maybe Steph Curry or, here, Colin Kaepernick, who wasn't afraid to take a stand (sorry) on a desperately important issue when he took a knee. #BlackLivesMatter
8. If you could travel in a spaceship to any planet, which planet would you like to visit and why?
After I quick detour to Jupiter to reassure him that he's still my favorite, I'd head to Pluto. Gotta show the little guy some big love. ♥
9. When was the last time you sat in a church?
Probably Easter, if not the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Can't miss that! I hate that we've turned into "holiday Christians," but if we can't find an LGBTQIA-accepting church here in Mountain Home, then that's the way it's going to have to be right now. Hurts.
10. Are there any aspects of blogging that annoy you?
Two things, mostly: one, when I write up something really meaningful to me, and there are crickets. Two, my own ability to make/find/have time to comment back on an your lovely pages with any kind of frequency.
11. When someone follows you on their blog or subscribes to your Facebook page, do you automatically follow and subscribe back?
Hee. This actually applies to me more on Instagram and Twitter. I try to be descriminate and not follow back anyone whose stuff I really don't want to see, but most of the time that doesn't happen, and I do. One thing that drives me away: the inane "ItWorks" products and their proponents. Just a waste of time, space, and energy for me!
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All right. And now back to working on our August 2019 budget. Whoopty-do!! (Thanks, Bev & Kwizzy!)
Rob, Chloë and I spent all day Saturday driving up to get Sophia from camp and then, upon returning to the Boise area, running a billion errands. On our way back to Mountain Home, we stopped and picked up Sophia's girlfriend, another S, who is spending the rest of the weekend with us. I took a nap as soon as we got home, ain't gonna lie, and woke up with an extreme migraine. At the ER, I got pumped full of meds and barely remember anything after that. It's going on 2 PM now; I just woke up. I hope all of you had a more relaxing day than did I on Saturday!
Let's jump in, m'kay? Link up here if you'd like to play along with the rest of us thieves!
1. Do you think the world will be a better or worse place 100 years from now?
That depends on your perspective. From a humanistic view, definitely worse, based on our actions today! But for the world as a whole? I think it'll just be different. Things are changing, some irrevocably, and things will once again evolve to a new stasis.
2. Would you accept $1,000,000 to leave the country and never set foot in it again?
I'm the first guy. Yeah? You promise? I'm outta here!!
3. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the body or the mind of a 30 year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
Oh, geez. I don't like either choice. Must I pick one? (fine: mind)
4. What would constitute a “perfect” evening for you?
I really don't know anymore. I'm sure a nap is involved. (Sometimes I take three naps in a day - and recently, I hit four! ME/CFS can bite my arse.)
5. Whom do you admire most? In what way does that person inspire you?
Rob, before tearing up at Chloë's graduation ceremony
This may sound really corny, but I think it's Hubs. He's been through entirely too much, both emotionally and physically, and yet he rarely complains. He just gets up, keeps going, keeps trying harder, keeps doing what needs to be done without bitching about it (mostly; I mean, he is human!). He's very much like my grandfather in that regard. With all that I've got going on health-wise these days, he serves as a good role model for how I want to be, at least on the few days my ^&*(() body will even let me. (See? There I go!)
6. Do you prefer being around men or women? Do your closest friends tend to be men or women?
At least when I was single, I hung around guys more than gals. Most of my friends were male. The scene above was similar to many I had around my college years. That being said, most of my best friends - then and now - are women.
7. If you could use a voodoo doll to hurt anyone you chose, would you?
Wait, could it be Trump?
But seriously folks... no. Unless it could be used for kindess. Maybe not like the bridal version seen above, but what about one where I could stick a pin (or whatev) in the place(s) where the person hurts, and it takes away their pains? Yeah. I could get on board with that.
8. What is your most treasured memory?
Well. I have dozens of treasured memories. One that I will treasure forever and ever happened after my son Robby died. I was absolutely devastated, completely heartbroken. There truly are no words to describe my level of despair. My mother-in-law came to visit and help us through it, make the arrangements, etc. I remember during that visit, I went up to take a shower and started sobbing under the water. Hubs told me she'd said to him, "I think your wife needs you right now." He came up and got in the shower with me, probably fully dressed, to hold me while we both cried... But that's not it. During that same visit, in a quiet moment, she gave me the "come here" finger wave and had me sit on the stairs next to her. She pulled out a small box. There was this necklace inside, with a sapphire baby girl represent Chloë, an angel representing Robby, and an aquamarine boy representing his identical twin, Jack (the boys were March babies). It's my most cherished possession; I could not possibly convey the feels I felt in that moment. I just looked at her, started crying, and we hugged. It was our warmest moment together, probably.
P.S. After Sophia was born, Mamacita (my MIL) said, "Well, I guess you better give me that necklace back!" And that's when my little diamond girl joined the team.
9. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? Is there anything you hope to do that is even better? (Let’s exclude raising children, if you have them)
Hmm, I don't know. There have been a lot, but I worked really hard to get into ^^ this ^^ pretty exclusive lab, and I made it in after much hard work on my part.
Even better? I don't know, I have learned that things aren't always "better" or "worse" but more like, just, different. You know? I'd been watinging since my pregnancy and first year with Chloë - who will turn 18 in September - to go to law school when my kids were all grown, but with my brain injury, I don't think that will be possible now. So, author it shall be. eek Fingers crossed!! 🤞🤞🤞
10. If you went to a dinner party and were offered a dish you had never tried, would you want to taste it, even if it sounded strange and not very appealing?
It totally depends. Three things I would NOT eat, no matter what:
Monkey brains - actual
Balut
... and haggis
Three things I have eaten in my non-veg days:
frog legs - on a cruise
escargot - on another cruise, or maybe the same?
sea urchin sushi - in Virginia Beach Town Center
By the way, Rob and I ate that sushi on a date for our anniversary one year, and we both agreed it was among the most DISGUSTING things we'd ever eaten!!! Have y'all had it?
11. Do your close friends tend to be older or younger than you?
They're usually the same age or older. I can think of few friends of mine who are younger.
12.How do you feel when people sing Happy Birthday to you in a restaurant?
It's not my favorite thing in the world, now that I'm no longer eight years old (!!), but if dessert's involved I'm game. I'd rather it be a plate of fruits or even an extravagant fruta loca, though:
13. When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate or embellish it? If so, why?
Yes. I do "edit" my tales sometimes. In short, I say, "I do it for the LOLs." For the longer version of that, I'll borrow from a 2014 article I just found on HuffPost:
"Some people are born storytellers. Other people struggle to hold your attention.
"The difference between a boring story and an interesting one usually boils down to three things: emotions, embellishment, and authenticity.
"Boring stories go in a linear fashion. Poor storytellers repeat every fact and detail with no particular emphasis on one element or the other. They tend to focus on getting every single inane detail exactly right.
"The 'one boring fact after another' technique is a favorite of literalists, who typically tell less than stellar stories.
"Great storytellers, on the other hand, provide interpretation. They help you understand what the story means by drawing your attention to the most interesting parts, which sometimes requires a bit of exaggeration.
"Mark Twain once said, 'Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.'
"[I] not only tell stories, [I] embellish them."
14. If a friend were almost always late, would you resent it or simply allow for it? Can you be allowed to be on time?
I grew up needing to be excessively punctual. When I got to college in Miami, I learned what it meant to be "on Cuban time" or various other Caribbean cultures' time. That meant: late. Always, always late, so I became very forgiving of them in a hurry!
As for me, I don't prefer it, but being part of this family necessitates my understanding that, almost always, I will be late!
15. If you could have free, unlimited service for five years from an extremely good cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, or personal secretary, which would you choose?
Rob is an extremely good cook, and I'm not bad. The kids are learning to hold their own (Jack is the best). Neither Rob nor I mind driving; in fact, we generally like it (although it'd be nice if even one of the kids got their license, finally). I enjoy being the personal secretary of the fam. This one was an absolute, hands-down, no-brainer: Housekeeper. I'm really good at cleaning and alla that, but my body no longer permits it. Rob and the kids share the tasks now, but I'm never super thrilled with the job!
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Welp, it's after 1530 now, meaning I've gotta get to some of that "secretarial" work! I do hope y'all will have a lovely week.
(Let me preface this post by saying I've been gone all day long and haven't had a chance even to see if I have comments - negative or otherwise - on my Sat9 post from yesterday, let alone read them. So I can't answer to those except to say that I'm nervous to read them & truly hope y'all don't hate me.)
So, then. Just gonna jump on into this SS post at the stroke of midnight on Sunday the 14th of July, 2019, and get back to that later. (I'll be gone all day Sunday, too, so I'm not ignoring y'all.) Link up here if you're playing along this weekend!
Have you ever been teased because of the things you like?
Sure, of course. Education was always my passion, and in the regular-ed, non-Honors/AP classes, I stood out and got stomped on in return. I'm a math nerd. I listen excessively to pop music (although, ahem, not only pop music, nor just current music, but also classic rock, folk music, some punk, lots of alternative, some big band - and I love JP Sousa - as well as gasp classical. As in, not even from last century, let alone this millenium. I don't only listen to "current" music. So, um, yeah... side eye ) I've been called a "such a grandma" for knitting. (Like that's an insult?!) and so on...
Do you hold grudges?
I'm pretty forgiving if the person genuinely expresses remorse for any wrongs. Likewise, I'm quick to apologize when I realize I've committed some wrong(s).
Were there any classes you enjoyed because of the teacher?
Absolutely. Many of them, actually. In my senior year of high school, my AP Physics teacher was constantly making it entertaining, which was great for me because this particular field of science is most challenging for me. I just don't have a good understanding of spacial relationships, for one thing. And speaking of physics, my Physics II professor at university used to write "WAEFRTGDD" on the chalkboard/whiteboard during each lab and exam. Before starting, he'd point to each letter and remind us, "When All Else Fails, Read The __ __ Directions!" Cracked me up.
Was there a dress code at your school?
No. Which reminds me, I have to find out if there's a dress code at the younger two kids' new high school.
Have you ever been a bad friend?
Yeah...
Has a friend ever replaced you with somebody else?
Yeah, but you know, you've gotta grow up and get past that stuff at some point.
Have you ever disliked something just because it was popular?
Mm-hmm. For instance, I have a bunch of piercings but never did my bellybutton because everybody was piercing their navels for a while and just... I don't like to be trendy. Now that everyone and their brother has their nostril pierced, I'm glad I've got the septum done, too. What next?
I much prefer belly necklaces, but I definitely don't have the body for that!
Have you ever watched a movie just because it starred an actor you liked?
Probably, sure. I think I even saw The Rainmaker in the theater. #BecauseMattDamon
Are there actors/musicians you have met?
Well, I mean, sure. I know some. My daughter Chloë is an actor and model and has starred in movies, TV shows, commercials, print ads, stock photos... And one of my best friends is a concert violinist. =) (I'm still so jealous she played first chair for Josh Groban!)
Do you ever judge people based on the music they listen to?
Eh, not really, although I might judge the "music" itself - death metal?! What about your top five music albums?
Uh, what about it?
Do you remember the first album you ever owned?
LOL... I can't promise it wasn't Milli Vanilli! But one of the first albums that I've owned that became an instant favorite and has remained so for 25+ years was Eric Clapton Unplugged. He's my boyfriend, but he doesn't know it. So is Larry David. (Neither of whom is my generation. Y'know?)
Do you still use an mp3 player, or just your phone?
I actually forgot I ever even owned an MP3 player. How did you know?
Do you like Elton John?
Most of his music, I love, and I guess I like him okay as a human? But I wouldn't really miss a few of his songs, like Crocodile Rock, Bennie & The Jets, and maybe Rocket Man? I don't know why; I just don't enjoy those ditties as much.
Have any celebrity deaths hit you hard? Which one(s)?
A few, like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, etc. were really hard for me, Luke Perry I guess, but none hit me anywhere near as much as the death of Princess Diana in 1997. That still affects me to this day. #PTSD
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And now, it seems I'm on an Elton John kick. What's next for me, Billy Joel?
I wish you all a good week. I know I ruffled a few feathers this weekend, and mine were tousled in return, but I do hope there's no bad blood among any of us.
Welcome back, y'all! I'm glad you're here. Today we're joining Bev & the gang for a series of questions stolen from elsewhere on the Interwebs. Link up here if you'd like to join us today!
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Are you satisfied with the way your life is right now?
I would want to change my health situation, but otherwise, things I would want to change are minor and insignificant.
Do you drink enough water?
I'm actually so well hydrated that I've been hospitalized a half-dozen or so times for hyponatremia.
When was the last time you ate at Burger King?
I never eat at Burger King. Ever.
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
Well, nowadays we can go to the beach in the mountains... but if I had to pick one or the other, it'd be the beach all. day. long.
How do you usually feel when you wake up in the morning?
Like it's some kind of cruel joke, because I swear I'd just fallen asleep...
Would you rather take someone on a date, or be taken on a date?
Call me old-fashioned, but I'd love to be taken out on a date. ♥
When was the last time you wore high heeled shoes?
My illness struck in May 2015, and it hit hard. Nevertheless, when we went out to South Beach (Miami) for New Year's Eve that December 31st, I was bound and determined to wear my spiked 5" red heels to match this (I think) smokin' hot dress. I don't wear heels that often; I have weak ankles. I learned my lesson! If the immense crowd hadn't been constantly pressed up against me while we waded our way through the human ocean on Ocean Drive, I definitely would've fallen about sixteen times. I don't think I've worn heels since that day; I don't even own that pair anymore.
Vodka or wine?
I actually prefer vodka, but Hubs really had a bad experience with it, so I try to avoid it at home. At a bar/club, though, anything's game!
How often do you cry?
Oh, I'm extremely emotional. Here, speaking at my daughter Chloë's high school graduation a couple weeks ago, I was a wreck!
Ever had a crush on a teacher?
Well, yes...
Can you wire a plug?
No. No, I cannot.
Do you wear socks to bed?
NO! No socks in bed. (I'm particular about my sock habits.) (It's a sensory issue thing.)
What is currently bugging you?
Oh, nothing much. Really the only thing (other than jaw pain from my root canal on Wednesday) is that I was playing around, taking these superficial photos on Saturday, and I can't decide which I like best. Family is no help; we're evenly split (and Jack just does not care). #FirstWorldProblems
Can you change a car tire?
I've learned, but I'm not strong enough now to do it myself.
Have you met more than ten celebrities?
Do I look like Jimmy Fallon?
Do you sleep naked?
No, I don't like it. Hubs prefers it, but I just can't get comfortable that way.
What was the best music gig you’ve ever attended?
All of them were great in their own way. Blue Man Group was probably the coolest...
Have you ever had sexual feelings for anyone you follow online?
Well. I married this guy I met online, so I guess I can't say no to that!
Who is someone who has changed your life positively?
This adorable woman, Señora - no, now she's Doctora - O'Txxxx, was my Spanish teacher off and on from 7th through 12th grade. She taught me more than a new language, though. And 25 years later, she is still teaching me lessons. (We're friends on Facebook, and also she had my family over for brunch when we were in New York for my 20th high school reunion in 2014.) I adore her. ♥
Favourite city?
I'm most partial to Manhattan.
Can you drive?
Yes. Fast. Very, very fast.
Cigarettes or alcohol?
I have nothing good to say about anything even remotely related to tobacco products. I get an instant migraine from someone smoking cigarettes around me, and it hits even before the smell registers or I see the person. That's probably the worst part of it for me. When people smoke right at the entrance to medical facilities or dining establishments, I truly feel like I could go apeshit on them.
That being said, alcohol - but even that, very rarely.
Favourite and least favourite accents?
I love all most accents. I adore every international accent I've ever heard. I do not prefer accents from the American South.
Did you play Red Rover when you were a child?
I surely did!
Do you like 1980s fashion?
It was maybe fun at the time, but... I don't miss it.
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All righty. I've gotta go grab Sophie and watch Season 1, Episode 3 of Stranger Things. Meanwhile, Chloë has already finished Season 3! Can you say "binge watch"?!
Hey, cool cats. It's almost 9:30 PM here in Mountain Home, Idaho, which means it is, in fact, still Sunday somewhere. I spent a few hours making a list for, shopping for, and bringing home and putting away groceries on Saturday, which completely exhausted me. I have ME/CFS and a lot of autoimmune and related illnesses, so I didn't get out of bed on Sunday until nearly 7 PM. Honestly, it's kind of a damn miracle I made it out of bed at all, so yay.
Anyway, enough about me. This is about MUSIC! Link up here if you'd like to play along this week.
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A song that gives you goosebumps:
"Uninvited," by Alanis Morrissette; I've been enamored of this song since it came out on the City of Angels soundtrack ca. 1998??
A song you hated once but now love:
"Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi; I used to hate it at first, and then I really listened to it. Now, it breaks me every single time I hear it.
Do you remember your first CD?
I was in college then! I'm pretty sure it was the Salt n Pepa "Very Necessary" album. I still know almost all the words to that whole thing, having listened the hell out of it (my girls know some, too!).
Has your music taste changed much since childhood?
Then:
Now:
I still love pop music, so the players have changed by my tastes have largely remained the same. I'd like to say it's grown by leaps and bounds since then, though.
I still hate most country. ;)
Favorite genre?
Call me basic, but yeah, I love pop music.
What’s a genre or style of music that you just don’t understand?
Death metal, heavy metal, metal in general... this, to me, is not "music."
Do you have a process for listening to music, such as listening to the instruments more than words?
It depends on the genre. Or as Alex Trebec says, "Genre." Usually, though, I have to feel the music. Then listen a few thousand times as I learn it well. Then, if there is one, I often watch the YouTube video of the performance. But there is always a feeling - of the beat, of the rhythm, of the meter...
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite song?
I don't do "favorite" anything, generally. However, Pink is one of my favorite performers, and this 2010 Grammy performance of "Glitter in the Air" is one of my favorite of her performances. Her singing, while maintaining the athletics going on, is incredible. And no, she was not lip-syncing.
Do you have a favorite decade for music?
Girl, you know love me some 80s!
Can you play any instruments?
Before she died in 1984, my mother played the organ both at home and at church. I loved it, so when she died, I started taking organ lessons. I wanted to be able to play the huge pipe organs in large churches. I struggle with reading music though - still - so basically I can play it by plucking along slooooowly.
Do you remember your first favorite song?
I can remember, at Christmastime in about 1980, my mother playing the organ at home while she and my grandfather sang "Gloria in Excelsius Deo." He had a beautiful voice - like Mom, and he often sang in church and at my sister's wedding - and I was so happy. Maybe I was only four, but that was one of my happiest childhood memories.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
In 1986, I was in the stands at the great New York State Fair, waiting for Whitney Houston perform. It took forever to announce, through the pouring rain, that she had to postpone the concert due to the weather. Everyone was so disappointed; I remember my stepmother being extremely disappointed. We came back a week later - after the Fair had ended - to hear Ms. Houston perform the make-up concert. Y'all. I don't care what she did afterward and how her life ended, because there was never a voice like Whitney's, and that is what I choose to remember about her. She was incredible.
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Okay, so I got super-distracted about a hundred times, and it's almost an hour into Monday here now, but I finished!
Hey, there. You're back! Love it. It's 8:15 PM on Saturday night in our little town outside of Boise, and it looks like 2 PM. Have I mentioned how much I love Summer?
Moving on...
Link up here if you want to join us this week, where Bev of Funny The World gives us some questions about being HAPPY. Sounds like a fun one! Here we go:
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Are you a happy person?
I strive to be satisfied and content. I'm often "happy," but I find that to be a more fleeting construct.
What is happiness for you?
For me, I'm happiest when I've made someone else happy. What do you think is the color of happiness?
I imagine that's different for everyone else, and just answering this question and pondering for a second, I went through the whole rainbow mentally a few times before deciding it's different colors for different situations for me, anyway. Maybe my answer is "rainbow," then?
Can money buy happiness?
In my mind, no, but it can buy a bit of peace of mind! Is happiness a state of mind?
I think that's a big part of it. I'm not a super-huge believer in karma or dumb luck or whatever, but I feel like, the decisions and actions you make, and the subsequent consequences from them, play another huge role. And then from there, it's how you perceive those consequences that help determine your happiness quotient. Was that clear as mud?
What are three things that make you happy?
Here, I'll give you four. (Team Odette, last night after Chloë's high school graduation ceremony)
Does having a pet make you happy?
It certainly helps for me! (Here's Chloë's Maine Coon kitty, Pepper, filling out Rob's deep vanity sink in our bathroom today. At 20+ lbs, we're still wondering how he got in there!)
When was the happiest time of your childhood?
Whenever I wasn't at home... especially when I was with any of my friends. I really did luck out in the great-high-school-friends department, I must say. Here's my bestest best friend, Lisa Marie (her real middle name isn't "Marie," but I call her that because, y'know, Elvis) reading to her youngest (lap) and my youngest (characteristic thumb-sucking and hair-twirling in view)
Can you be happy if you are rich?
Sure, but it's no damn guarantee!
Do you think happiness lies within you or does it depend on other people and external things?
I think it's a false sort of happiness - the fleeting kind I mentioned at first - if you must depend on external things. If you can't learn your own worth, and you can't derive satisfaction and contentment from within based on the choices you've made and the consequences that followed, then it's not true "happiness." This is something I'm really struggling to do, myself.
Are single people happy?
I don't think one has anything to do with the other whatsoever.
What is the effect that animals/pets have on people to make them feel happy?
Well, first of all, touching and/or admiring them - I think - gives one some warm fuzzies each and every time. Second of all, they're good for the laughs when the do ridiculous things, and look completely ridiculous - like our pups Tapioca and Paco - and can obviously get away with it.
Can you be happy if you are poor?
Well, like I said, money can help buy one some peace of mind, and obviously some comforts... but personally, I've always told Rob that I'd rather be poor and live with him in a lean-to on the beach somewhere than be wealthy and live anywhere in the world without him. State of mind, y'all.
What is there to be happy about in today’s world?
Hope. Without hope, all is lost right now. My thoughts, anyway.
How happy are you compared with your friends.
I don't know. I'm not going to assume anything, especially now that we're all way grown up and have gone off in a billion different directions. Not everyone is open as I am; everyone is fighting their own personal battle(s).
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That was fun. I guess I was in a more serious state today than usual! Hope I didn't put you all to sleep. 😉
Heya, folks! Welcome back to my corner of Ye Olde Interwebs. Glad to have you back. This week, we're playing a fun round of Would You Rather with Bev over at SunSt. ;) Link up here if you'd like to play along with us this week!
Would you rather be able to detect any lie you hear or get away with any lie you tell?
Well, hmm. Both would be most useful. ;) I think, as a wife and mother, I'd have to say I'd rather be able to detect any lie I hear. I mean, I know each member of my family's "tells" pretty well, but there are those times...
Would you rather be a hopeless romantic or a hopeless unromantic?
Oh, I'm a hopeless romantic, and I rather like it that way.
Would you rather have too many friends or too few?
Um, why would I chose to have too few friends?
Would you rather have no taste buds or be blind?
Easy: no taste buds. I have already significantly lost my sense of taste & smell, and while boring sometimes, it's not the end of the world. But I literally like to live my life in living color, and all the visual beauty in the world would be so... I'd be devastated if I lost that.
Would you rather never hear music again or lose the ability to read?
Ooh, that's a tough one. I can't decide. Would I have the ability to re-learn how to read? Hm. If not, then please do one to me and don't tell me which; it'll hurt either way.
Would you rather find true love or be rich?
If I didn't have true love, I'd never consider myself to be rich. One contributes to happiness; the other contributes to convenience.
Would you rather be the richest person or the smartest?
I'm pretty fond of being intelligent. Being rich is overrated.
Would you rather create history or delete it?
I'd much rather create history, especially if it's good stuff. Even bad stuff shouldn't be deleted from history, because well,... Winston Churchill.
Would you rather create a great piece of art and not get credit or get credit for a piece of art you didn’t create?
I would never want to get credit for something I didn't do, good or bad. That would make me feel rotten. I'd much rather have a secret sort of joy over creating something beautiful that others admired, knowing I gave them something special.
Would you rather age from the neck up, or from the neck down.
Hands down, neck down!
Would you rather see the world but live in poverty or stay in one place and live rich?
I'd travel and travel and travel until I dropped.
Would you rather become famous or powerful?
I'd never want to risk being drunk with power, so I hope I'd be famous for something wonderful!
Would you rather be a creative person or a technical person?
I like being a creative. There's always something brewing.
Would you rather get a paper cut whenever you touch paper or bite your tongue whenever you eat something?
I do bite my tongue constantly already, and while it's painful, I guess it wouldn't be any more painful to keep doing it. On the other hand, paper cuts are the worst!!
Would you rather wake up in the morning looking like a giraffe or a kangaroo?
Does it matter? It's just a silly question. ;)
Would you rather speak “whale” or read babies’ minds?
I can already do both. Both worthy abilities under the right circumstances...
Would you rather eat pizza every day or never eat pizza again?
Hey, now, don't take pizza away from this New Yorker! It didn't say I could only eat pizza, or how much pizza I had to eat, so eating a little a day is much preferable to never eating it again. (P.S. This pizza is what I ate in Dubrovnik, Croatia, while on our Mediterranean cruise in 2008. Such good times!)
Would you rather stay forever at your current age or be 10 years younger?
Ten times out of ten, I'd want to be a decade younger than I am right now. Getting older is for the birds! Especially now that my health has taken a sharp detour south for the past four years. Hit the rewind button, please!
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Thanks for the fun meme, Bev! Y'all have a good week! Hopefully I'll be here on time next week for S9 & SS. I have to take my daughters to Boise Pride on Friday & Saturday.
Welcome back, friends! I keep forgetting, come Saturday afternoons, that Sunday is right around the corner. And with that, Sunday Stealing. This will be my last Sunday post comin' at you from Boise, if all goes right on Monday morning. After that, we'll be an hour southeast in Mountain Home. I can't WAIT!!!
Link up here if you'd like to play along with us today.
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What was your first movie-going experience without your parents?
I think it was all four (or the first four, if there were more) of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies. I am not a fan of the horror movie genre. I did not have a choice. 🤨
Do you still buy DVDs or Blu Rays (or do you just stream them)?
A little bit of both, but mostly we just try to stream them. Cuts down on plastic in the waste stream and all...
What is your guilty pleasure movie? What about it works for you?
Always a tough decision between Dirty Dancing and Grease. I mean, the GIF list alone for each speaks volumes, no?
You have compiled a list of your top 10 movies. Which movies do you like, but would not make the list?
Oh, I don't know. Probably most sequels and remakes of movies I liked the first go-'round. Although the jury is still out on whether I really liked Finding Dory at all. (The writing wasn't up to par, IMO.)
Which movie(s) do you compulsively watch over and over again? What makes it so great?
Oh, I dunno. I will always watch Splash. And Steel Magnolias. And Pretty Woman. See a theme? (Psst: It's the leading ladies I love!)
Classic(s) you’re embarrassed to admit you haven’t seen yet?
Oh, I don't know, I haven't seen Mrs. Miniver yet, but I don't think I'm embarrassed by any of my list.
Do you have any movie posters hanging on your wall? If yes, which ones and why?
Nope, and I never have. I wasn't allowed to hang anything on my walls as a kid. I was always mesmerized by the walls of my friends who were allowed.
Tell us about a movie that you are passionate about.
Have you seen the movie Precious? Had me sobbing. I think I could Hubs with some tears, too. Beyond that, I don't really want to discuss the movie here and now.
What is a movie you vow to never watch? Why?
I will try not to watch or participate in any activity where whites, males, or any non-minority group profits off of making a mockery of a minority group, such as Soul Man, here.
Tell us about a movie that literally left you speechless.
se7en. I just did.
What’s a movie that you always recommend?
None, because everyone's tastes are different.
Who is an actor you always watch, no matter how crappy the movie?
Matt Damon. Damn. Look at that boy. ♥
Who is an actor you don’t get the appeal for? Why don’t you like them?
Brad Pitt. Meh. I could take him or leave him. He's not my type, looks-wise, and I think he's just okay as an actor.
Who is an actor, living or dead, you’d love to meet? Why do they intrigue you?
Hmm, I don't really know. Maaaaaybe Meryl Streep, because I fancy her an intellectual. I can't say, if I were in Hell-ay or, go figure, Cannes or something, I wouldn't go fan-girling over someone famous, but really I've got to give it to those who do something really genius, no matter what profession. Famous or not. Oh, I know! The cast of The Big Bang Theory. I know it's not movies, which is why I didn't think of it right away, but I basically love those guys. Especially Johnny & Jim.♥
Oh, c'mon. Just one?! This is not fair. Okay, hmm, all the way from the UK, we have:
Idris Elba - Oh, wait:
Are you sure? Because, thanks to Ghana and Sierra Leone, we get to see this:
Just sayin'.
You are casting a movie, pick four or five actors you’d hire to be in it and why we’d love them together.
Okay, take Pitt out of Ocean's 11 and add Idris. I'd be okay with that. Or maybe sub out Andy Garcia and replace him with Robert Downey Jr. Are you okay with that, Mr. Downey?
I think he is.
Which are your favorite actor pairings of all time?
I don't know, I'm too capricious to be picking favorites on anything and everything. I do love Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but then again, anybody and Julia Roberts in pretty much anything, amIright?
Have you ever watched movies from a decade that was before you were born? If so, which decade is your favorite?
Hey, no. No favorites, remember?
If you were to be in a movie would you rather play the hero, villain or anti-hero? Why?
None. I'd rather play the sexy femme fatale, the one who is sexy and attractive, maybe a little bad and a little good, the one that knocks you a little bit off your feet and leaves you unsure what you want to do about it... because why not?
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That was a fun one, Bev. Thank you!
Cheers, y'all.
Fin.
P.S.: I don't have all night (it's 0126 here in Bum Fuckin' Egypt) to debate ships v. boats, so I'll let you have a look at this link if you are, anywhere in the entire blessed fucking world, so inclined to argue about the difference:
Happy Mother's Day, thieves and thiefettes! Okay, so it's still Saturday evening here, but maybe by the time you read this that won't be the case. I'm gonna take that gamble! 😉
Link up here if you'd like to check out the rest of the Stealers!
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Do you own your things or do your things own you?
I hope I can honestly say it's the former. I'd love to be the minimalist type, which I am in theory, but in practice I'm more of a collector. I think I collect collections! I have some of my grandmother's and some of Rob's grandmother's spoons hanging from a display on the wall; I have my yarn, hook and needle collection, of course; I like to collect shot glasses from everywhere I go in the world... but these do not own nor define me. They just remind me of beautiful memories I've made. I'd be just as happy in a shack on the beach if we washed up penniless, though. ♥
Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
I guess since I actually have this affliction, I'll say: never be able to make new ones. Part of "Succubus," as I call the conglomerate of conditions and disease with which I now find myself afflicted, is that I have lost the ability to translate most short-term memories into my long-term memory. It's depressing. It hurts. I hate it. But forgetting older memories - happy, lovely ones - I think would hurt much more.
How do you deal with someone in a position of power who wants you to fail?
(Thank you, Hamilton, one of the greatest Broadway musicals I haven't seen yet.)
So when something like this happens to me, I usually go home and privately cry and pout for a minute, and then I get up, figure what I've got to do to meet and beat this challenge... and then I DO it!
What do you have that you cannot live without?
Well. On June 3rd, we are closing on this big, beautiful house in Mountain Home, Idaho. See, we owned a rather roomy house in Virginia Beach from 2003-2013, but it wasn't quite large enough for our growing family. (We ended up having more kids than we meant to have, hee.) Then we moved to a much smaller townhouse in Miami. We had so much stuff and faaaaaarrrr less room, so the place was cluttered the entire time we lived there. Drove me crazy!! We had to get rid of a lot of things, and since we are all sentimental, losing some of that hurts! Now, we live in a bigger single-family house in Boise, but it's still too small compared to the quantity of belongings we've amassed over the 18+ years of familyness we've created. And now, this new house on Josephine Street is so big, even if we didn't get rid of anything, we'd all fit happily - family AND pets AND schtuff. But the overarching theme of this entire dissertation is "family," and that's my final answer.
When you close your eyes what do you see?
Nothing. Just like what I usually think of when I'm trying to make a snappy comeback.
What sustains you on a daily basis?
On this one, I feel like I could wax philosophical about it being my family, my faith... or, as it happens, I'm probably mostly just waiting to find out what will happen next.
What are your top five personal values?
In no particular order: Optimism, Loyalty, Sensitivity, Innovation, & Environmental Stewardship
Why must you love someone enough to let them go?
I'm going to PASS on this one; it depends on the circumstances.
Do you ever celebrate the green lights?
Hey man, I celebrate every chance I get!
What personal prisons have you built out of fears?
Plenty, but right now, that's between my therapist and me.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
Collected an advanced degree (or several), written the half-a-dozen or so books meandering around in my brain, traveled to more of the world, gone waterskiing...!
Why are you, you?
I don't know, because they don't let me be Michelle Obama ever??
If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
I can answer this one honestly: kids. They just don't keep. And since I've been homeschooling them for the last decade or so, I haven't had a whole lot of opportunity to go freely traipsing about, y'know? And now that my health has taken a deep nosedive, there has been even less free time to do some of that stuff. However, now that the younger two kids shall be going to public high school next year, I'm going to take some of that time to work on writing my book(s). That is, of course, if the puppies let me.
What three words would you use to describe the last three months of your life?
February
April
May.... well, today, actually!
Basically... waiting for Spring!
Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? Is it ever wrong to do the right thing?
Wait... what? Just kidding. I'm going to defer to my answer for the "if you love someone, let them go" question and say: It depends.
How would you describe ‘freedom’ in your own words?
Okay, but first, a few quotes:
Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things.
Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes – Mahatma Gandhi
Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all days of your life.
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage!
I find that last one to be most provocative, for myself. So I'll say... Freedom is when you allow yourself to be who you are, when both external and/or internal pressures ask you to be something you're not.
What is the most important thing you could do right now in your personal life?
Well, I've just done a thing: since I really need to go to my most excellent therapist, but often health issues keep me from getting there, we decided to start doing teletherapy for the days I can't get to her office in person. After a lengthy phone chat about it, I realized - oh! - I probably need to get a webcam for this, huh? She confirmed I did, so I got one on Friday. And yes, I looked just like that guy up there.
If you could ask one person, alive or dead, only one question, who would you ask and what would you ask?
I would ask Beethoven if he was waiting to finish the 9th Symphony and, when he was finally satisfied that it was complete, then decided it was safe for him to give up the ghost. Because it is that perfect.
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
I'd be singing my heart out on a stage, with no mic necessary, night after night after night!
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Well, it's 10:21 AM on Sunday, and I'm finally done! I slept overnight in the middle. Seems like I do that a lot. Heh.
Hey, y'all! Welcome aboard. Grab a seat, put on your reading glasses if you need 'em (because I'm verbose), and enjoy the show.
Be sure to link up here if you want to join us or check out the other players!
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Your favorite songs:
Oh, gosh. Let's see. I like an eclectic set of music, such as:
"Trees" by Marty Casey & the Lovehammers;
"The Distance" by Cake;
... and ...
"Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette
Your favorite bands:
Again, a variety, such as:
The Killers;
Queen;
... and ...
The Decemberists;
Your favorite actors or actresses:
One of many, Natalie Portman;
Johnny Galecki; and,
Parker Posey
Your favorite books:
I ♥Anne of Green Gables (the whole series) by Lucy M. Montgomery;
I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb; and,
Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams
Books you dislike:
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane (ugh!!) and...
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (ughhh!!!)
Your favorite foods/drinks:
Diet Coke (duh, y'all know);
hummus with pine nuts (mmm-mmm-mmmmmmm...); and,
avocado cheese toast. I've not had it like this, caprese-style, but I'm looking forward to it!
Your favorite animal:
African Elephants
Your favorite scents:
I adore anything citrus...
... and I'm generally happy with anything apple-scented.
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Well, I left off there, because I fell asleep. Sorry, Bev... I guess this wasn't one of my favorites. Maybe kind of repetitive? I don't know. Thanks for giving us this on Sundays.
Howdy! Welcome, welcome. I'm watching the weather news right now, and it's frightening. Time for a little levity: Sunday Stealing! Link up here if you'd like to play along with Bev and the rest of us this holiday weekend!
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What Did You Have For Lunch?
Fruit Punch-flavored G2 Gatorade... laced with Miralax 😉
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Do You Dance In The Car?
Hell yeah... and it goes a lot like that, Jackie Chan and all.
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Favourite Animal?
Always a tough one for me as I like all - no, most - animals. I'm partial to sharks (particularly mako) and elephants (particularly African).
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Do You Watch The Olympics?
Ohh yessssss!
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What Time Do You Usually Go To Bed?
What's this bed you speak of?
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Are You Wearing Makeup Right Now?
Only if you count what's leftover from yesterday...
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Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean?
Definitely the ocean... I want to go to there!
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What Was The Last Thing You Ate?
Well, there is no GIF for chewable vitamins... ;)
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Bottled Water Or Tap Water?
I don't even like the idea of bottled water... I'll drink tap if I have to, but I usually need to put some lemon or something in it to keep it down.
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What Makes You Happy?
Seeing my family happy makes me happy.
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Did You Like Swinging As A Child? Do You Still Get Excited When You See A Swing Set?
Heck yes - to both! If I'm at a park, and there are swings available, I'm getting on one.
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Do You Work Better With Or Without Music?
Definitely WITH
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Do You Make Your Bed In The Morning?
Rarely anymore. We have a low low low platform bed, and my body just hates it down there!
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Do You Like Your Music Loud?
Usually, yes!
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Do You Fear Thunder & Lightning?
Nah, not as an adult. I enjoy it.
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Oh! I thought I had lots more to go, but I copied/pasted the quiz twice. Silly.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a happy holiday if you're celebrating!
Hey guys! I almost forgot about Sunday Stealing. Sophie's birthday yesterday messed me up! Whoops. Link up here if you'd like to play along. So here we go:
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It's always nice when I have enough money to pay ALL the bills!
*
Oh, that husband of mine. He's soooo naughty, and I cannot tell you why this time!
*
It's a sure sign of either a full or new moon when my Lyme Disease kicks into high gear and knocks me flat on my back.
*
Are we having pizza again??! (This is what I hear from my kids sometimes. Who gets sick of pizza?! I'm from New York. There is no getting sick of pizza.)
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My heart is full when my family is happy.
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Do you believe in ghosts? I don't think I do!
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I'm a storyteller.
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I was pregnant forever. And ever.
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I hate it when the moon is full.
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When we got married, I knew he was God's gift to me.
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Carvel ice cream cake is the best!
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Underneath it all I think there is plenty of good left in the world.
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Oh! And thanks for coming to visit me even though I suck and planning my time well enough to return the favor. I love you guys.
*
And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to gathering my coupons to shop for dealz [lol], tomorrow my plans include um, finishing up our taxes in the nick of time [oops] and Sunday, I want to welp, today is Sunday, but next Sunday is Easter, and there will be church, and eggs, and baskets o' fun!
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That was fun. Sorry no pictures. I hadda get it done in time! 😉
Welcome back, my pretty babies! It's still Saturday night here, which means that, at least, I'm starting both Saturday 9 and SS on time. In this time of major health issues for me, that is nothing short of a miracle. But hold your applause until the end of this post - you may change your mind! 😉
So let's get down to business; here is the link if you'd like to join us this weekend!
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If you could build a second house anywhere, where would it be?
If I were being selfish and only thinking of myself, that house would be built in or near Key West. I miss the culture of the keys and particularly downtown Key West. The random chickens everywhere is quintessentially representative of every trip (of many) I've taken down there. I don't think that place could be duplicated anywhere else. But...
... if I were thinking of my husband, we'd build a nice lodge in the mountains somewhere, and live off the grid.
What are your favorite articles of clothing?
I don't have a lot right now that I would consider a favorite of mine, but these "onesie" jammies of Sophie's, which we gave her this past Christmas, are so adorable on her. She's such a goof, too, and wears them out in public occasionally!
The last CD you bought or downloaded?
I'm not sure which was the last one: The Have It All album by Jason Mraz, or a re-purchase of The Lady Killer by CeeLo Green. {We should totally do one or both of those on Sat9 sometime, Laurie!}
4. What time do you generally wake up in the morning?
I'm nocturnal, so if I wake up when it's still morning, I consider it put-in-on-the-calendar worthy.
6. If you could play an instrument, what would it be?
In about 1997, I think, I went back to New York to visit friends. One night while there, I watched one of my very best friends, Shana, play electric violin and viola in a gig she and her cover band-mates were playing. She had the electric violin solo in "Ants Marching" by Dave Matthews Band. And she was badass! I've always admired her tremendous musical skill, but that night really made an impression on me. I'd love to learn.
7. What is your favorite color?
Right where that arrow's point is situated is my favorite color. I describe it fondly as "the middle depths of the sea."
8. Do you believe in the afterlife?
I have to believe that I will see my mother and my son, both gone far too suddenly and far too soon, again.
9. Your favorite children’s book?
I loved the Nancy Drew books as well, but I think it would have to be Anne of Green Gables and the following books in the series that I loved the most. Maybe I'll read them again sometime soon. Sooo many good quotes from them, but I had to pick this one because I'd like to believe there are many - maybe? - among you guys whom I could consider kindred spirits.
10. Can you juggle?
Definitely not. My brother-in-law can; I've seen him pull out the trick a time or two for the kiddos.
11. What’s your favorite day of the week?
When my husband was still in the Navy, I would say it was any day of the week that he was home. Now that he's out and medical problems abound, I could probably safely say it's any day I'm not in a doctor's office!
12. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
I haven't had a hamburger since high school, thank ya very much! And while I am proud of that facth+++, I have to admit defeat in Round Two of my attempt to be - and remain - a vegan. Seems like after being a strict vegan for two months, my body just overcorrected, and I turned into a voracious [pescetarian] carnivore. Hopefully that'll balance back out soon, because the treehugger in me is laying down a huge guilt trip.
13. What is your favorite flower?
Historically, it has always been the gorgeous tiger lily, the abundance of pulchritude of which I always admired as a kid growing up in Central New York. But now I think that I have bumped it to the Number Two slot for these guys:
There are several hundred species of hibiscus, and I'm pretty sure I love them in all their ostentatious-bordering-on-meretricious glory.
14. What is your favorite meal?
First, a little story: after Rob and I eloped, I got pregnant like a minute later. I tried to work, but I had hyperemesis gravidarum and could not. At the same time, I devoted myself to being the best wife and mommy I could be. I started cooking meals I would never eat (#BecauseBeef), and I became a dedicated fan of Martha Stewart's show. We still cook several recipes I loved from that show; Hubs has the Thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe memorized by now. Anyway, one day, renowned Chef Nobu was on the show, and he taught Martha how to make his new-style salmon sashimi. I made it only a few times, when now-17-year-old Chloë was just a wee baby. I haven't made it since those days; don't really know why. Obviously it left an impression on me, so I think maybe soon it's gonna happen.
15. Describe your ideal weather?
It would be quite warm and sunny but not blistering hot, with a light breeze. And of course, it almost goes without saying, I'd be on the beach.
16. What is your favorite ice cream?
No can do on the ice cream anymore. I'll just have cannoli. For me, please make it that the cannoli Hubs and I ate in Sicily that time, at the top of Mount Etna, with the chopped pistachios... so much yum.
17. What is your favorite breakfast?
Hmm, I don't think I've ever thought about that before. It would probably have to be a giant blueberry muffin, cut in half, with a schmear of good butter, like Président or Kerrygold... I think we have some fresh blueberries. Guess what I'm gonna make?
18. Where did you meet your spouse or significant other?
We met on the Interwebs and eloped exactly two months later.
Bonus: something you’d like to do that you’ve never done before?
I'd love to go waterskiing. Hey, if this six-month-old baby can do it...!
Hey guys and dolls! I didn't participate in Saturday 9 yesterday because I've had another bit of health issues going on, but that's okay because I'mma jump into it right now. Here's the link if you want(ed) to join, but my little April Fools' trick is to pull out an S9 before I get into SS. 'Kay?
1) As an April Fool's prank, Taco Bell once announced they had purchased The Liberty Bell and renamed it The Taco Liberty Bell. Describe your perfect taco.
Well, first of all, since Chloë jumped ship from Subway to Taco Bell a couple weeks ago, she's my favorite little bean burrito right here! 😉 Honestly, though, I don't like tacos. The crunch, the falling apart, everything all over the plate or your lap... no. Too messy for me. I do like a bean burrito, though. That 69¢ bit of wonder from Taco Bell is really what I need.
2) Similarly, as an April Fool's prank, the Ford Motor Co. was supposed to wipe out the national deficit by purchasing the naming rites to a beloved monument, renaming it the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. What model car do you drive?
Here's our little workhouse 2012 Dodge Journey two years ago, on our voyage from Miami to Boise.
And here it is now, with all the stickers and magnets and stuff. Yup. So us. If you notice nothing else, see the "Blue Girl, Red State" sticker (me); the "PERSIST" sticker (my girls and me); and the Pride sticker on the side (my girls - and their parents, as Allies). Very us. 😉
3) In 1998, Burger King got in on the April Fool's Day fun by promoting a special "Left-Handed Whopper," designed to be easier for a leftie to hold. Describe your perfect burger.
I think I remember that. That's hilarious. Here's mine:
The veggie burger at Elevation Burger is the BOMB. If you don't have an Elevation Burger near you (we don't, but we did in Miami), you're missing out. According to Hubs and the kids, the "regular" beef burgers are epic, too. But those veggie burgers... man. Making my mouth water right now!
4) In 1962, when color TV was still new, a Swedish station pranked viewers by telling them they could convert their black/white sets to color by cutting up a nylon stocking and stretching it across the screen. Of course, in 1962, more women wore nylons and screens were smaller. How big is your TV? Are there any nylon stockings in your home?
I recently bought a new TV from Best Buy (ugh, like my least favorite store in the world), but I had to go back and look at the specs. It's a 43" Samsung Smart TV. It's really nice. It's got probably way more functionality that I don't know how to use yet, but I'm still learning.
As for nylons, I've been getting rid of tights and stockings and stuff little by little now. I used to wear them a lot in Miami, but I don't know why. Many of us, including Chloë and me, have sensory issues with nylon. So they're exiting the building.
5) In 1957, the BBC ran an April Fool's story about how the Swiss were enjoying a "bumper spaghetti crop," with spaghetti literally growing on trees. Viewers who called the station, asking how to grow a spaghetti tree of their own, were told to place a sprig of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best. Have you ever fallen for an April Fool's prank?
Also hilarious. I love it.
Yes, I have. When I was in high school in Syracuse, New York, the main station I listened to was 93Q. They started announcing, months before April 1st, that they were switching over to a smooth music, kind of classical vibe. Everybody was talking about it; we were crushed. On April Fools' Day, they started playing "Feelings" over and over and over. By the 10th time or so, I finally figured it out. What a huge joke! The next day, they were back to normal. I felt so duped!
6) When Crazy Sam was growing up, her mother would surprise her on April Fool's Day by slipping a rubber worm or plastic spider in her lunch box. When you were in school, did you more frequently brown bag it or buy your lunch in the cafeteria line?
I love that, Sam. I missed out on that.
I really don't know how to answer this one, honestly. I did make myself a bagged lunch to bring every day, but I really wasn't allowed to put anything in there that I wanted to eat. A lot of the time it was a big slab of greasy ham from the previous night (or several nights prior) dinner... and I have never not hated ham. So that got thrown away. I'd eat a little of the apple, maybe, and throw that away. I don't remember being allowed to have a drink. Or money. I started mooching food off my friends' trays or paper bags, which I'm sure they sort of hated and resented, until I got a job at 15. Then I could go up and buy myself a damn chocolate milk or something, if I got thirsty. That whole situation kind of sucked.
7) This week's song was an international hit for Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. Because of the song's bossa nova arrangement, everyone assumed the lead singer, Lani Hall, was Brazilian. She was a folk singer from Chicago. Sergio Mendes discovered her at a charity benefit. Can you think of a time when doing good really paid off for you?
Sure. After my son died after three days in NICU, I began a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called CARE Package. I wanted to make layettes, such as this one, for other babies who didn't survive, as well as give out information in those same packages for the parents. I needed to give them ideas for things they could do with their their baby before giving him/her over to the people to prepare for the next stage. We didn't get to do any of that, because we were rushed, and nobody thought to tell us, "Hey, you can bathe him." "Hey, you can change his diaper and dress him." And the kicker for me, "You can get his twin brother in here and get a picture of them together." That still really stabs me in the heart. But the good thing is, I have gotten tons of letters and emails from parents and hospital staff who had received all those CARE Packages. And one day, I went in and was part of a panel at that hospital - Naval Medical Center Portsmouth - to sit with doctors and surgeons and nurses and other support staff and really, truly get to the heart of telling them how to take care of bereaved parents. Those initial steps in the bereavement process are so crucial, and NMCP did it all wrong. To have the floor in front of these people, and have them really listen to me about how to fix that problem, meant a lot for me. More importantly, I hope it was fixed for those to come after me experiencing similar things.
8) In 1968, when this record was popular, Pierre Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada. Today his son holds that office. When did you most recently visit our neighbor to the north?
I've been to Canada several times, but not since I was a kid. Under the age of 10 or so, we visited Ottawa last. We were walking back to our hotel from a fancy dinner, and then a street fight broke out in front of us. One guy pushed another into a store front, and they broke through the glass, which shattered everywhere. I was terrified.
9) Random question: Name three websites you visit every day.
1.
I like to take and edit photos, so I'm always on BeFunky - it's my favorite editing site.
2.
I do my grocery lists, our budget, my current medications and specialists, etc., all on Excel. So that's always open.
And Homeschool Planet, our planner/calendar/organizer, is always open. Since we homeschool, our schedule is not a Monday-Friday 8-3 type deal. We school whenever, wherever, so I've always got to have it ready to go.
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So that was fun! Thanks, Sam! Let's skip on into Sunday Stealing with Bev now. Link up here if you want to play along!
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If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I'm not usually big on these word map thingies, but this really kind of sums it up for me. I would teach about the Environment and being responsible for the ecology where one is, locally, and also nationally and globally - and we're just not doing that as a whole.
2. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
Doing: I would love to get an advanced degree in something. I was thinking Law, but I'm not sure anymore. Being: I would love to be at peace with myself and feel like I am valuable. Having: I would love to have memories full of joy, new experiences, and laughter, far more than anything else.
3. Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
Yes. Constant fear and terror. I have literally lived in constant terror for my entire life. Every minute. I have to learn to accept that if I relax, everything will be okay.
4. When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most?
I want to have multiple generations of our family love to come "home" to us and hang with us, and just be full of joy together.
5. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?
I'm not sure I'm fully capable of answering this question - pass!
6. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Probably between 80 or 90 years old. With all the meds I take, and all my chronic physical and mental health conditions... I definitely feel way older than I am right now.
7. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
ABSOLUTELY.
8. What makes you smile?
Seeing all of my kids getting along and having a good time makes me smile!
9. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
I want to learn to say "no" more. It's hard for me. I always want to take on way too much.
10. If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
It's important to me for people to realize that the global climate change we are facing is largely man-made, and it will be catastrophic. However, I also want people to know there are small steps each and every one of us can do to rein it in and bring things back more into alignment with the way things should be. I would give them those steps and teach them where to find the how-tos. We owe it to ourselves and our children, and their children.
11. If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I'd be tempted to seize the day a whole lot more, which tells me that I should be seizing the day a whole lot more!
12. What do we all have in common besides our genes that makes us human?
I think a lot of it has to do with what we care about, and how we feel about those things. And also, that we care how others perceive us. But it's so complex; a pat answer won't do.
13. If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school students, which book would you choose?
First, I'd ask each student to read the short story "The Lottery," by Shirley Jackson. It would invite a lot of really interesting discussions among students and teachers.
And then, it may seem cliché, but I think To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee should be required reading for every American student. There is still such a long way to go with race relations in this country, so every conversation we can have about it can help.
14. Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?
I'm not going to ask for more work, but regardless, I'd want to enjoy doing it!
15. What is important enough to go to war over?
Call me naïve or maybe even sexist, but I feel like most men are far too eager to fight over things than to sit down and have a conversation - or 20 - to come to a point of understanding and compromise. I honestly can't think of many things worth an actual war.
16. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying is much sadder than trying and failing. I've got to remind myself of this often. I don't have a fear of failure. I have a fear of succeeding.
17. When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?
Today, actually. My asthma is pretty out-of-control lately, and I'm wary of another bout of pneumonia (it's been over a year since I had it, y'all! WOOT!), so I listen for wheezing whenever I'm lying down quietly.
18. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
I think differently. I mean, I know everyone thinks differently - supposedly - but when I was in graduate school and we would have discussions on 30-page reports of scientific studies and experiments, my contributions were always so different than everyone else's. I became afraid to contribute to the class, but then when I finally did speak up, everyone was like, "ohhh, I never thought of that." It's weird and cool and scary all at once.
19. What does ‘The American Dream’ mean to you?
I think this graph really sums up well how I feel about it. It's not about wealth or acquiring stuff. It's about freedom and opportunity.
20. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
I don't know. I've never been a simpleton... but I sure would like to be joyful more often!
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So it's almost 5 AM here on Sunday now (I had a long overnight snooze in the middle of this). Better late than never eh?
Aloha and welcome back! I just woke up from a much-needed nap, so maybe my post won't ramble all over the place as is my usual custom!
Here's some news: as of late Friday afternoon, Team Odette is (are?) officially under contract to buy a house! It's big, beautiful and really sprawling. Plenty of room for us and our abundance of freakin' STUFF. Wanna see a couple quick previews? 'Kay:
This is part of the outside of lovely house-to-be in Kimberly, Idaho, just outside of Twin Falls.
Here is one view of the kitchen about which I am supremely ecstatic.
And that's the opposite view of the kitchen and dining room, with a glimpse at one of THREE fireplaces in the home. Squeeeee!!
Did I mention I'm excited?!!
Okay. I'll stop there and move along to Sunday Stealing. Sorry! Link up here if you'd like to join us today!
1. When was the last time you tried something new?
Well, the other day we used a Groupon for a new restaurant, Mount Everest Momo Café. They serve Himalayan, Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine. Rob went and picked out what we ate: the Momo special, which had two momo (dumpling-like foods) each of vegetarian, chicken, pork, and yak. I ate the first four listed, and he ate the yak and pork. We also got a side order of naan, which was out of this world! Fortunately, I have another Groupon for the same place, so we'll get something a little different next time. I can't wait!
2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
Well, I do find I compare myself to both my late mother and to my teenage daughters the most, although I am a competitive person and compare myself to pretty much everyone. I've always put my mother on a pedestal since she died early in my childhood, but only now through therapy am I realizing that she was perfectly human, and therefore perfectly imperfect, and I can stop judging myself for not living up to the standard I've felt she set for me.
As for my daughters, they are vastly different in personality, like night and day. Chloë and I feel each others' feels so completely, and we have a very deep bond. Sophia and I, as well as Jack and I, also have that bond, but it's different for each kid. So I kind of compare the relationships more than myself with each kid. Does that make sense, or was it a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo? 😂
3. What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?
Well, this one amuses me:
But I'm also tickled by this one (and many others):
4. What gets you excited about life?
When my five natural senses are titillated, I find myself thoroughly exhilarated. Like this gorgeous black and white calla lily display, for instance, or for that matter any bouquet from The Bouqs. I'd buy flowers from them weekly if I could afford it! (Have you heard of them? I won a $50 bouquet from them once, and it was stunning. I'm thinking of starting a once-a-month flower subscription to The Bouqs when we get settled into the new house!)
... or the smell I love the most, citrus fruits! ♥ Mmm, so fantastic and fresh!
... or what about beautiful and classical, or fun and lively, or any other kind of music that moves us? Sometimes music can be so electrifying, amirite?!
... Furthermore, what about all of the gustatorial pleasures of the earth? For instance, I pulled a few pictures of some of the decadent food and drink we had on our European cruise (which you can read about here), and it gives me a bit of a thrill, even now that it's more than a decade later, to imagine the tastes of these again. I had the sangria in Barcelona, Spain; the "Sprite" was from Nàfplio, Greece; the pizza was eaten in Dubrovnik, Croatia; and the pistachio-spiked cannoli were eaten at a restaurant on the top of Mt. Etna in Sicily!
...And as for the sense of touch, I could say something like the physical connection with my husband or hugging my kids, of course, but I feel like that's a gimme. Instead, this one of our five sense invokes the sensuous experience of knitting with the fine cashmere yarn produced by Iris Schreier of Artyarns, a luxurious fiber art company and probably among the top of my faves! I used their #3 cashmere in the fuschia colorway for the "Wisp" scarf, above, that I made myself just over 11 years ago. So soft and delicious! When the kids and I drove up from Virginia Beach to Jamestown, New York, the following winter to visit my sister and her family, Stacey was gushing about how much she loved it when she saw it (and felt it!) on me. So I took it right off and gave it to her. Now that I'm writing about it again, I'm feeling the itch to make myself another one! That idea certainly gets my juices flowing. 😉
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
I could name a plethora of other things that make life worth living for me, so maybe I'll just list a few but without the graphics: falling in love; traveling and seeing ancient architecture like Rome's fountains and the Colosseum; standing in holy places like Vatican City (even if it doesn't align with my own spiritual journey); meeting people from all over the world and getting a wide-eyed view of the United States from them as well as direct insight into their cultures; skipping and laughing with one or more of my children...
Oh. Apparently I could go on and on about this question! And that is a good thing, really - at least for me if not for you - so I can refer to this when I'm sinking down into the deep depressive states of my bipolar disorder. I'll just have to pull up this post and remember all the things, such as these, that bring me joy. ♥
5. What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
It's only recently that I've realized my usual "fight or flight" response is flight, and so I end up running away from my problems all over again. Thinking back, I've been doing this since at least the age of 15 or 16. Thankfully, I'm working on my life history in intense therapy with a highly-qualified therapist, so I'm aiming for the heart of the beast now. Finally.
Also, this is a good lesson to learn:
6. What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?
Laughing!! We were smack-dab in the middle of when Hubs was going through his brain tumor & surgery stuff, and that was definitely not a fun time.
7. Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know?
Enough questions? Are we discounting the idea of too many questions? I've been told by several teachers and professors that I was going into the right line of work, as a scientist, because I have the natural inquisitiveness of a child. I'm always asking questions. I laugh and say, "Sorry, I'm just nosy," when I feel like I'm doing it too much, but honestly I just really like finding things out. People, things, events, facts... they interest me!
8. Whom do you love and what are you doing about it?
In addition to a mighty bunch of great friends, I love these kiddos of mine (gratuitous photo of them as much younger kiddos below) -
I love these kids!! And...
...and, I'm pretty much cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs for this silly man!
What I'm doing about it is working on improving myself more and more, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so that I can be the best mom, wife, and friend I can be!
9. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?
I'm not touching that with a 10' pole! No way.
10. What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
I can see and understand a lot more things about myself that I just couldn't see this time last year - or maybe ever?
11. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?
Neither; it's a sign of being human. Of being alive. Of being a sentient creature.
12. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
I'd express my sillier, goofier side more in public.
13. Do you celebrate the things you do have?
Oh, most definitely! I've talked about many of my rich blessings already on this post. Plus I have loads of delicious yarns with which to knit, and occasionally crochet. I do try to keep the positive perspective!
14. What is the difference between living and existing?
I seem to be a bit of a Meme Queen, so that's how I'll sum up my feelings on the matter:
15. If not now, then when?
Now. Definitely, now.
16. Have you done anything lately worth remembering?
Well, we celebrated our twin boys' 16th birthday two days ago, the same day our offer was accepted on a new house, so yeah! I guess so!
17. What does your joy look like today?
Pretty calm, quiet day. My body let me sleep in today, well past noon. We're all sitting around, relaxing, binge-watching NCIS: Los Angeles, and canoodling with our various pets. Paco and Tapi (our puppies, above) are going back and forth between Sophia and me. Chloë is petting her gorgeous cat, Pepper (also above). And Jack is cuddling with his Rex rabbit, Mocha, who is crazy-soft. He feels like velvet!
18. Is it possible to lie without saying a word?
Of course it is.
19. If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?
Hopefully not very long. I'm very hard on myself, all the time. Cruel, even. I'm working on that.
20. Which activities make you lose track of time?
Many things, but most of all, communing with nature. If I didn't have to live in a house, I wouldn't. I guess technically, I could do without a house, but none of the rest of Team Odette would go along with that!
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That was fun. But long! Phew! I'm glad y'all stopped by. I actually wrote it down on my "To-Do" list to come around and visit all of you, but it may take me the full week. I hope I accomplish it, because I miss doing that! ♥
What's up, party people? I'm sitting here home alone right now, after the family had to turn around from a trip two hours away to bring me home. My health just wasn't up to going along with them today, but I'm hopeful they'll have fun and bring home good news when they return. You see, we were - and they are - going out to Twin Falls, Idaho, to look at a house on which we might put an offer!
We all love it from the description and the many photos, so hopefully it turns out to be just as amazing in real life. Eeek!!!
Anyway, so let's get started:
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I just learned that March 6 was was National Oreo Cookie day, so in honor, here are some cookie questions.
1. Do you eat Oreos?
They're okay. I can take them or leave them. Last month, I did an Oreo-themed House Party (for RippleStreet.com), so I'm kind of Oreo'd-out by now. But we did get some cool swag in addition to all those cookies:
2. If you eat Oreos, which are your favorite – original, double stuff, golden original, golden double stuff, Oreo brownies, Oreo ice cream?
Well, these are all the kinds of Oreos we used in our house party, but I can honestly say with all those choices, Double Stuf is still my favorite! I could eat a whole package in one sitting - or maybe three - easily! 3. Do you twist your Oreos apart?
I tend not to, no. I chomp!
4. Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit of a 'Cookie Monster'?
I can usually pass by, unless they're (my) chocolate chip cookies. I cannot resist the chip. Everyone in my family agrees my chocolate chip cookies are the best, which is a huge compliment. When we moved away from Miami, I brought a plate of cookies to two young men at the gas station convenience store we frequented. Neither of them really had mother figures. When I brought in that huge plate of cookies just for them, they jumped up and down, hugged, and cried. It was great.
5. Tell us about your favorite cookie. Crunchy, soft, chewy, crumbly, other?
I like my chocolate chip cookies on the soft and chewy side, not hard or crunchy at all. And definitely not crumbly. You can never have too many chocolate chips, either! Also, I prefer chopped walnuts or pecans in mine, but I think no one else in my family does, so I leave those out.
6. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?
I'm guessing we're talking about cookies, so no, not really there. However, my husband has helped me learn to love a lot of foods I didn't used to enjoy, such as avocados, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mmmm!
7. Inquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in milk, coffee, or tea?
I rarely dunk, if ever. I hate the way the cookie gets mushy and then bits of it fall to the bottom of the glass! Too messy; no thanks!
8. It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of every store! Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?
I haven't bought them in about three years - maybe more - because we tend to go crazy and buy at least a case. My favorites are the Samoas, but I really need to eat sugar-free ones. I don't know if they're even selling SF ones anymore, and I don't want to make myself sick on cookies, or crush our budget, so I've abstained.
9. Raw cookie dough. Yay or Nay?
Definitely yay!!
10. Do you like cookies with filling?
Yes! I like to make these Raspberry Linzer cookies for Christmas. They're always a big hit.
11. Do you prefer organic cookies?
I do like to buy and eat as much organic food as possible, but when it comes to junk food like cookies... all bets are off!
12. Large cookies, or small cookies?
I think large cookies, like those God-awful cookie cakes, lose something in the making. Smaller, perfect cookies are the ones I prefer. I don't like cookie cakes at ALL.
13. Do you like familiar flavours in cookies?
I don't really care as long as (a) I'm not allergic to the ingredients and (b) they taste good!
14. Do you make your own cookies, or buy them?
I vastly prefer to make my own, especially at Christmastime. I haven't made any in a long time. Now I feel the need!
15. Please tell us something random about your week!
My oldest, Chloë, jumped ship from Subway and now works at Taco Bell. And no, she has not brought me one single bean burrito yet! ;)
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Anyway, I just woke up from a nap and now I have a headache, soo... on that note, thanks for your visit!
Hey! I'm so excited for this post, hosted by Bev of Funny the World, because my family and I are huge fans of the band Queen. And Freddie Mercury, of course. He's one of the greatest! So thank you, Bev, for this post. Link up here if you'd like to play along this week!
Well, I have Bipolar Disorder. And I have bipolar I, which means I cycle up to the highest highs of "true mania," and I can sink down to the lowest lows of absolutely devastating depression. I also have a rare form of type I, which means I can cycle very rapidly up and down and up and down multiple times in a day if my meds are off. It sucks, but I have to admit, I do love being truly manic. I'm joyful, and I accomplish so much! So when I really get things done, I definitely feel unstoppable then.
[Side note: If you are not bipolar, you do not "understand" what being manic is like. It is not really a good thing for me or for anyone. It just feels good at the time.]
Just one thing? Oh, that's hard. But plastic. Too much plastic, choking the environment - along with the people who can still, in f**king 2019, toss their trash on the ground, in the water, out their damn windows...!! It can ALL go!
Other than Taylor Swift's 1989 concert in Miami with Chloë in October 2015, I don't think I've paid to go to a concert in a while. I did win two tickets for the Amy Lee (from Evanescence) and Lindsey Stirling concert in Arizona, but we couldn't get there from Idaho at the time. And then I won two tickets to Metallica recently, but I gave those two tickets to my husband and son. So basically I like to watch Red Light Challenge, a local band by the two guys above. They're native Hawaiians, but they live here now for some reason and have gigs all over the place. They're fun!
Many - too many - times in my life, I've picked up and started over somewhere else as a way of "fixing" my problems. But really, I was just running away from them and making new problems. So I guess I'm proudest of those times when I was afraid, and instead of running way (quitting), I stood up and faced what was scaring me the most. Even in the middle of it, when I knew I was messing up badly, I stayed put and finished. I have to channel that girl right now!
Radio Gaga - What do you think of today’s popular music?
I like most of it. I like a lot of things. Lately I've been going back and forth between Queen and Pavarotti, so it's all good!
I Want To Break Free - If you could move to any part of the world, where would you want to live?
My husband and I would buy a boat and live forever aboard, traveling around the world and back, experiencing all that life and all the different cultures have to offer. That would be amazing.
Oh, God, yes. I mean, I've loved and lost and all that... but my heart broke irreparably when my son died in my arms. Nothing breaks like a heart, right Miley?
Killer Queen - What is your favourite thing about yourself?
First of all, I freaking hate that song, and I hate the title. But these are my biggies: (1) smart as hell, (2) funny as hell, (3) not abusive, (4) impressive in their career maybe, (5) loves me. I think I got all that and a helluva lot more! Some good, some not - but he could definitely say the same!
I Want It All - If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?
I would want to know, when I leave this life, that we are taking every necessary and possible step to protect Mother Earth so that our children can feel free and not reluctant to have kids of their own, and so on. And so other species can continue to thrive, even with the overpopulation of mankind. Then I will rest peacefully.
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Ahhhh. It's 1:37 AM, but it's about to be 3 AM because of Daylight Saving Time. Gah, I hate moving the clocks ahead. I don't get enough sleep at night as it is!
Welcome back, kids of all ages! I slept well past noon today, thanks to everyone else being out at various things and not waking me up, and also thanks to my new Parkinson's medicine knocking me the F--- out as well. 😴😴 I've only been up an hour, in fact, so my day (Saturday's) just beginning. I feel like, out of all of you and me... that makes one of us.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Link up here if you'd like to write a fun meme about aesthetics with the rest of us this week. Thanks, Bev, for sending it through the Interwebs!
Before Hubs and Sophia came home from her showjumping lesson a few minutes ago, I was belting out "The Schuyler Sisters" from the epic Broadway musical Hamilton. Work, work!
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about anything, what would you want to know?
I guess I'd want to know if I'm ever going to recover from the conglomerate of 20+ autoimmune diseases I've been diagnosed with in the last 45 or so months.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
My husband and kiddos - #18YearsStrong!
What is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise?
Eloping with Robert Allen Odette 18+ years ago was the most joyful thing I've ever done in my entire life, and to think about it, no matter how often I think about it, brings me a rush of pure joy all over again. The Law of Diminishing Returns definitely does not apply to this situation.
♥ ♥ ♥(If you're interested in any colourful lovey-dovey art by Romero Britto art, perhaps start here...)
If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?
I'd worry even less about stuff, even more about making memories with my loved ones. Incidentally, these are part of the Valentines the kids made for each other and us parents. Still a work in progress, but I love the results thus far!
Do you feel you had a happy childhood?
Absolutely, most definitely, NOT.
Would you ever have a deep conversation with a stranger and open up to them?
OMG yes, all the time! It's weird, since I'm such an introvert, but when someone gets me to talking, I get to talking!
What would you title the autobiography of your life so far?
It's actually a book I'm writing, and it's a work in progress, so maybe for right now... A Work in Progress??
How do you feel about tattoos and piercings? Explain.
Well, since I've got multiple ear piercings including a trio in each lobe, the left cuff, the right tragus, my right nostril, my septum... and more being considered for down the road, I guess that explains how I feel about piercings. They don't bother me, although I would never do my tongue (too many infections! too much interference with singing and speaking!) or my eyebrow (mostly because OUCH!).
As for tattoos...
they're fine for other people who want them, I really don't care - in fact, we allowed our then-16-year-old Chloë get a Deathly Hallows tattoo (from the Harry Potter books, for the uninitiated among you) - but I've thought a good long time about whether to get one for myself. Still, the answer is no, but that's because it's permanent and that means it has to be PERFECT. I'd want it to represent my kids and also something very personal to me, like the ocean. So we'll see.
Do you wear a lot of makeup? Why or why not?
Sometimes I do, like here the other day, just because I have a lot of makeup - a lot of Jafra, mostly Young Living Savvy Minerals (which is everything that I've got on in this pic), but I'm starting to think about getting into the very $$$ BeautyCounter everything-free cosmetics... maybe? Have any of you used them and can recommend?
But most days, like here, I just wear mascara so my eyes stand out a little bit from the rest of my face. It's weird, but much of my lashes are blonde, so I need to give them a little colour.
The world is listening. Pick one sentence you would tell them.
If you are doing nothing to do your part for the planet, then you are doing literally nothing important.
Who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say?
"Dear Melanie, It's Michelle Obama. I'm officially running for President, because I am guaranteed to defeat the current false "President" if he runs for a second term - and another other right-wing nutjob - and I want you to be part of my team! ♥ MO"
(Hey, we have the same initials; it's kismet!) 😂😂
Do you have a desk/workspace and how is it organised/not organised?
This is what it looks like right this second, but it's a constant, constant battle to get and keep things organized!
What’s your starbucks order, and who would you trust to order for you, if anyone?
I trust Me, Myself, and I to order myself a Venti Java Chip Frappuccino with coconut milk, no whipped cream, and no chocolate or caramel drizzle. ☕️😋😉
What is the most important thing to you in your life right now?
Well, first of all see #3 about "greatest accomplishments," but other than those guys, it would be buying a house. I'm beyond eager to start the process... which we have, but we're mostly keeping it under wraps. I hope, and pray, and yearn for it all to fall properly into place!
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So that's that, for now. I hope y'all are having a splendid weekend that only gets more so as the hours progress. See y'all soon!
This week's SS is all about books, my least favorite meme topic. That, coupled with the fact that I've just had a huge argument with my husband, may mean this isn't my most fun post. However, I'm gonna give it a go, just the same.
Link up here if you'd like to play along this week!
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This is a set of book questions I found a long time ago on A Striped Armchair, which had not posted since 2015.
Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
My therapist from years ago recommended I read Just One Thing by Dr. Rick Hanson, and I bought it right away... but I haven't really read much of it at all. I just can't seem to 'force' myself to keep reading it, since I don't want to... I don't know, not benefit from it and fail my therapist, maybe?
If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
The Mad Hatter - because what an interesting and fun dude he'd make for all of that!
Willy Wonka - because of all of the above AND hey, candy!
And hey, how 'bout Grindelwald, because who doesn't like a bad boy now and then? ;)
You are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realize it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?
I expect I'd find Tolstoy's War and Peace dreadfully boring.
Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you've been nowhere near it?
I don't lie about silly things like that.
As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realize when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you haven't? Which book?
Still a big fat NOPE!
You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you'd recommend and why?
Hmm. I've read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. All were amazing; I'd recommend any of them!
A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with?
Maybe Greek? I'd really like to be fluent in every language, but let's start there!
A mischievous fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?
Definitely Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams - everyone should read it!
9. What's one bookish thing you 'discovered' from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)?
I'm not a book blogger and really have no desire to be... ;) That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leather-bound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favorite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free.
Absolutely NO leather-bound books for me, please (#Vegan)! First edition hardcovers would be amazing, though. Signed by all the authors, of course.
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Welp, that was... fun? But at least it's done. Heh! Thanks, Bev.
Howdy ho, y'all! The girls and I are re-watching old episodes of The Big Bang Theory, so I guess since I've seen all these before, it's a good time to answer some fun questions. So let's giddy-up!
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What are some small things that make your day better?
Silliness and happiness of my kiddos! I love it when my crew are happy! ♥
What shows are you into?
Well, in addition to TBBT, mentioned in my intro, we of course also love Young Sheldon. We also watch Blackish, A Million Little Things, and obviously Jeopardy! Rob and I have had a nightly Jeopardy! date since we first got married 18 years ago. I think funny and definitely smart men are way sexier than anyone else. 😍 What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should?
An LGBTQ+ network dedicated to the needs, issues faced, and public awareness for this community. We'd watch!
Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?
Oh, maybe my 15-year-old son Jack. He's been working at a nearby McDonald's for about 9 months now, and he's just informed me, as of Thursday, that he's gotten a second raise and has been promoted to Crew Trainer! I was shrieking on the phone when he called me up and delivered this news. All of this is so exciting to me because he's on the Autism Spectrum and has learning disabilities. Go, Jack!!
What age do you wish you could permanently be?
Let's see... maybe about 36, like I was here. I was at my thinnest, and because I was raised to believe that my worth (and therefore my self-worth) were inversely proportional to my weight, my happiest. I would love to get down to that size again, but meanwhile, I'm working on learning to accept and love who I am, whatever size I may be. (And age!)
What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch?
Real Housewives of Anything
What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without?
My phone! I looooove my Samsung Galaxy S9... and I've loved my Galaxy since the S2! Or was my first one the S3? Hmm, I forget. Like it matters! 😂
What’s your claim to fame?
I'm the only stay-at-home mom marine biologist I know! 😉
What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?
I love to bake homemade bread! Which reminds me, I need to feed the sourdough starter!
What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?
For movies, I confess, I love a good romcom. I like a lot of different movies genres, though, so that's not all I like. As for books, I love a good novel that really makes me think and feel. I like a book that makes me laugh and makes me sob. That's the best.
How often do you people watch?
If I'm in public, I'm definitely people-watching!
What have you only recently formed an opinion about?
I've become more and more strongly convicted about my (family's) decision to go vegan. I hadn't, however, considered the yarn with which I knit. So I've just decided if I'm going to talk the talk, I need to walk the walk: I'll finish whatever projects I've already begun, and then I need to cull the fibers that aren't vegan. Most animal fibers are gained in a much crueler fashion than many people know. So I'll sell the animal fibers and use that money purchase cruelty-free yarns!
What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
Elasmobranch ecomorphology, I'm guessing...
What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
I don't really have a distinct, specified "home," per se... I would say "home" is wherever Hubs is, wherever my family is. My home is his heart.
What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
♥ An old couple in love ♥
What is the most annoying question that people ask you?
I'm 42 years old, and I still get asked, on the phone, "Can I please speak to your mother?" Bitch, please, I am the mother! I can't get mad, I mean, I do have a high-pitched baby voice, but it does get annoying. Especially when Rob himself called me up and, thinking I was Chloë, said, "Let me speak to your mother." 😂
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Parent bereavement and/or Infant Loss
If you were dictator of a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do?
I would ban tobacco/nicotine use of any kind, make recycling mandatory, and... all food would be plant-based.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Hey, everyone. I missed Saturday 9, because I was weak and tired and in bed all day, but maybe I'll add it to the end of this post just to add in the fun. ;) It's 2:57 AM on Sunday now, so we'll have to see if the little bit of energy I have holds out 'til then. I hope y'all are well!
Let's begin:
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Do you have a passion project? What is it?
Well, we've kind of stepped back from our candle business a slight bit, now that the holiday season rush is over, but I guess kinda-sorta still that. When my newborn son died in 2003 - Robby, who was the identical twin of our Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome survivor, Jack - I started a nonprofit to knit and crochet layettes (blankets, booties, hats, and a gown or sweater) to give to other bereaved parents experiencing infant loss. Our charity, CARE Package, Inc., received handmade donations from all over the US, and sometimes international donations came in, too. After about 7 years, I wound down the charity to concentrate on other things; namely, homeschooling Chloë, Jack, and Sophia. We're still doing that; I'd love to be knitting all the time still, but my body is rebelling, and I just can't.
How many languages can you speak?
I speak Spanish, although I'm not quite fluent, and I'm learning Latin with my girls this year. I speak bits and pieces of several other languages, including French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese... and I'm forgetting some.
What was the last book you read?
I'm still into Recipes for Repair, which promises to help those who have Lyme Disease. I'm not far into it yet, so I'm hoping it will do what it says it will!
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Hands down, I want to visit the Great Barrier Reef the most. I just hope it's not too late, by the time I can get there!
Top 5 fictional characters?
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, Caesar Flickerman, Effie Trinket, and Haymitch Abernathy - all right, I admit I have a bit of a love for The Hunger Games series!
Something you miss from your childhood?
I miss my grandparents something awful! They were among the very few good things about my childhood - no, they were the best!
(P.S. It's 6:25 AM now, and I just woke up. Again. So much for my energy holding out!)
What skill do you wish you had?
I wish I could really belt it out when I sing. I mean, I can sing well, carry a tune, and all that, but I don't have a lot of power behind my voice. Maybe from being sick a lot as a kid, but I just don't have a voice that can carry to the back of an auditorium without a microphone, y'know? Beyond that, I wish I were an incredible gymnast! Tell us an interesting fact.
I don't know if you meant about me or not, but my head immediately goes to sharks - still! Like many animals (Hubs likes doing it to our dogs and cats), sharks - even Great Whites! - will go into a state called "tonic immobility" if you turn them upside down. They are vulnerable and helpless in this state. As they age and grow, they move up to the top of the food chain, just below Orcas and the greatest enemy of all animals: mankind. Some Orcas have developed an ability to put these adult Great Whites into tonic immobility, so that they can feast on only their highly-nutritious livers.
What was your favorite subject in school?
All sciences, of course, but since I am a biologist, it's gotta be Biology. But I loved school. All school. Even Social Studies... although, I did not and do not like learning about war.
Favorite planet?
Big, beautiful Jupiter, with it's giant red spot and dozens of moons...
Which historical figure fascinates you and why?
Mahatma Gandhi, because with his peaceful protests and non-violent resistance, he was on the forefront of changing prejudicial and unjust laws without military might. I admire that.
Favorite mythical creature?
I love mermaids. In fact, I even admitted in my article on LinkedIn that I think I was one in a past life! ;)
Do you believe in any conspiracy theories?
No. What is your favorite word?
That one. Oh, I thought for some reason you said favorite curse word. hahaha! I really did. Well, maybe for me it's the same? Even though I have an extensive vocabulary, I do find the word f*ck so very useful.
Do you have any obsessions right now?
Yeah. I'm obsessed with Bob's Burgers, and I've got it on my DVR so I can catch up on as many past episodes as possible. If you're not watching, and you like to laugh, you should totally start.
Do you play any instruments?
I play a mean harmonica! I took lessons playing the organ my mom played and can do a little keyboarding/piano still, but not much. I'm just horrible at sight-reading music; it doesn't come naturally to me.
What’s your worst habit?
I stay up long past the state of exhaustion and then can't bring myself to bed. When I eventually do get to bed, I'm so tired I can't get up when it's time. I completely collapse. This habit started in college, where I quickly learned that you either got great grades - or you slept. Now that I have this capricious illness that lets my body either slightly function or not function at all, I take those functional days and don't want to let them goooooo!
Do you have a collection of anything?
I have a pretty big shot glass collection from all over. I also collect magnets. I have part of my grandmother's spoon collection and part of my mother-in-law's spoon collection, which I love. I used to collect interesting keychains from my travels, too, but I've stopped now that I see how useless they were to me. Just heavy!
What’s your biggest ‘what if’?
That would probably be "what if" I hadn't abruptly quit my Ph.D. program at the University of South Florida and, instead of taking a little time off to think about my goals in life, eloped with a guy I'd just met off the Interwebs and then quickly found myself pregnant with our first little girl... What if that hadn't all transpired? But it doesn't matter to me to think about these things, because there is nothing I would change about what I did do! What is your favorite fairy tale?
Is it any wonder that The Little Mermaid is my favorite fairy tale - Disney-fied or not?!
Have you ever dyed your hair? Is there a color you’d like to dye it?
I have dyed my hair black (once), and I have died it various shades of auburn for years and years... but right now it's undyed. Now I'm seeing all kinds of gray - no, actually, they're pretty shiny silver - but I call them "extra blonde" hairs, even in my eyebrows and lashes!, and I am not really loving it. I'm trying to decide whether and what to dye it next. This, in the foto, is my younger daughter, Sophia. She has just died her naturally-blonde hair this interesting shade of blue. I love it! She has also dyed it turquoise and fuschia in the past. I wish I had her guts!
If you could learn one language overnight, which would you choose?
Italian. In a heartbeat. So I could go live there and eat my way through the country. You know, in a vegan way, so... cucina povera-style.
What’s the most useless thing you know how to do?
I can think of a lot of things I can do, but I can't think of any I would term 'useless'! Even cooking meat- and dairy-based dishes is useful to me now, in vegan cooking, because I can take what I have learned and transform my favorite recipes (and new ones!) into something vegan. So... I don't know?
What’s the most important change that should be made to your country’s education system?
(First of all, look at this graph. It makes me proud of my origin state, New York, because they know what's up! It does make me sad for many of the other states. I have lived around the country enough to know that spending dollars = higher achievement for students. So c'mon, United States! Get with the damn program, already!) Anyway, the most important change I think the US needs to make for the educational system is to PAY EDUCATORS MORE! I think there is fear that if we grant educators a higher salary, we'll be stuck paying higher wages to the same (and I'm absolutely not saying that all current educators are) mediocre teachers. I know the exact opposite will happen. The good teachers, the ones who care and bring knowledge of how to reach our kids, are getting burnt-out and leaving the profession for, often, something that pays more. Mediocrity is what gets left behind. A higher wage will attract better teachers who are able to provide our students with a more robust education. It will. There is no doubt. It just needs to happen. (And we need to get rid of the idiotic Betsy DeVos!)
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That was interesting. And long for me. Hopefully it made sense, since my pain and fatigue levels are off the charts! Ugh.
Welcome back! We're in the middle of watching the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I movie, so if my answers end up seeming a little sketchy, blame Katniss Everdeen. I love this series!
There were a lot of close contenders, but I chose walking around in thigh-high water after Tropical Storm Gordon hit us at the University of Miami in 1994. That was a strange and new experience for me. I didn't realize all my shoes and clothes were going to mold after that, but I learned quickly. That helped me save my wardrobe countless times in hurricanes after that!
2. Unusual food combinations you enjoy:
I don't know how unusual it is, but when I wasn't vegan, I used to like my mashed potatoes with lots of butter and milk, a ton of corn, sautéed onions, garlic, and lots of cheddar cheese. I'd squeeze a heavy dose of fresh lemon juice on top and enjoy!
3. Your best cure for hiccups:
I haven't figured that one out yet.
4. Something you have never done but would like to try:
I want to try waterskiing. Hey, if a squirrel can do it...
5. A routine you do every day without fail:
I always clean my face with a simple cotton ball moistened with witch hazel when I wake up.
6. Something new you've recently learned:
That I can heal.
7. Your keenest sense:
Maybe you meant one of my five physical senses, but I'm going to say my sense of empathy. It's strong with this one.
8. Whether you prefer cooking or cleaning up:
Oh, I much prefer making a big beautiful feast and letting someone else do the work of cleaning it up!
9. Where were you the last time you saw the sun rise:
I don't know, somewhere in Boise. I'm more of a sundown person than sunrise.
10. A recent time you were embarrassed:
You know, it's funny. I used to be embarrassed all the time. Now, I can't think of a time recently.
11. An everyday sound that delights you:
When we head toward the bedroom, that's the signal for the dogs to come to bed. They love bed, so this delights them so much, they start energetically romping and tearing around the bed together. Cracks me up. Sometimes we do it early just to see this, then go back out to the living room only to do it again later. Hee.
12. The last conversation you had with a stranger:
Hm. Yesterday, on the phone, I was making an appointment for my 17-year-old, Chloë, to get her traveling shots before going to Guatemala this coming summer. The receptionist on the phone was delightfully cheerful, as are most people in this sort of profession in Boise. Such a friendly place. That's one of my favorite things about it.
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That was fun, Bev! Thanks for the interesting new questions!
Happy New Year 2019, fellow thieves! I'm late now, because I tried to post early (when I had time), and the post wasn't up yet. Please forgive me! Link up here if you're playing along today, y'all!
I just woke up at 1 PM, and only then because my husband woke me up to take my morning pills. Oops! But so far, I have no reason not to be filled with joy, so yeah! Sure!
2. Has it been a rough week?
Some of it has definitely been easier than others. But I'm still plodding along, hoping to get better instead of continually worse!
3. If given the opportunity, would you like to star in a musical?
I was the caterpillar in Alice the Wonderland in 5th grade, and I stole the show! (Not even lyin', it's because of the kick-ass costume my otherwise-evil stepmother handmade for me.) But I've always wanted to belt it out on a stage production of Annie. Maybe not even as Annie! Maybe as Molly!
4. Name one person you’d take a bullet for.
♥ Robert Allen Odette, my husband of 18 years and four days! ♥
5. Did you trip over anything today?
Not yet... but give me time!
6. Last time you painted a picture?
Oh, years and years. I'm horrible at painting. Chloë and I bought a Groupon to go out and do a Paint Nite thing together, but it was awful and disorganized, so we left early.
7. Is your favorite color yellow?
I don't hate it, but no, it's about the fourth shade to the right.
8. Were you born in a hospital? Do you know the name of the person that delivered you?
Yes, surprisingly enough, since I never spent a day of my childhood other than that in a doctor's office or hospital, I was born in one. This one: Arden Hill Hospital in Goshen, New York.
9. Have you ever had a friend or relative who was incarcerated?
Not that I know of, no.
10. Do you enjoy romantic movies, even when they’re cliché?
Yeah, I do. Am I such a girl? I don't even care; they're fun and easy to digest. (BTW, I loved this "Thriller" part of 13 Going on 30, with Jennifer Garner.)
11. Would you rather watch a movie or listen to music?
Either one, depending on what I'm also doing at the same time (because it's never just one thing). After 17+ years of motherhood, though, I'm not one of those moms who revels in peace and quiet. I hate it!
12. Ever been to Rhode Island?
Not yet!
13. Can you tell the difference between a Scottish & an Irish accent?
If I said I wasn't too shabby at it, and then was tested, I'd probably fail every time!
14. Can you read music?
I'm not going to lie: that is one thing at which I'm really horrible. I've taken organ/keyboarding/piano lessons. I've sung in several choirs. I've taken years of voice lessons. I've been in the selected women's choir. I've studied music theory. I've been chosen to audition for All-County Choir and NYSSMA (back in high school)... and yet I feel like it's just something I have a learning disability for, or something. It doesn't come naturally to me. Sight-reading, singing solfeggio, during those auditions, was so challenging for me. It's always been very frustrating. One of my very best lifelong friends, Shana Marie, is a violist/violinist, a high school music teacher, gives music lessons at home, can probably play every single instrument ever invented, and has performed in concert with some very famous names. Now she can read some music!
15. Have you been to McDonald’s in the past month?
Well, my son works there, so yeah - but only to bring him to work. I don't eat there. #vegan ;)
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Speaking of eating vegan, I just finished a salad Hubs made for me, from a recipe in the book Vegan Cookbook for Beginners. It calls for a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. I have never liked raw tomatoes in my whole life, but I find myself loving them. There is just something about eating more healthy, I think, that makes you just want to do more of it!
I hope 2019 is off to a good start for all of you! Cheers.
Howdy, folks! I missed the super amazing fun times this past weekend because I'm having a bunch of anaphylactic episodes due to what my immunologist termed a "full-blown autoimmune assault." So that's fun. I did an undercover assignment for several hours with my younger daughter, Sophia, and reacted there. And everywhere, pretty much. It's not awesome - especially because I missed you guys!
So I'm trying to get these two in under the radar. While eating delicious fruit salad. And watching a marathon of Bob's Burgers with Sophie, Jack, and Hubs. Funny stuff. Do you watch it? Why not?!!
Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2018! Thanks for a great year, everyone.
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1) This is an unconventional take on an old familiar song. Over the holidays, do you prefer traditional carols? Or do you like to mix it up with with more contemporary fare?
I like to mix it up. Along with old favorites, I love the song "Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande along with pretty much everything by the Pentatonix.
2) Now that Christmas is behind us, are you enjoying a relaxing week? Or do you have socializing/celebrating/chores to do?
I think most of the socializing and celebrating is behind us, other than having fun times tonight with the family. I did want us to go downtown here in Boise, where instead of a ball - I shit you not - they drop a potato. A damn potato! But we're all sick, so I think we may end up just staying home and watching it on the local NBC affiliate tonight. Bummer. Also tomorrow, I wanted us to go up to Bogus Basin, where the ski resort is near us, for all kinds of New Year's Day festivities, but the two older kids have to work, which would be no fun.
3) Winter is a time for cocooning. What book or movie did you enjoy in 2018 that you would recommend to your fellow Saturday 9-ers?
I really enjoyed the movie Dumplin' with Danielle MacDonald. We've been watching a lot of movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video lately, but I think that may have been my favourite.
4) Looking back on the past year, what was one of your happiest moments?
Two things: On April 16th, Hubs had surgery for prostate cancer. His recovery was fraught, and I hated every minute of it for him. He ended up having another major surgery and more hospital stays. As for myself, I had surgery on May 22nd, and it was supposed to be far more major than it ended up being. I was honestly scared for my life and, if that ended up being not in jeopardy, then I was scared of being in even more pain than the endless amount I've been suffering for more than 3½ years. In the end, my surgeon decided to close me up early and save the rest of the surgery for another day. So I can honestly say, in 2018, my happiest moment was waking up alive and well, and being still here to torment the rest of Team Odette!
5) What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?
I persevered! It's worth it.
6) As 2018 comes to a close, what are you most grateful for?
♥ Smiles, joy and happiness from my loved ones ♥
7) This week's featured artist is Herb Alpert. Because of the style he popularized and the name of his band, people assume he's Hispanic. Yet his parents were Jewish immigrants from Romania. What's something we'd be surprised to learn about you?
🤦♀️ I dunno anymore; everyone knows everything about me! 🤦♀️
Maybe that I've been varying levels of vegan/vegetarian since August 1995, and as of about a week ago, all five members are now onboard with giving veganism a good go! Why? Get on Netflix or some other streaming service and watch What The Health? and Cowspiracy, and that'll explain a great deal.
8) He performed an instrumental version of "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXII. How did your favorite sports teams do in 2018?
Oh, God. My Miami 'Canes were a disaster! They were up against Wisconsin in a rematch from last year at the Pinstripe Bowl four days ago, and we got totally trounced 35-3. What an embarrassment! Hopefully new head coach Manny Diaz can turn things around for the 2019 program.
9) Random question: When did you last check your social media feed?
I just checked my Instagram notifications a few minutes ago. I'm on it now more than Facebook, although I suppose now that they're both owned by the same people, it doesn't much matter? No, really, I like the quick-speed format of Insta much more, I think.
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That was fun. Thanks, Crazy Sam! I'm going to go right into yesterday's Sunday Stealing now, so go take a quick walk around your house or the block or something as an intermission. Then link up here if you want to play along with me and the rest of the thieves, albeit belatedly! ;)
They are if they're a bouquet from Bouqs, like these beautiful calla lilies! I love Bouqs. ☺
2. Do you wear any jewelry?
Yeah, and I like to change it around frequently. I really love Pandora rings (That's why I bought a bunch of inexpensive costume jewelry on eBay recently. I just got this new ring today, and I love it! Except it's scratchy...
3. Have you ever lain in a field of flowers?
I have, but it's been ages, so here's a photo from our April 2015 visit to the Chihuly exhibit at the Fairchild Garden in Miami.
4. Do you like tea?
I like bubble tea. Other tea is okay, as long as it's both caffeinated and flavored. Absolutely no iced tea for me, though!
5. What would you do with a million dollars?
a. Get a good financial advisor and invest wisely, living off the interest as much as possible. b. Buy us a beautiful, elaborate, multi-roomed house like the ones I've been dreaming about my whole life. c. Set up a grantor's trust, so that the kids don't have to struggle any more than we already have and any more than what's necessary for them not to lose their work ethics. and d. Take Hubs on a whirlwind tour of the world, retracing our steps for the last 18 years (our anniversary is on Wednesday!), including here to La Calle Ramblas (with lots of beautiful architecture by Joan Miró) in gorgeous Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. e. And the whole time, I'd have The Barenaked Ladies serenade us with one of our courtship songs, "If I Had a Million Dollars"!
6. What word do you have trouble saying?
Many, many things, but since this is one of Hubs' favorite drinks, I have to attempt to say it a lot: Arnold Palmer. I fail each and every time.
7. Favorite fairytale?
Maybe Little Red Riding Hood, since I have fond memories of my sister and I planning out our skit of it, making props, and then acting it out in front of our grandparents and some of their friends and neighbors.
8. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Yes, I sleep with the huge teddy bear Hubs gave me when he gave me my engagement ring.
9. Do you prefer the city or the country?
I am definitely a big city girl at heart!
10. Are you a big fan of makeup?
I used to be, but nowadays I usually keep it simple and just wear mascara and maybe some lip gloss.
11. Favorite drink?
Hands-down, it's Diet Coke! (And for my grandpa, it was "Coke on the rocks!"
12. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve stayed awake?
Several days in a row, once Chloë was out of the NICU. Even when she'd sleep, I had awful insomnia. Man, those were some miserable days for me! (Aside from the beautiful new baby girl, natch.)
13. Have you ever traveled outside of your country?
Beautiful Talofofo Falls on Guam
Yes, many times, but the one I'm most yearning to return to at this point in time isn't even technically outside the United States.
14. Do you like Spring?
I love Spring! It's my second favorite season after Summer. Especially when all the tulips come in around Idaho.
15. Lipstick or lip gloss?
I'll wear lipstick (like my Young Living ones) on the odd occasion, lip gloss (like the lighted mirror-containing one at the back of the picture above) slightly more frequently, but mostly lip balm.
I do! My tastes run eclectic and colorful as hell, like here, which is certainly not for everybody!
18. Do you ever go barefoot when you’re outside?
I love being barefoot! Especially when we're at the beach... nothing like it!
19. Are aliens real?
How the hell should I know?!
20. Does your zodiac sign fit your personality?
I don't really buy into astrology as anything more than entertainment. I find bits of myself in all 12 signs of the zodiac - and some of all the Chinese ones, too. But I do often see a lot of myself in the Virgo horoscope, like above.
21.Favorite sea animal?
I think right now, at this moment in time, it's the Tasselled Wobbegong, Eucrossorhinus dasypogon. Cool looking, right?
22. Are you a nice person?
I try very, very hard to be. I don't always succeed, but I keep trying!
23. Favorite word?
FUCK! (hee.)
24. Night or day?
Oh, I am a total night owl. Also, science has found that we night owls are: more creative; more intelligent; more productive; and, more successful. However, we are also more likely to be single and die early.
25. What would make you happy right now?
It would thrill the shite out of me if I stopped having allergic reactions to every single thing. I mean it: everything. Every food I eat. Being too hot. Being too cold. Medications. And things are moving quickly in the wrong direction. So yeah, for 2019, which in this time zone (MST) starts in 04:12, I would really like for at least that aspect of my poor health to turn around. I just can't do it anymore!!!
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So it's almost 8 PM, and I guess I better figure out the plan for New Year's Eve! Kinda late for that, but meh! Not feeling it this year.
Welcome back, homeslices! 🤣 I woke up sick as a DAWG today 😞😭🤧😷, so I'm not feeling the (self) love. I know just being "here" with all of y'all will cheer me up, though, so let's bring it! 😍🤩💗💖 Link up here if you'd like to play along with us this weekend, or want to check out all the other amazing thieves among us!
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What did you do last year that you had not done before?
Well, since two of my kiddos came out late last year as gay or bisexual, the three of us attended the Boise Pride Festival this past summer. It was SO fun, so loving, so joyous, and so inclusive. I loved every moment of it, and I am so proud of my girls for having the strength and courage to embrace their true selves. ♥
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Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions/goals for the year and will you make/set more for next year? What are they? What are your new ones?
I'm sure I set some, but I don't remember what they were! I'll probably set more for next year, but I haven't done so yet. I'll keep ya posted! 🙃
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Did anyone you know give birth? Or become pregnant? Or adopt?
My good friend Stephanie, who first was my kids' babysitter in Virginia Beach, when they were itty bitty, is pregnant with her fourth son!
And my high school pal, Lora, gave birth to her second son this year. Her kiddos are so cute! It's the year of boys! ♥ (I'm sure there are plenty more, but I'm forgetful.)
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Did anyone you know die? Or have a serious illness/injury?
Gosh, I can't think of anyone who died - I hope I'm not forgetting! Aside from myself, Hubs was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year and had surgery to remove the prostate. The recovery was heinous for him, and he had another surgery after that to repair the perforated bladder and fix the internal bleeding happening after the first surgery and on and on... it was just terrible for him. 😢
Also, someone on his side of the family is in a serious breast cancer battle right now, and we are thinking of her all the time, wishing her well.
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What places have you visited?
Well, the hospital for one - a LOT! heh heh
We visited the Boise Ronald McDonald House on multiple occasions to make donations and take tours. This is a cause that's near and dear to our hearts (Dammit, Gal, I left it off your annual charity round-up post! DUHHHHHHHH!!) because we stayed in one while Chloë was in the NICU in Pensacola for 10 days. It's an amazing place. Visit one and I guarantee your heart will melt.
We drove out to Wasatch Sport Horses in Eagle, Idaho, many, many times for Sophia's riding lessons. Our new second home!
We went to many lessons at Chloë's fencing club, until she decided not to continue at the end of the season.
Listen, y'all, I could go on and on. And on!
Any new pets? Lost a pet?
Yes; critters we've lost this year:
We lost Rob's gentle giant, Henry, to a suspected sudden asthma attack. It was very sad.
We lost both of Chloë's beloved guinea pigs, Alexander Sirius and James Theodore, on the same day to unknown causes. She feels devastated and blames herself. 😢
Jack's old gerbil, Lucy, who lived a good, long, loved life with him, passed away peacefully. She is missed.
And finally, we lost all but one of our 2017 chickens, our White Silkie Athena, to a predator massacre. I was so crushed!
Critters we've gained this year:
We got 21 new rare-breed chicks in September. There's Athena keeping watch over the new babies. Two of them have since died, so we're at a 2018 flock of 20 chickens, currently.
Jack adopted this bunny-buns, Fudge, for his 4-H project this year. He's ridiculously soft!
And very shortly after that, Jack - an extremely conscientious pet owner - adopted Rocky so that Fudge could have a playmate. The two are still in separate cages, though, awaiting their neutering so they don't fight. Rocky's such a love! ♥
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What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year (doesn't have to be a physical thing i.e. love, job security, peace of mind...)?
Well, aside from improved health, obviously, I would love to buy and move into a house of our own once again - like this one!. I yearn for it!
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What date from last year will remain etched in your memory and why?
April 16th, 2018 - that's the date of Hubs' prostatectomy that sucked big ass. He's still recovering.
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What was your biggest achievement last year?
I try to keep it lighter in my SS posts, but that's not always possible for me. So to answer this question: I realized and acknowledged that I was raised in a cult. I was an unwilling member for almost 21 years. And I went back to therapy, where I am finally in "intensive care" to undo the effects of the trauma, abuse, and brainwashing I've endured.
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Did you get sick or injured?
Well, yeah! I have a lot of new diagnoses from this year. Mast Cell Activation Disorder, ME/CFS, and (possible, waiting to be genetically tested) Ehlers Danlos Syndrome among them... and since I'm now stumbly-bumbly all the time, lots of injuries from falling. I rely on my walker or wheelchair most of the time when I'm out of the house now.
What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I don't know! Lots of things, I guess, and I'm sure I'll get this wrong. I won, this week, a photography contest, wherein I was stacked up against several professional photogs, and for the prize I could get a $50 gift card to anywhere. I opted for P.F. Chang's, which we never get. I don't know why. But I snuck a slice of cheesecake in there, and WOW! That shizz was the bomb! And this is coming from a New Yawka who knows her cheesecake. Two thumbs up!
Oh! And I signed up for Grove Collaborative to get all kinds of good-for-us and good-for-the-earth stuff, and I'm really happy with our membership thus far. Their customer service is outstanding, and the products and prices are great! I'm a huge fan. If you want to sign up here, you'll even get a free 5-piece gift set. I loved mine!
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Where did most of your disposable income go (money leftover after you pay for food, medical care, basic clothing, transportation and shelter)?
You say that as though there is any disposable income! 😂😂😂 Have you never tried to raise three hungry teenagers, 20 chickens, two dogs, three cats, and two bunny rabbits - not to mention the four score and seven prescription medications I take daily - on an enlisted veteran sailor's pension? BWAHAHAHA! But if so, we tend to spoil the pets. Especially the doggos. I mean, I love to get the chickens toys and chubby mealworms and stuff, watch the cats go insane on new catnip toys, etc., but the dogs! Nothing makes me happier than watching two butt-wiggling pooches get their BarkBoxes in the mail!! And oh, they know that that box is theirs, long before it gets opened. They just know. (I highly recommend it!)
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What song will always remind you of last year?
"Girls Like You" by Maroon 5, featuring Cardi B (Gal, can we please, please, pleeeeeaaase do this song on Sat9 sometime?) is a song my 13yo daughter Sophia and I have played on the radio, YouTube, or whatever umpteen million times over and over. We sing along to every word and then, when Cardi B's part comes on, we blast it even louder and rap along to every word. I don't care how white we are, we rock that $h!t!
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What do you wish you would have done more of?
My husband! 🤪😂😈
What do you wish you would have done less of?
Crying in pain (this photo is from Friday night, just hours ago, but represents many nights)
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What was your favorite new TV program? Movie? Album/Songs? Or if you didn't pick up any new ones, what are you still watching/listening to? Any recommendations?
Well, I've finally really gotten into Bob's Burgers this year, and it's a good thing I did, because that $h!t is fookin' hilarious! I like to pretend I'm just like Linda, which I am, and I do both Linda's and Bob's and sometimes Tina's voices. If you're not watching it yet, why not?! You oughtta be. I DVR every episode. We all love it. Yeah. So.
Also, I recommend Ellen De Generes' new stand-up special, Relatable, on Netflix. I love her talk show, so I finally queued it up and am watching it right now. She swears, y'all! That's relatable!
What was the best book you read this year? How many did you read?
I'm reading Recipes for Repair right now, which I just started but bought about two years ago, to see if it will help any of my autoimmune disorders. It's hard. I'm having allergic reactions - sometimes anaphylaxis - to every single thing I eat lately, so I've just gotta do something! Plus, my therapist recommended I read something along these lines. I don't think I've read any other books this year! Shocking!
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Did you feel differently?
Well, first of all, I turned 42, and Chloë made me these birthday cupcakes. She baked Hubs' chocolate bundt cake - his favorite - too, and was really excited about doing both. Only, I was looking at these photos recently, and I just don't remember these cupcakes. I mean, I know I was there and must have taken the pictures and blown them out, but I cannot recollect them for the life of me. This is very distressing. My short-term memory has been stolen from me since I became ill in 2015, and I hate it!
Also, Hubs gave me a pedicure, which he often did during my pregnancies when I couldn't reach and now often does again since my joints are so stiff and painful. Yeah, he's a keeper. (Also, pssst! Robert! I'm due for another one!)
Chloë's birthday (9/7) is the day before mine (9/8), so we usually celebrate together by running around collecting all the billions of birthday freebies out there. Here are some from this year:
[click to embiggerate]
I'd list them out for you, but as you can see, um, it's kind of a lot.
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What political or social issue stirred you the most?
I will always, first and foremost, be an environmental activist. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for denizens of Planet Earth to become acutely aware of what we as people are doing to harm the planet and what we as humans can do to remedy that.
Additionally, I am a Global Citizen, and I am dedicated to working for the causes of education for all; those that promote equality for women and girls; ending world hunger; and, bettering the health and sanitation practices around the world. I even get points for sharing the information I learn, and I've used those points to enter contests. This year alone, I've won two concerts: Amy Lee (of Evanescence) and Lindsey Sterling, which I'd entered for Chloë's sake - but I ended up winning the one in Phoenix, Arizona, and we could of course not make it there. The other concert was just recently, here in Boise: Metallica, which I sent Rob and our 15yo son Jack to. They had a blast!
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Who was the most interesting new person you met?
Hmm. I don't know; I've met a lot of interesting folks. I'll say my new orthopedist, Dr. Alex Homaecheverria. Not only is this doctor smoking hot (I'm married, but I mean, c'mon! I'm not dead!), but he's relatable. Great bedside manner. And he genuinely seems interested in truly helping me improve.
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What changed at your job?
Well. For one, Chloë, Sophie, and I started a specialty candle company called Every Wick Way on November 1st! I'm so excited about this! Most of our items are listed in our Etsy shop, but I'm still working on the website for Every Wick Way. Check it out! ;)
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What changed in your home?
Well, we got those 21 baby chickies from the hatchery, so they would need a place to live, right? After forever and a day (seriously; we're talking over a year), Hubs and another military vet friend got together and built it basically in a day. It's not perfect, but it's pretty great, and so far we've avoided another slaughter. Whew!
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Describe how a relationship changed.
Well, I'm like this ^^^ so it's completely surreal for me to read things like this. Anyway, I've been distancing myself emotionally from my father more than I ever have in my life. It's been hard. He's noticed, too, and wrote a note to me about it in our Christmas card. Such tomfuckery. I'll not have it!
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Do you think you are still the same person that you were at the beginning of the year? How so?
No. Of course not. At the end of every year I hope I have grown and learned so much during that year that I am a completely new and more enlightened person by the end.
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Summarize the year in three words or less. Bonus points for doing it in one word. Explain.
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How have people around you changed?
Well, I don't know about everyone's internal dialogue or whatnot, but I feel like this year, as I've become even more self-aware and adulty than ever, I feel that people are changing the way they respond to and interact with me. I feel it every day. It seems like some people actually like me, which I never really thought could be true. It's delightful.
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What have you learned throughout the year?
Well, I've definitely learned that I do, in fact, have limitations. And also that getting older sucks, and I do not care for being forty-freakin'-two!
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What was your favorite outfit for warm weather? Cooler weather?
Warm weather:
Something cool, comfortable, and hopefully, cute!
Cool Weather:
Anything remotely warm, comfortable, and hopefully cute! ;)
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Did you learn any new crafts or techniques? What was your favorite thing you made?
Oh yes, of course! For Every Wick Way, the girls and I jointly learned how to make soy and beeswax candles and melts, and we're taking very explicit notes so that we can duplicate everything that turns out great. And most things do, because we're just amazing like that. ;) I'm always learning something new in the craft world. Every year, I've got a new thing going. I embrace change. Love it. Adore it!
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What changed about your physical appearance? (Hair? Wrinkles? New makeup style? Etc)
Well... Before:
And now:
So let's see... Since the top picture was taken a couple of years ago, I've gained a little (read: not a little) weight, my eyes are getting greener as I get older, I've at least temporarily stopped coloring my hair auburn (which I've been doing since my freshman year of college!), I started growing out my bangs for the first time ever in my live (but just got sick of it and trimmed them back to 'normal' this week, heh), pierced my septum, and pierced my tragus. Dang, when I read it back, it sounds like kind of a lot, no?
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What are your hopes and dreams for the new year?
Well, I'd love to say I wanna buy a house (but I said that already) and that I want to lose weight (but when don't I?); however, instead, I hope to bring awareness about and then somewhat defeat the health struggles constantly plaguing me:
I have multiple Autoimmune Diseases, including: Raynaud's Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, and Anticardiolipin/Antiphospolipid-Antibody Syndrome, for starters - but now I'm blessed with a medical expert in Asthma, Allergies, and Immunology who is doing the right tests and looking at the right things.
I struggle with Fibromyalgia, but now I'm blessed with a medical expert who brings me in and gives me Trigger Point Injections whenever I call up and say I need them.
I have Bipolar I with Psychosis, but now I am blessed with an expert psychiatrist who listens to me and knows what to tweak when I tell her what I am experiencing, as well as an incredible therapist who is helping me navigate the intense, childhood-long traumas that (I believe) led to the bipolar, along with severe PTSD, OCPD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
I have Chronic Lyme Disease and am daily trying to manage the extreme pain in my bones and joints from that, while trying to explain to every medical professional under that sun that just because I was treated with antibiotics for two weeks after I tested CDC-positive for Lyme, that I am not "cured." Some listen. Much, much more education is needed on this subject, and it is intentionally being squelched. Very frustrating!
I probably have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but I'm waiting for genetic testing to rule it in or out, which takes up to a year for the appointment in these parts. I have hypermobility and am constantly having dislocations and subluxations, along with just about every other symptom up there - but fortunately, I am now blessed with a knowledgeable physical therapist and a stellar (and hot - see above) orthopedist who have many tricks up their respective sleeves to try and help a girl out.
And now, I also have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, but I'm now blessed with an ME/CFS specialist in Salt Lake City, whom I now see every other month or so, who has made it her life's work to care about those of us with this devastating illness.
And that's not even my whole list. So when someone (I believe from here, but I'm certainly not going to name names) tells me to "snap out of it," or when I get letters from my fng father telling me not to be a drain on society and make something of myself... well, it kinda breaks me. That is so soul-crushing. So, you guys, just don't do that to chronically ill people, okay? That is just not cool!
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Whew! That took me hours upon hours to do! Well, okay, I watched the Ellen DeGeneres Netflix special Relatable. And then the whole family sat down with me to watch the Netflix documentary What The Health? which everyone should totally watch, and they all - even JACK!!! - decided pretty much on the spot that we're all gonna be vegans now. I'm so excited about that. Okay, and then Chloë and I stayed up all night watching Titanic, and finally the girls and I just wrapped up Crazy Rich Asians, both on Amazon Prime Video. So I was a little distracted... Hee.
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Have a great week! 
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