Sunday, March 11, 2018

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. What’s the coolest item you’ve found at a garage sale, flea market, etc? I have picked up a number of sweaters that I really like: the black/white diamond patterned one, the brown v-neck, the green Izod, the purple and gray jersey, the royal blue cardigan with navy polka dots ...

2. Describe how your day went yesterday.
See post below.

3. Do you have issues with people entering your personal space? What do you do when your personal space is violated?
Oh, yes! I pout and scowl when anyone gets too close.

4. What is the one meal recipe you think you’ve mastered?
I throw a salmon filet on my little George Foreman, mix a salad while it's grilling, and then slather it with barbecue sauce. 


5.  If you could take back something you did to someone, what would it be? I did the same crappy thing to two different men, and I wish I could take it back. Years apart, I acted as though my voicemail was on the fritz to avoid going out with them. They both liked me too much too fast and it scared me. Naturally it was my right to back away. Still, there was a much better, more compassionate way to handle it.

6. Would you describe yourself as spiritual, religious, or something else?
I'm more spiritual than religious, but I am glad that I have a church to go to when I feel the need.

7. Did you ever receive detention in school? What sort of kid were you in school – bookworm, smart kid, troublemaker, quiet … etc.
Disaffected nerd.

8. When’s the last time you ran a mile? How often do you exercise?
I don't know that I've ever run a mile. I try to get to the gym twice a week. I make it once a week.

9. What would you say to your 16-year-old self, and why?
Mom is soooo wrong: these are not the best years of your life.


10. What are you avoiding?
I'm fighting the urge to go back to bed. The spring ahead shit hurts this morning.

11. Describe a “Hah! I told you so” moment you had recently.
Nothing springs to mind.

12. What’s more important, where you live or what you do for a living? Why?
It's so easier for me to make a living in advertising here in Chicago than it would in other major cities, so it's hard for me to separate the two.

13. Swear words: Are you pro or con? Why?
I don't give shit.

14. Paper or plastic? Do you prefer to pack your own groceries?
Canvas. No.

15. Do you have a shoe fetish? How often do you buy new shoes? Do you ever get rid of a pair of shoes?
No. I used to love buying shoes, but since my heel spurs 20+ years ago, I'm really limited on what I can wear. And when they wear out, I throw them out.


Good Saturday, Good Friends

I have decided to stop cocooning and get back out in the world! First I had dinner with Kathleen, then Barb, and last night I saw Joanna. While I kinda have to force myself to do get dressed and go out, I find it improves my mood.

Joanna and I met for an early tapas dinner at Valencia. I had empanada de buey (beef in pastry) and datiles con tocino (dates wrapped in bacon) and mango margarita. Joanna didn't have a drink with her tapas but she had dessert. It was good to catch up.

Our lives are surprisingly similar right now. At 65, she finds finances chaotic and she's unable to retire. She has a dog and cat she completely dotes on. She's had good girlfriends who have disappointed her. She has a mad crush on tennis' Roger Federer. The details are different, but in broadstrokes, our stories track.

She may have freelance work for me. I may have a job lead for her. But this was not a networking dinner. It was good food with with a good friend.

Then we saw To Be or Not to Be with our movie group. Only three people showed up with week: me, Joanna and a newbie named Penny. I didn't really like the move, but I love Carole Lombard. I love her look and the sound of her voice and the special way she delivers a funny line. This was her last movie (she was only 33 when she died) and here she is in her final onscreen credit. Gorgeous!

It was good to see Will, our moderator. I was surprised when he greeted me with a hug, but it made me happy. I was supportive of his search for a new venue for our little group, and I did make a memorial donation in his mother's memory. I think he appreciates that. But we never hugged before. It surprised me, and it was nice.