Sunday Stealing -- Senior Life

 

Join us here--you know you want to.

1. What is the farthest you have ever traveled? 

From Santa Fe, NM to Anchorage, AK (round trip), the first half via the “poor man’s cruise”, otherwise known as the Alaska Marine Highway System, or "the ferry"  I drove from Santa Fe to Bellingham, WA, where I picked up the ferry.  Here's the ship I sailed on, the MV Matanuska:

Then, a 4 day trip up the Inside Passage to Haines, AK.  I had a small cabin of my own, ate in the onboard cafeteria, and enjoyed the same sights that the cruise ship passengers enjoyed (including Glacier Bay!) for a fraction of the price, and I had my car when I got there.  From Haines, I drove to Anchorage.  Got my stuff, and turned around and drove the Alaska Highway home.  It was quite a trip.

2. Who did you date while in high school?

My first husband.  We divorced about 4 years later.  Stupid to get married so young.

3. What is one of the worst trips you've ever taken? What went wrong?

Moving my Mom out here.  Nothing really went WRONG per se, but we were both mentally and emotionally exhausted after downsizing and packing up her home of 20 years.  She was so tired (she’s 80), so I drove pretty much the entire way from Aiken SC to Albuquerque.  Memphis was a traffic nightmare.  There were high points (we got to spend time with my Uncle, her older brother, his wife, and my only cousin), but we were both oh so very tired.  It took us both about a month, no lie, to recover.  Here's a pic of Mom and The Big Texan, in Amarillo.  This was our last day of driving.

4. How do you like to spend a lazy day?  

Reading, surfing the internet, and watching movies.  With a lunch out someplace in there.

5. How old were you when you found out that JFK had been assassinated? How did it affect you?  

I was only 1 year old when he was killed.  I don’t think I really knew about it until junior high, when I had to write a paper on it.  I really identified with his policies, the space race, and the fact that he was from Massachusetts (where I was born), so I remember feeling so sad at what we lost.

6. Who has been one of the most important people in your life?  

My father.  In lots of negative AND positive ways.  He was a physically and emotionally abused child who lost his father to suicide at age 4.  He was hard on himself, us, and others.  He was an alcoholic for a lot of my life, until cancer took away his enjoyment of drinking.  He was immensely lovable, and easy to dislike too.  He was a bully who was incredibly generous to everyone.  He bailed me out of financial scrapes without batting an eyelash and never judged me.  He was brilliant.  He was a racist and a Trumper.  He gave me and my brother a work ethic that we can’t escape, and we’ve never even tried, because we firmly believe that to make money is SUCCESS.  He was terrified to die, and I feel blessed, both as a nurse, and as his daughter, to have eased him into his death and held his hand through it.  I loved him so much, and in some ways, am very much like him.  I like to think I’ve escaped the worst of him and kept the best parts.  The world is a little less colorful without him in it, and going on two years now, I miss him every day. 

7. What is one trait you would most like to improve in yourself?

My perfectionism.  It is a millstone around my neck and keeps me from enjoying life’s imperfections.  Having a new mental health provider who understands OCD is helping.  I hope I get there. 

8. Did you date someone in college?

Hahahahaha.  I am laughing, because I was married when I should have BEEN in college.  Fortunately, I saw the light, and later went to college.  I was married at the time, to the second husband, but I did graduate.  I managed to FINALLY get my Bachelor’s in Nursing when married to hubs, and got two Master’s degrees to boot.  Guess it worked out.

9. What was your dream car?

I’d love to have another Suburu Outback, but my little Hyundai Tucson will have to do.

10. Did you have a family member you wish you'd gotten to know better?

Oh yeahhhh.  I wish I knew my daughter beyond Instagram and Facebook and random texts.  I messed that one up big time, and am blessed to have what I do. 

11. Tell me about your greatest gardening success.  

There are no gardening successes in my life.

12. What was your Dad like when you were a child?  

See number 6.  It’s pretty much all there.

13. What is the best job you've ever had?

A three-way tie between charge RN in an ICU in Alaska, RN Circulator in Santa Fe NM, and the job I have now (Utilization Review Analyst for a hospital system)

14. What are your favorite songs?

Who by Caitlin Canty make the hair stand up on the back of my neck.  I love the tune and the lyrics, and her beautiful voice.

15. If you could choose any talents to have, what would they be?

The ones I have—critical thinking, laser focus, and the ability to multi-task.  There’s that work ethic again….

Saturday 9 -- Bills, Bills, Bills

 

Join us here.

BILLS, BILLS, BILLS (1999)

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

1) This song is about a cheating boyfriend. Unlike most songs, where the lover deceives by seeing another, this one squanders his girl's financial resources. She sings that he's ruined her credit. Do you know your credit score?  

Yep.  I’ve worked really, really hard since 2008 to improve it.  Coming back from a bankruptcy and a foreclosure is AWFUL, but I did it, all the way to the magical 800+.  Never again.

2) How often do you pay your bills? Do you handle them as they come in, or do you pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly? Or are you lucky enough to have someone else handle your bills?  

I pay them every other Friday, when I get paid.  It’s the first thing I do when I get up.  I keep track of everything on an excel spreadsheet.

3) Destiny's Child had a hit with "Bills, Bills, Bills." This girl group got their start in Houston, TX. During the recent, bruising storm, lead singer Beyonce sent food, money and water to her home state. Have you spent much time in the Lone Star State?  

I lived in Abilene for a 6 month period back in the dark ages.  Hated it.  I’ve been to see my aunt and uncle in north Texas, and my cousin in central Texas.  I spent one long summer before I moved here working in Dallas.  I’m not overly fond of the state in general, but I would like to visit San Antonio someday.  The whole cowboy, gun, redder than red culture just doesn’t jibe with my values.  Fortunately, my family doesn’t hold with it, so yay for that!

4) Beyonce is the breakout star of the group and went on to have a highly successful solo career. Can you think of another star who began his/her career as the member of a group?  

Weren’t Brittany Spears and Justin Timberlake part of the Mickey Mouse Club at one point?  I’d call that a group.

5) "Bills, Bills, Bills" was performed a cappella by the kids on Glee. That Fox show ran for six seasons. Were you a fan?   

I’ve never seen it.  If it’s a laugh track comedy, that’s why.  Not a fan (although, I will allow the classics—MASH, for example).  My idea of a great comedy is Kim's Convenience, on Netflix.  Funny as hell, and no-one is telling me where to laugh.

6) In 1999, when this song was on the charts, SpongeBob SquarePants premiered. The show remains popular among the younger set. Have you ever seen it?  Maybe once?  

Not a fan.

7) SpongeBob has become an industry, spawning movies, a Broadway musical, video games and both coloring and comic books. Once considered children's amusements, today coloring and comic books enjoy a following among adults. Have you recently enjoyed coloring or reading a comic book?  

I loved the creepy comic books when I was a kid, and got into the coloring phase for a while.  My OCD killed that one though—being a perfectionist and coloring do NOT go together, at least for me.  It made it more stressful than relaxing.

8) Also in 1999, Walmart expanded to the United Kingdom. Do you shop at Walmart?  

Not if there’s any other place to get what I need.  I’m more of a Albertson’s Market for groceries, Target, Lowe’s person.  I’d rather make 4 stops than step foot in a Wal-Mart.  I disagree with their employment policies, and their prices aren’t any better than the other places I shop—in fact, for some products, Wal-Mart is more expensive, and the quality is terrible.

9) Random question -- We've all met people who aren't exactly as they present themselves. Are you good at spotting a phony?  

I don’t have an answer for that.  The obvious ones yes—I’m not very trusting, especially of people I don’t know.  I pretty much think every stranger is trying to scam me in some way.  But that doesn’t mean I can “spot” a phony.

Five on Friday

 1.  I have officially given up on the February Blogging Challenge.  I'm not good at blogging every day, and it was stressing me out, which is the exact opposite of what blogging is supposed to do, in my mind.

2.  Getting my crown today, huzzah!  I hate the dentist, but I hate having busted teeth more, so off I go.  Not having fluoridated water growing up really made a difference in my teeth.  I have had several very large fillings from my teen years fail in the last couple of years, so this is my 4th crown.  I have lost two molars--one failed root canal (also a failed large filling), and one cracked tooth (another failed filling).  I wish I could afford implants, but you can't see they are missing, so screw it.  

3.  After the dentist, Mom and I are off to Uptown Albuquerque to do some shopping.  We both really like Talbots, and Mom likes J. Jill, so there we shall go.  We're going to get dumplings for lunch at Pop-Up Dumpling House at Ta Lin Market.  Mom is feeling adventurous!

4.  Hubs is not, however.  The spectre of trailing along behind 2 women shopping freaked him out, and he begged off.  I shall bring him dumplings as a consolation prize.

5.  I love my new-ish schedule.  Working Sunday through Thursday is so nice.  Sundays, I'm able to work the hours I want, so I get up at 4am and am done by noon.  Makes it feel like I have a 3 day weekend every weekend.

Bonus--I am starting to plan my vacation in June.  Mom and I are going to Boston, Massachusetts.  We are also going to spend a couple of days in Plymouth.  My Mom emigrated to Carver, Mass when she was a tween, and my Dad grew up in Hanover, Mass.  We are going to see the sights, go whale watching, eat clams, lobster, and drive around Mom and Dad's old haunts.  Mom promises me that we shall go see the Dairy Queen where they met (Mom was working there in high school).  We'll also spend a day hanging out with Mom's sister and her husband.  Not looking forward to the flight, but travel is cheap right now, and we've both been vaccinated, so yay for that!

Sunday Stealing - Coronavirus Questions

 

Join us here.

In the past year have you–

1. Gone without a bra (Plastic Mancunian & Bud may skip this one!)  Damn right.  I hate the things, I’m not about to wear one in my own house (unless I have company, of course, I do have limits).  Although, to be fair, I've found a really nice comfy bra that I don't mind wearing.   

2. Skipped making your bed.  Pretty much every day.  Again, unless the aforementioned company comes over.  But this isn't new--I never saw the point.  

3. Ordered groceries to be delivered.  We’ve ordered for pickup, but not delivery.

4. Cooked a real meal.  Yep.  More than one, in fact.  When we heard our state was going to be locked down, we planned a 30 day menu (hahahahahah, 30 days, and here it is a year), went to the store, and cooked and vacuum-sealed the whole next day.  The pandemic kicked my hubs childhood food insecurities into high gear.  Both freezers are full, and the pantry is stocked.  

5. Spent the day in pajamas?  Joyfully.  I work in jammies until noon, when I take a bath and a 20 minute nap.  I get up, and put comfy clothes on, and work until my day is over.  Take a walk with the pup, and back in the jammies.  I own a lot of jammies.  But these comfy pants are just as nice.

6. Skipped shaving your legs.  Nope, this is not possible—I just can’t do it.

7. Spent hours on Instagram or Pinterest.  Not hours.  But more than in the past.

8. Eaten in a restaurant.  Only when Mom and I were traveling cross-country, and then it was super uncomfortable.   Otherwise, we get take out.  I can’t wait until spring, when we can start picnicking again.

9. Skipped washing your hair.  No.  Still on the same schedule with that. 

10. Not folded the laundry.  No, really can’t get out of this one.

11. Worked a puzzle.  Nope, but we have played a lot of dice and card games.

12. Had Zoom calls.  Thankfully, no.  We did go permanently remote, but our hospital system doesn’t require video on our meetings. 

13. Written letters.  Nope, just a card or two.

14. Binge watched a TV show.  Yes, many.  But that was a normal thing for us before the pandemic, too.

15.Gone barefoot.  Yep, when it was warmer. 

Currently.... and February Blogging Challenge--Day 20

A two-fer!

Currently....

I am...

Reading:  One of my all-time favorite books, by an all-time favorite author.  A Song for Arbonne, by Guy Gavriel Kay

Listening to:  Ellie purring next to me.

Loving:  taking a break from school.  I am one class away from by MBA, and economics about killed me.  So it’s been nice to have a little break.  Back at it for the final push on March 1.

Thinking:  about what a nice afternoon we had yesterday.  It was a gorgeous day, 50 and sunny, so long-sleeve, no-jacket weather.  Mom came over, we took a nice walk up the arroyo with Maddie, and she stayed for dinner.  Hubs made his famous Salisbury steak, and I made mashed potatoes.  We made plans for a shopping trip next week.  It was relaxing and fun.

Feeling:  relaxed.  I love sitting on the couch in my office, dog on one side, cat on the other.  Cozy.

Celebrating:  Our 16^th anniversary and Valentines was last week.  Hubs got me 10 goofy stuffed animals.  TEN!  Go big or go home, that’s my husband.

Grateful for:  EVERYTHING

Weather:  Weatherbug says high of 55 (!!) today.  I’m so excited to go to my volunteer orientation at Watermelon Mountain Ranch, our local no-kill shelter.  It’ll be a perfect day for dog walking in the desert.  I need to remember my hat….

Enjoying:  Re-watching Chopped.  I don’t know why I love that show so much, but I do.  I’ve seen every episode at least twice.  I just never get tired of it.

A quote I want to share:   If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them. –Isaac Asimov

Day 20 – What do you need today?  (not what do you need TO DO).  What is one way you can give yourself some extra care today?

I need to spend some time by myself today.  Hubs and I both working at home means we both need "me time" and mine is today.

Saturday 9--Cry

Saturday 9: Cry (1952)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Johnnie Ray assures us we'll feel better if we cry. Do you agree?

Crying does not make me feel better.  If I’m so miserable or angry that I’m crying, there are bigger issues under there that can’t be solved by crying. 

2) He also mentions waking from a dream, believing it was real. Has that ever happened to you?

Sometimes.  I don’t usually remember my dreams, but the other day I woke up dreaming that I had to call “Laura Craig”.  I have no clue who that is, or why this particular name was in my dream, and it was so disconcerting that I STILL remember that darn name.  So weird.

3) Because this record was such a massive hit, Johnnie Ray was nicknamed "The Prince of Wails." Without looking it up, do you know who is currently the Prince of Wales?

Charles, forever, it appears.  That is one long-lived family.

4) To cash in on the success of this single, 20th Century Fox cast Johnnie Ray in a big-budget musical, There's No Business Like Show Business. Today it's best remembered as a Marilyn Monroe movie. Have you seen many of Marilyn's films?

Don’t hate on me, but I’ve never seen any Marilyn films.  I don’t particularly care for old movies.

 5) After graduating from high school, Johnnie worked at low-paying jobs, including bus boy and soda jerk. He found he made better tips when he began playing piano in restaurants. Have you ever worked for tips?

Nope, never have.  My mom made me take a clerk-typist class in high school as a “backup plan”.  When I got married and skipped college at 18, it became THE plan.  Stood me well, too, until I went to nursing school at 26.  Thanks, Mom!

6) In 1969, Johnnie was in the news a lot again because he performed with Judy Garland during her European tour and was best man at her wedding to Mickey Deans. Tell us what you wore to the most recent wedding you attended.

The last wedding I attended was my own, 16 years ago yesterday.  I have not a clue what I was wearing.  We got married at the courthouse.

7) In 1952, when this song was a hit, Mr. Potato Head made his debut. It was the first toy advertised on television. What TV commercial have you seen recently?

We stream, and pay to not have commercials.  So I can’t say I’ve seen a commercial recently.  Worth it.

8) Also in 1952, chlorophyll was all the rage for banishing bad breath. Colgate led the way by adding it to their toothpaste. Do you use gum, mints, mouthwash, or breath strips?

I like gum, but have had to stop chewing it while my temporary crown is in. 

9) Random question -- Congratulations! You won a free three night/two day weekend for two in Las Vegas! The weather is predicted to be sunny and 65º each day you're there. It's 12:00 noon on your first day. Are we most likely to find you: a) gambling in the casino or b) having breakfast in bed or c) outside, enjoying the sun and the sights?

Outside, definitely.  I can’t sleep past 6 on any day, ever.  I don’t gamble, and get seriously overwhelmed by casinos.  Sensory overload.  Give me the sights any day.

February Blogging Challenge Catchup--Days 12-19

 

Find the prompts here

Well, I sorta fell down on the blogging challenge.  This has been a crazy week.  Anyhow, here's the catchup.

12.  Who makes you feel envious?  What do they have/what are they doing that makes you feel that way?  What do you think that means?

Right now, at this point in my life, I’m not envious of anyone.  I feel incredibly grateful for what I have, who I’ve become, and for my life in general.

13.  What is something that you loved doing when you were younger but don’t do anymore?  Why did you stop doing it?

I rode and showed horses from childhood through my mid-20s.  I stopped, because without property of my own, it became a very expensive hobby. 

14.  How do you show others love?  What do others do that makes you feel loved?

Hugs, telling people I love them, being there when they need something, offering to help with whatever.  The same things make me feel loved and special. 

15.  What is something other people think is fun that you would NEVER do?  Why not?  What would happen if you did it?

Zip lining.  It just looks terrifying.  I’d probably survive, and have to go change my pants.

16.  What is the first thing you do every day?  What’s the last thing?  How do these things make you feel?

First thing, take my meds.  Last thing, take my meds.  I feel healthy and happy.  Worth it.

17.  I’m embarrassed to tell anyone this but….

I don’t have any friends.  As in face to face  friends, other than my hubs and my mom.  I feel lonely sometimes.

18.  What are you proud of for yourself today?  Why?

I signed up to volunteer at Watermelon Mountain Ranch.  It is the largest no-kill shelter in New Mexico, and we’ve helped support them financially since we moved here.  Our Maddie is a Watermelon alumnus.  I decided with school coming to an end soon, that it was time to give of myself personally.  So, I’ll be going to the ranch (which is pretty close to where I live) once a week to walk doggos and pet kitties.  Sounds fun!!

19.  What are the most important characteristics in a friend?  Do you have those qualities?

Being there for another person.  I don’t always have those qualities, which is probably why I have no friends.  Sometimes I don’t have enough spoons for myself (see The Spoon Theory), much less anyone else.  Mom and hubs understand this, and I can just let them know that.  I worry that friends wouldn’t understand.

Comfort Food--Green Chile Chicken Stacked Enchilada Casserole

It's been freakin' cold up in here, my friends.  More than usual.  More snow than usual.  Which always makes me want soups, stews, casseroles, and spice.  Soooooo.....

To that end, I had a craving for green chile chicken enchiladas.  Traditionally, they are served stacked in this part of New Mexico, not rolled.  We still had some green chile from last year, so I went on a hunt for a recipe.  Found one, and adapted it to what I like.  Here you go.....it was DELISH!!

New Mexican Green Chile Chicken Stacked Enchilada Casserole

INGREDIENTS

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2/3 c. chopped mushrooms

1 small can golden cream of mushroom soup

1 small can Cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1-1/2 Cups medium hot green chile, chopped (if you don’t live in NM, and can’t easily get green chile, try Young Guns brand Hatch Green Chile, can be found on Amazon.  Another great source for all things food and New Mexico is www.chilemonster.com).  If you're not a fan of the hotness, use mild green chile, but keep it Hatch people...it's the best!

2 Cups Chicken broth

2 large chicken breasts cooked, shredded (I used my instant pot to pressure cook them, however, you could shred a rotisserie chicken, boil them, or saute.  Your choice, just so long as they are cooked)

Salt and pepper to taste

12 corn tortillas 

Mexican 4 cheese mix for layering and topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Saute the mushrooms and chopped onions over medium heat until onions are translucent.  Add garlic and green chile, saute for 2-3 more minutes.  Reduce to medium low, add soups, sour cream, chicken broth, stir until smooth and simmering.  Add shredded chicken, stir until well incorporated.  I use 5 x 7 aluminum disposable pans (so I can give a pan to my Mom).  Slice approximately 1 inch off opposite sides of tortillas (tortillas will fit better in the pan).  Cover bottom of pan with soup/chicken mixture, then tortillas, then soup mixture, then tortillas, then cheese.  Place a second layer of tortilla, soup mixture, and top with cheese.  Cover with foil that’s been lightly sprayed with Pam on the back (so the cheese won’t stick).  Bake 35 minutes at 350 or until internal temperature reaches 165.  Remove foil for last 5-10 minutes.  This makes three 5 x 7 pans, each with 2 GINORMOUS (or 4 normal) servings.  Can be frozen and cooked from frozen for 60 minutes at 350 or until internal temp reaches 165, remove foil last 5-10 minutes.  Serve with pinto beans or salad.  Can also be garnished with pico de gallo and cotija cheese. 

I adapted this from https://the2spoons.com/new-mexico-green-chile-chicken-casserole/

Samantha's Saturday 9--My Valentine

Saturday 9: My Valentine (2011)

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

1) Paul McCartney sings that he won't let a day go by without remembering why he loves his valentine. What blessings are you thankful for today?

So many.  My husband.  My family.  My animal kids.  My relationship with my daughter.  My job.  Not getting COVID.  And on and on….

2) Paul directed the video of Natalie Portman translating his song into American Sign Language (ASL), which is the third most commonly-used language in both the United States and Canada. British Sign Language (BSL), commonly used in EU countries, is very different. Do you find it easy to learn new languages?

Nope.  It’s VERY hard.  I know enough New Mexican Spanglish to get by, but just barely.  That’s it.

3) The song is on Paul's Kisses on the Bottom CD, for which he won one of his 18 Grammy Awards. What compliment or accolade have you recently received?

My mentee telling me I’m the best mentor she’s ever had, and that I’m a wonderful educator.  That was good to hear.

4) Paul is an honorary NYPD detective. He was given this designation for performing a charity concert after 9/11. Do you know anyone in law enforcement?

Nope.

5) Bob Dylan has said of Paul, "I'm in awe of McCartney. He's about the only one I'm in awe of. He can do it all. He never lets up. He's just so effortless." Tell us about someone whose talent you admire.

My cousin, Marica, is an amazing artist.  Her animal portraits just blow me away.

This is the last Saturday  9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14?

Steak and potatoes.  Got a nice fat ribeye for me and a NY strip for hubs.  I’m going to make my world-famous (lol) Yukon gold mash.

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?

Hubs.

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent?

My Mom.

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

Don’t really have a favorite flower, I’ve never been a flower person so much.  I do love trumpet vine though—you see it spilling over walls here, it’s just so gorgeous.  We had it in the backyard of the first house we had here.

February Blogging Challenge -- Day 11

Prompts R Us

11.  What have you been most worried about lately?  Is it realistic to worry about it?  Is there anything you can do about it?  It's a tie between COVID and money.  The first is a totally realistic worry, given .... well, COVID.  Even though I've been blessed to have received the vaccine (thank you work!), I still worry.  Money--no, not so realistic to worry.  I am blessed to have a good salary that supports me and my full-time-student hubs very comfortably, and I got my butt out of debt last summer (thank you COVID, interest rates, housing market, etc).  I still worry.  I worry that I won't have enough to retire, because I didn't get my savings act together until late in my career.  Anything I can do about it?  Not until hubs graduates and goes to work.  I put as much in my 401K as I can humanly afford and not be miserable, I get the full match from my company, and I have an emergency fund.  So I guess I'm OK.  But, I'm a worrier, so I worry.

I'm so damn grateful for what I have.  I've been down, and this is FAR preferable.

February Blogging Challenge - Day 10

 

You know you want to...find it here

10.  Make a list of everything you'd like to (EVERYONE to) say Yes to.  

February Blogging Challenge -- Day 9

 

Get your red-hot prompts here!

9.  Make a list of everything you'd like to say No to.   Everything?!  Dang, that's a lot.  In no particular order:

Just say NO to:

The Pandemic

Hatred

Racism

Classism

Trumpism

Isms in general

Stigma

Regret

Lima Beans

Menudo

Harrassment

War

Underwired Bras

Prog Rock

Dystopia (OMG, soooo sick of this)

Anti-maskers

Chicken livers (innards in general)

Uncomfortable shoes

Fat-shaming

Shaming of all kinds for that matter

I could go on and on....but I'll stop.  You get the drift, I'm sure.

February Blogging Challenge--Day 8

 

Get your prompts here

8.  I feel most tired when... my depression rears its ugly head.  It is the most godawful feeling--not only am I depressed, I feel like my feet are stick in cement and every little twitch of my finger, attempt to do a thing, whatever, is EXHAUSTING.  Literally sucks the life out of me.  

February Blogging Challenge--Day 7

 

Find the daily prompts here

7.  I feel the most energized when...... I'm passionate about something.  Like REALLY into it.  It's a good feeling.

Sunday Stealing--January, Part 2

 

Join us here.  

1.  Can you eat with chopsticks?  Yes.  I learned as an adult.  I like using them, especially for eating noodles.  Somehow, it is much easier to eat noodles with them than with a fork.  Go figure. 

2.  Could you tell real money from counterfeit?  I don’t know.  I rarely carry cash, mainly use a debit card.

3.  What do you think about school uniforms?  I like the idea, even though we didn’t have them when I was in school.  I think it puts kids on an equal footing and takes away the teasing that can come with someone wearing name brand and others wearing home made or hand me down (says the girl whose Mom made her clothes for the entire 12 years of school).

4.  What ancient civilization would you most like to visit?  Egypt.  During the time of Hatshepsut would be a bonus.  She was absolutely fascinating.  A great book is Child of the Morning, by Pauline Gedge.  

5.  What would make a great new Crayola color?  N95 green.  Hah.  If you’ve ever seen or worn a 3M N95, they are this particular shade of green.  I have worn WAY too many of these in my lifetime, although, oddly, not during the pandemic.  Back in my ICU nurse days.....these things have been around a while.  The last time I wore one was to fly home to move Mom out here.  Took two days for the imprint to come out of my face, but I felt protected.

6.  If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art?  I don’t think so.  I mean, to me, if YOU think it’s art, it’s art.  Why should someone else have the say-so over something YOU created.  Hell, paint-by-numbers is art, if YOU think it is.  

7.  What do you get in trouble for the most?  Opening my mouth before engaging my brain.

8. Do you blow your nose in public?  If it’s running, yeah.  With tissue, appropriately socially distanced. 

9.  If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go?  I refuse to answer any economics questions!  (I just finished a global economics class and am OVER it).

10.  Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child?  Not even a little bit. 

11.  Who knows more...you, or your parents?  Me.  Mom is a smart cookie, but technology is getting away from her.  Wisdom—now she’s got me beat in that department.

12.  What instrument would you like to be famous for playing?  Mandolin.  But I can’t do a damn thing other than typing that requires both hands to be doing something different.

13.  Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars?  Wasn't there a movie on this subject?

14.  Are you completely in control of your body?  Nope.  My brain flakes out on occasion. 

15.  What is the coolest web site you know of?  I really like Atlas Obscura.

Saturday 9--Waiting for Tonight

Saturday 9: Waiting for Tonight (1999) 

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

1) In this song, Jennifer Lopez anticipates a night of unbridled passion with the love of her life. What are you waiting for tonight? (No pressure; it doesn't have to be as thrilling as hers.)

Nothing special really.  It’s supposed to be 50 and sunny this afternoon, so I’m looking forward to a lovely walk up the arroyo with Maddie and Hubs.

2) She sings that she's glad she's beyond those nights that found her tossing and turning alone in her bed. Did you enjoy restful sleep last night?

Not so much.  I have sciatica issues from a damaged right sacro-iliac joint, and it flared up yesterday so I had nerve pain from my rear to my heel all day.  I did my stretches and all, but nerve pain just sucks.  Hopefully it will ease off today. 

3) Whatever Jennifer has planned for tonight, it won't include alcohol. She never drinks liquor. What's the last adult beverage you enjoyed?

I can’t even remember, it’s been so long.  Not a thing I indulge in.

4) Ms. Lopez performed "Waiting for Tonight" during last year's Super Bowl halftime show. Will you be watching The Big Game this weekend?

Nope, not a sports fan.  Might watch the Puppy Bowl, though 😊

5) Speaking of this weekend, The Weeknd will headline the Super Bowl 2021 halftime show. Are you a fan of his?

Have no clue WHO he is, so I guess not.

6) Super Bowl Sunday is the #1 day for guacamole consumption in the US. When did you most recently eat something with avocado in it?

A super BLT at Which Wich.  Which reminds me, I’ve got enough points for a free sandwich, so that’s where I’m headed today for lunch!

7) Chicken wings are a popular Super Bowl dish, too. When did you most recently eat chicken? How was it prepared?

Hubs grills me a chicken breast every Sunday.  I use it for part of my lunch salad every day.  Speaking of lunch salad, need to go by the store and get some cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta for my salad.  Good thing there’s a Sprouts Market right by the Which Wich!

8) This year, fast food chain Chipotle will run their first-ever Super Bowl ad. Do you pay closer attention to commercials during the Super Bowl?

Nope, because I don’t watch it.  We don’t even HAVE broadcast anymore.  We cut the cord a couple of years ago, and last month realized we hadn’t watched a single broadcast show in months, so we got rid of Hulu Plus and just hung on to Hulu.  Saved us a chunk of change!  Currently, we stream via out TCL (Roku) TV, and subscribe to Hulu, Netflix, CBS All Access, and Amazon Prime.  Plenty to watch.  We’ll probably cancel CBS All Access when we’re done watching Star Trek: Discovery. 

9) Random question: Are you more likely to pretend to be more naive than you really are, or more sophisticated?

Probably more sophisticated.  I don’t like being seen as naïve.

February Daily Blogging

Huzzah, I passed Global Economics!  And my next term doesn't start until March 1.  I'm freeeeeeeee!  At least for the next 3 weeks.  So, time for some blogging.  Thanks to Kwizgiver for the prompts.  You can find them here.

Click here for prompts

So, I've got some catching up to do.  Here we go....

1.  What was the highlight of the last month?  Without a doubt, the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.  And the selection of Deb Haaland for Interior.  Those three things made my month. I finally unclenched after 4 very long years. 

2.  What are you looking forward to this month?  Being free of school and reading for pleasure.  I swore to my mentor that I would complete Econ in the first week of this month so I could have some time off before I start the Capstone (the final course in my MBA program).  I have already read one book, and have started the second.  Reading for pleasure has been really hard during the last year, and I seem to have got my mojo back.

3.  What is a common misconception people have about you?  What do you wish they knew?  That I have everything under control all the time.  It would be nice to be the one who just skates by sometimes.  I know that this is my fault......

4.  If you had a theme song, what would it be?  Rise Up, by Andra Day

5.  What is your favorite time of day?  I love mornings.  I get up pretty early, and I love it when all the animals and the hubs is still sleeping.  It's MY time, with no interruptions.  

6.  What is one thing you've always wanted to try that you haven't yet?  I've always wanted to try my hand at making pottery.  After school is over, I might just pursue that.  Someone at work was telling me about a studio that offers classes....