Was today typical?
Nope. I don’t typically watch split screen sports (or really any sports), but the Paris venues are winning me over. Women’s water polo (USA v Spain) and fencing (USA v Italy) are currently underway.
Oh, the drama of fencing in the Grand Palais!
How would you describe yourself to someone?
I walked into a newly-energized gathering of Democratic activists yesterday and a man said, “Mary, I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been thinking about how much you look like her all week.” Then he called me over to sit near him. He was so excited I was there. It was almost like he transferred his happiness about Kamala onto me for a couple of hours. I was flattered.
The fact is, we don’t look that much alike, but she will most certainly be MY president. (Fingers and toes crossed.) We are both 59. She was born in the fall of 1964 and I was born in the spring of 1965. Like the Obamas, she’s culturally, if not technically, GenX.
I did see a bit of myself in this picture of her from the eighties. It’s not just the slight physical resemblance and the very 80s haircut. It’s the look on her face. We were young women going through the same period of history at exactly the same age. It wasn’t always easy.
She says she’s 5’ 7.5” in heels. I’m 5’ 8” barefoot. So I guess I’ll wear flats (Chuck Taylors), if I dress up as her for Halloween. At least I know one person who will love my costume.
If you could bring back one dinosaur, which one would it be?
“Girl Dads” get a lot of coverage in the media lately. Giant men having tea parties and whatnot…
Well, my son is grown now, but I was a pretty darn good Boy Mom for many years. (I was a Girl Mom too, but I don’t think that’s a thing…that’s just a regular mom. Don’t ask me why.)
One thing we Boy Moms know about is dinosaurs. I don’t know why most boys love dinosaurs, but they do.
The largest and best dinosaur was obviously the Tyrannosaurus rex. That’s the one I’d bring back if I could because it would make so many little boys happy and that would be worth the occasional unfortunate incident with someone’s German Shepherd.
I’m excited—and nervous—for the Olympics Opening Ceremony today at 1:30pm (EST).
They were very busy getting ready when we were there in December.
They are planning the first ever outdoor ceremony. The 7,000+ athletes are going to parade in on boats floating down the Seine. I can’t even imagine the logistics involved in planning something like that in a city as old and iconic as Paris. From the weather to security, there are so many things that could go wrong. And I’ve just read that there has been a malicious arson attack on several railway lines there. I hope all the performers are still able to get to their spots.
But if they can pull it off, I think it’s going to be next-level!
Godspeed Paris. The world is with you. 🤞🏼🇫🇷 🌎
What’s the story behind your nickname?
I wasn’t going to respond to this prompt, but then thoughtful posts by Singing Gecko and Books by Asher got me thinking.
Growing up in the 70s, kids (mostly boys) were constantly coming up with cruel nicknames for classmates, usually other boys. However, girls were not always spared. A couple of boys decided to call me “Popeye” in 5th or 6th grade because of my large eyes. I was so upset about it. I cried and cried. I think my mother finally intervened and spoke to a teacher (which was not her usual style), after the typical advice given to girls back then did not work: “They’re teasing you because they LIKE you” (worst advice ever!)
These memories made me think of the question Kamala Harris has been posing: What kind of a country do we want to be? It’s actually a great question.
Do we want to go back to the time when casual bullying, based on appearance/race/sexual orientation flowed like water from the tap? (If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, you know what I’m talking about.) Or do we want to live in a country where differences are celebrated and everyone feels included? DEI (short for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) should not be used as a slur. And it makes me sick that it’s being used that way against Harris.
I honestly think the cruelty is the point with Trump and his followers.
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
I like to swim in the ocean, whenever I can. I also like to walk on the beach.
I’ve mentioned my upcoming trip to several people and I keep getting the same warning: don’t get gored by a buffalo
My response: I will certainly try not to.
Any other tips would be appreciated.
This is definitely happening and I’m thrilled.
A pro-choice, Black, woman prosecutor is going to take down the convicted felon.
All hands on deck 🙌🏼
…is rice pudding. Baked with cinnamon on top, warm out of the oven, with just a bit of milk poured over the top to cool it off. It’s the single best thing to do with leftover rice. It’s also good cold for breakfast the next day. (It’s typically gone by 11am.)
Here is my Nana’s recipe. I believe she got it from her mother—my great grandmother Lottie (the German one).
Related:
What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?
Wordle 1,126 5/6
⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
⬜⬜🟨🟩🟩
🟨🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
I also like Bananagrams, which is sort of like speed Scrabble. And it comes in a fun, portable pouch shaped like a banana. 🍌
I guess I like the challenge of trying to remember words and how you spell them—part fun, part aging-brain exercise. I did not love Scrabble as a kid—too much like homework.
As a young kid, nothing beat Candy Land. Chutes and Ladders was good too. As I got older, I loved playing Clue with my friends.
Isn’t it funny that a game about gruesome murders was so popular and widely accepted by virtually all families? Miss Scarlet killed somebody in the library with a f****** wrench?? 🔧 🩸
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