Saturday 9: Happy Holidays!

The Saturday 9  meme is hosted by Sam Winters. Nine questions posted every Saturday — sometimes random, sometimes with a theme. This week, Christmas is the theme and Sam has provided a photo from her past....

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether — either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I liked talking to Santa every year. I would wait in line for hours at one of the big downtown department stores. I think I did it until I was nearly adolescent. Can't prove it, though — there are no photos of me on Santa's lap.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

I've been pretty good this year. I think I'd definitely make Santa's "Nice" list. Actually, I'm too arthritic to be very naughty. 

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

We shipped a gift to family in Florida. Wish we could have delivered it in person.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

This year the hubby and I decided to give ourselves a new big-screen TV for Christmas. Haven't bought it yet (Hubs is still doing his "research"), so it'll be a late gift. Also got ourselves some fitness trackers — an Apple watch for M, a Fitbit for me. 

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?

We're a little behind schedule in our Christmas movie watching this year. (Too many Spurs games to watch.) I'm not a huge fan of holiday movies, but M loves them. He has a long, long list of Christmas movies he likes to watch EVERY year. I like some of them more than others. I guess my favorite of the newer movies is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Of the oldies, I like The Bishop's Wife and Christmas in Connecticut and White Christmas. And even though I see it as more of a horror movie than a holiday movie, I have to see It's a Wonderful Life every year. 

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

I think so, but not in many years. When we were dating (back in the Pleistocene Era) we used to go to the movies on most holidays. 

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?

No. Most of the company Christmas parties I attended were pretty tame. Not much of an opportunity for embarrassing moments. Fortunately. 

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

Starbucks soy cappuccino.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

Last Christmas the Hubs and I both had the flu. Not a Christmas I want to remember. So far, we're both well this year. And I'm really hoping that continues.

Happy Saturday, everyone!

And Happy Holidays!

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(Almost) Wordless on (Almost) Wednesday

Yesterday at lunch. Kept finding little heart-shaped onion slices in my Pho Tom. Cute.

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Saturday 9: Call Me (Montez, not Blondie)

The Saturday 9  meme is hosted by Sam Winters. Nine questions posted every Saturday — sometimes random, sometimes with a theme. This week, the theme is...

"Call Me" (1965)
by Chris Montez

Listen to it HERE.

1. Chris Montez sings that you can always call him, regardless of the hour. Do you believe that it's ever too late to phone someone?

Depends on who's calling and why. I'm usually not comfortable calling anyone after about 8pm unless it's really an emergency. If it's someone calling me — well, I guess the same rule applies. But there are people who can definitely call me at any hour if they need to. (Lookin' at you, Lissy-Lou. Hey I'm a poet!) 

2. He insists that you can depend on him, even when your friends desert you. Who is someone you can trust to have your back, no matter what?

My husband. The most dependable person I've ever known. 

3. Billy Crystal serenades Meg Ryan — via answering machine — with "Call Me" in When Harry Met Sally. Answering machines have been replaced by voice mail. Who most recently left you a voice mail?

Hmmm. Probably CVS letting us know a prescription was ready to be picked up. Or one of those robots telling me that I qualify for much lower rates on something. See how exciting my life is?

4. Chris Montez is a graduate of El Camino College in Torrance, California. The average daytime temperature in November in Torrance is 70º. How is the weather where you are today?

Sunny and warmer than it's been the last few days (writing this on Thursday morning). I think it's supposed to be in the 70s here today, too. The hubby is actually outside right now, tidying the yard a bit. The red cedar is keeping me indoors. 

5. Today Chris actively promotes a healthy lifestyle to children. He was honored for his efforts by the group SOPA (Stop Obesity, Promote Activity). Do you believe you get enough exercise?   

Not really. I do try to exercise everyday, but I could probably use more. We recently bought a new treadmill and I'm trying to use it more. Treadmill walking is boring, but much better than walking outside when it's cold or rainy.

6. Released in late 1965, "Call Me" became a big hit in 1966, reaching #2 on the charts. Even though it sold millions of copies and was certified as a Gold Record, it never hit #1. Is winning, or being the best, important to you?

Sometimes. However, I've never been hugely competitive. If I really care about something, I'll make a big effort, but it has to be really important.

7. In 1966, when this was playing on juke boxes, kids were watching Batman and Star Trek. If you had your choice of watching an episode right now, which would you choose: Star Trek or Batman?

Definitely Star Trek (I've always been a Trekkie).  

But I used to enjoy the old Batman TV show, too. Haven't seen any of the Batman movies because I don't want to spoil my memories of Adam West as the kitschy super hero.  

8. Also in 1966, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was born. Do you enjoy cooking?

Hate it. Never have liked cooking and never have been any good at it. One goes with the other, I guess. Love to watch other people cook, though. 

9. Random question — You have the opportunity to perform in the circus! Would you rather be shot from a cannon, or put your head in the lion's mouth?

Those are my only choices? I guess I'd pick the cannon since big cats are pretty terrifying. (Remember Roy Horn and the tiger?) But I'd much rather perform on the high wire or trapeze. As a kid, I thought I'd like to join the circus when I grew up. I used to climb up and walk around on the top bar of my swing set in the backyard. Drove my mother crazy, but I was really good at it. And lucky — never broke a bone and I'm still alive to tell the tale. 

Happy Saturday, everyone!
Live long and prosper.

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