Water Cooler Wednesday's back!

This week's poser is taken from Bret Nicholaus and Paul Lowrie's delightful little book

In fact, I asked the same of our associates during last week's morning line-up:

"Can you identify something you tend to notice (or look for) that most others fail to see?"

* * *

"For instance?", you ask?

No matter where I go -- even when I don't need to 'go' -- I've got  to learn the location of the restrooms.  

One manager volunteered, "I always notice people's shoes."  (Made me wish I were sitting, so I could tuck my feet up under my butt.  lol!)

My assistant GM - a former firefighter/paramedic - is understandably aware of safety conditions.   A bit off-topic, but I found this bit of trivia fascinating:  K never stays in a hotel room higher than the 7th floor, because that's the limit how high fire engine ladders will reach.

How about you?

What's something you notice or look for, (you think) others fail to see?

Thanks for visiting WCW!

Hugs from Phoenix, 

Myra 

   

Jus' for Fun ...

... I'm in the mood for a little Sunday Stealing. 

 How about you?  Click HERE to play along!

* * *

Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult?  Which one?  What worked for you?

Mid 80's, I (thought I) was passionate about learning to speak Italian.  Once while visiting a friend in Tuscany, I took myself down to the farmers market and tried passing myself off as a local.  HA!  Easy to sound authentic when asking "How much?"; not so much, understanding their response.

Do you donate blood?  Do you know your blood type?

Only once ... I felt pressured to 'set an example' (at work).   Unfortunately, my veins were reluctant to give up my O-neg. and the Blood Mobile ladies didn't try hiding their impatience.

My b.p.'s always been really low.  A couple weeks ago during routine labs the tech had to put a heating pad in the crook of my arm to draw a sample.

  

Have you ever been in a play or musical?

My only 'claims to fame' were being cast as a nun in high school productions of The Sound of Music ... and a woolly mammoth in Wilder's Skin of Your Teeth.  My only line, "It's c-c-c-cold!"

... and still, my parents attended and clapped furiously.  (*smile*)

Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people?  Who gets their own?  Or, do you just use the default on your phone?

I sure do!   Friends = 'Thank you for Being a Friend' (Golden Girls), Family = Sweet Home Alabama and DH = Harlem Nocturne.  My boss and her sidekick have been awarded the theme from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.

My default's the 'feather' theme from Forrest Gump ... more often than not, that goes to voice-mail.

When did you get your first digital camera?  

I've no idea!  Probably later than most. 

Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now? 

While the idea of using 'real' film sounds terribly romantic, I've little talent and less patience.

What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you've done is?

Before becoming terrified of Interstate 10, I took my little dog and beat feet out of Florida ... knowing no-one (besides Tom) with no job prospects.   In hindsight, that was more selfish than daring.

Do you talk with your hands?

I don't think so. 

Now that you mention it, I'm not sure WHAT I do with my hands.

Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not lucky, but my favorite number is 13.   Until recently, I hated that number ... that being the date my mother passed away.   Then one day, I looked - really looked - at a  portrait of the Last Supper ... and counted.

What kind of milk did you drink, growing up?  And now?

Unless it came with a strawberry or chocolate-filled straw (remember grade school?) ... I didn't wouldn't. 

Now?  I enjoy Silk Almond milk over frozen coffee cubes on occasion.

What is your favorite kind of pie?

My taste buds have grown up, and my dad's favorite has become my own:  Egg Custard.

Are you a note taker?

Yep.  I still use Gregg shorthand while at work ... except I'm usually composing a grocery list or compiling thoughts for a future post.

Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy-matchy?

Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

Doesn't everyone?

What is the longest amount of time you've worked at one job - and what was/is it?

The key word, "is."  Last September I marked 15th years as admin to the GM at a timeshare hotel/resort.   First job I've not loved ... but at my age, beggars can't be choosers.

How old were you when you took your first commercial flight?  To where did you go?

Between our sophomore and junior years, BF Liz and I flew from Albuquerque to Phoenix.   July.  I've no memory of feeling uncomfortably warm ... isn't that crazy?

Have yourselves a beautiful new week!

Hugs from Phoenix,

Myra

This n' That ... Happy New Year!

So, I think I've about crawled my way out of the 'valley of the damned' ... yay.   Yes, I had the flu shot back in October.  Still. 

Unfortunately, my annoying friend, bronchitis, seems it's going to stick around a while.  It may be March before I quit sounding like an escapee from a TB ward ... but given our 50+ years' history that's nothing new.

Tom's sis and BIL came for a pre-Christmas visit.  What a treat for the grands to have their auntie Annette spend a day teaching them to made kolaczki!  

Happy this shot doesn't reflect the expression on my face.  LOL!

It was relatively easy-peazy to watch what I ate at Christmas since I'm not especially fond of pasta or traditional Polish food.

But!  Once Annette and Jim left, things returned to whatever passes for normal on Ashley Drive.  

A recent meme asked something like, "What was the last great food you loved?" 

Immediately I remembered the supper I fixed myself on Christmas eve:  A mess of scrambled eggs mixed with Hormel 'hot' chili, smothered in cheddar cheese.   'Twas all I could do not to lick the plate! Then again, that's the way we roll.  Simply imperfect.

Christmas day was blissfully quiet.  While Tom enjoyed leftover pierogi, I remember little else than the two packages of peppermint/white chocolate covered pretzels from Troy and Lois.  Realizing there's stuff we'll need after the move, my wonderfully-pragmatic kids stuffed a generous gift card among the chocolate!  So blessed! 

Tom asks, "Do you think my son thinks were alcoholics?"

I've not the heart to tell them we don't even like Vodka ... but the bottle's beautiful!  Maybe we should throw ourselves a going away party?

Grace and Macie could care less ... they were only interested in keeping warm. 

Just wait 'til they get a taste of 'real' Winter!

... Speaking of real Winter.  I believe we've had ONE day where the daytime temps dropped below 60.  My goodness, but you should've heard the menfolk at my workplace moan and groan.  Of course, DH was right there with them.

Nevertheless, he flew into a 33-degree Atlanta morning yesterday and drove over to Pike Road.  I couldn't justify the cost for both of us to go do a walk-through of the new place, entrusting my son to go along with a new perspective.   As a matter of fact, they just phoned to report the owner left behind a hospital-type bed, a red armchair and side table.  Did I want them?  I'm thinking the lift bed will be perfect for those nights Tom can't lay flat without coughing and choking.

God willing, we're supposed to close on the 17th.   Week after, I hope to have new carpet installed in the bedrooms and the grout power-washed.  Funny (not funny) the things I've overlooked.   This house-shopping experience has sure given me a new perspective what's a turn-off!

These have nothing to do with nothing, but I loved these recent images my DIL posted on Facebook. 

Troy and Lois at 'other daughter', Caitlin's wedding last month.

For some reason, THIS image yanked my heartstrings.

Her grandmother made her gown!

Bridesmaids Chloe (left) and Sarah (right) with their 'fellas.'

  Heck, I may not have been around much during my grands' growing up years ... but I'm not about to miss any more.   Imagine what a hot mess I'll be when/if I become a great-g'ma?  Ha!

Since the laundry's all done, I've decided to 'milk' this girls' weekend for all it's worth and go curl up on the love seat with Macie and Gracie and a Kellerman novel.

Y'all have a great new week and keep warm!

Hugs from 78-degree Phoenix,

Myra