Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Back to Black

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 29, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

I never shop on Black Friday. The only thing I spent money on yesterday was food and gas for the car. The latter was purchased at 9 p.m. because earlier the pumps were jammed. I read an interesting take on the whole Black Friday madness yesterday though.

2) Legend has it that Black Friday began as a neighborhood phenomenon among storeowners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. What else comes to mind when you think of Philly?

Cheese-steak! Sports! My sister-in-law was raised there, and she has a fun accent (to these midwestern ears, anyway). And the audiobook I just finished took place partially in Philly.

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

We watched all three games on Thursday--not one of which turned out the way we wanted. BOOO! Today we're having our Big Meal since that's when the rellies could be here.

4) At Thanksgiving dinners, Crazy Sam's homemade gravy is always a hit. (Probably because she's so generous with the cognac, which gives the gravy a nutty taste.) Do you have a signature dish?

I do not. I make it all the easiest way possible--except I do actually peel and boil and mash the potatoes from scratch--and don't sweat the details.

5) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose?

Probably Target. I haven't shopped there in awhile, but $100 won't buy much at Best Buy or Macy's (from which I have never purchased anything), and I got a gift card from Kohl's for my birthday. The box of goodies I ordered online is sitting right here, in fact. So, Target. Sadly, I'd probably buy "sensible things" there....

6) You're in a public restroom that offers both paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which one do you choose?

Towels. After watching the Mythbusters episode on this, I actually shudder when presented with only air dryers.

7) While Back to Black is the best-selling Amy Winehouse CD, her first was called Frank, named for her hero, Frank Sinatra. Tell us about someone you inspires you.

People who get up and face life with a positive attitude every day while suffering from chronic illness, depression, or addiction recovery inspire me. Those who maintain a wicked-funny view of life even when they keep getting shat on, they are just the best.

8) Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist?

I've always seen myself more as an optimist, but over the last few years, I fear I've become somewhat cynical with low expectations. I'm not sure if that's age, experience, or things in my life, but it kind of sucks.

9) Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone (a verbal conversation -- not an exchange of texts)?

I returned my niece's call last night about whether she can bake her contribution to the meal here. And we discussed timing and people who will be around the table. I'm still not entirely sure if we'll be 7 or 8 (adults), but I'd lay odds of about 9:1 on the lower number. But there'll be a baby! Yay!