The sound the alarm clock makes in the morning is called “orca.”
I have no idea why. I have no idea if it’s what an orca sounds like … given that I have no idea what an orca sounds like.
OK, fine, whatever — it goes off, I roll over for a moment and then get out of bed.
Except when the night before, an orca with a wristwatch (fin watch?) tells his young charges, “We swim at 6.”
And then the little orcas go off to bed, their little fins flipping with excitement about what’s to come.
And our “little orca” — otherwise known as our cat Sasha — strolls in sometime before the alarm goes off to do a wellness check. She considers herself the opening act.
Because if you can turn something mundane like the alarm into a silly little story … why wouldn’t you?
Photo by Thomas Lipke on Unsplash.
What I wrote
What I’m thankful for this year is pretty simple.
“Most importantly, I’m grateful that there are way too many people in my life who treat me way too well — my parents, my brother, my grandmother, my friends and especially Suzi.”
This Christmas season, we’re seeking joy.
“The lights, the music, the specials, the food … they aren’t going to be available all year — well, they are if you’re that type, but I’m not — so why not take full advantage of them now?”
(And it’s not every day I get a review like this one. Much appreciated, and glad I was able to help.)
When you let people know this post will be late …
Not just to pick on Renata (not that picking on Renata can’t be fun, especially since I’m apparently the reason she missed Paul’s previous quiz), a bunch of people appreciated the notification. It’s nice to have one post a week people look forward to.
Speaking of Paul’s quizzes
Finished last again. Ugh. No complaints about the judging, but ugh.
Stuff I read
Rosie’s engagement may not have been typical, but it was just right for her relationship with Matt.
“One thing that has always been really important to me in our relationship is having control. In other relationships, I’ve either had no control or was constantly being rushed into things I wasn’t ready for. Matt basically let me take the lead, out of necessity, because if he had done any of these big things first I probably would’ve hit the ground running and never looked back.”
To make sure she doesn’t stray again, Savannah wants to focus on appreciating the good things.
“I’m lucky, blessed, and thankful. I have so many things to be grateful for, from a fun and loving support system to a great self-reliance. I need to remember and appreciate the things that add the most joy and comfort to my life; I think most people forget a little and could benefit from some reminders, too.
Above all else, I’m grateful for another day to keep going, to live and breathe and seize each and every moment.”
Have you ever heard the expression “Don’t get your knickers in a twist”? Well, Giggles literally has a reason to get her knickers in a twist.
“I literally can’t believe how this turned out. Like I am outraged at how I was treated after THEIR mistakes. I will be telling everyone I know and blasting it on all social media sites that I see ads for them, that they suck so hard. I hope they get shut down.”
Jeff received a timely Thanksgiving reminder from an episode of “The Big Bang Theory.”
“Thanks for reminding us, ‘Big Bang,’ that the giving thanks part of Thanksgiving is what makes the holiday worth observing.”
Emily … does not feel the same was as Jeff about Thanksgiving.
“I’d give thanks if we could abolish Thanksgiving – and truly try to make the world a better place.”
After multiple eye surgeries, Liz is excited to see the world differently.
“This is a life-changing moment for me, a time of fresh perspective and new possibility. I’m thankful for my skilled eye surgeon here in Louisiana. I’m also grateful for my ophthalmologist in North Carolina who gave me hope after years of dreading eye appointments.”
Pea Green is thinking about how her older son has changed in the past year, and what could be ahead.
“I fear this might be his last year believing in Santa. The changes between now and next December might well be much greater.”
Apparently, Paul is like Adele, or his writing process is Adele-ish … or something.
“I have said many times that I don’t really plan what I’m going to write, it just comes out of me when it’s ready. I sit, I type, and whatever I say, I say. And then I’ll look back and sometimes not recognize my words because I don’t know how I came up with them.”
Eleanor was writing about finding self-acceptance about her skin, but her advice to “find your people” is good in most circumstances.
“Unfortunately, as you try to accept your skin or body and find ways to improve your self-image, there will be people who bring you down. It’s important to focus on your own journey- and find people who understand what you’re going through, or who support your journey.”
Becky’s parents don’t live far away, but Thanksgiving was the first time she had stayed there overnight since she got her own condo.
“It was nice to go home for a few days, especially since I hadn’t stayed over that long since I moved out. Seeing the pets was a definite perk along with having home-cooked meals from my mom. I’ll be heading back for Christmas time, air matress and all.”
Vee appreciates people trying to help, but some ways of going about it are better than others.
“If you’re caring and don’t know what to say, words of encouragement are a great way to help anyone going through a hard time. Sharing personal stories, if you want to, mean a lot because it’s a reminder that everyone goes through struggles.”
Austin … you … me … we could all use a friend like Holly.
“Who the hell was this? And what gives them the right to decide what’s normal in your life? You know I punch hard, so just give me a name, and I will make this person regret saying that!”
Kathryn’s daughter played a soccer match with a first-time referee. She was impressed with what she saw.
“During the match, the coaches from both teams supported his decisions and occasionally – in the gentlest of manners – proffered up advice… such as suggesting that he could give his whistle a much louder blow if he wanted to stop 18 thoroughly overexcited 10 and 11 year olds charging around after the ball in order for him to communicate a free kick or a need to stop the game.”
Pepper is feeling thankful … for various reasons.
“I survived another Thanksgiving with the mother-in-law putting me down the entire time for everything I do. But I’m thankful now that she has left! I want to celebrate and PARTY! GOODBYE Felicia!”
Jackie in Italy struggles with a little bit with loneliness over Thanksgiving.
“Not the whole of the week, but there are moments during the day itself — that fourth Thursday of November — that are too deeply connected to home. I picture it in my head: the family sitting down for Thanksgiving lunch. The table set. Stuffing, and potatoes, and cranberry sauce all on the fancy plates that we keep in the cupboard for special occasions. Perhaps they are memories of what used to be — sometimes I can picture my mother cooking or the busy Thanksgiving morning and that yellow linoleum floor in the kitchen that is no longer there: dad had it replaced years ago.”
Tweets I liked
Having once referred to “the Billy Crystal character from ‘When Harry Met Sally’” (which is only one of my favorite movies), I really can’t say much here.
Kitten pictures are always winners.
I generally like airline crews, anyway, but the next time I ever get back on a plane, I’m going to be so happy to see them!
Based on this picture, maybe that next flight should be to Prague … right now.
A Silly Place 
Believe it or not, this is not the first time I’ve heard it’s fun to pick on me 🤔🤣 thanks for sharing, Bill!
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“Paul is like Adele” – you said it, so it must be true.
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I love these “week gone by” posts. I always a new blog to check out. 😁
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Good … glad you like it!
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That was supposed to say, I always find a new blog to check out 😁😁
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