Interview with a (Mrs.) Squirrel
April 22, 2007 | Uncategorized
The fabulously funny That Chick Over There sent over some interview questions! All I have to do is answer them. See the end of the post for details on how you can be interviewed by yours truly!
1) You’ve just won a million dollars. What’s the first thing you do? Freak the F out. I know you’re not suppose to tell a lot of people, but I can’t keep my trap shut about anything, so why would I think I could keep this quiet? So besides immediately soiling myself and no doubt freaking Jojo out, I’d call my husband and then call my parents. My mom would then take care of informing all of Michigan. At that point, I’d probably start visibly shaking and dreaming of all that we can do with the money.
And perhaps I’d change my underwear. Nay, I’d buy NEW underwear and donate my old undies to you! No thank you necessary.
My friend A and I have played this game for a while, so a lot of the money is already “spent:” money set aside for Jojo’s & our niece’s college funds, trips for my parents, money for some friends to spend as they desire, new cars for Mr. Squirrel and me, renovations on our house… we probably wouldn’t quit our work or move though, especially since the fabulous Heather B will be moving to the area shortly! Woooot! It’s like we already WON a million dollars!
2) Describe the absolute best day you can think of. I guess this means come up with my own perfect day? Ok! After an incredibly restful, uninterrupted 10 hours of sleep, Jojo awakens us with his delightful babbling at 9:00 am. With naturally fresh morning breath and rockin’ day after hair, we all head downstairs for a breakfast of fresh fruit, pancakes and coffee (milk and juice for Jojo and Mr. Squirrel respectively). Breakfast proceeds calmly, with no thrown food or tantrums, and Jojo even wears the bib for the entire meal!
We then grab our hiking gear and head out for a sunny, beautiful hike. All my cellulite melts away on this hike, and damn, am I toned and tan (but not in a leathery way). On the hike, we take amazing pictures– the camera doesn’t crap out on us, and when we arrive home– holy shit– Debbie Travis and the team from Facelift have not only given us a spankin’ new kitchen, but they’ve also redone our nasty bathrooms AND turned our dungeon-like basement into the most amazing yet practical laundry/storage/workroom/playroom EVER. Dear lord! All in a 3 hour window? Fanfriggintastic.
And wait? There’s more? Oh yes. My parents and extended family are all here to help celebrate! And dad has already fired up the grill for a delicious lunch of steaks, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake (not grilled actually) and insert other yummy dishes here at your own leisure.
What? Sweets, Poodle, Al, Smitty, Isabel, and various lovely friends arrive, too, to share in the beautiful day, delicious food and friendly company. Jojo takes this opportunity to show everyone the new phrase he’s learned “I love mama!” aaaah gush!
When I run inside to use the new bathroom (and check my HOTT hair), I see on the news that J.K. Rowlings will, in fact, write more Harry Potter books; all guns used by icky, evil and/or stupid people have mysteriously melted into the shapes of unicorns; fair and just governments have prevailed in all elections; the troops are coming home; Iraq, Afganistan and the Middle East are full of love and peace; cancer, autism and AIDS have been cured; the ozone is all patched up; new homes pop up for the homeless; and, the hungry have full pantries and bellies. And that’s just the main stories. Sweet.
But back to our fantastic bbq; after lots of good food, laughs and great conversations with family and friends, Jojo, Mr. Squirrel and me say good-night to our loved ones and head inside for Jojo’s bath (in our beautiful NEW tub). Jojo slobbers on lots of kisses to us and goes down easily for bed; then Mr. Squirrel and I hit the sack– multi-o style. Woot!
3) What is your fondest memory? I have an atrocious memory, so it would be rather easy to pick a more recent memory involving Jojo and my family. But I want to dig a little deeper into the dark and dusty cracks of my brain and pull something out for myself and you. When I got past the recent memories involving the birth of my lovely Jojo, falling in love with Mr. Squirrel, or traveling through some amazing parts of the world, the first memories that came to mind were those involving my grandparents. My grandparents all died way too young, and my parents, brother and I have been without their unconditional love for 25 years now. I’m thankful to have any memories of them at all.
Because I love the three (my other grandfather died before I was born) so very much and honestly do think of them every day, I want to honor them by selecting my fondest memory of each of them.
First, my Grandma W: my mom’s mom, she died when I was six. Is it bad that my fondest memory of this grandmother is of us watching The Joker’s Wild together? We bonded over game shows and card games.
Next, a memory of my dad’s father, Grandma V: This man loved life. He loved my brother and me, and I can still picture him, arms loaded with Christmas presents, carrying them from the big red sedan to our front door on Christmas morning. I don’t remember this, but my parents tell me that he and Grandma always arrived before my parents were out of bed. Grandpa also used to stump my brother and I with “hide Grandma’s thimble” game. Once it was hidden on his pinkie toe. I’m not sure if Grandma used it after that.
Finally, a memory of Grandma V, my dad’s mom– a wonderfully kind woman who made a mean cole slaw. You don’t like cole slaw? Well, you haven’t had grandma’s. Unfortunately, you never will. I have a lot of normal, day-to-day memories of my grandma, which are all very lovely and comforting — sitting on the davenport (seriously! that’s what she called the couch!), watching Lawrence Welk. Not that I enjoyed Lawrence Welk (a one and a two and a…), but I think it was on after The Muppets.
4) Who is the greatest role model in your life? My mom. That was an easy one– I have several GREAT role models — so many that I’m questioning why I’m not a better person. I guess just because I have some terrific role models doesn’t mean I can actually take the good and change all of who I am.
Anyway, back to my mom. Where do I even begin? She’s so amazing that an entire blog should be written about her. Of course, if you go back in my archives and search for stories on her, the stories you’d find would be laced with annoyance and irritation, because who else can drive me batty than my mom?!
But honestly, she’s an amazing woman. She’s intelligent, hardworking, energetic, generous, thoughtful, strong, compassionate, and joyful. I could honestly write for days, but once I get started, it’s difficult to curtail my pride and love. I just deleted two paragraphs because once I told those stories about her smarts and strength, I’d surely have to prove her compassion and generosity. And that would lead to more and more. Just trust me; I’ve spent a great deal of my life trying to be as smart, successful and good as my mom. When I don’t know what to do with Jojo, or when I’m at the breaking point, I actually do think “what would my mom do?” And then things get better.
5) What is the worst smell you’ve ever smelled? Oh hands down the decaying mouse in the wall of our apartment building in Minneapolis. Unbelievable, gag-worthy stank that lasted far longer than you’d think. Am I right, Smitty?
Wanna chance at being interviewed? Here are the details:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” If I don’t have your email address, leave it for me in the comments.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. They may not be child-friendly; they will most likely be grammatically incorrect.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
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April 22nd, 2007 at 9:24 pm, La Turista Says:
I am also veryclose to my grandmothers because they totally rock in every way. The Greatest Generation rules! And once my mom recovers from her shoulder surgery next month, we challenge you and your mom to a World’s Best Mom Texas Chainsaw Cage Match. I’m already working on our outfits, so BRING IT.
April 22nd, 2007 at 9:32 pm, SJ Says:
Nice answers Mrs. Squirrel! I really loved reading these, I really did. And I can’t agree with you more about the grandparents, I wish mine were around to have met my kids.
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:20 am, stevo Says:
THANK GOD you didn’t do the tagging option this time!
What a great post! I love your perfect day. Can I come?
April 23rd, 2007 at 7:04 am, Jeannette Says:
Your absolute best day is just absolutely perfect!
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:52 am, Rachel Says:
I will take that perfect day myself. I love the memories of your grandparents. Those are so wonderful and how great that you will be able to share those memories with Jojo!
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:22 am, Lizzy Says:
I love your best day!
Interview me!
April 23rd, 2007 at 1:02 pm, Isabel Says:
I love reading posts like this where we can learn so much more about a person. Thanks for sharing.
And your “perfect day” was so wonderfully written!!
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:01 pm, Jezer Says:
I’m so with you on the grandparent memories. Those are just pure, unadulterated love and happiness.
And, yeah, I’ll bite–throw me some Qs, and I’ll do my best to post some As sometime during this decade.
April 24th, 2007 at 3:24 pm, Hilary Says:
Aw crap, that reminds me that I asked AnnieM to interview me and she did and I haven’t freakin’ answered her questions yet. Hopefully, I’ll have time tomorrow.
I love what you said about your mom. How she’s so wonderful and your role model but can also drive you batty like no one else. Could we possibly be sisters cause I would have said the same thing about my mom.
April 24th, 2007 at 4:25 pm, amieable Says:
My Grandma S calls a couch a “davenport” too! You are the first person outside of my family who has ever heard of that.
Love your perfect day.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:03 pm, Kathleen Says:
Oh, so fun! I love this idea…way better than a meme, and so informative! Your perfect day sounds, well, perfect!
And, I’d love to be interviewed.