Blogging, Books, Favorite Things, Friends, Humor, Life, Nonsense, Tater Tots

Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Episode 44

Writer McWriterson

If you’re new to my blog, welcome! Here is an explanation of the tater tot post.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Hormonal

I got a period. Again. Following an ultrasound, it was determined that I had a period because I live with two menstruating females. I’m always mystified by the human body.

I’m not going to include this in the book because I’m finished with it. However, if you bleed after menopause, please consult your physician. Because bleeding after menopause is usually questionable until thoroughly investigated.

Photo by Tofros.com on Pexels.com

When did you start texting?

My friend Rebecca and I were talking about the advent of texting over breakfast a few weeks ago, and it reminded me of when I first began texting.

I remember who I first texted (Rebecca). But I don’t remember when I first started texting. Maybe 2011? It was becoming late in the game. I’m always the last to grasp anything tech. I mean, you saw how long it took me to figure out this blog-thing…12 years is it?

Anyhoo, it was a game changer for someone who dislikes talking on the phone with people other than my immediate family and close friends.

Do you remember when you first started texting? Do you like texting or would you rather talk on the phone?

The text message turns 20: A brief history of SMS

Photo by mark broadhurst on Pexels.com

Snakes on a path

My husband and I were walking through a local forest preserve a few weeks back when we came upon what we assumed was a really large earth worm. Then it began to slither sideways extremely fast, and it realized it wasn’t a large earth worm, but rather a very small snake.

After my initial shuddering and running from said snake, we continued down our walking path. We came upon another baby snake about a half mile down the path. This trend persisted for the rest of our three-mile walk. It wasn’t snakes on a plane, rather snakes on a path.

On our walk, we probably encountered five or six snakes!

You know what’s coming.

Of course, you do!

I immediately looked up “what does seeing snakes in our path mean?” once I got in the car. 

I’m not sure what the search revealed, because I was a little traumatized. Maybe you could look it up for me.

Amelia Earhart

I was going to keep this for my Things I Learned on TikTok 2022 edition, but it’s been a rough couple of weeks: I got my period, saw six snakes, and now I’ve learned this? I needed to trauma dump.

Have you ever heard of coconut crabs?

Courtesy All That’s Interesting

Just you wait.

Apparently, Amelia Earhart’s plane was not simply vaporized by the Bermuda Triangle.

She may have been eaten by coconut crabs.

Coconut Crabs Eat Everything from Kittens to, Maybe, Amelia Earhart

This has been quite a tater tot post, hasn’t it?

Sorry about that.

What I’m reading

Catching the Light by Joy Harjo (via Net Galley)

The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang

Loving-Kindness in Plain English: The Practice of Metta by Henepola Gunaratan

What I’m watching

Descendant (Documentary/ Netflix) HIGHLY recommend

The OA (Series/ Netflix)

Diane Sawyer’s interview with Matthew Perry. This is also something I highly recommend. (YouTube)

The Watcher (Series/Netflix)

Last Seen Alive (Netflix)

Unsolved Mysteries (Volume 3 is now out/Netflix)

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (AppleTV) (I cried a lot while watching this)

After Descendant, I highly recommend watching the next two videos.

A Reason to Stop Worrying Thank you, Jill for sharing this. This has helped me. I hope this helps you as well.

And this (thank you, Katie) made me cry. Probably because I’m hormonal…

What I’m listening to

When John Prine Died by Jamie Drake

Beret Girl by Bibio

Breaking the Girl by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Purple Horizon by Canyon City

Lost Myself by SYML

Why the Bright Stars Glow by Valerie June

What I’m clicking on

Edie McClurg allegedly abused by man claiming to be a friend This is so sad. Where is her village?

The Café That’s Upending Capitalism

How to Host a Soup Group

Why Don’t People Return Their Shopping Carts?

Mom’s “Nesting Party” For Pregnant Daughter Goes Viral & It’s Genius

Each U.S. State’s Favorite Curse Word, Mapped That’s right, MOTHERFU**ER

Why You May Need A Sunrise Alarm Clock, According To Psychologists

How a Healthcare Pro Says to Deal with Autumn Anxiety

Jack Black delights ‘School of Rock’ fan by serenading him

Samantha Craft’s Unofficial Checklist: Females and Autism

5 Self-Soothing Techniques for Introverts Who Feel Overstimulated

30+ Gratitude Journal Prompts That Are Therapist-Approved

Astrocartography: How Places Transform Us

What I’m quoting

“One of the mighty illusions that is constructed in the dailiness of life in our culture is that all pain is a negation of worthiness, that the real chosen people, the real worthy people, are the people that are most free from pain.” -bell hooks

“Write the story that you were always afraid to tell. I swear to you there there is magic in it.”- Dorothy Allison

“Generosity is a willingness to give, to open without philosophical or pious or religious motives, just simply doing what is required at any moment in any situation, not being afraid to receive anything.” -Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now. And that’s a revelation for some people: to realize that your life is only ever now.” -Eckhart Tolle

Here’s to November…

62 thoughts on “Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Episode 44”

  2. I started texting back in the mid-2000s when I had a flip phone and my husband was traveling for work almost weekly. It was a fast, efficient, quiet way for us to stay in touch. However it was so awkward on those phones that I didn’t really like it until I got an iPhone. I prefer texts, to calls.

    I’ve heard a couple of people recommend Descendant and am intrigued. I love the one about shopping carts. I’m such a DO BEE about putting mine back in the right place.

    As for Dorothy Allison’s writing advice that principle underscores my blog philosophy. It applies perfectly.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I prefer texts to calls always. When someone I don’t know well calls me, I always text back and say, did you mean to call me? 😂

      Definitely watch Descendant. I cried several times. That is my standard of a good movie.

      It’s good advice.

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. Ally!!! I love the Do Bee!! My grandma always used to say “Do be a good do be” and that just sent me right down memory lane. (And you know I agree with you in the returning if carts. That’s just manners.)

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  3. I was a little late to texting as well due to the fact I had flip phone with no keyboard, but once I embraced it I wondered how I ever lived without it. Who wastes time on telephone conversations anymore?
    And I was aware of coconut crabs. I love them!
    😉

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi, Michelle! Welcome! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. ❤️

      I like the idea of keeping the message. That’s not something I’d even considered. But, it is a tangible thing that we can look back on. Especially after we have lost someone.

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  5. I remember going with one of our swim coaches to a banquet where we were receiving a $5,000 check from the local Indian tribe. I was sitting at the table mystified as this 26-year-old was texting her husband. I had never seen anything like it. It must have been around 2006 to 2008.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. We’ve been seeing so many snakes on our hikes this past week and I can only assume it’s because we are having such unusually warm and sunny weather. I still jump every time I see anything slithering out of the corner of my eye though.

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  7. I often see snakes in the metroparks. The baby ones don’t concern me, but I’ve seen the long black ones that extend across the entire path. That’s when I make an abrupt U turn.

    I remember texting on my flip phone where I had to repeatedly touch the numerical keypad to get to whatever letter I wanted. Dinosaur days!

    I loved that Connecticut’s favorite swear word is Bitch and Alaska’s is Dick. I am an Always Return cart person, but only as I’ve matured. Though one may question my maturity in that I’m currently bingeing Ultimate Girl’s Trip on Bravo.

    Liked by 1 person

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    2. OMG, I’d pass out. While we were walking, my husband made an interesting observation. Where there are babies, there are angry mothers nearby.

      I have fat fingers and was often sending text messages with misspellings.

      It’s a lot of fun to read all the swear words. OMG…are you watching the one at Bluestone Manor?

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      1. Yes! I had forgotten how much Phaedra made me laugh. Eva is new to me and I love her.

        I don’t have Paramount+, so I have to wait for episodes to appear on Bravo. I’ve enjoyed this Ultimate Girls Trip much more than the last one.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I’ve always liked Phaedra. Eva was never my favorite in Atlanta, but she was great on this show. This one was far more enjoyable than the previous, which is why I wanted to hear your thoughts. Vicki and Tamra work well together, as much as I hate saying that. I can’t wait to see them (along with Taylor) when OC premieres.

        Like

  9. I am so shook by the Amelia Earhart thing that I can’t really explore the rest of your lovely links right now. 🙂 Seriously, I was sorta obsessed with her in my youth. I even did a whole research project to answer the question of whether or not she was still alive. The idea of her being eaten by giant crabs is….I might have nightmares. Oh, but I did click on the state swearing link. I mean, does “hell” even still count as a swear word? I love that that’s the word for all those mid-northern states, and then you get Iowa, with a word that’s a far cry from “hell” and that no other state has.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. It was too much for me to keep to myself, so I had to share it. Sorry.

      Ella was fascinated with her in fourth grade and wrote a paper about her while dressed up as her. Imagine learning this and then informing the class, OH, AND BY THE WAY, SHE WAS EATEN BY A CRAB. THE END

      Hell does not count. I also love that Kansas and Illinois are Motherfu**er.

      I remember seeing the word fu** spray painted on the back of our school when we were out for recess when I was in third grade. A high schooler did it as a prank, and I remember an older girl…maybe fourth grade, but she was tall, so she seemed much older to me…saying the word over and over on the playground. I thought I was going to pass out since I knew it was so terrible. And now I use that word as though I’m being paid to do so.

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  10. That period thing is Crazytown Bananapants. I mean. That’s nuts! The body is a wonderland. That said, so glad you had the ultrasound because I know that it *can* mean scary things and I’m glad it doesn’t in your case.

    I felt like I was late to the texting game too, maybe around 2011-12 or something like that. It’s hard to imagine now!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Yes, Nicole. Very. I had cramps AND hot flashes. My body was like, WTF?

      It ‘s difficult to imagine not being able to text now. I remember how grateful I was to have texting with my older daughter when she learned to drive and went to college.

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  11. I remember those surprise periods just when I thought those days were long behind me! The human body is a curious thing indeed. I must admit, I prefer texting to phoning, hands down (pun intended), and I’m excited to check out some of the things you’re watching! Thanks for sharing your inspiring interests. Hugs, C

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  13. You’ll have to let me know what forest preserve this was with all the snakes. Because I am not going to that one!

    I can’t remember when I started texting. I don’t even remember what phone I had before I had a smartphone. How weird is that?!

    And you betcha I prefer texting over talking on the phone. I *hate* talking on the phone. I even get so nervous before making a phone call (like to make a dr’s appt) that I have to psyche myself up for it and procrastinate doing it.

    What I’m watching – nothing! lol After we finished Ted Lasso a few weeks ago, I haven’t watched anything since then. I’m just not much of a TV person. The cold depressing weather is just around the corner, so I’ll probably be watching some shows then.

    xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I sent you a text!

      Not at all weird. Melanie, I have no idea what I ate for dinner five nights ago. 😂😂

      I knew you’d get the texting over talking thing. Rebecca and I were just discussing about how we put off setting appointments because we don’t want to talk to anyone. GAH. I wish we could text for things like that. We are so alike…

      For whatever reason, I don’t watch much television throughout the week. On weekends, we usually watch movies together in the evening. During the lockdown, that kind of routine began. It’s interesting how routines begin.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. I enjoy watching a movie or good series with Brian in the evenings but with his work schedule, there are many nights where he doesn’t get home from work til 7 and has to go to bed as soon as he can because he gets up again at 3:15 AM. So unless he has a couple of days off in a row, we don’t get to do that too often.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I know you must have been scared, as I was. I was terrified the first time it happened, but my doctor reassured me that it happens occasionally. They take measurements of my uterine lining to ensure it is within normal limits. She admitted that having to come in for an ultrasound every time I bleed was inconvenient, but we both decided that it was a small price to pay to be safe.

      I’m glad yours turned out okay as well. 😘

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  15. I was like Rivergirl. My phone had no keyboard, so I started texting late. I like texting to communicate fast, little things, but I still prefer to talk to people. I like conversation. Sometimes I feel like it’s gonna take me longer to text something than to just say it.

    Jack Black. He rocks, for real.

    I just cleaned out my bathroom vanity and all of the drawers. It’s like we just moved in. I wish it wasn’t limited to my bathroom. Anyway, I organized all of my pads and tampons and moved them to the girls’ bathroom vanity. So, I assume I’ll start bleeding in less than 48 hours. Wait, did I just crave ice cream? See!

    That crab looks like something out of a Spielberg movie.

    I do want to watch Descendants. Do you ever think that there are so many things out there to watch and how will you ever find the time? I do enjoy a good documentary.

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    2. I enjoy talking to others as well, but it depends on the people. 😂

      Kind of like when you take the swim towels down to the basement, the snow starts the next day.

      There are other times when there is simply nothing to watch. I think it is determined by my state of mind. Or if I have my period. 🙂

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  16. I remember my first cellphone, it was a big deal. I got it for my 16th birthday and I sent the kind of text that requires you to cycle through 3 letters at at a time 😅 it was short and sweet.

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. “Shit”? Really? At least it’s better than “Hell” (Minnesota/the Dakotas) and “Crap” (how cute, Idaho). But what’s up with “Pussy” in Iowa? Is that even a curse word? If you stub your toe in Des Moines, do you scream “Pussy, that hurt!”??

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. RIGHT?? MINNESOTA, COME ONNNNN. I was surprised that Idaho was “crap” given that Utah’s was “hell.” Perhaps it’s because so many people use hell in a religious/Mormon context.:) “Pussy that hurt.” Hee-hee That is something I will say from now on.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. By the way, I googled snakes crossing your path. You do NOT want to look it up. Random question: you have a solid life insurance policy, right?

        I kid, I kid. There were about 10 different sites and 10 different meanings. Everything from there’s an obstacle in your path (duh) to, you’re about to experience a spiritual awakening.

        I guess we should take it all with a grain of sssalt.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. RIGHT?? That’s why I ignored what I looked up at first. However, my friend Katie texted me last night and said she found that it meant good news. So that makes me feel better.

        Grain of sssssalt is right. 😂

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Why does your period haunt you? WTH?

    I don’t know when I started texting, but I remember telling one of the girls’ friends who insisted on ONLY texting: “You are crazy. Just pick up the phone and call your friends. Who in the world would text when you can call?”
    Suz, today will text anyone instead of calling.

    I’ll take SNAKES over that GIGANTIC CRAB any effing day.

    I enjoyed the Matthew Perry interview; he is a survivor!

    I love the nesting party idea!

    I really thought Florida would cuss more…I mean, I’m doing my part.

    I’m for sure having giant crab nightmares tonight…

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. My menstrual cycle is the Michael Myers of hormonal horror films. Just when you think it’s gone, it reappears.

      Both of my girls enjoy FaceTime with me, which I enjoy doing with them, so I am grateful for that. However, they are both like me in that they would rather text than call. It’s way easier!

      Coconut crabs versus snakes?  Geesh. I don’t think I can even compare. At that point, I’d rather just jump off a cliff.

      That Matthew Perry interview was one of the most honest celebrity interviews I’ve ever seen. 

      I love the nesting idea as well!

      Suz, you’re clearly failing Florida.

      Perhaps it’s because you’ve been going to Georgia. What was their swear word? Looking….oh,  never mind.
      I’m laughing so hard at our country’s southern half. Look at all the SHIIIIIT’s and FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU***’S!!

      Perhaps you might do your part and eat some giant crabs to get rid of them? Pass the melted butter.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Something about the claws, makes the crabs worse for me.
        I agree with you on the Matthew Perry interview extremely honest… Goodness how he survived. All of that is just a miracle.

        Like

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