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Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Episode 48

Writer McWriterson

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

Madonna

When I heard Madonna was going on tour again, it reminded me of how much my childhood best friend and I idolized her. I can’t speak for her, but Madonna’s music defined my teenage years. 

A few weeks ago, the song “Dress You Up” appeared in my social media feed, and it tugged at my heart. I remember riding the bus home from a band competition with my friend and listening to that song on repeat. We had walkmans back then, and if we wanted to listen to the same music at the same time, they had headphone jacks where you could plug two different headphones into one device

That was something my friend and I did a lot on the bus to school and on band competition trips. I’m sure we listened to a variety of artists, but I remember Madonna and Bon Jovi in particular. Most likely because we listened to those artists repeatedly. It was such a distinct memory. One I’d long forgotten, and I was surprised it even came to mind at all.

So I looked up the video for the song “Dress You Up” and laughed because Madonna looks so fabricated, almost like a Halloween character.

Like, were we infatuated with this??

source
Yes. Yes, we were.

Prompt

I shared a TikTok about a dinner party topic in last month’s tater tot post. There were so many interesting discussion topics in the comments section. 

Here is this month’s topic:

Which made me think of the TikTok I recently liked and I love when the universe just throws things into my lap.

@sirnickbacon

Replying to @sirnickbacon EVERY MUPPET #muppets

♬ I Think I Like When It Rains – WILLIS

Back to the question…my answer is Grover. Cookie Monster comes in a close second, followed by Kermit.

What are your answers?

And this was fun:

Best Muppets, Ranked Ruthlessly

Quote by Onie Kriegler (from this book)

What I’m reading

The Endless Practice: Becoming Who You Were Born to Be by Mark Nepo

Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem Making by John Fox

Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver

Reflections on Silver River: Tokme Zongpo’s Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Ken McLeod

What I’m watching

Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake (Netflix)

Still Missing Morgan (Hulu)

Real Housewives of Miami (Peacock)

Real Housewives of New Jersey (Peacock)

Dance Moms (Hulu)

And this made me cry, but it was worth watching. Thank you to my friend for sharing the pictures from her visit on her blog.

What I’m listening to

All Along by Kina Grannis

Young Wild Free by Marc Scibilia

Wise Up by Aimee Mann

If You Need To, Keep Time on Me by Fleet Foxes

Dress You Up by Madonna

And the lyrics to this song are lovely:

What I’m clicking on

33 Funny Paint Color Names – Weirdest Interior Paint Colors

How to help earthquake survivors: A guide to selecting a charity

Restorative Yoga Poses: Benefits and Poses for Relaxation

8 Ways to Read (a Lot) More Books This Year

Correct the Internet | Correct The Internet – Help make sportswomen more visible

Good conversations have lots of doorknobs

How to Raise Your Vibration | Emotional & Spiritual

Project Sunroof Uses Google Maps to Measure Your Roof’s Solar Income Potential

The Most Unique Libraries in the World

We Tried 12 Boxed Brownie Mixes, And This Was Our Favorite

“No photos” | Seth’s Blog

This TikToker’s “Earthship” Home Is Going Viral Because It’s Both Beautiful and Incredibly Eco-Friendly

A Secret for Falling Asleep So Good It’s a British National Treasure

If you encounter a paywall, here is “the secret”:

What I’m quoting

“Imagine what you are and get out of the way. Remember, energy follows thought. So be careful what you say.” -Willie Nelson, from this song

“When death finds you, make sure it finds you alive.” -African proverb

“I don’t know what it is like to not have deep emotions. Even when I feel nothing, I feel it completely.” -Sylvia Plath

“I can do nothing for you but work on myself.” -Ram Dass

“We are so achievement-oriented that we often surge right by the true value of relating to what’s before us, because we think accomplishing things will complete us, when it is experiencing life that will.” -Mark Nepo

“We may mis-understand, but we do not mis-experience.” -Vine Deloria Jr.

“I cry a lot” Yes!
From this book

Here’s to March…

61 thoughts on “Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Episode 48”

  1. So many links that I am looking forward to clicking on a bit later (thank you!), but I must chime in on the Muppet question. Oscar the Grouch, always and forever. Bert is a close second. I was a serious kid with a lot of worries and anxieties, which made me grouchy. So much television programming (when I was a kid, anyway) was relentlessly sunny. I mean, Big Bird was nice and all, but he was so dumb and big and yellow. And I know that Mr. Rogers talked a lot about hard feelings and things, but he was too sweet and too nice (and I was a bit too old for him). Oscar and Bert gave me something I needed. I felt like they were telling it like it was, maybe. The original anti-gaslighters, long long before I’d ever heard of that term.

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    2. I do recommend watching the documentary I Am Big Bird about Caroll Spinney’s life. He wasn’t always cheerful in real life, but the documentary made me feel good, and I believe it will do the same for you. But you’re spot on about Oscar and Bert. 🖤

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      1. Ah, I meant to watch that a long time ago, and then it must’ve slipped off my watch list! I just love so many things about Sesame Street–the whole idea of it. I feel lucky to have been a kid when there were adults in the world who made such a project happen. I can’t remember the names of the muppets I got from the quiz. So I went to try to take it again, and then I found an older one (from 2014: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jenlewis/which-muppet-are-you) that told me I am Animal: “You’re a little wild and misunderstood. You have a sporadic sleeping schedule and often have trouble communicating your true feelings.” Not wrong. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I got Beaker!
        “You’re the strong silent type. You’re easily stressed and you’re a bit clumsy, but you take your work very seriously. Translation: Meep, meep, meep, meep, meep…”

        Spot on. ❤️

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  2. I must be a little older than you because I was past the point of dressing up like Madonna, but she definitely was a musical force of that era.
    As for Muppets, I’m a sarcastic witch so I’m going with those cranky old bastards in the balcony.
    🤣

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  4. There’s a two-part Pop Culture Happy Hour mini-series about Muppets from 2021. The first episode Glen Wheldon’s defense of Rowlf as the best Muppet made me cry with laughter.
    https://www.npr.org/transcripts/982279931
    In the second episode, the listeners voted for the top 25 Muppets.
    https://www.npr.org/2021/04/02/983005703/a-ruthless-ranking-of-the-25-best-muppets-according-to-listeners

    Both are definitely worth a listen if you have big thoughts on this topic. (I do not.)

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  6. I was infatuated with the Madonna look as well as obsessed with the movie, Desperately Seeking Susan. I still like the look of a bunch of long necklaces mixed together.

    The Muppets question is genius. When my kids were little, I thought who they chose as their favorite Muppet said a lot about their personalities. My oldest liked Big Bird (and to this day, she still champions the underdog in any situation), Middle Child liked Ernie (she ignores all negativity) and my son loved Elmo (and is still only interested in a good time).

    Me? Well, my all-time fave is Roosevelt Franklin, followed by Bert. I’ve always admired and appreciated people who keep it real and don’t try to blow smoke up my ass. LOL!

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    1. I’ve never seen that movie before! Can  you believe it? I loved her music but had only seen her in her documentary and the film A League of Their Own (which she was very good in).

      It’s a brilliant question! I love how your children’s personalities are perfectly matched with the appropriate Muppet. 💕

      Roosevelt Franklin! I loved him too.

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  8. Another entry for the Madonna generation, though my mother was a “no” to anything net.
    My favourite Muppet is Rowlf. I heard him play “The Moonlight Sonata” when I was only six or seven, and nothing would do but for me to have a copy to learn. It took years – it requires adult-sized hands 😂

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  10. I was just talking with my son the other day when we were walking about Madonna and all her weird looks/ clothing choices/ etc. I don’t remember liking her fashion but I definitely remember enjoying her music.

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  12. Meeeeeeeeeeee too, Kari! Madonna’s music definitely defined my teenage years (True Blue, Like a Virgin, Dress You Up, Material Girl, Papa Don’t Preach, and Vogue). I also loved the song and video of Frozen!

    And yup…I had a Sony Walkman! Back in the 70’s, I even had an 8-track player. Remember those? And did you ever see the movie, “Truth or Dare” – a documentary of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition International Tour? Fabulous! But I have to say in all honesty, I don’t even recognized her anymore.

    LOVE that photo of you and your friend! I especially love the gloves!

    My favorite Muppet was Fozzie Bear. And my second favorite was of course….Kermit!

    That quote by Sylvia Plath is stellar. And I agree!

    And that video was absolutely beautiful. And yes, I cried. I’m someone who believes that animals have souls. Definitely.

    Me too. I cry a lot. In fact, last night I watched the movie, “Living” with Bill Nighy and cried my eyes out. Gorgeous film – both the story AND cinematography!

    As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this post. A little bit of memorabilia, inspiration, and humor. Thanks!

    P.S. I love the view looking out through that window!

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    1. She was THE best, wasn’t she?? Soundtrack of my generation. Love, love, love. 

      We also had an 8-track! That’s how I listened to the Bay City Rollers!

      I must have seen Truth or Dare at least 100 times. For a long time, I was completely obsessed with her. But, no, I don’t recognize her now either.

      The gloves were from marching band! 🤣

      My friend Kari (yes, same spelling) loves Fozzie as well. Her grandchildren even call her Fozzie. ❤️

      The Sylvia Plath quote speaks to me deeply.

      Ron, I believe animals have souls as well. From beginning to end, that video made me cry.

      I enjoy Bill Nighy, so I’ll add this to my list of movies to see.

      I love that view as well. It’s where I sit to do my daily soul homework.

      Sending you love, my friend. 😘❤️

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  13. Ilooove your preppy interpretation of the Madonna look! I’m guessing you felt rebelious!!’

    Mt muppets: Janice, Animal, Pepe the King Prawn, Mahna Mahna, Sweetums, and the YipYips

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  14. I love all the Muppets but I was obsessed with Miss Piggy when I was little. OBSESSED. I still love her. “Who, moi?” I had a Miss Piggy doll that I called my sister, and I told people at church I had a little sister and we just put her in the closet when we came to church. My parents were questioned about it. Oops! All of the Muppets from the Muppet Show give me warm fuzzy feelings, and of course, I do love the Sesame Street ones too. But mostly Miss Piggy.
    Also, loved Madonna! I made a grave mistake when I was in grade six of cutting my hair like she had hers in the Papa Don’t Preach video. BIG MISTAKE. It took forever to grow out and it is a really, really bad haircut. I do like her “dress you up” style though, even though it’s ridiculous!
    Ahhhh this post gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings.
    Oh! Honourable mention to Rowlf and Animal. EAT DRUMS!

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    1. Yay!! Finally, Miss Piggy gets a vote! Nicole, OMG! That is a fantastic story.

      I loved the Papa Don’t Preach video. Her style had completely changed for that album, and it was so different from her previous look.

      Every time I hear that song, I remember riding in the car with a bunch of my friends who had all gotten their licenses that summer. We were all wearing Belinda Carlisle-style bobs and dancing in our seats on the rural backroads of Ohio to Papa Don’t Preach. ❤️

      I’m so glad this post gave you warm fuzzy feelings!!

      I loved both Rowlf and Animal too. 💕

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  16. Hmmm. I thought I left a comment, but it doesn’t seem to be here.

    I’m with Rita on Oscar. I also love Grover, and Beaker, and the two old men on the balcony. Their laughs always made me laugh when I was little. Honestly, there are so many good ones. Gonzo, Ernie and Bert. Animal. What a great question!!

    I also saved a few of your quotes and some links. So much good stuff!! Really gave me some sunshine today!

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    1. You are not the first person to say this in reference to a comment on a post. To put it mildly, it is annoying. Sorry.

      SO many good Muppets. Jim Henson was a lovely human being.

      Katie, I’m so happy I was able to give you sunshine. My eyes welled up with tears at that. ❤️

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  17. Even though I was growing up in the 70’s and that’s mostly my favorite music, I liked Madonna and her music at the time. Though I remember being shocked sometimes at her crazy outfits. But that was all part of her persona.

    My favorite muppet is Grover. Always thought he was so sweet, cute and loveable. My boys loved the book, “The Monster at the End of this Book” and I’d read it to them in a Grover voice. Good memories.

    I’m currently watching Dear Edward on AppleTV and really liking it. Watched a couple of episodes of Ina Garten’s new show, Be My Guest last night on Discovery. Going to start Season 2 of Somebody Somewhere on HBO.

    So many good links to check out – thank you! Going to do that now.
    xoxo

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    1. She went for shock value, but it could be endearing at times.

      Oh, Melanie, I loved that book as well, and I read it to both of the girls when they were little!

      There are so many great shows available that I almost don’t know what to watch first. Last night, we watched Jon Stewart’s show on AppleTV, and it was fantastic.

      Enjoy! 😘

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  18. The Muppet question is too hard . . . I mean I think I have to say Ernie. But I was always Animal when my sibs and I chose which was most like us. I had a Grover puppet as a kid and I loved him too.

    I died laughing at that photo of you and your friend dressed with the little glove. Seeing as I wasn’t really good with music and all, I never dressed in clothes that could be associated with a band. Do I feel I missed out on a big part of growing up? Yes, I do.

    I happened to be watching that new program that day that story aired. It is a sweet and heart breaking story. The Muppet tic toc of the bike riding is pretty funny.

    BTW – referencing a prior post here: My good friend comes to my house a lot with the tots she sits for. She always brings her coffee. I shared that tic toc with her in an email telling her that one day she’d spill her dang coffee in my house and she would look just like that and we died laughing.

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    1. I was hoping you would say Ernie. ❤️
      I believe I would have chosen Big Bird, Snuffleupagus, or Ernie as a child. I think that our favorite Muppet evolves over time.

      Those were, in fact, band gloves. It saddened me to learn that you missed a big part of growing up. I hope you’re aware that you can relive experiences you’ve missed. 😘

      I love that you told her about it! It was a hilarious and relatable find. This makes me very happy. 😘❤️

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  19. I’d like to play dead when death finds me. Maybe it’ll be fooled and go off in search of another victim instead.

    My favorite Muppet has to be Oscar the Grouch. And don’t say he doesn’t count!

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  20. Oh my goodness such a fabulous collection here! The Dog Mountain thing – oh my heart.

    I have spent much too long thinking about my favorite muppet. I might agree with you on Grover — partly because he is so earnest and makes so many mistakes; so very relatable. Partly because the first Halloween costume my daughter chose for herself was Super Grover, so that will always make me think tenderly of Grover.

    The Nepo quote is spot on!

    I sent my father the BBC shipping forecast video — and may make use of it myself.

    And I am going to be thinking about the “conversational doorknobs” for a long time!

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    1. Super Grover! Yes! I love that.

      Mark Nepo’s books are great.  I’m currently reading his second book, and it’s brought me a lot of peace.

      Tiktok is where I found out about the conversational doorknobs. My husband and I read the blog post together and realized that having a good conversation is an art form. To be honest, how to hold a conversation should be taught as a high school course.

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  21. Omg! Last weekend I randomly asked my husband- Who’s your favorite Sesame Street character! Small world, huh? We had a great conversation and soooo many wonderful memories recalled. When I was really little I remember loving Grover (Grooooverrrrrr!!!!), Big Bird (even tho that was Not Cool Choice lol), Cookie Monster ( C is for Cookie, that’s good enough for me!), Snufflelufagus, Kermit and even Oscar (mostly bc the I Love Trash song is so classic ). But there are so many more that hold a place in my heart for diff reasons. Muppets are just magical & the nostalgia dose of talking about them with my husband… omg. So good.

    I’ve been trying to meditate daily but lately I’m thinking I also need to Nostalgia Daily. Like there should be a Nostalgia App (is this just YouTube? ) that prompts you to nourish your soul with a Nostalgia Break…

    Yesteryear Madonna! Totes Nostalgia. My friends and I were too young to understand her but still she was Everything Cool. Your gloves are killer in that pic btw. You & your friend are soooo Madonna there!

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    1. This is a wonderful coincidence!!  When I was in kindergarten, I was invited to a birthday party where someone dressed up as Big Bird. I mean, this person was tall like Big Bird, so it looked like an actual Big Bird was present at this party. That’s something I’ll never forget. It was a big deal in 1975. The show Sesame Street was so ahead of its time, and watching old episodes on YouTube brings me such joy.

      I think that certain types of meditation are more effective for some people than others. I struggle with traditional meditation. I believe that video games serve as a form of meditation for some people. Others enjoy gardening. Music is meditation for me. And writing.

      There should be a Nostalgia App, because I genuinely think that looking at things from our past (that don’t trigger us) is a form of nourishing the soul, as you mentioned. I absolutely love that phrase.

      I love that you think we’re Madonna! This comment would make our 14-year-old selves very happy. 💕

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  22. Happy March! (sorry I’m late to the March party!)
    I, too, was obsessed with Madonna!! I remember going to the mall to buy some of the rubber bracelets. I came home with a few and my dad laughed: I have those at work, they’re called O-Rings and we use them on Jet planes. I had more than I could share after that!
    Love your Madonna look too; so stinking cute.

    Kermit for President. Please???

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    1. It’s never too late to join the party!

      How cool would it have been to say, “These are jet o-rings on my wrists!” Actually, we wouldn’t have thought it was cool back then. That’s my old self thinking it’s cool now. MAN, AM I OLD. Sigh.

      Kermit for president. Yes. Please.

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  23. Dead Salmon or Snugglepuss get my vote for the worst paint names. Honestly, I want the job of naming paint colors. I could do a better job than whoever named these colors. Love the Muppet rankings. I am a big fan of Kermit, but I kind of think that Animal is number one, although Fozzie Bear makes me laugh in spite of myself. I’m conflicted on this topic.

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