Blogging, Family, Favorite Things, Grief, Tater Tots, Universe

Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots – Episode 54

Kari

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

Ditty about titty

In my previous post, I mentioned that my beloved car was sick. I wanted to write about it, but I didn’t want to write an entire post with the word “titty” in the title because whoo boy.

Here’s what happened: the night before she broke down, my husband was out of town and had suggested that he pick up Ellie from school on his way home from the airport. I told him that I was doing computer work from my Starbucks anyway, so I could drive her home.

After dropping her off at school the next day, I drove to my Starbucks, which is just down the street, but the line to get to the drive thru was out on the street, so I drove around the corner and parked at a local big box store. As I shifted into park, Titty made a horrible noise and the dashboard read “traction control off.”

I turned the ignition off then back on because “have you tried turning it on and off?” is always a good idea.

In this case, it was a bad idea. From there, things only got worse. She then stopped working entirely.

I immediately texted Mike because I knew he’d be driving home from the airport and could come see what was wrong. I happened to look out my passenger window after texting him and there he was in his car.

Something told him to go to Starbucks regardless.

To make a long story short, Titty had to be towed to a local Honda dealership where we get my car serviced on a regular basis. After a week, they admitted they had no idea what was wrong and that it needed to be sent to GMC.

So that’s where she’s at the moment. Their conclusion is that it is the engine. Engines are very expensive, so even with a warranty, we have to pay out of pocket.

This is what I am grateful for in the face of unexpected expenses:

That my car didn’t break down on the tollway Ellie and I were driving on just minutes before. 

That my husband chose to go to Starbucks instead of driving home that day.

That we have an extended warranty.

We have some decisions to make about Titty, but for the time being, she is getting a boob job.

Here is the post/comment section where you helped me name Titty.

If you read one thing this month…

I’m not sure where I found Chris’ blog, but it’s been a gift. He shares small snippets of his life, and his taste in music is excellent.

So, I wrote the above a week before he shared this post:

Barn Quilt – Chris Glass

Blogger Chris, who lives in Ohio, wrote about a quilt he saw on a barn while driving by and how it led him to discover the origins of barn quilts. I won’t go into detail here, but as soon as I read it, my Aunt Chris came to mind. She was a quilter and a founding member of the Ashtabula County Barn Quilts Trail.

Blogger Chris just so happened to share some links to information about barn quilts, and wouldn’t you know it, there was information about my Aunt Chris.

I’ve talked about my Aunt Chris in my Soul Family post.

She’s been on my mind a lot this month. When I went to Judy Maxwell and met Joan Cusack, I immediately felt my Aunt Chris’ energy matched Joan’s energy. And now this.

This is all to say that I love it when things like this happen. A blog that I love and follow out of the blue shares something that has personally touched him and was created in some way by someone who has personally touched me.

My Aunt Chris’s barn quilt memorial. Visit this page to learn more about it and where you can find it in Ohio.

No coincidence.

I see you Aunt Chris. 😘

If you listen to one thing this month…

Light My Love by Greta Van Fleet

If you watch one thing this month…

How to Get Rich

We wouldn’t normally be drawn in by a title like this, but this series is incredibly informative, and the people on it are really likable. Mike and I have already learned so much from watching it. One of my pet peeves is that we aren’t taught how to manage money in high school. This should be a required course before graduating.

99 Movies & Shows That Will Change How You See The World

If you click on any links this month…

Neal.fun (So many fun things on this website)

Author Jane Friedman Finds AI Fakes Being Sold Under Her Name on Amazon

Rising Bird Counseling

The Gamification of Reading Is Changing How We Approach Books

The Art of Letting Go

The social media lottery

How are you filling the world with colorful fun?

Go Deeper, Not Wider

Nick Cave – The Red Hand Files – Issue #106 – I lost someone in the last year.

If you read any quotes this month…

“Each person deserves a day in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.” -Maya Angelou

“I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” -Mahatma Ghandi

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” -Carl Jung

A beeeee!

When things happen, I’m not always sure if I should write about them. This exact thought was investigated earlier this morning during soul homework. Shame came up, and I’m not sure why.

Anyway, Mike suffered a serious fall down the stairs on Monday night. We spent the majority of Monday night and Tuesday morning in the emergency room. He broke his leg and tore some important ligaments. Surgery will be performed, hopefully by Friday. We’re waiting for the surgeon’s office to return our call. He’s doing well; he’s just getting used to his lack of mobility, and I’m getting used to my new roles.

Please keep us in your thoughts this week. I’ll still be around because self-care is more important than ever, and this blog and others certainly qualify. 🖤

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45 thoughts on “Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots – Episode 54”

  2. Sorry to read about Mike’s injury. That is awful, but I suppose that’s stating the obvious. I read that Jane Friedman article and snarled. I’m not a fan of AI. I’m sorry about your vehicle acting out. We went through a similar saga earlier this summer. Modern cars are prone to fits of despair, or should I say, expensive repair?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Titty titty and I are out of commission right now but we’ll be back and better than ever soon. Kudos to my awesome wife for taking care of me and doing it without her favorite car.

    Love you!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Oh geez, poor Mike! Sending you guys so much love and support and healing! Wrapping you guys in a bubble of protection (Titty too!). It is wretched waiting for those doctor calls but I hope this means a good solution. If you guys need some distraction, we have been enjoying Reservation Dogs on Hulu. Bite sized morsels of funny and deep that may brighten your day. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maddie, thank you so much!
      I’m picturing all of us (including Titty) wrapped in bubble wrap, which makes me smile and laugh because my mom enjoys popping bubble wrap. That’s funny that you said that. We’ll be watching because you’re the second person to mention that show to us! We could definitely use some humor around here. ❤️

      Like

  6. Whoof! What a month!! I hope both the car and Mike find themselves repaired and in tip top soon. Soon being relative to traumatic injury – healing vibes heading your way.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. So sorry to hear about both your car and Mike! Oddly my brother Mike is in the hospital this week (not for surgery or broken bones) but still… and yes I realize there are probably a million Mikes in hospitals all across the world right now but I think you know what I mean.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I’m so glad you were parked when your car broke down – what a scary thing! And I’m so sorry that Mike got hurt. Also very scary. I’m sending you all my best wishes! I enjoyed reading about the quilts and your Aunt and clicking on all the links. You always share the coolest things!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words. Things have been scary, but thankfully we have warranties and insurance. I am very grateful for both of these things.

      I am happy that you enjoyed reading about Aunt Chris. She was really special. 💕

      Like

  9. So much going on in your life! I hope Mike heals very quickly – being on the IR is no fun.

    I’m really fascinated by the article about the gamification of reading. Part of my interest in reading IS the social aspect of it – talking to other people about books is really fun. I don’t update my Goodreads page, but I do write a lot of blog reviews and I feel like the social aspect of reading is far more important to me than who reads the most or best books. It’s interesting how GR has changed the nature of reading, though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. He’s not used to sitting so much, so it’s taking some getting used to.

      I like Goodreads because it helps me keep track of my reading habits. I used to be a part of a summer reading program when I was a child, and I loved going to the library and getting a chart stamped for the books I read. For me, Goodreads is the adult equivalent of that. 🖤

      Like

  10. Hmm. Shades of Tara’s pickup breaking down unexpectedly last month (though that outcome, at least, was about as good as we could have hoped). Fingers crossed GMC says it’s just a busted air nozzle or something insanely easy (and cheap) to fix!

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  12. “We have some decisions to make about Titty, but for the time being, she is getting a boob job.”

    Kari, that literally made me laugh out loud. HILARIOUS!

    And I admire the way to chose to look at this situation and focused on the positives. Way to go, my friend!!!!

    “Chris just so happened to share some links to information about barn quilts, and wouldn’t you know it, there was information about my Aunt Chris.”

    How amazing is that?!?!? When things like this happens, it always reassures me that coincidences are NOT coincidences. They are Divinely orchestrated!

    GREAT story, my friend!

    I read a book with the title, ‘The Art of Letting Go’ eons ago. That’s when I started my journey on letting go of my struggle to control everything. I learned that there comes great power in letting go, because I learned what REAL power is.

    Keeping Mike and you in my thoughts. Sending you positive energy!

    X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mike and I had planned to visit Iowa this weekend, and Mike was writhing in pain on a hospital bed when he looked at me and said, “the universe doesn’t want us to go to Iowa.” ❤️

      I love “coincidences!!” They keep me going when things get tough. That is what is keeping this week from being unsettling.

      I just finished a book about letting go a few weeks ago! He discussed the act of surrendering to whatever happens. That’s how I’m dealing with the car problems, Mike’s fall, and his surgery. I literally take each day as it comes. When someone asks me, “What am I going to do?” I respond, “I’m not sure. Let’s wait and see.”

      Thank you for that energy, I so appreciate it! 😘

      Like

  13. These are always a treat to read. Yeah here’s for a speedy recovery for both Mike & Your precious Titty 😁 Neal.fun is cool. And I have sern most of the shows/films mentioned in that 99 post.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. First I was going to comment about the car and how I hate car issues, but aieeeee Mike’s leg!!!! I am so sorry, I hope he heals very very quickly. That sounds serious and I hope he’s not in too much pain.

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  15. When it rains, it pours! First your car, now Mike. C’mon! I am so sorry, my dear friend. Sometimes life just plain ol’ sucks. “Dumb” question: would it be better to buy a new\used car at this point instead of paying for a new engine? And another “dumb” question (I’m full of them tonight, ha ha)…why were you taking your GMC vehicle to a Honda dealership for servicing? Any independent auto shops near you that you could take your cars to instead? (Much cheaper!)

    Loved your Aunt Chris story. And I’ll be checking out Chris’s blog. As well as all your other links. Love you…sending that love and healing energy yours and Mike’s way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is a question we have considered. It simply does not make financial sense for us right now. Also, there is not a lot of inventory in the automobile industry. On so many levels, it’s just bad timing. But Mike’s health is our top priority, so that is where we are right now.

      Thank you for that healing energy. 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  17. My heart (and leg) hurts for Mike! I’m so sorry and I’m praying that he’s in good hands and will be on the mend quickly. ❤️

    Poor Titty. What a time for her to act up, but like you stated—-she was at least polite enough to do it while in a safe location.

    I’ve got to go read Chri’s posts—-especially regarding your beloved Aunt. What a small world!!

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  18. When this post didn’t appear on Monday, I hoped you were just busy. When I didn’t see it Tuesday, I felt a little concerned. Was too busy with my own stuff yesterday, but came here this morning knowing I would send an email if there was no post today. All of which is to say: Thanks for sharing what’s been going on. People notice and we worry and want to know. I am so sorry about Mike’s fall! At our stage of the life game, we don’t bounce the way we used to, so I know that’s a big deal. Sending my hopes for minimal pain and swift healing. And car stuff: ugh! I hate it. I’m so glad that if it had to happen, it was under pretty much the best-case scenario.

    I love all the links, but especially the one to Chris’s blog/site. I now want to completely overhaul mine. Between that and the Goodreads piece, I’m thinking about how to save/curate things. I’ve never gotten good at it. But also: The Go Deeper, Not Wider piece fits in there somewhere. I bookmark things and never go back to them. There’s so much stuff–so much good stuff!–that flies past us every day. I struggle with how to use my time/attention. But I don’t want to just dig into what I already have for a year. (Or do I?…)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It means a lot to me that you noticed, Rita. ❤️

      His blog is amazing, isn’t it? His pictures are SO GOOD. I like the idea of daily photos accompanied by a soundtrack. I would miss having a comment section only because I love each and every one of you. But, I also like the idea of NOT having a comment section, too. ..

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh, I didn’t notice that there were no comments. I can definitely see the benefits of that. I suppose it might be freeing in more ways than one. But definite drawbacks, too. Depends upon your purposes, I guess.

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  19. I am so sorry about your husband’s fall. Did he trip on something? I am super paranoid about falling since my osteoporosis diagnosis (that rhymes??) I hope he’s in and out of surgery soon and back home recuperating. The waiting is the hardest part, right??

    I was introduced to barn quilts by a fellow blogger (my oldest continuing commenter, who sadly passed away last year). He was from Binghamton, New York and I guess barn quilts are popular there. After reading his post, I started noticing barn quilts in Ohio. They are very cool and I love the coincidence with your aunt.

    You know what else I love? That the Fresh Prince was on that list of sitcoms. My husband and I loved that show, back in the day. Alfonso (Carlton on the show) was such an underrated actor. He was hilarious. And I still love Will Smith, despite the whole drama thing with his wife and Chris Rock.

    Sending you good wishes this week for Mike and Titty!

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    1. Thank you so much, friend. He was carrying something down the stairs when his foot got caught on it and he slipped and fell. I watched the entire thing, and now I’m paranoid too. I’ve never walked so carefully down my stairs in the over 15 years we’ve been here. On Tuesday, the surgeon will remove his dressing and we will learn more about whether he will get a boot or not. 

      Oh, how sad about your commenter! I am so close to my blog friends and commenters that I dread the day when something like that happens. Take photos of any barn quilts you come across in Ohio. I’d love to see some on your travels!

      My mom loves that show! Afonso Ribeiro is one of my favorite actors. I also remember him from the TV show Silver Spoons! (I still love Will Smith, too.)

      Thank you so much! 😘

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  20. Oh Kari, you really are the mistress of reframing and taking things one step at a time and not looking further ahead that is necessary. I was thinking “bummer” about your car, and loving the fact that your husband somehow just knew to be at Starbucks for you. Then to hear that he had such a bad fall – heart rending. Adding my good wishes to you all for rapid and sound solutions.

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    1. Deb, thank you so much! I appreciate your wishes! I wasn’t always good at reframing. It has taken three years of daily soul homework to get here. We’ve had a difficult few days getting Mike through surgery and adjusting to his new routine. But we’re doing it with grace and a lot of laughter. I don’t think we would have handled it this well three years ago, so I’m grateful for the work I’ve done. I’m also thankful for having health insurance, for Mike’s flexible job, and for everyone here. 😘❤️

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  21. So sorry about Mike’s fall. That sounds painful and not being able to get around is just a pain, literally. I hope the car gets repaired soon without breaking the bank. The small world story is so sweet. Love it. I hope to check out that how to make money show. That sounds, well – timely. ;0

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