Lit*er*al*ly, Ororo #42
Questions #511-525
Welcome to the 42nd issue of Lit*er*al*ly, Ororo, a weekly blog by me, Ororo Munroe, speaking my truth inspired by the 3000 Questions About Me journal. I mean, it’s a personal blog. And since I’ll be sharing all my personal bits, why not do so in the not-so-typical form of questions? Thanks for reading. Participation is encouraged.
511. What is something you don’t mind paying money for?
My monthly coffee subscription. I defected from Four Sigmatic to Everyday Dose. I initially signed up last year during their Black Friday sale and got their coffee starter kit--a package of 30 servings of coffee, a black metal spoon, a sticker, and a hand frother--for, like, $27. I’ve never used a frother before, so needless to say, I’m glad there was no one in the kitchen at my Corp Hell Job the first time I used it. Heehee. Eight months out and I still have my moments.
If you stick around for the first 5 months of the subscription, they send you goodies: a glass storage vessel (their words, not mine) for your coffee refills, a 16oz travel tumbler, 5-pack of travel sachets, a 12oz mushroom glass cup, and a magnet. I stuck around for the coffee. They’ve got matcha, too, but I just stick to the coffee. It goes down smooth with a hint of chocolate on the back end. It’s mushroom coffee, and I switched because from the first sip, I could feel that boost of energy.
512. Have you ever carried a torch for someone?
I’ve had crushes but have carried no torches. I hear those things are damn heavy.
513. What has been your greatest sacrifice?
Being a co-caregiver of a parent with dementia. I’m basically sacrificing my life right now. If Sis and I want to go somewhere together, we either have to make sure my Dad can handle 3-4 hours by himself or pay to have a home health nurse come in. If I want to go on vacation, it has to be during my “away” (the week I’m not staying with my parents) week.
After nearly 3 years of living with my parents, I finally got my own place at the end of June. I love having my own space (not so much the thin walls and 4 sets of stairs I have to climb) and resent having to leave it every other week. I honestly hate—and that’s such a strong word that I don’t like to use, but in this case, it’s valid--staying with my parents because of the environment. It’s so heavy with stress, worry, frustration, irritation, helplessness, fatigue, etc. I’ve started cleansing myself (burning a palo santo stick) the minute I get back to my place, so I don’t bring that energy into my home.
514. Which do you think more likely exists, Dracula or Werewolf?
Werewolf. Definitely. And not because I read shifter romances. I remember the news segment about sheep cloning. If that’s happening, then you know the government and the military are experimenting with interspecies DNA cell splicing. After all, they make movies about this shit. And we all know what happens when government experiments go awry, amiright?
515. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Creative writing. I really wish creative writing had been taught when I was in high school. My writing journey started in the 7th grade, so I think it would’ve been great to have had that encouragement in even earlier in middle school. I guess that’s why nonprofits like 826 National have to step in and fill that void.
516. What’s the funniest question you ever asked your parents when you were younger?
I don’t remember and I don’t know if they would remember, either. They remember funny things I did, not said.
517. How good of a tipper are you when going out?
It depends on the service. If it was shitty (takes forever to get drink refilled, get the bill, pay the bill, etc.) they get 15%; if it was good-great, 20%.
518. If you were going undercover for the CIA, what would be your new cover story?
Something unassuming and low-key, like a creative writing teacher. LOL
519. Have you ever eaten anything prepared by a celebrity chef?
No, I haven’t! But I’d like to. Mr. Ex. and I ate Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant in Vegas one time, but he obvi wasn’t the one who prepared the meal.
520. How modern are you?
I’m modern as fuck. I’m going to need all the electricity, all the in-house appliances, and running water inside. LOL
521. Are you a “fanatic” of anything or anyone?
Bwaha. Say less. James Bond, Betty Boop, and Jason Statham. In that order.
522. What discovery have you recently made that you feel is cutting edge?
Using the word “cutting edge” and “Ororo” in the same sentence does not compute. I’m not techy enough to understand when something is cutting edge. LOL
523. Do you think cheerleaders are motivating—or distracting—at football games?
I’m not a fan of football, so I don’t go to games, and I can’t really speak to this. What I can say is that I prefer dance teams over cheerleaders, but I do like watching cheerleading championships.
524. What is your favorite documentary or biography?
The Game Changers on Netflix. Watching this was the catalyst for me making the decision to transition to a whole food plant-based diet. At this point, I would consider myself to be a whole-food, plant-based flexitarian because I still like to eat salmon and chicken.
525. What is your favorite children’s story?
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. I still have the hardback copy my parents gave me when I was younger. Looking at these poems now, I realize they’re kinda dark, but at the time, I just thought they were funny and quirky.
It’s your turn. This inquiring mind wants to know your answers to these burning questions.
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Hi, Ororo:) Thank you CK Steefel @goodhumor for forwarding your blog to me. In your list the self sacrifice of caring for parents with dementia is heartbreaking. As you know I am collecting thoughts from the "kids" who are taking care of ailing/elderly parents. Your words lay bare the struggle to do good but at a steep price. You and your sister really don't have a choice to care for your parents, but no one is going to recognize the sacrifice. It seems unfair and you are not alone. Thinking of you ...Kim
I also loved the Shel Silverstein books! Also never realized how dark they were, so guess I'll have to go back and reread them haha.