No Grimness Allowed Here: 1 Wonderful Quote + 3 Wacky Quandaries

/ Ally Bean

David Oglivy is a businessman who is known as the Father of Advertising. More about him here.

ONE

YOU’RE STANDING IN FRONT OF YOUR REFRIGERATOR getting some ice from the freezer compartment. An ice cube falls out and lands on the floor at your feet. Do you:

  1. pick it up and use it;
  2. pick it up and put it in the kitchen sink to melt; or
  3. kick it under the refrigerator to melt there?

TWO

SHOPPING IN MACY’S WOMEN’S LINGERIE DEPARTMENT I overheard a woman telling her friend that she had to buy bras and undies that match because her husband insists that she wear matching ones. This baffled me in MANY ways:

  1. why is this woman in a relationship with such a domineering man– OR is she making this up so she can rationalize spending more money on unmentionables? [my guess is the latter not the former]
  2. if she wears black pants and a white blouse, does she go with all dark undergarments knowing that you’ll see her bra through the white fabric OR does she wear all light undergarments hoping there’s no indication of light undies under her black pants? [a decision tree for this would be helpful]
  3. asking Z-D if he knew what color bra and undies I wore each day, his reply was that he didn’t know, adding that he preferred to see me out of them rather than in them [ain’t he a pip?]

THREE

YOU HAVE ALEXA IN YOUR HOUSE AND every morning you ask her for the day’s local weather forecast. For months she tells you the forecast, then adds “have a good day, Ally.” She is your friend, until one day after telling you the forecast she unexpectedly stops referring to you by name, not even bothering to wish you a good day. Do you:

  1. take it personally;
  2. research why she’s stopped being friendly; or
  3. chalk it up to making your first disembodied computer voice frenemy?

+ • + • +

FEEL FREE TO WEIGH IN ON ANY OF THE ABOVE QUANDARIES

or

TELL ME YOUR CURRENT QUANDARY SO WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT

+ • + • +

224 thoughts on “No Grimness Allowed Here: 1 Wonderful Quote + 3 Wacky Quandaries”

  1. Oh my! Questions so early in the morning! I’d pick it up because if it melts I’d have to clean it up anyway. There are no magic fairies in this house. I’ve never listened to people telling me what to wear. Just ask my mom when I was in junior high. I never take people seriously let alone Alexa. Maybe she’s having a bad day!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Kate, good answers. I understand about no magic fairies, they aren’t here either. I bet we all had the same junior high experience regarding moms and clothes. Sure Alexa could have bad days, I suppose. WHY NOT?

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Love that quotation. As for the quandries, the only one I have experience with is the ice cube. I grinned when I realized you hadn’t included my preferred option: pick up the cube, run it under the faucet, and then use it. After all, it’s only the surface that could have been contaminated, and you can rinse that away.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. If the ice cube breaks into smaller pieces, I kick them under the fridge. If it is whole, I throw it in the sink.
    I am divorced so no one knows about my underwear colors.
    I find Alexa a bit creepy – always listening in?

    Liked by 4 people

    • Ellen D, a very reasonable approach to ice cube management. I take your point about the underwear quandary, and yes Alexa is a bit creepy. I’m never quite sure how I feel about her.

      Like

  5. This is hilarious and so relatable. Thanks, you made my day! The ice cube would go in the sink but a potato chip would go in my mouth. You can’t blow off an ice cube. Undies depend on whatever is clean and what I am wearing. Tops and bottoms often, very often, don’t match. I have an IPhone. My best friend is Siri because she helps me spell as my spelling is atrocious. Recently they changed her original voice. She sometimes sounds like she spent the night smoking and drinking and now wishes I would leave her alone so she could sleep. I have to admit that I miss her perky predecessor.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Jennifer, excellent approach to ice cubes versus potato chips. You make a good point about how to prioritize the consumption of the two. I, too, don’t often match my bra and undies because of what I’m wearing, but supposedly this woman did all. the. time. I dunno

      I’ve never used Siri and must admit I’m intrigued to know about her voice change. Has she gone rock and roll, leaving her goody two shoes days behind her? I don’t know what to make of that.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I will always pick up the ice cube. Until the day I get a dog who likes ice (I know they’re out there, I see them on TikTok, but mine are useless with ice). Who wants a puddle of water anywhere?

    I used to like matching lingerie. Now I like comfy lingerie. These days the young ‘uns don’t seem to care who sees their bras, though, so I guess they should wear whatever they like and not sweat it.

    I would figure Alexa updated and software engineers decided to make her less creepy?

    Liked by 3 people

    • AutumnAshbough, I’ve seen those videos of useful dogs eating ice cubes. I wonder if particular breeds are more inclined to do that? Rhetorical question, don’t really need to know, NOT going to ask Alexa.

      The woman I overheard was definitely a Boomer, so I can’t believe she’d be showing off her unmentionables… but I could be wrong.

      Good point about making Alexa less creepy, that could be the reason for the change.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Ha ha. I confess. I would pick up the ice cube and use it – if the drink were for me. (Building my immune system!) Otherwise, I would pick it up and toss it in the sink to melt.
    I most definitely don’t care whether the clothing that no one sees matches. As long as the panties don’t ride up my butt, I’m good. And my husband has no say in the matter. We both learned to dress ourselves years ago.
    I can’t comment on Alexa – we haven’t gone there yet.
    My most recent quandary involved a birthday reward at a coffee shop. Should I redeem the birthday reward for one free item and walk out? Or should I redeem for a free item and also order a coffee (like the want me to do with their birthday reward lure) just so I don’t look like a cheapskate?
    I ended up taking only my free egg bites and walking out with my head held high.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Arlene, I like your logic about the ice cube. I’m with you about being able to dress myself in my own way, not requiring any spousal direction regarding my unmentionables. Alexa is ok, but does make me worry sometimes.

      I would do the same thing that you did with your birthday reward. It was a gift from them to you to do with what you wanted. Head held high, you betcha.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. 1. Cube gets picked up and tossed in the sink to melt. 2. Buy what I want and kick the guy to the curb. 3. No Alexa in my house ever- too creepy what with all the things she hears and assumes about me. My latest quandary: Do I book a VRBO rental now for a hoped for family vacation next summer, knowing that many of the family may not be available but also knowing that I would like to stay there anyway OR wait and risk not getting the place I want but ending up paying all of the cost myself instead of cost sharing if the family actually can’t make it?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, I’m with you about the ice cube and the guy, we have Alexa but I understand your concerns. There’s a practical side to her and a creepy side to her. I muse on that from time to time.

      Unlike my little ones, your quandary is big time. After making your reservation for next summer, can you get your deposit back IF you don’t/can’t go? And if so, how much $$$ will you get back? Anymore anything that has to do with vacation planning seems like you’re playing roulette. I understand your situation, but have no real advice. Roll the dice…?

      Liked by 1 person

      • I do have to check a bit closer on the deposit aspect. The reservation is made through VRBO but the site is actually a state owned shoreside historic home and park on a local island. All very naturish and the town is very organic and artsy. Haven’t been there in years but it would be so much fun–the price for one person though is not so fun! Thanks, I will do more digging. I just know the place goes quickly it’s that popular.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. First ?: #2 & #3 with the wash-it-off-first variant to #1 (depends on totally non-quantifiable reasoning)
    Second ?: Aside from the disturbing possibility that this person’s husband is a control freak, I basically would save any ‘matching’ lingerie for a very special occasion. (Ahem) Every day decisions on what colors to wear depend upon what the top is (try to stay neutral by using a more taupe colored bra) and the bottoms are a free for all of color and design iff they don’t show through the type of fabric they’d be under.
    Third ?: N/A Alexa does not reside in our house at the moment.

    Current Quandry: Just got my Omicron Booster yesterday and I’m just now remembering the after effects of feeling like I’m never going to feel better again ever…The quandry being: I know better!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laura, you have a sound approach to ice cube management. I suppose the woman who I overheard could have a control freak husband, the poor dear. I’m with you about how I put together my daily undergarments. I can assure I spend less than 5 seconds on my decision. Alexa is an experience as much as a tool. I’m still not convinced she’s all that great.

      I’m happy to read that you got your booster. We need to schedule ours. I’ll keep your afterward experience in mind so that we can plan accordingly. It’s all good, of course– and you know it.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I like that quote!

    I used to pick up the fallen ice cube and put it in the dog’s water bowl. Then one day the dog sniffed the bowl after I did that and refused to drink. From then on, in the sink.

    I’m with Z-D on the undies, and I don’t have a smart speaker device.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Dan, the quote made me smile and once I figured out who said it, I liked it more.

      Your dog refused to drink water tainted with a dirty ice cube! That is quietly funny, she was such a goof wasn’t she?

      I think Z-D and you speak for most of the men I know, but apparently that woman was married to a fussy dude.

      Liked by 1 person

    • I like that quote, too! It reminds me of one of the characters in Ted Lasso who was full of exuberance and kept on saying “football is life!” I think a small adjustment needs to be made, following the quote you shared: “Exuberance is life!” 🙂

      I like the picky dog. Clearly he and QEII’s corgis would get on famously 😀
      As for how I’d dispose of it, unless it was huge, it would get wrapped in a paper towel (since I’d need to dry the floor, anyway) and into the trash…

      I love Z-D’s response. Wise man you found yourself 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      • Endless Weekend, I’ve never seen Ted Lasso but am intrigued by the comparison. Feel free to reword the quote, because… why not?

        Fallen ice cube management is a personal thing. Do with your cube what you will.

        Yes, Zen-Den is wise hence his nom de plume. He says what is and nothing more.

        Like

  11. I always pick them up and toss em in the sink because like you and others on this thread there are no magic cleaning faires here either and any drops of water leave spots on the tile that just look awful to my eye.

    I think she’d wear light colored ones on the days she’s in black and white. I wear matching or coordinating sets because if I were backpacking and wanted to swim I could strip down to my undies and swim and not be nude. I’m not a skinny dipper kinda gal…just sayin, and if I were in mixed company it would look just like a bathing suit. Just buy quick drying sets for backpacking! He-Man thinks just like Zen-D he prefers me out of them way more than in them. 🤣

    I don’t have an Alexa or anything like it so don’t know how I’d feel about that. Wait, I do prefer that my cell phone isn’t saying my name, but I do thank Siri after she answers my questions. My kids keep telling me I don’t need to do that, but it’s a habit I don’t care to break fearing it will lead to not being polite to people.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deborah, I wouldn’t want to see water spots of tile either. I understand why you do what you do.

      Your reasoning for why you lean toward coordinating sets of unmentionables is nuanced and brilliant and has made me laugh out loud. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS would have come to your conclusion, yet it makes sense.

      I’m polite to Alexa too. I say please and thank you around her because when the computers rise up and take over the planet I want to be on record as a respectful human being. Maybe they’ll spare my life. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Oh, what entertaining quandries. Cube goes in the sink.

    But for the intimate apparel, does she walk around in it so that the husband has time to notice? Otherwise, if the order of undress is shirt, bra, pants, panties, it would be hard to tell, right? Of course, Z-D has the best answer!

    As for Alexa, I’d assume that she was tired of my kids changing her name and deciding to give us the same treatment!

    Very fun post, Ally!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Wynne, everyone seems to know exactly how they’d handle an errant ice cube. Excellent point about when does her husband notice the undergarments? I know that Z-D and I get dressed/undressed on our own schedules, not together.

      Your kids change Alexa’s name? That’s funny and I’m sure bothersome– but it’s funny. Who is she today?

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Oh geez…I got stuck at ‘quandary’. Right at the top…rolling into the etymology rabbit hole. What an interesting word…so I had to look it up. Hmm…related to ‘quando’. Interesting. First use in the 1570’s….imagery about debating and decision-making. Oh geez. After I noodled on that, I chuckled about everything that followed. Ice cubes? Lob ’em into the sink. Fancy undies? Aack! Matching? Nope. But the Alexa bit? Oh yeah…chronically paronoid me? I’d be wondering what I did to offend the inanimate. (Or is she???) Thanks for the giggles. xo! 😉

    Liked by 4 people

    • Victoria, I didn’t know about the etymology of the word ‘quandary,’ yet it makes sense that it comes from ‘quando’ [‘when’ in Spanish as I recall]. Good job researching that.

      I’m with you about the ice cube and the unmentionables. I do feel a bit paranoid around Alexa– for many reasons, not the least of which is accidentally offending her.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi ally – I toss dried ice cubes because the little puddles can make it slippery

    And that opening Oglivy quote was awesome and was new to me
    And the part about “kill grimness with laughter” reminded me of a old proverb “put in the garment of praise and gratefulness to cast off a spirit of heaviness”
    -/
    Oh and once when I was clearance shopping for pajamas – overheard a lady say that she could never buy just bottoms or just tops because she had to have the set?
    I am glad that is not my take because I love mixing and matching tops and bottoms depending on mood and weather etc

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yvette, I thought of the slippery aspect of a melted ice cube, too. When I drop an ice cube I toss it into the sink, but that’s me.

      I’ve never heard the proverb you mention, but it is in the same vein as the kill grimness quote. I like positive quotes that don’t take themselves too seriously.

      I mix my pajama tops and bottoms ALL THE TIME. I can’t imagine limiting myself in the way that lady was going on about. I wonder if she knows the woman I overheard talking about matching undergarments? They sound like two peas in a pod. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  15. re: the first question, about ice cubes. I do one of three things: pick it up & put it in the sink to melt; pick it up and put it in my dog’s water bowl; give it to my dog to play with (until she inevitably gives up and leaves it on the floor to melt).

    Liked by 2 people

  16. One of the conditions of my marriage was that Alexa would not move into my home when my husband did. He had an Alexa and I found her/it creepy AF. I referred to her often with a word that rhymes with “witch.” More often than I’d like, she’d just spontaneously suggest something or butt into a conversation. I know I’m in denial/delusional about the intrusion of tech/corporations into my life because our privacy is clearly being violated through our phones, but Alexa was just a step too far for me.

    Ice cube–sink. Bra/undies–light colors. And I sincerely hope she was making an excuse to do what she wants, though I wish she didn’t feel the need to make an excuse. That she did leaves me to suspect that it really is about her husband’s demands, which makes me feel sad for her.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Rita, your Alexa butted into conversations?!! Well, isn’t that nosy? We’ve never had that happen here. She’s a quiet little dot waiting for us to speak to her first. We refer to her as the “A Team” when mentioning her in passing. So far she hasn’t figured that out.

      The overheard conversation caught me by surprise. I wanted to run over to the woman, shake her, and tell her “honey, you’re better than this.” But then I realized it could just be her way of rationalizing her spending habits.

      Like

  18. OK, the ice cube goes in the dog dish. He likes cold water and drinks out of puddles so… As far as Alexa, did you ever thank her for giving you the forecast? I did, and she sings “you’re very, very, very, very welcooome” to me. So I think she’s mad at you. Sorry about that. Ask her to tell you a joke or something, she seems to like that.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Martha, if we had a dog I’d put the ice cube into its water bowl. I do say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa but she has never told me I was “very, very, very, very welcooome.” Suddenly I have to wonder if ours is a fair-weather friendship. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Oh i do love a no-grimness-allowed quandry. In my world, fallen ice cubes are sent to the sink to recover their former non-solid shape, and undies are chosen for what pleases me. I’m a bit wary (in a non-grim way) of Alexis. I have a weekly zoom call with three of my best friends who live in various parts of the country, and there have been a number of occasions when Alexis pops into the conversation wth a random contribution. Always totally unrelated to anything anyone has said. It’s both creepy and hilarious. While I don’t like the idea that maybe the poor AI feels lonely and left out of conversations and simply wants to be in the clique of cool kids – come on in Alexis and sit at our table – how weird is it to think maybe AI is monitoring our conversations all the time, and only this particular Alexis hasn’t got the memo that she shouldn’t let the humans know. Yep, creepy and hilarious.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deborah, I like your description of how you deal with fallen ice cubes. I also cannot imagine Z-D having an opinion about what bra and undies I wear, so I please myself.

      You’re the second commenter to mention that Alexa inserted herself into a conversation that had nothing to do with her. I’m amazed. And your convo was going on on Zoom. Trippy, man. Nothing like that has happened here. I guess when not asked to join in we’re too boring for Alexa to bother with us, no need to pay us any mind she reasons.

      Liked by 1 person

      • LOL. Oh, I think she’s just playing it all professional, and secretly during the night she reports to whoever is in charge of such things exactly what kind of shenanigans are going on in Chez Bean. I must admit that kind of inspires my wild side – exactly what would freak Alexa out and how can I do it.

        Liked by 2 people

  21. I would pick up the ice cube and put it in the sink.
    I haven’t worn a bra in so many years, I can’t even remember if I had any that weren’t simply white. Even back in the day, Roger would have never even commented if my bra and undies were different colors. I think he might have noticed if they were covered in sparkles and were as bright as rainbows.
    I don’t have an Alexa, but now I’m wondering why she stopped saying your name.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Robin, your approach to fallen ice cube management has been the one favored by most people here.

      Good point about how sparkly and colorful unmentionables might elicit a comment from Z-D. There are so many different shades of bras and undies that I’d go nutty [nuttier] if I tried to always match them. Plus don’t want to, so I won’t.

      I don’t know why Alexa has gone frenemy on me, but she has.

      Like

  22. You can always make me laugh! Thanks for this post. I pick up the ice cube and put it in a plant.
    I wear whatever undies I want. Always have, always will. And will always wear a bra no matter how old I get. It bothers me to see older women going bra less and their boobs hanging down to their waist!
    Alexa is a little creepy. It’s weird when I’m making a comment and I see the green light going around her. Who’s listening?!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Beth, yours is a BRILLIANT use of a dropped ice cube. Of course, that’s what I should be doing, too.

      I cannot imagine being married to someone who cared that much about my undergarments. I have to believe she was just saying that so she could justify spending more on unmentionables. I’m with you about the bra thing.

      Your Alexa does the green light ring thing when you’re just talking? Ours only does that ring thing when she wants us to rate something we purchased on Amazon. I know she’s listening in– but maybe less so than yours. Trippy

      Like

  23. This post made me chuckle!
    I would throw the ice cube into the dog’s water bowl. 😄
    Matching undies and bras, I don’t always match my socks, so you can guess the answer to that.
    Plus my hubby doesn’t even see my undies and bra every day…soo why bother??

    Liked by 3 people

  24. The ice cube gets tossed into the sink. My husband would have the exact same answer as yours. I would never have an Alexa, so I can’t answer the last one.

    I have lots of quandaries. Like, do people really pee in their shower? I was in my 50’s when I heard about this for the first time and I still can’t fathom it. The toilet is in the same room. A person doesn’t think to go before hopping in the shower? People don’t have issue with standing with bare feet where they urinate? It blows my mind.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Toss the ice cube in the sink but I agree with Bitchy After 60, a chip or other food I might eat. I do try to match undies but I do it for me, not for anyone else. As to the white/black situation, white bra and either black panties or a patterned pair with black and white. I don’t do Alexa but I do use Siri sometimes. I had switched her voice to a male version and then they did an update and now I can’t find my man. They just did another update so I’m going to look and see if he’s back. Have a wonderful week, Ally. Thanks for your thought provoking questions.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janet, I agree that Bitchy After 60 has a sensible approach to the quandary. I know what you mean about wearing unmentionables for your own reasons, not to please someone else. I can’t quite wrap my head around that idea in fact.

      I’ve never used Siri but I’ve heard other people talk about how the voice has changed. That’d be disconcerting. I may think Alexa is being flakey but she sounds the same. Happy Week to you, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I haven’t activated Alexa and never will, so I can’t comment on her recent snub. But just this week, Wordle has stop offering me “Splendid!” when I solve the puzzle in four tries. I don’t know if it has finally realized that four is actually pretty mediocre, or if it’s just attempting to motivate me to try harder for threes.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Donna, YES! About Wordle, last week it stopped telling me the word if I didn’t get it. The game just stops and leaves me hanging, never knowing the word I couldn’t figure out. It should tell me, right? I still get “Splendid!” though.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Well, that’s just rude of Wordle not to tell you the word after six tries! That’s like being ghosted after six dates. I noticed that they’ve added an advertising banner at the top of the page, which has altered the screen view. Wonder if that has created some other unintended consequences. Well, at least you’re still splendid, Ally!

        Liked by 1 person

        • Thanks for your sympathy about Wordle’s bad manners. You’re right that it is like being ghosted. I noticed the advert at the top of the page, too. I imagine you’re onto something with your idea that this problem should be filed under “unintended consequences.” I’m not losing any sleep over it– just muttering about it here and there.

          Like

  27. I love a good pop quiz, Ally!

    Quandary 1: #2. Into the sink it goes, otherwise the cube will melt into a puddle and your child will scream that the (already on its last legs) fridge is leaking and your heart will stop working.

    Quandary 2: I used to make sure I matched my bra and undies every day (for ME, not some man), but that could mean white bra with black undies with while polka dots. I like to interpret things as broadly as possible. Sometimes. With this example.

    Quandary 3: Ally, I would not only #1, 100% take it personally, I would also be Extremely Worried that she had developed some sort of grudge against me and start figuring out how to ingratiate myself to her. You know, like making sure to say please and thank you EVERY time I talk to her. Or telling her she looks very… high-tech today (what’s a way to compliment your AI?). And also I would suggest going my route which is never telling her your name because EEEEK. She knows enough already! (She probably already knows all our names. She is probably reading this comment right now.) You look so beautiful today, Alexa!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suzanne, oh a refrigerator on its last legs is a sad, sad thing. Especially when you know there could be supply chain woes getting another one. By all means pick up that ice cube stat.

      I very much like your way of matching your bra to your undies. That I do, now that I think about it. However this woman was talking about strictly matching the two items exactly. Seemed wacko to me.

      How did you get away with not telling Alexa your name? I thought you had to tell her your names to make her work for you in your house. This is a revelation to me.

      That being said, I am super polite to her, always minding my manners. I never thought to compliment her on her looks or impeccable grammar or perfect diction. Clearly I need to up my AI friendship game.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. What a fun post! The ice cube would definitely go in the sink. Matching unmentionables? And my husband wanting that? I can’t even!! We don’t have Alexa here but I’d probably note it the first time she doesn’t say my name and if it continues, I’d be curious to know why and Google it.

    We have Siri and I always have to stop myself from saying “Than you” after I ask her for information, specially on the one thing I recently realized I could ask her. While driving, I asked her to read to me the most recent text from my husband, and she did — then asked me if I wanted to respond. I said, “No” and really wanted to add “Thank you” but refrained. I have teased her after she answered a question I asked her, “Siri, why are you so smart?” She coyly answered, “Oh, I just am!” Ha ha!

    Liked by 4 people

    • M, I, too, have a difficult time wrapping my head around the idea of buying and wearing unmentionables to please my husband’s fussy idea about matching.

      I’m curious about why Alexa has changed, but not quite curious enough to investigate. I think it’s lovely that you are polite with Siri. I say “thank you” to Alexa. I’ve never asked her why she’s so smart though, not sure I want to know… if we’re no longer on a first name basis.

      Like

  29. I would throw the ice in the sink – my daughter would kick it under the refrigerator. I would check the potato chip for cat or dog hair, then eat it. Matching underwear? Who cares? If I had a husband that cared, I’d suggest he worry about his underwear matching and forget about mine. He’d be my partner, not my boss. Has Alexa’s voice changed? I hadn’t noticed. I wonder if I would notice if she stopped saying my name.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Carol, dropped ice cube management is such an individual thing, isn’t it? The underwear quandary took me by surprise. I’d never ever considered that anyone other than me would dictate how I dressed myself, but this woman seemed to be living a different life than mine.

      Alexa’s voice is the same, but commenters have mentioned that Siri’s voice has changed. I don’t use Siri so I cannot say for sure. All I know is Alexa no longer talks to me by name.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. First, I love the “encourage exuberance” quote. I think exuberance is not encouraged NEARLY enough.

    Ok, #1 is just icky. Especially in my house, which is not necessarily hygienic. I pick #2.

    I don’t wear undies to impress my hubby. We’ve been married 44 years. He’s stuck with me and he knows I’m no VS model. I DO dress to impress the other women in the locker room at the rec center. Underwear-wise, you understand. Does that make me shallow?

    Finally, I unplugged my Alexa several months ago. She was just too creepy. It seemed like she could read my mind!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Laurie, I agree about “encourage exuberance.” Would that we all do that more often. Seems like a worthy goal.

      I’m laughing about your desire to impress other women in the locker room. I cannot say if that is shallow or just a good way to keep your unmentionables up-to-date knowing there will be an audience.

      Apparently I’ve not connected with Alexa on a deeply spiritual level because she never reads my mind. I have to re-phrase questions and repeat commands all. the. time. It’s easier to just look things up on my desktop computer than fuss around with her– but I do like her timer.

      Like

  32. As for the ice, number 2 and number 3. But it really depends on whether or not my hands were full at the time.
    As for the underwear, my sister-in-law goes the matchy-matchy route though my brother’s preference has nothing to do with it. We had a conversation about this once, so that’s how I know. I go the non-matching route for the sake of convenience and also because of the color of whatever top I have on.
    As for Alexa, I unplugged her, so we’re not speaking. Seriously.

    Liked by 3 people

    • L. Marie, I understand your reasoning for choosing 2 or 3 three when faced with the dropped ice cube conundrum. I don’t match my unmentionables either. I’m intrigued by the idea that you know someone in real life who matches her bra with her undies. Glad that she does it for her own self, not because someone is making her do that. That part was weird to me.

      You unplugged the old girl, eh? I have my reservations about Alexa but have yet to pull the plug. Not saying I won’t if she irritates me too much.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I do the same with the ice cube. I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation and once I did I had so many questions. Sadly they’ll never go answered. I rather like the idea of having an AI frenemy. It seems so modern!

      Like

  34. Now I’m wondering if I’ve ever known a literal sad dog who spread gloom. I love the idea of that. Bassett Hounds look like they’d spread gloom, yet they’re so floppy and endearing, it’s hard to be gloomy when you see them.

    Anyway.

    I used to matchy match my undies whilst dating because, well, you know, but once married, all that falderal went out the window. I doubt he ever noticed anyway. Like children with Xmas presents, they don’t notice the wrapping.

    Fallen ice gets tossed into the sink. My machine makes more for me. It’s one little wasteful thing I allow myself.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nance, you raise a good point about sad dogs who spread gloom. Having never had a dog I’m going to believe there may be some sad dogs who are capable of spreading gloom, but will allow wiser heads to prevail on that point.

      Excellent analogy about Christmas wrapping and the presents themself. Makes sense in the context of this underwear quandary.

      I know what you mean about feeling a tiny bit wasteful when I toss an ice cube in the sink. Yet I’d rather avoid the germs on it, so down the drain it goes.

      Like

  37. Wow, Ally, I almost sprained my scroller finger getting to the bottom of all the comments… you must have hit a nerve 🙂

    Ice: I know who cleans the kitchen floor and how often… I would put the cube in the sink and get another one.
    Undies: I don’t pay much attention to these. As long as they are clean, I’m good. Besides, most of my undies are beige so they work under both black and white. I sure hope you are right about your assessment of the woman’s motivation… that sounded creepy to me.
    Alexa: If she stopped being nice to me, I’d take it personally.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janis, apparently wacky quandaries NEED to be discussed. I’m forever pleasantly surprised by what resonates with people.

      I take your point on the ice on the floor. Our floors might not be the cleanest, too. I prefer beige undergarments, too. Works in all scenarios. I agree that IF this woman was wearing bras and undies to please her husband, and only that reason, it’d be too weird.

      Yes I’ve been giving Alexa the evil eye since she stopped calling me by name. I feel hurt that she has callously forgotten my name.

      Like

  38. The ice cube would go in the ficus plant and my husband is color blind so I could wear purple panties with a zebra print bra and he wouldn’t notice! Did you see the SNL satire of old people arguing with Alexa? That would be me.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jan, you’re the second commenter to mention putting the ice cube in a plant. It’s a great idea. Obviously you aren’t the woman shopping in Macy’s who I overheard! I didn’t see the SNL skit about old people and Alexa. I’ll look for it.

      Like

  39. My dogs usually get the ice cubes. Or I kick it under the refrigerator. It depends on how far away it is from me. 🙂

    I’m curious if this woman is the same type of person who refuses to trim her hair because her husband does not approve. I don’t wish to cause a commotion, but this type of behavior seems extremely similar. My body, my rules, and vice versa.

    If Alexa stopped inquiring about me, I’d probably take it personally. Have you been inquiring about her? 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Hahaha! 😁 These are great! 1. The ice cube goes in the sink because I don’t want to forget about it and later on step in the cold little puddle. 2. Like your SO, M doesn’t care and wants me out of them. Years ago, I was in a relationship with a man who started down that road. I took the next exit. 3. I don’t use Alexa or any of the voice stuff on my iphone, either. Amazon (and Apple) know enough (and have enough) already.
    Great post! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Lynette, good point about a melted ice cube on the floor is a cold little puddle. I’m glad you exited from the relationship with a man who wanted to dictate your choices. If this woman was telling the truth about why she buys matching bras and undies, then I worry for her.

      I don’t use Siri at all. Alexa for a few things like the morning weather. You’re right about what Amazon and Apple [and WP] know about each of us. Kind of creepy, but seemingly inevitable.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I don’t have an Alexa so I will weigh in on 1 and 2.
    1) I would either do the first or the second option, depending on whose floor it was and how recently it had been washed.
    2) I always match my bra and panties, but since that is usually just black or “nude,” it’s not really a huge step. I don’t generally wear white blouses with black pants, so it’s a non-issue for me. I’m sure my husband on some level knows and maybe even appreciates my efforts in the lingerie department, but who can say really. It sure isn’t for him that I do this! I feel like he’d be more in the Z-D category of appreciating it more when they are on the floor, so to speak.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicole, your answer makes sense. Once you consider the floor cleanliness factor dropped ice cube management is not as simple as you might hope.

      I take your point. I don’t have a bunch of wild-colored bras and patterned undies, but I do mix up my black and white and beige unmentionables. Of course I’m often wearing a light top, dark bottoms so I feel compelled to do so.

      Yes, I’m thinking that most men would prefer to see the unmentionables on the floor, rather than on she who was wearing them.

      Like

  42. Dropped Ice cube goes in the sink. The woman was trying to rationalize expensive lingerie. I like the idea of matching, but the reality is the undies that match my bras are never pretty. I wrote a post today about whether or not a kid should get punished for something, and I guess that’s my quandary

    Liked by 1 person

    • LA, I, too, put dropped ice cubes in the sink, but some commenters have presented compelling reasons to do otherwise. I agree about the rationalization. I cannot believe any Boomer woman would be dressing in unmentionables solely to please her husband.

      Punishing a child is a quandary. I don’t have much experience with that– other than being the kid who couldn’t get away with anything!

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Back in the lovely days before Lad’s dog lived with us, there is a good chance I’d have used the ice cube anyway – after a close up look. Otherwise, into the sink with it. Now there is so much dog hair, I would toss it in the sink. Sometimes I kick them. It would depend largely on my mood.

    I’m lucky if my top layer matches. Kidding, I do like to match. I go for comfort though and what’s clean. If Coach ever suggested that I match my undergarments, he’d be sorry.

    I’ve never asked Alexa anything except to play some music now and then. I don’t think I’d be offended, since Alexa is a robot.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, dropped ice cube management is tricky. There are variables, like dog hair, to consider. I understand your approach.

      Your reply to the unmentionables quandary is pretty much the universal one here. It was such an odd conversation to overhear– and there was no way for me to not hear it.

      Alexa is a robot?!! I am shocked, I tell ‘ya. I don’t do much with Alexa either, although I like being told what the day’s weather is going to be… and then told to have a nice day. 😐

      Like

  44. 1. Depends how many ice cubes… and how big of a cube. Many big cubes I pick up lol a couple ice chunks I leave life as it is lol… I read somewhere a good way to use “unusable” ice cubes is tossing it into your plants!
    2. I have nothing to add to this convo other than I don’t believe in matching underwear lol.. I don’t think I’ve ever worn matching underwear purposely lol… My husband is not someone who cares either…
    3. I don’t trust Alexa. Enough said LOL She’s on to something…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jen, a couple of commenters have mentioned putting the dirty ice cube in the plants. I love that idea and will be doing it in the future.

      The matching undergarments conversation piqued my curiosity. I couldn’t not hear it, nor could I cross-examine the woman who said it. Z-D looked at me like I was loony when I asked him about his awareness of my unmentionables so I HAD TO talk about it on the blog.

      Alexa is useful, sort of. I like her timer function the best.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. I’m in a quandary right now – I’ve started reading the comments (yes, I read your post first) but it’s going to take me toooo long to read them all hugely enjoyable though they are. I want to but I also want to head to bed. Tomorrow’s another day. As to the one of the ice cube – I must say I haven’t had that conflict as to what to do if one inconveniently plops out. I try to plop a few out over the sink. The black and white underwear? Another existential question .. black bras are rather titillating aren’t they? Under a silky white blouse, or peeking through a lacy black top. And the Alexa and Siri story – I’m behind the times on this one. They’re a little scary to me quite honestly. My phone is always prompting me to use her. Remember that movie – Her? A long time ago. I’m sure my phone will start making demands soon.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Susan, there are lots of comments on this post and I admire you for even trying to read them all. Commenters here are entertaining and insightful but also wordy. No disrespect intended.

      Our ice maker is a frisky little thing and often an ice cube gets tossed onto the floor when I open the freezer. Hence the question.

      I hadn’t thought about the sexy black bra angle of the quandary about lingerie. You’re right, of course. As for using Alexa or Siri, I understand your reluctance. I’m on the fence about Alexa’s value in my life.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, I like your reasoning. I am seeing your approach to white unmentionables as a way to make life easier. I can get behind that. EXCELLENT point about the challenge of dealing with people and how one need not add any more challenges to your life with disembodied computer voice friends. I get that, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. Ice in the sink, my wife pays more attention to the look of my underwear than I do hers (although some of hers are nice and soft (because I like to rub the heiny) 😁 As for Alexa, fuck Amazon !

    Liked by 2 people

    • M, I’m loving this comment. Got it with the ice. Got it with your undergarment preferences, and definitely got it with your opinion of Amazon. You are speaking for many people with that, you know.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Ha. My answer to the first one is none of the above. I’d pick up the ice from the floor, slam it into the sink and cuss. Why? Cause with chronic pain, bending to pick things up is a chore. I would’ve wondered the same things about the woman and her underwear (and my guy would’ve said the same, too). I don’t have Alexa. But knowing me, I’d likely research. I’m always asking questions. I got told that by someone just today.
    My quandary, I just starting seeing an alternative practitioner for my pain. It may take some time to see results, and I’ve tried everything else. I like the practitioner’s plan for me, but her attitude annoys me. I will keep seeing her, but I’m in a quandary as to how to handle her personality. 🤷‍♀️
    Thanks for the fun post.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Lori, I love your approach to fallen ice cube management, not because of your pain but because the swearing part is spot on. Unwanted chores need to be called out.

      The overheard conversation caught me by surprise. As for Alexa I’ll look into what is going on but when I have more time to focus on this *problem* [and I use that word lightly].

      As for a personality conflict, I relate to that. I used to see a LMT who was great at relieving my aches but entirely wacko when it came to what she believed and never shut up about. I went along with her ideas for a couple of years, until I couldn’t anymore. Then I politely walked away. I don’t know if that helps you, but it’s all I got.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Everytime someone in our house takes ice from the freezer, one lands on the floor. It’s like a Murphy’s Law or something. We’ve begun calling it the “sacrificial ice cube.” As for what happens after, we put it in the cat’s water bowl. They like cold water. 🙂 As for the lady with the matching undies, I can’t even. Let’s just be happy they are clean and hole free, really. And perhaps Alexa is having memory issues and has forgotten your name. She’s probably too embarrassed to ask. Thanks for the fun, thought provoking post. Have a great week!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nancy, your term, the sacrificial ice cube, is PERFECT. Our ice maker is overzealous so we have too many ice cubes in the freezer– and often one falls to the floor when we get into the freezer. Lucky your cat like cold water.

      I’m with you about wanting clean and hole-free unmentionables– and not worrying about the whole match-matchy idea.

      Hadn’t thought about Alexa and her age. She well could be having memory issues, she’s an early model after all. Great explanation

      Liked by 1 person

  51. The ice goes in the sink unless the dog wants it. (He used to eat them, but now he doesn’t finish them and I end up putting them in the sink anyway.)

    Matching bras and panties? There’s such a thing?

    Where were we? Oh yeah, Alexa. I swore we’d never allow a spy in our house. Then Google sent me a free Nest Hub, which I guess is their version of the evil Alexa. Handed it to hubby – “hey you need something to do” – now he’s in love with someone else. Okay, not really. But I was surprised he actually seems to like it. I have yet to touch it (besides, they didn’t send the right color!)

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, many commenters have mentioned giving the dog the fallen ice cube. Makes sense, IF he eats all of it.

      I see you’re not in the matching unmentionables camp on the matchy matchy quandary.

      Well if it’s the wrong color OBVIOUSLY you’re not going to engage with it. You’d think, considering how nosy Google is, they’d have known which color was the proper one. But your husband likes it though… interesting how these disembodied voices ingratiate themselves with humans.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Part one: we have had this discussion many times with our family and children often make us scratch our heads……what if it falls into poop?

    Part two: Your #3 – an amazing husband…I will not get too personal with my 46 year relationship quandaries

    Part three: unfortunately, knowing my personality…I would end up in a research rabbit hole.

    Thank you for my smiles, Ally!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Erica/Erika, oh no, you’ve taken the ice cube quandary to a whole new level. I don’t want to even contemplate your question because YUCK.

      The unmentionables quandary is one that was foisted on me by circumstances so I felt it had to be discussed here. That’s what personal blogs are for.

      I get curious about things too. Although I’ll admit that when it comes to Alexa I’m more indifferent than anything else. Still one of these days I’ll see what I can find out about her *rude* behavior.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. One of the reasons I’m drawn to your site is posts like this. It may not be life or death stuff, and most people will have an opinion. Plus, it’s nice to ask questions about things most of us have probably never thought about.

    1. Easiest one. It’s going into the sink without a second thought.

    2. If I’m hanging around Macy’s women’s lingerie department, it may be time to call security or see if I’ve lost my marbles. I want my wife to wear what she feels most comfortable wearing. I’d feel like an idiot telling her what to wear. If one of us asks the other’s opinion, I’ll give an honest yet tactful opinion. 🤣 I’m NEVER offering unsolicited advice. Besides, my wife is a much better dresser than me.

    3. We don’t own an Alexa, but I’d probably just ignore it. If this is someone’s biggest problem, I’d say their life is great.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete, thanks for the compliment. I don’t always have a story to tell, but I’m good at seeing the weird questions in ordinary life. Plus readers love to chime in with opinions about things that don’t really matter, but are fun to talk about. Hence, quandaries

      I imagine you speak for most of the men who comment here. Won’t tell their significant other what unmentionables to wear, won’t offer opinions about clothing choices, will be tactful IF asked. Isn’t that the basis of happy marriages?!!

      Funny you mention ignoring Alexa. That’s exactly what I’m doing. I can rise above her slights. Just watch me

      Liked by 1 person

  54. 1. Option 4: Rinse it off and use it.
    2. Part 1: I hope the second option; otherwise, drop that a-hole.
    2. Part 2: Same as above minus the a-hole part
    2. Part 3: A pip indeed. 😛
    3. All of the above. Also, I just learned today that Alexa and Ring doorbell systems are a part of Skynet spyware. In other words, someone, maybe China, is spying on you. Beware!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Betsy, I like your Option 4 for the first quandary. Obviously I didn’t think of that.

      The woman with the matching bra and undies was one of those unexpected conversations I couldn’t not hear, but can’t quite comprehend. Your answers to the quandary are the same as mine.

      I didn’t know about the Alexa & Ring having a China connection. Not surprised, I suppose. I do know that TicToc has a Chinese connection– and considering how goofy people are on it, what the Chinese are seeing of America must horrify them. It does me.

      Like

  55. Ogilvy, the Father of Advertising, brings to mind the old TV series, Mad Men. Did you watch it? My favorite part of it was that we got a window into the attitude of advertising men. They’re sort of like the first social media influencers.

    Re. the quote: Yes, I agree, it’s good to kill grimness with laughter, and I’m all for informality. That’s the American way. Exuberance is nice in small doses. We might have pity on sad dogs and maybe even try to cheer them up, but you can take so much.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicki, I know of Mad Men but never saw it. I bet I’d enjoy it. You’re right, those advertising men were the original social media influencers. Astute observation

      I like how you’ve deconstructed the quote. I take your point on exuberance and applaud your kindhearted approach to dealing with sad dogs. Of which there seem to be more and more.

      Like

  56. You are a hoot, Ally.
    Definitely use the ice cube but rinse it first.
    I’m lucky if my clothes match let alone my underwear.
    Frick Alexa. She’s an ease-dropping whiny little baby who tattles to “The Great Eye” every chance she gets.
    Have a nice day, Ally.
    Hey, maybe I’m Alexa.😂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Pam, thanks for the compliment. I try to be hoot-full whenever I can. You have a clear idea of you own dropped ice cube management plan, so carry on.

      Excellent point about getting clothes to match let alone the unmentionables underneath.

      I sense you and Alexa aren’t friends. The Great Eye is a good way of referring to her employer… who is probably her BFF instead of me. 😧

      Like

  58. I kept reading griminess, instead of grimness, and was trying to picture a cleaning routine incorporating laughter, informality and exuberance… Finally figured out my mistake…

    Well, I pick up ice cubes and put them in the kitchen sink to melt.

    Alexa is a mystery. My husband can’t get her to read our notifications, she will only listen to me. And no matter how many time I ask her to play WMVY radio she insists she is playing WMDY radio, which doesn’t exist as far as I can tell, even thought she is playing the right station, which I finally figured out after arguing fruitlessly with her for a good ten minutes. Maybe I’m hearing things and seeing things — sigh.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, your misreading of the word is funny. No wonder you were baffled.

      I get what your saying about Alexa. I’ve tried to set up timers with specific names, and she refuses to remember them. I also find it difficult to get her to play the music I want without asking a few times. Some people talk about how intuitive she is, but not with me.

      Liked by 1 person

  59. I always pick up the ice and toss it in the sink.

    I would definitely research why Alexa stopped saying my name because it would make me feel slighted (but my kids laugh at me because I use please and thank you with “her” too.) Also I recently read a thing about how our virtual assistants are all defaulted to female voices and how we shouldn’t be assuming an assistant is female which I thought was interesting.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Katie, good fallen ice cube management. I appreciate a woman who knows her mind.

      I say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa too. This is because years ago a friend pointed out something similar to what you read about how AI assistants have female voices. He said he didn’t want his kids to learn that you can just demand something from a woman, that you must be polite at all times. His logic stuck with me so I treat her respectfully… even if she has forgotten my name.

      Like

  60. I would never (ever) kick a fallen icecube under the refrigerator. But, that did give me a good laugh.
    I previously would have sworn that Richard would never be able to tell the colour of my bra and panties — even if he had been staring right at them. But recently, we were out with family and I was quite dressed up (by my low standards). Richard couldn’t wait to tell me later that whenever I bent over he could see my grey panties and that was all that he could think about for the rest of the day. Another pip!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, I’d not kick an ice cube under the fridge either, but some people do without a second thought.

      I adore Richard’s admission. Right when you think they never look at you, something like gray panties enter the equation and you find out otherwise. He’s a keeper.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Abby, I love your writing style, so engaging! Quandaries is such a wonderful concept. I will answer the first one:- i will leave it into the sink to dry.

    Like

  62. Okay…
    1) I would definitely pick up the ice cube and use it. I am NOT a germaphobe at all…perhaps too far in the opposite direction?
    2) My husband also wouldn’t typically know or care if things matched and, like your hubby, prefers when my undergarments are off entirely. That said, he would definitely notice/compliment if I was wearing a particularly nice set – but he would never insist I go out of the way to accomplish coordination!
    3) I would start researching Alexa immediately. I want everyone to be happy with me at all times (I’m working on this…) and sadly this would almost certainly apply to my interactions with robotic voice command centers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, got it about your fallen ice cube management style. The idea of your husband telling you that you have to wear matching unmentionables is beyond me. Yet there I was overhearing a woman say that… 🤷‍♀️

      I don’t use Alexa often so I suppose that’s why I immediately noticed I was being given the AI cold shoulder, so to speak. I’m on the fence about the value of Alexa to begin with, but eventually I’ll try to find out what’s the dealio. Probably.

      Like

    • Ann, most commenters have mentioned putting the ice cube in the sink. The whole idea of a husband telling his wife that her undergarments must match is beyond me. As for Alexa, you’re not missing much by not having one.

      Liked by 1 person

  64. 1) I call my dog in…he loves ice. If he doesn’t respond, it goes in the sink. 2) I’m quite certain my husband has no idea what color undergarments I am wearing…and no he doesn’t get to dictate. 3) I would definitely research why Alexa suddenly became so unfriendly. My current quandary is whether to do something useful like declutter the pantry or curl up on the couch with a good book. By the way, I just finished A Judgement in Stone, which I loved. Thank you for the recommendation.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Christie, I’m loving your dog. He sounds like he’s useful. The overheard conversation about matching unmentionables gave me pause. I mean, was this woman for real about her husband dictating her choices? I can’t even

      I am curious about why Alexa has become formal, I thought we were buddies. Your quandary is one I face every so often. All I can suggest is do what feels right to you.

      I’m glad you liked A Judgement in Stone. It’s one of those books that I think back on, reminding myself you never know what’ll set someone off. I was unnerved by the *why* of it.

      Like

  65. I have seen them before but not heard the term decision tree, but I like it the word.
    The woman with the colour fixation has to have an unhealthy relationship with men, even if she is making it up. There seems also to be some obsessive compulsiveness emerging on her part! What a burden to stress over whether the bra and panties match. That couple must be victims of advertising that makes us all believe we should look “perfect,” in matching attire. When I look around the shopping centres here, there are few people that match in their clothing unless they are working in an area where that is necessary. Maybe Australians are all slobs? I do hope that women’s friend challenged her and voted for asymmetry over obsession.
    Alexa clearly has a short term memory problem or early onset cyber dementia.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, you said it: “What a burden to stress over whether the bra and panties match.” Her logic and behavior were too wacko for me. I only heard the one snippet of the conversation because I wandered off, but what I heard does lend credence to your idea that she was obsessive compulsive. I don’t know if her outerwear had to match top and bottom, too. No one does that around here either, I don’t think it’s just Australians.

      Liking the idea that Alexa has early onset cyber dementia. Sounds about right to me.

      Like

  66. 1. Ice cube gets picked up & chucked in the sink.
    2. She wears flesh coloured matching undies – and I’m afraid I do believe the former is entirely possible, especially if her husband is a late age marriage. I met so many men like that when dating in my fifties. It’s hard work picking through the dregs, and there are control freaks are a-plenty.
    3. I’d go for a software update, but have no Alexa (but have a real life friend by that name, so that may be why it would freak me out).

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I like your fallen ice cube management decision. You’ve given me pause, wondering if it really is true that this woman’s husband insists that she wear matching unmentionables. That’d be control freakiness taken to the nth degree. 😳

      I’ll look into a software update for Alexa. I hadn’t thought of that as a possible reason for the change in our relationship. Good idea

      Like

  67. OMG I love this – so much to talk about! First of all, I need to note that when anyone in our group digs into the ice bin, cubes ALWAYS fall on the floor. I’ve never seen anyone use the cube anyway, but I’m pretty sure a few have been left to melt. Sometimes it’s hard to see them because our floor is white (never put in a white floor btw – we inherited if from previous owners).

    Oh, the panty and bra issue. Yikes. Now that’s controlling. I used to like to match everything up, including top and socks, for my own amusement, but that was decades ago.

    As for Alexa, she doesn’t live with us. I’ve always felt the idea to be a little intrusive and would be creeped out if she started calling me by name. I’d feel relieved if she broke up with me 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, I understand about ice cubes falling out when you get in the freezer. Our ice maker is overly enthusiastic about making cubes, so your experience rings true with me. Laughing here because a friend who bought a house with white floor tiles in the kitchen says the same as you. Don’t do it.

      It’s one thing if you match your unmentionables because it pleases you, but an entirely different thing if you let your husband dictate it. The overheard conversation kind of freaked me out.

      Alexa can be intrusive, I guess. She doesn’t butt into our conversations but a few commenters have mentioned that she does in their house. She’s weird, I admit… but she does a dandy morning weather update so she stays for the moment.

      Liked by 1 person

  68. 1. I have picked up the ice cube and used it but I’ve also tossed it into the sink. Depends on my mood.

    2. My underwear rarely matches but then I rarely wear the “traditional” underwear. I wear underpants (as if anyone needs to know), but, aside from one stretchy beige bra that I decided to keep for sentimental reasons and for the odd occasion that I wear a sheer white shirt, I don’t wear bras per se. I wear sports bras if I wear any “bra” at all.

    3. I don’t have an Alexa and, if I did, I’d be more creeped out by it addressing me by name and bidding me a good day. I really don’t want to be friends with robots or androids or whatever one calls them. Have you ever watched Blade Runner?

    I don’t have a quandary at the moment, but I’ll let you know when I do 🙂

    Like

  69. Oh ho ho! Much to ponder on this one!!

    1. I always pick it up and toss it in the sink. (I guess I’m officially a grown-up now?
    2. The “have to buy” bugs me tremendously. I should like to think she’s making an excuse for it. By the way, black bra under a white blouse shows less than a white under white does 😉 If a woman loves lingerie, she should buy it for herself. If she does also hope to entire her man, that’s fine, though honestly, they usually are in a hurry to take it off so why spend a fortune unless it is for yourself?
    3. I would never have an Alexa or any other of those ‘all-seeing’ things in my house. Though, if I did, I would ponder why I suddenly was no longer given salutations. Did someone fiddle with it? Has it been deactivated? If so, why? Hmmm….

    You have a wonderful way of engaging your audience!!

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    • Dale, I throw the ice away, too. I hadn’t thought of it as being a grown up but I suppose so.

      The overheard conversation tweaked my curiosity. I wasn’t eavesdropping, I just couldn’t help but hear it. I hope this woman was merely making an excuse to overspend on unmentionables, but who knows. You’re right about how long they stay on you, no matter how cute.

      As for Alexa I’ve chosen to not take it personally and will eventually try to figure out why she’s cooled on our friendship. The thing about Alexa is that I don’t engage with her often, so maybe she thinks I’m [almost] ghosting on her? There are two sides to every relationship.

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  70. I think deciding to kick the ice underneath the refrigerator or put it in the sink depends on how busy I am.in that moment. I live on a farm we’re our muck boots get covered in manure so eating it is never an option. If I’m not trying to rush out the door, the ice would go into the sink. If I’m in the middle of making dinner or getting my kid ready for school… Then that ice is definitely going underneath the refrigerator 😬🤪

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  71. Ally, nice quandaries and points to ponder. I would pick up the ice cube and put it into the sink, as kicking it under the fridge won’t do because a trickle of water might mean a slip-and-fall and/or mold. As for the unmentionables, well I’d wear what I want, especially with the dilemma of mixing and matching undergarments to eliminate faux pas with your regular clothing, especially when you are in public. Domineering – yes, but then, as you know, I am not in a relationship either. Translation: I am too set in my ways. Clever of Zen-Den to weigh in. 🙂 I’d be researching that Alexa insubordinance – a technical glitch perhaps, unless she didn’t use Zen-Den’s name either, then I’d cut her some slack. Quandaries bubble around me occasionally, but I have no high grounders at the present time. P.S. – Hope Z-D’s last day of work today was memorable.

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    • Linda, I wouldn’t kick the ice cube under the refrigerator either and mold is one of the reasons why. I was intrigued by the overheard conversation. I cannot imagine matching your unmentionables for someone other than yourself. I don’t match mine, BUT IF I DID it’d be for me.

      Alexa has never used Z-D’s name, only mine. No idea why that is. In reference to this recent snub, I asked her if she knew my name and she did. Said it straight up, but won’t use it when chatting with me. Weird, huh?

      Z-D’s last day was nothing special, which was fine with him. Thanks for remembering. It was memorable only in the sense that he’s no longer an employee– and now onto being an independent advisor, his side hustle.

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      • People never cease to amaze me Ally. Overheard conversations are interesting for sure. Alexa needs her hand slapped – show her who is boss. You’re welcome – I remembered it was the end of September. I would prefer no fanfare on my departure either. I have not even seen my boss since October 2012. There was a party by the State Bar for all the attorneys in biz for 50 years this year. My boss didn’t go but celebrated 50 years since passing the bar this week. His dad was still practicing at 83 and had kidney failure or he’d likely still be practicing. Good luck to Z-D in his new gig. He makes his own hours – best of all.

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  72. I think it took me 7 minutes to scroll through all the comments (and I didn’t read any of them). Good lord, Ally, I don’t know where you find the time to respond to everyone! But since you do find it, I’ll address quandary #1 here: I pick it up and throw it in the bunny’s water dish to melt. No waste, no cleanup!

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  73. I’m late to the party here (blame Ian), but my first observation: you have 191 comments!!!!! Okay, 192 after I make mine. That’s very impressive! (Wayne’s World “we’re not worthy, we’re not worthy” bowing now ensuing). I’m stuck on why Z-D is ignored by your Alexa most of all. Seems unfair. To answer your quandaries: (1) dropped ice cubes are always tossed in the sink in our home, (2) We agree (my wife is joining me here) that the shopper was just rationalizing her purchase and that her husband has made no such demand, and (3) see my above comment, r: Z-D not getting an Alexa mention (very unfair!). – Marty

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    • Marty, be assured that you are worthy and most welcome. I’m as amazed as anyone by how many comments are here. I’m happy about it, but I’m also a little overwhelmed by this much attention. I’m an introvert after all.

      As for the woman in the lingerie department, I have to think her statement was rationalization. She was Boomer age, not an impressionable young thing, so you can only hope.

      As for Alexa never using Z-D’s name, I have no idea why that is. She accepts his voice commands and was programmed with both are names. If I liked her more I’d investigate indepth, but I’m still not sold on her overall value in our lives. She’s here, but that’s about all I can say for her.

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  74. If I drop an ice cube, I race the cats for it and then throw it in the sink to melt; the cats jump up on the counter and watch the process. For some reason, they find ice fascinating. As for the woman in the lingerie department, I spend far too much time reading Carolyn Hax’s advice column and on Reddit; there are definitely men who would make such demands of their wives. Sadly for many of the women in those situations, they’ve been manipulated for so long, they don’t realize that that sort of thing isn’t normal.

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    • Linda, I’m laughing about your cats. We had a couple of cats but they were indifferent to ice, yours are much more interesting. I’m familiar with Carolyn Hax. Thinking on it I fear you’re right that there are many brainwashed women out there who don’t realize such a demand is not normal. Makes me sad to realize that.

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  75. Hmm, ice cube. I leave it alone. My cat loves to play soccer with it. Later I’ll mop up the remains.

    Lingerie . . . . . Not a clue. Man thing perhaps.

    Alexa . . . . . . . . . Can’t help you there either as I don’t have one/her. If I did tho, I would most likely remove the power source, place the unit in some closet or other and within days, forget I ever had the thing in the first place.

    You’re a pip Ally, keep ’em coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Johnny2Toes, I’d enjoy seeing a cat play soccer with an ice cube. Ours, may they RIP, never took any interest in ice. The overheard conversation caught me off-guard. I couldn’t for the life of me imagine letting anyone [other than me] dictate my unmentionables.

      As for Alexa, she was a gift and while I like her weather forecasts and using her as a timer, I could put her in the closet and never think about her again. Not altogether impressed with this AI gadget.

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  76. I needed distraction the other night and so I read this post and all 187 comments and laughed out loud many times. Seriously you are the funniest blogger around and get so many interesting engaged comments.
    1. “A ice cube”. Should I be so lucky? Nope we always have 12 on the floor and in the freezer. Or the fresh ice cube tray of water in the freezer and on the floor. It’s always a good chance to wash the floor with all that water. And 4 dogs later not a single dog has ever eaten an ice cube!
    2. Frozen Friday in hell before I would wear certain matching underwear to benefit my other half. But like the swimmer lady in the change room I got that. I’ve spent 40+ years changing my clothes every day so try not to be too out of sorts. But matching- not likely.
    3. Alexa is no one’s friend even if she pretends to like you. As ZenDen a really weird question (say like how heavy are curling rocks) and watch the ads pop up on your feeds. As to the weather report – I stick my head outside the door! Thanks for the laughs. Bernie

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    • Bernie, thank you. I agree that I have some of the best, funniest, smartest commenters around. I love them/you all.

      Your dogs DON’T eat the fallen ice cubes? I am shocked by this. I don’t know that how that can be… but many things flummox me…

      Matching your unmentionables for yourself is one thing, go for it. BUT to do it because your husband told you to do so seems ridiculous. And just a little weird & unhinged.

      I promise to ask Alexa how heavy are curling rocks because: 1) I don’t know the answer; & 2) it’s fun to mess with Google and Amazon and Facebook algorithms. I take your point, however, about figuring out the weather using my own faculties. I can do that.

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      • Not a single dog of ours ever did and why I never thought to add the I e cube to their water I don’t know. I’ve forgotten how heavy curling rocks are! Wonder if it will show up on my phone even though I never spoke it aloud. Creepy….

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  77. Great post!!!!
    I would toss the cube and grab a new one. I find it very odd that her husband even cares about the color of her undies and bra. Weird to me! The last one is hilarious because I think I would have to research why Alexa stopped being nice to me. I mean my goodnesss Alexa I do have feelings girl!

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  78. Hi Ally – #1 it depends on if our cats are in the room. They love to chase the ice and lick up the water, so leaving it for them is common for us or we’ll put it in the sink to melt. #2 – maybe she buys all nude colored or neutral colors? I’ve also seen people like wearing black under white when it comes to bras, but not so much when it comes to black undies under white pants. I was super excited to finally find the brand of undies my hubby likes to wear this year at Walmart – there was a shortage of his size and preferred style for over a year. The old ones of the same color met the garbage can finally. And the new ones with covered and intact elastic make it safe for him to go outside and not fear being caught in an accident and having to go to the hospital. You remember that old saying, right? #3 I never talk to Alexa because I don’t have an Alexa. I once tried Siri but didn’t like her instructions. Probably because I was so lost I couldn’t tell her what I wanted to find. 😉 My only quandary is which donation site we’ll use to discard the remaining items that are occupying the space in our trailer. I remember you giving me advice that wine corks are accepted in large quantities. Since I wasn’t positive and we happened to have another thrift sale to attend to, I was able to package them in 24/bags and sell them at our thrift sale for .25 a bag. They went like hotcakes as did the beer bottle caps. Sold all to a lovely young husband who said, “I don’t know what my wife will do with these – she crafts things with them, and she said to buy them when I sent her a picture of them.” 🤣😂😁

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  79. Shelley, your cats chase ice cubes! That’s fun and makes me feel like our two cats, may they Rest In Peace, were laggards. They were completely indifferent to ice cubes.

    Good point about how this woman might buy only neutral unmentionables. I didn’t see what she was trying on so maybe that’s what she meant with her comment? Glad you found your husband’s favorite brand of underwear in his size again. No elastic in a fella’s underpants could lead to some problems. I do remember the going to the hospital saying, like anyone in the ER would really care? 😉

    I’ve never tried Siri. I’m not impressed enough with Alexa to get involved with another disembodied computer voice.

    I’m tickled that you were able to sell your wine corks. That’s hilarious, isn’t it? I didn’t know that beer caps would be in demand, too. Once again we have an example of willing buyer, willing seller. You’ve made my day with this, btw.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks for your witty reply. As far as the beer caps go, we have a lady that makes beautiful flower displays out of the caps – bending them and painting them. I’m happy to help local entrepreneurs make some money to support their families. My contribution of saving them over decades all happened at once with a steal of a deal for her! I wish her many hours of creative enjoyment. On a complete side note, your reply didn’t show up in my Reader at all. I think that may have happened before too…here I was thinking, “Dang…Ally doesn’t like my comments anymore.” Thanks for replying! Always great to hear your thoughts.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I have the same problem sometimes, too. It’s been happening randomly. I won’t get an indication of a reply to a comment I left somewhere, then I’ll go doublecheck and find that there is a reply– and WP didn’t bother to let me know. Rest assured I like your comments. Also, cool project with the beer caps. Never seen such a thing.

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        • I wish we could figure out why that happens in WP, is there a setting, is it timing, or what? It adds a layer of frustration or a ho-hum factor to the blogging experience. If you’re a new blogger, or someone that has minimal time to invest in their blogging time slot that doesn’t know it can happen, it may lead to an early retirement from the adventure. IMHO.
          Check out Pinterest for photos of crafts with beer caps. There are some seriously talented people with excess time to create beautiful works of art.

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  80. I would pick the ice cube up and put it in a plant to give it water. I live in California, and water does not get wasted here.

    Regarding the underwear, wow, let’s hope it was just a matter of her wanting to buy more. The idea of a person bossing another person around about their clothing is disturbing. Who knows, perhaps he complimented her on it once, like, “It’s sexy how your bra and panties match…” and she took it to heart and now says he insists.

    Alexa – any update? Is she still giving you the cold shoulder? My daughter is always very polite to Alexa, she does not want to die when the computers overturn our society and take over.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J., a few commenters have mentioned putting the ice cube in a plant and I’m ashamed to admit that never occurred to me. I’ll be doing it in the future. Waste not, want not– and all that.

      Yours is a good explanation of how it might be that this woman has come to believe that she must wear matching unmentionables. I like your idea, and fingers crossed, it’s the backstory– and not that he’s a wacko control freak.

      I’m with Maya. I’m polite too to Alexa, minding my manners… but she seems to not value our friendship like she once did. I’m almost despondent. 😉

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  81. Oh, Z-D is a pip! In the very best way. What kind of man dictates what underwear a woman wears every day? Is his what she wants? I’m sure he never thinks of that. Ugh. And the ice cube bit? In the sink. Usually. Sounds very responsible, doesn’t it?

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    • Kay, I don’t know when I’ve been more baffled by an overheard conversation than with this one. You ask the right question: what kind of man would dictate such a thing? As for Z-D, he gets to the heart of the matter.

      I put the ice cube in the sink, too. But I was sorely tempted to kick one under the refrigerator the other day. My back hurt and leaning down was almost too much for me.

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  82. What a great bunch of silly stuff
    1. ice cube – gets picked up as I worry one of us will slip on it. Nope, not going to use it as, well, I know where those dog paws who left the muddy print under the ice maker in hopes of a “dropper”/clumps of dog hair wafting around have been.
    2. Underwear…seems like that was more of an issue when younger and fashion magazines ruled…now it’s “what’s clean?”
    3 We had a talking husky, no Alexia

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    • philmouse, SILLY STUFF?!! Well I liked to never… as they said where I was brung up.

      Yours is a good approach to fallen ice cube management. I agree about how you could slip on a melted ice cube and that wouldn’t do at all. The woman in the overheard conversation about unmentionables was a Boomer. Nothing young about her, so go figure.

      Alexia is here and I’ve yet to adore her, especially if she can’t even say nice things to me. I mean, honestly…

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  83. I like the quote. I don’t want to be the sad dog but I often feel I am. Or at least that I present that way.

    My ice maker doesn’t work. If it did, I might rinse off the ice cube or I might just toss it in the sink. It is not unthinkable that I might kick it under the fridge.

    I’m with you on the lingerie lady. Someone needs to run around behind her singing “I know Victoria’s Secret…” A good message and an earwig at the same time!

    Alexa is my timer and occasionally plays a podcast or some music for me. She doesn’t like me because I won’t let her sell things to me. I tried to get her to call me by my name once and it was a lot of effort for something that didn’t stick.

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    • Zazzy, you’ve covered all the ice cube options! Gotta like a woman who is flexible about fallen ice cubes.

      I don’t know what to make of the woman in the lingerie department. If she was telling the truth about her husband’s demand, then I feel sorry for her. Run away, darling!

      I’ve never had Alexa try to sell me anything. I like her timer and I listen to Sirius XM on her, but to get her to use my name… well that seems to be something that is now beyond her.

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