What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
My middle name is legally Maria.
Maria carries its own mythology: “star of the sea,” “bitter sea,” “wished‑for child.” Some trace it back even further, to meanings like “beloved.” None of those ever fit. I’ve never felt like the wished‑for child, and “beloved” isn’t something I’ve ever felt.
My mom wanted to name me Tina Marie, inspired by her favorite Perry Como song. That’s the name I go by.
What book are you reading right now?
I was supposed to be reading Clausewitz and the People’s War. Instead, I got completely derailed when I discovered Joseph Stalin’s opinion that Clausewitz was outdated—and promptly lost hours investigating that controversial claim.
Reading will have to wait for another day, as I’m too exhausted. My real focus right now is finishing the Venezuela article I started before this detour. I need to get it done fast; before the infamous Kegseth (whose ego needs $2B to stoke) orders the U.S. Military to launch a decapitation strike on the country.
So, while Clausewitz and the People’s War waits on the shelf, the focus is purely on Caracas. Wish me luck in beating Kegseth to the punch. Once that article is finally filed, maybe I’ll finally have the mental space to get back to my reading.
Ms. Cat’s Chronicles 