Monthly Archives: April 2012

by

Luck Be a Lady

My beautiful (single) friend (if you’re a single dude looking to meet a hot, fabulous chick – send me your deets, I’ll hook you up with her) sent me this picture from SomeECards this weekend…and I about died laughing. How bloody true is this??!?!?!? It harkens back to what I’m always saying…finding that sparkly someone who gets you (and loves you anyway) is like finding a magical unicorn. The lovely Britney from Glee (played by the divinely talented Heather Morris) describes a unicorn as “somebody who knows they’re magical and isn’t afraid to show it” – that makes me beyond happy:

 

I have students (who are Gleeks, obviously) who refer to me as a unicorn – I don’t think I’m particularly magical, but good Christ am I sparkly, and I certainly live out loud, with little regard to what people are thinking…so perhaps that counts for something. The thing I like is that I have set an example (of sorts) for my students about being who you are and owning it. I hope that’s how they are taking it…and not just giggling at what a jackass I can be. Either way…I’ll take it. There are some people out there who just seem to “get” me – not that many, sadly, but…it certainly makes me appreciate those who do all the more. You know who you are :)

Now….on to the topic of the day – LUCK! I have often said that it’s a good thing I have bad luck, or I’d have no luck at all – never was this more true than today. I have been dying DYING for a break with my job situation for over a year now (as you longtime readers will know, due to my incessant whining), and finally one appeared to be coming my way. I had an email from someone asking me to apply for a position that would be my DREAM job – I was almost in tears, I was SO EXCITED!!  They had come TO ME!!  Woooohoooooo!!!!!!! I started looking into it…and then the anvil from the cartoon fell from the sky and landed on my head, crushing me and my hopes and dreams into a mushy pile under my desk: the job was 3 hours away. Too far to commute…and I can’t move at this time. Son of a bitch, was I heartbroken. Still am. If I had any possible way of making this work, believe you me I would, but…I guess it’s not meant to be at this time, and I’m sure that in a day or two, I’ll get over it and be okay with it, but not tonight….not even close. I’m gutted. Soooo close, but yet, so far. Poop. :(

Anyway – in the spirit of sharing luck (maybe some will bounce back and come my way) – here’s Frank Sinatra’s Luck Be a Lady for you – hope you’re having the happiest of days…love you! :)

 

xxx

by

When I See You Smile…


This song – and the sentiments it expresses – brings warm, fuzzy feelings to my heart…I know it’s a bit of a cheese ball song from an ’80s hair band, but…I love the idea of it. I recently had one of the shittiest work days of my entire career (and, since I’ve worked in education for nearly 17 years, that’s really saying something), I was crying and about ready to not only quit my job but to do it in such a large and spectacular fashion that the local news crews would be there to cover it. I wanted to leave this city and move elsewhere and start again… I’d just had it with everything. However, thankfully, kind words from those who know me best (yet still love me anyway) managed to make me feel a million times better. I’m sure that I’ll need them to talk me off the ledge a dozen more times between now and the end of this most hideous school year (which is in five weeks…and counting), but the kindness of my beloved made my very worst day seem a little bit better. So – thank you. :) It’s like the song above says: Sometimes I wonder / How I’d ever make it through / Through this world without having you / I just wouldn’t have a clue  - and, truth be told, I sincerely hope I NEVER find out. :)

Happy Saturday, my friends… love you! :)

xxx

 

PS: In the spirit of making you smile, I want to share some pictures that make me smile:

   I think this beautiful tree was a cherry blossom – I found it on the Lower East Side in New York. Pretty, right? :)

 I just love this street sign – I took this picture with the intent of framing it for my Wee One’s room :)

 This is in New York’s Fashion District…cool, eh? :)

 I saw this sign on the front of a juice store in New York – I kind of want to stick it to my forehead every day of my life :)

 Latte and French macarons…there are few things better than that :)

 Doesn’t this plant just make you smile :)

 Pastrami is the food of the gods….just so you know. Yummy :)

 This picture – taken near to the 9/11 memorial site – is so pretty….it’s simple, gorgeous, and just perfect :) I love it :)

 I kind of have a street sign obsession… I’m sure there’s a deep meaning about needing direction in my life or something, but I prefer just to think that I love them because they are artistic and pretty :)

 I wear this every day – it’s from Tiffany’s, it’s the How Do I Love Thee? necklace…it’s so beautiful and simple and it makes me happy :)

 Me Wee One colored this picture… I love it :) Strawberry Shortcake ROCKS!!! :)

 My beloved friend Susan made these for me in November – rolled cheese and pickle sandwiches are THE BOMB!!!  Yummy yummy YUMMY!!!! :)  Mooooore, please!!!!!! :)

by

High Fidelity

I miss the days when we used to make mixtapes for each other. Remember that? You’d make them for your friends, your sweethearts, whoever…and so bloody much thought went into the mix of songs, the transitions, the order…it was probably easier to plan the first Gulf War invasion. We all believed that the songs we chose would be able to speak more than our words ever could. I remember that mixtapes were a way of telling someone that you fancied how you felt…and I also remember that awkward moment when someone you weren’t that in to gave you a tape full of Glen Medeiros “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” and Stevie B’s “Because I Love You” and you had to pretend to dig it so you wouldn’t hurt their feelings. I went so far as to make myself mixtapes that I’d listen to according to mood – I named them my Happy/Sappy Tapes (I was 15 and had yet to hit my stride on witty names). I recently came across one of these little nuggets of entertainment, and laughed my fool head off at the playlist. Are you ready for this?  Here we go:

SIDE A: HAPPY

Invincible – Pat Benetar

Me So Horny – 2 Live Crew (don’t judge me)

Wild Thing – Tone Loc

My Prerogative – Bobby Brown

She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals

Express Yourself – Madonna

Love Shack – The B52s

Hangin’ Tough – New Kids on the Block

Armageddon It – Def Leppard

The Right Stuff – New Kids on the Block

SIDE B: SAPPY

I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton

My Dream Come True – Frozen Ghost

You’ve Got It All Over Him – The Jets

Seasons Change – Expose

Try – Blue Rodeo

Smoke – Crash Vegas

Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx

Second Chance – .38 Special

How Can I Fall – Breathe

Lost In Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson

Is that playlist classic or what??! Fact is that I can still sing most of those songs word for word today, and I still love them. That’s the beauty of the mixtape – it perfectly captures you at a moment in time, and just a few notes from one of those familiar tunes can instantly transport you back to a time and place where maybe life was a wee bit simpler. I love that. :)

I want to start making mixtapes again – unfortunately, I don’t have a cassette player anymore, so I’m not going to be able to go totally old school. However, I love the idea of putting together a mix of songs to share with someone, to see if the music will mean something to them as it did for me. I made a mixCD (which doesn’t sound nearly as cool as mixtape…just FYI) for a friend a year and a half ago – here’s the track list:

You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse Feat. Ghostface Killah

Back to Black – Amy Winehouse

Girl All The Bad Guys Want – Bowling for Soup

Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen

Pack Up – Eliza Doolittle

Cherry Lips – Garbage

Feels Good, Inc. – Gorillaz

Heavy Cross – Gossip

Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean (with Kelly Clarkson)

Teenage Dream – Katy Perry

Mr. Brightside – The Killers

When You Were Young – The Killers

Use Somebody – Kings Of Leon

Misery – Maroon 5

The Way You Look Tonight – Maroon 5

One – Mary J. Blige/U2

Some Kind of Wonderful – Michael Bublé

We Are Golden – MIKA

Only Prettier – Miranda Lambert

Little By Little – Oasis

Raise Your Glass – P!nk

F**kin’ Perfect – P!nk

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Angels – Robbie Williams

Maggie May – Rod Stewart

Santeria – Sublime

Hey Jealousy – Gin Blossoms

Don’t Look Back In Anger – Oasis

You Give Me Something – James Morrison

This group of songs (random, I know) are things that I was listening to at the moment, songs that meant something to me, songs that made me shake my arse and go on with my bad self…and I was hoping that they’d be a hit to other listeners as well. Whether it was the glorious idea of being loved for who you are that Katy Perry presented in Teenage Dream, or the fact that the beginning of Don’t Look Back in Anger sounds like John Lennon’s Imagine….all of these songs were chosen because they meant something to ME.  I think they were pretty well-received  - I didn’t hear otherwise, so I’m going to assume that my mixCD, while perhaps not a total hit, was at least passable listening. :) I want someone to make a mixCD for me, to share music with me that matters to them, to say something to me through the use of music and not words…any takers??!
:)

xxx

by

Strangers in the Night

I can’t remember if I’ve ever mentioned it on here or not, but I lived in England for a couple of years in the early 2000s. Living there was one of the BEST experiences of my life – I met the best people, made some amazing lifelong friends that I love more than words can say…and I learned an awful lot about myself along the way. One night, just before I moved here to Texas, my BFF Justine took me out for a night in London town – kind of a last hurrah  before I moved. We went to an über-classy bar in the Covent Garden area, where Justine’s sister met up with us, and much hilarity ensued. We were served drinks by a very handsome Canadian bartender (I know, what are the chances, right??!) and we had a great time. We went to a few other bars around the city, met a bunch of crazy Cockneys (including one dude who wanted to keep whipping his penis out to show us – I snuck a peek…it wasn’t much to look at, in case you were wondering), and just had a blast, three girls out for a great time, giving me the opportunity to say farewell to the beautiful city I had called home for a while.


On the train home, an idiotic drunken man came up and started talking to me. Another thing I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned before –  if there is a crazy psychopath in a crowd, he will WORSHIP me. Seriously. I have this silent, invisible whistle about me that calls the crazies from far and wide and draws them RIGHT to me. I’m like some sort of buxom Pied Piper for the nutjobs of the world…it’s quite a talent, let me tell you. Anyway, this dude was giving me his best lines…and me, the ever-polite Canadian, was trying to be nice and just smile and ignore him, but it was getting rough. Finally, the douchebag realized that I wasn’t succumbing to his charms, so he decided to pull out the big guns…and give me his go-to line. I know the curiosity is probably killing you as to what his go-to line was. Since you’re so awesome, my darling friends, I’ll tell you. Be warned, though…it’s not for the faint of heart. Here we go: “You know what you need, sweetheart? You need some giz up your shithole!!” Yep. He went there. Classy, eh? My face was a picture – complete and utter shock. It was at this point that Justine had finally had enough and she jumped up, hollered, “Kathy!!” and moved over to sit beside someone who she apparently recognized. What are the chances that she’d run in to someone she knew on a train late at night??!! I couldn’t believe it!! I was also kind of pissed that she’d abandoned the cause and deserted me. I was still sputtering, trying to come up with a witty retort to the shithole comment (I’m still working on that, actually..if you’ve got any ideas, please let me know), when Justine yelled for me to come over and join her and meet Kathy. So I did – finally…an exit strategy!!  Turns out she didn’t know Kathy at all, but that this guy had pissed her off so royally that she’d pretend to know anyone in order to easily move away without upsetting the apple cart (she’s polite, too). Our new friend Kathy was a sport, and we talked the biggest BS stories you’ve ever heard as we sat together for the rest of the ride…and thankfully, the GizMan didn’t try to follow us off the train. It was one of the funniest nights EVER, and Justine and I constantly joke about that line of his – and I’ve wondered ever since if he’s ever had success with a pick-up line like that??!

Thinking about this story got me pondering the randomness of life, and how some people just seem fated to cross your path, even though it makes very little logical sense that you’d meet. I have friends that are from such totally different backgrounds and lives from me, yet when we met, we clicked instantly and we’ve become like peas in a pod. There’s something so beautiful about that…the idea that a higher power that is greater than all of us is ensuring that our other halves find their way to us, come hell or high water. It reminds me of that great scene in Jerry Maguire when he tells Renée Zellweger that she completes him – I love that :)

I don’t believe that each of us has only one soul mate…at least I hope not, because that’s kind of a sad thought. I believe that there are just some people out there who get us, who are our other halves, who are “it” for us – some come in the shape of your best girl friend, some in the package of the man of your dreams…but at least they come to you, and at least they find you – and you find them. It’s fate, friends…what other possible explanation could there be? :)

Happy Friday! :) I’m glad we’re fated to be friends… love you!

xxx

by

Baby Got Back

Since when has it become appropriate for the general public to comment on the bodies of women? I’m not a big fan of Christina Aguilera, but I sure felt badly for her with the way people were discussing her weight and her body following her becoming a judge on NBC’s “The Voice”. So she’s not as thin as she was during her “Durrrrrty” years – so what??! That body gave birth to her beautiful little boy, and carries her well in her career – who gives a rip how much she weighs??! Sure as hell not me! I do agree that she may wish to wear clothes that are a wee bit less tight – not because they looked bad, but because they must have been uncomfortable.

There’s all sorts of preoccupations with women’s bodies these days. I cannot believe that products exist to bleach one’s lady bits. Really. I’m an avid reader of the website XOJane , and one of the stories featured today is about Vagina Lightening. I find this so bloody distressing that I can hardly even speak. Instead of resorting to some of the bleach kits that are out there, the writer thought it would be much more prudent to use regular old facial foundation to lighten up her hoo-hah. The article is written very tongue-in-cheek, and the fact that the writer thinks the need to lighten her lady business is friggin’ ridiculous is evident throughout (thank the lord). However, it makes me sad that there are women out there who are resorting to extremes such as these. I figure that if any man is going to be lucky enough to see my bits, he’d better drop to his knees and thank God for the pleasure and the privilege…and not give two rips how she looks except to marvel at her beauty and feel humbled in her presence. I can’t even imagine what my reaction would be if someone told me that they didn’t care for the color of my vajayjay – I think a comment like that would result in them liking the color of the black eye they developed following the bop to the nose that I’d deliver. Things like vaginal mutilation and female circumcision sicken me, and this nonsense about women needing to bleach their hoo-hah skin to make it pearly and pink is insane. I would LOVE to know how many men out there are running to their local parlors for a good ol’ fashioned scrotum bleaching. I bet not many.

Last evening, I caught a few minutes of Oprah Winfrey on the OWN network’s LifeClass program – the topic was spirituality, and it looked to be a pretty decent episode, I’ll probably try to catch the replay. Anyway, I was listening to the radio this morning, and there were some hosts commenting on how much weight Oprah has gained since she finished her daily show a year ago. Are you freaking kidding me??! She is one of the most successful, influential women that has EVER been…and we’re more concerned about what size clothing she wears? WHO GIVES A SHIT???!  I do, however, marvel at the bras she wears – I would like to know the brand, because girlfriend’s boobs are looking FINE.

I think that women should be celebrated as they are – not as they could possibly be. I think that curvy women are beautiful, and there is something so special about a “real” woman – not a fake, airbrushed one. I had arm surgery last week, and the doctor told me that he’d do his best to minimize my scarring. That operation was the 15th one I’ve had on that arm, and my scars are pretty significant. I don’t usually let them bother me – they are part of me…whatever. I told the doctor not to worry about my scars, that my arm was such a shit-show already that one more wasn’t going to make the difference between me modeling for Vogue and not getting the job. Thankfully he laughed – but I’m pretty sure that when the bandages come off tomorrow, I’ll find a beautiful, straight little teensy scar – just because my doctor’s a perfectionist who likes to do his best work. I’m okay with whatever is under there – I just want it to feel good. I want to be okay with what’s under my clothes, too. I want to be celebrated for the size of my boobs, my arse, every thing. I have the body of a woman (thank god) – not a little girl…and I think it’s high time that society began celebrating the real women out there. We can’t be little girls forever – why the hell would we want to be????!

xxx

PS: For your viewing pleasure…a little Sir Mix-a-Lot:

by

I Can’t Get You Outta My Head

That’s how I feel about the song “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye - it haunts me…seriously. The music, the rhythm, the sound, the words…it’s funny: I have my share of somebodies that I used to know (I’m sure we all do), but the idea of me ending up being that to those that I care about just kills me. I hate to think of being a passing thought in the mind of someone that I love. Think on that as you listen to this little ditty (probably the catchiest song to come around in AGES):

“Somebody That I Used To Know”
(feat. Kimbra)

[Gotye:]
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it’s an ache I still rememberYou can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I’ll admit that I was glad it was overBut you didn’t have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don’t even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
No you didn’t have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don’t need that though
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know

Now you’re just somebody that I used to know
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know

[Kimbra:]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
Part of me believing it was always something that I’d done
But I don’t wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn’t catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

[Gotye:]
But you didn’t have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don’t even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
And you didn’t have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don’t need that though
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know

[x2]
Somebody
(I used to know)
Somebody
(Now you’re just somebody that I used to know)

(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know)
Somebody

 
The video is awesome, too, eh? :)
 
xxx
by

Come On Baby, Light My Fire

I write about music a lot…it’s a big, important part of my life and I find that songs speak to me on such a deep level that I feel as if they’re singing my life sometimes…weird, I know. Anyway, I was watching this week’s “Smash” (NBC), and Katherine McPhee covered Snow Patrol’s “Run”. I LOVE this song – the Leona Lewis version is one of my absolute favorites. Here it is:

As usual, here’s the lyrics in the event you wish to sing along:

I’ll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You’ve been the only thing that’s right
In all I’ve done

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we’ll make it anywhere
Away from here

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I’ll be right beside you dear

Louder louder
And we’ll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can’t raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbye
I nearly do

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I’ll be right beside you dear

Louder louder
And we’ll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can’t raise your voice to say

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I’ll be right beside you dear

Louder louder
And we’ll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can’t raise your voice to say


This song just kills me…it makes me think about how often I’d like to run away with my loved ones, get away from all the stress and pressure of life…and see just how happy we could be, given half the chance. I’ve been known to ask people if they figured that things would be different in a different time and place. That’s what this song reminds me of, just how different life may be if timing was different. Maybe I wouldn’t always be the runner-up or the also-ran, maybe once in a while I would be top choice, maybe my arse would be smaller, maybe I would be pretty, maybe I would have everything I’ve always wanted in life…and I’d appreciate it, you know. I find joy in the smallest of kindnesses, and I am so grateful for things that I know I would never take happiness for granted. If only it was a different time, and if only I had the chance. If only… :)

Xxx

PS: As you go about your days…remember just how much you light up the world of those around you. Shine bright, my beauties :)

 

PS Again: Here’s Leona performing “Run” live in the BBC Radio One Live Lounge….exquisite :)

by

Wishful Thinking

This afternoon, I started constructing a wish list of all the things I would buy if a large sack of cash suddenly dropped from the sky and landed in my lap. Clearly I was bored and trying to pass some time (since this list is hardly likely to be necessary any time soon) – here’s a few things that made the cut:
-An iPad or a Kindle Fire: I like the reading format possibilities that they both provide and I think I’d probably watch a lot of movies/tv in my downtime if I had one of these…plus, they’re fun :)
-A bottle of Kumala wine — I love that stuff :) (okay…this is me we’re talking about…better make it four bottles)
-Somebody to make me dinner. I know that’s not really a thing that I can go and buy in a store, but….it sure would be nice :)
-A new car. I don’t want anything fancy, but some new wheels would certainly be nice :) My short list at the moment includes: a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a Honda Civic Hybrid, or anything from the lovely VW people :)
-I want to throw a dinner party….maybe a BBQ, and cook for those I love. I actually may do this soon – I like this idea :) Feeding people makes me super-happy! :)
-A new summer wardrobe – I could use some new summer clothes…a large, random sack of money would help with this a lot :) (I don’t need fancy designer duds…just some good stuff to get me through the summer months)
-A weekend away at the beach somewhere…I so fancy some waves, some time with my toes in the sand, and some relaxation. Plus, I would so love to dance in the moonlight on a beach :) I’m not saying that I need a tropical island (although, depending on the large-Ness of my sack of cash, that may be do-able!!)…even a simple few days in Galveston would do the trick. My mental health could really use this, come to think of it :)

I think my list is pretty tame….nothing too outrageous on it!! I certainly do have a ridiculous wish list (there’s a dolphin on that one…no kidding)… but this one seems pretty manageable, don’t you think? What would you put on your little wish list? :)

Xxx

by

Getting To Know You…Getting To Know All About You

In the past week, I’ve received the same 50 question Getting To Know You survey from five people via email. The funny thing is that these people could probably have answered the questions for me themselves since they know me so well, but…I thought I’d answer the questions and post them here – and let you get to know me a little bit better, too :) Here we go! :)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I know of…my name isn’t terribly common

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Last night – I was listening to some sad songs in the car and they made me weepy. Oh – the movie Bridesmaids made me cry on Sunday as well…tears of laughter, and tears of wistfulness :) I enjoyed that movie :)

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I do, actually – I think it looks happy :)

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey, or pastrami (I ate that at Katz’s Deli in NYC in March and I am obsessed!!)…and roast beef (I love lunch meat) :)

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yep – my Wee One is nearly 6!!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so – I’m funny, kind, helpful and loyal…pretty decent traits, I think.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Oh hell yes….it has been known to get me in trouble from time to time. Oops.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hell yes!!  Today!!! Let’s go!!!! :)

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Impossible to pick – I LOVE cereal! Frosted Mini Wheats, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oatmeal, Froot Loops…I could go on and on. I am cereal obsessed!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope – mind you, I rarely wear shoes with laces

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically – about average. Mentally – most of the time :)

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Peanut butter & chocolate, Black Cherry or Butter Brickle

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes and smile

15. RED OR PINK?
PINK!!!!!!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My stupidity at times, the width of my arse, and my impatience

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Daddy :(

18. WHAT IS YOUR BEST TRAIT?
Physically – my eyes; Otherwise – my mind

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black sparkly TOMS

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Cherry Greek Yogurt

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Silence…it’s LOVELY :)

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Hot Pink

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Oranges, cinnamon, cloves, new baby

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Mommy :)

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Beach House!!!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Hockey, diving

27. HAIR COLOR?
Light brown/dark blonde

28. EYE COLOR?
Blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Sometimes, yep!

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Seafood (especially oysters and mussels)

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Bridesmaids

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer – I hate winter

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I’ll take both, please :)

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Crème brûlée

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Bike riding or yoga, please :)

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
TV for doing nothing – I love that :)

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Mockingjay (book 3 of The Hunger Games)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I don’t have one

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
My daughter’s voice/laughter

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Greece

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Telling stupid jokes and thinking they’re funnier than anybody else does

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Winnipeg, Canada

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
San Antonio, Texas

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Brown brick

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Silver

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
It was fine :)

 

Out of these questions….which is your favorite? :)

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! :) Love you!

xxx

by

Don’t You Steal My Sunshine

Happy moments are so bloody fleeting, you know that? It seems like the demands of real life get in the way, stopping all of the fun we’re meant to be having. The secret seems to lie in finding the balance, in taking care of the things we need to do while still including as much fun as possible. But how do you manage that?

I had surgery on my wrist/arm on Friday, so I spent this weekend pretty close to home, taking it easy and fighting a battle to get the swelling in my hand to go down. I watched a few movies, caught up on some tv…just basically did nothing but rest and recuperate. I’m not so good at doing nothing – I do it very rarely. Anyway – one of the movies I finally got around to watching was Bridesmaids (I’m the last person in the world to see it, I am aware) – and it was totally not what I expected. I had a good laugh (that food poisoning scene was unfortunate…and funny as hell), but I also shed a few tears, too. I’ve watched some of my girlfriends move on with their lives while I’ve felt stuck in a holding pattern…and that has been hard. I’m a do-er, I always want to do my best in every aspect of my life, and I struggle with failure. I could certainly relate to the movie, to trying so hard yet getting nowhere, and it made me think about my own life, and whether or not I’m doing all I can to maximize my life and my sunshine. I fear that I’m wasting my time somewhat with some things, and I’m struggling with that. I am such a driven, goal-oriented person and the thought of spinning my wheels is a difficult one. I wish I could be one of those lucky devils who can live gloriously in the moment and enjoy the present, but, alas…I am not always like that. I need a direction, I thrive on a plan – and yet I frequently find myself at the mercy of others and their agendas. I want to change, I have to find a way to take control of things, and stop others from raining on my parade…and stealing my damn sunshine. I need those happy moments to stop being so fleeting and stick around for awhile. Any suggestions?

xxx

PS: I want to go to the Bonnarroo music festival in Tennessee in June-I bet there’ll be a lot of sunshine there….I would love it if someone would jump on board this idea and go with me. Who’s in???!! :)

PS: Here’s the Len song for you….just because I love you: :)