Ellinetha

Someday the light will come back right?

2007-11-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a LONG time since I've updated, and some of you might have wondered where I've been, I just haven't been myself for a while now. Things are not what I had hoped they would be. I am working on that and am trying to get me back, and I just couldn't write, I just felt like I had nothing to say, that no one would want to read about me being down down down. I have tried to keep this blog happy and upbeat but lately I have been in a dark funk that I can't seem to get out of.

Then I realized that the reason I started this blog was for me, and it has helped in so many ways to get out my frustrations and release some of my inner tormoils, so I figured why not try and write again.

So much is happening, and not much of it is good. My ex has not given me any money in over 6 months and it is really starting to wear on me, see I was with DD for 5 years and in that time he has put me so far into debt that I had to move back in with my mom (I do pay her rent it isn't like she is supporting me I don't know why I have to state that, maybe because I don't want you to think I am a loser because that is how I have been feeling lately). Anyway, the deal that DD and I had was that he would help pay back some of the debt I incurred because of him, and for a while he was doing pretty well and now NOTHING, and I already work 2 jobs and am so tired, I just never feel like I am above water, I feel like I am drowning all the time. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it anymore, I have to just move forward, but it is so hard when I have no where to go.

I just wish he was a man of his word and not the person with empty promises all the damn time. How did I let myself be fooled for so long?

This time of year does not help with my mood either, from right after Halloween (my favorite holiday) to my birthday (which is in January) I get seasonal depression without a doubt I have it, the dark the cold, just all of it makes me sad. I tend to eat more (which doesn't help my weight) and all I want to do is stay in bed and watch TV. This is not a way to live, I have been going to therapy but I just don't voice it all, I have good days and I have bad days, but lately the bad seem to outway the good. I am tired all the time, I am sad all the time, and all I want to do is sleep ha but what is funny is that I haven't been sleeping, I have such bad inosmnia lately that I literally will sleep for an hour be up for 3, sleep 20 minutes up for 1. Which also is not helping my mood, so I'm cranky, tired, bored, and lonely. See why I haven't written in so long, who wants to hear about this, I write this and I'm disgusted with myself. I want to scream "GET OVER IT!!! SHUT THE FUCK UP AND SNAP OUT OF IT!!!" But no matter how much I try I just can't seem to get out of my funk.

I have a doctors appointment next month with my oncologist and I'm going to talk to them about everything that I am feeling, I've talked to some people who have been through what I have (Cancer) and you know what a lot of them are on antidepressants, our bodies have gone through such a shock, our chemistry is different, our minds have been through so much that maybe it is time to be put on something (I don't want to be there are so many side effects and I already take so many pills as it is). But I am going to talk to them, I can't keep living like this. I need to find the light again, to feel happy, to wake up feeling refreshed, to want to live my life. I have always said, that life is too short to be miserable all the time and right now I am miserable.

See why I haven't posted who wants to hear about this, who wants to read this, I write for me but I also write for people to enjoy. But I'm going to get over this, I have to get over this, I have to be me again, I hate feeling like this, I hate feeling like a failure am I a failure? Will I ever meet a nice guy will I ever float on the water calmly instead of struggling to keep my head above?

I have a confession

2007-10-24T10:37:00.000-04:00

They say the first step to recovery is admitting the problem, this isn't easy for me, and I didn't realize how bad it was until yesterday when I couldn't get my daily fix, I swear it just started out as a fun thing to do once in awhile, I never realized that first time would get me to where I was yesterday feelings anxiety and withdrawal from this.

I don't know if I can even say it out loud, no it is too hard, if I admit it does that mean I have to give it up, does that mean no more???

I'M ADDICTED TO MY CELL PHONE!!!

I said it, FREEDOM!!!!

I left my cell phone home yesterday, and Oh MY GAWD the withdrawal I felt for that little black and silver phone was horrible, I kept reaching for it, just to send out one little text, I need my texting I crave my texting, so I average about 2000 texts a month, is that bad? It all started when I got my 2nd job hostessing, I would stand up front for long periods of times with nothing to do, no one coming in to greet or sit, so I started to text message, well 8 months later, it is a full on addiction.

As I would reach for my phone last night I would get this feeling of dread and dispair all I wanted to do was check the time, to send out a text, to see if someone called, but it wasn't there, oh how I missed my cell phone. I even asked Terrence who has the same phone if I just could hold his for just a moment, that was when I realized I had a problem, starting to beg for a fix for a text, not a good sign I tell you.

When I got home it was sitting right where I left it, and oh how happy I was to see it, I checked and I had 4 missed calls and 7 missed texts (see I am loved). So now that I have admitted the problem, does this mean that I have to cut back on using my phone or can I just go back to being in denial? See how can you not love this phone, isn't it pretty?

Jet Skiing with Richard Simmons

2007-10-23T12:32:00.001-04:00

I got this video emailed to me and I just had to post it, hope it works.

Richard Simmons on "Whose Line is it Anyway?"

So I finally did it

2007-10-23T08:59:00.000-04:00

I asked him, "Do you like sushi?"

He replies, "No not really."

"Well do you like Japanese food?" I ask

"Yeah I love Japanese food."

"On Friday nights, a group of friends and myself, go to this great Japanese restaurant after work and hang out, I eat the sushi but they have all different kinds of entrees, would you like to come sometime?"

"Sure where is it?"

"Its not to far from here, off of Rt 16, we usually get a decent group a couple of guys a few girls, it is fun, we are trying to take over the bar."

"Really?" He smiles,

"Yeah its funny, I can give you a call with all of the details and let you know what time, sound good?"

"Yeah."

I finally did it, I finally got the courage to ask this guy who I see all the time that I know from my neighborhood if he would like to join a few of us for Friday night Sushi/Japanese food. This guy is really quiet and I a little bit shy, so I haven't been able to read him at all when I see him, I can usually tell if a guy is interested or not, if there is any potential, but this one I just couldn't tell, but he is really nice and really cute, (and seems to have his shit together which is a HUGE thing for me). I've been wanting to ask him out for sometime now, but with my crazy schedule and not knowing if he would say yes, I didn't, but finally today I said SCREW IT and went for it.

I got his number and I will call him on Thursday to touch base, wish me luck.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Great Dance Scenes in Movies

2007-10-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a TT in a few weeks partly because I couldn't think of any good lists to write about and also because I just haven't been in the mood to write as much lately, but I'm trying to get out of my funk, and being that I went to the ballet last Friday and they showcased 14 different ballets, I came up with this weeks TT

Here are 13 great dance scenes from a variety of movies, these are just some of the ones that stick out in my mind, also these are from movies that I have seen, if I haven't seen the movie then I didn't list them. I'm sure I'll forget some and you might have a few that stick out in your mind so please do tell me your favorite ones in the comments below. I'll try to link a few more scenes from each movie just for fun. (I'm in a linking sort of mood).

1) Step Up - Final Dance Showcase
Channing Tatum (Tyler Gage) & Jenna Dewan (Nora)

Let's start out with a new movie, which most people probably haven't seen, partly because it is in the "teen movie" genre. But let me tell you the dance that Channing and Jenna do at the end of the movie is just awesome. These are two great young actors and dancers, that I hope to see in future movies (I know Channing is starting to make a name for himself YEAH!) I have a confession even though I'm in my well 30s I kind of love this movie and have a crush on Channing.

Here is another dance scene if you'd like.

2) Pulp Ficition
Uma Thurman (Mia Wallace) & John Travolta (Vincent Vega)

Ah yes the movie that brought back John Travolta's career, how could he not have at least one dance scene in this movie, that is what John is known for, of course you can't beat that he's dancing with the lovely Uma Thurman, but if we were to talk about my favorite part in this whole movie it would be when when Uma's character starts to OD on heroin and they have to give her an adrenaline shot, that scene just cracks me up, and as a bonus here's the link to that scene as well.

3) Singing in the Rain - Make Em Laugh
Donald O'Connor (Cosmo Brown)

Now this is one of my favorite classic movie, I love the music, the story, the dancing, I actually really enjoy the old classic musicals, they were made with such style and grace. There are so many dance scenes in this to choose from, but I think the one of Donald O'Connor dancing by himself trying to cheer up Gene Kelly (Don Lockwood) is the funniest, Donald O'Connor has such a talent with his dance moods they have called him the man whose "legs wouldn't quit". I'd like to see Britney try these moves ha-ha.

Here are a few other dance scenes from this movie as well.

4) The Full Monty - Final Strip Dance
Robert Carlyle (Gaz), Mark Addy (Dave), Steve Huison (Lomper), Tom Wilkinson (Gerald), Paul Barber (Horse), Hugo Speer (Guy).

I love this movie, about 6 guys from Sheffield, England who are out of work and trying to find a way to make some money, two friends stumble upon a Chippendales-like show and come up with the idea that they can do that too, but instead of just going down to go to the full monty (completely nude). It is a great movie about 6 regular men trying to figure out a way to help themselves and their families.

I love the final strip dance, from what I heard "the six leads did in fact perform a full-frontal strip-tease in front of 400 extras. Director Peter Cattaneo described it as "a one-take deal." Here is that final strip dance, (I've linked it as well because I was having problems with getting the video to play below).

Free Video Hosting

5) Fame - Lunch Scene
Irene Cara (Coco), Lee Curreri (Bruno), Gene Anthony Ray (Leroy)

When I was a kid I watched this movie and was convinced this was what high school was all about, I didn't realize that it was a "performance school" I really thought that was how high school was like, Here is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, lunch time dancing and singing.

Here is another dance scene from Fame.

6) Grease - Born to Hand Jive
The full cast of Grease

I can honestly say that most of us women have seen this movie many times and each time we watch it we fall in love with Danny all over again. We want to be Sandy (of course I always liked Rizzo the bad girl), and have our Danny. There are so many great songs and dance scenes in this movie it is hard to pick just one, but the Hand Jive dance competition has to be the most fun. (Plus I got to see Sha-na-na in concert when I was 5-6 years old).

Here are few more scenes from this great movie.

7) 13 Going on 30 - ThrillerJennifer Garner (Jenna Rink), Mark Ruffalo (Matt Flamhaff)

This movie is really cute, and we can all remember dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller, how many times did you practice those moves, and how many of us wish that we could go to a party and just start dancing the Thriller, ha-ha, oh you know you want to.

8) Footloose - Prom Dance Scene
Kevin Bacon (Ren), Lori Singer (Ariel), Chris Penn (Willard), Sarah Jessica Parker (Rusty)

I remember watching this movie and loving the music, and the dance scenes, but what made me laugh years later is that the ridiculousness of the final scene, these are kids that can dance all the latest dance moves including break dancing yet they grew up in a town where dance and music were forbidden, how did they know? Still fun to watch though.

And you can't forget Kevin Bacon's solo dance

9) Flashdance - Final Dance Scene The Audition
Jennifer Beals (Alex), Marine Jahan (Dance Double)

This movie was I think one of the first R rated movies I ever saw and I think I snuck watching it because I knew that I wasn't supposed to see it. There are some great dance scenes in this movie. It is unfortunate that the women who actually danced these was not recognized until years later.

Here are a couple more dance scenes.

10) Swing Kids
Robert Sean Leonard (Peter Muller), Christian Bale (Thomas Berger),

Talk about great music and great dance, I wish they still danced like this now, I know in the mid 90s swing dance came back for a while, wish I had tried it more then I did, I should have taken a few lessons. This movie is about a "close-knit group of young kids in Nazi Germany who listen to banned swing music from the US. Soon dancing and fun leads to more difficult choices as the Nazi's begin tightening the grip on Germany. Each member of the group is forced to face some tough choices about right, wrong, and survival."

11) Rocky Horror Picture Show - Time WarpRichard O'Brien (Riff Raff), Patricia Quinn (Magenta), Nell Campbell (Columbia)

The first time I ever heard about the Rocky Horror Picture Show was from the movie Fame, and then when I got a bit older a friend of mine told me that they still play it at certain movie theaters (midnight showings) and that it is a huge affair, with actual actors playing out the parts that are on the movie screen. This was one of my favorite things to do when I was a teenager, we'd go down to Mill Avenue in Arizona and have a great time at the RHPS.

Here is Tim Curry singing I'm Just a Sweet Transvestite.

12) Scent of a Woman - Tango
Al Pacino, (Lt. Col Frank Slade), Gabrielle Anwar (Donna)

This scene I chose for my mother, who absolutely loves the Tango (she wants to go to Argentina for her 60th birthday to the town where the Tango was born). So here's to you mom, enjoy it is a great scene.

13) Dirty Dancing - Final Dance
Patrick Swayze (Johnny), Jennifer Grey (Baby)

How could you think I'd forget Dirty Dancing, this whole movie has great dance scenes. The music, the dance, the story gosh when I was younger I watched this movie over and over again, now I just fast forward to the great dance scenes.

Dirty Dancing - The best video clips are here

Here are some other great dance scenes from this movie.

So there is my list, I chose a variety of different kinds of dancing in movies, sometimes a movie has many different songs and dances in it, and other times it is just there for fun. I know I skipped a few of the major ones like Saturday Night Fever (John Travolta was already on the list twice), or Shall We Dance, Save the Last Dance and many others, maybe I'll do a TT with 13 great musicals or dance movies to showcase those.

A Night at the Theater

2007-10-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

This past Friday my mom and I went to the ballet, it was The Boston Ballet's Night of the Stars (A Gala Benefit Performance). This is the 2nd year that the Boston Ballet has put on this gala and this year was to celebrate the life of Cathryn S. Keith a woman who was a leader in assisting others, she was well known throughout Boston for her tireless dedication as a volunteer for the Boston Ballet and other institutions. The ballet showcased 14 different ballets from around the world and time. Everything from your traditional ballets all the way to what is now considered modern ballet (personally I like the traditional better then modern). I never realized how big the Boston Ballet and school were, at the end of the show they had all the dancers from the company and school on stage, from the child ballet dancers all the way up to the principle dancers, it was an astonishing sight to see.

*I will list the ballets they showcased below.

My appreciate and love for the theater started at a very young age when my mom took me to see Annie and Peter Pan when I was around 5-6 years old, both in Boston at the Wang Center (it was called something else back then). I remember watching as Annie tried to hide from Mrs Hannigan and Peter Pan flying through the air and up to where we were sitting, (Sandy Duncan played Peter Pan at that performance). My mom has always loved the theater and am so grateful that she introduced me to all that was magical at such a young age. Throughout the years mom and I have seen many performances, even while we lived in Arizona we tried to get to the theater (now that is an experience seeing people in jeans, cowboy hats and boots going to see Le Miserable is definitely different). I have been fortunate enough to see many plays, musicals and ballets, I have yet to see an Opera though a couple are coming here one being Madame Butterfly, one that I have always wanted to see, hopefully I'll be able to.

I think the best ballet I have ever saw was The Taming of the Shrew, it was beautiful, moving and hysterical, the way that Kate would walk around and sulk and resist Petrucchio was funny and what was amazing is to follow the story and watch it being performed with dance and expression and no dialogue is true talent. The audience was roaring and luckily for us they showcased this ballet as well on Friday night.

My favorite musical I would have to say was probably The Who's Tommy, what an awesome show that was, the music, the performers, the scenes, the songs, I remember going with this guy Dave to see it, and sitting on the edge of our seats the whole time. I wish that they would reprise this musical again, I'd see it in a heartbeat.

My favorite play would be The Graduate with Jason Biggs, Kathleen Turner and Alicia Silverstone, I saw this a few years ago with my mom and we had great seats, Kathleen Turner played Mrs Robinson and she was outstanding, the woman actually did a FULL FRONTAL in the scene where she tries to seduce Benjamin, in the movie Anne Bancroft is in a slip, I didn't expect to see ALL of Kathleen Turner but I did, and she is still just as beautiful as ever. I never realized how funny this play was, and to see it with such famous people was just a bonus.

I'm hoping this season that I can make a trip to New York City and see a show on Broadway, for all my years of going to different performances I have never seen one on Broadway. I'm hoping finally this spring to be able to do just that, I love New York in the spring and what a great trip that would be. I have a good friend that lives in New York so maybe I'll be able to see him as well.

Here is the list and description of all the ballets that were showcased on Friday night.

A Midsummer Nights Dream
World Premiere January 17, 1962, New York City Ballet

A Midsummer Night's Dream ballet compresses virtually all of Shakespeare's story into Act I; Act II celebrates the wedding of the lovers with a grand divertissement that is reminiscent of the great 19th-century classics.

Found
World Premiere: April 12, 2007, Boston Ballet

Boston Ballet company member Heather Myers choreographed Found for the young artists of Boston Ballet II for Dance on the Top Floor. Heather’s first commission for the Company will receive its premiere as part of the March 6-9, 2008 repertory program, Next Generation.

The Fairy Doll
World Premiere: 1903, St. Petersburg

Dancing dolls were a popular 19th-century ballet conceit—think of the mechanical dolls in Act I of The Nutcracker and, of course, Coppélia. In this pantomime-divertissement, originally called Die Puppenfee, dolls spring to life and dance the night away in a toy shop, all under the supervision of the Fairy Doll. The libretto was adapted by various choreographers, including this one by Legat, as well as by Massine, whose La Boutique Fantasque dramatized the same story.

Etesian (excerpt)
World Premiere: March 16, 2006, Boston Ballet

The title of Helen Pickett’s first work for Boston Ballet refers to annually recurring phenomena, e.g., etesian winds are those that blow across the Mediterranean Sea each summer. This versatile artist trained at San Francisco Ballet and performed for over a decade with William Forsythe’s Ballet Frankfurt. A teacher and choreographer who employs Forsythe technique and improvisation, Helen is also an actress who appeared with New York’s cutting-edge Wooster Group for seven years. Her next commission for the Company will be part of the March 6-9, 2008 repertory program, Next Generation.

The Taming of the Shrew
World Premiere: March 16, 1969, Stuttgart Ballet

In bringing Shakespeare’s Kate and Petrucchio to the stage, Cranko displayed his signature ability to convert complex narrative to physical expression. He also demonstrated a rare gift for comedy in dance, as seen in this excerpt.

The Four Temperaments
World Premiere: November 20, 1946, Ballet Society

The music for this seminal work of modernism was commissioned from Hindemith by Balanchine. In the complete work, a formal theme is followed by four movements. Each section bears the title of one of the four natural characteristics or “humors” that, according to ancient theory, governed the human body.

La Sylphide
World Premiere: November 28, 1836, Copenhagen

August Bournonville’s choreography and distinctive style, born of his Royal Danish Ballet training and his exposure to the Romantic traditions of the Paris Opera Ballet, have endured for more than 150 years. In La Sylphide, a young Scotsman pursues an enchanting woodland sylph, eventually destroying her as well as his own chances for worldly happiness. The ballet epitomizes the Romantic fascination with supernatural tales and the foreign locales that are suggested by costume, décor, and folk-influenced character dances like the Act I Reel.

Flower Festival in Genzano
World Premiere: December 19, 1858, Copenhagen

In August of 2007, Boston Ballet II member Jeffrey Cirio and Boston Ballet School trainee Sylvia Deaton spent three weeks in Copenhagen, training with the Royal Danish Ballet School and Company as part of an exchange program with Boston Ballet. During their visit, these young artists were coached on this famous gala piece and other works by many of the finest interpreters of the Bournonville technique and style.

Crane
World Premiere: April 22, 2007

Boyko Dossev, from Sofia, Bulgaria, is a member of Boston Ballet’s corps. His inspiration for this piece, created for Dance on the Top Floor, was Company Soloist Misa Kuranaga. “The male represents her life, emotions, hopes, fears, all she wants to achieve, but he is not physically real,” says Dossev. “He exists because of her.”

Brake the Eyes(excerpt)
World Premiere: March 1, 2007, Boston Ballet

Resident choreographer Jorma Elo has received acclaim for his work in New York, Chicago and Europe in recent years, as well as here at Boston Ballet. In this most recent creation for the Company, he adds a sonic dimension to the sculptural style of movement that has become his trademark.

Le Cygne Noir (Black Swan)
World Premiere: 1986, Marseilles

Le Cygne Noir is a male solo from the full length ballet Ma Pavlova, created for Ballet Nationale de Marseilles-Roland Petit and dedicated to the principal dancer Dominique Khalfouni.

The Flames of Paris
World Premiere: Kirov Ballet (State Academic Theatre for Opera and Ballet), Leningrad, November 7, 1932

Very much a work of the Soviet era, The Flames of Paris is a full-length ballet depicting the proletarian struggles of the French Revolution. This selection from Act IV, a tour de force of technique, virtuosity, and bravura style, is frequently seen today as a gala performance piece. Herman Cornejo is a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre.

Polyphonia
World Premiere: January 4, 2001, New York City Ballet

Polyphonia, to date one of Christopher Wheeldon’s most frequently performed ballets, is considered a turning point in his career as a choreographer. This music-driven work, set to the rhythmically intricate and arresting piano works of Ligeti, is a clear tribute to Balanchinian neo-classicism.

Grand Pas Classique
World Premiere: November 12, 1949,

Grand pas, as a generic term, refers to a formally structured number that usually consists of entrances for the soloists and ensemble, followed by the couple’s adagio, individual solo variations, and a coda that includes the return of the corps de ballet.

Défilé

Boston Ballet concludes this gala evening with a grand défilé or procession. In the tradition of the Paris Opera Ballet, the défilé is a hierarchical parade of dancers, from students through the each level of the company ranks and finally to the principals.

Girl Seeking Wealthy Man

2007-10-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

If you are ever in wonder about the authenticity of an email you got the best place to go is Snopes.com this website basically tells you whether there is a family of alligators in the sewers of New York (false) or whether that Amber Alert is real (some are some aren't), they are really good at breaking down whatever it is you are looking for. I especially hate it when people just forward those emails that say, if you forward this to 10 people Bill Gates will send you a check for $10,000.00, or if you send this to 100 people that little boy in that remote island off that unknown coast will finally get the medical attention he needs for that rare disease none of can pronounce, snopes.com will tell you what is true and what is not. I get a new urban legend each day to read about, some are weird, some are sad and some are really funny, take this one I read today.

This one is from an ad on Craig's List in the New York region, basically this "attractive" 25 year old girl wants to know why she can't find a guy that makes at least 500k a year, and I quote...

What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate, classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm over reaching at all.

She goes on further to say exactly what she is looking for, now I am someone that doesn't take these sort of things too seriously but it did irk me a bit I also couldn't help but laugh at her ad because who is she to say she is beautiful, classy and articulate, right now none of those seem even remotely close but I digress. What really makes me laugh is the response she gets from a man who fits her qualifications.

He basically says that her proposition is a lousy business deal because all she has to offer is her looks and that over time her looks will probably fade where as his money will probably grow he goes on to say and I quote...

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold... hence the rub... marriage. It doesn't make good business sense to "by you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease.

He too goes on further and it makes me think what was this girl expecting, someone say, oh you are so beautiful marry me? COME ON SERIOUSLY??

But what I think is the funniest part about this whole ad is what snopes.com found out. it seems that the ad actually could have been real, they have the status as undetermined meaning they could not find conclusively that it is true or false but gives you what they did find. They even say that...

The Craigslist ad (which was posted to its New York boards) may have been on the up and up: in an 8 October 2007 New York Times article, a spokesperson for the online community said, "it does look as if the post was made sincerely." The anonymous poster has since removed her solicitation from Craigslist.

Snopes.com goes on to say that gals seeking sugar daddies is not new, we all know this but what I didn't know (and here is why I had to write about this) is that there are two (yes count them 2) websites that are specifically catered to those looking for a rich man or woman to take care of them. Those two websites are Seeking Millionaire and Seeking Arrangements, this is where I just lost it, I was laughing uncontrollably in my little cube (to which my co-workers are now wondering what was in my morning drink). You know I went on these two websites to see what it was all about and no I did not sign up for it. Where was this website 10 years ago when I was 22 and so could have used a sugar daddy (I kid I kid I've always been too independent for that). You just have to go on and check them out, I never realized how many handsome rich men there were out there who so just wanted a young girl to spend their money. Damn I missed my calling I so could spend their money, oh well next life.

Here is the link for the full story on this ad Fool's Gold Digger (ENJOY)

I'm BAAAAAAAACK!!

2007-10-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

Hey Blogging world I'm finally back to updating this ol blog of mine. I just needed to step back for a little bit to find my mojo again. Things have been like a rollercoaster lately, with some UPS and some DOWNS. It's a good thing that I love the rollercoaster otherwise I might be puking in the garbage by the hotdog stand at the amusement park. But I digress, let's play some catch up shall we, oh where to begin?

Let's start with family... Mom is back from Finland it was a rough trip for her, she too had some UPS and some DOWNS, my grandmother is doing well, my mom has made arrangments to make sure my grandmother is checked on daily and that she gets the help that she needs, this wasn't an easy task, my grandmother was VERY against the whole idea (at first), but my mom stayed strong and basically gave her two options, either you let someone come and help or you go into a nursing home, your choice. I'm proud of my mother, this was not easy for her, my grandmother, well she can be down right MEAN to my mom, she has always been very kind and loving to me, but not my mom. Grandma can be tough to deal with but man oh man she has all of her facilities still and at 90 years old that is pretty awesome, she is still sharp as a tool and knows more about what is going on in the world then my mom & I put together (which really isn't saying much since I know nothing HAHA). Here is a picture of my grandmother at her 90th birthday party while my mom was in Finland.

She also is not on any medication either well they just recently put her on 1 pill a day to help her from getting UTIs, but otherwise she is healthy as a horse, but stubborn as a mule. (Gee I'm so witty today, I feel like me again). Anyway, so mom is back and it is good to have her home (except for the smoking), we went up to Portsmouth, NH this past Sunday her friend Julie and my friend Gosia came along as well, it was a perfect day, until the restaurant I hostess at called and asked if I would come in to work, I felt bad for Pierce he really sounded strapped and I said sure but I won't be there until later we are just leaving NH. Remind me to tell you about the CRAZY lady who came in.

So the rest of the family is doing well also, dad and I are getting along pretty well lately, last Wednesday I went over for family dinner all the kids were there even Christos the adoptive brother (he's not really adopted he's just someone my father has sort of taken under his wing), my father also had this Greek guy over that he knows from the flower shop (he's a customer) his name is Stamatis he was a nice guy, I think Katerina was trying to fix me up with him, I'm like um no that's okay I don't date Greek guys, but I did invite him to come with us for Friday night sushi, he lives near where we go and everyone is invited. Anyway, so Wednesday night dinner was good, the kids are doing so well, and check out the picture my brother Vasilis took, he is a freshman in highschool and taking a photography class, this kid has an eye, he is such an artist by nature, you cannot believe some of the drawing, paintings and computer art that he has already done.

Now that you are caught up with the family lets talk about my trip to Portsmouth, NH, last Sunday my mom, Julie, Gosia & myself went up to Portsmouth for the day we left around 9:30am and went to the Sheraton for a nice brunch, from there we took a walk all around Portsmouth, I never realized how pretty it is up there. There were a lot of sights to see and we took some beautiful pictures. Here are a few but the rest you can find here

The weather started out a bit cloudy and chilly but as the day wore on it turned to blue skies and good temperatures. All in all it was a great day, my mom said that Portsmouth during Christmas time is absolutely breath taking, so if we have the time we might drive up one night to check it out. I like these little day trips we have been taking I am learning so much about New England and love to learn the history of these little towns. It still amazes me that we can live in a city like Boston yet drive an hour out and be in a town that is still small, you can't get much better then that.

The next place that I think some of us are going is Salem for Halloween, Gosia being from Poland has never really experienced Halloween so I say the best place for it, is Salem, MA, there is so much to do this month there and I'm trying to figure out which event will be the best one. So things are finally getting to be a bit normal again, I'm still working on some issues but overall I think I'll be okay I tell you it has something to do with autumn I always get down this time of year because I know the darkness and winter are coming, I'm not good during the cold months. But this year I'm going to try to not let it get me down. Wish me luck, and it feels good to be back.

WOW the power of kind words

2007-09-26T09:02:00.000-04:00

First things first, I want to thank everyone who commented, emailed or called about my last post. Your kind words have really made me feel better, the anxiety is still there, but I'm working on it.

One thing that was really making me feel all crazy has been resolved, I am very happy to say, I was worried about something but all is good, and I'm glad. Now if I can only get the rest of my life to be less stressful and more calming... HAHA anyone know how to do that?

But there are a few fun things that have been going on in my life recently, that I thought I would share since my last post was kind of a downer. So let's try to get things UP BEAT again shall we?

Every Friday (or at least we try) a group of us meet up for Sushi at this great little restaurant, today is their 3 month anniversary they are new and we love them, we are their first "regulars", the food is great and it isn't expensive. the staff is wonderful it is Japanese cuisine so if you are not a sushi eater it is okay they have plenty of other delicious entrees. Well last Friday we got a group of 5 to go, it was Stephen, Chris, Elana, Alyssa and myself we always sit at the bar and we just talk and eat and drink it is a great time. Stephen and I laugh, sushi night is what keeps us going through the week, because man work can be stressful and it is good to look forward to something. Everyone and anyone is invited and we have been trying to get as many of our friends to come. After sushi Chris, Stephen & I went to a bar in Boston that is a regular hang out for Chris & Stephen, I got to finally meet some of the people that Stephen is always telling me about, and I have to say EVERYONE I met were super nice and super cool. I don't know what they thought of me because by the time we got there I was feeling well a bit drunk. Bruce at the sushi place sure can make a mean Cosmopolitan and considering I had two and hadn't really eaten anything until then it all went straight to my head. WOO HOO!!!

Don't worry though, I stopped drinking after we got to the bar, well after I had 2 lemon drop shots and a glass of wine, then it was water for the rest of the night. Got home around 2am and fell right to sleep, woke up too early on Saturday and relaxed a bit then met up with my friend Gosia and went for a long walk around Boston, stopping at the Hatch Shell by the Charles River for a Blues Festival, it was a gorgeous day for good music and to be outdoors, we are not going to have many more days like that one so I figured I need to get myself out there, I have been in such a funk lately that all I want to do is go home and be alone, and I think part of the reason I want to be left alone is because on Sunday my mom comes home from Finland and it will be a very long time before I'm alone again and I have been feeling the need to get my own place and I just can't but that is besides the point, I can't just hybernate just yet, cuz in a month or two that is what I will be doing, I hate the cold and I hate how early it gets dark, so I usually just go home, which is another reason I've been feeling so down, I know winter is coming and I definitely get seasonal depression, my therapist (I love saying that is that weird) told me that the lightbulbs they sell now that are like sunlight really do help, so I am going to go this weekend and buy a few for my room.

Anyway, so Saturday was a good day we left the Blues Festival and went through the park to see about maybe catching a movie unfortunately nothing was playing for about an hour, so we decided to walk towards the shopping district of Boston and I showed Gosia where I used to work, and told her this funny story of how when I worked at this law firm I used to meet up with well a guy "friend" and we would go back to my house at lunchtime for a quickie... it was a 15-20min train ride to my house and my friend would cover the phones for me, so I would call her and say, hey Kim I'm going to be like 10 minutes late coming back from lunch, and she knew why so it was all good. Ah to be 21-22 again, good times good times, I also told her about this place that has been in Boston since the 1936 called The Original Tremont Tearoom it a place where you can get psychic readings. I went there years ago and had a reading with Alex who was so dead on it was freaky. I'll tell you all about it another time (and when we go again). So I think we are going to try to go this weekend, how much fun will that be. You can't take these sort of things too seriously, but it is always fun to hear what they have to say, this is the only place that I trust to not be con artists. I believe that there are people who have a sixth sense if you will, I do not believe it is the "Devils" work, not one person that I have ever met that has this ability has used it for evil, they always use it to help others.

So we finished our day and boy were we tired, and my feet were killing me next time I wear sneakers not sandals, but even with the sore feet I felt good, it got me to stop thinking about all that is going on and just enjoy the day. Then on Sunday I relaxed, I watched movies and stayed inside all day. I need at least one day a week where I do nothing, it makes me sane again for the week. I wish I could say that this weekend I didn't wake up with anxiety but I can't even though I had a good weekend and I tried to get my mind off of stuff I still didn't sleep much and I still have that knot in my stomach. One day at a time right? Just BREATHE!!! (haha easier said then done).

Will this anxious feeling I have ever stop?

2007-09-24T13:20:00.000-04:00

Ever since I got sick almost 9 years ago, I have had anxiety. For years after getting treatment and being in remission I was still taking xanax for the anxiety I was having. A few years ago I stopped taking it, partly because I didn't like how it made me feel especially when I was sleeping. If I took a xanax before bed I felt like someone was holding me down or I had 2 ton weights on me. I always wake up while I sleep, I have not slept a whole night through in probably 9 years (hmmm right around when I was first diagnosed). Anyway, if I woke up in the middle of the night for whatever reason and I had taken a xanax I felt like I was carrying a ton of bricks, forget about trying to get up to go pee, I literally felt like my body weighed 1000 lbs, plus in the morning I was so groggy that it would take me half the day before I felt human again. I would take half of a pill and I was prescribed 0.5mg to begin with. I never understood people who take a 1mg xanax and function NOT ME!!!

Anyway, for about the last 5-6 months my anxiety has been creeping back, and these last couple of months have been the worse, I wake up in the middle of the night having an anxiety attack, do you know what it feels like to wake up gasping for air, or even worse to dream that you are drowning because you can't breathe? And I know some of you are wondering if maybe I have sleep apnea but I don't think so because I don't snore and I can breathe through my nose its not a blockage I have thought about it, but this is more anxiety I believe, because I have this anxious feeling when I wake up like I'm completely out of control. It is the worse feeling ever, I wouldn't call them panic attacks because I know the difference, last panic attack I had was during Hurricane Wilma which went right through Broward County when I was living in FL. I truly thought I was going to die, no these are anxiety attacks and they are becoming more frequent.

I partly know why I have been feeling so much anxiety, my life is not exactly where I thought it was going to be, it isn't an age thing, I don't feel old, but I feel that I should be somewhere else in my life. I hate the fact that I live check to check and can't afford to move out of my mom's place. I am too old to be living with my mother, but right now I have no other choice. Don't get me wrong I love my mom this has nothing to do with her. I have bills like you wouldn't believe and the person that is supposed to be helping with these (because he helped me to incur them) has not given me any money since last May and there is nothing I can do about it. Plus there are many other reasons why I have been so stressed out lately but I don't want to go into all of them now.

I have been seeing a therapist for a few months, mostly to work out the issues I have had with my father (though I do have to say we are getting along pretty good for the most part right now). I have also been trying to work on some of my issues, my insecurities, it has helped but truth be told I haven't been able to tell him everything yet, I guess a part of me doesn't want to be judged or thought to not be as strong as everyone thinks I am. I try to be strong but lately I feel so weak. I am just tired of working 2 jobs and still not getting anywhere, my main job is not what I thought I'd be doing, it is quite boring, don't get me wrong the people I work for/with are GREAT!!! But the work itself is boring, I sit behind a computer all day long watching the clock go by thinking GOD is it 5 yet? If anyone has met me for 5 minutes they know that I like to be around people, I love to interact with people. I think that is why I was so good at my last job, I ran the shipping office for a warehouse storing produce. I dealt with everyone from the truck driver picking up a load to the owners of the product and everyone in between (brokers, sellers, buyers...) only problem was the company I worked for well they were CHEAP and they completely took advantage of me, knowing that I wouldn't leave until everything was completed, which is why I worked from 3:30pm to anywhere from 1am to 6am. Yes that's right I sometimes (most times) wouldn't leave until close to 6am, a person can only take that for so long and I did it for over 2 years like that w/o a raise. But that is besides the point, I loved the work I did, it was challenging and it was fun, and it was HARD, and very fast paced. Here not so much. Then I get to go to my second job, which isn't a bad thing I interact with a ton of people, and I get energized from there when it is busy, but I don't want to keep working two jobs, I am getting burnt out.

Anyway, I just want to sleep, I just want to feel normal, I'm tired of having this feeling in my stomach like a huge knot or feeling of being nauseous all the time is getting to me (whenever I'm stressed out it all effects my stomach). I hate the feeling of always trying to catch my breath, I know it is time to call my doctor and I will but I want to find a better approach to controlling the anxiety then a pill. I don't know I guess I just needed to get it out, writing is an outlet for me, it is a way to just put it out there.

Like I said, I just need/want to feel normal again, to feel in control because right now I don't and I'm tired, just so tired (and I don't mean sleepy I mean just wiped, lost, confused, and stressed out). But I guess this too shall pass (I hope).

Thursday Thirteen: 13 shows I want to watch this upcoming season

2007-09-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

This weeks TT comes to you because in the next couple of weeks the new fall season starts on most networks. There are a lot of shows to choose from some are old ones that I will keep watching and some are new ones I'm excited to see.

Here are the 13 shows I'm most excited to watch this fall season in no particalur order. Get your TIVO ready here we go.

1) Grey's Anatomy - Thursday 9pm on ABC Premiers Sept. 27th

Will Derek & Meredith work things out (doubtful) will he go for Merediths sister (probably which SUCKS). Poor George has to do his internship all over again and from what I hear under Meredith. Will Izzy & George be together (hope not) I like Callie and I think he should work it out with her, but then again he doesn't deserve her. Will Alex find Rebecca in time, all these questions and so many more can't wait to see what happens.

2) How I Met Your Mother - Monday 8pm on CBS Premiers Sept 24th

So Ted & Robin are officially broken up, but I think that's a good thing, it was too soon into the show for her to be the one. Hey does anyone realize that the older Ted (voice over guy) is actually Bob Saget, I think that is funny. Anyway, I'm excited to see Marshall & Lily's first year of marriage to see what kind of trouble Barney can cause, and who Ted and Robin will be dating this season.

3) Two and a Half Men - Monday 9pm on CBS Premiers Sept 24th

Charlie will he ever settle down, Alan will he ever get his own place & Jake he has the best one liners of them all. This sitcom makes me laugh out loud, there aren't that many anymore out there that can do that. I hope this show stays around for a long time.

4) Ugly Betty - Thursday 8pm on ABC Premiers Sept 27th

Poor Betty, Henry has left to be with who is pregnant with his baby, or is it really his. Amanda has just found out that her real mother was Fey Sommers but whose her daddy, could it be Bradford. Daniel and Alexis are in a world of trouble, Hilda has lost her man which really sucks because I like Santos, will Ignacio ever get back to the US and will Wilhelmina finally take over the magazine so many answers so many questions can't wait to see what happens. Oh, also I love that America Ferrera won Best Actress in a comedy at the Emmy's GO AMERICA!!

5) Big Shots - Thursday 10pm on ABC Premiers Sept 27th

The lines between boardroom and bedroom blur in Big Shots, the story of four friends who are at the top of their game... until the women in their lives enter the room. These competitive but dysfunctional New York CEOs take refuge in their friendship, discussing business, confiding secrets, seeking advice and supporting one another through life's twists and turns. This show sounds fun, a male version of Sex and the City Can't go wrong with the line up either, Michael Vartan, Christopher Titus, Joshua Malina & Dylan McDermott. YUMMY!!

6) Desperate Housewives - Sunday 9pm on ABC Premiers Sept 30th

We all know the Edie didn't die (bummer). I hope Susan & Mike finally have some normalcy but then again it is Wisteria Lane and there can never be normal. I hope Gabrielle and Carlos somehow get back together again, I like them together. Lynette has a rough battle ahead of her, I hope they acutally show it and not skip 4 months and she is recovered, her and Tom belong together and this will either make them closer or break them up. And what's this??? Dana Delany is the new neighbor, we'll have to see what she is up to.

7) NCIS - Tuesday 8pm on CBS Premiers Sept 25th

I really got into this show over this past summer, I would always watch it when Gilmore Girls was a repeat, but now that GG is gone ((tears)) my Tuesday night at 8pm is free to TIVO NCIS. I'm very excited to see where the gang goes, I love that Tony has finally met someone (Jeanne) I hope things work out for them, but if memory serves me correctly things might be rough for them. I love the stories and the action of this drama. This season should be an interesting one.

8) Private Practice - Wednesday 9pm on ABC Premiers Sept. 26th

Addison Forbes Montgomery is a renowned surgeon. Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital, a broken marriage with Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd, and her torn relationship with Mark "McSteamy" Sloan, Addison moves to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. This show has possibilities but it better show me that it is really good right from the start, because Wednesday night at 9pm there are two other shows that I'm interested in, so it could be a toss up (thank goodness that you can watch most shows online now). I like the character Addison on Grey's so lets see how she does in her own show.

9) Pushing Daisies - Wednesday 8pm on ABC - Premiers on Oct 3rd

Grown up Ned (Lee Pace) puts his talent to good use by touching dead fruit and making it ripe with everlasting flavor. He opens a pie shop. But his gift leaves him wary of becoming close to anyone, as beautiful waitress Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) finds out. His life as a pie maker gets more complicated when private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) finds out about Ned's secret. Emerson convinces the cash-strapped Ned to help him solve murder cases (and collect the hefty reward fees) by raising the dead and getting them to name their killers.This show looks really interesting and original I am excited to see it, and everyone is talking good things about it. I like shows like this, lets hope it is as good as everyone makes it out to be.

10) House - Tuesday 9pm on Fox premiers Sept 25th

Will House be all alone, will the team Chase, Cameron & Foreman be back, did they really leave for good (I hope not). Will Cuddy and House finally get together? I love this show, I know most of the medical drama that is on here is so far fetched but its the same on Grey's I like the dark side of House and Hugh Laurie is a fabulous actor love the fact that he's English. I wonder with the real romance of Chase (Jesse Spencer) & Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) coming to an end, if the spark will still be there on screen. Can't wait to see what trouble and cases House has to deal with this season, can he do it all on his own we will see.

11) Law & Order SVU - Tuesday 10pm on NBC Premiers Sept. 25th

This is the first year that I will actually be able to watch each episode of Law & Order SVU, usually some other show was on and I would try to catch the replay on USA (speaking of USA have you seen the promos for Law & Order Criminal Intent, new episodes are on USA they are GREAT). SVU is my favorite of the Law & Order franchise I love all the characters and how they interact with each other. I love that they take stories right from the headlines and make them into individual shows (on all of the L&O programs). I hope this year doesn't disappoint and when is Christopher Meloni going to get his Emmy?

12) Samantha Who - Monday 9:30pm on ABC premiers Oct 15th.

What if you had the chance to start over, to do it all again? For Samantha Newly (Ms. Applegate), this fantasy becomes a reality after a hit-and-run accident leaves her in an eight-day coma. When she awakens in the hospital, she is surrounded by family and friends. The only problem is that she has no idea who they are or who she is. In medical terms, Sam has retrograde amnesia, which allows her to fully function in the world but leaves her with no personal memories. Most people would deem this disorder a curse. But Sam may come to call it a miracle. I really like Christina Applegate and this looks like a cute sitcom I am going to give it a try and see what happens.

13) Life Wednesday 10pm on NBC premiers Sept 26th

Life is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance. Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") stars as complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after years in prison, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths (Melissa Sagemiller, "Sleeper Cell"), after serving time for a crime he didn't commit. This looks like an interesting new drama, I will see how it goes.

Well that's just some of the shows I'm excited to see, I probably won't be watching most on the days that they air because I work a second job, but that is why I have TIVO skip the commercials and watch everything at once. Let's see if this seasons television shows are worth talking about at work the next day.

Name this kitty

2007-09-18T13:08:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

My friend Sandra has a new kitty she is black with green eyes and is only 9 weeks old. Here's the dilemna what to name her.

So I am asking the blogsphere for any suggestions, she is a fiesty little kitten who loves to chase the dogs around. She is very curious and likes to see what is going on around her.

So please leave me your suggestions for names and any questions you might have about this kitty in the comments.

NAME THIS KITTY

This is too funny to pass up

2007-09-14T11:29:00.001-04:00

I know I know not another Britney clip but trust me this one is hysterical.

It is a fake preview of an upcoming episode of the Tyra Banks show and the editing is awesome.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, I finally have my energy back I was so sick last week.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Controversial, Banned or Outrageous Videos

2007-09-13T08:45:00.000-04:00

This weeks TT comes to you because I just hate the fact that MTV doesn't play videos anymore, I used to as a kid watch (and tape) music videos for hours and hours. I loved to watch music videos that were by my favorite bands like Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, G-n-R, NKOTB (I know that one so doesn't fit) and so many others. Now to watch any video you either have to go onto Yahoo Launchcast video (which is great) but they don't have all of them, or if you are lucky go onto You tube before it is taken down. Sometimes you can see the video right on the musicians website. Sometimes you have to search the web and look around. So I decided this weeks TT would be 13 outrageous, banned and/or controversial music videos that some of you may know about and some of you might not.

WARNING: Some of these videos might be a bit more graphic then you are used to, and NSFW so watch at your own risk, many of these are uncensored.

1) Madonna - What it feels like to for a girl

2) Nine Inch Nails - Closer

3) Robbie Williams - Come Undone

4) Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up

5) Marilyn Manson - Sweet Dreams

6) MSTRKRFT - Easy Love

7) Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box

8) Pearl Jam - Jeremy

9) Metallica - One

10) Madonna - Justify My Love

11) George Michael - I Want Your Sex

12) Robbie Williams - Rock DJ

13) Eminem - Stan

Some of these you might not think are very controversial for this day and age, but when they came out they were quite outrageous for the times. I'm sure there are many many more that I haven't listed, let me know which ones you think should be on the list as well.

thursday thirteen

Wordless Wednesday: TJ Friend or Foe?

2007-09-12T09:43:00.000-04:00

Some say Friend

Same say Foe

I have a question for all the parents out there

2007-09-10T14:45:00.001-04:00

I have a question, being that I am not a parent myself so I guess I don't really know how most parents would react to a situation that could possibly happen to you. I know how I would react but again since I don't have children of my own if I did maybe it would be different.

Here is the hypothetical situation.

You go to a restaurant with your family which includes a child around the age of 8-10 years old. The child orders a "VIRGIN" daiquiri and the bartender accidentally makes it with alcohol. The server does not realize this because she/he obviously does not taste it before serving to your child. The child takes a few sips and says, "Mom this tastes funny." So you try it yourself and you realize that there is alcohol in it. What do you do?

I am curious to see what some parents would do in a situation like this?

a) would you freak out on the server and bartender threatening police action and lawsuits.

b) would you calmly say, excuse me I think this was made with alcohol

c) laugh and tell the server I'll have this one could you make the next one w/o the booze for my kid, wouldn't want her to start drinking before 5pm.

d) tell the server what happened, server takes drink away, apologizes and asks if there is anything she/he can do, you say nothing much wait until the food comes and then state that you have lost your appetite and can't possibly eat.

You don't have to pick one of these, you can tell me what you would do if none of these apply, I am interested in what the response would be. I know that I would probably laugh and just say ooops, could you make this w/o the booze.

In a related story, when my brother Yianni was about 3-4 years old, we had a barbecue at my father's house, probably for Greek Easter which is a huge deal in the Greek community (ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding yeah that's us). Anyway, there was a glass with straight vodka sitting on the counter that someone was drinking. Yianni thought it was water, needless to say, he took a huge gulp. Gasped for air for a second (since it was straight booze it burnt while going down). We yelled, No Yianni that's not water, we get him to drink water and eat something, but realize whatever is done is done. He never slept as well as he did that night. We laugh about it still to this day saying you always did like the hard stuff. So I guess being that alcohol was never TABOO in my family (and no we are not drunks) it never fazed me, I never drank in high school not like my friends who would get drunk just to get drunk because mom and dad said no. My mom and dad said if I wanted a glass of wine or a beer it wasn't a big deal. So what are your opinions on this, I am opened to all, good, bad, critical, funny, whatever, just trying to get some parents perspective. Let me know in the comments or email me directly.

The Best & Worst of MTV's 2007 VMAs

2007-09-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

Okay I have a confession to make, I watched the VMAs last night, well for the most part, I flipped between that and other shows. I wanted to see some of the performances and I just had to see how much of a train wreck Britney was going to be, unfortunately for her she came through. She was HORRIBLE.

I have the Best and Worst Performances here if you are interested if not maybe you want to see Kid Rock and Tommy Lee fighting now that is too funny. Why anyone would fight over Pamela Anderson I have no clue.

The Best: Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake & Timbaland.

The Worst: Britney Spears - Gimme More

Tommy Lee & Kid Rock Fighting

Just something to watch this fine Monday morning, a good performance, a bad performance and a fight, can't go wrong with that.

Thursday Thirteen: 12 Pictures and a Video from my cousins wedding

2007-09-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to really write much this past week, and there is so much to tell. Being that it is already Thursday (this week is flying by) I thought I would post 12 pictures and a video from my cousin Michael's wedding over the weekend. He married a lovely girl named Karen and I wanted to share with all of you this special day. Unfortunately I don't have any picture of the ceremony only from the reception.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12)

Friday Picture Day: Volleyball anyone?

2007-08-31T16:04:00.000-04:00

Today's Friday Picture Day comes from the restaurant I work at part time. Every Thursday night a group of volleyball players come in after their game to unwind, have some food, drink and just hang out. They are a great bunch of guys and gals. Over the last few months I've gotten to know them pretty well, and this past Thursday I sat with them for most of the night. I know isn't the hostess supposed to be standing up front? Well, I was being hospitable yeah yeah that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

The picture is a bit dark because my work is dark but from left going clockwise, Doug, King, Jane, Mike & Jim.

The group can be from 5 players up to 10-12 players, it is always a good thing to see them, they are nice, fun and from what I hear they tip well too (and I know a few of you in this picture are probably reading this, so yeah that's a good thing HAHA!!).

Ronnie one of the waitresses that usually closes on Thursday nights takes this group, she knows that they are going to be there for the long haul so usually the closer gets them, and if it was a slow night, Ronnie knows that at least she has the "regular volleyball team" come in.

We also have a promotional gimmick on Thursday nights called Coin Toss Appetizer, what that means is if you order an appetizer with your meal, I come over flip a coin the customer calls it (in the air) and if he/she gets it the appetizer is free. Well every week, the Volleyball team gets an appetizer and I swear they are jinxed cuz they hardly ever get it, I feel bad cuz I really want them to win but I'm also honest (see Teresa if you are reading this, I am honest). One of these weeks they will get it.

So last night we were sitting around the table and chatting and I found out some really interesting things about these folks, but I won't put it all out there for EVERYONE to read, but I will say that they are all very smart individuals, one is learning to be a pilot, one is looking for a girlfriend, one is a coach, one has been married for 26 years and one well didn't say much about themselves, I'll have to get more information about this one person, I'm intrigued now.

It's funny when you tell people about your blog, after you explain what a "blog" is and why you write it the very next question is, "Have you wrote about me?"

I always think that one is funny and I usually say, "no, not yet"

"Well why not?" they will ask.

"Um I don't know, I don't really write about work and I don't want anyone to feel weird about it."

Last night that was sort of a conversation topic so I said, "Okay I'm writing about you and I'm even going to take a picture." So here you are guys your very own post about the Volleyball team that comes into my restaurant every Thursday night. Thanks for being such a fun bunch of people and I enjoy when you come in, maybe next week you'll finally get that appetizer ((wink wink)).

Thursday is my long day, I leave my house by 8am and don't get home until almost midnight, so it is always a good thing to have something to look forward to and these customers are a favorite for not just me but the rest of the staff too. Last night Ronnie was on vacation so Erik had the table first but when he was cut they cashed out and Jenn picked it up. This was Jenn's last night so the group were trying to get her to sit and relax a bit, they even offered her a beer, but Jenn said no, I reply to that, "what are they going to do fire you? HAHA" but she wasn't going for that either (btw I didn't drink it wasn't my last day so I had to play by the rules). It was a good night and it made the night go by fast, last time I had looked it was about 9:30 next thing I know Michelle is coming over to tell me to lock the door we do that at 11:15pm, wow time really does fly when you have fun.

One of things that amused me was that Mike kept asking me what kind of guy do I like, I'm thinking he's trying to fix me up, well my type is definitely the Mediterranean look, I like my guys stocky, strong arms (not muscle crazy arms) nice butt, I don't mind a little belly I like my men with meat who wants a man skinnier then them. I love facial hair goatee or some sort of stubble, I like a man that is a manly man, I don't normally go for white collar I like a man that works with his hands, I think it is weird when a guy has softer hands then me. I want someone that can laugh at themselves and have a good time but is also someone who knows when to be serious. So Mike if you know someone like that let me know.

I hope they liked this post and if any of you (volleyballers) are reading this you better leave me a comment. See you next Thursday!

Thursday Thirteen: 13 reasons why I'm so happy today

2007-08-30T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today's TT comes to light because I am in the best mood ever!!! I have so much to be happy for but one thing in particular has made me absolutely ecstatic. I am going to do a countdown Thursday Thirteen saving the best for last.

I am happy because...

13) I have a great job and work with great people

12) I have lost 20lbs and am happy with the way I look

11) I have more confidence in myself then I have had in a long time.

10) I have had an awesome summer.

9) I have Labor Day off from my 2nd job at the restaurant I work at part time (I was worried about that, but I found out, I'm off from both jobs WOO HOO!!!)

8) I have taken the first steps in completing some of my goals I set out for myself.

7) I have met some new great people this past year that I hope will be around for a long time.

6) I have a review next week and from what I can tell, I think a raise might be coming (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!)

5) I have friends that don't judge me for my silly little quirks.

4) I have the best 2 brothers & sister a person can have. I'm so proud of you guys!!!

3) My mom though I love her immensely is gone for 5 weeks and I feel like I'm living on my own again.

2) I have the greatest, best friend a person can have, who is kind, thoughtful, caring and just damn FUNNY. Thanks MELISSA!!!

and the number one reason that I am so Happy today...

1) I got to meet my childhood idol Donnie Wahlberg last night.

I know DORK!! That's ME but you have to understand when I was 14 I was THE HUGEST NKOTB fan. You couldn't see my walls or ceiling in my room, and Donnie was my FAVORITE hell I had our wedding all planned out. I have followed his career and said no matter what I would always be a loyal fan and I still am, plus not many people get to say they got to meet their childhood idol well guess what I can (WOO HOO!!)

I will post the whole story, including the other pictures I have. Oh and I met Jordan Knight too but he was well not so nice.

thursday thirteen

Fun Filled Tuesday: Um yeah So like we should Um Yeah

2007-08-28T11:59:00.000-04:00

Since I haven't posted in forever and it is Fun Filled Tuesday today, I thought I'd post a hilarious video of Miss Teen South Carolina Lauren Caitlin Upton trying to answer, "Why can't 1/5th of Americans locate America on a map?" You can see it here

I know I shouldn't make fun of anyone, but this is just too funny to pass up. Poor thing didn't win, and I guess now she's on the Today Show trying to explain. So to be fair I have linked that as well.

I have so much to tell you, but still working on the posts. I will try to get them up soon.

A day with Mom

2007-08-23T11:11:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my mom and I went on a trip up to Rockport, MA to have a mother/daughter day, see my mom is going to Finland today for 5 weeks because my grandmother is turning 90 and she needs some help and she refuses any. Needless to say mom needs to go there, to take care of some things, so I had suggested a couple of weeks ago, that we do something fun/special just the two of us on the Sunday before she leaves. We picked Rockport.

Rockport, is this quaint little town on the Northern Coast of MA on the Cape Ann peninsula. It was a perfect day too, not too hot no too cool, we get there late morning and walk around and check out all the stores. We buy some Pulla which is a wonderful yummy bread that comes from Finland. I usually make the rolls myself but haven't done so in a while, I think it might be time. We buy some elephant ears, (no not real elephant just a fried dough that is very delicious). There is this one gallery in Rockport that has some of the best landscape pictures I've ever seen, unfortunately I can't think of its name. The one thing I love about Rockport is it feels like a small Scandinavian village. The houses are small, and very close together.

I took a picture of a street that I just thought was so beautiful the way the houses lined up.

A fisherman's shack on Bradley Wharf in the harbor of Rockport has been duplicated in photos and art so many times that it is considered the most recognizable picture in the world.

This is a photo of it (I took this off the web because we didn't take a picture of it I know what was I thinking).

After touring and walking around Rockport we head over to the Halibut Point State Park, this is where my mom used to go when I was sick. She said that sometimes she just needed to be by herself, she found this place to come, to sit, to think and just be alone. I know my mom went through so much while I was going through treatment, it was not easy for her to watch her only child fight for her life. So I was very grateful and appreciative when she said she wanted to show me her favorite place.

The park was formerly the Babson Farm granite quarry, beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation. Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park's Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

This is of the quarry

This is the fire control tower

After walking around the quarry, we headed down the trail to the beach.

Mom turn around and say CHEESE!!

When we got down the trail we have to hike on all these rocks to get to where my mom would sit and think. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

Me in deep thoughts. (I'm shocked that I just hiked on all these rocks!)

These rocks are very high up from the beach, actually there isn't really a beach, its just rocks and ocean. In the picture you can't tell but they were at least 40 feet up. When we were sitting I was about to take a picture and dropped my mom's filter cap on her camera and it dropped WAAAYYYY down between the rocks. Again sorry about that mom.

Here are a couple more pictures of the surf and some fisherman.

Once we left the park we headed to Gloucester to go for lunch the food was great, the drinks were better but what was the best was us watching these two people try to dance to a Brazilian band, it was hysterical (I took a video of them, but I can't post it, cuz I'm just not that mean). After lunch we get into the car and head home we took a detour by the beach to check out if the festival was still going on. While we were driving on the road by the beach, this seagull decides that he wants to walk across the street. So he does, he actually is in the cross walk and all the cars stop to let him cross, he waddles across with this look of arrogance as if to say, "that's right I'm in the cross walk so you all have to stop." (If my camera hadn't been in the back I would have tried to get its picture). My mom and I just lost it, we laughed the rest of the way home. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day.

Oreos

2007-08-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

My father has the cutest cocker spaniel and his name is Oreos prounced Oh ray os in Greek which means handsome, we also call him Oreo (like the cookie) because he has black fur with a white stripe down the middle. So he looks like an Oreo cookie too, see it works both ways.

He has such a personality that you can't help but fall in love with him. He wags his tale every time I come to see him and he gets so excited when you play with him. My father takes him to work each day so luckily Oreos never has to stay home alone. He is pretty much the South End Flowers mascot and all the ladies from around the area just love him, which I'm POSITIVE my father doesn't mind one bit.

Here are some pictures of Oreos I thought I'd share with you. I'm hoping to be able to get my own dog too, but in the mean time I can play with Oreos., I don't actually go to my father's to see him, I go there to see Oreos (just kidding dad, but you have to admit he's got charisma).

Another amazing kid.

2007-08-19T00:29:00.000-04:00

Check out this kid Ethan Bortnick on the Jay Leno show.

I like to share these sort of videos, it always astounds me the natural talent these children have.

This is so depressing

2007-08-17T10:54:00.000-04:00

Do you see that? This picture was taken yesterday from a window in my office. I know not the clearest but I've marked where you should look.

WHAT THE HELL!!!! It's AUGUST people fall does NOT start until September 23rd, why is that tree starting to change color ALREADY!!!

If I hear one more person tell me how happy they are that fall/autumn is around the corner I think I might just slap them silly (just kidding, well sort of). I know I know, "but Melina it is so pretty when the leaves change." WHATEVER!!!!!

I get very moody during the cold, dark times, again I know what you are thinking, "and you live in New England???" I get that, well the only answer I can give you, is that I love this city, enough to deal with the COLD, MISERABLE, LONG winters. That being said, can't I at least have one more month of SUMMER!!! Please???

I am not ready to give up on long days, and sun light, I am not ready for winter coats and wool hats. I want it to stay light out until 9pm and not be dark when I leave for work and then when I go home. I want to be able to wear sandals, and long flowy skirts, not boots and sweaters. ((BIG SIGH))!!! I want to be a snowbird, yes I do, I want to live 6 months up here and 6 months down south. Anyone know of a way for me to do that, and still be able to work?? Anyone, anyone.

I love this city and every spring I fall in love with it all over again, but come fall/winter, I hate it. Why do you torture me so much?

By the way, come check out this post on our other website devoted to all things New England. Melissa and I are trying to get other people from New England to join our new community so we can get to know other people from the area. It is in the very beginning stages and is a work in progress, but please feel free to drop by and say hi.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Things I'd Like to Accomplish

2007-08-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

Today's TT comes from me thinking about my wishes and accomplishments I'd like to try to finish soon. Some I have started and some I haven't but would like to, so I figured the best way to get going on these is to post them so they are out there.

1) Learn to play guitar and master two songs, Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns-n-Roses and Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi.

I know showing my age here, but those two songs have great guitar intros and guitar solos and I have always wanted to learn how to play them.

2) Take a singing lesson to find out if it is completely hopeless.

I so am NOT the next American Idol and do not have any desire to be, but I love to sing the only problem is I do not do it very well. The only place I sing is my car, wouldn't want to hurt any one's ear. But they say with the proper training you can learn to carry a tune, and that is all I'm asking. But if I had a wish it would be sing like no other.

3) Travel the world

I want to see the 13 places I mentioned in a previous Thursday Thirteen and I want to explore places that I find off the beaten path. My dream is to take a year off and travel, to see exotic places, to find small nooks and to learn about each places culture. Oh to be able to do that would be a dream come true.

4) Volunteer with children, teens and young adults fighting cancer.

This one is near and dear to my heart and also something I have to start IMMEDIATELY. I have a friend that knows someone that runs the volunteer services at Children's Hospital she has contacted this person to see if there is anything I can do. I just want to be able to let them forget for a moment that they are fighting cancer, or be there for support. I know what it is like to battle this horrible disease and I want to be there for others.

5) Move out of my mother's place by 2008

This one is a little embarrassing to even mention. See, I have been out of my mom's house since I was 18 years old (at 19 I lived one year at my father's) and to be back at my mother's at 32 is really hard for me. It's a pride thing rather then a "I can't live with my mom". I love my mom and overall we have been doing pretty well living together considering it has been about 14 years since the last time we shared a home. Unfortunately I got my self into debt while living in FL, though I work 2 jobs and am taking care of it, it is not feasible for me to move out right now. I love my mom and she has been so understanding (I do pay her rent), I just miss having my own place.

6) Have all of my debt paid off by the time I turn 35.

As mentioned above I um well, got into some debt while living in FL. I'm not going to get into how or why, but nevertheless it SUCKS!!! I am working 2 jobs to get myself out of it and have taken the appropriate measures. So my goal is to have it all paid off by the time I turn 35, and NEVER EVER allow myself to get into that situation again. I tell you if it wasn't for friends and family to help out, not financially but just by being there and letting me know I'm not a complete LOSER is something I can never repay I don't know what I would have done without them. THANK YOU, you know who you are.

7) Live a year outside this country.

I have always dreamt about living abroad, I love other cultures and how people live. If I found a job that allowed me to live a year or two in some other country I would jump at that chance. To learn a new language, a new country, a new way of life, how exciting would that be. I think I can still do it, and who knows if I really like it there I might never come back.

8) Run or own an inn or hotel in a tropical location.

Not too long ago, my father told me about a possible business venture that he had come across, it was to run a hotel on the island of Corfu near the beach. I have always wanted to run/own a B&B or a small hotel/resort (nothing fancy) near the beach. You know the kind of place that you can rent out a room w/kitchen for days/weeks/months at a time. I know it is hard work, but that is my ultimate dream. My father and I almost had the opportunity to, but as things go it didn't work out the way we wanted. This doesn't mean I've given up on my dream I believe that someday it will happen.

9) Lose 40 more pounds.

I have lost 20lbs so far, though I am happy with that, and feel better about myself, I want to lose an additional 40lbs. I think I can do it if I try hard(er). I really hate to exercise I find it really really BORING!!! I am also self conscious at the gym (and you thought I had confidence HA HA that's all a facade). I enjoy going to Weight Watchers, the team leader Ann is great, the people at the meetings can relate, and it is something my mom and I do together. BTW my mom looks FANTASTIC, she is getting so skinny I'm very proud of her. GO MOM!!

10) Overcome my fear of public speaking.

I have this huge fear of speaking in front of people, I can be the center of attention in small groups in fun places. I can hold a conversation with many people listening to me in intimate settings, but I CANNOT get up in front of a group of people and make a speech or presentation. NOPE no way, I start to stutter (and I don't stutter), I get all nervous then I turn BRIGHT RED!! I lose my place and train of thought. It is such a sad sight. If I feel comfortable with the people I'm better but still one little thing and I turn RED. I hate this, my mom is amazing she can get up in front of a huge group of strangers and just start talking. I wish I got that from her.

11) I want to zip line, sky dive, and bungee jump.

I know you are thinking I'm crazy, but I am also an adrenaline junkie, I love roller coasters and I love going fast. I guess that is why I have a lead foot while driving. I just think all those things would be so exciting. I want to zip line through Hawaii and South America of course getting up those trees/platforms will be interesting. I want to sky dive while looking at the beautiful landscape. I want to bungee jump off of a bridge into the water. I know it will be scary but at the same time exhilarating. Just thinking about it makes my adrenaline run.

12) Learn another language

I already know how to speak Greek but I don't know how to read and write it, I would like to become completely fluent in this language. But that is not the only language I want to learn. I want to learn Spanish and either Chinese or Japanese. I love different languages and especially love accents. If I meet someone with an accent I try to guess where they are from. Some times I'm correct and other times I'm way off. But I always ask, "Where are you from?"

13) Live life to the fullest and not sweat the small stuff.

Last and most important I want to live life to the absolute fullest. I need to learn how to stop over thinking and worrying about all the small stuff. I need to remember that every day is a precious one and that I can't dwell on the past. I will end this with a quote that I've heard for many years and believe, but have no idea who said it first.

Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.

thursday thirteen

4 disposable cameras what do they hold?

2007-08-14T11:07:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I was going through some of my things looking for something and while searching I came across 4 disposable cameras that I had never gotten developed. So yesterday I took them to the one hour lab and had them developed. Only one camera actually had used up all the film one had just a few pictures taken and the other two had about half, but I couldn't wait anymore.

What I found was pictures from 8 years ago taken on the cruise that Melissa, Andrianna and myself took right after I finished all my treatments. Pictures taken Nov. 1999

Then there were pictures from my 5 year remission party at a Polynesian restaurant we were celebrating that fact that I was now considered CURED!! These were taken July 2004

Then there were pictures from my apartment after the remission party. Pictures taken July 2004

There were also pictures of my friend Nancy's wedding from July 2003. Unfortunately the marriage didn't last, but she still looks beautiful and I thought I'd share.

Last but certainly not least there was a picture of Devon and I taken in Miami around Aug/Sept of 03, I have to say that I like this picture a lot of us. I know you are probably wondering who Devon is, well that's another story all together.

It was fun to see the pictures that were on those cameras. I haven't posted all of them, I'll try to get them all (including these) on my flickr page ASAP!!

"I'm just a sweet transvestite, from transexual transalvania"

2007-08-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

You think that title will get me some weird comments? For anyone under 30 that title probably doesn't make any sense but for most of us older then 30 we know what it means. So for those of you that do not know (I swear I'm not having a sex change or referring to anything kinky) let me explain. It is a title to a song from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It's a movie that I have seen many times when I was younger and have had some great times watching this film.

When Melissa and I were in high school the one thing our parents didn't mind us doing was going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS). It played on Friday and Saturday nights at midnight at this run down little theatre on Mill Ave in Mesa, AZ (near ASU). We would go with our friend Jennifer and anyone else that could fit into her car.

It was the one time that our parents would allow for us to stay out past midnight, I'm surprised Melissa's mom let her go considering what the RHPS is all about. But then again I don't think Melissa actually told her it was about a transvestite from out of space building a man named Rocky.

I know sounds weird but you actually didn't go to watch the movie you went to experience the movie. For those that do not know, the movie itself is rather well stupid, but when you have audience participation and actors, acting out the parts infront of the screen it is a completely different adventure.

I actually had a couple of friends that acted in it as well, (not the movie but the people acting it out up front). They actually kept trying to get me to do it and even though I'm not shy and have no problem with being wild and crazy, I have severe stage fright and also have a huge fear of speaking in front of people. So I just went and had a good time as an audience member.

They have this ritual for all newbies (or virgins as they call them). All the "virgins" have to stand up and some are called up to the front and they are initiated, our friend Vince had to marry this girl (who by the way was so not Vince's type but he played along) but when he went to sit back down his chair broke (remember I said it was an old run down theatre). Me, well I had to unzip a guys pants with my teeth only (which I did with no pause). Then there was the time that Melissa, myself and someone else were in a contest to see who faked the best orgasm, and lets just say it wasn't me or the other girl hmmm Melissa.

Now all this is happening before the movie even starts, then they do a call of the people who have seen it more then once. Everyone stands up and as they ask whose been here more then 10 times, all the people who have stay standing, then they say 20 times and then 50 and so on. I remember when I finally was able to stay standing when they said more then 20 times. It was a proud moment for me, hey I was 16 what else was I going to do every weekend. My friend Jenn she was able to stand until they said more then a 100 times. We were true Rocky fans and loved every minute of it.

I love the fact that when Brad and Janet introduce themselves you say Asshole after Brad's name and SLUT after Janet's I also love that Janet is played by Susan Sarandon, Brad is played by Barry Bostwick, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter is played by Tim Curry. All of these actors you know and love and to see them in such a cult classic is awesome.

I love that you participate, that you say things out loud that are happening in the movie. More examples are, when Brad and Janet get a flat tire and Brad is about to kick it, you say "KICK IT!" or when they are walking in the rain and they use a newspaper to protect them from the rain you also put a newspaper over your head.

The reason I bring this up is other day I was talking with Aislynn and mentioned the RHPS and her being under 30 she had no clue as to what I was talking about. So of course I had to Google RHPS and found all these great sites and clips from You Tube. I showed her the above titled song. Which you can watch below.

Of course then I had to show her the Time Warp, my favorite song in the whole movie. When this song comes on everyone in the audience gets up sings and dances right along with the movie. You know I showed her, I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only did I remember the words but I remembered the steps and sayings. Here is a clip of the Time Warp for you to enjoy.

So I got to thinking I wonder if there is any place around here that still plays it and guess what I found a location that plays it every Saturday night at midnight. So of course I have been calling everyone I know and am trying to get a group of us to go. I cannot wait, I feel 16 again. This should be an interesting night.

Can we talk about something else now

2007-08-08T10:24:00.001-04:00

I never realized that my post from yesterday could attract so much attention. I just have a small blog that I write for myself for friends and family and for those that are not near me so they can keep up with my day to day (it's really not that exciting). I went to Blogher to meet some of my favorite bloggers, to meet new bloggers and to learn more about the blogging world.

When I wrote the post I was just trying to stick up for my friends who felt snubbed and left out, because I would never want anyone to feel like that. I wasn't trying to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad. I was writing on my emotions right at that moment it's called venting and I thought this was the right place to do it. I try not to censor myself too much but that can backfire on me. I appreciate all the comments good or bad

I'm over it now, it's all good, let's talk about something more fun shall we?

Even though it is Wednesday already and I still haven't gotten my blogroll post up yet (I'm working on it I swear), can I tell you how awesome this past weekend was.

On Friday I had dinner with Aislynn, saw my friend Jeff from Florida who was up here for his yearly check up (we both had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma), we had a nice visit even if I was really really late.

On Saturday, we had some friends over for a barbeque, it was really great to see them, Mike, Lauri, Michael Jr & Gino are the sweetest family ever, we had great food, great company and I made some killer margaritas.

Once Gosia got off of work she came over had some food and then we went into town and met up with Alyssa and went out dancing.

We started at Alyssa's restaurant, we waited for her to finish up her shift, from there we went to Sanctuary had a couple of drinks (Gosia didn't drink cuz she was driving). The music was okay there, mostly hip hop which is fine, but I was in the mood for more dance music, house and trance. So we left Sanctuary and Alyssa called her friend to find out what is good (it has been 7-8 years since I was in the Boston club scene) she told us of a place called Underground, by now it is almost midnight and Gosia has to go to work in the morning, so she opts not to come with us. We feel bad, but Gosia is okay with us still partying without her, we hop into a cab and head over to Underground. We get there and there is a LONG line and I say to Alyssa, "I don't care about paying cover, but I am NOT waiting in that line."

She asks, "what are you going to do?"

"Watch." I reply

I go up to the bouncer and sweet talk him a little bit and he lets us right in. Alyssa laughes and says, "You still got it."

We go in, and unfortunately we have to pay cover but give me a few weeks I'll get it so we don't have to pay cover either.

We get in, order a drink and head over to the dance area, this is my kind of place, older crowd, great music, international people. We had a blast we danced for the rest of the night.

I thought about Kristie cuz we were supposed to go dancing together in Chicago but we didn't get a chance to go and how I wished that she was there with us. We left the club and saw a couple of my old friends from long long ago. We caught up with them for a bit said goodbye and then headed home (via taxi of course). I didn't get home until 3:30 in the morning I felt like I was 22 years old again, until I woke up on Sunday and said, "UHHH I'm so NOT 22 anymore!"

It was a great weekend and a great time.

NOTE: Okay so I re-read my post and it's not my best work, but I wanted to get it done, promise to have better writing for you. Oh crap I just remembered tomorrow is Thursday Thirteen think quick what should I write about?

I didn't know

2007-08-07T11:10:00.000-04:00

I have been reading a lot of posts lately about how some bloggers felt that they were snubbed or felt left out because of how some of the more "popular" bloggers treated us. First and foremost those people can SUCK IT!!!

I did notice on Thursday nights get together upstairs at the W there were a few people that couldn't be bothered with me, but you know what I had such a great time with the people that I did meet, I said FUCK IT who are you to snub me, I'm a nice person and if you are too much of an asshole to meet new and interesting people then I have no desire to meet you either, and you can bet that if I read your blog I'm not reading it anymore.

In a weird way I'm kind of glad that I got sick and missed out on all most of that bullshit highschool crap. I was never the popular girl and I probably never will be. But you know what I met some great ladies at the conference and even though I haven't had a chance to a) say hi to everyone I met b) update my post lately c) reply to some of them I just want you all to know that I think of you daily and that I am so glad I met you.

Please do not take me not responding or leaving a comment as a snub on my part. The only excuse I have is that I've been so busy with my two jobs that every time I sit down to write I either get interrupted or fall asleep I have no idea how you mommy bloggers do it all, you'll have to tell me your secrets.

I swear I have been trying since I got back from Blogher to just get my blogroll updated and to write a post with all the business cards I got and to list all of the blogs, websites and everything and anything I got.

Let's see if today I can finally get all these drafts posted.

But my new friends from the conference you know who you are and you know that you are in my heart. You made my first experience at Blogher a memorable one and I hope that we get to see/talk to each other again. If I forgot to add you here I will add you to my blogroll post, I don't want anyone to ever feel left out.

Thursday Thirteen: The Sexiest Under the Radar Celebrities

2007-08-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

This weeks TT is coming after a few week hiatus. I just couldn't think of any good topics, but then I started to watch a movie with an actor that is quite a hottie but also isn't in all over the place in mags, tv or the web. So my topic this week, is the 13 Sexiest Under the Radar Celebrities. Now don't get me wrong most of these you will know who they are, some you may not. I will link their bio and give a little synopsis of why I chose them. I've included both female and male celebrities, because not only are there some freaking hot men out there, there are also just as beautiful women that don't get enough recognition either.

Remember these are just some that I think should be around more because not only are they beautiful to look at but they are also people I enjoy watching. Please add your own in the comments.

1) Mark Ruffalo born November 22, 1967 in Kenosha, WI

You may know him from movies like 13 Going on 30 and Just Like Heaven. Every time I see him in a new movie I think oh he's so cute I wish he was in more. He's great playing the good guy in all those sappy chick flick movies, you know you watch them too. Though I do have to say I'd like to see him in a movie as the bad guy that would be sexy.

2) Lauren Graham Born March 16, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii

Now you all know Lauren from Gilmore Girls I have to say that was one of my favorite shows. I loved her character Lorelai, she was quirky and funny and all around good person and great mom. But I also love her in other movies like Bad Santa and Because I Said So even if I didn't like that movie too much, she was still great. I hope now that Gilmore Girls is over that she won't be one of those actors that disappears.

3) James Lesure born September 21, 1975 in Los Angeles, CA

James Lesure is in one of my favorite shows, Las Vegas, but I first saw him on another show that didn't last too long called For Your Love with Holly Robinson Peete, who played a character named Malena (which happens to be my name just spelt different). He was great on that show and I love him on Las Vegas, his character Mike is funny, handsome and smart. Can't ask for anything better then that.

4) Vanessa Marcil born October 1, 1968 in Indio, CA

I figured since we talked about James Lesure from Las Vegas lets talk about Vanessa Marcil. You may remember her from General Hospital and Beverly Hills 90210, in both those shows she played the Bitch. She has really come to her own in Las Vegas, Vanessa plays the hardball casino host Sam Marquez she is smart, sexy and has a mysterious side to her character that we are only just now getting to know. By the way, she has a son with co-star Brian Austin Green from 90210 (who also is damn sexy in his own right).

5) Jeffrey Donovan born May 11, 1968 in Amesbury, MA

I am watching this new show on USA Network called Burn Notice and I have to say it is one of my new favorites. I love the plot, the characters, and most of all sexy Jeffrey who plays Michael Westen, a spy that for reasons unknown to him or us has had a burn notice put out on him. Michael must figure out who did this and why, but in the mean time to make money he helps regular people out. Jeffrey Donovan is handsome and sexy and you might be wondering where you have seen this man before? Well he guest starred on Crossing Jordan as a special prosecutor searching through old files to make sure no mistake were made at the morgue, though he was only on for about 6 episodes I enjoyed each one and am happy to see him starring in his own new show. I hope we see more of Jeffrey and when I say more I mean shirtless.

6) Laila Ali born December 30, 1977 in Miami, FL

Laila Ali a women who not only is beautiful and sexy she can also knock you the hell out. Laila takes after her father Muhammad Ali she also is undefeated boxer but wait did you know she can dance too. If you missed this years Dancing with the Stars you missed out on Laila showing you that she truely is an elegant, sophisticated woman. She was my 2nd favorite to win, (of course Joey Fatone was my favorite come on you know how I feel about him). I was so happy to see her in all her glory, she really dazzled us and proved that she's not just a boxer who can knock you out but an amazing dancer and performer also. I'd like to see more of Laila I don't know if she will ever transition to a career in showbiz but she sure has the charisma to do so.

7) Channing Tatum born April 26, 1980 in Cullman, AL

Now here's a new hottie out there that if he plays his cards right could explode onto the scene. He made his debut on So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, from there he played smaller parts in movies and television, but exploded onto the scene in the starring role in Step Up. He played Tyler Gage a kid from the wrong side of the tracks forced to do community service at a Maryland school of arts. You can see where this is going, but that's besides the point, the man can move and what a sexy dancer/actor he is. Channing is making a name of himself and it's a good one. I hope that he has a long career in films and we see him often.

8) Holly Marie Combs born December 3, 1973 in San Diego, CA

One of my all time favorite shows was Charmed, though not on anymore I still watch the replays on TNT whenever I get a chance. Three sister witches trying to fight off demons to save innocents how can you not love that. My ex Devon used to pick on me all the time because I would be enthralled by this show. Holly Marie Combs played Piper Halliwell who though was one of the stars of this show didn't get the credit I think she deserved, everyone knows who Shannon Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan are partly because they are always in the media, good, bad or crazy. But Holly Marie she stays out of that limelight and that's a smart thing to do. I hope that even though Charmed is no longer on we see more of Holly Marie, she is beautiful, talented and a joy to watch.

9) Kevin Alejandro born April 7, 1976 in San Antonio, TX

Kevin Alejandro is fairly new to the scene, he's played a lot of bit parts and guest spots on shows but hasn't found the right show to star in yet. He was one of the main characters on this year's Drive but Fox cancelled it before it even really got going. I was a bit disappointed by that and unfortunately I don't think he'll be back on Ugly Betty as Santos, Justin's father, he was sadly killed off (or so that is what it seemed on the season finale). This is one new hot hunk of a man, those lips (yeah I have a thing for think juicy lips), those eyes, I hope that if he doesn't come back to Ugly Betty he finds a show that stays on for a long time.

10) Kerry Washington born January 31, 1977 in Bronx, NY

The first time I saw this beautiful actress was in the movie Save the Last Dance, she also had a guest spot on The View, as a co-host I got to know her a bit more on there (yes I watch The View sometimes). She is a beautiful woman and a talented actress, but she also has a great spirit to her, I'd like to see her in more starring roles instead of a minor roles or as the friend or sister. I think she will go far in this business as long as she keeps her head on straight. So far so good.

11) Jensen Ross Ackles born March 1, 1978 in Richardson, TX

With a name like Jensen Ross Ackles how can you not want to get to know more about him (I have a thing for original yet strong names). He plays Dean on the CW show Supernatural. Dean and his brother Sam are on the quest to find the truth... yeah I know but who cares he's hot and so is Sam played by Jared Padalecki who you may remember from Gilmore Girls. Jensen has been on television for awhile and I'm happy that he has finally found a starring role. Plus I hope that he'll be able to transition to the big screen as well if that's what he wants. If you get a chance and like to be scared a bit check out Supernatural I know Melissa doesn't miss an episode.

12) Amanda Bynes born April 3, 1986 in Thousand Oaks, CA

Though I wouldn't say that Amanada Bynes is one of those girls that oozes sex appeal she is a beautiful young actress that is really starting to shine. She has this great smile and great comic ability, she started out with her own variety show called The Amanda Show on Nickelodeon. After The Amanda Show she went on to star on the WBs What I Like About You with Jennie Garth from BH 90210 and now she plays Penny Pingleton in the remake of Hairspray. I think this girl will go far and she seems to get it and at only 21 years she already has made a GOOD name for herself.

13) Jeremy Sisto born October 6, 1974 in Grass Valley, CA

Now Jeremy Sisto is one of those actors you know you've seen in dozens of movies, but you can't place him. He also isn't one of those pretty boy sex symbols but there is a definite sex appeal to him. His dark rugged looks or his ability to switch and play goofy adorable characters. We all remember him as Elton the rich snobby guy from Clueless but he is so much more then that. He has played dark characters as well like in Six Feet Under as the mentally disturbed brother of Brenda and I loved him in Population 436 as the agent from the Census Bureau. Right now I have the movie Unknown at home and the main reason I got it from Netflix was because he was in it. I think Jeremy picks smart roles and really dives deep into his characters, I see him some day winning an Oscar, lets see if it happens.

Well that's it, my 13 sexiest under the radar celebrities tell me yours and let me know what you think.

NOTE: I need help with a topic for next week any suggestions?

Blogher Pictures galore

2007-08-01T09:29:00.000-04:00

I have finally gotten most of the pictures from Blogher from Melissa and a few from my camera as well.

I have to say that I love to take pictures and be in them too but this trip was the first in a long time that I actually didn't mind how I looked in those pictures, I think Weight Watchers is finally working. WOO HOO!!!

First I just want to say that I am so happy to have met everyone, even though I was sick I still got to meet and see so many people!!

I met my two blogging idols J from Othejoys & Y from Joyunexpected check out the cheesy smile I have, they were both so kind and did not mind that Melissa and I asked to take a picture with them.

There were so many other great ladies too and oh the cleavage...

Can you guess whose cleavage belongs to who?

Check out all the other gorgeous ladies I met.

>

I have been adding every business card that I got to my google reader and wow I can't believe how much I have to catch up. So far I have to say, everyone's blogs are amazing. I'm never going to get any work done.

I am going to write a post with every single website I was given I will also add it to my blog roll too so you can find them whenever you want.

If you want to see all the pictures from Blogher you can go here they are on Melissa's flickr site I figured it was just easier to link her then upload all of them again.

WOW What a trip

2007-07-30T12:29:00.000-04:00

What a great night Thursday night was, I met some great women, and great bloggers. We drank, we talked, we laughed, we pointed (oh my gosh that's so and so and I read her blog).

I accosted quite a few ladies with, "Oh my GOD I read your blog!!!!" Sorry about that, I just get all excited to finally meet some of my favorite bloggers. So far everyone has been really nice and didn't roll their eyes at me too much.

As the night started to end at the W some of us decided to head out for breakfast at the Tempo Cafe, it was a yummy breakfast and definitely needed, to help us sober up.

Friday morning I woke up and so did not feel well I figured it was the booze from the night before and once I eat (again) I would feel better. We head over to the Navy Pier and the Grand Ballroom, get our badges and our SWAG and sit down for breakfast. I ate a breakfast sandwich and started to feel better, but then all of a sudden I started to feel WORSE really worse, by 1:30 2pm I was just to nauseous I couldn't stay any longer at the conference. I headed back to my room, and went right to sleep. I awoke a few hours later when my roomies came back. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling any better, I had to skip the cocktail party, Melissa and Megan skipped it as well, but party girl Amber went.

On Saturday I woke up and thought maybe I would feel better, but NOPE!!! Amber joked that maybe I was pregnant, to which I replied NO WAY can't be that. I relaxed on Saturday tried venture out for a bit but pretty much stayed at the hotel. At least the room was a nice one with really comfy beds. So if you are going to get sick and stay in bed, the W is a good place to do it.

I got to say bye to some of the ladies I met and I wish I could've hung out more, but I promise to check out every single blog I was told about or given a business card. Sunday Megan and Amber left in the morning for their flights and Melissa and I went to the Un-Confernece which I have to say was quite fun, and I met even more cool ladies. I also learned a great deal about how to make my blog better and what it is like for other bloggers to write about personal relationships and personal stories, whether they censor themselves or just let it all hang out. Overall it wasn't a bad trip, just a few bumps in the road but I will definitely be back next year.

I will also write about and post all the cool pictures I have from the cocktail party and from the W. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcomed for a new blogger and a first time blogher attendee. I hope that we get to talk more and keep in touch, and if you are ever in this neck of the woods please look me up.

We are here let the festivities begin

2007-07-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

Wow I can't believe how many amazing women I have already met and the conference hasn't even started. I got to meet one of my blogging idols Othejoys and let me tell you J in person is even cuter then she is on her blog.

Melissa, Megan and myself got in on Wednesday to get settled in and check out the city a bit before everyone arrived. Our room mate Crazy Bloggin Canuck got in late Thursday come to find out a lot of flights were either delayed or flat out cancled, poor CBC she got stuck in St. Louis and was 5 hours late. But she finally got here and we are so happy to finally meet her.

Thursday started with a meet at PJ Clarkes where we had finger foods and drinks. Hosted by Babycenter.com. We met Slaker Mom, Midwestern Mommy, The Plain Jane Mom Blog and so many more. After PJ's we went back to the W (which btw is amazing the room we have is so beautiful and I love the decor) and headed up to the 33rd floor to the Whiskey Sky bar where we had more drinks hosted by Parents Magazine and Othejoys and Izzy Mom. We took so many pictures and I met a kindred spirit in Corinna This Lush Life who also is a Greek Woman, what was really exciting is she knew who I was. Me little ol' me, I tell you I felt like a Rock Star. I can't even believe how much we still have to see and do. I will keep you updated throughout the day. And if I didn't mention you in this, trust me I haven't forgotten you, I'm just tired, some of us didn't get in until after 1am and I'm still half asleep.

Promise to post all the pictures I have really soon.

8 Years

2007-07-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

On Sunday July 22nd it was my anniversary for 8 years of remission from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was diagnosed in the early part of February 1999. I had just turned 24 less then a month before and I had now clue. Today 8 1/2 years later from diagnosis I am living proof that even in the worst case scenarios there is still hope.

When I was first diagnosed I was in stage 4 cancer with a tumor the size in my chest the size of a basketball. It was attached to my lung and possibly my heart. I remember the weeks leading up to it very well. I don't remember the 3 weeks after I was diagnosed. I remember Melissa moving here (finally) right before my birthday. I remember not feeling right for a very long time. I was working for my father and I was working in an environment that was not the best. I was working at his and my step mother's flower stand in South Station, right in front of the doors. The problem with this was that you'd be warm for 5 minutes and then the doors would open and it would be cold, how does your body acclimate to those conditions. I was setting up the stand and breaking it down 6 days a week. I was always on time and I always worked hard, of course if you ask my father I never worked enough. I worked 10-12 hour days and I was strong, and skinny. But then I started to get tired a lot, and I started to have problems with getting there on time and just not feeling good. This started a few months before in the end of fall beginning of winter. I remember calling my mom and saying, I just don't have energy anymore, I just feel blah all the time, you know me I am never late and now I can't seem to just get up.

Don't get me wrong I was 23 and I was going out, but you know around October of 1998 I stopped going out as much as I used to, I just didn't feel that great. Sure I still went out, but people would say, "want to go hang out tonight?" and I'd reply, "nah I'm not feeling well." But there wasn't anything specific wrong with me.

Now I realize the tumor was starting to form and it grew so fast. By January of 1999 I was having problems breathing and I was getting skinnier and skinnier, I remember at one point I could actually see my heart beating through my chest, the skin was beating, that was because the tumor had pushed up my heart. Now you would think at this point I would've thought this isn't right, but NO! not me, I said to Melissa, "look at this, isn't that cool?" I know I know WARNING WARNING that is not normal, but what 23 year old thinks something is wrong. But then I started to cough, and I started having trouble breathing. I remember saying to people "I can't breathe out of my left lung and I feel something in my chest, like if I could reach down and grab it and pull it out." I would try to cough it up thinking it was flem. One day it was cold out and I had gone to the store and when I climbed the steps up to my apartment I just about collapsed, I couldn't breathe and the lack of oxygen with the cold outside pretty much almost made me black out.

I remember going to the doctors, a couple of times when the cough started. She thought I had bronchitis which made sense I usually got bronchitis around the winter time, so my doctor gave me a prescription and told me to rest.

Oh I forgot that right around the new year my father and I had another blow out and he fired me, because I was lazy and I didn't want to work. So, now I'm out of a job and I'm not feeling right. The antibiotics are doing nothing and the cough is getting worse and I'm still not breathing well. I go back to the doctor and she says I sound like I have asthmatic bronchitis, she gives me cough syrup with codeine but still it doesn't help.

This part I only recently remembered, like a passing thought, I took a taxi somewhere because it was cold and I think snowing, I was having a hard time breathing and the cough was just horrible by this point. I'm sitting in the back hacking up a lung and the cabbie asks me if I'm okay. I said to him, "Yes I just have asthmatic bronchitis thank you."

He says, "be careful I had bronchitis and it turned into pneumonia, you should get an x-ray because it may be that."

I told the cabbie, "you know I didn't think of that, thanks, if it doesn't get better in the next day or two I will go."

I think that was a Monday or Tuesday, on Wednesday night I coughed all night and actually kept poor Melissa up as well, then I made a decision on Thursday morning to go to the hospital that night after my bar tending class. (I was going to school to get certified). I asked Melissa if she would go with me and she said, of course, I called my friend Wayne to see if he would pick us up from St. Elizabeth's that night. He said he would.

I go to class and meet Melissa at the T and we head over to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, I check in (thank god I still had COBRA from my old job at the law firm it was a stipulation I had when I agreed to work for my father). I tell the triage nurse what is going on and that I had been to the doctor but just wanted to get a chest x-ray to make sure everything was okay.

We wait and I finally go in for the X-ray, I go back to the waiting room and we wait and wait, Wayne finally comes and we tell him that I still have not seen the doctor so him being the great guy that he was, he runs out and gets us some Burger King. Finally the doctors are ready to talk to me. I go in the back and they say to me, "we see a mass on your chest, it is probably something that you have had your whole life but we want to admit you so we can run further tests and take a CT scan."

I remember asking them all kinds of questions, but I don't remember them saying much to me, I know they never used the word cancer. I go back out to Melissa and Wayne and tell them what they said, I say to Melissa I should probably call my father, and let him know, but we weren't talking so I called my step mother Jayne. I told her where I was and why and what the doctors said. At this point it is like 9pm I have to wait for a bed. I call my mom collect (oh this is all before I had a cellphone good ol' pay phones) but she wasn't home so I try her friend Penny. I tell Penny what is going on and she says she will let my mom know. At this point I am still very calm we are laughing and not thinking CANCER, at least none of us wanted to say it. About an hour later in walks my father, we were sitting playing cards or something and he says, "hi" I said, hi back now we hadn't spoken in about a month. He asks what is going on and I tell him. He has this look on his face, neither one of us says much. They find a bed for me and I get myself all set up, Melissa offered to stay with me but I tell her its okay just go home and get me some stuff for the next day.

Friday I don't remember anything, from what people tell me, early Friday morning they take me down for a CT scan and immediately after the scan they rush me into the OR because my left lung was collapsed and filling with fluid and my heart was so engorged from fluids that if they didn't drain it my heart would have probably imploded or my lung would've drown me. At that point they take a biopsy and I find out I have stage 4 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma with about a 15% chance of survival.

Come to find out if I hadn't gone to the hospital when I did I probably wouldn't have made the weekend, because like I said my heart would have imploded or my lung would have caused me to drown, you know I think back and realize that cab driver saved my life, tell me that wasn't my guardian angel, and my human angel was Melissa, she came to live here about 3 weeks before I was diagnosed I truely believe that someone above sent her to me when I needed her the most, because she was there through it all she took such good care of me. I will write about all that soon enough I promise. Thanks again Melissa

My mom flies out from Phoenix and decisions need to be made. I was in the ICU for a short while after surgery and I guess the doctors told my family that even if they tried chemotherapy it might not work because if the tumor is attached to my heart, the chemo could shrink the tumor but that might make the tumor tear my heart. Not a good thing to tell my mom at that moment. What to do, luckily my primary doctor came and found the best doctor EVER. We decided to transfer to Brigham Women's & The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, I meet with my new doctor David C. Fisher, and what a difference he was. I remember him saying, "this is going to be hard and if you are willing to fight I think we will be able to help you." I went from doctors telling me that I probably wouldn't make it, to a doctor telling me he has hope.

My prognosis was still not good but he gave us hope, I still had only a small chance of survival but we were going to do everything there was to do. My treatment was layed out for me, 6 sessions of CHOP chemotherapy if that didn't work then we'd try a Autologous Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant (AutoSCT) (please do not make nasty comments about stem cell transplants here, my own stem cells and bone marrow were used not an embryonic stem cell transplant this is not the place you can leave an opinion I don't mind). Then we would do a months worth of radiation. And that's exactly what I did, it was probably the hardest time in my life and hardest situation I have ever been in, but you know what I am a fighter and I truly believe that 80% is mental and 20% is medicine... well to a point, if you do not fight and want to live then the medicine cannot do their jobs. I also have to say that I am a very lucky person, my friends and family rallied around me and were there. I met some great people out of this and am thankful everyday.

This past Sunday we celebrated 8 years of remission, my mom and Melissa threw me a luau and it was so much fun. I will post about that next (this is long enough). Here is a picture of me right before I went in for my stem cell/bone marrow transplant. This is a picture of me and Steve at the hospital.

Sand Castles & BBQ

2007-07-20T08:58:00.000-04:00

On Sunday my mom and I went to Revere Beach to look at the annual Sand Castle competition they have, we tried to get there as early as possible and it was a good thing, because the beach was already packed.

The detail that go into the sand castles just astonishes me, it is true art and quite beautiful.

Here are few pictures but if you want to see all of them go here.

After checking out all the amazing sand castles we head home and I relax for a bit and then go to my father's house for a BBQ to celebrate Katerina's birthday. My dad had a seafood medley of tuna steak, crab legs, scallops wrapped in bacon, sushi, roasted veggies, there was so much food and lots of people. It was a great time. I got to see a few people I haven't seen in YEARS!! Like John Manjoe, what a great guy he is. My family has known him for at least 20 years, and I probably haven't seen him in at least 10. He is a flower designer that has worked for and with my father (and ex stepmother Jayne) on and off for the last 2 decades. Well he is back helping out my father a couple of days a week, and he is really trying to help to expand my fathers shop. There has been talk about renting the space next door and making that part into a gift shop, that sells high end gifts, from cigars, wine and if I can my friend Jennifer's baby cakes.

Jennifer has this great little business she is starting called Hit of the Party Gifts and she makes these amazing baby cakes and wreathes and other products so you are the hit of the party. Most of her products are catered to babies, pregnant women and new moms. But she can also make any gift basket that you want. Here is her website and here are some pictures of her products. I will be writing a full post about her and profiling her business, but I figured I'd slip this in so you can check her out.

Back to John and the BBQ, so John and his partner Joseph (whom I had never met before but absolutely adore now) came to the BBQ and we just talked and talked, it was so nice to see him and to catch up on all that is going on. They live in Hull and invited me to come down one weekend, and you know I think I will take them up on that when I get back from Chicago.

It was a great day, with great food and great company, I'm so glad that my father and I are really getting along and that so far everything has been going well (Knock on Wood!!!). He and I are trying to communicate better, I'm trying not to be so sensitive and he's trying not to be insensitive. It's a good combination.

What a weekend

2007-07-18T08:59:00.000-04:00

So much is going on right now and I'm really excited about it all. Let's see where should we start, hmmmm???? I guess I'll start with the weekend, on Friday I met up with Aislynn and we went and played mini golf which I haven't played in years. This course that we did was a small course but still a lot of fun. There were hills and crazy curves, and there were water falls around the course that were nice. I remember playing mini golf in Arizona at a place called Castles-n-Coasters with friends and having a great time. I don't think I've played mini golf since I lived in AZ, wow it has been a long time.

Of course Aislynn beat my ass but only by 3 points, so a re-match is set. Then we went and got something to eat, at this little diner up the street and I ordered a chicken burrito and OMG it was the BIGGEST burrito I've ever seen. The waitstaff all laughed when I said, "holy crap that's huge". They call it a 3-mealer cuz you get 3 meals out of it, and they were right. They also said they have an award or something if you finish the whole thing, it reminded me of the huge steak that John Candy had to eat in the movie The Great Outdoors. After my huge meal (no I did not eat it all) we went for a walk to walk off the meal and since Aislynn is a big basketball fan and player (she teaches at a basketball camp during the summers) she said she would give me a lesson on spinning a basketball on my finger. So a little background on me, I am so NOT NOT NOT sporty in any shape or form. I do not watch sports and I do not play sports but I really wanted to learn to do this. Well it's not easy but it's not as hard as I thought either. I got a few rotations on my finger by the end of the night and she gave me a bball to practice on. Watch out Harlem Globetrotters here comes MELINA!!! No it was funny, the ball was going everywhere but I am determined to get it down, for the sheer fact to say ha check this out. Pretend I'm all sporty without actually having to play any sports.

Then on Saturday I took my two brothers, Yianni & Vasilis to Six Flags (yup I went again and I'll be going at least 2-3 more times before the season ends). I got up early and picked them up and we got there by 10:30am we brought our bathing suits so we could also do the water park. We get there and luckily for me it only cost me $14.95 for each of them because I had a season pass and discount passes they give you for being a season pass holder, but that was about the only thing that was cheap, my god you forget how much it is for everything else.

We finally get into the park after waiting forever to just go through the metal detectors (I remember when it wasn't necessary to go through metal detectors to go to an amusement park such a sad thing really). So we get in and the first roller coaster that Yianni wants to do is Superman, (BEST RIDE EVER) but my brother Vasilis said he didn't want to go on that ride and that he was afraid of heights and didn't really like roller coasters. I'm all, "wait why didn't you tell me before we could've gone to a different place for us to spend time together. I feel really bad."

He said it was okay that he'd try a smaller one first and see how we felt, plus he wanted to go to the water park and would do the water slides. So we decided to go on the smaller wooden roller coaster first. Here are two photos of them waiting in line, Vasilis is on the left and Yianni on the right.

Vasilis did really well actually but we knew he wasn't going to make it on Superman, so Yianni and I say we'll go on it now because the lines were not that bad yet and I gave Vasilis money to play in the arcade and we'd meet him in about an hour. Well my brother has this bright idea that he's going to film the ride (while riding it) with his camera phone and I said to him I did not think it was a good idea. He said, "no no it'll be fine, I'll hold onto it really tight."

"Yianni, we are going 77mph if you drop it you could really hurt someone not to mention you'll break your new phone."

You know I should've just put my foot down but I didn't and we get on the ride and he's trying to hide the phone so the operators don't see it. We start to rise up the coaster towards the first dip and SCREEECH, they stop the coaster that we were in about quarter of the way up the tracks. I just about died, completely convinced it was because of the stupid phone. We wait, and wait, and people are starting to wonder what's going on, I look behind and see this girl putting on an orange hazard vest and harnessing herself onto the railing, OMG she's coming up the steps, now we are about 75 feet up in the air, (between the ground and where we were) on my side is straight down, on Yianni's side are steps (for emergencies) and I'm thinking OH CRAP!!! "Yianni put that damn phone away, put it in your back pocket and if she asks say you were moving it from the front pocket to the back because it was crushing you and the ride started."

She walks up the stairs and stops right at our seats and says, in a tone like I can't believe I have to do this, "Can I please have the phone?" I just about pee'd my pants I'm completely mortified. I say, "I'm sorry he was moving it from the front pocket to the back, it was crushing him when the bars came down." She just rolls her eyes, Yianni hands her the phone and she walks back down. They start up the ride we finish it, and it was still an awesome ride but now I have the feeling of dread. We exit the ride and there is this security guard standing there with Yianni's phone. He is a typical security guard at an amusement park or at the mall, skinny, short, goofy, but he had a job to do and I respected that. I tell Yianni before we get up there to keep his mouth shut!!!

The SG asks, "so what happened?"

I explain, "When the bars came down the phone was crushing into his hip you know the front of his waist and he was trying to put it in the back pocket when the ride started. We apologize we weren't thinking we should've said wait, please take this."

He looks at us and says, "The policy is to escort you out of the park and trespass you for a year."

I say, "I understand you have to do what you have to do, we will take responsibility and take whatever consequences there are, but please know that we were not trying to hurt anyone or be malicious in anyway." while I'm thinking God I hate being the adult, and do I really have to suck up to this guy and I'm going to kill Yianni.

So he says he just needs to call his supervisor to see what he should do, he calls and says that we can stay in the park and lectures us about safety (which I totally understand and I do feel bad because if Yianni had dropped it or it flung from his hand he could've really hurt someone I understand that, and did take full responsibility like I said I should've put my foot down in the beginning and say NO put the phone away, and I am sorry for that.) So we say thank you to the SG and I slap Yianni in the arm and say, "I TOLD YOU THAT WASN"T A GOOD IDEA" we meet up with Vasilis and tell him what happened (cuz it was longer then an hour now), and he just says, "Smart one Yianni" while laughing at his brother.

The rest of the day went without a hitch, we went to the water park after that, and had a blast on the water slides and cooled off cuz it was a hot and humid day. We left around 6pm and drove home the boys fell asleep in the car and it made me feel good that they had a great time, even with the drama in the beginning.

I'll write about Sunday later, in another post and the other things that are coming up, but right now I have to get some stuff done. Writers block I think has finally passed. WOO HOO!!!

Giving Back

2007-07-16T14:52:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate then myself and I have to say the experience was amazing. I met this girl Aislynn a while back who is just someone that is very inspirational. She gives so much of herself and to others, that you can't help but feel all the good energy coming from her.

She and her mother, (Linda) run a soup kitchen every Wednesday for anyone and everyone that needs a little help, a person to talk to and a warm meal given with love, and compassion!!! Aislynn invited me to come and help out, to volunteer my time and I have to say that I am so very thankful for her letting me come and help.

I arrive at the kitchen around 5pm and find Aislynn, she introduces me to some of the other volunteers and gives me a great t-shirt that says Abundant Table on the front and this great saying on the back:

Meal: 100 dollars
Supplies: 75 dollars
Clean Up: 50 dollars
Dinner with friends: PRICELESS!!

It is so true, the people that came to the dinner, were all so very sweet, most have developmental challenges and live in an apartment complex together. The rest were low income or homeless folks that just needed a good meal and a warm smile.

After I was introduced to the other volunteers I jumped right in and asked "What can I do to help?"

Someone said, "The gravy needs to be made"

"You got it."

Now the kitchen and dinning room is in a hall at a church and for some reason that I'm not sure about, someone had taken the key to unlock the a/c controls so needless to say it was HOT and HUMID in there, but you know it didn't bother me much. I gladly stirred and mixed the gravy trying not to make too much of a mess, one thing about me I love to cook but make a mess usually when doing so.

The menu for the night consisted of chicken patties, brocolli or corn, rice and gravy, with pumpkin pie and strawberry surprise for desserts. After making the gravy and the people started to come in, I went around with other volunteered and made sure that everyone had something to drink and to see if they needed anything else. I met some really wonderful people and listened to their stories. Dinner was passed around and everyone enjoyed the meal, seconds and thirds were asked and we more then happily served more. Dessert came around and I was quite surprised to see that just about everyone wanted the Strawberry Surprise (I named it that, because we were't exactly sure what it was, it was the color of Pepto Bismol Pink and had some strawberry flavored custard or cream on top of sponge cake, it was VERY VERY SWEET). But everyone seemed to favor that.

There was this one woman who brought her dog with her, who was unfortunately without a home right now. She and her dog were living in her truck, now this woman was very worried about leaving her dog outside, so Aislynn sat with the dog for most of the dinner, and then these two young girls that were there with their mother's sat with the dog. Come to find out this woman was having some financial troubles and was trying to get back on her feet but due to circumstances was not able to find a place to live, so what did Linda and Aislynn do, they invited this woman to come and stay with them in their home. See I told you they were amazing.

What is even more incredible is this isn't the first time they have invited someone to stay with them, until they can get back on their feet, and you know what I'm sure it will not be the last.

Here is a picture of Aislynn and her Mom Linda, thank you for letting me be a part of the great work that you do, and I will definitely be back to volunteer some more.

Check out my cute new sandals

2007-07-11T10:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had mentioned that I bought 2 pairs of sandals from Payless and so I thought I'd share the pair that I am wearing today. So comfortable and so high too, I haven't worn shoes with heal or platform in so long I feel so tall. Makes me feel thinner too I have no reason why I feel like that but who cares right? I swear I forget sometimes that I'm as big as I now. Most people think they are bigger then they are and then there is me who thinks I'm thinner until I look in the mirror or worse PICTURES UGH. But I do not dress like I am thinner, I don't understand women that wear a size 8 when they are a size 18. Okay maybe not such a drastic size difference but you get what I am saying. Sure you can flaunt some stuff but damn we do not need to see the whole package thank you very much.

Writers Block and so much more

2007-07-10T08:57:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it is 2 1/2 weeks until Blogher and I'm frigging' having writers block, what's up with that. I tell you this last week or so, I just can't think of anything to write, nothing good at least. I have started posts and then deleted, I've started typing and then erased. Seriously what the hell. This should be the time for me to explode as we get closer and closer to Chicago (wow that sounded a bit dirty) "explode as we get closer" hmmmm maybe that's my problem I need to hee hee "explode"
No seriously there have been some fun things that have happened, some new adventures, some I can talk about and unfortunately two I can't at least not right now. One I really really want to share but this isn't the right place for it, and the other is new and exciting but again can't share it yet. It's frustrating to me because I want to let the whole world know but then sometimes you realize it's best to keep your mouth shut and let me tell you that is not easy for me. I love to share, hell I talk way to much and sometimes (most of the time) just don't know when to just STOP!!!

But I can tell you about this past weekend, Melissa and I had a slumber party like when we were teens, it was a lot of fun, we watched movies, we talked, we giggled and we ate. Oh did we eat!! It was great fun, we meant to get up the next morning and go car hunting for Melissa but we were both being lazy bums, so we relaxed for a bit and finally got up and went to the mall. Now if you know me at all, I hate the mall, but I figured why not I need some new shoes. One thing I don't mind doing is buying shoes, hate to shop but shoe shop oh the love I have for shoes, someday I will get my Manolo Blahnik yes I will. So we head over to the mall, but before we get there, we realize we are hungry and stop at this BBQ place for lunch. OMG the food was soooo good, we had St. Louis style ribs and I had the combo with pulled pork. Yummy!! We finally get to the mall and we decide to get mani's and pedi's I tell you these little Asian women sure know how to UP SELL, we ended up getting the deluxe package which included a foot scrub and foot mask sort of thing that made my feet tingle. It was great, so needed too, my toes were looking pretty bad, and if I'm going to be wearing some cute sandals don't need my toes looking all jacked up. GROSS!!!

Pedicure is finished and she brings me over for my manicure, she tries to sell me tips but I don't like fake nails I used to wear them when I was younger but I can't type with them, and I have a hard time doing stuff, I love how they look just can't deal with them on me. (Though on a side note, how do some women who have those REALLY long acrylics do anything, I barely can pick up anything with short ones let alone 3 inch long nails). So the manicurist asks me "would you like fan?"

"Fan?" I ask,

"Yes, fan make your nails look longer and natural." she replies

"How much more is it?"

"Only $5.00 dollar more, you look good with fan."

"Okay sure, why not." I say having absolutely no idea what she is talking about.

She starts the manicure and I love that feeling, my nails were looking pretty ragged, I so need to do this more often. Well she then starts to paint my nails in a french manicure style and I say to myself OH french not fan. (laughing inside at myself not her).

I swear if she had at least said, flanch or flinch I would've gotten it, but no clue with fan. I have to say they came out really pretty, and my toes too. I haven't bitten my nails since either, if I have nail polish on and get a manicure I usually don't bite them, but when they are all ragged and I'm stressed yup I bite.

Oh I also got my eyebrows waxed, I've been pretty lucky in that aspect of my life, I don't have the "GREEK" hair, I got the Finnish hair, blond and thin body hair so I don't have to shave my legs every day (I know you all hate me now) and I don't get the uni brow. But they did need some shaping and it will probably last me a good 2 months. So needless to say what first started out as a $34.00 mani & pedi turned into a $61.00 beauty overhaul (not including the tip). Up sell Up sell I tell ya.

So after we get our fingers and toes remade to look all presentable again, we head over to Payless Shoes, they had the buy one get one half off sale on everything in the store. Woo hoo. I saw the cutest pair of sandals for only $12.00 and then I saw another pair for $9.00 which means I only paid $4.50 for the second, and as I was about to check out I see they had some really cute belts $7.99 each, so the second was only $3.99 that means for $28.00 I got 2 belts and 2 pairs of sandals can't beat that I tell ya. Melissa got 4 pairs of sandals (one pair like mine too cute to pass up) and she also bought some t-shirts and shorts over at Lane Bryant. I wanted to get some new clothes but right now money is tight (plus my mom keeps buying me these cute little outfits she keeps finding on sale so thanks MOM you know my style). I know "yo mama buys your clothes does she dress you too?" Hey hey now she knows what I like and she finds the cutest clothes so you know what I'm happy to have her buy me clothes, I hate to shop and I hate to look for the bargains I get bored. So thanks Mom you the best!

After shopping we decide to go see a movie we head over to the theatre and decide to see Transformers, I know so many people think "CHEESY" but let me tell you best freakin' movie EVER!!! Okay maybe not ever but it was awesome, Melissa and I remember watching and playing with Transformers, she had a little crush on Optimus Prime I always liked Bumble Bee. The movie itself was fantastic, it had action, comedy, thrills and chills. The whole audience was laughing and you could hear the excitement in the air. Overall a definite movie to bring your sons to, they will love it. I love action movies especially when they throw in comedy, the special effects were amazing, most of the time you couldn't tell it was computer generated, like some movies it is so obvious but not with Transformers.

I guess I've finally beaten my writers block (at least for right now). I'm already stressing about what to write next and oh crap I need a good topic for Thursday Thirteen any suggestions? What to do, I know I'm not a great writer but I hope I keep you entertained even if it to laugh at me and not with me as I've said before as long as you are laughing it is all good.

Friends, Family, and Fireworks

2007-07-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

I don't know why but the last few days I just haven't felt like writing, I haven't felt inspired for some reason, and I don't feel like I have anything very amusing to talk about. So I took a break for a few days. Hope no one missed me. LOL.

But I'm back now, at least somewhat, unfortunately I just couldn't get a Thursday 13 done in time to post today, I promise to get a good one for next week, (any ideas, topics anyone anyone).

So today I think I'll write about my 4th of July it couldn't have been better. Melissa and I got to spend it together and I can't remember when the last time we spent it together, me being gone for the last 6 4th of July's and right before I left she was newely married so they spent the time together and the year before I was in the hospital. We had a great time, we met at her house after Ali and Maman left for Montreal we made some brownies to bring to my dad's house for the BBQ. We lounged around a bit and watched Eddie Izzard on BBC America while the brownies were baking. We decided that Friday I would come over we'd watch a whole bunch of movies and I'd spend the night, since Ali and Maman will be gone. Slumber party like when we were teenagers, though Margaritas will be involved this time.

Brownies are done, we stop by my house to get my mom's FAMOUS potato salad, it really is the best potato salad I have ever tasted. We head over to my dad's and we pull up and can already smell all the wonderful food. One thing is for sure about a BBQ at my dad's there is always good food, good drink and lots of Greek music. We eat, we drink, we laugh, we chat, we take a nap. My father had gone up to NH and bought a crap load of fireworks for the 4th and Oh my GAWD did he have a ton, I kept saying oh we are so going to have the cops here. Melissa the pyrotechnic tied all these firecrackers together and set them off, it was awesome. I'm sure the neighbors loved us yesterday. My father and uncle acted like they were 14 year old boys, hell my 14 year old brother was more calm then they were. It was great, he had all sorts of fireworks, big, small, loud, bright you name it he had them. I said to Melissa we are so going to be a darwin award.

My siblings were there, a few of my brothers friends were there. My brother Yianni left for a BBQ at his friends house so Melissa and I were in his room (he had more fireworks up there) and he had this horrible music playing on his computer so Melissa gets on to turn it off and starts going through his history on the computer, you know seeing what websites he was on. Well needless to say they were mostly typical 16 year old boy websites, if you get what I mean. It was funny, my other brother Vasilis was telling us that it was not right that we were "snooping" our reply, "hey if he doesn't want us to see he should delete his history."

My friend Gosia came by around 7 or so, to meet us so the 3 of us could go into town to see the city fireworks. We left my father's house and as we were driving away we saw the big fireworks that my father bought going off above in the sky. It was a perfect way to end our time there. We head into the city and meet Melissa's co-worker Tara who runs a building not far from where the festivities were being held and since none of us like crowds Melissa came up with the idea that the best place to watch the fireworks was on the roof of this building and she was correct. We had the best view (though I'm sure any view was spectacular) of the fireworks. It was an amazing show of lights and designs and color. Melissa and I were saying how far they have come since we were kids. I don't remember such a beautiful display of fireworks ever.

Well that's about it, not the best writing I've done but you get the idea, we had a great 4th and I hope everyone also had a safe, fun and relaxing time like we did.

Friday Picture Day: The Girls on New Year's Eve 1999

2007-06-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

Today's picture (though not the best quality, taken w/disposable camera) is my friend Alyssa, Melissa and myself at a New Year's Eve party in CT at this guy Donnie's house that Melissa and I met when we went on a cruise the November before.

That was a great cruise it was to celebrate my finishing of all treatment for cancer. WOO HOO!! There were three of us that went, Adrianna, Melissa & myself, the cruise went to Cozumel, Grand Caymon & Jamiaca, such a needed vacation after the year I had had and to share it with close friends was perfect.

On that cruise we met a whole bunch of people, and one was this guy Donnie and his friends who lived in CT. We got to know them and realized that we didn't live to far from them and after the cruise I still talked to Donnie after the cruise, when it got close to New Years he told us he he was having this big formal New Year's Eve party to celebrate the new millenium and wanted us to come. Unfortunately Adrianna couldn't make it but Melissa & I could and then we invited Alyssa too.

Now what is funny about this story, is that Donnie gave me directions to his house (which seemed simple enough) he told me to go on this highway and then that one, turn here... one of those highways was 91 South (91S) well I wrote this all down but my S sort of looked more like a 5... needless to say we were looking for 915, and we stopped and asked and everyone kept saying 915 I don't know about any route or interstate called 915 (hey at least we asked men would've kept going until they hit NY or fell off the map all together). Anyway, about an hour into looking for 915 I look at my note with the directions and I say, "Oh crap!"

"What?" Melissa asks (she is driving)

"You are going to kill me." I say sort of trying not to laugh or cry.

"What???"

"Um, that isn't a 5 that is an S we need to look for 91 South."

"Uh Crap! I think that was back a ways." Melissa replies in a not so amused voice but still cool.

Alyssa is sitting in the back and she just starts to laugh. Oh did I forget to mention that we took my fathers van for the trip and it had no shocks that was one bouncy ride.

So I look to see where we were and looked on the map and realize we are about an hour off.

We turn around and call Donnie and he says no worries (we were getting there really early anyway and staying over).

We finally get to Donnie's house and park, get ready for the party and have a great time. It was a definite wild night, just ask Melissa. Alyssa, Melissa and I had a blast and he was a great host and threw an awesome party. It was a great way to ring in the new year, even if I did get us lost. Unfortunately after I moved to FL we lost touch (Donnie & I not the girls). But we have a great story to laugh about, actually when Melissa and I went to Six Flags we had to get on 91S and I say, "OMG that is the road we were supposed to get on when we went to Donnie's holy shit we were SOOO OFF!! " We went so far the wrong way that night we actually had to get on 91N.

Thursday Thirteen: Sexiest Musicians

2007-06-28T16:34:00.000-04:00

This weeks Thursday Thirteen is dedicated to Melissa who gave me the idea because I didn't know what I was going to write about. This weeks list is going to be the sexiest musicians out there. Now these are the ones that I think are sexy some of you might agree and some might not. I haven't decided if I want to just leave it all men because there are some sexy women musicians out there too but I think I'll do just the men this week. Hee hee I said DO.

1) Nikki Sixx - Motley Crue Bassist

I love Nikki Sixx I have loved him and thought he was HOT HOT HOT since at least 7th grade. We used to know this kid Vince who I swear looked and dressed just like him. I remember one time Vince was at the mall and we were all in the food court and he had this girl sitting on his lap and well lets just say she wasn't just sitting... such a rock-n-roll thing to do. But this is about Nikki not Vince, Nikki Sixx OD on heroin and was revived with 2 shots of adrenaline straight into his heart, woke up, checked himself out of the hospital and shot up heroin again. Crazy rock-n-roll life, I couldn't even imagine such a thing and it is really gross, he will be 50 next year and he is still sexy to me (w/o the drugs of course).

2) Jason Newstead - Ex-bassist for Metalicca, now with Rockstar: Supernova

I've seen Metallica in concert 3 times, the first concert was the best. 1992 Section B (on the floor) 2nd row. I went with my friend Jennifer and some other friends, we were so close to the stage that when I sat down for a minute I still could see everything. Caught Jason's pick that night. The 2nd time I saw them was 1994 and I was headbanging so much that the next morning I think I gave myself whiplash because I could not lift my head up without help. The last time I saw them was in 2000 not the greatest concert and it was the last year (I think) that Jason played with them. But now he is with Rockstar: Supernova and though the lead singer I wanted didn't win I will still see them in concert.

3) Slash - Ex-guitarist for Guns-n-Roses, now with Velvet Revolver

I never got to see Guns-n-Roses play live, too many issues with Axl Rose, but I did get to see Velvet Revolver live about 2 years ago. The concert itself was pretty good only problem was the sound system wasn't right for the small venue they were playing at. But you could hear Slash and he was awesome. There is something that I find so sexy about him, even with all his muck when he smiled he just made my knees week. (Of course I never met the man so this was only in interviews and pictures). I have a dream to someday be able to play Sweet Child of Mine on the guitar I know I have to learn to play the guitar first, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking more and more about taking lessons.

4) Jim Morrison - The Doors

Oh how I would've been a Doors groupie specifically for Jim Morrison, he was the Lizard King and he was sexy. I have read many books on them, I have one or two of his poetry books, I have watched movies, documentaries and anything else I can absorb about The Doors. I love their blues influenced music, I love the way their music mesmerizes you and the way Jim sings is enthralling. He died too young, I hope to visit Paris to see his grave, I know that people have vandalized it and it is guarded now, oh and I'm one of those people that thought he was capable of faking his own death. I'm not saying that is what happened, but he really wanted to get out of the lime light to give it all up, he considered himself a poet not a rock star.

5) Billy Idol

My favorite song by Billy Idol has to be Rebel Yell, I love the way he sings, I love the way he curls his lip and it is not a curl like Elvis did. Billy's lip curl is more of a growl, like he's going to bite you. I'd let Billy bite me, he also has a smile that will weaken your knees, maybe it's the lips that do it for me. Though he is in his 50s now he still can rock like any young rock star out there. GO BILLY!!!

6) Chris Daughtry - Daughtry

Though he started on American Idol and is new to the scene he is someone that I think will be around for a long while. He has an amazing voice and a great presence. I love his music and hope to see him in concert sometime, also, the cover he did of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday is just amazing. I also hear that he is still very much grounded and that he includes his band mates in everything. It isn't his band it is our band, pretty cool Chris, hope that stays with you.

7) Anthony Kiedis - Red Hot Chili Peppers

There is something mystical about Anthony Kiedis, how he sings, how he writes, how he moves. I love his tattoos and though he has been up and down with his drug use, he always seems to find his way back, and you can't beat a guy that can put a tube sock on his (rhymes with sock) and it stays on. OMG!!! That is impressive, and let me tell you if I had been front row of that concert it would've been hard to not to try to pull that sock. LOL.

8) David Silveria - Drummer for Korn

I have heard that he isn't playing with them as much as he used to because he is trying to spend some time with his family and other ventures outside of Korn. Also, I remember reading that he was having problems with his wrists but I'm not sure if that is still the case. He is planning on coming back for the new album and some touring, either way I still think he is one sexy drummer, he might not be the best drummer out there, but damn he's fine.

9) Jon Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi, I really don't need to say much about him, there isn't any women I know that doesn't think he is good looking, that smile, that body, that hair. He also just seems to get better looking with age. He's been married to his high school sweetheart for almost 20 years, and that just melts my heart. I've heard he is also really nice in person and really gives back whenever he can to his community and around the world. I saw Bon Jovi in concert twice once in (oh gosh this makes me feel old) 1988 and then again in 1989. Great concert, hope to see them again.

10) LL Cool J

Now this is a smile that will not only weaken your knees but will pretty much make you go gaga. Oh MY GAWD he makes me drool. That body, that smile, those lips, and you know not only is he a great musician, he's not bad in the acting department either. I've seen quite a few of his movies and he usually plays the good guy and I like that. He too has been married to the same women for a long time and still makes sure he has time for his family. GOOD GUY!!

11) Lenny Kravitz

You know I'm starting to see a pattern, another man with luscious lips, I think I have something for lips, I always knew I liked a nice butt, but a sweet pair of lips isn't so bad either. LOL. Lenny looks so much better now that he's cut off the dreadlocks. I saw Lenny in concert and I have to say, he is one of the few musicians that I've seen live that actually sounded better live then on CD. He puts on an amazing show and knows how to rock.

12) Bret Michaels - Poison

Melissa and I saw Poison in concert in 2000 and it was hysterical don't get me wrong the music and show were awesome, it was Dokken, Slaughter, some other band I can't remember now and Poison were the headliners. What was hysterical were the audience I don't know if it was just nostalgia or if these people still really dressed like that. It was acid washed jeans, aqua net sprayed teased tall hair, and I swear to GOD leather jacket with fringe oh and fringed boots. We laughed so hard, it was great. Oh did you hear, Bret Michaels is doing a show on VH1 called Rock of Love, its basically the same as Flavor of Love but now it's with Bret. Oh Bret why?

13) Joey Fatone - N'sync

I already know I am going to get so much crap for this one but I don't care. I love Joey Fatone, always have and always will, he is on my list (top of the list). He is just the exact type of guy I like, I actually dated a guy that looked a lot like him (before I knew who Joey was) maybe that is why I like him so much. I watched pretty much every episode of Dancing with the Stars this year because he was on it. I even wanted to go see the tour but it is completely sold out, I was thinking of going down to stalk him but I am a bit old for that now right? Oh well, he just seems like he is fun, and silly and he's so talented, most don't know but he has been doing Broadway for a while now and has gotten great reviews. So pick on me all you want he is my FAVORITE!

Well that's it hope you liked it, and please tell me who some of your favorites are.

Look at my new toy

2007-06-27T12:19:00.000-04:00

I think I've fallen in love with my new phone, seriously I have never felt this way about a phone before. Yeah sure I've enjoyed my last phone, but by the end I really wanted to get a divorce from it. It kept shutting off, and erasing missed calls w/o telling me. Not giving me what I expected when we met 2 years ago. So what did I do. I replaced it with a newer, younger and more stylish phone. Good riddance old Audiovox hello LG EnV!!

This phone does so much, it is an MP3 player, it has a full keyboard, takes good picures/video and let's me IM... it does so much more then my last phone could do. Sure I know it's not the iPhone, but who wants to spend $500.00 on a phone, this little baby only cost me $49.99 and for that price you can't beat it.

Fun Filled Tuesday: Superman

2007-06-26T10:18:00.001-04:00

Today's Fun Filled Tuesday is a picture of me and Melissa at Six Flags riding the Superman Ride of Steel. BEST ROLLER COASTER EVER.

The reason I'm considering the picture for today's theme is because look at me, I look like I'm constipated or as Melissa said, trying not to fall out. She looks like she is having a blast though WOO HOO!!!

Next time we will pose for the picture (like the people behind us, you can't see it but they were all ready for it.).

Hope everyone is having a fun day today.

Keys & Superman

2007-06-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

What a crazy weekend this has been, it was both good and bad. Friday night was my last Friday working at the restaurant and I'm very excited to have my weekends off. I have been working 8:30am - 11pm (or so) every Friday night since end of January and it was starting to get to me. But now I have switched my Friday night for Monday night YEAH!!! So maybe I'll actually do some fun things on Friday nights, we'll see.

When I finally got home on Friday it was close to midnight and I was tired, but I was excited too because Melissa and I decided to go to Six Flags on Saturday to ride some roller coaters. Also, I was going for my second walk with the walking group from Weight Watchers and we were going to a new place near a river. I set my alarm for 7-7:30am and tried to get to sleep, but lately I just haven't been sleeping well, okay well actually I never sleep well, but lately it is worse. I keep waking up in the middle of the night with sever anxiety. It is the worse feeling to try to sleep while having an anxiety attack (I even dream about my anxiety not fun). My alarm wakes me up way to early and I get ready for the walk, we meet at Cosco and then start to walk to the park. We thought it was close by but no, Stephen forgot to mention it was a 30 minute walk to the park from Cosco on Rt 16 which is a major street. Not so much fun that walk but next time we will meet a little closer, we had thought it was the park next to Costco. Oh well we still got to walk so what if we were walking and breathing in truck fumes. LOL.

We get back to the Costco parking lot and my mother says, "I need to pick up my pictures from Cosco."

"Okay I'll wait for you here."

"No, I want you to come in and try on this shirt."

"But I have plans and I'm tired and I want to go home and relax a bit before I get ready to go to Six Flag."

"It will only take a second and I don't know if it will fit."

"Fine." I say, with a not so friendly tone.

We get the pictures and then walk to where they have some shirts (I don't normally buy my clothes from Costco but they have cute shirts with prints sometimes). I put down my keys on a pile of shirts and try the shirt on (over my other shirt), nope doesn't fit. Which I knew because the shirts there are always too small. I pick up my keys (or so I thought) and walk to where all these cute tee shirts are, now at this point I don't remember if I had my keys or not (you see where this is going don't you). We get some storage bags, and head to the check out line. Pay for the bags and as we are leaving I say, "Mom, do you have my keys?"

"No" she replies

"Fuck!"

"I'll go and look where did you leave them?" she asks

"I left them by the tee shirts I remember putting them down but I don't remember if I picked them up for some reason I thought you had them."

My mom goes back to look for them, about 5-10 minutes later she comes out with this look on her face. "Did you find them?" I ask

"NO"

"Fuck, fuck I'll go look."

I retrace my steps, and search, search and search nothing. I looked through the clothes, I asked the woman there, nope, I ask the guys at the Verizon Wireless kiosk, nope, I go up to customer service and returns nope. Oh and my keys are NOT small they are not that easy to lose.

"FUCK FUCK DOUBLE FUCK!!"

So now I'm fuming absolutely fuming, I'm pissed at myself, I'm pissed at my mom, I'm pissed at Cosco because they don't have an intercom system. I'm tired, I'm cranky and my mom doesn't have her keys so we have no way of getting in the house unless I crawl through the window if the landlord isn't home. (He lives above).

The guy at the customer service desk was really nice though he helped me look again and then let me use a phone to call Melissa to see if she could pick us up so I can get my extra set of keys for the car (thank god I have them). She picks us up and as we are turning into the driveway we do a little prayer that our landlords van is there YEAH they are home. He unlocks our door I run in grab my key and Melissa drives me back to Cosco. I run in just to see if they found them, nope.

I tell Melissa "I know we are running late now but I still want to go to Six Flags, I'll run home shower really quick and we can leave." Melissa says not to worry and we will have a blast. I get home, shower, change and off we go.

It is about a 2 hour drive and we are just talking and laughing and I'm already feeling better. I was thoroughly convinced that someone had saw my keys and either hid them or took them just to be mean. Unfortunately there are people out there that would do that just to be "funny and mean". I have a tendency when I'm mad to think irrationally and I know this but at that moment I don't care.

We get to Six Flags and go in and grab a map and plan out what we are to going ride first. We figured since it is later then we expected to be there, we would skip the water park and just do the rides. We start off with Flashback, the line wasn't too bad and let me tell you the ride released all the aggravation from earlier, with one zoom, poof it was gone.

What an adrenaline rush, I absolutely love that feeling.

After the Flashback we went on Blizzard River, Cyclops, had some lunch and kept going on more rides. It was funny because after each ride (that was fast and thrilling) I kept saying, "I'm hungry." I don't know if it was the adrenaline or what, but I wouldn't be hungry before and then zoom I was. I didn't eat too badly though. The day went by fast, the lines weren't too bad, and we finished the day with the best ride. Superman Ride of Steel. Oh my GAWD!!! What a ride. It was fast, and tall and long. It rocked!!!!

We had a great time and we didn't get to ride on all of the rides, we missed Batman, Scream and some other cool ones, plus we still need to go back for the water park. They have some awesome water slides, so what did we do, we got a season pass. I'm hoping we get back there again soon. I know I definitely want to take my brothers and sisters. What a great day to end such a crummy beginning.

Sunday I relaxed, layed out for a bit and then got the call from Costco, they found my keys YEAH!!! I went and got them, and have never been so happy to see them.

Friday Picture Day: The Girls from Topkapi

2007-06-22T16:12:00.000-04:00

When I first moved back here from Arizona where I grew up I lived and worked for my dad, needless to say that did not work out and he fired me and kicked me out of the house (but that is another story).

I lived at this girl Trudy's house on her couch for about 3 months and then we found an apartment together (ah Trudy...that too is another story a good one but not for now). I also had to find a job and I remember Melissa (who was visiting me at the time) and I were at the mall looking around and shopping for her to bring presents back home. As we were walking I saw a sign in a window at an accessories store called Topkapi (they were owned by Claire's) that said help wanted. I decided to go in and speak to the manager about a job. She (Kelly) liked me right away and pretty much hired me on the spot. We became fast friends and she was the manager and I was the assistant manager. The other person that I became very good friends with is Alyssa, who at the time was still in highschool (senior) and this was her afterschool job. I used to take Alyssa to a club called Joy on Thursday nights and we would have so much fun dancing, drinking, talking, laughing, meeting guys. Kelly and I oh we had so much fun, we used to go to all the clubs and party. We used to hang out with these 2 guys from UAE, oh my gawd they had more money then I could ever imagine. They were here for school and one of them had an allowance of $5000.00 a day (yes that is five thousand). If he spent all of it the next day $5000.00 was back in his account, if he spent $100.00 a $100.00 was added back to make it $5000.00. People that is $35,000.00 a week, most people don't make that in a year let alone have that as their fun money. Remind me to tell you of the time we went to NYC to go shopping.

Anyway this picture is from Topkapi around Christmas 1995, from top going clockwise Alyssa, Kelly (in middle) Catrice, Thao & Me. Sometimes when something awful happens, something wonderful emerges from that. I have two very close friends because of the fight my father and I had, so even when things look bad, remember that there truely is a silver lining. I can't believe it has been 12 years, Kelly is now in DC working, and Alyssa just finished her 1st year of law school (I'm so very proud of her). I don't know what happened to Catrice or Thao, I know that Thao wanted to go into broadcastng and was hoping to be an intern for Howard Stern. I hope she was able to fullfill her dream. Catrice quit working there and I never saw her again.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Places I Want to Visit

2007-06-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

Today's Thursday Thirteen was inspired by a new friend Stephen who has travelled like I have and has been to some great places. We were talking about places we've been and places we would like to see. This weeks list is dedicated to the 13 places that I want to visit sometime hopefully in the near future, needless to say this is not ALL the places I want to visit just the 13 I thought you would like to know about.

Let's get started in no particular order

1) Wailua Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

This majestic, 80-foot tiered waterfall is located close to the roadside lookout for everyone to enjoy. The falls can dramatically change appearance depending on rain and the river's flow. The best time to view this spectacular site is early morning as the sun shines on the falls. The brave and sure-footed can can take a slippery trail down to the bottom of the falls and take a dip in the cool, mountain water.

I love waterfalls the roar of them is powerful yet they are so serene and calming. I want to swim in the pool below and feel the falls on me.

2) Tibet & Nepal

I have always wanted to go to Tibet and to Nepal on a spiritual retreat and to visit the monasteries. I think the Buddhist way is fascinating and I hope to someday visit these two places, to learn from the monks. I hope the next time the Dali Lama is speaking I can get a chance to hear him.

I hear he has such a calming affect on people and I could really use some of that right now. To be that close to Mt Everest is pretty cool too, no I do not want to climb that. No thank you I read the book Everest and that was enough.

3) Goa, India

Goa, the emerald land on the shore of Arabian Sea with extended pristine beaches is an amazing place to relax, and they are known for their parties on the beaches. I had an opportunity to go there once with a friend who was going to DJ a party there. Due to circumstances I was not able to make it, but I plan on getting there someday. On the coast of India and on the Arabian Sea Goa holds some of the most beautiful beaches of India.

4) Prague, Czech Republic

When I went backpacking through Europe we wanted to stop in Prague but did not have enough time, we had to get to Rome to meet Tim's sister. Unfortunately I have not been able to get there yet but I will. Prague is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is one of the most visited too. It suffered the least amount of damage from WWII so the original architecture is still intact and to see some of these buildings stand the test of time will be thrilling.

5) Amazon Rainforest & River

There is nothing like the natural beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. There is so much we still don't know about this region and it is being destroyed, there has to be a way to make "people" understand that we need to save this area. This has always been a dream of mine, we'll see if I ever get there, I've heard they have bugs the size of basketballs, um yeah no thanks, see snakes and lizards and all that doesn't bother me, but huge bugs that freaks me out. I can deal with spiders but other creepy crawly creatures, ACK!!!

6)Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 2,600 kilometres and cover an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. I had a friend who spent a sometime in Australia going to school there. She has told me how beautiful it is there and I want to visit Australia and if I ever do get there no matter what else happens I will visit The Great Barrier Reef, it will be an amazing site to see.

7) Singapore

There has always been such a fascination with Singapore for me. It is a beautiful city and one of the cleanest I've heard (in respects to trash and debris not pollution). Someone told me that gum is illegal there and there is a sign in the airport that says if you bring drugs here you will be executed, now I don't know if that is true but it sounds good. There is so much to see and experience there, like the Singapore Zoo and Macritchie Reservoir, and all the islets that make up this island.

8) Egyptian Pyramids

The ancient Egyptian Pyramids are a true architectural marvel. The way they were built and how they are structurally intact is amazing. I've heard that how tall the pyramid is, is how deep it goes, now I don't know if this is true but if I ever get there I'll let you know.

9) Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a mysterious place built in a staggering landscape for reasons forgotten with the passing of the Inca empire. It is believed to have been constructed by the great ruler Pachacutec around the middle of the 15th century.To see a place like this that holds no written record and to speculate how and why this was built is just a wonderful mystery to explore.

10) St. Petersburg & Red Square, Russia

St. Petersburg is very close to Finland where my mom is from so this one might be an actual possibility next time I go to Finland. I know my mom has no desire to go there, because Finland used to be under Russia's rule before WWII. But I just think the history that is here would be something to explore.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square is just one of the most colorful and beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen of course I've only seen pictures but look at the detail of this building WOW. The cathedral is a memorial to the Russian conquest of Kazan in 1552. Moscow is now for the 2nd year in a row the most expensive city to live in, with a luxury 2-bedroom apartment going for roughly $4000.00 a month. Nevertheless I want to visit St. Petersburg & Moscow and see all there is to offer.

11) Sicily

I won't lie I have always wanted to go to Sicily to go to the place that Cosa Nostra was born the home of the Mafia. I know, what is wrong with me, but I have this absolute fascination with the Mafia, I don't condone what they did, but the history, the culture the codes they used to abide by, is just remarkable. I have read many books, watched documentaries, movies and interviews about this organization. But that is not the only reason I want to go to Sicily, surrounded by the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea the water is crystal blue and absolutely stunning. I want to see everything that Sicily has to offer, food, wine, culture and their history.

12) African Safari

My whole life I have always wanted to go on an African Safari, either in Kenya, Zimbabwe or anywhere else that will allow me. To see nature in its purest form with animals roaming wild and tribes of nomads searching the land is just something I want to experience. It makes me sad to think of all the atrocities going on in parts (most parts) of Africa. I would love to go to a place like Kenya and help build homes (a friend of mine did that) and meet the men, women and children who are from there, to learn about their culture and traditions would be an honor.

13) Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of the most architectural modern city in the world, the structures that they are building and have built are just incredible, from the Burj Al Arab considered to be the world's best hotel, it is built to look like a sail, which also has an underwater themed restaurant. They have man made islands to look like palm trees and the world. Oh and did I forget to mention the indoor ski slope they have since they don't get snow there. This place is just amazing. This one is going to take a lot of savings before I can get there, but when I do what a site it will be.

So there you have it, I tell you after doing this weeks Thursday 13 I'm realizing I desperately need a vacation. I've tried to add a links list on the bottom of this let's see if it works.

The Landlord (Plus the Out Takes)

2007-06-19T11:17:00.000-04:00

For today's Fun Filled Tuesday I thought I'd try to share one more time the skit with Will Ferrell called The Landlord. I think this time it will work because I got it from his website.

The Landlord

But for a bonus I am also going to add a clip with the out takes of making The Landlord. Must be hard working with a 2 year old.
The Landlord Out Takes

Father's Day

2007-06-18T13:02:00.000-04:00

As I have said before my father and I have an up, down relationship. We are trying to really work on keeping our relationship on the up side right now. So much has happened that we realize it is important to be united rather than apart.

My father went to Greece for a couple of weeks and while he was there he was in a pretty severe car accident, luckily he is okay the car and his pride are damaged but he is safe and unharmed. As we were sitting for lunch yesterday to celebrate Father's Day he is telling us kids what happened with the car accident. In our family we never seem to get any details when things happen, usually I am the last to know about anything that happens good or bad.

As he is telling us this story everyone talks and jokes and it was sort of bugging me because I'm trying to really listen and understand what happened. As he tells us what happened, I realized how close we came to losing him. He was on a mountain/hill road that had a cliff on one side and if my father had not been as good of a driver and quick thinking as he is he might not have rolled and landed in that ditch but rolled and fell off that cliff.

Sometimes it takes something like this (or the death of my grandfather) to really understand that we do not have that much time in this life and that the small petty stuff needs to be forgiven. I am really trying to understand who my father is and I think (I hope) he is trying to understand me. I love my father very much and don't like it when we don't talk for long periods of time. We are a very emotional family, whether that be in love, in anger, in sadness or in happiness we express it. So when we fight we FIGHT!! We are also STUBBORN, oh you can't imagine how stubborn our family is. But one thing that we do, is tell each other I LOVE YOU every time we talk, I think it is an important statement to tell each other. When I get off the phone with my mother, father, sister or brothers and friends I tell them, I love you or I miss you or how much they mean to me because that might be the last time you speak to that person.

Now for a little less serious topic, the rest of the lunch and Father's Day was good. We went to Bertucci's for lunch and as the waitress came up to take our drink order I whispered to her, "I'm sorry." She asks, "why???" I said, "You'll see."

Though we are polite and I think we tip well, we can also be loud and a pain in the butt. When you get 7 Greeks in one table watch out, it can be dangerous.

We talked, we laughed, we ate, we drank, the food was excellent the company was entertaining and overall it was a good meal.

We went back to my father's house and relaxed, Zoe had to go to work and the boys went upstairs to play on the computer or to talk to friends. My father and I talked, and there is an opportunity that my father might have that I might be very very interested in. I don't want to talk about it just yet (oh and it is killing me not to tell you all what it is) but I want to see what comes out of this before I start mentioning it. But I will tell you this, if this opportunity is real and serious I am definitely onboard.

I hope all the fathers out there had a wonderful day. You deserve it!

Happy Father's Day

Gave me Goosebumps

2007-06-15T15:11:00.000-04:00

I was reading The Insane Writer and she had this clip of 6 year old Connie singing, Somewhere Over the Rainbow for the show Britain's Got Talent and I just had to show all of you. She gave me goosebumps watch the reaction from the judges (oh and one of them is Simon Cowell).

Friday Picture Day: Getting Plates Smashed on my Head

2007-06-15T10:35:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I sit here in front of my computer trying to think of things to write about and sometimes nothing comes to mind. So I started thinking about my adventures, and stories from my past, oooh and what a past I have scandalous... I'm just kidding, though I have to say I do have some fun, weird, strange and interesting things happen throughout my 32 years of life, and I have millions (okay thousands) of pictures detailing these times. So I have come up with a new fun way for me to share with you some of these stories. We'll call it Friday Picture Day.

What I will do is show you a picture, this picture can be anything, from my family, my friends, myself, ex-boyfriends, ex-friends, places I've been, places I would like to go. Maybe it will be a picture that I saw in a magazine or in the newspaper, and then I will write about that picture. Tell you the story behind it, or how that picture made me feel when I saw it. I am a very visual person, and I truly believe the saying a picture says a thousand words. Let's see how this works out, we'll start with a picture of me taken when I was backing packing through Europe in 1996 (I can't believe it has been 11 years).

I don't know if you can tell, but that is me getting a plate(s) smashed on my head, yes folks I was drunk very drunk. I guess we should go back a bit, a friend (Tim) and I went backpacking through Europe in May-June of 1996 for 5 weeks, we started in London and worked our way down to Greece. We made it to the island of Corfu in Greece and to a place called the Pink Palace (which by the way was on the E Channel's Wild On, yes I went to a place that was featured on Wild On oh and I went before they featured it, I won't lie it so made me feel like I was in the know). Anyway, we get there on a Friday night and they tell us that tonight is Toga night oh wait I forgot to mention that the reason this place was called the Pink Palace was because everything in that place was completely PINK I'm talking Pepto Bismol pink. The walls, the togas, hell even the Ouzo was dyed pink.

We get settled into our room and we go check out the place, the way I would describe this place (other then the color of PINK PINK and more PINK) was it was summer camp promoting alcoholism. OMG they had enough booze going around to even get Lindsay Lohan to say No MORE! But it was a fun place and I met some really cool people. We drink, we swim in the sea (which by the way is so beautiful in Greece it is warm and clear and NO SHARKS), we dance, we eat, we laugh, we meet new people. Then we get ready for the Toga party "Toga Toga Toga" They give us these thin pieces of material (you guessed it) died Pink. I wrap mine around me but realize oh this is not going to cover much so I throw on my bikini underneath (this was back when I could still wear one), and Tim if I remember correctly might've gone commando (actually a LOT of the guys went commando that night and they liked showing us girls).

We go into the big dining hall which also serves as the bar, and dance floor, they set us up in a large circle and they put on a great show of Greek dancing and the owner did this really neat trick where he stacks chairs on a table and puts a bottle or something on top and then picks it all up just using his teeth, NO HANDS!! That was pretty impressive. Then he goes around and starts smashing a plate on peoples head, just one plate (they are the kind of plates that break easy, it doesn't hurt per say but you feel it if you aren't numb from all the alcohol). So he comes by me, and I say, "Hey I love this place and oh by the way I'm Greek." Well at this point (me not knowing) he is looking for someone to take in the middle of the circle and some people who have been there for a while or had been there before go, watch what happens and I'm all "huh, what..." with a goofy smile on my face, completely oblivious as to what is about to happen.

The owner then chooses ME, to go in the middle of the circle and he says to me, "You might be Greek, but you have never done this before," and proceeds to take off my glasses and gives them to my friend, who also has the camera, and then they start feeding me shot after shot after shot (you get the idea) of Pink Ouzo. I finally say, that's enough, or rather I slur it... I couldn't even feel my lips anymore. Then they tell me to sit straight with my head looking forward. Yeah like I was going to be able to stay like that for long. Then all of a sudden I feel something on my head, Boom, Crash, and then there are plate pieces all over me. I think oh that wasn't too bad thinking it was only one plate (he hadn't smashed one yet on my head when he was going around before). I laugh, I get up, stumble and go back to my friend and the new friends. They all ask, "How do you feel?"

"Fine, why, that wasn't too bad." I say all wobbly.

"Um well you do know you just got about 12 plates smashed on your head at once?"

"WHAT!!!!?" I say, a little more alert and sober now. "What do you mean 12 plates, I thought that was 1 plate?"

"Uh.. no, that was about 12."

"Holy shit, 12? Well I didn't realize, OMG 12?"

Yes ladies and gents I had 12 plates smashed on my head and took it no problem, didn't even flinch. I have to say the Ouzo did help HA HA! The rest of the night was a blast, and the cute guy who I met in Budapest a week before was there too and we hung out on the beach that night, wait isn't there a drink called...

I'll leave the rest up to your imaginations...

That was a great trip and I have tons more pictures, maybe I'll write about my whole trip in a series called My Trip to Europe I'll have to get out my journals from that time, no blogging back in 1996.

Great trip, great pictures, great memories

Thursday Thirteen: Best Stand Up Comedians

2007-06-14T08:32:00.000-04:00

Warning: Contains Adult Content (lots of swearing on the videos) might NBSW!!

Hello everyone, here is another round of Thursday Thirteen, this week I was having trouble thinking up a good list. Then last night Last Comic Standing was on and I thought there you go, that is what your list should be. I absolutely love comedy and wish I could get to see more comics live.

Luckily I am going to The Opie & Anthony Traveling Virus which is a comedy show with quite a few stand up comics. So in honor of that show and since we always need a little laughter, here are some of the comics that I would love to see live.

1) Ralphie May

I first saw Ralphie May on the first season of Last Comics Standing, personally I think he should have one. He is hysterical and he has no problem talking about and making fun out of anybody, regardless of race, sex, or religion. Though some might be offended (which just means you have a stick up your butt) but the things he says, you can't deny aren't true. I hope I get to see him live.

2) Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard, I just love him, not many cross dressing comics out there and with his British accent you can't help but love him. First time I saw him, (again not live) was when I was going through treatment for cancer and met this guy Steve and when we went back to his house (to chat people plus Melissa was there with me) Eddie Izzard was on TV. We were rolling on the floor laughing, and now he's on the new show The Riches on FX.

3) Wanda Sykes

A quick-witted comedien who has transcended the comedy scene to become one of the funniest comics to hit the stage in some time, Wanda Sykes' unique blend of stinging humor and outspoken honesty has found her moving beyond a career in standup thanks to notable success in film and television. I am glad that she is a regular on The New Adventures of Old Christine, she brings it all together on that show.

4)Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is one of the more visible Asian-American women of her time. Although probably best remembered for her short-running sitcom All-American Girl, Korean-American comedienne Margaret Cho has come a long way since then. Margaret Cho is a living example of what can happen to you when you become a poster child for someone else's idea of political correctness. I was sad when they cancelled her show All-American Girl and it was so disturbing to find out that they forced her to lose a lot of weight when she really didn't neeed to, (this is what is wrong with this country). But I love that she turned it all around in her favor and jokes about it now oh and when she talks about her family especially her mother it is hysterical.

5) Carlos Mencia

I know a lot of people out there (mostly other comics) talk about how Carlos Mencia steals jokes from other comics, whether that is true or not I don't know. But every time I watch Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central I laugh, every time I watch him on TV doing standup I laugh. He will be at the O&A show next month and I'll let you know how he was.

6) Rodney Carrington

I used to watch his show and was sad when it got cancelled but his stand up is great, he sings parody songs in his act that are funny but one of my favorite bits he's ever done is when he's talking about a man getting ready to go in the shower and he swings his hips and says helicopter helicopter. OMG I laugh every time.

7) Jim Norton

I listen to Jimmy Norton on the O&A radio show every morning, some of the things that he says just make me laugh, the three of them on that show each morning make my drive into work a little bit easier. Jim used to also be on Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd on Comedy Central and he always had an interesting point of view.

8) Kathy Griffin

Okay Kathy Griffin has come a long way since the first time I saw her many many years ago. It was with a guy I was dating and I have to say I wasn't impressed, but since then she has really found her nitch. Trash talking celebrities she has encountered or she has heard something about. I think she is quite a funny and talented woman and enjoy watching her show My Life on the D List on Bravo. If she ever came back this way I would most definitely go see her show again.

9) Eddie Murphy

Now here's the thing with Eddie Murphy, back in the day when he used to still do stand up he was the man, he was funny. Now he's just weird, what's up with all these movies where he plays all the characters and wears a fat suit. I miss the old Eddie, Beverly Hills Cop and 48 hours Eddie. Some of his best stand up is from his album Raw. "It's my house and if you don't like it you can get the fuck out" quoting Eddie as his father.

10) George Lopez

George Lopez started as a stand up and never thought he'd get his own sitcom well one night Sandra Bullock watched his comedy show and said that she wanted to produce a sitcom for him, from that was born The George Lopez Show, he took from his own life growing up and made it funny. Another funny show that has been cancelled, (I'm starting to see a pattern here).

11) Colin Quinn

Colin Quinn I remember when he was on Remote Control on MTV, one of their first game shows back when they still played actual music videos. Man did I want to be on that show and I think I would've rocked too. Then he went on to do other stuff and got his own talk show on Comedy Central called Tough Crowd talking about the issues and things going on but with some comedy flavor mixed in.

12) Robin Williams

You can't deny that his stand up is rip roaring funny. The voices, the impressions, the energy. Not much else you have to say, Melissa and I still quote Live at the Met and we still laugh.

13) Bill Engvall

I have saved my favorite for last, by far Bill Engval is one of my all time favorite stand up comics and I am very excited to say that he is going to have his own show coming on TBS premiering July 17th (and no I was not paid to write that). I saw Bill Engvall live little over a year ago in Florida for a charity event. I have to say that when we left the venue my friend Nancy and I were still laughing, our cheeks were sore and our eyes were watering from laughing so hard. I hope he comes here soon and I get to see him again. He is the man that is responsible for the phrase, "Here's your sign" people that say or do stupid things should wear a sign that says, Hey I'm Stupid!!! We've all seen it, said it or done it.

Well that's my list of thirteen great comics, I know I know I have left a ton of them out including, Richard Pryor, Larry the Cable Guy, Steven Martin (when he still did stand up) and so many more, big names and small names, but I can't name them all. Please add to the list, tell me who you've seen, who you love or disagree with.

Hope you got a good laugh from my clips.

What European City do You Belong In

2007-06-12T12:38:00.001-04:00

Since today is Fun Filled Tuesday I thought I'd share this cool website I found.

It has all these different quizzes, and memes you can put in your blog. I love taking different quizzes to tell you what european city you belong in or what kind of wine you'd be. So I thought I'd do the European City one.

You Belong in Milan

Stylish and sophisticated, you want to enjoy a truly European life - away from tourists!
Milan fits you perfectly. Great shopping, high quality food, lots of culture... with very little hype.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Hmmm Milan, I like that, I've always wanted to go there, and I love Italy and Italian men so I could see myself living there. I'm the type of girl who can't stay too long in one place, who knows maybe I'll move to Vancouver next (yes I'm still on cloud 9).

The Weekend & The Favor

2007-06-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

The Weekend:
I had a fantastic weekend, not only did I meet Joel, but Melissa and I went to a graduation party for a friends two sons where we met Maria who was so sweet and nice that we started to chat. Maria said that we reminded her of her bestfriend Andrea and herself (just how Melissa and I are together) well we had such a nice time with Maria we invited her to come play trivia with us at my restaurant later that night. Maria came with her friend Andrea and we just had a blast together, it was a fun girls night out.

It was funny how much we had in common with Maria and Andrea, they have been best friends for over 20 years, Melissa and I have been for about 18 years, Andrea is married to a Morrocan, Melissa is married to an Algerian. Maria and I are single but want to meet someone (we might go together to speed dating, oh what a post that will be I'm sure). Maria and Melissa both love country and Andrea and I so do not. There was so much more but no need to go on. We talked and giggled like we had known each other forever, there were no filters on so anything and everything was said and we just had fun.

You know I have to say this weekend was probably the best weekend I've had in months, and I really needed it. I think we are all going to the Opie and Anthony comedy festival in July, I'm really excited about this show, there are some seriously funny comics going to be there. Carlos Mencia, Bob Saget, Jimmy Norton, Patrice O'Neal and others. I love stand up comedics last one I saw was Bill Engval in Ft. Lauderdale at a charity event.

Either way I really hope that we get to hang out with Maria and Andrea again and that we become friends, it is always nice to meet new and interesting people that you can have fun with.

The Favor:
A while back I had mentioned a favor that a friend of mine needed from me, well today I am helping him out with said favor. Should be an interesting night, will let you know what happens tomorrow.

To be continued...

Joel

2007-06-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

I met him Friday night at my restaurant, he came in alone and I could tell that he was probably staying at the hotel next door. I have a pretty good sense of these things, being that most of our customers are regulars. Well, I sit him at a table near the bar, where you have a pretty good view of everything. Oh by the way did I mention he was HOT (the picture doesn't do him justice).

So, I'm sitting people and talking to regulars, laughing and overall having a pretty good night, but every so often I get this feeling that someone is looking at me, and I realize it is this guy. So I go up to him and say, "You look sad, or bored, what's up?"

"Oh, I'm just here for business, I leave tomorrow at 6am."

"6am, damn that's early, did you get a chance to see any of this city?"

"No, just the hotel basically."

"Well, you have until 6am that's plenty of time to see all there is to offer." I joked.

I ask him his name and introduce myself, and we talked for a bit more, but then I had to get back to work up front, and he was going to get going.

"You're leaving?" I asked

"Yeah I should get going."

"Well, if you ever come back I'd be more then happy to show you around."

"Cool."

"I'll give you my email address."

"Why don't you give me your number and maybe we can hang out later."

I was shocked, but in a good way. "Uh-uh okay but I don't get off work until 11pm or so." I say nervously.

"That's okay." he replies with a sheepish smile (what a cute smile and gorgeous eyes).

I give him my cell number and he says he'll text me later, and figure something out.

A couple hours later he text messaged me, "Hey Hey...this is Joel from Vancouver:) It was really nice to meet you this evening...you're very sweet...and you're also very beautiful. I'll call you at a little after 11, and we'll see if there's something fun we can do tonight:) talk to you soon..."

I reply, "Aw you making me blush thank you, sounds like a plan."

He replies (with what I have to say is the best text I've gotten in a long time.}
"Keep blushing, because you're HOT!!! I'm excited to hang out with you:) Really excited."

Now I'm all giddy, I won't lie, I felt like a teenager again. It has been so long, since a guy who wasn't 50, married, and drunk hitting on me. This guy is cute, young and single (at least that's what he said.)

We text message back and forth for awhile and I just get more and more excited, but really nervous too. I talk to my friend & coworker Ronnie and ask her what should we do. She tells me about this bar that she goes to after work around the corner and since she was going to be cut soon, she would be over there. I felt that was a good place to go, 1) because it was close by and 2)there was going to be someone there that I knew just in case. I don't know this guy he could be a psycho (a cute psycho but still a psycho).

The rest of the night went by really slow at work, and I finally asked the manager if I could possibly leave early, he asked how early and I said about 10:30pm because I had a date and it's been so long since I've had a date. He is a pretty cool guy and I always work really hard, and pick up shifts that he let me leave a little early. I was (am) really appreciative.

I text Joel and tell him that I'm all set. I call Ronnie and tell her that we'll be there in about 10 minutes. Joel drives to the restaurant, and he follows me to the bar around the corner. This bar was a little hole in the wall, but it worked for us

We talked and got to know each other, Joel was here because he sells different kind of machinery to places like Home Depot, BJs and Cosco, but what he really wants to do is open up a camp for kids in Vancouver. He is also a singer and used to sing with a band in Canada that is pretty big there. But he's doing his own thing now when it comes to singing, he doesn't drink (never has) doesn't smoke. Ronnie thinks he's pretty cute too, and asked me if I needed her to stay and I said no, I'm okay. We talked for a bit longer but then the bar was closing and we didn't want the night to end. He suggests going back to the bar at his hotel, because when he left it was still really busy, I said, I bet it's closed now but we'll check it out.

We go back to the hotel but alas the bar was closed, at this point I really had to go to pee pee and went to the bathroom in the hotel lobby. When I got out of the bathroom Joel wasn't there, I figured he went to the bathroom too, but then I heard, "I'm over here."

I turn and see him sitting at a piano in the corner down the hall a bit. He starts to play the piano and I sit next to him on the bench and he stars to sing, and what a beautiful voice he has. I swear to you, I felt like I was in a movie and I was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (ok not a hooker but the scene where Richard Gere plays the piano). I also kept saying to myself, "what if we get in trouble or is this a joke am I getting punked?" Because I am not used to this kind of romance and it was romantic. It really did feel like i was in a movie. I have never in my life been serenaded by anyone especially not by someone as talented as him.

He finishes the song and I was just in awe. I'm thinking to myself, can this really be happening, damn why does he have to live so far away.

We walk around a bit and he suggests that we go back up to his room so I can hear some of his music, (get your mind out of the gutter nothing happened). We go up to his room and we talk and laugh and listen to music, and then we kiss. Oh what a kiss that was, it was great, it has been so long since I've been kissed like that. We kiss and kiss and kiss, we talk and cuddle. But nothing else, my pants stayed on thank you very much. Trust me a part of me wanted to take them off, but I don't know this guy and I'm not like that.

I told him at one point, you could have a wife and kids back home and I'd have no clue. We laughed, he said he didn't but honestly for one night I didn't care. It started to get really late and the poor guy needed to leave for the airport around 4am and I felt bad that he probably wouldn't get much sleep. I told him I really should get going and that I really enjoyed my night with him. He also told me that he wished he could have stayed longer but that he had a meeting back in Vancouver (I had suggested that he change his flight), but he said that he would be back in about a month. But before I left I said, I have to get a picture of you, and he obliged (isn't he just a cutie?). I had to get a picture because I didn't think anyone would believe me and I wasn't sure if what had happened was even real. I kept thinking I'm going to wake up and this was all a dream.

I left and we text messaged for awhile longer and he said that he wants to stay longer next time and he wrote his email address, and "I really loved every minute I got with you:)" I am still all smiles.

You know if I never see him again I would be okay with that, for one night i felt like a princess and I needed that. I really did.

OMG I've been nominated

2007-06-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I get a phone call from Melissa and she says, "Are you sitting down?"

I think to myself, Uh oh something happened, I reply, "Umm Yes."

"You've been nominated for a blogger choice award and it wasn't by me me."

"What, are you sure, when, who?"

I can't believe it I was nominated, my little ol blog was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff and I have to thank J from Othejoys.

Thank you J, that was so nice of you, I'm in total shock, I have only been doing this for about 4 months and though I am very proud of my little blog I don't consider myself anywhere in the same league as you and some of my favorite blogs. You are the famous ones in the blogsphere and I appreciate you reading me and gosh darn it, I'm blushing (and it takes a lot for me to blush).

My first waitressing job

2007-06-08T11:21:00.000-04:00

After I got better from cancer I was not able to go back to work full time yet, partly because I had lost so much muscle tissue and had been out of work for about a year and I just wasn't mentally ready to go back to 9-5. So instead of going back full time right away, I thought about waitressing one or two days a week. Luckily for me I knew a lot of people in the biz, from my club days and was able to find a job at this 50s style diner in the city. What a place this was, it literally only had 5 booths, and 14 spots on the counter, the grill was in viewing distance and the place was always busy.

I remember getting the job through my friend Steven, and I went in to interview and they hired me, and I explained to them, that I couldn't work more then 1 or 2 days a week to start, to build up my strength and to get used to working again. When you go through what I did, the anxiety you feel sometimes is overwhelming and I didn't know how I would handle being around so many people. If I started to cough let's say from someone smoking or because I was getting a chest cold I would have an anxiety attack because that is how it all started, with a cough. It took me a long time to not panic every time I got sick. Thankfully now, my immune system is strong and I don't get sick too often anymore and I don't have those anxiety attacks like I used to.

The owner Robin has me train with this girl Melody and within the first couple of hours I pretty much have it down pat. She was quite impressed by me, asking, "Are you sure you've never waitressed before, because you are a natural?" Most people don't realize how hard it is to waitress and how intimidating some customers can be, but I'm an outgoing, far from shy person so I fit in really well, plus I have a very good memory. I remember I was first put on the afternoon/evening shifts. Usually I worked 3 to 11pm. (The diner was opened 24/7) but after a month or so, I had already gotten a lot of my strength back and my anxiety level had diminished some and they asked me if I would want to work an overnight shift. Being that at this point I was pretty much not sleeping at night anyway and those shifts are where you can make some serious money I said sure. They put me on a Wednesday overnight shift first 11pm - 7am because Wednesday's weren't that busy but still busy enough that I could make some money.

Well let me tell you I loved it, I wanted to work most overnights from there on out. So little by little I was put on more overnights either 11pm-7am or 1am - 9am, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were the days that if you worked overnight you could make around $250.00 a night (in cash). I started to work these nights and I had a blast doing it. I met some really interesting people, from the construction workers that were working on the new tunnels to the "in the biz" people coming in after they had closed the bars/clubs, to the pimps and hookers that would come in around 5am. This is also the place that my friends friend threw up on me.

I remember getting to know a couple of hookers (don't ask me names cuz I don't remember) and asking them why, why would they choose to do this for a living and they said, money. I thought to myself, that was a sad reason to do it. I also remember seeing how lost they were when you looked into their eyes. But the two girls that always came in were polite, pleasant and always tipped well. I always felt that these two girls if their lives had just taken a different path, they could've done anything.

I also remember one night, this pimp was with his girlfriend (who was also one of his hookers) and he started flirting with me (I know ewww gross) and he says something to me about how cute I am and how he and his girlfriend want to share me, or have a threesome with me, something like that. And me being the "nice" person I am (oh no don't you even think for a second that I said yes), replied, "thank you but I'm abstinent right now." (which was the truth) and they looked at me like I had 4 heads,

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'm not having sex right now."

"What!!! Why?" this was both of their replies.

"Because a lot of things have happened to me in my life and right now I need to focus on me and not worry about some guy trying to get into my pants, if a guy wants to be with me, he will first have to really get to know me and respect my wishes."

I thought these two were going to fall over and die. Here I am telling a pimp and hooker, who just hit on me, that I wasn't having sex right now. I don't think they understood the concept. Needless to say, it was an interesting job to say the least.

I truly enjoyed working there, and because of that place I got my first tattoo (okay I only have one so far but am dying for another) and then I got my tongue pierced (I've taken that out since then). This was a place where if you didn't have a tattoo you were the weird one. But that's not why I got mine, I got it because I wanted to celebrate that I was now in remission for one year and I got a symbol that is Ancient Greek that stands for eternal life.

Because of this job I was able to get stronger mentally, physically and also was able to save up my money to move to Florida (plus I have great stories to tell). I need to go back to the diner for some late night food except shit I don't stay out late anymore, damn it I need to change that.

Thursday Thirteen: Favorite Movies from the 80s

2007-06-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

Today's Thursday Thirteen is my favorite movies from the 80s. Now this isn't a list of the best 80s movies that were ever made, these are the movies that when I was younger I probably watched 100 times each. Some I still do watch and others I say to myself, what was I thinking?

I'll tell you a little about each movie and if possible send you to a link with my favorite scene.

Okay lets start with one that I'm sure everyone can relate to and probably still loves.

1) The Breakfast Club

They were five total strangers, with nothing in common, meeting for the first time. A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel and a recluse. Before the day was over, they broke the rules. Bared their souls. And touched each other in a way they never dreamed possible.

I loved watching this movie when I was younger and I still love it. Judd Nelson is so sexy (still is) Click here for my favorite scene (I used to imitate Molly Ringwald's dance in this)

2) Pretty in Pink

Young Andie is one of the not-so-popular girls in high school. She usually hangs out with her friends Iona or Duckie. Duckie has always had a crush on her, but now she has met a new guy from school, Blane. He's one of the rich and popular guys but can the two worlds meet.

I know Molly Ringwald again, but she was the girl we all wanted to be and she always got the guy we dreamed about (wait there is one more with her can you guess which one?) I just love the characters in this movie and I love John Cryer. Here's my favorite scene, Duckie dancing to Otis Redding

3) Sixteen Candles

Samantha's life is going downhill fast. The sixteen-year-old has a crush on the most popular boy in school, and the geekiest boy in school has a crush on her. Her sister's getting married, and with all the excitement the rest of her family forgets her birthday! Add all this to a pair of horrendously embarrassing grandparents, a foreign exchange student named Long Duc Dong, and we have the makings of a hilarious journey into young womanhood.

Oh Jack Ryan who didn't have a crush on the most popular boy in school, I know I did and he didn't know I was alive lucky for Samantha she gets the guy. Here's the trailer (too many favorite scenes to pick one) but the trailer shows most of them.

4) Some Kind of Wonderful

A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school. Unfortunately, the girl's old boyfriend, who is from the rich section of town, is unable to let go of her, and plans to get back at Keith.

Yes I know another teen movie about the wrong side of the tracks wanting the person on the right side. Come on you know you love these movies too (I swear I have other movies that I loved too). My favorite scene I love how Watts makes Keith think he might not have the ability to kiss, and she kisses him and what a kiss that is. And I won't lie the last scene of the movie makes me cry every time. (I know big dork!)

5) The Lost Boys

Financial troubles force a recent divorcee and her teenage sons Mike and Sam to settle down with her father in the California town of Santa Carla. At first, Sam laughs off rumours he hears about vampires who inhabit the small town. But after Mike meets a beautiful girl at the local amusement park, he begins to exhibit the classic signs of vampirism. Fearing for his own safety, Sam recruits two young vampire hunters to save his brother by finding and destroying the head vampire.

See I told you I liked other kinds of movies. Lost Boys oh I think I still can recite this movie verbatim from memory. I used to have a VHF (yes back in the day before DVD) tape of this that I would watch rewind watch rewind and so on. I would pause so I could look at Corey Haim gotta love me some Corey Haim (I hear now he's fat, broke and homeless poor guy btw I actually got to meet him once). Favorite scene is when Sam figures out that his brother Michael is a vampire and he says:

Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!

Unfortuantely I couldn't find the scene anywhere so here is the trailer.

6) Stand By Me

Based on Stephen King's Short story "The Body", "Stand By Me" tells the tale of Gordie Lachance, a writer who looks back on his preteen days when he and three close friends went on their own adventure to find the body of a kid their age who had gone missing and presumed dead. The stakes are upped when the town bullies are close behind - and it becomes a race to see who'll be able to recover the body first

Such a great movie about boyhood friendships and adventures, and to think that fat kid is Jerry O'Connell (he sure did grow up nicely). Sad to say though River Phoenix in all his glory such a talented actor died way too young. Favorite scene when they are in the pond and poor Gordie gets a leech on his... well you watch and see

7) The Goonies

Mikey and Brandon Walsh are two brothers whose family is preparing to move due to a new development that is sure to be started unless enough money is raised, which is quite doubtful. But, when Mikey stumbles on a treasure map of the famed "One-Eyed" Willy's hidden fortune, he, his brother, and a few friends set out on a quest to find the riches in hopes to save their homes. The entrance to a cavern is found, but it is located underneath an abandoned restaurant occupied by the Fratelli family, a treacherous group of thieves who attempt to beat the "Goonies" to the treasure.

I remember the first time I watched this movie, I was in Finland visiting my grandparents and because this was so long ago, TV didn't start until after 6pm so my mom and I went to a video store and got a couple of videos for me to watch and Goonies was one of them. One of my favorite scenes is the Truffle Shuffle but one of my favorite lines is when Mouth talks to Brandon about failing his drivers test, both seen here.

8) Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Follows a group of high school students growing up in southern California, based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. The center of the film is held by Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer dude who faces off with the resolute Mr. Hand, who is convinced that everyone is on dope.

What can I say about Fast Times, maybe the ultimate stoner movie out there. Spicoli is a character that you just love, and to think that is the amazing Sean Pean (who is a bit serious now), what a long way he has come. My favorite scene would have to be when Spicoli has pizza delivered in class and Mr Hand lets everyone else have a piece but him (you know you've always wanted to order a pizza while in class). But since I couldn't find that here's the trailer.

9) Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris Bueller has played hooky numbers of times, and this time he's got the entire school and more believing he is on the verge of death. On this special day off, Ferris invites his friend Cameron Fry and girlfriend Sloane Peterson to his day of fun, while taking Cameron's father's precious Ferrari for transportation. All the while, the principal Ed Rooney is determined to prove Ferris is faking his illness and Ferris's agitated sister Jeanie also has a goal to catch Ferris off guard. Ferris enjoys his day with his friends, until the mileage of the Ferrari reads one too many miles driven and Cameron has a blow out

Who didn't want to be Ferris for just one day, I only ditched school a handful of times and let me tell you the most exciting thing I did was probably hang out at a friends house worrying about getting caught (not by the school but by my mother ACK!)
Poor Matthew Broderick, he's done so much yet he will always be Ferris in my eyes. Favorite scene is when Ferris talks about how to trick your parents into thinking you are sick but again can't find it so here's the trailer

10) The Outsiders

Based on the novel of the same name. The story of young men growing up facing hard times where they have little going for them. Two opposing groups, the Greasers and the Socs, continually fight against each other and their "turf".

I love this movie for so many reasons, I always root for the underdog in movies and how can you not love the Greasers. It has to be tough to live in a town where if you are poor you don't have much respect. I love Ponyboy and Johnny and the innocence they still exume but that all changes one night. Matt Dillon has some of the best lines in this movie. "We gotta win that fight tonight. We gotta get even with those Socs! Let's do it for Johnny, man. We'll do it for Johnny!" Favorite scene when the Greasers beat the Socs.

11) The Princess Bride

When a young boy falls ill, his grandfather pops round to visit him. To cheer his grandson up, Grandpa has brought a storybook; The Princess Bride, a tale of the love between the beautiful Buttercup and the besotted Westley, a love cruelly interrupted by Westley's tragic apparent death at sea when seeking his fortune. Heartbroken, Buttercup has sworn never to love again, but accepts the marriage proposal of the rich and handsome Prince Humperdinck, heir to the throne of Florin; but death is no barrier to true love, and in a story filled with exotically-accented swordsmen, big-hearted giants, genius kidnappers, sadistic torturers, vile swamps, Rodents of Unusual Size, the Dread Pirate Roberts and a somewhat embittered miracle worker, the love between Westley and Buttercup twists and turns on a path filled with adventure. Will the True Love of Westley and Buttercup win the day? Will Inigo Montaya find the six-fingered man who murdered his father? Will Humperdinck's evil plans come to fruition? And, more importantly, will Grandpa be able to tell the story without any of the yucky kissing?

I still love watching this movie and I still love to hear, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father prepare to die." over and over again, until he kills Count Rugen which is the best scene. I love this fairytale love story. "As you wish...."

12) Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo

A developer tries to bulldoze a community recreation center. The local breakdancers try to stop it.

I know I know it is a bit cheasy but come on it's the 80s and this is one of the best break dancing movies of its time. The music was great and the dance moves were awesome. I love Ozone and Turbo god I was in love with Ozone (it was 1984 and I was 9 what can I tell ya). The street battles were the best, they don't fight one another they danced.

Last but certainly not least as we have all seen this and wish we were Baby.

13) Dirty Dancing

Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances ('Baby') falls in love with the camp's dancing teacher and learns about life and herself.

What little girl (or big one) didn't want to be Baby, to fall for Johnny and dance with him. Patrick Swayze was the ultimate guy for a long time (especially for our mom's) he could dance, sing and was still sexy and masculine. I have probably watched this movie over 100 times and I have to say, that I can't watch it anymore. I've tried but I just can't do it. Favorite scene (any of the dancing ones).

Of course there are many many other ones that I could list but I could only pick 13 and this post is long enough already. Hope you enjoyed and please tell me some of your favorite movies from the 80s.

Fun Filled Tuesday

2007-06-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

Since I don't really have anything to say today, I've decided to start my own little Fun Filled Tuesday's which basically means that I will either post a funny video, or maybe show you a link to a funny post that I read recently. Let's see how this works out.

Today's video is from the site Funny or Die website and it features a very pregnant Jenna Elfman playing basketball and trash talking with some guys.

Mama Jams with Jenna Elfman

12 Year Olds Fighting

2007-06-04T10:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday it was kind of crappy out and I'm watching a movie when all of a sudden I hear this ruckus outside, it sounded like two women fighting, not physically but definitely verbally.

At first I didn't get up to look because it wasn't that bad, and I figured some teenagers were fighting but then it got worse. I'm hearing things like, "you are so fucking stupid, you are worthless" and so on.

A lot of swearing and just horrible things being said, as I said before I live on the water and I look out my window and right on the ocean wall (where you can walk) I see these two girls (not women girls) who couldn't have been more then 11 or 12 years old fighting and one of them was just horrifying to me. The words that were coming out of her mouth to this other little girl where far worse then I've ever heard and I used to work in a warehouse with all men.

This little girl was telling her friend or ex friend how pathetic and worthless she was and grabbing what looked like a basket out of her hand while the other girl stood on the ocean wall (there is a guard rail) and the girl yelling at her actually said, "go ahead and jump I hope you fall in". There is about a 20 foot drop right onto rocks, I was shocked and so dismayed by this and then at one point this little girl actually smacked her friend (sort of backed slapped her) I'm watching this and then they run off up the street before I could really comprehend what I was seeing (it all happened so fast) and before I could throw on a pair of sweats and go outside to see if I could stop this. It really bothered me on many levels.

I really wish I could have done something, I feel sorry for both of them, for the little girl being berated and hit and for the little girl saying all these things, what could possibly make someone so young so angry. I just don't understand what is happening to our kids these days, where is their innocence? I have to say it not only bothered me but it scared me a bit (not for my safety) but for the children of our world today. There is so much violence out there right now and there is so much that is just not right, how do you parents out there keep your children safe. I don't have any kids but everyday I worry about my friends kids and my siblings, I worry that my sister who is in college now is going to be a target of some crazy lunatic or that my brothers will be with some kids and something will happen something to change their whole lives.

I just don't know...

Thursday Thirteen: Best Remake or Cover Songs

2007-05-31T08:08:00.000-04:00

I thought I would jump on the Thursday Thirteen bandwagon, I read some and love what people write especially Ali's at Cheaper Than Therapy, she has a great new list each Thursday and I love to read what she thinks. So I am taking a page from her and trying my own. That way you can get to know me a little better each week.

I thought I would start with something that I've been thinking about for quite a while now, the thirteen best remakes or cover songs. Let me know what you think and let me know what you would add to the list. Also, any ideas for upcoming lists, what do you want to know about me?

Here we go:

1) It's my Life - No Doubt (originally by Talk Talk)

I love this version of It's my Life by No Doubt, I think they cover this song better then the original group Talk Talk.

2) Lady Marmalade - Missy Elliot, Christina, Pink, Mya & Lil Kim
(originally by Labelle)

You cannot deny that this version of Lady Marmalade is powerful, there are some strong voices on this cover and I also think it is better then the original sung by Labelle in the 70s.

3) Barracuda - Gretchen Wilson w/Alice in Chains (originally by Heart)

I cannot believe how much Gretchen Wilson sounds like Ann herself. This cover for the VH1 Rock Honors is a tribute to a great female rock band and Gretchen does it justice. If you watch the clip you see Nancy come on stage and rock out too. WOW!!!

4) Sunday Bloody Sunday - Daughtry (originally by U2)

Nobody sings this song as good as Bono, but I have to say that Chris Daughtry sure comes close. His voice sounds flawless and the band knows how to rock.

Click on the picture, and it will bring you to a Yahoo page, click on Watch now and you should be able to see Daughtry cover U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday (you should not have to sign in).

5) It's a Man's World - Christina Aguilera (originally by James Brown)

At the 2007 Grammy Awards, Christina Aguilera sang a tribute to The Godfather of Soul, James Brown by covering It's a Man's World, and wow the voice on this little woman sure is POWERFUL!! You might not like her, but you can't deny her talent and she brings the essence and soul of James Brown with her for this rendition.

6) Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles (originally by Simon & Garfunkel)

This song was covered by The Bangles for the movie Less then Zero a great movie with Robert Downey Jr. (talk about life imitating art). I can't image how Simon & Garfunkel sang this song originally The Bangles sing it perfectly.

7) Personal Jesus - Marilyn Manson (originally by Depeche Mode)

Though Marilyn Manson's version is darker and harder, it definitely is one of my favorite songs that he has covered. I love the tone of this cover and even though some might despise MM he to me is a brilliant man who has figured out a way to market a dark side (though not evil like most think he is), and he is making some serious cash from it all.

8) Walk this Way - Run DMC w/Aerosmith (originally by Aerosmith)

This is not just a cover but a remake as well. I love this version compared to the original one that Aerosmith sang in the 70s. Not only did it revitalize Aerosmith but it brought rap and Run DMC into the mainstream, brings me back old school style.

9) All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix (originally by Bob Dylan)

I only recently found out that the version Jimi Hendrix sang was a cover from a Bob Dylan song. Jimi's voice and his guitar playing just mesmerizes the listener. Every good movie about Vietnam has this song in its soundtrack and I don't think it would've been the same if it was Bob Dylan singing it.

10) Signs - Tesla (originally by Five Man Electrical Band)

Rockers Tesla really hit it big with their acoustic cover of the classic Signs, which was an amazing hit for the '90s, considering it was a dirty hippie song. I've heard that Tesla is one of those bands that actually sound better live. My friend has seen them more then once and always says they rock.

11) Killing me Softly - The Fugees (originally by Roberta Flack)

This cover by The Fugees is just so moving, Lauren Hill's voice is beautiful and this song actually holds a special part in my life. The original by Roberta Flack was my mom and dad's wedding song, though the marriage didn't last, The Fugees have made this song last.

12) Rebel Yell - Toby Rand (originally by Billy Idol)

Most of you don't know who Toby Rand is, but if you watched last years, Rockstar: Supernova the search for the new lead singer for the superband Supernova which includes Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted & Gilby Clarke then you would've seen Toby as one of the contestants, he was my favorite even though he didn't win. I just love his cover of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell, though no one can sing it like Billy, Toby sure knows how to bring out his rebel yell.

13) Smokin' in the Boys Room - Motley Crue (originally by Brownsville Station)

How can you not love Motley Crue's cover of this classic song by Brownsville Station. You can't help but just get happy when watching this video (at least I do) The Crue back when they wore more makeup then women did. Gotta love them. One of the best concerts I've ever seen was Motley Crue.

So that's my list, what do you think?

Right to Die Issue

2007-05-30T08:48:00.000-04:00

This Friday Dr. Jack Kevorkian will be freed from a Michigan prison that he's been at for the last 8 years for second-degree murder in the poisoning of a man with Lou Gehrig's disease, I paraphrase from Yahoo.com article on the matter. Many people have strong opinions about this, about assisted suicides for the terminally ill. Should they be allowed to end their suffering, should doctors and nurses help, should it be legal?

There are many questions and there are many sides to this issue, but I don't think anyone who hasn't been through an illness that could be terminal or is terminal knows what it is like.

I have, I was diagnosed 8 years ago with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and at the time they gave me about a 15% chance of living. I was 24 years old and had my whole life ahead of me. The first hospital (the one where I was diagnosed) didn't even think they could or should do anything, they told my family that there might not be anything that we can do for her now. I was stage 4 with a tumor the size of a basketball in my chest, my heart was engorged from fluids, my left lung was collapsed and filling with fluids as well, they were able to get the fluids out and thank goodness they did because I probably wouldn't have made the weekend if they didn't. Luckily we found a better hospital and a better doctor to treat me and because of my doctor and my will power to live I am here today to talk about it.

But that is another story, this post is about my feelings with assisted suicide for the terminally ill. Now I don't know much about Dr. Kevorkian I know he was a doctor that believed in helping people who wanted to die peacefully rather then painfully because of a terminal disease. I know that he did this and was convicted of murder because of it, even though it was the wishes of his patient. Do I agree with what he did or how he did it, I don't know. All I know is if my cancer had become terminal if there was absolutely no hope I would want to live out the rest of my life peacefully and when it became apparent that I would be riddled with pain and suffering I would want to be given medication to let me slip into the night and go to a better place.

When you come as close to death as I did, you start to really think about your own mortality and what you have accomplished so far. I was a fighter still am, but there was a time when I was in so much pain and so weak that I wanted to give up, now I don't think that calls for ending my life. I was lucky I had great friends and family around me to help me, to support me and a friend that I met while going through treatment that was going through the EXACT same thing as I was so we had each other to say, this too shall pass.

But I tell you, if they had said, we can do no more for you and it was just a waiting game, I would do everything in my power to live, but when the time came that I could no longer live a well life, I would want to be euthanized, we put our pets to sleep when they are in pain, why can't we do that for others who are suffering so much. I do not want to be on life support and have machines keep me alive, I do not want to feel pain and live like a vegetable because I'm doped up so much that I have no real awareness of what is going on around me. I think that a person who is ready to die and who is suffering should be allowed to die the way they want to die.

I do not believe in suicide and I do not believe that just anyone who is going through something hard should be allowed to die. I think that is a completely different situation, if there is hope to get better then no you shouldn't be allowed to die, you should fight and fight hard. But if there is nothing else but pain and suffering and imminent death then I believe you should go peacefully with drugs, I also think doctors and nurses should be involved so it is done properly. I know some might use the religious aspects to debate this, but I know in my heart that God was with me and so were my angels watching over me during my illness and I do not believe that he would want me to suffer to feel that kind of pain.

This is only my opinion from my experience and I welcome any feedback or comments but please be nice.

The Little Things that Make me Happy

2007-05-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

It doesn't take much to make me happy and I've tried to explain that to men I've dated in the past but for some reason I'm considered high maintenance but then I started to think about it and realized it wasn't me it was the men I've dated, they just weren't interested in making someone else happy just what makes them happy.

Now I'm not saying all of them have been that way, I've dated some really great guys but for whatever reason it just didn't work out. Sometimes it was me, sometimes it was them, but when it comes to making me happy it's easy.

Like this past weekend, it was the long weekend and I was able to get my shift covered from the restaurant on Saturday (they were supposed to take me off Saturdays but the manager "forgot" so it was my problem), then I was able to leave at 8pm on Friday from there instead of 11:30, so that meant I really got a long weekend to just relax.

My mom (whom I live with right now) went to Finland on Saturday which means I have the whole apartment to myself and guess what, I did absolutely nothing but enjoyed my alone time. I cleaned a bit but mostly I just enjoyed not having to talk to anyone, and if you know me at all, not talking is a very rare occurrence.

I went to my father's house on Sunday for a BBQ because he was leaving for Greece on Monday (I know both parents going to Europe, my father's girlfriend joked that they were having a secret rendezvous in Europe HA HA UH NO!!!)

The weather was beautiful all weekend, I slept in, took naps, baked brownies, I sat on my porch and I just relaxed, I so needed that.

Today I'm back at work but it is still beautiful out and had the opportunity to go outside for a bit, I had to go to the bank and then pick up our lunch. We go to this sub shop that serves really great subs, their small is what most consider a large and their large is just HUGE!!! Well I like going in there especially at lunch time, because all these men who I guess you would consider blue collar, men who work with their hands eat there. I have to say it Oh that is SOOO my type of guy. I have never been able to be with a guy whose hands are softer then mine. I like a man who has work hands, rough and calloused, I know I'm weird, but its sexy to see a man work hard and get dirty from that work.

Another thing that made me happy today was a CD I had that was a bit warped wouldn't play in my car or stereo anymore and I was upset because it is not a CD I can get from a store, it was from a DJ friend I knew if FL and it has one of my favorite songs/remixes on it. So I tried it on my computer at work (I know bad bad girl, I should be working) and guess what it worked no problem so I uploaded it and am going to burn it onto a new CD so I can have it again.

Little things make me happy, quiet time, good looking men to look at, fixing a CD, and just someone asking, "how was your weekend" and actually interested in what my reply is.

Doesn't take much I tell you, and it's only Tuesday.

OMG He's Single Again

2007-05-26T21:02:00.000-04:00

All I have to say is, Oh MY GAWD!!!! I can't believe he's single again. I've only been waiting since I moved back, and now he is....

The only problem now is how do I get him??? Any suggestions out there?

Background information: We have "dated" before, never serious and never exclusively, so this wouldn't be a first encounter sort of thing. We've known each other for over 10 years now. But since I've been back there was no possibility of any kind of relationship other then friends. But now...

Chocolate Cream Pie, a Movie & a Friend

2007-05-24T09:27:00.000-04:00

Last night I was still in a bit of a funk, I just have so much going on inside my head (the voices keep trying to take over, okay just kidding, or am I oh those damn voices LOL).

But I called my friend Melissa and she could tell just by my "Hi" in that blah sort of way that something was wrong. I told her, "I don't know I'm just stressed and I just feel blah. Do you have any plans later, I don't want to just go home and lie in bed watching TV and feeling sorry for myself, but I really don't have any money."

"Well what do you want to do?" she asked

"I don't' know, maybe get something to eat, or I don't know." Can you tell I really was just not myself?

"Well I have to go over Hoo-hoo's tonight to hook up his computer to the TV, but after I'm free."

"Okay, well call me later and we'll figure something out. Thanks."

"Okay bye."

I finish the rest of the day and still feel blah, I hate it when I get like this, it just makes me feel worse, because I am a very lucky person and I have been through so much worse then what I'm going through inside right now so then of course I feel even worse for feeling bad about such trivial stuff. But I'm a complex person inside and I have a tendency to over dramatize and over think things so you can imagine the inner turmoil I was having with myself.

People laugh at me (or with me, no probably at me) because I talk to myself a lot, not like conversations with the air, or a voice, but I'll just think out loud, when I first met my ex Devon (boy that's a story for another time), and he moved in with me, I would be in the bedroom watching TV and he'd be in the living room watching TV and I had been living by myself for a while and I would just talk to the TV like they could hear me. "What are you stupid, he's right behind you?" or "No no ack I can't believe they are doing this to me." (some storyline I didn't like) and he'd yell, "What are you saying to me?"

"Nothing honey, I'm talking to the TV."

"You're talking to the TV?"

"I know but you should know by now that I can't keep quiet."

It took Devon awhile to get used to me mumbling to myself but after awhile he figured out when I was "thinking" out loud or talking to him.

Back to last night, so I'm on my way home and Melissa calls me and says, "I don't have to go to Hoo hoo's house you want to see a movie?"

"Sure what's playing?"

We go through all the movies that are playing around us and nothing really seemed all that appealing or were too late. So I said, "Why don't you call me when you get home, I have a Netflix movie at home, you can come over and we can watch that if you want?"

"Okay that sounds good, I'll call you in a bit."

I get home and get the mail and see a letter addressed from Dr Wang (the doctor that did my root canal), and I think to myself, "great what did the insurance not pay for this time that I'm going to have to pay." But when I opened the letter there was a check in there for $91.00 I guess the insurance paid more then expected so I got a reimbursement from my co-pay. WOO HOO!!! I was jumping for joy, my biggest funk all week has been that I'm broke and that I keep getting more and more medical bills because my last insurance company FUCKED me in the ass big time (sorry to be so crude but they did oh did they ever).

It just made me feel like maybe things were going to be okay, then Melissa calls and says, "how about I stop at Stop-n-shop and get some salad bar stuff and I'll be over?"

I say, "that sounds like a plan, I have some left-overs from my fathers house that Katerina made and its good, we can heat that up and watch TV or a movie."

Melissa comes over, with not just salad bar food, but a movie and a Chocolate Cream Pie. That girl sure knows how to make me feel better.

We eat, watch 2 Brothers and a Wife (also named A Foreign Affair, a weird movie, she got it from the bin at Stop-n-Shop) and just relax. Sometimes all you need to make you feel better is a good friend, a weird movie and Chocolate Cream Pie. Thanks Melissa you really made me feel a lot better, the check helped but you were really the reason I feel better today. Its good to have friends that know you so well and can tell when you just need a little Pie and company.

Sometimes we just need a good laugh.

2007-05-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

Since I have nothing inspirational to say and I'm still feeling a little blue, I think it is time for a funny video about the difference between men showering and women. This one made me laugh and it is SOOO true. Enjoy

glumbert.com - How to Shower: Women vs. Men

Monday Blues

2007-05-21T16:07:00.000-04:00

I have the Monday blues I'm just not motivated today to do anything really and I hate when I feel like that. I've been sitting here at work trying to think up something to write about, something witty and funny, but alas I can not. I think it has to do with the fact that Memorial Day is coming up and I really don't have any money to do anything.

I work two jobs to pay back some debt I got myself into while living in Florida. It sucks to be 32 years old and living check to check. I have no house of my own. I don't own my car yet, I don't have nice clothes that have "labels" in them (not that I ever did buy labels but you know). I've been wearing the same shoes for about 3 years. I buy what's on sale and buying new underwear at Target is a treat for me. I'm just tired of being always two steps behind. I feel like every time I think I'm above water something else pushes my head back down.

Today, I go to the ATM and realize there is about $100-$150 less in my checking account then there should be, I'm thinking great what did I write a check or pay online for that I forgot about. So I get to work and go online and realize that my check from the restuarant (the 2nd job) has bounced. It went BOING BOING BOING, and I'm not even surprised by this. I had heard from others that at one point their checks have bounced as well. Great that's all I need.

So I call the restaurant and talk to the owner and she said to just bring in the proof of the bounced check (because I don't have the actual check back yet) and they would reimburse me. Oh and they would pay the fees as well. (Which is a good thing). But what bugs me is that she was so non-chalant about it like no big deal. Well you know what it is a big deal losing that money, plus the time it is going to take me to go get the money from them, then go to their bank to cash this weeks checks (so it won't bounce again) and then go back to my bank to deposit the cash. Yeah because I have so much free time to do all this.

It's a good thing that I had enough money in my bank account to cover anything that will clear because let me tell you if I had bounced any checks or had any overdrafts (fees) the restaurant would be paying for those as well. I'm just tired of living like this. I just wish that I had been smarter and less trusting of the "boyfriend" (now ex) and realized sooner that I needed to get away from him. I will say he is trying to repay me and I appreciate it, but it really isn't enough each month. I"m trying to save for Blogher in Chicago this summer and it's really hard. With gas prices, tolls and just daily expenses (not to mention all the damn bills I have), I just barely make it each month.

I have been wanting to go out dancing and have some drinks with friends for so long, but that is just not in the budget. Oh well, I have lived through worse things and I will live through this too. But it sucks damn it!!!

I feel like a famous person now because I have a therapist.

2007-05-17T15:11:00.000-04:00

Okay that title isn't completely true I don't feel famous, but isn't that the trendy thing to do now is see a therapist. Well I'm not seeing a therapist because I want to be trendy nor do I feel depressed, I am seeing one because my father and I have a very up and down relationship, and we have just started talking after about 8 months of no communication.

My father and I don't communicate very well and the last time that we stopped talking I made a decision that if we were to have a normal father/daughter relationship then I wanted us to go into family counseling. And to my surprise my father not only agreed but thought it was a good idea. He too wants us to communicate and relate to each other better and so we went last night to meet with Steve our psychologist. Steve is someone that my father and step mother saw when their marriage was ending and they were trying to work things out, so he already knows my father which is a good thing, because he already knows what to expect from my dad.

Yesterday we talked briefly why we were there and how we want to have a better relationship and that we go through times where we don't talk for months and how we want that to stop and I want him to realize sometimes words hurt and I want to learn how to not take everything he says so personally and not be intimated by him. I've always wanted to please my father but never feel like I can.

So we'll see how things go, Steve just talked with me first so he could get to know me better since he's never met me and I will go back a few more times alone to talk with him. Then we'll go together to see him, to build a better foundation for our relationship, I am very hopeful and very happy that my father and I are doing this. I won't get into the details of our specific issues, partly because I don't want to talk about that on the Internet but I wanted to share that we are moving in the right direction and that I hope and pray that this works.

I respect my father so much, he is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. He came to this country when he was just 18 years old after working as a merchant marine and he jumped ship literally when the boat docked in NC. He came into this country with the clothes on his back and nothing else. He learned English, he taught himself the culture and he opened his own business. He absorbs everything he sees and reads, he has a photographic memory which really sucks when you play cards with him, because he'll memorize the cards that were played and know exactly what card you need so he'll put that card on his forehead face out and say, "Ha you need this one, see if you can go out now." But he's also a stubborn SOB and so am I (both of us are Capricorns). We butt heads, we are a lot alike in some senses, but I'm hoping that we learn a better way to deal with each other then to just cut off ties. I love my father and I want him to be a part of my life and I know he wants to be there. Wish us luck because I'm sure we'll need it.

Trip to Mystic Day 2

2007-05-17T11:46:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we woke up pretty early but stayed in the hotel and just relaxed for a bit, since neither one of us wanted to really get up yet. My mom has this crazy habit of getting up way too early, and of course once I'm up I don't go back to sleep.

We decide to go to the Mystic Seaport Museum of America and the Sea which is a recreated seaport village from the 1800s. It was a really cool place to go see, to explore and learn how things were done back then. There were all kinds of spots in the village that you could see into the past. Like how to make hemp into rope.

First they spin the hemp in a spinning wheel to separate all the threads

Then they put the separated strands onto big spools and run each spool through one hole to start to twist it together

The now thicker strands are twisted and are laid out through a machine that will start to twist all of those together (not a machine really it was all done by hand machines and cranking and twisting yourself).

Now we start to see the rope starting to form.

The finished product, tight, thick rope that can be used to tie a ship at the dock, or to use with the anchor.

Now I'm sure that I missed a step or I said something wrong in my directions, I am trying to remember this from the quick tour we got, so if anyone sees a mistake in my process, I apologize. But you get the idea.

4 of the Tall ships that tour the world are stored here, it was pretty neat to see them up close with no lines and be able to go aboard.

Mom had an absolute blast roaming these ships, she went down into the bunkers and just loved them. She loves ships, lighthouses and anything to do with the sea. The smells, the sights all of it. Isn't she cute?

This is a replica of the ship "The Amistad" there is an organization regarding this ship.

We toured the whole village and took in all the sights, learned a lot about what it was like to live and work in a village like this in the 19th century. If you ever get down to Mystic you should most definitely check this place out. It gives you a little history of what America was like back then. We went the perfect weekend, before the season hit so we didn't have to wait too long for anything.

After we left the village, we decided to drive around and see other parts of Mystic and the surrounding area, we stopped by a Glass Blowing Factory, that was pretty amazing to see. I just love to watch this kind of art. The two guys that own/run the place were so helpful in discussing the steps for glass blowing.

This is a picture of an art piece made at the studio, it was from floor to ceiling and it was amazing.

Though the place and the art were beautiful it was no where affordable for us. The glass they made is all one of a kind or to order. The studio name is Prescient Studios they have a website I linked if you are interested in ordering or checking them out. I love this picture, it is of many balls of colorful glass hanging from fishing line up against a wall, if I had a big house and a fancy room I would have something like this

After that we drove to a lighthouse so my mom could take pictures of it, and climb, she really is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to lighthouses.

We finished the afternoon with my mom going shopping and I going back to the room and for a little nap, lazy days are good. We finished the evening with dinner at another great restaurant outside of Mystic and called it a night. Another great day sightseeing through and around Mystic.

To see more pictures of our trip you can go to my flickr page
I won't lie I was too lazy to link each of these photos back to flickr this time, maybe later.

Trip to Mystic Day 1

2007-05-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, my mother and I went on a mother daughter trip to Mystic, CT for Mother's Day. It was a great trip and it was very much needed for both of us. We had a great time, and I have to say that it was a great little town. We saw just about everything you could see in Mystic, and the surrounding towns as well.

I was so excited for this trip, I haven't been away in a long time and I was starting to feel the effects of not getting away. I've been working 6 days a week 50-60 hours a week since January with really no time off. I was ready for a few days of relaxation and not have to worry about work. We both took Friday off so we could have a long weekend, we got up on Friday and I have to say I did feel a bit guilty at first and was thinking to myself "oh I should call into work and make sure everything is okay". But then I said to myself, "NO!!! if they need me they know they can call."

So mom and I pack up the suitcase, take a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, pack up the car and around 12:30-1:00 we set off to Mystic.

It is not a long drive about 1-1/2 - 2 hour drive depending on traffic, which wasn't too bad. We get into Mystic around 2:30 and check into the hotel, which by the way has a jacuzzi tub. The tub/shower was huge, our bathroom at home is very very tiny, if you are taller then 5'5" you have to bend your neck to take a shower because the shower is right under where the stairs go for the apartment above. Thank goodness I'm only 5'4" and mom is 5' 1-1/2". So you can imagine my delight to see such a huge tub.

It is a bit cloudy out with slight rain, but nothing to worry about too much. So we decided to go across the street to the Mystic Sea Aquarium. It reminded me of a smaller version of Sea World and it was the perfect day to go. There were no crowds and there were no lines for some of the attractions that we saw. There was a Sea Lion show with two sea lions named Surfer and Coco.

Coco weighed over 900lbs and Surfer was about 650lbs. It was a cute show and we learned the difference between sea lions and seals. Also that sea lions are indigenous to the west coast of the United States.

Then we went to what is called the XD Motion Theater (3D motion ride experience). Basically you sit on this chair (there were about 15) and put on 3D glasses and watch a movie, you feel like you are underwater exploring the sea beneath. The chairs move around and shake, and all types of sea creatures come at you and you feel like they are going to get you. It was hysterical I couldn't stop laughing because 1) my mom kept trying to shoo away anything that looked like a snake and 2) because every time something came at me, I flinched because the chair shook or rocked and the creature came right at me, even though I knew it wasn't real it was still a reflex, it was funny and the chairs tickled my ears. After that little adventure we toured the rest of the aquarium. We saw beluga whales, and more sea lions.

One of the other sea lions we saw was named Rider, he is a 4 year old sea lion who doesn't have anyone his own age to play with so he kept trying to bug the other sea lions in his area. It was really funny to see and he was adorable.

We also saw African Penguins, did you know that there are penguins in Africa who like the heat and not the cold. Actually the people at the aquarium told us that if it gets too cold outside they have to bring them in. I guess you do learn something new everyday. After we left the aquarium we decided to go into town to get a bite to eat and to see what was around.

We parked the car and walked around a bit, taking in the beauty of the Mystic River and asked a couple of local ladies if they knew of any good places to eat. One of the ladies had a rather big dog with her who was quite friendly and as we were talking to the ladies this dog jumped up (playfully) and tapped my mom on the nose with his nose to say, "Hey I'm down here, why aren't you paying attention to me." It was adorable and the woman said, "Did he just nudge you on the nose?" To which my mother replied, "That's okay, most attention I've had from a male in a long time" as she pets the dog. The ladies and I started laughing, my mother always one with a quick joke. They tell us of a nice place to eat called S&P Oyster, which was just 100 feet up the way.

We had a couple of drinks and had some of the best seafood I've had in a very long time. Our waiter Matt was awesome, he told us of some great places to go to see and eat around Mystic, I had the special which was Alaskan King Crab legs, grilled scallops and tiger shrimp, it came also with veggies and potatoes. Let me tell you I ate every single piece of crab, scallops and shrimp, it was to die for. Mom had the salmon with lemon sauce and mashed potatoes we order a couple of flavored martinis and enjoyed the view. It was a perfect meal to end a perfect day. After dinner we walked around the town a bit more to work off some of the food we ate and then drove back to the hotel and got settled in for the night. We watched TV, talked and just enjoyed our first day in Mystic and excited to see what was in store for us on Saturday. We figured we try the Mystic Seaport Museum of America and the Sea which is what we did. This was a cool place, they have 4 of the Tall Ships that go around stored there. It was like an old seaport village from back in the 1800s or so.

I will write about Day 2 later today or tomorrow, so please come back and read about the rest of our trip.

If you click on any picture it will bring you to my flickr page and you can see all the pictures from our trip. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions on here or on the pictures about our trip. I promise to answer all of them.