bad blogger. bad blogger

i know, i know. i'm a worthless, bad blogger. why? here's a few reasons.

1. not really in the mood
2. a little addicted to facebook
3. VERY busy with my studies.
4. did i mention i'm studying graphic design?
5. "distance" learner, that's me.
6. tired
7. hayley
8. sydney
9. addie
10. roxy
11. freddie
12. gregg
13. preparations for thanksgiving
14. preparations for halloween
15. preparations for yom kippur
16. the election
17. cnn
18. msnbc
19. barack obama how i love him
20. sarah palin, how i love to find reasons to dislike her
21. sarah palin fake baby stories
22. www.cajunboyinthecity.com
    
23. cha cha'ing
24. (actually not so much, it's a pretty tedious job!)
25. True Blood
26. The Twilight Saga
27. helping addie with her homework
28. folding laundry
29. often
30. my pledge to cook more often instead of going out to eat
31. being a soccer mommy
    
32. playing with my addie

and last but not least...

Wendi met her Lia..I'm an Aunt!!!! xoxoxo

UPDATE!

I just got approval! I'm a CHACHA guide!

Me, a ChaCha Guide?

For a footnote of this post...please see the bottom!

Well, now that I'm home, I'm giving a lot of thought to finding ways to enrich myself, and earn some money in the process. Last week, I thought I found one little solution to my little puzzle.

I was listening to National Public Radio (doesn't that make me sound "high-brow"), and heard a story about "ChaCha", and information service that applies the human touch to our insatiable quest for information. Perhaps you are in a situation where you cannot access the internet, but you have a burning question. How long is an elephant pregnant? Who won the 1991 World Series? What does the word "Blog" mean?

The answer is ChaCha. You simply text your question to: 242242 and within minutes, a human being reviews your question and supplies you with an accurate, and sometimes cheeky answer.

Cool, right?

The service is free. Super cool.

Wait, it gets better. They always need ChaCha "Guides". This is the human being that will obtain your answer for you. Natural curiosity, good writing skills, and an ability to troll the internet seem to be the main job qualifications. THIS is the job for me!!!

So, I filled out a simple application, and within 24 hours, I received a welcome e-mail, with directions to take a simple three part test that will cement my newfound ChaCha Information Gatherer status.

Yippee!
Part one: Answer 15 mulitple choice questions about the history of ChaCha. I was perfect! I'm pretty sure.

Part two: Typing. Okay, not my strongest, but I feel I was certainly adequate. I proofread my work, and not a single error.

Part three: General Knowledge. I was doing okay. There were fifteen questions. A couple of questions were challenging, such as:

If a customer asked this question: How do I get from EWR to Philly, how would you answer?
A. Give directions for Newark to Philadelphia
B. Ask for more specific information
C. Give street by street directions
D. I don't remember what the other one was.

Okay, I don't remember how I answered this for sure, but I think I said "A", but honestly, I wasn't sure what company policy was regarding more specific information.

So I click "NEXT" to go to the next page of questions. And it didn't load. I waited. And waited. and waited. So. Hmmm. I clicked NEXT again.

OOOPS.

The next thing I know, I'm directed to a page that says, your application has been rejected. And, "don't call us, we'll call you".Dang, I didn't get to answer a whole page of questions.

So...I figured, I'll just start from the beginning. I log in once more, and this message comes up:
"Your account has been suspended".

Ouch.

So I'm a Cha Cha reject. I wrote them a quick e-mail, but I guess they are really not interested. Can you believe that? Don't they know who they've turned down?

Oh well. Maybe the twenty cents per answer salary was beneath me anyhow.

Back to the ol' drawing board!


GUESS WHAT! I JUST GOT ANOTHER CHACHA E-MAIL! THEY WANT ME TO APPLY TO BE AN "EXPEDITER". I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS BETTER THAN A GUIDE OR BELOW A GUIDE, BUT THEY WANT ME TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE. HOW ABOUT THAT???

I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED!

Happy Birthday Daddy

I hope Daddy doesn't mind that I'm posting this, but it really touched me. My dad turned 80 on Thursday, and on the eve of his birthday, he sent this e-mail to his family.

He is an extraordinary man, loving, loyal, kind. Heart on his sleeve. Generous. Artistic. Sensitive. A little prickly on the outside, but mushy on the inside.

He is teaching me to savor every moment.

Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you!

I am sitting here unable to sleep It's 2:am and Thinking August 14th 1928 my birthday eighty years old, eighty years old and saying what most eighty year olds say "where the hell did all the years go" Thinking back I could still remember when Roosevelt got elected president Before that remember the day our family moved out of 2443 north Napa street in Philadelphia( parents lost our home during the Great Depression) and sitting in on the floor in the living room as the movers were taking out the furniture and our carpet were rolled up waiting to be put on the moving truck. I think I even remember lying in a little bassinet in our kitchen The woodwork in the kitchen was a pale green I might have been a year or a year and half old That is really looking back almost eighty years ago

I am sitting in front of the computer(it is now 2:30am) and in a little way feeling regretful about some of the things I could have done different But the best thing that happened to me is Joyce My wife My Poor suffering

wife Her family All My girls,Gregg & Joe

To my family to all of my family I love all of you

To my wife My poor suffering wife You are my life and my love, I Love you

Thank you for giving me a wonderful loving family

Aaron

What I did THIS summer. 2008 Edition

I'm home! I'm home! I'm home! How I love to cook, and do laundry, and pick up after people. Wow, how great it is not to have to work. Tee hee.

Any-whooooo....I quickly wanted to share our 2008 Video production that I worked on with my friend and supervisor, Jason (aka My Camp Husband)...we worked very hard, he is genius, and I'm so proud of the final product.

Enjoy! (It had to be broken down in two parts, so please scroll down after seeing part 1 to see the conclusion)

R and R and Counting

I'm home for my second set of "off" days. It has been an extraordinarily busy yet extremely exhilarating summer. We are currently working on our end of season Banquet, and this is my biggest project of the summer. I get to choose a theme, and then work that theme into every element of the banquet. Last year, we produced a movie short, based on Grease, and presented it to our campers. This year, with The Wizard of Oz as the theme, we are once again producing a little movie. To narrow a 2 hour movie into a 8 minute presentation, is a challenge, to say the least, but I'm confident that it will be a successful and memorable endeavor. The best part is the challenge. I love dipping into a project that I'm not exactly sure how to do. Eventually we figure it out, and then, I've learned something new.

I am learning something about myself as well. I NEED opportunities to learn and grow. And sometimes, at home, with the day to day STUFF, I just get caught up in a tangle of errands and chores. Of course, the number one priority is the well being of my children, and of course the health of my marriage. But after 15 years of this, I need to add these opportunities to my "to-do" list.

Every year, at the conclusion of camp, I come home, newly rejuvenated. This year, I'm pretty sure looking for a little job (one that I can do 10 months a year) is part of my plan. Eeeeek. I'm so scared. I'm mean I'M REALLY scared. Am I good enough, smart enough, experienced enough, valuable enough? I know the answer, but jumping in is TERRIFYING.

Any-whooooo...the girls are great. The hubby's great. The weather's hot. The days go quickly. I'll be home soooooo soon.

Hope your summer has been great!

xoxo

Pride and JOY!!!

I'm home for 24 hours, as I have escorted our half season campers home today, and tomorrow I'm assisting in transporting 20 new campers up to camp. So aren't I lucky, I get to spend 24 hours with my Gregg...

Any-whooooo...it's been a very busy few days and a lot of wonderful things happened. On Sunday, we had our Visiting Day Art Show, this is a picture of my Arts and Crafts Room, as we were setting up. It's an exhausting day, but so much fun to meet the parents of our campers. (That's one of my staff members, Samantha, in the picture.) Plus, we got to see my parents, Wendi, Joe and of course, the lovely Annie visiting her dad from Australia!

On Monday, we had the camp theatre production of Seussical the Musical. Addie and Sydney both were part of the cast, and they really were terrific. My department was responsible for all costume and makeup, and we spent a good part of the first 3 weeks of camp sewing costumes for this one performance. I am truly proud of our hard work, and think the costumes look great. And Sydney, she was amazing!!!

On Tuesday, both Hayley and Sydney took part in a talent show for the Camp "Top Ten" Competition. Both of my oldest daughters, BOTH of them were chosen from the oldest division to represent the "Top Ten" All-Around Campers. Over the course of a week, they participated in events from Athletics, personality, intelligence and talent. Hayley played the piano and sang a song that she re-wrote the lyrics to. Sydney sang "Love" by Matt White. They were both awesome.

On Thursday, they announced the "Top Five" girls, the girls who accumulated the most points in all the competion, to compete for the title...kind of like our camp's version of Miss America. And my own Hayley actually made it to the top five! Anyhow, in the end, she was the First Runner UP!!! How about that???

Anyhow...I'm gloating a little, because I'm so proud of my girls and my work. I don't know what I did to deserve this...but my buttons are bursting with pride!!!

A Little R and R

I'm home for my first of two sets of off time from my camp. It's great to be at camp, but even better to be at home. Gregg and I are just chillin', which is the BEST! We slept in, had a long lunch, I got my nails done and we shopped for nothing. Aaaaah, what could be better. This kids are doing so well, and I even get hugs and kisses now and then. Being at camp is really a second home, and everyone there feels like my second family.

Here are some pics of my cabin. It's tiny and it's basic, but really, what more do I need. It only feels small when Gregg comes up with the dogs. That I can do without. (Nothing like waking up with a fatso Bichon Frise in your face).

I've also been hard at work costuming our upcoming musical "Seussical". This is one of the most exciting and satisfying parts of my job. With limited resources, I get to create the "look" of the show. Seaussical is especially interesting to me, because I have never seen a production, so I have no real preconceived notions of what it's supposed to look like.

I have a few wonderful people that I've been collaborating with on the show...a real NY actress, an aspiring fashion designer, and amazing and beautiful campers. I've been turning thrift shop finds into little costumes for the show ensemble (Addison is one of them), and each time I complete an outfit I can't help feel like a contestant on Project Runway...(my favorite show). I'm super blessed to be able to tackle such an interesting project, with no real qualifications!

I'm learning the finer points of silk-screening, rocketry and pottery, and I'm getting messy (as usual).

This is more than a job for me, it is a central and essential part of my being. I'm so lucky to be able to say that.

Come fall, I'll have to start thinking about getting a "real" job. Before working at camp, I might not have the confidence or qualifications to feel good about going on an interview, but I'm gaining both with these summer experiences.

Anyone hiring a middle aged mama who still needs her summers off? I know a little about a lot, but not a lot about anything. I'm even keeled, personable and a loyal employee. Of course, I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I'm hoping that all might magically fall into place soon.

Any-whoooo...just wanted to check in with my bloggy friends and say hello. So. HELLO!!!

xoxo

Quick Update

Things are busy, but good busy. The campers have arrived, and we have quickly gotten into a routine. My three girls are well. I've done a little spying, here and there, and have seen lots of smiles. Even Addie, who at 7 is probably a little young to be a full time camper, is a super star.

The most exciting news is that both Addie and Sydney made the cast of the camp show, Seussical. Addie will be playing the part of a "Citizen of Who-Ville", and Sydney got cast in the part of Gertrude. What's that part? She asked the director. Turns out, she's the female Lead!!

Way to go SYDNEY! (I'm so proud of my daughter!)

The Graduate

Two days ago, Hayley graduated from 8th grade. I may be biased, but I think she's gorgeous!

Ready for anything????

Half way through day one, and I’m stoked to be here with my summer family. Silly story of the day: I met my staff today for the very first time. They are all college aged girls, here in the US for the first time. I ran a very organized orientation this morning. I talked non-stop, for an hour, explaining their duties and responsibilities.

Then, I took them on a tour of our art center. I opened the door to our scrapbooking room, and we found a baby bat, sleeping on the floor. Yes, I said, bat. It was the size of a little froggy, but it was a BAT.

I should have been calm and reserved. Instead, I ran screaming from the room.

I’m great at first impressions.

J

Home Camp Home

Armed with disinfectant, rubber gloves, mops, brooms, and my middle daughter, I trekked up to camp today to clean my cabin and unpack. Sydney was kind enough to keep me company and the two of us worked hard to get my cabin spanking clean.

My summer home, is a room, about 12x12 with a private bathroom. I have air conditioning, though a fan is still necessary, I have pergo flooring. A bed. Two "cubbies" and a lighting fixture. It's just big enough for my bed and my clothes.

Camp is a great experience, though, we learn very quickly, that there is a lot we cannot control, and we have to accept it.

Today was a good example.

I arrived, as planned, at 11:00 am. When I arrived at camp, I came to find out that a staff member, who had been injured a few days ago was convalescing in my cabin. Though they had him leave fairly quickly, and move to a new resting spot, the cabin was a disaster area when we arrived. His used medicinal supplies littered the floor, the toilet was in the up position, there were food crumbs generous strewn about, used paper towels crumpled on the bed, not to mention the requisite dust and dirt all over the floor.

If we were checking into a hotel, the condition of the room would have been unacceptable. It would have been cleaned and sterilized before we even arrived.

Of course, camp is no hotel, so the housekeeping was left to us. And though it only took a couple of hours to scrub it spotless, and though I've been coming to work at camp for 6 years, there is still a bit of culture shock when I first get there. We did fine, of course, after a couple deep breaths and a lot of elbow grease.

Camp is about "making do". It is about fulfilling basic needs. It is about scaling down expectations. It is about making something out of nothing. And my daughter, proved to me today that she's a great camper. She helped my through the muck, and at the end of the day, we had a great time together.

And even though my room is small and sparse. It's clean. It's private. And for the next 8 weeks, it all mine.

I'm so lucky!!!

Counting Down stream of conciousness...

I've been busy checking things off my list before I leave for camp.

The bills are paid.

The bags are packed.

Now i have to go to the supermarket, to stock up the shelves for the week the kids are home with gregg, but I'm at camp.

I've had shpeilkes here and there, it's so overwhelming.

I know I'll have a great summer, but at this point I'm always feeling a bit of DREAD.

I leave on Sunday, then return on Monday for Hayley's graduation, then back to camp first thing Tuesday.

I'm getting too old for this, I think. I hope I bring the guitar hero to camp. I'm so tired. I hope I'll be a good boss. I hope I get a good staff.

I hope the girls have fun this summer.
I got my hair cut. It's summer short. Not boy short, but it's short. Not scary short, but it's not medium length. It's short. I actually like it. The messier the better.
I hope I can keep up with the blog-0-sphere at camp. Things are so different there. We don't do a lot of web surfing, there's no time and little connectivity.

I have to put the paperwork away and finish packing. I'm wasting my time here. It's just easier to write than to face the work. EEEEEkkk.

Isn't this cool???

It's that TIME Again

As of next Monday, I'll have packed up the family, and moved to overnight camp for the next 8 weeks. Even though its only a week away and this is the 6th year I've done this, it's hard to come to terms with the reality that in a week, I'll won't be cooking, cleaning, doing laundry or yelling (at least at my own kids).

I will be living in a small, (and I mean small) room. I will have air-conditioning, and cable, too.

I won't have easy access to the internet. I won't have a lot of control over my schedule. I won't know what's for dinner until I arrive in the dining hall. I won't get to spend a lot of time with my kids. I won't see my husband, except on the weekends.

I will be visiting dairy queen now and then. I will have to learn to deal with the heat. I will be meeting people from LITERALLY all over the world. At the tender age of 44, I will be one of the 8th oldest person at the camp. I will be bringing my travel scrabble game. I will be eating all you can eat crabs 3 or 4 times. I will have to drive 30 minutes to get to the closest Walmart.

I won't be dressing well. I won't be talking sister everyday. (This will piss her off). I will be writing letters to my kids, even though I will see them every day. I will get the privilege of seeing who my kids are palling around with.

I will be seeing a skunk, a snake and lots of bugs. I won't be prepared for it when I do. I will be supervising a group of college students. I won't be yelling at them much (I'm a pretty easy boss). I won't have to wear a lot of make-up. But I'll put it on every day. I will be taking a nap after lunch every day.

I will spend most of the summer wearing crocs and paint splattered tees and shorts. I will forget names of a lot of the campers, even though I'll try not to. I will have 3 nervous breakdowns. I will teach a class in ceramics or silkscreening when the assigned teacher is sick. I won't really know what I'm doing. I will fake it well.

I will pledge to eat well, and not have too many chocolate chip cookies or trips to the dairy queen. I will start off well, but have a few slip-ups.

I will sing karaoke at the local bar, and if I do it just right, I will embarrass my husband, and anyone else that admits to knowing me.

I will rent movies at the block-buster, and then I will watch them, and then I'll watch them again, with the dvd bonus comments turned on.

I will be writing and directing a 10 minute movie...to be shown at the end of the summer. I will be supervising the costuming and make-up of 2 theatrical productions. I will be decorating our dining hall for an end of season banquet. I will be putting together 2 visiting day art shows.

I will be exhausted at the end of the day, every day. I will be really exhausted at the end of the summer.

I will get two evenings of visitation with my children. I will really enjoy every moment with them.

At the end of the summer, I will come home, and do a TON of laundry. And this will feel precious and new. I will once again appreciate how lucky I am to have my wonderful husband and children, parents and sister and bro-in-law.

Not so fast...

We can't always be happy, I guess. But lately, I feel like shutting down. I wish I had a more generous spirit, a more patient heart, a happier foundation. I wish I could be a better role model, a better wife, a better daughter. I wish I could love myself enough to take better care of myself. I wish I could have more confidence in myself. I wish I could be more organized. Less distracted, more focused. I wish I could live in the moment instead of wishing the moment away.

It's 1:38 am. I wish I could just fall asleep.

Don't feel sorry for me. We all have bad days. This is just one. And if I'm going to be honest with myself, I need to acknowledge my bad days too.

Tomorrow is another chance to get it right.

Top Five

I got tagged by my Amber (who is my bloggy twin, by the way) and I'm so glad, because after the last week of posts, I am really hard-pressed to find anything interesting to write about!! By the way, my blog never received more traffic than it did in the last few days...thank you SJP and SATC!

But back to the mundane, I got tagged to write the top five answers to the following questions:

1. What I was doing 10 years ago today.

-Mothering two little girls, aged 3 and 4.
-Putting together money for end of the year teacher gifts at pre-school
-Paying bills without the benefit of a computer
-Planning a short vacation in Margate, NJ at the White Sands Motel
-Spoke everyday to a wonderful friend, that I (sadly) don't speak to anymore.

2. Five Things on My To-do List from today
- Deposit economic stimulus check (yay!)
- Pick up Gregg's birth certificate (so he can have his license renewed)
-Fold laundry
-Go camp shopping - pick up toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and other necessities for camp (I leave in 2 weeks!!!)
-Make dinner ( salmon, ribs, corn, salad)

3. Snacks I Enjoy
-Good-n-Plenties
-Chips-n-Salsa
-Double Stuff Oreos (don't worry, Mom, I don't usually eat these, but they are sooo good!)
-Garlic Toasted Bagel Chips
-Grapes

4. Things I'd do if I were a millionare
(Okay, I'm changing this one, to "Things I would do if I had unlimited funds)
-Travel the world with family.
-Nuture my home, do improvements, have lovely landscaping and new kitchen...would I move? maybe, but I'd really like to just make this home PERFECT
-Have a really big party, invite everyone I know, and have a great time.
-Help family financially, so that everyone can be comfortable.
-Donate to China Earthquake Relief, then pay someone off, so that my sister could FINALLY bring my niece HOME where she belongs. (okay, maybe the pay someone off part isn't really nice, but, we've been WAITING too long!!!!)

5. Places I've lived, in order

Philadelphia, PA - Mt Airy Section
Elkins Park, PA
State College, PA
Philadelphia, PA
South Jersey
(that's kind of boring, isn't it?)

So now, it's my turn to tag a few...

Wendi
Susan
KJO
Anonnie ( you can just fill in yours in the comments)
Irisa (see Anonnie, above)
Heidi (see Anonnie, above)

Part Three - Sex and the City - Celebrity Encounters

My REVIEW: The movie did not disappoint. I will not give anything away. We enjoyed it and if you were a fan of the show, it is a MUST SEE. That's my whole review.

After the movie ended, I kind of expected everyone to stay seated and cheer during the credits. But everyone just got up and got out of there. I was really disappointed, because I am an habitual credit reader. I like to know just who the gaffer was,the best boy, the make-up artists etc.

Nevertheless, we stayed for most of the credits to cheer for our friend's daughter's name, who was the connection who scored us the tickets.

As we left the theater and entered the lobby, I spotted a odd short person, with spikey hair and dark rimmed eyeglasses...none other than the winning contestant on my favorite show, Project Runway... Christian!!! He was "fierce"! (Amber Grundman...I was thinking of you!!!)







We left, thinking that was the last of the celebs, but my celebrity eye was still working and I turned to see .... Jerry Seinfeld!! (That's his wife Jessica in the white jacket next to him....the blonde in the black dress was simply a stalker, whose husband was taking her picture with him ...see the camera on the right)

Wendi said right after this photo was taken, Jerry looked directly at me, with a very cranky angry look. So apparently, I have somehow pissed Jerry Seinfeld. Sorry, Jerry .

Finally, we turn to see a member of the SATC cast, who happens to be an old acquaintance of my sister's, Mario Cantone. Though we weren't sure whether or not he would recognize her, since they haven't seen eachother in several years, he calmly looked up at my sister and said, "Oh, Hi Wendi!"....he kissed and hugged us both, and we congratulated him on a job well done.

So that's it! We had a little elbow rubbing with celebrities. We saw a red carpet from a close proximity. We sat in the same room as, Donald Trump, Mary J. Blige, Bette Midler, Jennifer Garner, the cast of SATC, Mary Kate (or was it Ashley) Olsen, Caroline Rhea, Regis, Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel and a bunch of others, we saw a great movie, a lot of beautiful people, got free popcorn and the best part was sharing all the anticipation and silliness with my beautiful, wonderul sister....THANKS WENDI!!! I LOVE YOU...

PART TWO - Sex and the City Premiere

Our view of the red (actually pink) carpet. If you go to IMDb.com
you can see a full synopsis of all the celebrities on the red carpet.



Our tickets...if you look closely enough, you'll notice that our assigned seats weren't next to eachother, in fact, they were on complete opposite ends of the theatre!










Finally, we got in to the theater, and we were able to sit together. After another LONG wait, but this time, we enjoyed free popcorn and vitamin water, the show began.

Michael Patrick King spoke, and he then introduced the four stars of the movie... (that's Sarah Jessica Parker at the microphone...and then it was time for the movie!!!

(I'll continue in part three!)

Part ONE -And We're Back....My Night at the Sex and the City Premiere!!

(I'm publishing this in several parts, because uploading pictures onto blogger is a pain in the tuchus (tookis, tuooochoos?) Anyway, this is part ONE, the next part is close behind!


We made it, and it's almost surreal...but we had a wonderful time. We sat two seats away from Ashley Olsen, got pictures taken with Regis Philbin and Bette Midler, we went to the after-party at Momo and our feet barely survived....okay, I'm JOKING. We actually didn't get to do any of those things, but...my sister Wendi and I were at the NY Premiere of Sex and the City, and this is the lowdown of our little visit into a different world.

1. OUR OUTFITS - Like proper sisters, I showed up at her house with my outfit...and our shirts were VERY similar!! How funny is that! I had a pretty substantial fashion emergency when the minimizer strapless bra I purchased at ANNIE SEZ did not have the security device removed. I was afraid if I wore it, I'd set off the metal detectors, so I had to wear my normal bra with the straps tucked in. Therefore, I was FAR more boob-a-licious than I should have been, but oh well, no one was looking at me anyway!!!


2. Other people's outfits: Most of the people there were wearing cocktail attire, which was really something to see...but the most incredible accessory of all were the shoes. I have never seen more high heels IN MY LIFE.


3. FLEET WEEK - If you are a fan of the show, you remember the episode about Fleet Week in New York City. How exciting...this IS Fleet Week and here are a couple of sailors we found!

4 To the right is a picture of Radio City Music Hall. The premiere took place here, this is the view of the main entrance, at 51st and ...I don't know. Since our tix were "Will Call", we had to pick up our tickets at the will call window.












5. Our New Friends - We made friends with two lovely southern belles, who were the sisters of the assistant costume designer... We were first in line, they were second. We also made friends with the security personnel who were very kind to us, and made sure we kept our first in line status!





Here are the "little people" who couldn't get behind the velvet ropes like we could. (We were so special for 5 minutes.)

The Verdict: Don't Hate Me Because I'm INSANE

Well, except for only a couple of my loyal fans, (Okay, there are about 8 of you, but whatever...) the PINK dress was the ONE. I put it on yesterday, and frankly, I felt like a watermelon ready to take a stroll on the red carpet. So guess what...I RETURNED IT!!!

So any whoo, my sister doesn't' think we should be COMPLETELY dressed up, (I guess I shouldn't look like I'm trying too hard, even though I'm having major anxiety over this), so I opted for a "Casual Elegance" look, with high heels (of course...this is sex and the city). I feel far more comfortable, and like I'm not trying to be something I am not, and anyway...I'm pretty sure most eyes are not going to be on me. Actually, I'm positive about that.

And I saw a promo on the E! Channel, that their going to have "LIVE from THE RED CARPET: Sex and The City" on Tuesday evening. So thanks to my girl Alison, she's going to DVR it for my viewing pleasure.

So the bottom line...take notice in the above picture, not of the four stylish fashionista's glowing with anticipation, but of the woman to the left with the black dress and boots. Appreciate her, because unlike the women in the spotlight, she did not have stylists picking out her clothes, she is larger than a size 4, fashion designers weren't begging her to pick their outfit, and Harry Winston wasn't lending her diamond necklaces. She probably picked out that outfit herself and (in my own mind)she, too had a little bit of angst...

Now, I just have to deal with my nails, my eyebrows, shave my legs, get a healthy tan...figure out accessories....oy...I may not make it alive!

FASHION EMERGENCY!!! HELP!!

Okay, you know that show on HGTV called House Hunters, where they show the people three houses and they have to pick one? That's kind of like how I feel right now picking out a dress for the big Sex and the City Premiere. (Did I mention, I was going to the Sex and the City Premiere???) (Okay, just kidding)

Anyway, please help!!! Which of the following should I wear?

Dress ONE - Calvin Klein, pink, fitted, moderately priced, needs a LITTLE alteration in the shoulder area. Pros - feels very SATC Cons - I don't want to take any attention away from SJP. (Again, I'm joking :)

Dress TWO - Adrianna Papell, brown with bead embellishiments at the neck. Pros - ON SALE...ridiculously cheap, doesn't really need alteration. Cons - has a few loose threads, not in wonderful condition.

Dress THREE - Black two piece fitted outfit - Pros - Will probably get the most use out of this one, it's classic, no alteration needed, tried a similar outfit for the bat mitzvah and loved it then. Cons - ugly rhinestone thingy on the top (i can remove), most expensive of the bunch, it's black...how many black dresses does a girl need?

Please help, and tell me which is the best choice...or at least YOUR choice. And if you are generally shy about commenting, I'm begging you PLEASE comment this time, I need you. :0

Yes, Really.

To answer a couple questions posed lately, yes, we're really going to the premiere. Yes, the premiere. Red carpet, fancy shoes, photographers and movie stars. I'm pretty sure, however, no one will be asking me, "Who are you wearing", though, I'm kind of hoping I can stand behind a celebrity and then see myself on E!.

Okay, that was only one question, but I answered it.

My question now is, What am I going to wear???? And though my mother wanted me to wear the dress I wore to the Bat Mitzvah, I'm going to pass on the notion of wearing an outfit that looks a little like a tablecloth.

So, I'll have to go shopping. (Oh well).

I thought the 27th was a wednesday, and that would be the day I go to NY. Now I find out it's a Tuesday! Oy, less time than I thought!!! Tee hee!

Oh, yeah, one question that keeps popping up is, "Can I come with?" I wish you could, but I'm lucky that my beautiful sister picked me (out of all the girls she could have picked).

Finally, and this is to the BEAUTIFUL Annonie -(if you read Wendi's Blog, you should know who Anonnie is), a: you are gorgeous; b: can I add your picture to the main photo? c: you look like you are possibly our long-lost sister :)

And one more thing...who's going to meet us for Cosmos before and/or after the show??? We have to have a total SATC moment!

Sex and the City Premiere

Wendi's taking me!!! I'm going to the premiere!

Woooo hoooo!!!

(Wish you could join us, Susan, because that's your face on Samantha!!)

How come Susan REALLY looks like Samantha?

My baby is 13 today!!!

48 reasons I love my Husband

I know I'm a little saccharine-y sweet, but I really love my husband, and since it's his birthday, I need to tell you why.
1. He puts up with me.
2. He has a great sense of humor.
3. He's very prompt.
4. He makes me feel secure.
5. He taught me how to do laundry. I guess, that's cause he didn't want to do it anymore.
6. But he still helps me with the laundry.
7. He's my rock.
8. He still loves me, even when I do really stupid things.
9. He always has a movie line handy, perfect for any occasion.
10. He never apologizes for anything, and even though that's a little frustrating, at least he's predictable.
11. He eats my cooking, and appreciates it, but if I don't feel like cooking, he loves to go out to eat!
12. He has passion for the things he loves, family, sports, music, golf...
13. He is loyal to everyone.
14. He taught me what it means to be a considerate person.
15. He writes me love notes on my birthday.
16. He is respectful to my parents and extended family.
17. He has the cutest Grandmom ever.
18. He's very sentimental, and saves every card, note letter he gets.
19. His car is spotlessly clean.
20. He takes care of himself. He eats right, excercises, takes enough vitamins to stock a GNC.
21. No offense to any other 48 year old man, but, really, he is the cutest 48 year old man EVER! Like, when we're in a room filled with people, and I see the most handsome man in the room, I double take when I realize, it's Gregg.
22. He's a great dad to girls. He'll car-pool, he'll coach, he'll listen, he'll yell, he'll love them forever.
23. He picks up the dog poop in the back yard.
24. He can yenta with the best of 'em.
25. He just paid a small fortune for a big party for his Jewish children.
26. He never forgets a name.
27. He talks baby talk to the dogs.
28. He lets me go to camp in the summer.
29. He let me be a stay at home mom, even when we couldn't really afford it.
30. He's a neat freak, and somehow puts up with my sloppiness.
31. He's the nicest guy in the world.
32. He never misses an opportunity to eat dessert, yet he remains slim and fit.
33. He is sports obsessed.
34. He actually gives a shit about things that many men don't. Like picking out furniture, paint, china patterns, decor.
35. And he's perfectly comfortable with that.
36. He adores his children.
37. He'll do car-pool duty and never complain.
38. When I'm sick, he brings me breakfast in bed.
39. He's an excellent driver. Like really good.
40. He knows how to do stuff, stuff I could never figure out.
41. He can speak Yiddish with ease.
42. He taught me not to waste my energy on worry and things that I cannot control.
43. He notices the small details in life, and makes sure to appreciate them.
44. He's the best friend I've ever had.
45. He's a good son.
46. He's really good at just enjoying life.
47. He's not obnoxious. Usually.
48. He's not interested in birthday presents, or parties or making a big deal about his birthday. But, I want him to know that his birthday IS a big deal, because it gives me the chance to let him know how much I adore him, and how grateful I am that he is my guy.

Happy Birthday Gregg, thanks for finding me 19 years ago, and giving me a life that feels like heaven on earth.

I never even heard of Digital Scrapbooking til Today

Okay, so this is pretty cool....
Digitial Scrapbooking? Who cares? Well apparently I do, I put these pages together today, and it's totally fun. Having nothing else to blog about, I thought I'd share them here.

Blinded by my own Reflection

December 2006, we attended the Bat Mitzvah of Hayley's bff Samantha. The ENTIRE crew of us was invited to the event, Gregg, all three girls and me. It was a lovely cermony, a lovely reception. Sam's dad stood up at the reception to thank their guests for attending, and made mention of a very special guest, author Jennifer Weiner. She was doing research for a new book she was writing, and wanted to get a first hand look at the current Bar/Bat Mitzvah scene.

Now, frankly, I'm usually a little shy when it comes to stuff like this. But Jennifer Weiner!!! I first fell for her when she wrote a column in the Philadelphia Inquirer. When she wrote her first novel, I felt like a proud mama watching her little baby grow up. The movie, "In Her Shoes" was based on another of her novels, about two Jewish sisters from the Philadelphia area. It touched me to the core.

So here I am, at a Bat Mitzvah, and she's LITERALLY ONE TABLE AWAY!! I know she's going to be my new best friend. She's going to LOVE ME!! We are kindred spirits!! This is my CHANCE!!

I saunter up to my future BFF, and casually introduce myself. She was very polite, smiled, shook my hand, and that was that.

But I have an almost 13 year old daughter she can write about! I have a SISTER! I'm planning a Bat Mitzvah! I really LOVED Shirley McClaine in the MOVIE!!! We're practically TWINS!!!!!!!!!

Then it occurs to me, Wendi would absolutely PLOTZ if she heard about this. So I call Wendi on the cell phone, and I think, that all of a sudden this day is no longer about Samantha, the Bat Mitzvah, but it's about JENNIFER WEINER the FAMOUS AUTHOR!!!!!!!! And I feel bad about that a little, I really do.

"Wendi, you're not going to believe this" I speak on the tiny phone with my index finger plugging up my ear. "JENNIFER WEINER, is here right now!!!!!!!!!!""

Somehow, I got the brilliant idea, that if Jennifer Weiner spoke to my really much cooler and more successful older sister who works at a New York radio station, I might achieve a higher level of credibility than just an ordinary yenta guest at a bat mitzvah. So I approached the most famous person in the room, once again, this time with the my sister/the phone in hand.

"I'm sorry to have to interrupt you again, but my sister is a big fan, can you talk to her on the phone??"

Again, she was highly polite, spoke to Wendi, and when she was done, I figured NOW she'd really be my BFF. Once again, she wiggled her way out of my grasp.

At this point, I think I got the message. She wasn't attracted to me, to my really cool sister, to my love of her or anything. She didn't need anymore friends, and frankly, she WAS there that day to do research.

Darn it.

I think I continued to stalk a little after that, just to make sure she really didn't need me, she got to meet Hayley, and even interview her for her research, but no, she was clearly there to work not to socialize.

Oh well, easy come, easy go.

Fast forward, Mother's Day 2008. Wendi and I exchange gifts (I'm not sure how Mother's Day became a reason for sisters to exchange gifts, but somehow it has), and what is it, but Certain Girls, the recently published book by Jennifer Weiner.

Now, I'd love to tell you that there is entire chapter in her book about that fateful day in 2006 when Jennifer Weiner got to meet ME, but alas, I'm no fool.

What I can tell you, is that I'm just about 1/3 of the way through, and once again, Ms. Weiner touches my soul. She writes about the relationship of a mother and her almost 13 year old daughter. The perspective of the book switches between Mother and Daughter, and I'm amazed how authentic it feels.

Gregg asked last night if I was enjoying the book. I told him, it's making me a little nauseous. (And I mean that in a good way). It's just that I see so much of myself in this character, that it hurts a little, and I feel like I need to look away. Like when a bright light is shined into my eyes. The truth is so illuminated, it's a little blinding.

I really can't wait to continue reading, (nausea and all), and I must admit, that I feel comfort in reading about this relationship, that my insecurities, my worries, my sometimes unwillingness to let go of my hold on my children is not unique to just me. And even though Jennifer Weiner, the famous author doesn't have room in her life for me personally, I am grateful she has welcomed me into a little piece of her soul.

P.S. In her acknowledgments, she says, "In researching this book, I was lucky enough to be invited to....the bat mitzvah of Samantha W in Cherry Hill where absolutely NOTHING untoward happened. I thank...Samantha...and (her) parents, friends, and families for being so gracious and welcoming."

Did you notice she thanked Samantha's FRIENDs. Hmmmm....maybe she was referring to me....(give me a break, a girl can dream!)

P.P.S. Do you see the back of the arm on the cover of the book, it kind of looks like me on the day we met, pictured below.... (Okay, I know that's pushing it....but c'mon, do you think that's really just a coincidence???)

A Year of Colic

Last year, on the day before Mother's Day, I wrote my first blog entry. I set out to write a blog slightly different from what it has morphed into. I initially thought, I wouldn't share this with anyone. I wanted to simply journal my feelings day to day.

I learned in this year, that writing is the ultimate therapy. Feelings I didn't know I had bubble up to the surface when I'm writing. I find myself experiencing life, and then thinking, "I need to blog about that". It's not really about communicating, but more about sorting out my thoughts, and then organizing them in a fashion that helps me make sense of my journey.

Heidi asked me last night if I was okay if my children read my blog. I am. In fact, I wouldn't write anything on this blog that I wouldn't share with them. In fact, I think my blog would be far more compelling if I threw caution to the wind, and spoke about EVERYthing. But I am protective of my girls, and I reveal just enough to be therapeutic, but not enough to be a complete embarrassment! When I need to sort out the more private stuff, I have my husband, mother, sister and girlfriends to confide in.

I kept a journal for many years when I was a teen and in my early twenties. I loved journaling back then for the simple fact that sometimes I just didn't feel like I wanted to burden anyone with my drama. And I always felt like in the end, I would have written my own personal history books.

That has become the function in blog-land, except these history books will be here forever, their pages won't tatter and they won't get covered with dust in a box in the attic.

I've made friends, learned some life lessons, had the opportunity to share with family and friends, and have touched people on the other side of the world.

The day before mother's day was a good day to begin this journey, one year ago. And I am learning that my theme, "Colic was Easier" is a metaphor for our natural longing for the "good old days". Things always look sweeter and simpler in hindsight. It's like how women who have given birth always say they don't remember the pain. I think we can all try to remember that when times are challenging. One day, I'm sure, I will look back on these days, the days that made my hair gray, and think, those days were nothing compared to this.

I guess, we just need to savor every moment of our lives. Because, as the song says, "these ARE the good old days."

Peace.

Four Days, Four Movies

I love going to the movies. It's my little escape. For $9.00, I can go on a two hour vacation complete with popcorn and diet coke. I particularly like the chick flick genre, musicals, comedies. Nothing terribly deep. It's just that if I'm going to go on vacation (even for 2 hours) I don't want to come home depressed. So give me a feel good movie, and I'm happy.

Over the past 4 days, I made 4 trips to the local movie house. We have a gorgeous theater in our town, that was built originally to show arty and foreign films, not necessarily the big blockbusters. It's atmosphere is almost serene, with a coffee bar, complete with pastry and biscotti, leather couches and high brow magazines and newspapers. You definitely avoid the popcorn laden rowdiness of some of the other theaters that we have been to. Through the years it has morphed into more of a main stream theater, but it has maintained its original sophisticated flavor.

But I digress (I do that a lot)...Anyway, I saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall (thanks to Amber, my bloggy twin), Baby Mama (kind of a disappointment)and finally, I saw Young at Heart. In fact I loved Young at Heart so much, I went back the very next day to see it again with my parents and daughters.



If you haven't heard about Young at Heart, it is a documentary about a choral group made up solely of seniors, aged from about 70 and up. They perform all kinds of pop and rock music, such as The Clash, The Ramones, James Brown and Coldplay. Absolutely amazing. I was incredibly moved by the experience.

We are so used to seeing movies that are pretty. In Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the two female love interests were absolutely flawless. Perfect skin, hair, white teeth, gorgeous bodies. It's easy to see why women and girls can develop body issues, if this level of perfection, is portrayed as our role models. It's beautiful to look at, but REALLY, who looks like that in the real world?

The women and men in Young at Heart were real people. Their body's were worn down, a by-product of life. Their skin, with broken capillaries, pock-marks, extra chin hair and soft wrinkles, did not have the advantage of good lighting, air-brushing or botox treatments. To function, they relied on canes, oxygen machines, blood transfusions, magnifying glasses, and the help of good friends. There bodies seemingly healthy and robust, could turn on them in the blink of an eye. They have to become accustomed to ill-health and loss.

But instead of giving up, these people live more vivaciously than I do. They have passion, for their music, for their friends, for being a part of a community. They envision their future, not for the next few months, but for years and years. They are true role models, because, instead of just existing, the are LIVING.

My father-in-law passed away about 3 years ago at the age of 86. He'd lived a full life, with a large and loving family, he never really retired, adored the playing golf and watching baseball games. He was a quiet man, with a sparkle in his eyes that was inherited by my husband and daughters.

The week before he passed away, he was admitted into the hospital. His body was failing and his death was inevitable. We spent many hours at the hospital, taking turns with Gregg's brothers and sisters at his bedside. I went to his room to say goodbye one evening before we left. He took my hand and told me, "I don't think I'm going to live another year, and I'm not ready to die. I just don't want to miss seeing your babies grow up." He wept as he confided in me.

Here he was, and the end was there, and he was planning on living another year. He died peacefully in his sleep 4 days later. Everyone said he was a lucky man, to live so long. But he surely wasn't ready to let go.

I guess this movie struck a nerve with me, because sometimes I feel I'm just existing. I get caught up in the laundry, the bills, the computer, the homework, cooking, cleaning, only to go to bed and wake up the next day to do it all again.

But one day, God willing, I'll wake up, feeling like the person I am today, but in the mirror I will see those broken capillaries, soft wrinkles, and chin hairs. I hope, like my father-in-law, I'll be planning my life, not my death. And I hope I'll have passion, community and that joy, just like the members of Young at Heart. My new role models.

Happy Birthday Shish...this is what I love about Wendi.

1. She is the best audience in the world. She can find the humor in anything, and then laughs out loud to show her appreciation.
2. She has a challenging career, accomplishes incredible things, but never toots her own horn, complains or seems overwhelmed.
3. She really is the nicer one.
4. She turns her friends into family.
5. She turns her family into friends.
6. She's willing to spend ridiculous amounts of money, so Addison can have an American Girl doll, that I would Never buy for her.
7. She talks to strangers. Anyone who catches her attention. She wants to know everything about people, and somehow people respond to her. And heaven forbid you have a Chinese baby...she will make you feel like her new best friend.
8. She chose a husband who puts up with our family, and our family nutsiness.
9. Going to her house feels like going on vacation.
10. When she comes to my house, she's willing to share a single bed with Addison, and somehow or other sleeps through the night.
11. Even though she comes to visit on a Friday, and insists she must leave on Saturday, we can usually convince her to stay til Sunday.
12. When she pigs-out, she really pigs-out.
13. But usually she counts each and every calorie.
14. She is so obsessed with my children, that she created her own my space page so she can keep track of them.
15. She's the oldest person on My space.
16. She likes showtunes.
17. A psychic once told me that in a past life we were both men and we were best friends. We loved each other so much, we decided to come back as sisters.
18. I think most people envy the relationship that we have.
19. Whenever we sit down to dinner, whether it's 5:00pm or 7:35pm, the phone rings and it is ALWAYS my sister.
20. She really misses us when we go away to camp. She would really prefer that we don't go at all.
21. But she still visits every visiting day.
22. When I was hospitalized 11 years ago, she spent the week at our house helping with the kids, and I think she even shared the bed with Gregg, which would be weird, but cause it's Wendi, it's not weird at all.
23. She will drive to our house at a moments notice if there is an emergency.
24. Like I said, she really is the nicer one.
25. We can have the worst fight in the world, yet the minute we look at eachother, we can't contain ourselves from laughing.
26. Oy and a gut - a
27. She is the most loving and affectionate person I know.
28. She puts up with my bullshit.
29. She really thinks she's still going to adore her dog just as much after the baby gets here.
30. She doesn't even realize that after the baby gets here, the dog will be the biggest pain in the butt in her life.
31. But let's not tell her, and spoil the surprise.
32. She has the coolest friends.
33. She was always protective of me when we were little, and all I knew how to do was cry.
34. Pretend you're asleep. (she'll get that)
35. She took the girls and me to Disneyworld in 1998, just because she felt like it. And when Hayley cried and wouldn't go on any of the rides, she stayed back with her while Sydney and I did everything together.
36. She's a good coach.
37. She has the best and biggest heart of anyone that i have ever known.
38. She is showing grace in her patience while she awaits the long overdue arrival of her little girl.
39. She is a loving, and very cool step-mum.
40. She turned 47 today, and she is so old, but she looks young so it doesn't matter.
Happy Birthday my Shish.

Can I go back to Orlando?

I love Disney. I love the magic, how you feel the moment you step into the parks. The cleanliness, the wonderful service, the smiles. It rained much of the time we were there, but, we kept reminding ourselves, that a rainy day in Disneyworld is still better than a nice day at home.

Since we were there with only Addison, we were able to really appeal to her interests, and we did everything girly. She visited her "fairy godmother-in-training" at the Bippity Boppity Boutique, and received a makeover fit for a princess. We met Belle and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, et al. We enjoyed It's a Small World, a Pirate and Princess Party, parades, fireworks in Norway, belly dancers in Morocco.

Addie especially loved taking a drawing class at Hollywood Studio's (formerly MGM). A trained Disney Artist taught us step by step how to draw Disney characters. We loved it so much, we took three classes!

But for all of the magic and high tech fun, the most magical moment came just as we thought our vacation was over.

It was our last night in Florida. We were in the Hollywood Studio's park, we missed out on the closing show because it was raining. Feeling rather melancholy, we did a little shopping, and came to the realization that our vacation was really coming to a close. We gathered our sopping wet belongings and sadly started to make our way out of the park.

Suddenly, we noticed a line-up of strollers outside a theater, and music and blinking lights beckoned us to see what was happening. Inside, was a DJ, playing music for the 10 or 12 families that had gathered here. The children danced, and even though we felt a little silly in our raincoats and wet sneakers, we decided to join them. We danced to the music with Addie, and I giggled as I watched Gregg "boogie on down" in his enormous blue rain poncho, his wardrobe staple for the weekend.

I was completely caught of guard when Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy showed up to dance with us. If you've ever been to Disneyworld, you know, that you usually have to wait in mighty long lines, or pay for a "Character Meal" just for a moment with any of these characters, especially Mickey. But here they were, dancing with our family. At one point,Minnie even grabbed me, and hugged me as if I were her long lost friend. And even though I know that it's all for pretend, my heart still skipped a beat when they walked into the room. (Of course, don't even get me started on the Goofy thing, because, I still find him strangely attractive).

I don't know if this was a scheduled dance party, which it probably was, or if it was put together as a consolation to the few families that stuck it out at the park, but it felt like a rainy day at camp. When it rains at camp, we put together alternate activities to keep the kids busy. I like to call them "back pocket activities". They may not be the most well planned, costly or high tech, but we keep the campers engaged. And sometimes those rainy days are the most memorable, the rules somehow change, our demeanor, a little more relaxed.

I felt like this activity, as simple as it was, was put there just to keep the Disney guests engaged. Just when I was feeling like the day was a disappointment, they pulled this wonderful moment out of their back pocket. And for all the "imagineering", all of the beauty, the piped in music, the "fast pass" events, the gardens, the animitronics, the hidden Mickey's, the choreography, the fireworks, the laser lights and the make-believe, this simple little moment, with a turntable, my family and some Disney friends peppered in, was the highlight of our trip.

We're back!

It was amazing quick and VERY rainy...but we had the greatest time...here are a few random pics so that my sister will stop pestering me.

This is Not an April Fool plus post script

In an act of pure whimsy, and fun, Gregg and I are taking our littlest daughter on a quickie Disney vacation this weekend. I just made all my reservations and I'm nearly as excited as she is going to be when she finds out.

We're leaving her big sister's home, since they have had a lot of attention showered upon them lately, and we are going to be able to focus completely on Addie.

We've been to Disney before, Gregg and I went on our honeymoon, and we've taken the girls there 3 times. The last time we were there Addie was not quite two years old, and her only memories are from photos and videos. Gregg wants her to experience Disney magic before she becomes old and cynical (it's inevitable!!!)

Anyway, my darling niece is going to "baby"sit for the big sisters and its going to be wonderful!!!

So...we want to surprise her with this trip...now I've got to figure out a great way to break the news to her!

POST SCRIPT:

Okay, this is what we're going to do...at dinner tonight we are going to present Addison with this certificate directly from "Mickey" himself!!!

Tee hee!!

Okay

Yay!

Strangely Attractive

There are certain things in life that I am strangely attracted to, and it occurred to me that a compilation of these oddities might be interesting(to me, at least).

Fonts. Some pay no attention to the selection of fonts, but I love 'em. My current favorite is one from my Print Shop Scrapbooking program called CK Journaling. Sydney recently showed me how to download famous fonts from DaFont.com, and that's totally cool. When I design marketing materials for my business, I have been known to spend hours selecting the perfect font. My business partner doesn't necessarily get it, buy I'm glad she loves me in spite of it.

Goofy. Wendi and I took the girls to Disneyworld when they were really little. At a Character breakfast, we were flanked by Minnie Mouse, Chip-n-Dale and the Goofy. Wendi and I both found ourselves strangely swooning over Goofy. Seriously. I'm not sure if the persona of the guy in the costume was that magnetic or it was just the costume, but ever since then, I blush a little when I see Goofy. ;)


The Posh Bob , aka the Pob. Okay, maybe not so strange to be attracted to this hairstyle, considering 80% of the residents of my township are wearing it, but I still am. I'm having an internal fight with myself not to get this haircut, but I like it so much. The problem I have with the do is that it's sooooo trendy. What looks completely chic today, will look completely dated in about 10 minutes. And it's sooooo popular. That's the other problem. I'm not one to go along with any crowd, and this particular style is definitely goes along with the crowd.

Good-N-Plenty Candy -

There's nothing like the crack of the sweet candy shell that exposes the chewy black licorice cylinder inside. I enjoy the Good-N-Plenty very much.

Swirl Tap-n-Buff - I started using Bare Minerals powder make-up about two years ago, and I still love it. It's the best.



Ugg Boots - I wouldn't let my children have them, cause they're expensive, trendy and unnecessary, but, whoops, I bought them for myself, and wow, I gotta admit, their awesome. Warm, comfy, and no socks necessary. I never want to take them off.



General Hospital - Started watching at age 14, when Laura first met Scotty and during the virus epidemic that was spread by Jeremy Logan (my friend Irisa just read this and laughed out loud). I still watch, almost every night at 10 on Soapnet, and I'll always love it.


Scrabble - its Scrabulous.







Hair and Make-up Products - I can't help it. When I'm in the store and I see a product that promises shiny hair, or smooth, younger looking skin I'm a complete sucker.







Craft Supplies - I have a Craft Room that is filled with cool supplies. When I walk into a Craft Store I go into a daze...I just love looking at the glue and the paint and the scrapbooking paper. Gregg would rather stick needles in his eyes.

Matching Socks - It seems like we have tons of unmatched pairs of socks, and I've been holding on to them for years. Cause nothings as good as matching up a pair.

Drug store Eyeglasses - Thank goodness for these cheap convenient sight enhancers...cause I lose them all the time.

The Obituary Section - I remember my mom reading it every morning, and I thought that was so weird. Now...I read it too. I guess that comes with age.


Other Random Stuff I love:

HGTV
Kathy Griffin
Le Mystere Bra
Baby Powder
Bounty Paper Towels (accept no substitute)
Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America
Project Runway
Valerie Bertanelli