Accept differences.
Be kind.
Count your blessings.
Dream.
Express thanks.
Forgive.
Give freely.
Harm no one.
Imagine more.
Jettison anger.
Keep confidences.
Love truly.
Master something.
Nurture hope.
Open your mind.
Pack lightly.
Quell rumors.
Reciprocate.
Seek wisdom.
Touch hearts.
Understand.
Value truth.
Win graciously.
Xeriscape.
Yearn for peace.
Zealously support a worth cause.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I'm going down...(Progress Report I)
Friday night was the "moment of truth" - or "D-Day" as I was calling it. In other words, three weeks to the day that I started training and it was time to measure my progress - weight and measurements. The whole week my emotions ran the gamut: nervous, hopeful, petrified, confident, totally freaked out; I had *no* idea what my numbers were going to be! K kept telling me "it's not the number on the scale" blah blah blah. I'm a girl. Of course I'm going to focus on the number on the scale! Duh.
Last night, with hope and dread in my heart, I walked into the gym. Despite reassurances from K, repeating the mantra "the number on the scale just doesn't matter" in my mind and against my better judgment I walked to the scale. With immense trepidation, I stepped on the scale. :::gulp::: K didn't say anything. My heart sank. :::gulp::: "Did I gain?" voice crackling. "Let's go measure." (insert favorite expletive here)! Measured my chest, arms, waist, hips, thighs. K just wrote everything down, said nothing. Here's the verdict:
Weight: -.50 ~ Chest: -1.0" ~ Arms: -.50"/-0.0" ~ Waist: -1.0" ~ Hips: -2.0" ~ Thighs: -2.0"/-1.5"
Not too bad! I can say that now...although last night I was bummed. Truly expected the weight number to be significantly lower ~ especially after three weeks of hard work and determination! But in the bright light of day - and reality - I recognize my strength is increasing, I may need to cut back (or, cut out) wine and beer (insert tears and favorite expletive here), I need to increase my cardio time and, the big one, my blood pressure IS DOWN! I feel really good. And that, too, is important.
This week, I commit to being more focused on & diligent about my food consumption. I can do it. And I will!
Thanks for your support and encouragement ~ I'm inspired, determined and appreciative!
The hunt for my waist continues...
-4.50
Last night, with hope and dread in my heart, I walked into the gym. Despite reassurances from K, repeating the mantra "the number on the scale just doesn't matter" in my mind and against my better judgment I walked to the scale. With immense trepidation, I stepped on the scale. :::gulp::: K didn't say anything. My heart sank. :::gulp::: "Did I gain?" voice crackling. "Let's go measure." (insert favorite expletive here)! Measured my chest, arms, waist, hips, thighs. K just wrote everything down, said nothing. Here's the verdict:
Weight: -.50 ~ Chest: -1.0" ~ Arms: -.50"/-0.0" ~ Waist: -1.0" ~ Hips: -2.0" ~ Thighs: -2.0"/-1.5"
Not too bad! I can say that now...although last night I was bummed. Truly expected the weight number to be significantly lower ~ especially after three weeks of hard work and determination! But in the bright light of day - and reality - I recognize my strength is increasing, I may need to cut back (or, cut out) wine and beer (insert tears and favorite expletive here), I need to increase my cardio time and, the big one, my blood pressure IS DOWN! I feel really good. And that, too, is important.
This week, I commit to being more focused on & diligent about my food consumption. I can do it. And I will!
Thanks for your support and encouragement ~ I'm inspired, determined and appreciative!
The hunt for my waist continues...
-4.50
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
let's get physical
How long have I been talking about getting in shape, losing weight and getting back to the gym? Exactly! A longass time. I've exchanged words for actions and am doing it.
I did Weight Watchers for about 10 weeks and did fairly well (lost weight on vacation at an all-inclusive resort). But without exercise, I wasn't doing as well as I could. Actually, I wasn't doing as well as I should. I don't really mind the gym, once I get there. It's the getting there that proves troublesome. I've tried (albeit half-heartedly) to find workout partners or even be self-motivated. And I've thwarted my own attempts. Then, one day, M & Chickens & I were talking about personal trainers. We did some checking around, M did some investigating and we found a place. Ultimately, we all got trainers at Body Image in North Hollywood. Last Wednesday, I worked out with J from Body Rush. It was a goood session, informative and I liked her. The next morning, I met with K from Body Image. I was quite impressed with K's knowledge, background and philosophy. But, what was most impressive about K was the fact that we totally delved into my health issues (my knees and blood pressure) ~ tons of specific questions about meds and movement and stuff. That alone was enough to make the committment to Body Image and K as my trainer. We discussed my goals (silly ones, like finding my waist; and serious ones, like getting off bp meds) and wasn't told the goals were lofty or unattainable or ridiculous. Then, Gerald Levert died. Of a heart attack. At 40. Honestly, that's my biggest fear - dying in my sleep from a heart attack at an early age (40 in six months, it's on my mind). Strange thing, a heart attack: it's something you can't really do anything about, yet you really can. And I am.
I have made a committment to K and, more importantly, made a committment to ME! I've worked out with K and on my own, and feel good. Really good!
I'll track my progress...feel free to check-in, make sure I'm on track :) I'm doing it, People! I am doing it. Wish me luck! And send Aleve.
-4.0 11090
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
I know this much is true...
Hey Kids ~
I got this from Kuyperama...Thanks E!
What do YOU think of me? Now's the time to tell me! Visit this page (it's a Johari Window) and pick five or six words you feel best describe moi. Save your answers so I can see just how wrong you are. Ha! This should be interesting...
I *love* this kind o'stuff. And, you know I'm all about perspective...
Ohhh, just go do it! 3-5 minutes is all...and I'm worth it!
**Hugs**
I got this from Kuyperama...Thanks E!
What do YOU think of me? Now's the time to tell me! Visit this page (it's a Johari Window) and pick five or six words you feel best describe moi. Save your answers so I can see just how wrong you are. Ha! This should be interesting...
I *love* this kind o'stuff. And, you know I'm all about perspective...
Ohhh, just go do it! 3-5 minutes is all...and I'm worth it!
**Hugs**
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Gala
On Wednesday afternoon, VP was invited to a black-tie event at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday night. And she invited ME! Woo hoooo :) Of course, this meant I had to buy a black tie. After trips to Nordstrom Glendale, Nordstrom Topanga and Nordstrom Santa Anita, I purchased a gorgeous kimono-esque dress from Torrid, God bless 'em!
Saturday's festivities started with a Silent Auction from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Until I arrived, I had *no* idea why a Silent Auction, of all things, would take so long. Wait...let me back up...we pull up to valet and are greeted by limos, valets and a throng of people (I don't know the number of people needed to qualify as a 'throng' but I'm sure the quota was met). We entered a side door to avoid all the tourists with cameras; only to be thrust into a room of utter fabulousness ~ gorgeous people in gorgeous gowns with unbelievably gorgeous jewels draped here and there. It was overwhelming and fun and indulgent and the epitome of people watching. Just walking to the registration table we passed Jennifer Tilly, Alan Thicke and Vanna White. I had *no* idea the scope of this event. It's huge. I mean H-U-G-E huge. We made our way through the Silent Auction room filled with art - photographs, paintings, plates and bowls decorated by celebrities, and such - to the bar. God bless Grey Goose for their sponsorship :) As we were toasting the evening, a veritable plethora of stars wandered by ~ Vin Scully, David Foster, Diane Warren, Babyface, Henry Simmons (hubba hubba), James Denton. Looking around, I noticed another room filled with loot. Off we went...everything was "starting bid of $1,000.00" so I asked VP "Where are the DVDs and CDs or dinner for two I can bid on?!" Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna were looking at some toys, while a camera crew followed Teri Hatcher around. We kept walking through rooms until we saw a banner announcing "jewelry" ~ ahhhhh! These were some beautiful pieces - bracelets, earrings, pendants, etc. I bid on a pair of earrings - handmade gold and pink stones. Yeah, right. As the auction closed down, we were shuffled out of the rooms towards the main ball room. As we're walking, I know people were whispering "Who are they? Are they anybody?" I know *I'd* be doing it if I was gawking from the sidelines. Hell, who am I kidding?! I *was* thinking that about every person I passed on the carpet! We found our table - luckily we knew a couple of people at our table. The salad was already set ~ a wedge of lettuce, avocado, tomato and shrimp. I was counting on typical party fare of rubber chicken and broccoli; but after seeing the salad, I had high hopes. We ate, drank, talked and ogled until Jay Leno came out. He introduced Sidney Poitier, who spoke so eloquently about Barbara Davis and her work with the Children's Diabetes Foundation.
As Sidney Poitier talked, a plate consisting of 2 asparagus spears, one baby carrot, scalloped potatoes and a mini squash-looking thing was placed in front of us. Mmm-kay. I didn't know it was vegetarian night. Well, it wasn't! The server presented this huge platter of beef in front of us. And he wasn't stingy. We each got 2 huge thick slices of filet. Whoa! It was so delicious. Beat the heck outta rubber chicken! Jay Leno did his best to keep the night moving swiftly - thankyouverymuch. He did a live auction of a new Mercedes, two pairs of diamond earrings (OMG! gor-geous.) and a recording session with totally hot, everybody-wants-to-work-with producer Scott Storch. Now THAT'S an item worth bidding on. David Foster, nothing-to-sneeze-at record producer bought that. Weird, can't he get Scott to work with him? Anyway, David Foster introduced Babyface, who sang "Change the World" - the song he wrote for Eric Clapton. It's such a beautiful song and Babyface sounded great!
Halle Berry came out next. Honestly, I didn't pay attention because around the same time, baked Alaska showed up on my plate AND Jeremy Piven walked by. Talk about distraction...
versus 
Baked Alaska. Hands down.
Usher performed, as did Katharine McPhee. She stunned everyone by announcing that she was singing "I Have Nothing" for Whitney Houston who is in the room!! Huh?! Wha?! OMG - Whitney looked fantastic: happy, smiley, curvy, good. She was escorted by Clive Davis, one of the night's honorees. Katharine sang the song beautifully. I mean really really fantastic. But...Jennifer Hudson, another American Idol-er, sang a song from her upcoming movie "Dreamgirls" and blew McPhee out of the water. Out of the building! Jennifer Hudson was incredible. Then, to cap off the evening, The Man, Barry Manilow performed. Barry Manilow! He was awesome singing songs from his 60s album. What a great show!
As we were leaving, the swag bags were handed out. Fantastic loot. PLUS, I won the earrings auction!
I love galas :)
Saturday's festivities started with a Silent Auction from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Until I arrived, I had *no* idea why a Silent Auction, of all things, would take so long. Wait...let me back up...we pull up to valet and are greeted by limos, valets and a throng of people (I don't know the number of people needed to qualify as a 'throng' but I'm sure the quota was met). We entered a side door to avoid all the tourists with cameras; only to be thrust into a room of utter fabulousness ~ gorgeous people in gorgeous gowns with unbelievably gorgeous jewels draped here and there. It was overwhelming and fun and indulgent and the epitome of people watching. Just walking to the registration table we passed Jennifer Tilly, Alan Thicke and Vanna White. I had *no* idea the scope of this event. It's huge. I mean H-U-G-E huge. We made our way through the Silent Auction room filled with art - photographs, paintings, plates and bowls decorated by celebrities, and such - to the bar. God bless Grey Goose for their sponsorship :) As we were toasting the evening, a veritable plethora of stars wandered by ~ Vin Scully, David Foster, Diane Warren, Babyface, Henry Simmons (hubba hubba), James Denton. Looking around, I noticed another room filled with loot. Off we went...everything was "starting bid of $1,000.00" so I asked VP "Where are the DVDs and CDs or dinner for two I can bid on?!" Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna were looking at some toys, while a camera crew followed Teri Hatcher around. We kept walking through rooms until we saw a banner announcing "jewelry" ~ ahhhhh! These were some beautiful pieces - bracelets, earrings, pendants, etc. I bid on a pair of earrings - handmade gold and pink stones. Yeah, right. As the auction closed down, we were shuffled out of the rooms towards the main ball room. As we're walking, I know people were whispering "Who are they? Are they anybody?" I know *I'd* be doing it if I was gawking from the sidelines. Hell, who am I kidding?! I *was* thinking that about every person I passed on the carpet! We found our table - luckily we knew a couple of people at our table. The salad was already set ~ a wedge of lettuce, avocado, tomato and shrimp. I was counting on typical party fare of rubber chicken and broccoli; but after seeing the salad, I had high hopes. We ate, drank, talked and ogled until Jay Leno came out. He introduced Sidney Poitier, who spoke so eloquently about Barbara Davis and her work with the Children's Diabetes Foundation.
As Sidney Poitier talked, a plate consisting of 2 asparagus spears, one baby carrot, scalloped potatoes and a mini squash-looking thing was placed in front of us. Mmm-kay. I didn't know it was vegetarian night. Well, it wasn't! The server presented this huge platter of beef in front of us. And he wasn't stingy. We each got 2 huge thick slices of filet. Whoa! It was so delicious. Beat the heck outta rubber chicken! Jay Leno did his best to keep the night moving swiftly - thankyouverymuch. He did a live auction of a new Mercedes, two pairs of diamond earrings (OMG! gor-geous.) and a recording session with totally hot, everybody-wants-to-work-with producer Scott Storch. Now THAT'S an item worth bidding on. David Foster, nothing-to-sneeze-at record producer bought that. Weird, can't he get Scott to work with him? Anyway, David Foster introduced Babyface, who sang "Change the World" - the song he wrote for Eric Clapton. It's such a beautiful song and Babyface sounded great!
Halle Berry came out next. Honestly, I didn't pay attention because around the same time, baked Alaska showed up on my plate AND Jeremy Piven walked by. Talk about distraction...
versus 
Baked Alaska. Hands down.
Usher performed, as did Katharine McPhee. She stunned everyone by announcing that she was singing "I Have Nothing" for Whitney Houston who is in the room!! Huh?! Wha?! OMG - Whitney looked fantastic: happy, smiley, curvy, good. She was escorted by Clive Davis, one of the night's honorees. Katharine sang the song beautifully. I mean really really fantastic. But...Jennifer Hudson, another American Idol-er, sang a song from her upcoming movie "Dreamgirls" and blew McPhee out of the water. Out of the building! Jennifer Hudson was incredible. Then, to cap off the evening, The Man, Barry Manilow performed. Barry Manilow! He was awesome singing songs from his 60s album. What a great show!
As we were leaving, the swag bags were handed out. Fantastic loot. PLUS, I won the earrings auction!
I love galas :)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Hooray for Fall!
The weather is cooling. Sort of. The leaves are turning. Sort of. The new TV season has started and shows are being canceled. Yep, it's FALL! Time to break out the sweaters, tights and boots. Finally!
Here are the latest additions to my Fall wardrobe:
CUTE plaid jumper from Torrid - with black turtleneck, tights and chunky shoes?! How cute am I?!
Semantiks charcoal gray cardigan from Nordstrom - with city shorts and black slingbacks.
And, of course, a Maggy London dress! I don't have *this* particular pattern, but I have this style o'dress - and it's perfect for me! The legs, the cleavage, the way the dress hangs and hugs curvy me - no wonder I have FIVE Maggys in my closet. I've got a couple more on my radar - gorgeous holiday dresses I can't stop looking at...sigh.
If only it were this easy to buy shoes! But that's a whole 'nother blog for a whole 'nother time...
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
I'm a loser, baby
Were the planets not aligned? Was it a full moon? Was something in retrograde in the 7th House of the 3rd Rock from the Sun? Is this a karma thing? Does someone not like us anymore? I don't know. Whatever "it" was caused us to lose at Tuesday Trivia last night. I know! We didn't even make the top three. We always at the very least make the top three. Not last night. We were toppled by a group of 87 people. My eyes are still glazed over and that fake courtesy smile is embarrassingly frozen on my face. It's shell-shock.
Everything about last night was a bit off - from Michael not being there, to us not taking the subway, to arriving at Hooter's later than usual and having to wait (!) for a table. We were fairly confident we could pull it off, but early on we knew things were slightly left of center. Funnily enough, we had most of the right answers! We just had most of them written on our scratch paper, not the answer sheet: What movie's tagline was "His life was a million to one shot?" What cosmetic company paid millions to be mentioned on the soap opera "All My Children?" What was the name of the dog on Fraggle Rock? In a classic Simpsons episode, what did Homer use to travel back in time and what did he do that altered history? What does DLP stand for in DLP TVs? Sigh. Team BFF! needs its mojo back. And fast!
On a gooooooood note, we got the certificate for our ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WINGS PARRRRR-TAY! Woo hoooo! A wings party for 10 people - they supply the wings, we buy the beer. It's gonna be a good time! Blog coming soon...
Everything about last night was a bit off - from Michael not being there, to us not taking the subway, to arriving at Hooter's later than usual and having to wait (!) for a table. We were fairly confident we could pull it off, but early on we knew things were slightly left of center. Funnily enough, we had most of the right answers! We just had most of them written on our scratch paper, not the answer sheet: What movie's tagline was "His life was a million to one shot?" What cosmetic company paid millions to be mentioned on the soap opera "All My Children?" What was the name of the dog on Fraggle Rock? In a classic Simpsons episode, what did Homer use to travel back in time and what did he do that altered history? What does DLP stand for in DLP TVs? Sigh. Team BFF! needs its mojo back. And fast!
On a gooooooood note, we got the certificate for our ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WINGS PARRRRR-TAY! Woo hoooo! A wings party for 10 people - they supply the wings, we buy the beer. It's gonna be a good time! Blog coming soon...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
My Life in Music (according to my music player)
What's Your Soundtrack?
OK ~ I put my music player on shuffle. The first song is the song for my Opening Scene. Skip to the next song, this is the next category. Sometimes, the songs actually fit the scene, which is a little creepy. Yeah, like my music player knows what I'm doing...
Opening Scene: Here You Come Again ~ Dolly Parton
Wake Up Scene: Fields of Gold ~ Sting
Average Day: You Don't Treat Me No Good ~ Soniadada
1st Date: I'll Be Alright Without You ~ Journey
Falling in Love: Dancing in the Dark ~ Bruce Springsteen
Fight Scene: Say You'll Be There ~ The Spice Girls
Break Up Scene: I Know You Love Me ~ Trinere
Back together: Black Money ~ Culture Club
Secret Love: Hard to Say I'm Sorry ~ Chicago
Life's OK: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) ~ Eurythmics
Mental Breakdown: Walk This Way ~ Run DMC/Aerosmith
Driving: Let Her Cry ~ Hootie and the Blowfish
Learning a Lesson: Breakaway ~ Kelly Clarkson
Deep Thought: Back to Life ~ Soul II Soul
Flashback: Only Wanna Be With You ~ Hootie and the Blowfish
Partying: Clampdown ~ The Clash
Happy Dance: Brand New Lover ~ Dead or Alive
Regretting: Underneath it All ~ No Doubt
Long Night Alone: Wounds ~ Route 7
Death Scene: Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime) ~ the Flirts
Closing Credits: Somewhere Down the Road ~ Barry Manilow
Interesting...
OK ~ I put my music player on shuffle. The first song is the song for my Opening Scene. Skip to the next song, this is the next category. Sometimes, the songs actually fit the scene, which is a little creepy. Yeah, like my music player knows what I'm doing...
Opening Scene: Here You Come Again ~ Dolly Parton
Wake Up Scene: Fields of Gold ~ Sting
Average Day: You Don't Treat Me No Good ~ Soniadada
1st Date: I'll Be Alright Without You ~ Journey
Falling in Love: Dancing in the Dark ~ Bruce Springsteen
Fight Scene: Say You'll Be There ~ The Spice Girls
Break Up Scene: I Know You Love Me ~ Trinere
Back together: Black Money ~ Culture Club
Secret Love: Hard to Say I'm Sorry ~ Chicago
Life's OK: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) ~ Eurythmics
Mental Breakdown: Walk This Way ~ Run DMC/Aerosmith
Driving: Let Her Cry ~ Hootie and the Blowfish
Learning a Lesson: Breakaway ~ Kelly Clarkson
Deep Thought: Back to Life ~ Soul II Soul
Flashback: Only Wanna Be With You ~ Hootie and the Blowfish
Partying: Clampdown ~ The Clash
Happy Dance: Brand New Lover ~ Dead or Alive
Regretting: Underneath it All ~ No Doubt
Long Night Alone: Wounds ~ Route 7
Death Scene: Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime) ~ the Flirts
Closing Credits: Somewhere Down the Road ~ Barry Manilow
Interesting...
Monday, September 25, 2006
Studio 60/Sting and ME!
One of the best things about working for the Company is, undoubtedly, the perks ~ movie screenings before public release, celebrity sightings any day of the week, the Love Rocks concert at the Kodak Theatre, "Friends" tapings, etc. Nothin' but love!
Last week, the Company held a lottery for employees to be an audience member on the new Matthew Perry/Bradley Whitford show "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" with Sting as the special guest. Um. Hellooooo! Firing off an email to enter while still reading the announcement, I kept thinking "Sting AND Matthew Perry. Sting AND Matthew Perry." This doesn't happen all the time, People! Wouldnyaknowit - I'm a weener! Woo hooo! Mandy too! BFFs on TV with Matthew Perry (he's on our laminated cards)?! What do we do? We go shopping. Of course!
Because production has no set schedule, and we were at their mercy, our call time changed right up until the day before the shoot. I'd heard a lot of people complained and canceled because production couldn't say *when* the taping would be finished. Whatever! It's a unique opportunity - take advantage and enjoy! Don't get me wrong - it was a long effing day. It's Sting, People. Sting! *sigh*
I got to Stage 25 @ 11:35 a.m. There were several tables & chairs, with small groups of people scattered all around. I filled out my release, sat down and waited. M&I looked *totally* fabulous - she in her gray tunic, me in red & black & pearls! Food services had a huge spread - donuts, bagels, bags of chips, granola bars, water, soda, cereal & milk, oatmeal & raisins, peanut butter and jelly - "Help yourself!" Around 2:15 p.m. there was some movement near the door. I saw Fusske make a move...so I pulled Mandy up to the door. Chatting up the security guard, the Producer came in and asked Fusske "are you background?" He said "Yes! We are!" She told him to go. All 7 of us from the table fell in step behind the Producer and walked across to Stage 19. As we walked in, there was definitely a buzz in the air...though it was dark and smoky, the air was electric - you knew this was something special. The set had a stage w/candleabras and stools placed toward the back of Stage 19 ~ a very gothic, romantic feel/look. Three gorgeous tapestries were hung from the ceiling as backdrop for Sting's stage setting. Rotating lights with cut cels shone on the tapestries, making it look like clouds were moving across them; really beautiful. Three rows of seats were directly in front of the stage (these people would be facing Sting) with 2 risers/bleachers positioned off to the left and right. Five or six rows of seats were placed on either side of the stage - this is where we were seated. As we waited to be seated, Sting was standing there. Just standing. There. Umm. Hi. You're Sting. He was backlit - not for show, he just stood right there, in the light. Nice. We're sitting, gawking, watching, waiting, staring, etc. The Producer walked over, standing at the end of my row. I leaned over to her "Thank you very much!" She looked at me - a bit startled and surprised. "Thank *you*! And just for that, when he gets up (she's pointing to Sting's accompanist who's sitting in the first seat of the first row), you can sit there." Yeah I can! Yippeee! She goes to talk with him, he moves and she points to me. I abandon Mandy without reservation or hesitation (Sorry! LYMI!!). I wind up sitting directly behind Sting, next to my former boss, in the camera shot. I am less than 6 feet from Sting. Less than 6 feet. From Sting! Umm. Helloooo! You're Sting and you're standing. There. I'm a bit giddy and giggly at this point (no duh). Sting and his accompanist take the stage with their lutes (sooo...does that make them loutists?) - loud applause, lots of "wooooo"-ing and smiles all around. Umm. Helloooo! It's STING! Lauren Graham introduces Sting for the "Studio 60" show and he performs. He sounded beautiful! Mind you, I'm looking at his back (nice suit, BTW)...but staring up at him in total adulation. We tape that scene a couple of times, then we're released for lunch (again, kudos to Food Services for a great lunch spread - mac n cheese, chicken, fish, steamed broccoli, lots of cakes and pies). After a couple more hours, we're called back into the studio to tape a scene with Matthew Perry (swoon!) and Sarah Paulson on the balcony above the performance area. Again, totally in the camera shot! It was weird to watch Sting, who is just pretending to sing, while MP and SP are conversing. I did sneak a couple of sidelong glances at Mister Matthew Perry, my supersecret boyfriend. No Bradley Whitford, though.
When all was said and done, we'd watched Sting perform the song 4 times through. We were finally released from the production around 9:30 or so. What a long effing day! But soooo worth it!
Look for me on "Studio 60" Monday October 16th (check your local listings)!
Last week, the Company held a lottery for employees to be an audience member on the new Matthew Perry/Bradley Whitford show "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" with Sting as the special guest. Um. Hellooooo! Firing off an email to enter while still reading the announcement, I kept thinking "Sting AND Matthew Perry. Sting AND Matthew Perry." This doesn't happen all the time, People! Wouldnyaknowit - I'm a weener! Woo hooo! Mandy too! BFFs on TV with Matthew Perry (he's on our laminated cards)?! What do we do? We go shopping. Of course!
Because production has no set schedule, and we were at their mercy, our call time changed right up until the day before the shoot. I'd heard a lot of people complained and canceled because production couldn't say *when* the taping would be finished. Whatever! It's a unique opportunity - take advantage and enjoy! Don't get me wrong - it was a long effing day. It's Sting, People. Sting! *sigh*
I got to Stage 25 @ 11:35 a.m. There were several tables & chairs, with small groups of people scattered all around. I filled out my release, sat down and waited. M&I looked *totally* fabulous - she in her gray tunic, me in red & black & pearls! Food services had a huge spread - donuts, bagels, bags of chips, granola bars, water, soda, cereal & milk, oatmeal & raisins, peanut butter and jelly - "Help yourself!" Around 2:15 p.m. there was some movement near the door. I saw Fusske make a move...so I pulled Mandy up to the door. Chatting up the security guard, the Producer came in and asked Fusske "are you background?" He said "Yes! We are!" She told him to go. All 7 of us from the table fell in step behind the Producer and walked across to Stage 19. As we walked in, there was definitely a buzz in the air...though it was dark and smoky, the air was electric - you knew this was something special. The set had a stage w/candleabras and stools placed toward the back of Stage 19 ~ a very gothic, romantic feel/look. Three gorgeous tapestries were hung from the ceiling as backdrop for Sting's stage setting. Rotating lights with cut cels shone on the tapestries, making it look like clouds were moving across them; really beautiful. Three rows of seats were directly in front of the stage (these people would be facing Sting) with 2 risers/bleachers positioned off to the left and right. Five or six rows of seats were placed on either side of the stage - this is where we were seated. As we waited to be seated, Sting was standing there. Just standing. There. Umm. Hi. You're Sting. He was backlit - not for show, he just stood right there, in the light. Nice. We're sitting, gawking, watching, waiting, staring, etc. The Producer walked over, standing at the end of my row. I leaned over to her "Thank you very much!" She looked at me - a bit startled and surprised. "Thank *you*! And just for that, when he gets up (she's pointing to Sting's accompanist who's sitting in the first seat of the first row), you can sit there." Yeah I can! Yippeee! She goes to talk with him, he moves and she points to me. I abandon Mandy without reservation or hesitation (Sorry! LYMI!!). I wind up sitting directly behind Sting, next to my former boss, in the camera shot. I am less than 6 feet from Sting. Less than 6 feet. From Sting! Umm. Helloooo! You're Sting and you're standing. There. I'm a bit giddy and giggly at this point (no duh). Sting and his accompanist take the stage with their lutes (sooo...does that make them loutists?) - loud applause, lots of "wooooo"-ing and smiles all around. Umm. Helloooo! It's STING! Lauren Graham introduces Sting for the "Studio 60" show and he performs. He sounded beautiful! Mind you, I'm looking at his back (nice suit, BTW)...but staring up at him in total adulation. We tape that scene a couple of times, then we're released for lunch (again, kudos to Food Services for a great lunch spread - mac n cheese, chicken, fish, steamed broccoli, lots of cakes and pies). After a couple more hours, we're called back into the studio to tape a scene with Matthew Perry (swoon!) and Sarah Paulson on the balcony above the performance area. Again, totally in the camera shot! It was weird to watch Sting, who is just pretending to sing, while MP and SP are conversing. I did sneak a couple of sidelong glances at Mister Matthew Perry, my supersecret boyfriend. No Bradley Whitford, though.
When all was said and done, we'd watched Sting perform the song 4 times through. We were finally released from the production around 9:30 or so. What a long effing day! But soooo worth it!
Look for me on "Studio 60" Monday October 16th (check your local listings)!
Friday, September 15, 2006
PV III
"Taxi! You need taxi? I got taxi!"
He´s got M&M´s bags, loading them onto a dolly and reaching for mine. I figured M secured a taxi, but his expression clearly said WTC?! I pulled my bag away just in time for some purple-vested guy to say "Come with me!" He´s asking where we´re staying while guiding us through the gauntlet of purple-vested people to a huge desk. Behind the desk, the most courteous, wide-toothed grinning guy starts firing questions. I´m thinking he´s from the Allegro property with a shuttle to take us there. Nope. Bastard is trying to railroad us into a timeshare brainwash presentation. Dude - give me my map and my paper and get me the hell out of here! FINALLY we get outside with the sketchy bag-grabbing "You need taxi? I got taxi!" guy. Mind you, there are no other taxis out here. It´s a van. Mandy & I look at each other - WTC?! My insides, once again, have become liquid. What else can we do but climb aboard. Turns out, we were ripped off on the fare. But, we arrived safely - that says something. And, we had a great driver! JoseMiguelManuelErnesto recommended which places to eat at in town, which tours were the best, showed us the new property called the Mayan Resort (ohhhh more on THIS to come), and stopped in front of the wildlife reserve to see the crocodiles.
We pull up in front of the Allegro Nuevo Vallarta resort - gorgeous property! And sitting in a huge overstuffed chair in the open reception area is a dark-haired guy wearing a white shirt, khaki shorts and a huge smile. It´s Marc! :)
He´s got M&M´s bags, loading them onto a dolly and reaching for mine. I figured M secured a taxi, but his expression clearly said WTC?! I pulled my bag away just in time for some purple-vested guy to say "Come with me!" He´s asking where we´re staying while guiding us through the gauntlet of purple-vested people to a huge desk. Behind the desk, the most courteous, wide-toothed grinning guy starts firing questions. I´m thinking he´s from the Allegro property with a shuttle to take us there. Nope. Bastard is trying to railroad us into a timeshare brainwash presentation. Dude - give me my map and my paper and get me the hell out of here! FINALLY we get outside with the sketchy bag-grabbing "You need taxi? I got taxi!" guy. Mind you, there are no other taxis out here. It´s a van. Mandy & I look at each other - WTC?! My insides, once again, have become liquid. What else can we do but climb aboard. Turns out, we were ripped off on the fare. But, we arrived safely - that says something. And, we had a great driver! JoseMiguelManuelErnesto recommended which places to eat at in town, which tours were the best, showed us the new property called the Mayan Resort (ohhhh more on THIS to come), and stopped in front of the wildlife reserve to see the crocodiles.
We pull up in front of the Allegro Nuevo Vallarta resort - gorgeous property! And sitting in a huge overstuffed chair in the open reception area is a dark-haired guy wearing a white shirt, khaki shorts and a huge smile. It´s Marc! :)
PV II
The passport fiasco solved, we re-board. The flight was less-than-full and quite uneventful - unless you count the amount of vodka tonics being consumed by us...but I digress...
The aeropuerto is set amid a gorgeous lush green jungle. I must admit to fleeting thoughts of WTC have I gotten myself into, but the area was really beautiful. The aeropuerto in PV is similar to Burbank´s - disembark outside of the airport itself. As I stepped out of the plane, I was smothered by the heat and humidity; my hair instantly frizzy. Fantastic - I´ll be frizzy and oily all week long. Woo hoooo.
We make our way into the building to Immagracion. Papers are filled out and (the best thing, by far) my passport gets stamped! :) I know, it´s only Mexico. But I got a passport stamp, baby! We follow the crowd toward baggage claim. M&M get their bags immediately. I wander around the conveyor thingy. And around. And around. And around. It doesn´t help that a) my bag is black, b) so are all the others coming off the plane, and c) it´s borrowed luggage so I´m not too familiar with it. Bags are being pulled off the conveyor and piled next to it. My insides turn liquid once again. (And mind you, they hadn´t quite gelled and reset from the passport in Vegas!) A million thoughts are running through my mind...but somewhere in there I vaguely hear - Riss-sa Dode-son? Riss-sa Dode-son? That could be my name, right? I turn to see my bag with some random dude in a purple vest standing next to a different conveyor thingy! WTC?! I run over, grab my bag and begin to settle down.
Then, we´re assaulted by a swarm of purple vested people and men yelling "Taxi! Taxi!" And it only gets better from here...
The aeropuerto is set amid a gorgeous lush green jungle. I must admit to fleeting thoughts of WTC have I gotten myself into, but the area was really beautiful. The aeropuerto in PV is similar to Burbank´s - disembark outside of the airport itself. As I stepped out of the plane, I was smothered by the heat and humidity; my hair instantly frizzy. Fantastic - I´ll be frizzy and oily all week long. Woo hoooo.
We make our way into the building to Immagracion. Papers are filled out and (the best thing, by far) my passport gets stamped! :) I know, it´s only Mexico. But I got a passport stamp, baby! We follow the crowd toward baggage claim. M&M get their bags immediately. I wander around the conveyor thingy. And around. And around. And around. It doesn´t help that a) my bag is black, b) so are all the others coming off the plane, and c) it´s borrowed luggage so I´m not too familiar with it. Bags are being pulled off the conveyor and piled next to it. My insides turn liquid once again. (And mind you, they hadn´t quite gelled and reset from the passport in Vegas!) A million thoughts are running through my mind...but somewhere in there I vaguely hear - Riss-sa Dode-son? Riss-sa Dode-son? That could be my name, right? I turn to see my bag with some random dude in a purple vest standing next to a different conveyor thingy! WTC?! I run over, grab my bag and begin to settle down.
Then, we´re assaulted by a swarm of purple vested people and men yelling "Taxi! Taxi!" And it only gets better from here...
PV IV
Slightly weary, completely sticky, sweaty & shiny (the freakin' humidity made me frizzy and shiny all week - how appealing), and in desperate need of a drink, M&M&M&I head off to register. Marc leads us down a covered, wood-arched breezeway. To the left were the pools (one kiddie and one not-so-kiddie) surrounded by blue chaises and umbrellas; just past the pools was where we would come to take up residence every night - the bar! Spread out in front of us was the beach. With hundreds of lounge chairs and dozens of grass-covered umbrellas perfectly aligned in the sand, how could I not begin to feel relaxed? Just the sound of the waves was enough for me. Crossing the courtyard, we approach the VIP services office ~ affectionately dubbed "Little House en la playa" by Michael. As we enter, we're greeted by Israel - our afternoon host. The Little House en la playa is windowed bungalow at the edge of the resort. Inside there's a desk with computer; 2 dark wood tables set with gorgeous china, silver, glasses and fancy-folded napkins; overstuffed chairs, a sofa and loveseat; and, in the far right corner? A bar, baby! Through the beveled glass French doors was the jacuzzi (which didn't work until our last day - BOO!) and padded chaise lounges for VIP. Still in the middle of all the hand-shaking formalities and customer service niceties, we're offered champagne. Hell yeah I want champagne! VIP. That's how we rock it! Well, for the whole week, that's how we'll rock it. Registered, braceleted and reveling in the champagne we trudge up the stairs to the 5th floor. Why the hell is the elevator on the other side of the resort? It's the 5th floor, so our legs will get a great work-out, for sure; but the late drunken nights? That ain't right. Marc tells us we have a 3 room unit with a king size bed and 2 smaller beds in another room (Marc to M&M - "I was going to let you 2 have the king bed, but when I saw it, I said 'it's mine!' Sorry!" LOL) Enter room 559 - there's a bathroom, faux-kitchen thing, sitting area with TV, through the folded partition is the king sized bed, another bathroom and a small sitting area, which is next to the adjoining room with 2 more beds, small sitting area and a third bathroom. Sweet! Huge picture windows offered views of the property next door, the Little House en la playa and much of our resort. Mandy & I had our cameras out, taking it all in. I crossed the room, out the sliding glass door to the balcony. What an incredible view! No matter the oppressive heat or humidity, I felt all the crap and the recent stresses of work fall completely away. I think I even felt my blood pressure drop. With 2 chairs, a chaise lounge and table, I knew the balcony would be my journaling space. I couldn't stop looking at the ocean, the dark storm clouds gathering and the ray of sunshine hitting the water. It was really beautiful and peaceful and just what I needed.
After some chill time, we headed down for dinner. The al fresco dining area was tiered with tables on all 3 levels. As if one, we headed straight for the same table - the one closest to the water. I have no idea what we ate that night. But I remember our visitor. I kept seeing things move in my peripheral vision. Now, being the quintessential near-sighted girl, I've got those floaty things in my eyes. So, I tend to see things that may - or may not- be there. M&M&M bring to my attention **the Godzilla-sized gecko crawling on the wall above our table** Are you effing kidding me with this?! OK, I recognize this is an irrational fear. No matter, it's a huge crawly thing *above the table where I'm eating dinner* Oh, make no mistake that my so-called friends seized the moment and took full advantage of every opportunity to make fun of me. Hey, it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. At which point, Michael says, it become A LOT MORE FUN. Ha! I'm vacationing with these people all week?! Fantastic. We dined with our new friend, Gordon, and/or some member of his family every night. I didn't sign up for the dining in the wild experience...
Laughing, drinking, talking and having a great time, the storm started to move in. The thunder & lightning, the smell of the air and the rain just fell. What an amazing sight! Born and raised in Southern California, rainstorms are an incredible nuisance to me. On vacation, however, it's a totally different story.
And that was only Night One.
After some chill time, we headed down for dinner. The al fresco dining area was tiered with tables on all 3 levels. As if one, we headed straight for the same table - the one closest to the water. I have no idea what we ate that night. But I remember our visitor. I kept seeing things move in my peripheral vision. Now, being the quintessential near-sighted girl, I've got those floaty things in my eyes. So, I tend to see things that may - or may not- be there. M&M&M bring to my attention **the Godzilla-sized gecko crawling on the wall above our table** Are you effing kidding me with this?! OK, I recognize this is an irrational fear. No matter, it's a huge crawly thing *above the table where I'm eating dinner* Oh, make no mistake that my so-called friends seized the moment and took full advantage of every opportunity to make fun of me. Hey, it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. At which point, Michael says, it become A LOT MORE FUN. Ha! I'm vacationing with these people all week?! Fantastic. We dined with our new friend, Gordon, and/or some member of his family every night. I didn't sign up for the dining in the wild experience...
Laughing, drinking, talking and having a great time, the storm started to move in. The thunder & lightning, the smell of the air and the rain just fell. What an amazing sight! Born and raised in Southern California, rainstorms are an incredible nuisance to me. On vacation, however, it's a totally different story.
And that was only Night One.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Puerto Vallarta, Baby!
Vacation, all I ever wanted. Vacation, have to get away...
Just getting to PV turned out to be an adventure. At the airport, the lines were tolerably long. And that was just to check in. Once we figured out the whole kiosk-ticket-typing it all in thing, we were good to go...to another line to hand over our luggage. Riddle me this - why is the line to hand over our luggage a longer wait than getting our tickets? Couldn´t tell ya. Let´s skip ahead - shops, books, wait, board, pictures, take off, land, Vegas. Flight Attendant Girl says "all you need is your boarding pass" to get back onto our flight to Puerto Vallarta, baby! We run off, hit the bathrooms, get some food, run back to the gate (we only had 15 minutes to accomplish this). Mister Gate Keeper said uhhh...not so much - you need your passports to get back on the plane. M&M look at each other. Passports on the plane. Collectively, our insides went liquid. You should have seen Mandy´s face! OMG! She was about to be ill. Wait - I have mine, I´ll get onboard and bring your bags out to you! Problem solved! Ta-da. Mister Gate Keeper Man said uhhhh...not so much. Thankfully, he went onto the plane and got the bags which held the passports. OMG! OMG! What a huge relief! Mandy´s face didn´t get much better after that...our insides were still liquid from the neck down...
Friday, August 18, 2006
the week in review
Ohhhh what a week!
My Thursdays are spent at the Usual Place with my BFFs. Last Thursday had us at the bar instead of sitting on our couch. I met a great couple from Ireland ~ Syl & Pauline. They were on "holiday" visting the States for the first time. They were a total riot! Let me say I left Resids after 1 a.m. - *that's* how much fun I was having! (and she says we don't meet new people and do new things and have fun) Pauline was completely fascinated by the fact that I could eat sushi - "it's raw fish!" Well, yeah...and rice and avocado, too. The 2 of 'em just couldn't get over it. But, later in our conversation, it comes out that while they were at Toby Keith's restaurant in Nashville or Tulsa or wherever, Syl ate lamb fries. :::shiver::: LAMB FRIES! I'll take sushi anyday, thankyouverymuch! While we're all chatting it up about Michael Collins not having his own brand of whiskey, I notice the indiviual voices of the bar have become one. I look around to see everyone singing. I tune in to hear "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf on the jukebox. WTC?! (homage to Seth) I kid you not - EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE BAR WAS SINGING THIS DAMN SONG! Even Lainey!!!!! Did we suddenly become "Residuals, the Musical"?? WTF?! Hell is freezing as I watch this scene. Even Syl & Pauline are singing. I'll be damned if Seth isn't singing, too. I can't stop laughing at this. I'm amazed and awe-struck. I really can't get over Lainey singing this song (Do you love me? Will you love me forever?). OK...Mandy didn't know the song, so I didn't feel so bad. I mean, I know the song, but not well enough to play a role in the FAME production...ohhh, what a night!
Saturday was Chicken's birthday at D&B (see "I'm 12").
Tuesday night was, of course, Trivia at Hooters in Hollywood. Michael was going to be late, so it was up to me and Mandy to represent. We missed the first 2 questions. Doesn't look good. Michael showed up just after Question 2. The rest of the game seemed to go downhill - we were missing a lot of questions! We did get a few right, but didn't seem like we were making any headway. Until the lightning round! I think we missed 2 of 7. As the hostess read off the winners, we were fairly convinced of our loss. Until she said our name! WOOO HOOOO! Another first place win for Team NOT Jim! :) I was so happy! And our bill for the night? ZERO! I think that's the best part, really.
RockStar Supernova - are you watching this show?! Last night SN chose mah girrrrrl Dilana to sing an original song with the badn - the 1st they've played onstage as Supernova. F'ing fantastic! The song is great - very T. Rex/NY Dolls inspired. You MUST watch this show! I'll be there in person next weekend! Dave and Tommy and Jason better watch out!!!
My Thursdays are spent at the Usual Place with my BFFs. Last Thursday had us at the bar instead of sitting on our couch. I met a great couple from Ireland ~ Syl & Pauline. They were on "holiday" visting the States for the first time. They were a total riot! Let me say I left Resids after 1 a.m. - *that's* how much fun I was having! (and she says we don't meet new people and do new things and have fun) Pauline was completely fascinated by the fact that I could eat sushi - "it's raw fish!" Well, yeah...and rice and avocado, too. The 2 of 'em just couldn't get over it. But, later in our conversation, it comes out that while they were at Toby Keith's restaurant in Nashville or Tulsa or wherever, Syl ate lamb fries. :::shiver::: LAMB FRIES! I'll take sushi anyday, thankyouverymuch! While we're all chatting it up about Michael Collins not having his own brand of whiskey, I notice the indiviual voices of the bar have become one. I look around to see everyone singing. I tune in to hear "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf on the jukebox. WTC?! (homage to Seth) I kid you not - EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE BAR WAS SINGING THIS DAMN SONG! Even Lainey!!!!! Did we suddenly become "Residuals, the Musical"?? WTF?! Hell is freezing as I watch this scene. Even Syl & Pauline are singing. I'll be damned if Seth isn't singing, too. I can't stop laughing at this. I'm amazed and awe-struck. I really can't get over Lainey singing this song (Do you love me? Will you love me forever?). OK...Mandy didn't know the song, so I didn't feel so bad. I mean, I know the song, but not well enough to play a role in the FAME production...ohhh, what a night!
Saturday was Chicken's birthday at D&B (see "I'm 12").
Tuesday night was, of course, Trivia at Hooters in Hollywood. Michael was going to be late, so it was up to me and Mandy to represent. We missed the first 2 questions. Doesn't look good. Michael showed up just after Question 2. The rest of the game seemed to go downhill - we were missing a lot of questions! We did get a few right, but didn't seem like we were making any headway. Until the lightning round! I think we missed 2 of 7. As the hostess read off the winners, we were fairly convinced of our loss. Until she said our name! WOOO HOOOO! Another first place win for Team NOT Jim! :) I was so happy! And our bill for the night? ZERO! I think that's the best part, really.
RockStar Supernova - are you watching this show?! Last night SN chose mah girrrrrl Dilana to sing an original song with the badn - the 1st they've played onstage as Supernova. F'ing fantastic! The song is great - very T. Rex/NY Dolls inspired. You MUST watch this show! I'll be there in person next weekend! Dave and Tommy and Jason better watch out!!!
I'm 12
Dave & Buster's is Vegas, Chuck E. Cheese and a 6 year old's birthday party all in one building. It's overwhelming! If I wasn't before, I'm surely ADD now. The BFFs took Chickens there for her b-day soiree on Saturday (soiree isn't quite right - esp for D&B's -but it rhymes with b-day, so I'm usin' it). I wasn't sure how the whole thing worked - money, tokens, tickets, what? While looking around for some sort of direction, I spotted her...about 10 feet away. I'd recognize the blue, pink and yellow *anywhere*, in any crowd, across any room. I could barely contain my excitement when I walked across to say hello to...Ms. Pacman. Imagine my glee when I saw that Galaga was on the same machine! I almost took a quarter to "call" next game :) Instead, you have to purchase cards; which you then swipe through at any game you play. Much easier to carry than a roll of quarters. I return to Ms. Pacman. SWIPE. The familiar screen and sounds throw me immediately back to The Castle in Riverside, playing these games with my brother and sister for hours...anyway...the joystick wasn't loose enough, the Ms. Pacman wasn't fast enough and the ghosts were much faster than usual. I was bummed I couldn't reach the 3rd screen - that's the best music! Dejected, I stroll around until I came across Donkey Kong. Ohhh, the beauty that is Donkey Kong. I played for a good 20 minutes! No high score, but it was a blast. We played a horse-racing game, a water-gun race, rifle shooting gallery (I am officially scared of Mandy!) and trivia. The 6 of us kicked ass on the trivia! The questions were a mix of history, music, tv/film, sports, art & science - the usual. It was a lot of fun to just sit there and hit a buzzer! Totally lame, I know. The correct answer was immediately shown on the screen, along with each person's answer AND if he/she was right or wrong. How embarrassing! Each of us won tons of tickets. After trivia, we moved to my favorite - Dance Dance Revolution! WOO HOOOO! I have always wanted to try this "game" but never had the guts. So, Chickens and I get up, thinkin' this is gonna be cake. Ohhh, if only wishing made it so! LOL Somehow, we ended up on extreme challenge or something. What the crap?! (homage to Seth) I'm not one of the kids from Fame! I couldn't even figure the damn thing out! I know there are pictures...I saw M&M and the camera! So, Chickens & I fail the first time. No big shock. We tried an easier one, which wasn't so much easier. I failed the easy one, too. Lainey & Mandy didn't do too bad...DDR is one fun game! The music and anime were totally cheesy, but that added to the beauty of it all.
What a great night - friends, fun, dancing, Donkey Kong, trivia and beer! I see D&B in my immediate future :)
What a great night - friends, fun, dancing, Donkey Kong, trivia and beer! I see D&B in my immediate future :)
Friday, August 11, 2006
it's worth repeating
On Thursday 8/3 at lunch, I ran into George Clooney. Literally! I tried to pass him as he talked with a couple of people in front of the Commissary (one of whom was Grant Heslov, his biz partner), but he turned around and bumped right into me. He said "Oh! Excuse me."
Actually, he said "Oh! Excuse me - you're the most beautiful creature in existence. My name is George. What's yours? Will you have dinner with me tonight? And marry me tomorrow?"
Well, that's what *I* heard him say.
Yeah...I'm pretty sure George Clooney said that to me. Yep, that's it.
It's love. *swoon*
Actually, he said "Oh! Excuse me - you're the most beautiful creature in existence. My name is George. What's yours? Will you have dinner with me tonight? And marry me tomorrow?"
Well, that's what *I* heard him say.
Yeah...I'm pretty sure George Clooney said that to me. Yep, that's it.
It's love. *swoon*
Grease is the word
Picture this ~ a movie theater packed with 30-, 40- and even 50-somethings...as the lights go down, the curtain parts to reveal an animated opening title sequence. This "cartoon" gives way to a beach scene then segues to a high school campus at lunchtime. Suddenly, all the men in the theater erupt into "Summer lovin', had me a blast!" While the ladies in the theater sing "Summer lovin', happened so fast!" Imagine this going on for 4 or 5 minutes...and you have the beginning of the Grease Singalong at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood! Dude, you *know* I am so THERE! It's the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the Sound of Music @ the Bowl smooshed together and wrapped in pretty paper and a bow :)
Go greased lightnin you're burnin up the quarter mile (greased lightning go greased lightning)...Hopelessly devoted to youuuuuu...Stranded at the drive-in, branded a fool, what will they say Monday at school?...brusha brusha brusha, get the new Ipana...born to hand jive, baby...Ooh ooh ooh, Honey!
I love LA!
Go greased lightnin you're burnin up the quarter mile (greased lightning go greased lightning)...Hopelessly devoted to youuuuuu...Stranded at the drive-in, branded a fool, what will they say Monday at school?...brusha brusha brusha, get the new Ipana...born to hand jive, baby...Ooh ooh ooh, Honey!
I love LA!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesdays with Reese
Tuesday nights are reserved for my BFFs and Trivia at Hooters in Hollywood (yeah, *that* Hooters). We discovered this weekly “competition and celebration of the insignificant” while on tour with Flat Stanley. And, if you know the BFFs, we are all about showcasing our trivial skills! Night One had Team BFF on a roll; and we had Team Jim on the run. Mariah Carey, Tetris (who knew?), Texas, Dirty Dancing Havana Nights, Priscilla, Lisa Marie and Riley (it’s the name of my cat) were just a couple of the answers that night. Fast-forward to Night Four and Team BFF has scored two 1st place and two 2nd place finishes. We’re pretty damn good! Do YOU know the last name of Mad Max or which TV sitcom Harrison Ford turned down a starring role on because the central character was controversial? If so, call me – you’re recruited to Team BFF. See you Tuesday at Hooters Hollywood & Highland!
Another Tuesday ritual is taking the subway to H&H. It’s sooo much easier than driving over the hill, getting stuck in the Bowl traffic, getting stuck in the H&H traffic, trying to find parking, paying an arm and leg for said parking, then battling your way to Hooters through the street “performers” and looky-loos. The MTA drops you off in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Show and next to the Kodak Theater AND Banana Republic – how great is that? On our way home last night, the subway was delayed because “there’s a train in front of us and we can’t move yet.” OK. After five minutes and three more announcements, we’re still sitting at the station. Next thing I know, two Sheriffs – one with a rifle, the other with his service weapon drawn – march past the open doors of the subway car. Several things are running through my mind – WTF?! Where are they going? Who’s got a gun? WTF?! Should I stop-drop-and-roll? Duck? Hide? WTF?! While the thoughts are crowding my brain, I turn to the subway car adjacent to the one I’m in to see what’s going on. Natch. The Sheriffs grab some dude, who, by the way, ain’t willing to go along with the Men in Green. Scuffle, scuffle, scuffle. While the sounds of Don Henley drift in my mind – “I will not lie down, I will not go quietly” - a female Sheriff runs into the subway car, only to escort another passenger, a woman, out to the platform. While the woman resisted the cuffing, the Sheriffs paraded the guy past the open subway doors – cuffed, cut and bleeding. BOOM! Subway doors close and off we go to the Universal station. Show over. Lainey & I complained - wait! What happened?! What did they do?! Touch me in the morning, then just walk away. Damn.
Yet another Tuesday custom is Rockstar:Supernova. Are you watching this show? Holy hell it rocks! Premise – a dozen or so rockers get to audition to be lead singer of Supernova – an effing brilliant concoction of Gilby Clarke, Jason Newsted and Tommy Lee (Dave Navarro – just as yummy as Tommy – is the co-host and the icing on the Supernova cake). Last night, the remaining rockers had the chance to sing The Who classic “Won’t Get Fooled Again” with Gilby on guitar. My girl, Dilana, stepped up, took the song, rocked it and put it to bed! She was effing amazing! At this point, it’s all about Dilana and Storm for me; but can easily see Lukas in front. Maybe Toby or Magni. But, Dilana is mah girrrrl!
And it’s only Tuesday!
Another Tuesday ritual is taking the subway to H&H. It’s sooo much easier than driving over the hill, getting stuck in the Bowl traffic, getting stuck in the H&H traffic, trying to find parking, paying an arm and leg for said parking, then battling your way to Hooters through the street “performers” and looky-loos. The MTA drops you off in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Show and next to the Kodak Theater AND Banana Republic – how great is that? On our way home last night, the subway was delayed because “there’s a train in front of us and we can’t move yet.” OK. After five minutes and three more announcements, we’re still sitting at the station. Next thing I know, two Sheriffs – one with a rifle, the other with his service weapon drawn – march past the open doors of the subway car. Several things are running through my mind – WTF?! Where are they going? Who’s got a gun? WTF?! Should I stop-drop-and-roll? Duck? Hide? WTF?! While the thoughts are crowding my brain, I turn to the subway car adjacent to the one I’m in to see what’s going on. Natch. The Sheriffs grab some dude, who, by the way, ain’t willing to go along with the Men in Green. Scuffle, scuffle, scuffle. While the sounds of Don Henley drift in my mind – “I will not lie down, I will not go quietly” - a female Sheriff runs into the subway car, only to escort another passenger, a woman, out to the platform. While the woman resisted the cuffing, the Sheriffs paraded the guy past the open subway doors – cuffed, cut and bleeding. BOOM! Subway doors close and off we go to the Universal station. Show over. Lainey & I complained - wait! What happened?! What did they do?! Touch me in the morning, then just walk away. Damn.
Yet another Tuesday custom is Rockstar:Supernova. Are you watching this show? Holy hell it rocks! Premise – a dozen or so rockers get to audition to be lead singer of Supernova – an effing brilliant concoction of Gilby Clarke, Jason Newsted and Tommy Lee (Dave Navarro – just as yummy as Tommy – is the co-host and the icing on the Supernova cake). Last night, the remaining rockers had the chance to sing The Who classic “Won’t Get Fooled Again” with Gilby on guitar. My girl, Dilana, stepped up, took the song, rocked it and put it to bed! She was effing amazing! At this point, it’s all about Dilana and Storm for me; but can easily see Lukas in front. Maybe Toby or Magni. But, Dilana is mah girrrrl!
And it’s only Tuesday!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Ohhhh the people you see...
On Thursday 8/3 at lunch, I ran into George Clooney. Literally! I tried to pass him as he talked with a couple of people in front of the Commissary (one of whom was Grant Heslov, his biz partner), but he turned around and bumped right into me. He said "Oh! Excuse me." Actually, he said "Oh! Excuse me - you're the most beautiful creature in existence. My name is George. What's yours? Will you have dinner with me tonight? And marry me tomorrow?" Well, that's what *I* heard him say. Yeah...I'm pretty sure George Clooney said that to me. Yep, that's it.
It's love. *swoon*
And then, today...8/7 at lunch...Matthew Perry breezed by, looking quite natty in a black suit, unbuttoned white shirt - no tie, smoking. He was headed toward the bathroom outside the Commissary. Explains why he was walking so fast...
Even though no words were exchanged, it's love. *swoon*
It's love. *swoon*
And then, today...8/7 at lunch...Matthew Perry breezed by, looking quite natty in a black suit, unbuttoned white shirt - no tie, smoking. He was headed toward the bathroom outside the Commissary. Explains why he was walking so fast...
Even though no words were exchanged, it's love. *swoon*
Monday, June 26, 2006
Top 10 of the Top 111 Worst Songs. Ever.
Here's the Top 10 of AOL's 111 Worst Songs Ever:
#10 ~ "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (Ugh!)
#9 ~ :::gasp::: "The Macarena" by Los Del Rio (NO! I protest vigorously! "She's Having My Baby" is WAY worse than this!!)
#8 ~ "Ebony & Ivory" by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder (is it really *that* bad? C'mon - there is good and bad in everyone...side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why don't we? Can't you see the children standing, side by side, holding hands, swaying and singing?)
#7 ~ "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred (again - NO! I protest! The song is definitely cheesy, but the worst? It's fun and catchy. I'm too sexy for my blog.)
#6 ~ "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy (yes I am wise, but it's wisdom born of pain ~ that's some deep shit, people)
#5 ~ "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer (I reject that totally! This song was theshit when it was out! Who compiled this list?! I need to have some words...sound the bell, school's in, sucka)
#4 ~ "Barbie Girl" by Aqua (I couldn't believe this was actually a song. One of my students (Cassondra) at Birmingham HS brought it to my attention...wrapped it plastic, it's fantastic - ah ah ah yeah)
#3 ~ "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin (*Finally* - something I can agree with. Even though I would have put William Hung's version here. Or higher.)
#2 ~ "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice (#2?! OMG - what can be worse than *this* song? Dawnee & I were just talking about Ice ripping off Queen and how he tried to say there was a difference in the riff. *LMAO*)
#1 ~ "Who Let The Dogs Out?" by Baha Men (Ohhhh...OK. *This* song is definitely worse than "Ice Ice Baby" I agree! I agree!)
I can't wait for the list to rewind so I can hear it from the end!
#10 ~ "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (Ugh!)
#9 ~ :::gasp::: "The Macarena" by Los Del Rio (NO! I protest vigorously! "She's Having My Baby" is WAY worse than this!!)
#8 ~ "Ebony & Ivory" by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder (is it really *that* bad? C'mon - there is good and bad in everyone...side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why don't we? Can't you see the children standing, side by side, holding hands, swaying and singing?)
#7 ~ "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred (again - NO! I protest! The song is definitely cheesy, but the worst? It's fun and catchy. I'm too sexy for my blog.)
#6 ~ "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy (yes I am wise, but it's wisdom born of pain ~ that's some deep shit, people)
#5 ~ "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer (I reject that totally! This song was theshit when it was out! Who compiled this list?! I need to have some words...sound the bell, school's in, sucka)
#4 ~ "Barbie Girl" by Aqua (I couldn't believe this was actually a song. One of my students (Cassondra) at Birmingham HS brought it to my attention...wrapped it plastic, it's fantastic - ah ah ah yeah)
#3 ~ "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin (*Finally* - something I can agree with. Even though I would have put William Hung's version here. Or higher.)
#2 ~ "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice (#2?! OMG - what can be worse than *this* song? Dawnee & I were just talking about Ice ripping off Queen and how he tried to say there was a difference in the riff. *LMAO*)
#1 ~ "Who Let The Dogs Out?" by Baha Men (Ohhhh...OK. *This* song is definitely worse than "Ice Ice Baby" I agree! I agree!)
I can't wait for the list to rewind so I can hear it from the end!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
we should talk about this problem...
(for him)
We Should Talk About This Problem
There is a Beautiful Creature
Living in a hole you have dug.
So at night
I set fruit and grains
And little pots of wine and milk
Beside your soft earthen mounds,
And I often sing.
But still, my dear,
You do not come out.
I have fallen in love with Someone
Who hides inside you.
We should talk about this problem---
Otherwise,
I will never leave you alone.
-- Hafiz
We Should Talk About This Problem
There is a Beautiful Creature
Living in a hole you have dug.
So at night
I set fruit and grains
And little pots of wine and milk
Beside your soft earthen mounds,
And I often sing.
But still, my dear,
You do not come out.
I have fallen in love with Someone
Who hides inside you.
We should talk about this problem---
Otherwise,
I will never leave you alone.
-- Hafiz
Thursday, May 11, 2006
OPRAH!!
I couldn't sleep Tuesday night. Due, in part, to the fact that I missed a crucial episode of "American Idol." And if you know me, you know I do NOT miss AI (ooh whoa whoa). But, we all know the main reason I battled insomnia, don't we? All together now - OPRAH! I was so excited - what's the topic going to be? Will I get to meet her? Will I be on camera? Will I win a car? Do I *really* need a makeover? I wanted to be in line fairly early as seating is "first come, first served" basis. So, I left the hotel around 10 ~ check-in time between 11-11:30. When the cab turned left onto Washington, the words "Harpo Studios" and an "O" loomed a couple of blocks down. My stomach totally leapt to my throat from sheer excitement! I walked past about 12-15 people all chattering away. Within 10 minutes, the line tripled! While texting my sister and BFFs, the line started moving forward to the sounds of "have your ID out and ready to go" chanted by Harpo security. Inside we maneuvered through the Disneyland-type lines - y'know, the ones where you pass the same people, do the courtesy smile, assess wardrobe, etc. (You know what I'm talking about). Each group was checked in, then hoarded through a metal detector while our bags and purses were being checked for contraband. My mobile was confiscated, which was a drag cuz I had a lot to say and texting was to be my saviour. After the security stuff, we were taken upstairs to the holding pen ~ 3 huge flat screens showing Oprah shows, pictures of O with some of her favorite guests (Nelson Mandela and the cast of Sex and the City, how's *that* for diversity), and five posters of the current cover of "O" magazine. We sat in this holding pen for about 90 minutes. And boy was it ripe for people watching! My internal dialogue was hilarious - too much makeup; she's wearing flip flops to the Oprah show?! Doesn't even matter if the flip flops have sequins on 'em, they're still flip flops; nice outfit; great shoes; what was she thinking this morning?! I really needed *someone* to share with. Around noon, groups of names were being called. I was called in the 6th or 7th round. Down the stairs and into the blue hall...up the few steps and THROUGH THE SAME DOORS OPRAH USES TO ENTER HER SHOW!!! I really wanted to jump up and down. I walked across the stage and stopped in front of her chairs. OMG! THE YELLOW OPRAH CHAIRS!!!! I really wanted to jump up and down. Ridiculous, yes. Too bad producers were sitting in the chairs - I wanted to touch 'em or brush up against 'em or something! One producer led the three ladies in front of me to seats and left me standing there on the stage. "Uhh...you forgot me!" She apologized profusely then sat me in the first seat of the first row in the bleachers. It's not as bad as it sounds - I had a direct line to Oprah's seat *and* a camera. A couple of production assistants came out, did the crowd warm-up (who traveled the farthest? who's having a birthday? etc) and shared that the show's guests were "royal" and wonderful. I felt like the girls on "America's Next Top Model" who always try to figure out what they'll be doing by deciphering a cryptic message. When the producer came back on, she told us the topic: Women Changing History and Making a Difference. The guests were Queen Rania of Jordan, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Sarah MacLachlan. What an amazing panel of guests! The producer walked off and then the people on the right side of the room started yelling and clapping. OMG!! OPRAH!! OPRAHHHHHHH!!! She just walked right out! No announcement, no lead-in, no warning, no nothing! I jumped up and down! And yelled. And clapped. And woooo'd. She was wearing a yellow top (not a good color for her, but then, she didn't ask me), tiiiiiight white skirt, fabulous shoes and her hair pulled back in a pony tail (again, not a look I'd choose for her, but then, she didn't ask me). OK, she's a peanut. She's tiny! But you feel how amazing she is...the air really was electric. She chatted us up a bit, then launched into her opening.
Queen Rania of Jordan was first. She's beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken and so incredibly down-to-earth you'd never guess she's royalty. She spoke with such passion when discussing her family, raising her kids, educating women in Jordan. Her love for her country and religion were so evident! Everything she said was something fantastic to quote - educate a girl and you educate the future; poverty is a she; extremists biggest fear is understanding, which is why the Arab countries and the West should work together to understand. One of the clips shown was a day in the life of women in Jordan. It was very interesting to see these women are not oppressed. I was surprised. One lady, a shop owner, was shown ordering Domino's pizza for dinner for her family! It was hysterical!
Then, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. She is the first elected woman president of an African nation - Liberia. Liberia was founded by freed American slaves. Recently, the country has been engaged in civil war. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ran for president against Charles Young back in 1997 and lost. Charles Young did nothing but encourage the civil war, give guns to children and allow the rape/murder of women in the country. He was overthrown and exiled. Last September, an election was held and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf won. She was inaugurated in January 2006. When she walked out, I was crying. There was so much emotion churning inside me and it just came out at that time. This 67-year old grandmother of nine is changing the lives of thousands in a country! She's building schools, empowering women to better themselves, helping families help their children grow and flourish. A clip was shown of a 10-year old girl named Mosu. She LOVES school and science and wants to become a doctor. Why? Because a few years ago, a rocket came through the roof of her house and Mosu lost her arm. "I want to be a doctor because a doctor helped me when I lost my hand." Her parents grow and sell potatoes and greens to make enough money to pay for her schooling - $75 US dollars for one year. One year? I spend $75 in Target in one hour! Again, I cried. The lady next turned and said "How can we help? This jacked cost me $150 - I could send Mosu to school for 2 years!" Then Oprah yelled to have the chairs re-set. She brought President Johnson-Sirleaf back to the stage. Mosu was here! The little girl was incredibly shy and didn't want to come out. She did, briefly and the whole audience was moved to tears.
Lastly, Sarah MacLachlan came out. She took the money it would have cost to make a video ($150K) and donated it to charities around the world, literally helping a million people. The one that stuck with me - the $3,000 for one day of craft services bought food for hundreds of families in Calcutta. To see how much money is spent on a video and how it helped those without was tryly amazing. And brought more tears.
That was the end of my Oprah show. But the effect and affect will last much longer...
Look for me on TV!
Queen Rania of Jordan was first. She's beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken and so incredibly down-to-earth you'd never guess she's royalty. She spoke with such passion when discussing her family, raising her kids, educating women in Jordan. Her love for her country and religion were so evident! Everything she said was something fantastic to quote - educate a girl and you educate the future; poverty is a she; extremists biggest fear is understanding, which is why the Arab countries and the West should work together to understand. One of the clips shown was a day in the life of women in Jordan. It was very interesting to see these women are not oppressed. I was surprised. One lady, a shop owner, was shown ordering Domino's pizza for dinner for her family! It was hysterical!
Then, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. She is the first elected woman president of an African nation - Liberia. Liberia was founded by freed American slaves. Recently, the country has been engaged in civil war. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ran for president against Charles Young back in 1997 and lost. Charles Young did nothing but encourage the civil war, give guns to children and allow the rape/murder of women in the country. He was overthrown and exiled. Last September, an election was held and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf won. She was inaugurated in January 2006. When she walked out, I was crying. There was so much emotion churning inside me and it just came out at that time. This 67-year old grandmother of nine is changing the lives of thousands in a country! She's building schools, empowering women to better themselves, helping families help their children grow and flourish. A clip was shown of a 10-year old girl named Mosu. She LOVES school and science and wants to become a doctor. Why? Because a few years ago, a rocket came through the roof of her house and Mosu lost her arm. "I want to be a doctor because a doctor helped me when I lost my hand." Her parents grow and sell potatoes and greens to make enough money to pay for her schooling - $75 US dollars for one year. One year? I spend $75 in Target in one hour! Again, I cried. The lady next turned and said "How can we help? This jacked cost me $150 - I could send Mosu to school for 2 years!" Then Oprah yelled to have the chairs re-set. She brought President Johnson-Sirleaf back to the stage. Mosu was here! The little girl was incredibly shy and didn't want to come out. She did, briefly and the whole audience was moved to tears.
Lastly, Sarah MacLachlan came out. She took the money it would have cost to make a video ($150K) and donated it to charities around the world, literally helping a million people. The one that stuck with me - the $3,000 for one day of craft services bought food for hundreds of families in Calcutta. To see how much money is spent on a video and how it helped those without was tryly amazing. And brought more tears.
That was the end of my Oprah show. But the effect and affect will last much longer...
Look for me on TV!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
J to the...L to the...O to the...
I saw J-Lo yesterday! WOW is pretty much all I can say. She looked S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G. Absolutely gorgeous and flawless and relaxed and beautiful and disgusting. Only disgusting cuz I'm a hater ;) She was wearing an off-white, off the shoulder top and a long white skirt - possibly palazzo pants. Whatever. The woman is luminescent! Yeah, I'm a hater. :)
I love Hell-Ay!
I love Hell-Ay!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Celebrity Sightings!
I *love* L.A.! Went out to dinner Sunday night with the BFFs for Michael's birthday (Michael is the BFFBoy)...we're at Dan Tana's in WeHo at 8:30 p.m. waiting for our table to be ready...I'm hungry, which made me cranky...until I heard "Did you see Al Pacino over there?" WTF?! Al Pacino? AL PACINO?! (in my head I'm saying Al Pacino and chanting "Attica! Attica!" a la John Travolta as Tony Minero in Saturday Night Fever). Everyone turns around to look at him. I didn't. I waited until he stood up so I could him. He's a peanut! He's a little guy! But his hair is big. And, he's freakin' AL PACINO. That's huge. Huge! So, still waiting to be seated...wine is just about gone (Chianti, if you must know)...and the 73rd person bumps me on the way to the bathroom. He stops.
"Hey, did you see Sidney Poitier over there?"
"Uhh...no, only Pacino."
"Yeah, Sidney is in the other corner."
Wait. Sidney Poitier? In here over there?! WTF?! I thought Al Pacino was huge. Hell, up until Sunday night *Liza Minelli* was the biggest Star I'd encountered! But Sidney freakin Poitier?! HUGER than HUGE! First Black to win Best Actor Oscar! Amazing. Truly amazing. I was so happy to see him dining with his family. (In my head I'm yelling "They call me MISTER Tibbs!") GREAT role for him, but I loved "To Sir, With Love" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"
Then THAT was all washed away by the entrance of Rick & Kathy Hilton. Who?!
"Hey, did you see Sidney Poitier over there?"
"Uhh...no, only Pacino."
"Yeah, Sidney is in the other corner."
Wait. Sidney Poitier? In here over there?! WTF?! I thought Al Pacino was huge. Hell, up until Sunday night *Liza Minelli* was the biggest Star I'd encountered! But Sidney freakin Poitier?! HUGER than HUGE! First Black to win Best Actor Oscar! Amazing. Truly amazing. I was so happy to see him dining with his family. (In my head I'm yelling "They call me MISTER Tibbs!") GREAT role for him, but I loved "To Sir, With Love" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"
Then THAT was all washed away by the entrance of Rick & Kathy Hilton. Who?!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Mine Mine Mine!
These WILL be mine. Umm...in about 6-10 business days. Free shipping. MY size! MY shoes! I *heart* these :)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
for the wineaux in you
www.learnaboutwine.com ~ Take a class from Ian (he's quite handsome and knowledgable!); may I suggest the Scents of Wine class or Wine Camp for the novices. ;)
www.vendometolucalake.com ~ Join me - this is where I am Friday nights! Joe & Brian take such good care of me. Thisclose to Joe hiring me to pour...
www.womenwine.com ~ Women & Wine site - take a wine vacation with the fabulous women in your life or meet a group of wineaux such as yourself.
www.winespectator.com ~ THE definitive word on wines. Read the most eloquent reviews by Robert Parker. Subscribe, get a membership and learn about new releases.
www.temeculawines.org ~ It ain't Napa or Sonoma, but Temecula is quickly changing the way wineaux view this Southern CA region. Check out my faves - Thornton, Baily and Leonesse (though all in the area have something great to offer).
Any suggestions for me?
www.vendometolucalake.com ~ Join me - this is where I am Friday nights! Joe & Brian take such good care of me. Thisclose to Joe hiring me to pour...
www.womenwine.com ~ Women & Wine site - take a wine vacation with the fabulous women in your life or meet a group of wineaux such as yourself.
www.winespectator.com ~ THE definitive word on wines. Read the most eloquent reviews by Robert Parker. Subscribe, get a membership and learn about new releases.
www.temeculawines.org ~ It ain't Napa or Sonoma, but Temecula is quickly changing the way wineaux view this Southern CA region. Check out my faves - Thornton, Baily and Leonesse (though all in the area have something great to offer).
Any suggestions for me?
it's all about me
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. sign language interpreter/teacher
2. Financial Associate (read: Bank Teller)
3. Manager of The Body Shop
4. HR Assistant
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Love Actually
2. Rear Window
3. Shawshank Redemption
4. The Sound of Music
Four places you have lived:
1. Valley Village, CA (formerly known as North Hollywood)
2. Riverside, CA
3. Northridge CA
4. San Pedro CA
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. American Idol (ooh whoa whoa)
2. LOST
3. Facts of Life (you take the good, you take the bad...)
4. This Week with George Stephanopolous
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Hawaii
2. Philadelphia
3. Vancouver/Victoria/Seattle/Astoria
4. Orlando
Four websites I visit daily:
1. Yahoo!
2. The Awful Truth on E! Online (Thanks to Chickens is Ash)
3. Google
4. Warner Bros. website
Four of my favorite foods:
1. french fries (extra crispy thankyouverymuch)
2. Hershey's Dark Chocolate Nuggets w/Almonds
3. peanut butter & jelly sandwich
4. bacon avocado burger
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. a bed at the Century Plaza Hotel
2. Cape Cod
3. Hawaii
4. Victoria BC
Four things I always carry with me:
1. lip gloss
2. cell phone
3. debit card
4. extra weight
Four things you have always wanted to do but haven't yet:
1. win the lottery
2. have dinner with Oprah
3. have a talk show
4. own a wine bar
1. sign language interpreter/teacher
2. Financial Associate (read: Bank Teller)
3. Manager of The Body Shop
4. HR Assistant
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Love Actually
2. Rear Window
3. Shawshank Redemption
4. The Sound of Music
Four places you have lived:
1. Valley Village, CA (formerly known as North Hollywood)
2. Riverside, CA
3. Northridge CA
4. San Pedro CA
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. American Idol (ooh whoa whoa)
2. LOST
3. Facts of Life (you take the good, you take the bad...)
4. This Week with George Stephanopolous
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Hawaii
2. Philadelphia
3. Vancouver/Victoria/Seattle/Astoria
4. Orlando
Four websites I visit daily:
1. Yahoo!
2. The Awful Truth on E! Online (Thanks to Chickens is Ash)
3. Google
4. Warner Bros. website
Four of my favorite foods:
1. french fries (extra crispy thankyouverymuch)
2. Hershey's Dark Chocolate Nuggets w/Almonds
3. peanut butter & jelly sandwich
4. bacon avocado burger
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. a bed at the Century Plaza Hotel
2. Cape Cod
3. Hawaii
4. Victoria BC
Four things I always carry with me:
1. lip gloss
2. cell phone
3. debit card
4. extra weight
Four things you have always wanted to do but haven't yet:
1. win the lottery
2. have dinner with Oprah
3. have a talk show
4. own a wine bar
Thursday, February 16, 2006
girls girls girls
Of the many blessings in my life, my girlfriends definitely rank in the Top Two. I really can't believe how truly blessed I am to have these women in my life!
- Allison ~ known her since 1st day of freshman year in high school. We've gone to Vegas to see Loverboy & Cheap Trick; back again to see Bush, Goo Goo Dolls and No Doubt; back yet again to see her get married. She's funny and caring and has a fantastic family.
- The Girls ~ G, Sheri, Polls, Suz & Mic! Mah Grrrrls! We met through the tall clubs ohsomany years ago and have remained friends outside of the tall clubs. We talk about everything! And there's nothing one of us goes through that another hasn't experienced. G & Sheri have such huge hearts. I wish I had such whole-hearted compassion. Polls is such a delight! Her quips and humor and young-at-heart nature aren't half as admirable as her devotion to her daughters. Suz & Mic. I don't even know what to say. The 3 of us have been through so much together (and apart): pageants, Miss TI, heart surgery, no talking for years, club events, life. I am a better person for having Suz & Mic in my life - both are my cheerleaders and my shoulders to cry on and my Dear Abby's. We're intimidating at first glance. Helloooo! Six women OVER six feet tall?! Uh. Yeah. I can honestly say we're the life of the party. And I can also say I am so effing blessed.
- BFFs! ~ This is the craziest bunch of women I've ever been honored to call "friends" and it's awesome! Four of the 5 of us live in the same apartment complex. I've done stuff w/Chickens is Ash, and Iggy and with Manders. Then one night, we hit Residuals to meet up with JKAT & Foxy and the BFFs were born! Chickens is Ash reads Ted religiously. She knows what's up in Hell-ay before it gets to US, People and In Touch mags. She's witty and smart and has a great laugh. Iggy and I bonded over vacuum cleaner bags. LOL She's ever-the-hostess, very welcoming and has a great sectional! Manders is so fun to be around - observant and friendly and very laid-back. She also has THE best boyfriend. Ever. Well, top 10 Best Boyfriend. :) And then there's Foxy! She is sooo ham & cheese (read: camera hog) - I love it! Always ready to pose (shoulder forward, chin up or shoulder forward, finger on chin). She is full of energy, quick to laugh and can text faster than I can talk! The BFFs share the love of reality TV (Bachelor!), wine, gossip and boys. I can count on these girls for anything and everything - a laugh, a speech, a celebration, a comisseration, a good time. Love US! Mean it!
- Lys - sheesh. WTF do I begin with THIS one?! Immediate click with her. Both of us were skeptical of the other in the beginning, as our IM/email conversations were peppered w/questions (well, what do YOU know about him? How do YOU know that?). Despite that, we became fast friends. I admire her business sense, her seemingly limitless knowledge of PR, unending list of friends & contacts and her commitment to what she does. We share a passion for fashion and PR and music and all things good in life. I've learned so much from her ~ and continue to do so. I appreciate her friendship more and more.
- K ~ our friendship started as co-workers. I've grown to admire her every time we lunch or talk. She's a strong woman with an even stronger sense of self. I'm not sure she recognizes it. She's smart and opinionated and unafraid to speak her mind and her truth. I so admire that! I'm always afraid what someone will think. She's great! I don't know too many Kid Rock loving, Beastie Boys singing vegetarians :)
Thanks for sharing you with me.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
your the best
OK...seriously...I really do not understand why some people don't know the difference between your and you're ~ and it really bugs me. Ugh! I guess it's the teacher in me...the irresistible urge to correct grammar...
Monday, February 06, 2006
you say you want a resolution, well, y'know...
I am verrrrry hesitant to put new year's "goals" down in a blog. Ohhhh don't EVEN sit there egging me on! Cuz you KNOW you'll be the first to say "ohh, you didn't do THIS one...ohh, you didn't do THAT one!" OK, you'll be the second. I'll be the first. :) So, against my better judgement, let's just get it over with.
*SIGH*Lemme put it out there: I'm not even trying to pretend that "going to the gym/losing weight" isn't number one on my List. It's *understood* ~ right, Girls?! Ha! Well, if you don't put it out into the Universe, it doesn't come back. Damn.
back to the gym ~ lose weight 30 pounds by May 1st ~ attend Academy Awards® party ~ do more things with my girl friends (see you Thursdays @ Residuals! BFF!) ~ go to a museum or gallery or some other cultural event once a month, alone or with friends ~ throw my hat into the ring to run the Women of Warner Bros. group ~ volunteer monthly instead of quarterly ~ work with Route 7 ~ get at least 3 more clients ~ see more live music (I gotta check out Matty sometime) ~ expand my music collection (take a listen to 'Highway 5' by the Blessing and Morningwood) ~ vacation cruise on the other coast (NY/Nova Scotia/Boston-Cape Cod) ~ do it up Vegas-style for my birthday! ~ meet/exceed goals set by my boss ~ GET THAT DAMN FILING UNDER CONTROL ~ new apartment with an "ocean" view?? ~ and all the other things I've yet to discover/experience this year.
I wish you the best of all things in 2006.
Monday, January 09, 2006
celebrity
Living in L.A. gives you plenty of celebrity sighting opportunities. Working in the "industry" pretty much guarantees such sightings. I was almost hit by Matthew Perry on Valentine's Day (it was a SIGN, I know it! Damn my friend for pulling me back from the curb!), the cast of "Ocean's 12" was my eye-candy for a few weeks, President Barlett hugged my Cous and his friends, and I had breakfast with Matthew McConaghey, Penelope Cruz and Isaiah Washington from Grey's Anatomy. The other night, I wanted to punch a teenaged "celebrity". I'm at a restaurant in the Valley with friends. All I want is a picture of the group of us. So, I'm looking around for someone to ask to be our photog. A-ha ~ 6 teenagers (4 boys, 2 girls)! A bit of an inconvenience for them, but WTF. I approach one of the boys "Would you mind taking a pic..." And one girl replies "No." So, I look at her; clearly she wasn't talking to me, was she? "Sorry, would you take a ..." Same girl "Noo." I look at her again and recognition flickers. Raven-Symone. Seriously? Seriously. Yeah. If you don't know, she's one of Disney's hottest tweens & teens commodities - TV show, tons of merchandising ~ Disney's marketing darling du jour. Also, she was the cute little kid on the latter years of the Cosby Show. Clearly annoyed, as I don't tolerate fools nor rudeness well ~ "I want HIM to take a picture of me with MY friends. Not me with YOU." The only teenager I pose for pics with is my niece! I found a much nicer boy with much nicer friends to take our pic.
Clearly, that behavior is truly SO Raven.
Clearly, that behavior is truly SO Raven.
peer pressure
How foolish am I?! All of these years, I truly thought I was a "rebel" - setting my OWN course, marching to the beat of my OWN drummer (Tommy Lee, of course), blazing my OWN trail! HA! I'm a follower. I'm a conformist. A groupie.
I have a blog.
I have a blog.
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