music, Michelle and mixed tapes

All of you know I'm a music fan. All music. Period. Jonny Lang to Johnny Rotten to Johnny Mathis. I'm a fan. C'mon ~ Mom is an opera singer; Dad is a jazz pianist who plays by ear. No, none of that raw talent was passed to me, but I digress.

You should also know I am all about the 80s music genre - hair bands, alternative/new wave, freestyle dance, old skool, all of it. As it's the music of my youth, obviously there's a special place in my ears for 80s; particularly the alternative/new wave/KROQ music. I attribute this love to two people ~ Richard Blade and Michelle L from RHS.

Michelle was a year or two ahead of me; I think we met when I was a sophomore - many details escape me. She was a one of a handful of girls I admired in high school, mainly because she didn't follow trends, she set her own. Before Duran Duran really made the 'scene' she had blonde bangs a la John Taylor. WOW! That was huge to me. I couldn't carry that shit off; but she could and did. I remember Michelle wearing the 'John Taylor hat' one day (you know what I'm talkin' 'bout - the hat from the videos!) and I couldn't contain myself. The only hats I saw at school were baseball caps on boys! Again, this was huge to me.

Michelle and I had a class together (again, details escape me); I don't recall much work getting done. I do recall listening to her tales - seeing Duran Duran at a gallery opening in Hollywood (gasp - she went to Hollywood?!), concerts, clubs, music and bands (she gave me the lyrics to Haircut 100's 'Favourite Shirt' which was one of my faves of the day). She talked about videos on MTV, all of this music coming out of England and I was so intrigued!

One day, (I think) I gave Michelle a blank cassette or two, requesting some of this music I'd only heard her talk about. What I got were two of the most awesome mixed tapes ever. Ever. Seriously. EVER. These tapes had music that still resonates in my head, my heart and my ears thanks to iTunes: Japan & David Sylvian "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" was magical and haunting; the original version (and my favorite version) of "Pretty in Pink" and "Run Run Run" by the Psychedelic Furs; "Enjoy Yourself" by the Specials; Duran Duran, of course; "Fantastic Day" by HC100; and a song called "Jackpot" by this band called the Beat. I had never heard anything like it! I wanted to hear more. I wanted to know more about this band, the Beat. Of course, nothing could be found in the local Wherehouse or Licorice Pizza (how's THAT for a flashback?!). It wasn't until later that I discovered the Import sections and vinyl heaven at Mad Platter or that awesome record store that used to be in the Hardman Center in Riverside (again, details escape me).

A couple of years ago, I sent Michelle a message on classmates.com. And, recently, we've reconnected (via a cryptic/creepy email from me - "Michelle L from RHS?" Yep, that's all I wrote).

So, Michelle ~ thank you! Those 2 cassettes brought joy to my ears and that one song by that one band still brings me joy to this day. This Friday will be my 14th English Beat show this year.

:)

drum roll please...

Introducing my Fantasy Football team...Victorious Secret

I know! Brilliant :)

So the guys don't forget they are losing to a girl!


Tom Brady, QB, NE
Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE
Willis McGahee, RB, BAL
Kellen Winslow, TE, CLE
Julius Jones, RB, SEA
Nate Burleson, WR, SEA
LenDale White, RB, TEN
Green Bay Packers D
Ricky Williams, RB, MIA
Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN
Darrell Jackson, WR, DEN
Nate Kaeding, K, SD
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG

Pray for farts ~ update

Went to visit Barbara @ the hospital today. She looks great! Much better than I expected, that's for sure. Tube through her nose, down her throat into her stomach - but she's spirited, talkative and positive. She's been passing gas which she says is a very good sign.

Surgery last Friday removed about four feet of her colon, the tumor and lymph nodes. The tumor was malignant, most of her colon distended and three of the 60 lymph nodes tested positive for cancer. Stage 3A colon cancer is completely treatable *and* beatable! Whew.

We enjoyed our lazy Saturday, chatting about this, that and the other...then I left so she could nap.

I am so relieved at this good news. It really was great to see Bo, spend some time with her.

Thanks for your prayers and good thoughts :)

Pray for farts

Barbara ~ known to her friends as Bo ~ has colon cancer. She's 44. She is 44! FUCK CANCER!

She's the most GOOD person I know! Bo has the hugest heart with an amazing capacity for love and unending patience...always positive, always there with a shoulder for crying, an ear for listening and a wide array of home-baked goodies for soothing. And now, she lies in a hospital bed fighting for her life. Hey Cancer, fuck off!

We'll see here this weekend, as she asked us not to come tonight. Yesterday was a bad day; she seemed to be in a positive-frame of mind today. Before hanging up, I asked what, if anything, she needs or what I can do. She said "Pray for farts. Seriously! Pray that I pass gas, it's a good thing!"

So, I will pray for farts. If there was a Fart Dance - like a Rain Dance - believe me, I'd do it.

Fantasy Football, Baby!

Team Reese (in order of appearance):

1. Tom Brady, QB, NE
2. Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE
3. Willis McGahee, RB, BAL
4. Kellen Winslow, TE, CLE
5. Julius Jones, RB, SEA
6. Nate Burleson, WR, SEA
7. LenDale White, RB, TEN
8. Green Bay Packers D
9. Ricky Williams, RB, MIA
10. Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN
11. Darrell Jackson, WR, DEN
12. Nate Kaeding, K, SD
13. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG

Not too bad, eh? I'm quite proud of myself! I chose 4th in this league of 12. This draft was the bright spot in an otherwise horrible day.

Now, I need a good name...suggestions?

Girl of 100 Lists ~ Plus Size Fashions online

For the past several months, I've become disenchanted with Lane Bryant and the Avenue. When I want basics (tees, camis, tanks) or need classic pieces (button-down shirts, cardigans), I will visit those stores. But, I want trendy! I want fashionable! I want fun!

Torrid ~ www.torrid.com ~ hip, trendy and fashionable. I love that their TALL pants actually have a longer leg instead of a higher rise. The shorts, pants and crops have the perfect rise. The shoes go up to size 12 and are cut to accommodate a wider foot. Yippee! Always check out the clearance section ~ good deals to be found there.

Size Appeal ~ www.sizeappeal.com ~ for the confident curvy woman. Sexy tops, slinky dresses, great prices. It's shopping online, but the returns are no hassle.

Fashion Overdose ~ www.fashionoverdose.com ~ my current obsession! The styles are surprising and hip. Click on the 'Collections' link on the left side to see how they throw unexpected pieces together to make great outfits. The quantities are limited, so if you see it, buy it!

B & Lu ~ www.bandlu.com ~ love the variety; recently reviewed the four pieces I purchased here

One Stop Plus ~ www.onestopplus.com ~ one-stop shopping for Roamans, Jessica London, Chadwicks and the Avenue. Everything is here. Everything.

Igigi ~ www.igigi.com ~ sexy, sophisticated plus-size clothing is their tagline - and it's appropriate. I have one top from Igigi; love love love it! This site has a feature which lets you shop by shape (hellooooo ~ brilliant!). I'll admit, I have occasionally balked at the prices. However, you really can't put a price on quality clothing that fits.

Kiyonna ~ www.kiyonna.com ~ Ohhh, I love the Kiyonna! They seem to have their finger on the pulse of trends ~ gorgeous dresses, flirty tops, Spanx and Hollywood Tape (my personal lifesaver). Kiyonna has a boutique in Southern California which showcases its wonderful fashions.

If you're more about the mall experience, visit Macy's (the Self-Esteem line has *great* tops) or Nordstrom (Maggy London and Nine West dresses, Sweet Pea tops) or hit up Torrid to see their stuff up close & personal.

Oh ~ Old Navy has phased out their in-store plus-size selections/collections. These are now available only online at www.oldnavy.com - nice basics and surprising trendy pieces; if you like, buy it - the stuff sells out quickly!

For more reviews, links and all fashion-related things for the plus-size gal, check out Fashionista +

it's the power of the pen y'all

So...'member when my car broke down a coupla weeks ago? I rant about it here. And that was that.

Until yesterday.

I got this comment:

Reese,
Hello, my name is Dan and I am the field manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California's Contract Stations Relations office in Burbank. After reading your blog, I'm more than troubled. None of our contracted service providers are to advise or encourage any Autoclub member to any specific auto repair facility. The only time a service provider can give repair location advice is when it is requested of him/her by an Autoclub served member. As indicated in your blog, you clearly knew where you wanted your vehicle to be taken to and serviced by. And you clealy conveyed your directions to the service provider. No repair advice should have been forthcoming from him/her. I would be very appreciative if you would give me a call at (phone number removed by me) so I can gather more details to your circumstances and address with the applicable contracted service provider.
Regards,
Dan

Hmm. Interesting.

Of course, I googled the dude and the phone number (seriously, God bless Google!). The number is a legit one connected with AAA. So, I call. Did not know it is illegal to 'advise or encourage' Auto Club members to use a particular mechanic. He asked me to repeat my experience, asked a few questions and said he'd get back to me. We hung up.

Crap! I forgot to ask how he found my blog. Called him back. He said it came down from the top, from an SVP who had been told about my blog post. The SVP passed it to someone, who passed it to someone who passed it to Dan to handle.

Damn. Power of the pen, y'all.

Fashion Review - B & Lu

It's a fashion post! It's a fashion post! Call your friends. I'll wait...

B & Lu (bandlu.com) ~ Plus Size On Trend

I am new to the b&lu bandwagon. Lys has purchased items (snagging a sweater I really really wanted) and extols the virtues of the b&lu. I've perused several times. Last week, I took the plunge. Let's review, shall we?

Item #1 ~ the Jacey Jacket (silver or gold - I got gold) - $26.00

Gorgeous jacket! I ordered a 3x, which fits fine across my back and shoulders - my trouble areas. However, it doesn't button up. Looking at the website photos, the way the jacket fits the model is how it fits me. I'm okay wearing the Jacey Jacket open over a shirt. Seems well made, material is good; the color is more of a dirty/burnished gold color. I'll keep it! Grade: A-

Item #2 ~ the Willa Hoodie (sage) - $38.00

Love at first sight! Ruffles? Love! Deep V-neck? Love! Stripes? Love! I ordered a 3x and it fits just how I like a casual shirt to fit - a bit loose, very comfortable. The V-neck is deeeep. If you're daring enough, wear a plunge bra and flaunt the cleavage. If you're me, wear a lacy cami or tank under it. I'll keep it! Grade: A

Item #3 ~ Kylie Top - $28.00

Oooh, I love this shirt! Again, I ordered 3x thinking it wouldn't be as snug as described. Yeah, not so much. No matter - it's a darling shirt! I just won't wear it to work. The material is thin, so black bra is recommended. I'm pretty sure I'll keep this shirt; but I'll let it live in my closet for a few days and see if it's something I reach for. Grade: B-

Item #4 ~ the Vera dress $36.00

I love this dress. I don't love sequins. Looking at the dress on the model, I thought "Hmm. Not so bad. I could do it." I can't. Too much with the sequins and too close to my neck. The material is gorgeous, soft; the dress fits beautifully and is so comfortable. But the sequins? I just can't do it. It's going back.

I hope you check out B & Lu ~ great stuff, with some stuff in 4x and/or 5x.

Any other plus-size online shops I should check out?

hodge podge

Feeling swirly and scattered; can't seem to find or focus on a blog topic...so I'm going random. Join me, won't you?

~ all about alliteration am I

~ went to a Wine @ Home party on Friday night with the Wineau. The Somersville Chardonnay was delicious! Exactly how I love that wine - oaky and buttery (more butterscotchy). I also bought of Reisling. I know! Those wines are way too sweet for me; this wasn't - will be perfect with spicy Thai food. Of course, I bought a couple of zins and a syrah. I am thisclose to capturing the The Wineau title.

~ dinner party on Saturday night with The Girls. A lot of sangria! Miraculously, my glass was never empty. We made ropa vieja (damn tasty), saffron rice and black beans. Boy did we grub!

~ one of my Gives from the past few days: found out my former boss is leaving the Company; called her and told her how she's been a mentor to me, taught me a lot and is genuinely one of my most favorite people at the Company. I am truly going to miss her.

~ so bummed Harry Potter has been moved to Summer 2009 for release.

~ discovered some new music & rediscovered some not-so-new music - O.A.R. ("how many times must I break til I shatter?"), Zero 7, the Transplants (thanks to the kid with the pink hair on Olive and Alameda!), World Party ('member them?!), 'Graceland' by Paul Simon, 'Boulevard' by Jackson Browne ("nobody nobody!"), Jerry Harrison, Carly Simon, Luscious Jackson and more.

~ Did you know amazon.com has free mp3 downloads? Did you know amazon.com has Deals of the Day - tremendously discounted top-selling albums (1999, Amy Winehouse, the Hold Steady, Peter Gabriel) and it changes everyday! Follow them on twitter.com to get the deals...

~ looks like I'm heading to PhilaPA in November; let's hope the family cards align

~ soooo excited to see Ray Lamontagne play the Wiltern in October!

~ discontent

~ disenchanted

~ listening to the Fixx a lot lately; wow, such smart lyrics! Reminds me of the first few times I heard "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield (some segue, huh?). One word in one line had me running for a dictionary - "wanna tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot." A lot of songs from the 80s and early 90s had me reading through encyclopedias to discover meanings. Richard Blade would explain songs on KROQ, which would pique my curiosity, so off to the library I went! "Boom There She Was" by Scritti Politti, "Hello" by the Blessing, "Stand Down Margaret" by the English Beat, the entire Hurting LP by Tears for Fears.

~ spent a few hours with my Burbank Blvd girls the other night; it's such an easy time with them...love you girls!

~ spending time with them had me reminiscing about the good times all the BFFs had together - really good, funny and fun times.

~ have you seen the fall fashions?! Good grief - I am in big trouble. Big. Huge. Was in Macy's today. Ai yi yi. Oh well. I'll look damn good come fall :)

~ other Gives - sent hand-written cards/notes to a few friends far away; gave myself a day of leisure - I read/finished a book on Sunday

~ did you know Spam comes in single-serving packs?? The price of 3 buys you a can, but sometimes I don't want a whole can.

~ going to see the English Beat with my Gentleman friend, who is quite Sophisticated and Refined thankyouverymuch, next month. Drinks and cameras!

~ peanut butter, hummus and Nutella

~ I want to be in a Fantasy Football league! But not the same one as last year - they were mean.

OK...off to bed

gangsters and thugs

Sitting at the intersection of Olive and Alameda in Burbank, windows down, the Alarm's "Spirit of 76" coming through my speakers softly. The kid next to me is blasting some noise, ruining my "oh my friend oh my friend oh my friend" moment.

I wanted to turn, glare and mumble something which matched my mood. I didn't. Instead, I turned down my stereo to hear his. Damn. What IS that? The groove was good, grabbing and pulling me in. I rolled down my back window.

"Hey," I yelled out, keeping my eye on the traffic signal. "What IS that?"

Disgust on his face, he yelled back with a hint of I-could-totally-give-you-attitude attitude. "What?"

"What is THAT?" I yelled back, nodding my head in that dancing-while-driving sort of way.

He reached to turn down the volume, pulled his car next to mine so our windows aligned. "It's the Transplants - that's the band. The song is Gangsters and Thugs."

I smiled, yelled thanks and zoomed onto Olive. Thanks kid with the pink hair in the gray car in Burbank around 6:10 p.m.

iTunes, here I come...