Happy 100 to me!!!!!!!!!!

One hundred posts before the end of the year...I like the sounds of that.

I realize that I have not been on fire with the posts these last couple of months...but, maybe it's because I'm busy remembering other "one-hundred" mileposts for the year:

1. The obvious...I have eaten, slept, enjoyed bathroom breaks for atleast 100 times this year.

2. I have checked my email atleast 100 times this year.

3. I have driven my car atleast 100 times this year.

4. I have visited the gym...okay, maybe only 30 times this year..but, I am working on obtaining those Kelly Ripa, Madonna, Angie Harmon (insert your favorite cut,defined, carved celebrity here) arms.

5. I have done laundry atleast 100 times this year.

6. The sweet ones...I have told my husband and my kids that I love them more than 100 times this year. You should too (that is...your own husband or wife and kids...not mine...although they would probably be okay with it).

7. I have indulged in chocolate atleast 100 times this year.

8. I have indulged in a good glass of red wine atleast 100 times this year...and which makes me feel like a frickin wino as I'm typing that.

9. I have written over 100 pages of a published book this year (hooray for me!)

10. I have enjoyed over 100 cups of coffee this year.

AND I'm sure I could keep going and going...but it's your turn now. What have you done atleast 100 times this year? I hope you have enjoyed each moment and happy 100 to you!

With Thanksgiving and all

You can't stray away from the knowledge, the thought, the fact, that Christmas and that means Christmas shopping is right around the corner.

I consider myself a year round shopper and feel that those ya-hoos that wake up at 5AM on the day after Thanksgiving run in the same race of people that think New Years Eve is the best night ever to go out and party.

They have no experience...they're just running blind, desperate to get a deal, any kind of deal that Wal-Mart is going to throw at them. Lucky you to be the recipient.

My advice is to really think of your gift. Take a moment to consider what the receiver may truly enjoy rather than what you can afford or get "at a great deal". If you're coming up empty then why not do something personal like baking biscotti (I have a friend who gives this every year and I LOVE it!) and a pound of great coffee. Or, if you know someone new in town then create a journal of great restaurants, savvy hairdressers, or doctors or dentists that you would recommend. A subscription to a magazine you know they would like. A favorite picture of you and he/she in a great frame. Whatever. But think of the person...not just the gift.

A promise is a promise

While giving birth to my much anticipated new book and business, lifestyle website for tweens, and adventures of The Cupcakes Club, I have been faced with the daunting task of legal-ess-ness.
I'm not sure that's actually a word, or if there's a better word, but right now I'm claiming it. It's crazy. This is how frickin lawyers who make lots of money make lots of money. You have to constantly be covering your butt. Trademarks, copyrights, contracts, terms and conditions, privacy policies...it's just so crazy. And I, my friends, am not the kind of girl who likes to haggle over a contract like one does while buying a hand woven blanket in Mexico.
Whatever happened to the days of "a deal is a deal" or "I'll ride this train with you and we'll split everything if we make any money" or "why would somebody take that if it's not theirs?"...color me naive, color me rose-color glasses but how sweet those days must have been.
Have you ever seen the movie "It could happen to You" with Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda? If you have, you know where I'm at. Most favorite and memorable quote...
" A promise is a promise" ...when the cop promises the waitress one half of his unknown lottery ticket in exchange for a tip and it turns out to be a 4 million dollar winner...will he? won't he? Rent it and find out. We all like a happy ending and I suppose you've gotta go through the trials and tribulations to really appreciate it in the end. See you on The Cupcakes Club very soon!

Pickle you, kumquat

I love this commercial. It's fabulous. Just the words I would like to say to a few people I know...and it makes it so acceptable. I love it.

Way off the subject...

..but I had to tell you of the MOST AMAZING CONCERT my husband and I saw two weeks ago. I mentioned it many moons ago but when we got to the Nokia theater/Los Angeles and found out our seats were FRONT ROW CENTER we were giddy. We were silly. We were ecstatic. Yes, ladies and gentlemen...front row center for the Dixie Chicks and The Eagles and it was AMAZING. If Glenn Frey would reach out his hand and I would reach out mine we would have touched fingertips...now that my friends, is how I want to see ALL of my concerts...unreal. We heard some of the new ones before they were even out...and I'm sure "How Long" will be one of their classics...amazing!

Real Life Cupcakes

Mail Call!

The stories in The Cupcakes Club series might bring back memories of your own childhood. Best friends sharing challenges, adventures, and fun with the perfect mix of life lessons, a pinch of morals, and a dash of values for girls growing up today.
Book #1! Book #1!!

And now introducing....

Author Donna Benson today launches her new deliciously titled children’s series ‘The Cupcakes Club’ with her scrumptious first book ‘Shakin up Soccer, Summer Style’. To accompany the series Benson has also launched an interactive website for girls who have a craving for something fun, fresh and exclusive.

stay tuned....more to come.......

You shouldn't look...but you do

Here's the deal....I live in small town, USA but every now and then I make a trip to the city. The last two times I have traveled the two hour trek to my mecca of fashion and fads I have come across horrible traffic. And not just traffic because it's rush hour. This is nonsense traffic.

The kind of traffic that you're breezing right along, making great time when all of a sudden you're moving at a snail's pace. You look for construction...nothing. You're curious if there's a wild animal roaming the freeway. You wonder why everyone has decided to take a vow to travel 10 mph in a 65- 75 mile zone...what's the deal???!!

The deal is that someone 2-3 miles away has had a fender bender and everyone that drives by has to take a look and take a peek at the car, the drivers, the passengers, whatever...but feels the frickin need to validate this accident in their memory. As soon as you pass the accident--ZIP! Traffic is again moving at a reasonable speed. It's ridiculous!! Thirty minutes of perfectly good shopping time spent sitting in traffic, so Joe Schmoe can take a look at Whozit Whazzitname's car wreck. Be courteous people...not only to those that unfortunately have to deal with insurance companies in the next 24 hours but for those of us that only have a few hours to spend improving the nation's economy.

Dancing with the ....prisoners?

These are Filipino prisoners doing a synchronized mambo dance. Isn't this wild? I have to wonder why they are in prison?! Two left feet.. and this is rehab?

Shakin and Bakin

still working on the project

...still a few more weeks away!

Letters we love

Real letter. Real girl. Real funny.

AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. JAMES THATCHER,BRAND MANAGER, PROCTER & GAMBLE

Dear Mr. Thatcher,I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core(tm) or Dri-Weave(tm) absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing?

As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants.

Which brings me to the reason for my letter.

Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period." Are you f#@king kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness-actual smiling, laughing happiness-is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?

FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? Or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull$hit.And that's a promise I will keep.

Always.Best

Wendi Aarons Austin, TX

A Sweet Diversion

The seasons are changing and it was time for me to clean out my closet...put away the sandals, separate the sweaters, decide if the skirt that I had not worn for the last two years was worth holding on to. I had the television on for company and I heard this song...now, to be honest, it's quite easy for me to be distracted when doing a chore I don't care to do...but hearing Alison Sudol's hauntingly, beautiful voice ( also known as A Fine Frenzy) was worth stopping the clean up to take a break for. She is such a breath of fresh air in today's music world of commercialized, made-up pop singers...talented and real.

Another taste

gosh, I'm just awful aren't I?? What can I say? I have so much to tell you but I just want it to be so, so, perfect when you see it....I can almost see your smiles now.

BIG news in a pint sized cup

...the big announcement is getting closer....just a hint...it's delicious fun!

She's how old?

I was at the hairdresser's the other day flipping through the latest People and ran across a photo of Christie Brinkley at some sporting event in the Hamptons. It could have been naked men running relays for all I know because I was totally blown away by how great Ms. Brinkley looks!

She'll be 54 next year and looks fabulous. I'm not sure what the deal is with all the husbands she has had but maybe she'll figure out that she's better off being single...unless one of those naked relay runners wants to ask her out.

Does he or doesn't he?

I may be wrong but I'm thinking that Osama has been dipping in the Clairol hair color box....he's a lot darker shade than in the past.

There's always the nostalgia tour in 20 years...

I almost feel bad for Britney that she performed so badly at the VMA's on Sunday. Remember how fun she used to be? How sharp her dance moves were? How her look was sweet but with a touch of sexy? Last night, she phoned the performance in...she really seemed to have cared less that millions of people were watching. Honestly, I give sharper, snappier moves at a morning Jazzercise class...and I know the words to the songs.

Happy Dance

Hooray! The search is over. I have found a website designer and the future looks so bright; I gotta wear shades. If anyone does wonder why the new posts are few and far between lately it's because of "the project".

I'm not sure how frequently I will be posting because I need to write lots of content/text for the website and I am so excited to share it with you when it's up and running. Until then, I'm hoping to post only GREAT things about what's happening...no sad dance for me.

Labor Day?

Isn't it funny when you are on track with your life, finding your passion, working on making it happen....and a frickin holiday like Labor Day happens!

Don't get me wrong-- I love the idea of a day off of a job! But when I am busting my chops,needing to make phone calls, sending emails and everything gets put on hold because of a holiday where we celebrate work (is that what this day is about?) by NOT working...hmmm, something is amiss.

So, big things happening on this end guys and gals and we'll be making a big announcement in the near future...but not on a Labor Day.

Make mine erasable

What's up with tattoos? In my generation nobody ever got them...a rite of passage at eighteen was...voting? Now, everyone has to get a tattoo. Some, like my son, has more than one...he has kept elbows to hands clean which is always good for a business first impression. This weekend there's a tattoo convention at the Biltmore resort in Phoenix...the Biltmore of all places ( a little stuffy and conservative...)

I was watching LA ink (spin off of Miami Ink) on TLC and the clients they show all seem to have a certain reason to mark their body for life...cancer free...a miracle child born...remembering grandpa...whatever. But then there were some, like the guy who decorated the tattoo shop, who had the owner, Kat Von D, whip one up on his entire forearm in what looked like a few hours without a moment's hesitation. I take longer to order lunch!
I love a good piece of art but I like to change the art from room to room every once in a while depending on lighting, mood, or for the thrill of it. What are you going to do when you want to move that big ass rose on your arm?

Need a hero?

With the recent opening of "Becoming Jane" and thoughts on romance and the heroes in our lives I thought you might enjoy this...feel free to edit your very own hero in when necessary. Fair warning here...you'll be humming the song for the rest of the day.

Deep Dancing Queen Thoughts

If you are a believer in the wildly popular, über successful book, DVD, CD's of "The Secret" you know that your "thoughts become things".
One of the speakers on the program was an Olympic trainer and coach who basically said that when athletes were hooked up to a brain wave recorder device and just thought about their race, portions of their brain ignited to the same level as if they were actually running the real race. In other words, they thought through the race and their brain believed they were actually performing.
So, my question...when I'm working out listening to tunes or when you're sitting watching the video and you start to imagine that you're on a pulsating strobe light of a dance floor with the music blaring...are we using up mega calories because we are imagining, believing we are dancing? I'm voting yes...now give me another piece of pie and hit the dance floor.

Has anyone ever told you...?

I found this site a year or so ago and had fun with it and now I stumbled back on to it. I'll show you mine if you show me yours- www.myheritage.com

It won't happen for a couple of months...but I'm pretty darn excited about this concert in Los Angeles...we'll be sitting somewhere in the first ten rows...awesome!

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs

My vocabulary has been peppered with rapid "yeah,yeah,yeah" and "no,no,no" this week...I'm not sure where it came from. When I was in Italy in June I heard lots of "si,si,si" and thought it was charming but I never really picked it up or tried to bring it back. Now, all of a sudden...I'm an American Italian.

I'm thinking it's a way of me speeding up the other person's thoughts and editing the conversation all at the same time. "yeah,yeah,yeah I know what you mean so let's finish and go to the next topic" or something like that...yeah,yeah,yeah that's it.

Here comes the...

I have been shopping for a website designer...what a nightmare.

It's like shopping for a wedding dress or an appearance at the Oscars.
There's a potential of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people seeing it and yes, they will be judging. They want to be impressed. They want to see all the bells and whistles. And I totally feel the same way. Plus, if you want to do it right you're going to have to spend the bucks and be happy that you did and not doubt that you did.
First, you have to connect with a designer. It's like a first date. You think they're funny, creative or you think they're super smart and you admire what they do. And, the funny thing is you want them to like you so they'll work for you, "I know I'm not Sony or CocaCola...but I'm really, truly, fabulous...I could be really big and you could help me get there"...geez...color me insecure mode. I also get worried if I don't hear back from the designer immediately. I know it's Saturday morning but I'm sure they'll want to answer my email...wow, now it's Sunday and I still haven't heard back from them.
I had one designer start to work on a minimal project and basically got distracted in the middle of it and left to another project. Never told me, never filled me in. Not very good marriage material for the long haul on a website I realized and began to look for someone else... no money was exchanged, so I felt a little offended, but not abused. Back to the dating game.
When I do find that Mr. Right or Miss Fabulous I'll announce it to the world. You're invited...dress fun and casual, hope you can come.

this is a teaser...

of what I've been doing all summer off, tied to the computer...more details to come...hold onto your seats!!!

hi ho, hi ho

...it's off to work I go. Having the summer off is a joy, a treat, but now back to real life like the rest of you worker bees out there.

Foot Nazi

I had my back to school pedicure with a new nail tech last week. The woman I go to for manicures every other week was super booked and the new place had an opening so I thought "why not?"
I knew I was in trouble when I asked her if I should pick out a color for my toes and she said "No, I'll do that for you. It's my room and I'll pick the color that's best for you" Hmmm...okay..some control issues going on here but hey, she might choose something perfect.
When she started rubbing and scrubbing my feet with the pumice stone I felt like my feet had turned into the catch of the day and she was slapping them around, filleting the guts out, and tearing off the outer flesh. Did this foot Nazi have any idea that this was uncomfortable on my end?
I told her that her massage on my foot was a little painful and she said she was working out the stress in my back. Yes, I know all about reflexology and how your nerves in your feet effect the rest of your body but the pain was totally gone from my back and now in the sole of my foot. What a brute! A beast! I felt like I was with the lady foot wrestler..
After all was said and done I prefer a pedicure that is more relaxing and not medicinal stress relief. My toenail polish is a pretty raspberry...not too bad but I had to take a beating to get it.

Let's have Romy be in charge!

I turn into a seven-teen year old geek in an adults body when I think about my class reunion. I can't help it. I get all giddy and excited to see people that I haven't seen or talked to in the last ten years. Color me "out of your mind" but I just love the get togethers and the chit chat and then you go home and back to real life. It's fun.
Anyways, major disappointment for my reunion. The organizers have decided to have it in November. As in, Thanksgiving weekend November....hellooooooooooo. Does anyone else smell "hell no I'm not fighting the airport crowds, draggin my ass on an overcrowded plane , leavin my family and turkey leftovers to drive in snow and slush ruining my suede boots to see my friends who organized a reunion on the busiest holiday weekend of the year".

I'll keep you posted.

We are mysterious creatures; aren't we?

Isn't it funny how we'll tend to clean up the place before the housekeeper arrives? I like to be out of the house ...otherwise its just awkward and embarassing sitting at my computer or reading the latest magazine while my housecleaner is hustling and bustling making my house sparkle and shine.
Last week when it was cleaning day, I went to a matinee. Solo. All by myself. Ticket for one, please. No kidding. I've always thought it was silly if you felt you couldn't go to a movie without someone accompanying you. Why not? You can't (or shouldn't) talk during the film. I suppose afterwards it would be nice to talk about the movie over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine but no matter...I've got you, babe.
I saw "Evening" with glowing performances by some of todays most wonderful actresses. I especially enjoyed seeing Meryl Streep's daughter, Mamie Gummer, playing a younger version of Meryl Streep's character. Wow..talk about look-a-likes! Thumbs up for a chick flick that's beautifully shot as well as thought provoking, and thumbs up to come home to a clean house. That's what I call an afternoon delight.

Hairspray

It's actually gotten good reviews...but I just don't under- stand the

"why"

behind Travolta's character...why not Delta Burke or Rosie O'Donnell or *fill in your own plus size actress here* What a great part for a woman...the director tells you to keep eating everything in sight; people would bring you donuts on a daily basis...love that! The tabloids would rave about your commitment to the part or what a great actress to do such a thing, and how great you look now ( the losing weight part would suck...but fun to get there and get paid for it!).
I think I'm over the humor of a man dressing up like a woman...whatever. If you go, munch on some popcorn for me and throw in a box of raisinets.

Positively Posh

Color me such a loser but I am so enjoying the Victoria Beckham Coming to America reality show on NBC. Victoria Posh Beckham is a hoot--she's very funny and such a good time girl! Yes, I always thought of her as that aloof, "I'm so bored with being so fabulous" woman until this show...she even pokes fun at her "I'm so miserable" look that she wears in most paparazzi shots. She's quick, witty, and I am loving her hair by the way. Welcome to the USA, Beckhams...that's major.

Tomatoland

Summer- time. The food is fresh and cooking should be easy. Here's a fabulous treat that I have fallen in love with and it just sings summertime. If you are growing fresh herbs in pots on the patio this is SO easy peasy...and not to mention you feel like vegetarian caveman going out to gather part of your meal...how great is that? And remember, tomatoes are SO good for you that there should be a country named after them.
Enjoy!
3 tablespoons good olive oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

2 pints cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan large enough to hold all the tomatoes in one layer. Add the garlic to the oil and cook over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to loose their firm round shape. Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped basil and parsley and serve hot or at room temperature.

Checking my vitals

I have turned into an email addict. I am working on a project this summer that ties me to my computer for great lengths of time and the problem is that I am obsessed with checking my email at any given moment. Yes, I do have lots of email queries in regards to this project but in reality, do most people reply in 45 minutes or less? Actually, I have found that there are those people that react to incoming email like Pavlov's dog...the bell rings and they answer their email. I applaud those people for such quick replies. Thank you (sort of like a drug addict thanking his source, eh?).

Email excites me. I am like the seven year old kid who just found out about this unexplained phenomenon known as the daily mail. Wow! Some person brings these mysterious envelopes once a day addressed to people in your home. Don't you remember how giddy you would be if there was ever a piece of mail for YOU at that age?? That's me...deja vu all over again. Lately, I have been thinking how nice it would be if email only did come once a day just like our good old snail mail...then, I wouldn't have to keep checking my email every hour on the hour.

To rationalize my guilt over this, I must state that I don't surf the Internet looking for this or that or wasting hours on end...it's just the email that throws my train of thought off the tracks when I am supposed to be busy being creative and working.

I know I can kick this habit though...they tried to make me go to rehab, I said no,no, no. Luckily, at my place of employment they have banned any email sites from our computer (thanks Mr. Porn surfer guy) but, it should wean me from this ever consuming addiction when I return in the fall. I won't have mail...I'll just have work.

The Story

If I ever had a fantasy it would be to sing like this and own it. Brandi Carlile nails it; she lives this song...awesome.

Chit Chat free zone

First and foremost, I love, love, love my IPod. In my opinion it's just as important as the running shoes I'm wearing...it makes my daily exercise regime a few points above tolerable. But, here's the problem.
I live in a "Leave it to Beaver" neighborhood. Nothing wrong with that, in fact many people from many other states have chosen to settle in our little piece of suburbia...it's a great place to live. There are lots of neighbors, dogs, a few kids, and great areas to take walks. Therein lies the problem. When I'm movin and groovin and shakin and bakin to Donna Summer, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, or whoever...I don't want to be bothered. I really just want to walk, but on the other hand I don't want to be rude to the neighbors around the area.
Lately, every morning when I walk I have been learning the fine art of reading lips while wearing the IPod. I can totally translate "hello" or "good morning" but it's the "how are you today?" or "great day for a walk" that totally throws me off and I feel like I have to unplug and say my few words of social kindness to those more slower walkers on the block that want to chit chat.

I can get over it but then I began to think...are we raising socially inept adults in our society as a result of the IPod and other personal music devices? Will the kids of today be taking "Social Skills 101" as adults because of overuse of "me" time? It's great to have your space, your time and music to yourself, but I think we need to keep ourselves open for using our social graces with other living, breathing people. I mean, what would you do if you happen to bump into Madonna on an early morning run?

Bad Girls

Compared to some of the people I work with I might be considered cool, hip or a little funky. Compared to singer Amy Winehouse, I am vanilla. I am Polly Purebred. I am a wallflower at the grade school dance.
She has got such a thrown together, uber-cool, rebel without a cause vibe about her and you know she would just tell you to take her or leave her..."but if you leave me, you'll never know what you'll be missing."
From an article on tiscali.co.uk--
"She has the vocal prodigy bit covered. If words have already worn themselves out trying to describe the horny, sleazy, salty spiritual, worldly wise, late night, tired of bullshit, downtown, flirty, velvet resonance that makes for a great soul-jazz singer they're going to fall apart entirely over Amy."
Her popular song, Rehab,reminds me of poor Britney and her very public meltdown. The only difference is that Winehouse would be openly and honestly wearing the bald. Sometimes, bald is beautiful.

Flag Frenzy

What ever happened to the good ole 4th of July? Picnics, family, friends, fireworks...a down home, kicked back, relaxed sort of holiday. It was a holiday meant for summer...throw a couple of hot dogs on the grill, whip up some potato salad, pop open a brewsky, and you got yourself a fourth to be proud of. All of a sudden it's become this hoo haw of buying red and white and blue ribbons, flag t-shirts, hats with flags and fireworks, and festooning the house with streamers, wooden craft cows with red bandannas, and not one flag but fifty to line the driveway! Let's relax a little, people!We used to be able to count on the 4th to be a mellow, lazy, hazy kind of holiday but now the merchandise has taken over. What's next? Labor Day?

Paris Paris

If you haven't seen this--it's hilarious...enjoy!

Brad who?

I gotta tell you....Ocean's 13 will probably not be nominated for any theatrical awards but it could be nominated for lots of attractive men. George Clooney has got to be my favorite bringing a sort of Cary Grantness to the film...he's fun to watch and it's true....this guy is definitely getting better looking as he's getting older.

Which brings me to another thought I've had lately...what's up with these women wanting to be "cougars" in our society?? I think it's great if you look fabulous for your age but why would you want to go after the twenty year old man when you've got men like George that are your age and that you'll have much more in common with. I think the same applies to men as well dating women that are half or more of their age. I get it. They're young, beautiful, but don't you want more than just looks? Don't you want a conversation, some history, some point of view? Don't you want someone that knows what an "album" was or a "typewriter" or who John Lennon was? (okay...I was going to say Donna Summer or The Monkees but you would have winced)

Eye candy...easy on the eyes and no calories. Seems sort of tasteless to me.

Late bloomer

I admit it...I'm a little late to jump on the bandwagon but atleast I'm catching up now. I'm addicted to Season 1 of 24...thank you Netflix. I love the idea of the "real time" when I KNOW that I have just saved myself 4 minutes of commercials (and minus the fumbling with the remote when you only have the television show recorded with the commercials).

And you know what else I love...when you tell people that you are really into this show and they've already been fans of the show for season after season, they just look at you with a certain gleam in their eye. It's almost like they realize that you just started with a mind blowing drug...or are on chapter one of the best book ever...or they remember the good old days when they too were obsessed with Jack and how in God's name would he save the world?!

Where's my flipflops?

"Tom, it's just too difficult for me to walk in these....can I please take them off?"

10 years younger with no downtime

When you have yourself a great hairdresser you can shoot for the moon when you want a different look. I am happy to say we went for "Ellen Barkin" and am quite pleased with the result. The hair is awesome and perfectly manicured with Roscoe's sharp, well tuned scissors and his amazing eye for detail.
I love Miss Barkin's comment in a recent interview when the topic of considering plastic surgery came up: “It makes me a little nervous to look like someone that doesn’t look like me.”
I think it's great to look like you...whoever you are...change the hair but leave the face the same, please.

Happy Birthday, girlfriend!

Birthdays are fun. Birthdays are fabulous. You should shout it from the rooftops when it's your birthday. It's a time to celebrate...it's YOUR day...the day you arrived on the planet! Happy Birthday!
Being a woman, I am anticipating the birthday when I truly celebrate what my body has done for me the past year. I would hope my birthday wish would be for more adventures and good health with my bod in the future years. I am tired of obsessing of what my body may look like...be it too heavy, too thin (I'll let you know when that happens), bad hair days, puffy eyes, whatever the ailment may be. Hey! I'm alive and doing a pretty good job of kicking on this end.

We need to celebrate the good that our bodies can bring us. Don't worry how your legs looks when you go for a run--isn't it AMAZING that you are running and your legs are pounding the pavement? Better doing that then rocking in a chair thinking of the days that you used to go out for a walk. Complaining about dark circles or puffy eyes? Think of what fabulous things your eyes have already seen or plan a trip to take in even more. Let's cross over from thinking in the negative about our body's appearance to congratulating ourselves for what our bodies can do....you're amazing, birthday girl!

A funny thing happened on the way to the pool

Swimming pools sing summer. Kids love to splash, adults like to swim, and everyone likes to cool off.
If you have your own backyard pool..great...this isn't directed toward you. It's those Petri dishes of community pools that I loathe and disgust.
It is hard for me to fathom how one has the temptation to swim in this mass of germs and human oils collected into a body of water known as the neighborhood pool. It totally reminds me of the Roman times and the baths they had created where everyone would go to commune, to share, to...ewwwww. It just totally grosses me out.
I know, I know...I can hear you telling me of the chemicals, the chlorine, blah,blah,blah...doesn't matter. All these human bodies sharing one body of water just wigs me out.
Some may call it a neuroses not being able to swim in a pool inhabited by unknowns. I can honestly say that I don't force others to follow my opinion on this and I allow them to use their own free will.
When my kids were younger (and obviously could swim) I would take them to the pool, sit in the lounge chair with lots of sun protection on and enjoy my time protected from the elements while they enjoyed carousing, splashing, and frolicking in the pool. Afterwards they would wonder why I insisted they take a shower and to scrub themselves clean when they returned home. Happy Summer.

To bidet or not to bidet

It must be said. I went to Europe...of course, it had to come up. I don't have one and color me curious I wanted to know more about them. Although I knew what they were (I must admit, the first trip to Europe had me do the double take) I had decided that this trip I was going to conquer this mystery. The bidet.
Jokes were tossed about doing the laundry in it, not to rinse your toothbrush in it, and the luxury of having another sink in your hotel room but I had done my research dear reader. So, how necessary is it to one's way of life?
It's a cultural thing I would say. We like our Starbucks...they like to linger in the cafes. They stop and smell the roses while we tend to run right by them. Automatic cars are the norm for America and not so much over there. And for the bidet? They like to bathe after utilizing the lower portions of their body while we tend to call for Mr. Whipple. It's quick. It's easy. That's what we're about.
Is paper better than a quick shower? Will middle America ever ask where the bidet is at the local Holiday Inn? I don't think so. Kind of like a vacation...nice place to visit but you can't really see yourself living there.

Climb every vineyard

American in Italy

Here's the deal. When you travel you have to get in the mindset that you are on vacation. This is a time to relax...to get into the groove of the country or place you are visiting. And so, when you're in Italy, when you're in France, be prepared for a slower pace of life. Embrace it.
While we were at an outdoor restaurant at the Piazza della Signoria where a copy of the famous David by Michelangelo is placed (and what girl wouldn't want to eat with a 17 foot naked guy looking at her?) I felt like I was watching an Italian version of 90210.
I believe the schools were letting out for summer and we watched young Italian high school men and women bustling about, socializing, doing the dance. And we had front row seats.
The boys with the vespas proudly carried their helmets while the girls chain smoked like fiends. Although I wanted to smack them and ask them if they knew what tobacco was doing to their young lungs (hey, I saw BODYWORLDS) a part of me delighted that this Americano would probably climb a mountain faster than they would one day and have smoother skin while I was doing it.
Then, I remembered I was on vacation. We ordered another bottle of wine, kicked back, and enjoyed the scenery.

An appetizer

...and this is how we say "picnic" in Italian.

Here today, gone Tuscany

There will be a slight interrup-tion in the blog while I am away on holiday. My husband and I are indulging ourselves with a walking tour of the hills of Tuscany via Backroads. You have your choice of the 3 mile hike, the 5 mile or the 8 mile each day...after all the gelato, wine, and pizza I plan on enjoying I would think we'll be choosing the longer option on a daily basis. After Italy, it's off to see the relatives in Provence...life is good. Smile and be happy while I am away...be back the middle of June. Ciao!

The living is easy

Everyone knows about summer from when they were a kid. Family vacations, you could stay out late with your friends, no homework, you went to the pool everyday...summer rocks when you're a kid.
And so I propose summer for everyone. Why not a 6-8 week break for every employee in the USA? Now, we can't take them all at the same time because summer would suck then. Everything would be closed because everyone would be on their summer holidays. So, some people can take their summer in the winter while others opt for a spring or fall summerlike break. I think we would all be much more relaxed upon returning to our places of employment and eager to welcome back a routine as well (and a paycheck).
Maybe it's a dream but maybe not. Your homework is to think of a way to get a few carefree days of summer in your life and enjoy your day to day routine that much more. Class dismissed.

Potluck

Ah, the words that stir the hearts of churchgoers everywhere...it's the annual pot luck. Now, for those of you that are not familiar with such a term it's when all that are invited bring a dish to share with others. You show me yours, I'll show you mine sort of thing.
At my place of employment there was a salad potluck with a buffet of salads to cool off the hungry employees for a lunchtime treat. I actually like this idea because no one can really screw up a salad, can they? Even if you're brainless you can buy a complete salad kit in a bag, bring a bowl...bada bing,bada boom..you got yourself a salad to share.
The day of the salad potluck arrives and I'm setting up the bowls of salads, adding dressings if needed, fluffing and tossing up a lunchtime to wow buffet.
In walks employee #1 and asks if she can fill her plate now because her lunchtime was booked. I said "sure, go ahead and if you need to do anything special to the salad you brought...feel free." Employee #1 says "Oh, I didn't bring a salad" and proceeds to load her plate with the other responsible people's salads!! See you later, freeloader.
Then, employee #2 comes in with a small plastic container about the size for a sandwich . Okay, I thought, it's not going to feed the entire staff but atleast she brought something. She opens it up and its a cut up apple. One frickin apple. She asks me if I think she should put some lemon juice on it because she does have a half of a lemon that she could use. I work with nutjobs by the way. Again, watching from a distance, I see her and her husband (one apple brought for the two of them) loading up for the day. And the joy of all this is when the husband goes and takes a dump in the office public bathroom just to let all of us know that he had a good lunch.
Potlucks use to be a competition of sorts. "You gotta go try Margaret's pie!" "Did you taste Dottie's meatloaf?!" It was always entertaining to see who would bring what and to try something new. Do your part, potluckers of the world...wow them at the buffet.

Save the last dance

I admit it. I'm addicted. I can't stop. I love, love, love Dancing with the Stars. As cheeseball as it sounds I just have to watch this show. I gotta tell you-- the final three contestants are excellent. They dance their feet off, they entertain us...it's like a sporting event (with two out of the final three contestants accomplished athletes...I suppose it really is). Last week I actually voted. I called in for my favorite (and by the way--he made it through!) Next week is the final show and I'll be there with my dancing shoes on.

Knock, knock

Only a man would have thought of this movie title. Is it my delicate upbringing or does anyone else find this term rude, vulgar or demeaning? I just can't imagine a woman announcing to her husband "oh honey, I'm so happy! I'm knocked up!"
I understand from pre-movie reviews that the content of the movie gives more than the title implies but the title alone would force me to choose something else at the ticket counter. Think of it this way... would a man ever be persuaded to buy two tickets for the hilarious summer flick "Castration"?

A feature or a flaw?

I would say I have the gift of above average voice recognition. I will always be the one to ask if you recognize the celebrity voice on a commercial or the star that is narrating a documentary. And the most recent Charlotte's Web with all the animals talking in voices? Easy peasy.
Recently a friend from college who had consumed one too many alcoholic beverages called me up and said "lissen...I bet you won't know who this is" and handed the phone to a blast from the past voice on the other end. I totally knew it was Liz from my sorority college days and I had not even thought of her for years and years. I would consider this gift a feature...my husband who needs total concentration during movies and does not want to be bothered...a flaw.
I also have amazing cell phone etiquette. I know when to talk in public places and when to say "I'll call you back later". I look with disdain at those people who talk about private matters at the grocery store or who do not acknowledge the Starbucks counter girl because they are too busy yammering on about their daughter's soccer game the night before. Can you actually feel comfortable talking to whoever about whatever in a doctor's silent waiting room filled with more people than you can count on your fingers and toes?

But then again, those people who have this ability to spill their guts in public places perhaps consider it their best feature. I consider it a flaw....unless of course I can recognize their voice.

Wish upon a Star

I thought they had everything on YouTube. Unfortunately not. The newest commercial from Cox Communications:

a little boy about two years old, is obsessed with Pauly the Penguin. His mom reads books to him about Pauly; he has the DVD's about Pauly; life is Pauly the Penguin to this little boy. Mom brings the little boy to actually see, live in person, Pauly the Penguin at the local mall. The two wait in line and you see the little boy sheepishly peeking around the other people to take a look at Pauly. It's time.

The little boy awkwardly climbs the steps to shake hands, to hug his hero. And there it is. The little boy turns around to his mom, frightened look in his eyes, lets out a whimper and awkwardly climbs down the steps back to mom without ever seeing the penguin. The last scene shows the little boy sitting joyfully in his stroller being pushed by mom while watching Pauly on a portable DVD player...content.

Sweet, sweet, commercial but it got me thinking...how many of us are like that? Wishing for something, imagining it to be true, and when it's just about to happen...we become frightened and don't go for it. We become complacent with the dream and not the doing. Don't be content with just the wish. Believe you can do it. Go for it. Embrace your penguin.