We are truly on a rollercoaster ride. One day things are great and I feel normal, the next day, problems and panic.

So the tv continues. Yesterday was Oprah's Favorite Things - where she gave away thousands of dollars worth of stuff to each audience member. The cool part was that everyone in the audience was a Katrina aid worker who thought they were coming on to talk about what they did after the hurricane. You just have to love Oprah.

She featured these Deeply Fudgey Brownies that had me about drooling. Today I am contemplating spending $25 on two pounds of the fatty goodness. Probably not a good idea for someone who is getting little to no exercise and seeing less and less of her bellybutton every day.

Well, had a "relapse" this week and was put back on bedrest. I'm trying not to get completely depressed and stressed out, as that won't help. Hopefully I just fall into the small percentage of women with unexplained bleeding.

I make Chuck play Scrabble with me, which he doesn't like to do, since I usually win. But he's getting better, he's won a couple times and yesterday, even though I used all my letters and got over 80 points that turn, I only beat him by 10.

I've also been watching alot of crime investigation shows: The New Detectives, The FBI Files, Cold Case. Good stuff. Other than OJ, seems that most people don't get away with murder.

A Note from Buddy

Buddy is back after a long vacation with Jenny, Aaron, and Oscar. He wrote this note:

I luved my vakashun. Oscar is the bestest frend a boy cud hav. He shares all his yummy toys and I only chewed up 1. Jenny and Airen took me to the best place in the woorld, Berger King. They no how much I luv dubble cheesebergers and driving in the car to get thair. I will miss my frends. Thank yu for taking such gud care of me. I luv you.

As for me, the Dr. says I can ease back to work. I'm nervous that things will go awry again, but I will take it easy and take it one day at a time.

Holy Shopping Withdrawls, Batman! This bedrest thing isn't really boding well for my shopping urges - especially when shopping is not just wanted, but needed!

The good news is that things seem to be better and I might be off bedrest this week. I hope so, or Christmas is going to be in jeopardy. I can't seem to do the online thing well this year, I get a bit overwhelmed.


Also, after watching all these food and craft shows, I want to make stuff. I want to make cookies (and then eat them). I want to make glitter snowflakes like Martha. I might even be able to do this on bedrest if I had all the supplies, but alas, I'm not well equipped.

Even hubby can't resist the urge to make. The other night he made Roasted Pears which we saw on Everyday Italian. He watches it because he thinks the host is hot. He also has made cookies twice, but not from scratch, from the package. Still, a good effort.

The View into Martha, Ellen, Tyra and Oprah

Still on bedrest. Third trip to triage yesterday, but everything seems to have settled down and we are ok for now. Hubby is taking great care of me - he is a Saint. I'm very lucky.

TV is still the easiest thing since it's hard to be in other positions for any length of time. The mornings consist mostly of various talk shows - not the ridiculous ones like Jerry Springer - the somewhat more redeeming ones like Martha, Ellen, and, of course, Oprah. Oprah is an amazing human being. Oprah for president!

I also learned that if you're going to be on The Price is Right, you need to wear a goofy t-shirt. And if you're pregnant, don't even try since it seems to be that you must jump up and down like a maniac when you get picked and/or win anything, which would probably cause immediate labor.

The new season of Project Runway started last night too. Oooh, I just love it. There are some great designs - and some that are just hideous.

I'm also pretty up on the Top 100 SNL Moments. Laughing is good for your health.

Food TV is a staple, though I find Rachel Ray very annoying and most often they are making something with fish (yuck). Bring on Paula and the Bacon Crisps for me! (crackers baked with parm cheese wrapped in bacon) or anything involving lots of sugar.

Now I'm hungry - time to call for lunch, "Honey..."

I'm sorry, 've been bad about blogging. So, let me first tell you - it's a GIRL! So girl name suggestions are welcome.

Now let me tell you the drama of the past weekend. Hubby and I were at the airport on Friday to visit the inlaws in Florida but after a trip to the ladies room, had to head to the hospital instead. Long story short, everything seems to be ok - they can't pinpoint a problem, but I am on bed rest until further notice.

Bed rest = bad tv.

Saturday I watched a marathon session of Making the Band 3. Now eagerly looking forward to the season finale on Thursday.

Sunday I watched a marathon session of America's Next Top Model. Now eagerly looking forward to the season finale on Wednesday.

Today, resorted to watching Blue Lagoon.

Kodak One Galleries

Kodak has opened two popup retail stores called Kodak One Galleries - one in NYC and one in San Francisco. They're only open for November. Pretty cool concept. I was hoping to get a gig working the store, but alas, was not to happen.

They've been posting pictures from the stores. It's interesting to see the differences between NYC and SF - mostly in the number of dogs. I can't get over how adorable this picture is!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/onegallery-sf

http://www.kodakgallery.com/onegallery-ny

If anyone lives in NY or SF and goes to the One store, email me a picture (they have the EasyShare One cameras that let you email from the camera)! That would be so cool. Send it to tinashop @ rochester.rr.com (my other address gets TONS of spam).

International Day of Tolerance

I find it very fitting that I share my birthday with the International Day for Tolerance, as I consider myself an open-minded, tolerant person.

An excerpt from wiki:

Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference...

Hooo Hoooo

Technically, it's my birthday, since it's now after midnight. Apparently I am rewarding myself by letting myself stay up really late. Here it is almost 1am and I am looking up fare sales on Jetblue even though I am going on vacation next month so not only can't afford another trip so soon, but probably won't even be able to fly in January. But that doesn't stop me from fantasies of going to Salt Lake for Sundance or Las Vegas for a gambling excursion or LA to have mac & cheese at Lola's.

Goldie Girl

Jenny has been giving me some great birthday week gifts. Today I got Goldie nail polish. It's so adorable, I'm torn between using it for my nails and using it as home decor!

Heart Beat

Heard the baby's heart beat for the second time. What a relief that is each time. Find out the sex on the 29th - if he/she/it cooperates. Then we can really kick into name figuring out mode.

So far

- no names from males from my side of the family

- no freaky names like Apple or Coco or Chanel or Prada or Nike

- but nothing too normal, like David (not that there's anything wrong with that name!)

- no Chuck Jr. (though maybe Charlie for a girl)

- Spencer? maybe

- Tucker? no, sing the name game and you'll know why

- middle name Rose? yes

- Wayland? Maybe. During our brainstorming the other day, Jenny came up with that. I actually like it alot. My Dad was a big Wayland Jennings fan. Too bad it's a boy's name or we could name a girl Wayland Jenny. Ha ha.

All name suggestions are welcome!

Lost in Ice Cream

Mya Ice Cream,
originally uploaded by tostina.

I love this pic of Mya. Her ice cream seems to have put her into a dreamlike state. Ice Cream will do that to you!

Happy Halloween!

So despite turning the clocks back an hour and despite the fact that I should be more tired, I was up until after 1am, watching, of all things, a true ghost story. About a mansion called Summerwind in Wisconsin. Of course reading about it isn't half as scary as a Discovery Channel re-enactment!

Scared out of my wits, I started thinking, "hmm, if I'm thinking about ghosts, will I inadvertantly cause one to move in with us?"

AAAggghh! It's scary just writing about thinking about it!

Buddy by a Nose

Buddy by a Nose,
originally uploaded by tostina.

I love this pic of Buddy. He's lucky he's so handsome, because Monday he not only ate a sock, he pooped it out onto the kitchen floor!

Not quite the angelic dog I thought he was, but still a very sweet, very loving, very funny friend.

Happy Birthday Daniela!!!

Bump

Yes, it's true. I am preggers and due in April.

So I am in the same boat as Katie Holmes, only I'm married... and to a sane person...

and Melania Trump, only I'm not married to a bzillionaire... and mine has good hair...

and Jennifer Garner, who'se husband, similar to mine, loves sports and strippers...

and maybe even Angelina Jolie, only Brad Pitt isn't the father, and really, I'm fine with that. I gave up that dream a long time ago.

And seeing as though we've tried on and off for about 9 of our 14 years of marriage, I didn't think it was going to happen. And I was thinking, "OK, I'll take the money and freedom and run with it", then, surprise, change of plans! Though still nervous that something could go awry, my belly is growing, as is my appetite. Bring on the pizza & donuts!

No More Bobble Head

Buddy eat frog

I got this picture and message from hubby. This used to be a bobble head frog.

Jenny provided me proof that her & Aaron are nuts, which is, of course, what I love about them.

My Hero

Jenny is my hero. She nourished my soul with Jamba Juice Sunday. On her way to Tennessee for a Storytelling Workshop, she came upon a Jamba Juice in the Charlotte airport. Once in TN, she kicked into action, buying a cooler, a lunch bag and ice packs for her trip home, and then proceeded to bring us all back a smoothie.

From now on, all of our travel plans will try to work in a layover in Charlotte!

Anniv

Today is 3 years since my Mom died. It doesn't feel so long. I can still remember the feel of her hug. The hardest part is knowing that her Grandchildren are missing out on such a wonderful influence in their life. She would be getting such a kick out of Mya (except when Mya is being bratty, which, unfortunately, happens alot these days - the terrible twos a little late)

Spray Yourself Skinny

Well, I knew it would be coming. We read way back that smells can increase your satisfaction with food, so now the Flavor Spray Diet is here. Spray angel food cake with Banana Split Spray and viola, a decadent dessert.

Now you know damn well that women (ok, me) will be carrying these sprays around in their purse and using them like breath spray. "Ooh, I think I'll have a dose of Birthday Cake Spray before my 9am meeting". I'm still not convinced, however, that it would keep me from downing half a pizza pie.

UGH

Ugh, I can't find my camera. I had it. I put it somewhere. Now I can't find it. UGH.

Thank You!

Thank you everyone for your donations! I've reached my goal and will not only be getting the t-shirt, but we will all be helping the animals!

If anyone still wants to donate, please help Sarah reach her goal too:
http://www.lollypop.org/sarahsthreads

And remember, to get an autographed photo of the doggies, send me your email to tinablog @ rochester.rr.com and make the subject line "Autographed photo".

Barktoberfest

Even though Buddy ate my elephant, I have forgiven him. He got a nice new dog bed yesterday and finds it quite comfy.

On Saturday, Buddy and I are going to join Jenny & Oscar in the Barktoberfest walk to raise money for the animals.

We'd really love to earn the "fabulous long-sleeved T-shirt" and just need another $25, so if anyone can donate - even just $5 - please do! It will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.lollypop.org/tostina

I know Jenny is offering an autographed photo of Oscar to those who donate, so I will do the same. Buddy is ready for his close up, Mr. Deville.

The Buddy Beat

My brother was sure to inform me that Buddy LOVES going for rides and LOVES double cheeseburgers, so Sunday night, I took him for a ride to BK and got him one. I got me a Bacon Double - so you can see how this can be a dangerous precedent.

How am I rewarded for this? Does he sit and stare at me lovingly? Yes, but only for a short while. Then he disappears into the other room. I wonder, but am too distracted by Desperate Housewives. When he returns, I notice fuzz sticking out of his mouth. He has nearly eaten my little stuffed elephant that inadvertantly got left on a lower shelf.

See, though Buddy is one of the most obedient dogs I've ever witnessed, he has a weakness for stuffed animals. An addiction, one might say. He wants to grab hold and carry them around in his mouth and NOT LET GO, EVER.

So in trying to get the elephant back, with distraction techniques a failure, I pried his jaws open and released the elephant... but it was too late. The trunk had been chewed off and it was covered in a slimy layer of dog saliva.

Goodbye Leetle Elefant, you were a good friend.

The Buddy Beat

waiting for cake,
originally uploaded by ljc@flickr.

Buddy had a great time yesterday meeting and celebrating Oscar's birthday. The pupcake didn't stand a chance.

He's been very good except at night. At night he decides to pace, shake, lick, make toys squeak, ask to go out, and generally keep me awake all night. I asked my brother about this and he says Buddy is a guard dog at heart and wants to make sure we are safe, which involves many perimeter checks. As for the licking, he tells me to tell Buddy, "NO LICKY" and he will stop.

Tonight I will try the discipline route, probably along with some earplugs, because as hard as I try, I can't fall asleep to "slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, squeeeek, squeeeek, squeeeek... "

Tina and Buddy

Tina and Buddy,
originally uploaded by ljc@flickr.

Here's another pic of me and Buddy that Jenny took. I think he is very happy to be here. Even though we told him, "Rochester is not like Las Vegas, there are not nearly as many hookers or strippers here."

He seemed ok with that.

Buddy

My brother's dog Buddy arrived from Las Vegas yesterday. We are going to give him love and attention while my brother gets his life back on track.

Buddy is a very tall (as in, "hey, what's this on the counter" tall), intimidating looking Doberman, but is really a big, sweet baby. He carries around his toy and wants to sit on your lap. I am going to enjoy having Buddy around, despite the fact that at 3am, he nuzzled my face and needed to go pee. He's still on west coast time. =)

Devastating

I came home and watched the news. The disaster down south from Hurricane Katrina is so devastating. I can't figure out if the disasters are getting worse and more frequent or if it just seems so because we have massive news coverage, but either way, it's just heartbreaking.

At first I thought many who stayed were stubborn or stupid, but when I heard on NPR that many people did not have cars with which to leave, or money for gas or hotel, it began to make more sense. I remember a time in my life when I did not have enough money to buy a sandwich, much less fill up a $40 tank of gas. So I can relate to being broke and having little or no choices.

Now, with a good job and a comfortable life, I can, at the very least, make a donation. Along with a donation to the Red Cross to help the people, I donated to the Humane Society to help the animals.

For Peetza Sake

When I was in 6th grade, at the mall with some friends, I remember seeing a t-shirt that said,

Sex is like pizza, when it's good, it's good, and when it's bad, it's still good.

I had no idea about sex at the time, but I knew I really loved pizza. And now, after 14 years of marriage, if asked to choose between sex or pizza... let's just say, pms week would be no contest. Extra cheese please.

The pizza we had in NYC was delicious. One of these days I want to do my own Pizza Tour of NYC and identify my favorite. I guess I'd have to be there quite a while, then have pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I could do it. Don't challenge me. Or if the Dairy Council wants to sponsor me, all my Pizza evaluations will include something like "though the crust was perfect crispness, the amount of Mozzarella Cheese® was slightly deficient".

A wonderful weekend in NYC is coming to a close. We had a great time!

NY, NY

We are going to NYC tomorrow. I'm very excited. I love NYC. I love people watching. I love the culture. I love the food. I love the shopping. I love the fashion.

We will be seeing Spamalot again (so the guys can laugh as hard as we did) and going to a Yankees game. Jenny wants to buy a baseball glove, more for protection than to catch a souvenier ball. She doesn't want a Fever Pitch incident. My brother is excited too. He collects Yankee hats and is hoping I get him one (in the peanut-head size of only 6 7/8) and get it signed by Derek Jeeter. As if that might happen. But I'll try. We also may catch some Fringe Fest happenings.

I did my usual obsessive-compulsive nightly travel research and though at one point I had four hotels reserved, I finally narrowed it to the Dylan. It looks nice (and hip) and I got a great rate - I just hope the bed is comfy and the toiletries are good.

(Note as a result of hours on the internet: it seems you almost always find the cheapest rate direclty on the hotel's website!)

So, I am ready to guzzle down a Banana Berry Jamba, eat some Pommes Frites and enjoy the city!

Liccy Piggy

I don't like black licorice, but these little licorice piglets are just so adorable!

Route 29 Napa has lots of other yummies too, like chocolate covered potato chips and, something that sounds similar to one of my favorite candies, Chewy Peps - chewy peppermints. And since it's been shown that peppermint increases your alertness and decreases your appetite, those Chewy Peps might just turn out to be diet candy!

Goodbye

This really saddens me. I grew up watching Peter Jennings. Lung cancer is a bitch. It claimed my Dad at 46. Not to say that his 2 pack a day habit didn't contribute, but his generation got hooked before they knew how bad it was for you.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Abby!

Balance

Well, obviously the chubby comment was not enought to keep me from eating four - count 'em, four - Krispy Kreme original glazed today. One in the morning. One in the afternoon. Two in the evening. DEE-LISH. Mmmm, my chubby little cheeks were sore from smiling through the pure joy that is a Krispy Kreme.

Oh, and I had a banana. That's the key, balance.

Which reminds me, when the hell is that Cold Stone Creamery going to open here? Little ole Rochester with an Apple Store and a Cold Stone. It's only a matter of time before IKEA reocognizes the potential here.

PS - go Marty (Rockstar INXS)

Chubbarific

Someone on Jenny's blog saw her pic from In-N-Out Burger and posted a not so nice comment -

...all you talk about is porking out on highly processed foods! what a crack up to see your chubby face!

- well, that was my chubby face, not Jenny's.

The irony of the comment is that 1) In-N-Out uses only fresh, non-processed ingredients and 2) I'm well within the healthy weight range for my height according to the National Institute for Health

But either way, as for 'porking out' on yummy food, sign my fat-ass up because I'd rather enjoy life than be a stick in the mud (literally and figuratively).

At the Golden Gate Bridge - brrr

Shawn Cassidy was in my dream last night, looking exactly as he did in 1978. He was my first big crush. Until Andy Gibb came along and stole my heart.

Last week, as I'm driving to work, I notice a spider hanging from my side mirror, clinging on for dear life. Part of me is rooting for him but most of me is accelerating faster and faster to get him to blow off! Then floomp, he crawls up into the mirror, safe and sound. Push him down a little and he's easily the size of a dime, ie, big.

The next day, no spider. Can't decide whether I'm relieved or disappointed.

Friday I notice a fresh web. He's still here. Arrive at work, there he is, hanging down from the mirror and I think, did he really hold on the whole way? Through my 72mph driving? Holy crap, that's a super spider. Then, floomp, he crawls up into the mirror.

The real horrific part is that HE could be a SHE and in some short time, my car will be swarming with little spiders. For sanity sake, I resolve to believe it's a he.

As I get in my car after work, I begin to wonder if he might find his way inside my car. I'd feel this tapping on my shoulder and hear, "hey, nice digs in here... leather... niiiiccce" as he rubs his hairy little legs across the seat.

Then I think I see something out of the corner of my eye - AAGH! Nothing. Then I think I feel something on my foot. AAAGGHH! Nothing. I conclude that I am being parachnoid (paranoid of arachnids).

As I come out to my car the next day, I see a fresh web yet again from mirror to door. Ugh, he's still here. But I get in the car and - AAAAAGGGGHHHHH - there is a web built from my steering wheel to the dash. My nightmare has come true. I wasn't paranoid, he WAS in my car. Somewhere. Hiding. Waiting. Determining the best time to jump out at me. I can see it now, caught driving recklessly, "well Officer, a spider jumped out at me".

If I Raid my car, I'll probably do more damage to myself than the spider. He'll just find a way out and go, "aaah, fresh air", while I'm inside choking.

Well, he can have my car for the next few days while I'm out of town, but after that, I am RECLAIMING MY CAR and my SANITY!

more on this later

In Excess

Hubby and I are totally hooked on the show Rock Star: INXS. It's American Idol but dirtier, hipper, and cooler songs. I can barely resist the urge to pull out my black eyeliner, dig out my studded writstbands, make my hair REALLY big, and dust off my Iron Maiden albums...

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the guys in INXS have held up, a couple of them still look pretty hot for old guys (in denial that they may be dangerously close to my own age). Quite a different story over at Celebrity Fit Club. Imagine my shock and disgust to see Jani Land of Warrant all chubby and boring looking. Not that he was a prize back then, but what has to go wrong in your world to end up on Celebrity Fit Club? Ugh, and Willie Ames. Charles was in Charge, but Willie was in the kitchen.

This birthday calculator is silly but fun. For me it said,

"There are 126 days till your next birthday on which your cake will have 37 candles on it. Those 37 candles produce 37 BTU's, or 9 food calories. You can boil 4.23 US ounces of water with that many candles."

ouch, babe.

Then it said, "Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritable and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self-confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner."

Ah, horoscopes, they're just so magical (read: sarcasm)

Name and Fortune

Jenny and I were at Michael's the other night & spotted yarns from Moda Dea - whose website Natalie designed - and loved the cool yarns. And they had awesome names, like Fur Ever, Jai Alai, Chichi, and Vixen, whose name alone made we want to buy enough to knit every call girl in Vegas a dish cloth.

Then I was online-window-shoe-shopping to feed my combo shopping/internet addiction and realized all the shoes have cutsie names too, like Smurfs, Truffle, Smooch, and Tiki Bar.

Who has these jobs - naming yarns, naming shoes, naming lipstick, naming nail polish? It seems easy, but is it? How many ways can you describe pink?

I want to be a namer. I think I'd be a good namer. I'd have to go places to get inspired. Like the zoo. But then I'd probably end up naming some pink nail polish "Baboon Bum" or "Piggy Pants".

"If, as you live your life, you find yourself mentally composing blog entries about it, post this exact same sentence in your weblog."

I do, but then I forget, or I get nervous that I'll write and offend someone. But mostly I forget. Blasted aging.

The husband is ideal. The friends are extraordinary. The work can be enjoyable. The family is...

AAAAGGGHHHH! That's where things go awry. The family is challenging.

Somebody get me a drink, or grab me my credit card, or give me some Zantac, or let me sleep all day, or turn on some ridiculous reality tv, or tell me a joke, or feed me some Krispy Kremes, or give me a punching bag with my brother-in-laws face on it. Hurry.

Off the Wagon

Holy Overeating Batman! The special events over the past couple days have offered a plethera of tempting treats and sent my resolve to eat good into the toilet.

Though delicious, Marie's Rasperry Vinaigrette dressing on romaine is no match for cake, peanut butter cookies and Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip.

Tomorrow I will get back to fruit & veggies & chicken or I'll have to buy a new wardrobe to support my new friends - the extra 10 pounds that I've been hanging out with lately.

Block Aid

I am so having writers block. My apologies. I need to focus and pick something to blog about every day, like "TV Moment of the Day".

Last night I was jumping back and forth between I Want To Be a Hilton and AFI Top 100 Movie Quotes. I didn't watch all 100 movie quotes, but it sure made me want to rent Casablanca.

One of my personal favorites is "there's no crying in baseball" - I love Tom Hanks in that scene from A League of Their Own. I also love Tom Hanks in the scene from Turner & Hooch where he's rolling around with the dog in his skivvies. Did I mention I also had a crush on Ritchie Cunningham (Ron Howard) when I was young. What can I say, red hair and freckles were my tall, dark & handsome.

Vacation Elation

Back from a very wonderful vacation in the Outer Banks. Wild horsed, wild dolphins, and great company!

I can't even describe how insanely excited I was to have dolphins show up very close as we were boogie boarding. I pee'd myself (which was ok, because it's the ocean - already filled with lots of fish pee and God knows what else). You see, "my name is Tina, and I am a Dolphin Fanatic." From the early years watching Flipper to nearly moving across the country, away from friends and family, to go to SDSU to become a Marine Biologist (I STILL kick myself for not doing that), it's been a long love affair.

The next day, the dolphins appeared even closer. I got defiantly brave, ran into the water, determined to have a life altering experience interacting with wild dolphins, only to find that the tide made the water quite a bit deeper than I expected, causing a flash back - me, six years old, fingers clenched across my face, spread just enough to peek through, watching the horror that was JAWS - and with that, I chickened out and ran/swam back to shore. Damn you Steven Spielberg, damn you!

As we left yesterday, driving along the beach, to everyone's delight we were escorted along by a particularly playful pair. I think the OBX Visitor's Association trained them to do this to make sure people come back year after year. Very effective!

Having a great vacation! Dolphins were very close as we were boogie boarding yesterday - seventh heaven.

Challenged

Jenny & I "ran" the Corporate Challenge last night. Ran = run a little, walk alot, run a little, walk alot. Yep, made it in just under record time (record time for the Boston Marathon maybe).

I really hate running. I'd rather ride my bike hundreds of miles rather than run a mile. I just did it for the t-shirt and free food.

Speaking of the t-shirt, Jenny created the winning design for Kodak and as we were all cheering for her, they snapped my pic and it made their website. I'm just glad I don't look like a complete dork, because 4 out of 5 dentists think I do look like a dork in most pictures (luckily, they say I look quite normal in person).

Free Philosophy

Thinking I was going to get all existential on you? I'm lucky I can spell existential. But free beauty products, now that's enough to enlighten anyone.

"The "featured products" were basically men's skin care stuff - shave kits and cologne.

.

Happy Anniversary

Hub sent me roses from Arena's today for our 14th anniversary. I'm a lucky girl.

May the Force be With You as You Dream

Saw Star Wars last night, so I am no longer uncool. Or am I hiply nerdish? Either way, HELLO DARTH VADER! Mmmm, could have used a few more scenes of young Skywalker waking up from a bad dream. I, on the other hand, woke up this morning from a good dream in which I was hugging Anakin. Damn you evil alarm clock! I knew you were from the DARK SIDE!

Drive-In, Pig Out

Went to the drive-in this weekend with my sis and Mya. It was a candy-covered-fried-food frenzy. Combine cheap prices, comfort food and limited access and something clicks in my brain that leaves me a danger to myself and others.

Even though Jenny says I'm a "food exaggerator" (as in, "I ate sooo much yesterday" when I only ate a hot dog and a half of a watermelon), I am not exaggerating the indulgence that occurred at the drive-in.

Here's what I really ate: 3/4 of a slice of pizza (all would have been mine if not for mini-me (Mya) who also loves junk food), not much of a gallon size coke, a bite of a s'more cookie, half a box of Butterfinger Bites*, 3/4 of a cheeseburger (again, the rest given up to mini-me), a bite of a hot dog, and 1/2 a thing of fries.

Now you may be thinking... not too bad considering it's the drive-in and all... but all this came AFTER a dinner of steak and potatoes. And especially this coming from someone who was on track to wear a swimsuit next week - all week I ate chicken, salads, mushrooms, fruit, chicken, tuna, cheese and almonds. But get me behind the wheel of a car while in front of a movie screen and **SNAP**, bikini-body-bye-bye!

*Note: These were worth every last calorie and then some!

Self Conscious

As I entered my Little Gram's Senior Living Apartment Building this week, there was a group of blue-hairs sitting outside chatting it up with each other. For some reason, this was extremely intimidating to me. Why on earth should I be intimidated? This is a key question I need to address in therapy.

Here's the conversation in my head and the scenario - you be the judge if I'm crazy or not...

[me thinking] OMG, there's a whole group of them, they're going to stare at me.

[them, chattering]

[me getting closer]

[them looking]

[me thinking] OMG, they're looking at me! Am I walking funny? Should I look? Should I smile?

[them, suddenly completely silent, all staring]

[me, slight smile]

[me thinking] AAAGGGHHHH! I've silenced them. The moment I'm out of earshot, they're going to spend the next 15 minutes talking about me. AAAAGGGHHHH!

[me, turning the corner, thinking] Finally, I made it through. Whew!

[SUDDENLY, more blue hairs!! All staring also! ]

[One deranged looking man with Charles Manson crazy hair]: "HI!!"

[me thinking] OMG, don't upset him, be nice.

[me] "Hi."

[me, walking faster] I hope he heard me and didn't think I was rude.

[me getting inside the building] AAAGGHHHH! Just let me get up to the safety of my Grandma's apartment. No more crazy staring blue-hairs and no more old-person smell. AAAAGGHHH.

Oh, the traumatic life I lead.

One more Goodbye

We had to let Grizzy go last night. Chuck took him in to the vet for a growth on his side that had ruptured. The vet suspected it was a malignant tumor and thought he might have others. She was right. When they put him under and x-rayed, they found a "lemon-sized" tumor on his heart and a few other tumors in his lungs. They said the kindest thing to do was to not wake him up. If the tumor on his heart were to rupture, it would be a "very bad death". He was 13 1/2 years old and barely hobbling around, so we knew his time was nearing to a close, but no matter how prepared you are, it's devastating.

Mya had grown very attached to him and would constantly say, "Grizzy, treat" and bravely hold out a biscuit as he nibbled away at her little hand.

His ears were so soft as I kissed him goodbye.

No more death for me. That's it. Everyone and everything better stay healthy. Stop smoking. Eat your vegetables. Drive sensibly. Don't step out in front of buses. Don't bungee jump. Don't do drugs (except in moderation). Stay home, watch tv, and eat brussel sprouts, dammit!

Mmmm... Kettle Korn from the Lilac Festival - waited in line for over half an hour to get it - well worth the wait.

Sugar Rush

Another restaurant realized what people (like me) really want - dessert. The O-bar in West Hollywood has a Sugar Rush Hour - much like Happy Hour, but you can get high on sugar instead of drunk on alcohol.

I thought it looked familiar, then realized that this is the bar I went to with my brother on my "fun" visit to LA last November. I was surrounded by gay men who, though mainly interested in influencing my brother's persuation, were kind and funny and very enjoyable to hang with. It's not common in LA (in my experience) to just meet strangers who are nice and inviting, so it was a great evening.

Anyway, we didn't eat, just got drinks, but you can bet my ever-widening ass that next time I will partake of a dessert. Here's the menu... mmm... D'o'nuts!

DAVE’S FAVORITE D'O'NUTS
Fluffy Brioche Doughnuts Served Warm with Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkles, Butterscotch and Chocolate Dipping Sauces.

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE
Extra Rich Flourless Chocolate Sensation Served with Homemade Buttermilk Ice Cream and Fresh Raspberries.

BANANA CHEESECAKE
A Rich, Satisfying Treat atop a Chocolate Hazelnut Crust. We Add Dark Chocolate Sorbet Just to Show We Don’t Monkey Around with Our Bananas.

MEYER LEMON PANNA COTTA
Panna Cotta translated means, ''Cooked Cream.'' Meadow Adds Her Own Flair to this Traditional Italian Favorite with Raspberry Sauce and Almond Cookies.

WARM CINNAMON APPLE PIE
An Individual Apple Pie Served Piping Hot from Our Oven Topped with Vermont Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream. Mom would be so proud.

STRAWBERRY 'N CREAM NAPOLEON
Luscious Layers of Vanilla Mascarpone, Strawberry Sorbet and Fresh Berries Held Together with Almond Phyllo Tuilles.

THOMAS' DECADENT ''O'' COOKIE
A Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Baked to Order in an Iron Skillet, Topped with Three Scoops of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Covered in Rich Chocolate and Caramel Sauce.

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM OR SORBET AND BISCOTTI

Goodbye

Well, yesterday, fourteen years to the day my Father (her son) died, my Grandmother passed away. I suppose that in terms of someone dying, this was the best of situations, older, prepared, peacefully. Tomorrow is the service. Let's see if any of my Uncles show up on their Harleys.

Purse Me!

Mya training to be a champion shopper like her Aunt Tina - while at the mall, she picked up this Dooney & Bourke and proclaimed, "Purse, Me!"

Happy Birthday

Today I am only four years younger than Jenny. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LJC!

Grandma Notes

I thought I'd clarify that the Grandmother that is dying is my Father's Mother (Big Gram). Not my Mom's Mom (Little Gram). Little Gram is the one who makes Pizelles, always tells me I look like I've lost weight then attempts to overfeed me, has shoes that are wider than they are long, hangs out with my crazy Aunt Del, gets disgusted when I give her gifts, and who we are very close with. Little Gram is doing mostly well, though about as deaf as a doorknob.

Big Gram is the one in the hospital. We were never as close with her. Dad's side of the family, in general, tended not to acknowledge us much. Whenever I go to visit this Gram, it seems that she has pictures of all her other Grandchildren plastered all over, but none of us. I remember specifically giving her pictures because of this, then next visit - no where to be found. Am I paranoid?

My sister was always her favorite though (at least among of our little group of outcast grandchildren) and sure enough, when I went to see her last week, her first words were, "how's Sherri?". Then next couple visits, she seemed to be getting better, but Sunday she asked for only comfort care, Monday they turned off dialysis, and yesterday she slipped in to a coma. She is going peacefully and is not in pain, which makes it easier, however, the whole idea of dealing with death is still too fresh in the sense of reminders of Mom's ordeal and not having Mom to help us through.

So in an odd, indirect way, it is very traumatic.

Rough weekend. Mother's Day. Grandmother dying. "The" Hospital. UGH.

On the brighter side...

The baby falcons have hatched. Jenny is one year closer to being old like me. The weather was amazing today. My niece Mya is hilarious - she thinks her name is "Me".

Shiny Shiny

While doing some research for work, I came across this site, Shiny Shiny - a Girl's Guide to Gadgets. It is a wonderful site and my estrogen swells with the site of all these girly products, especially this Monkey Nail Dryer. I MUST HAVE IT!!






:)

Slacking

Yes, I've been slacking on posts. As you can see from last nights, I'm just not finding my humor. I don't want to write about all the sad crap.

I have also been spending alot of time on the computer each night researching hotels in NYC. Looks like we are going again in August with Jenny & Aaron and when it comes to travel, I become this obsessive freak who has to look at EVERY SINGLE SITE and find out EVERYTHING ABOUT EACH HOTEL. Mainly, I want a hip, boutique-y hotel with good toiletries that is near Pommes Frites so I can feed both my Beauty Product Addiction and my Food Addiction in one fell swoop. Let me tell you that it is not a quick and easy task to find out what kind of toiletries a hotel offers. And this plays big in my decision.

The Hudson, as cool as it was, had crap toiletries. The W New York on the other hand, had a nice little travel bag full of Bliss products. Yes, it was sheer bliss to take home that little bonus.

But NY has so many choices, many of them out of my price range, so I'm still a bit undecided. As of tonight I have The Time Hotel booked, but I'm not done. I'd rather stay at the Tribeca Grand or Soho Grand or I might go for the City Club - only for their Hermes toiletries. Let's face facts, I'm not going to run out and buy Hermes stuff, but if it comes with a decent priced room, I'm THERE.

So I'll try to get back to my blogging, really I will.

And any thoughts/info on NYC hotels, let me know!

One Down

Well, it worked. I was enveloped by the intensity of celeb after celeb... first Brad Pitt, then George Clooney, Steve Buscemi, Jamie Foxx, then, the most trusted of all, Tom Hanks, asking me to help make poverty history.

How can you resist?

I couldn't.

Why should you resist?

So I signed the declaration and I bought wristbands.

Then again, I also gave some grungy-dread-locked-barefoot-tree-hugger guy who showed up at my door at 9pm one night thirty five bucks to save the environment from pesticides, so why wouldn't I help Brad Pitt?

Best of Craiglist

I hadn't seen this before, but these are hilarious!

New Yorkie

I'm still in a NY state of mind. One of the best parts of our trip was all the dogs. NYers love their dogs, and Citysearch has a great article on all the dog-friendly places. Next trip we might not have a dog with us, but who says you can't go trolling for a little puppy love in the city.

Bubby's Pie Co. in Tribeca allows dogs. Their menu looks pretty tasty too. I think I'd have to get the Frog Parker Pulled Pork with a side of mac & cheese and Corn on the Cob and chase it all down with a Creamsicle Martini and, of course, finish with Mile High Apple Pie. Mmm.

NY, NY

Back from NYC and aside from the jacked up, blistered feet, it was excellent. I did wear comfy shoes, but walking about 6 miles a day - when you normally barely put in 1/4 mile - is bound to do damage.

Thursday got off to a great start with Pommes Frites. I'd have to walk 6 miles a day if I lived there because I would eat these soul saving fries every day.

We were also happy to see that NYC is now spotted with Jamba Juices. They were busier than Starbucks! Banana Berry gave my soul and soles some much needed potassium.

Then it was on to Broadway. I cannot emphasize enough how hilarious Spamalot is. Tim Curry should win a Tony. Tim Curry's alto voice and charming smile warmed my soul.

The gentle rain that fell upon us as we politely handed our playbills to David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria was refreshing and enlightened my soul.

Friday brought us Maroon 5. Assigned seats and row 10 made for an easygoing, no jostling with teenage girls, good time. Adam's lyrics touched my soul and he was very easy on the eyes.

Sneaking into the secret Burger Joint was invigorating and the caloric bounty fed my soul.

Saturday brunch at the Brooklyn Diner was delicious. I love dipping toast in eggs, it remings me of my Mom and brings joy to my soul.

Chilling in the Oasis Lounge at the W New York made for a relaxing evening. Though there were no rhythm-less dancers to be amused with, there was a huge wall with dolphins being projected onto it. My soul is soothed with the sight of dolphins. The Corona didn't hurt either.

Making the most of Sunday, we put on our walking shoes and headed south. Walked over fourty blocks before bringing it all back around - back to Pommes Frites. Finishing off a great trip with a delicious chocolate milkshake while eating soul sticks with your best friend, that's what it's all about.

My soul was warmed, refreshed, soothed, and fed... and I am better for it.

Read Me A Drink

Jenny and I are in the Library Bar of the Hudson Hotel. We are using their computer like nerds while the cool people are playing pool. Jenny is fighting her alcohol allergy and I am flowing with my tolerance for it... We saw Maroon 5 tonight, they were great. There were alot of 8 year olds there too. I guess NYers like to spoil their kids. We also saw an eleven year old with a Louis Vuitton purse. Totally unneccesary in my humble opinion. I mean seriously, buy the girl a Hello Kitty purse and let her grow up empathetic. Another youngun in a fur scarf could have done with a sythetic blend. Oh well, that's NY for you.

Wear in New York?

As Jenny posted, we are going to NYC tomorrow for a weekend of fun, food, and financial farewell (ie, say goodbye to our money because we will be shopping like mad).

One thing I'm having a dilemma over - what to wear. I want to look nice, but I don't want my feet to feel like I've been walking on hot coals.

What I want to wear:


The extremely comfy shoes I bought to wear (but in tan):


But I also have the problem that flat shoes are not very flattering on me. Not only am I short already, but my pants are so long, I'll look like The Incredible Shrinking Woman on day 4. So if not my comfy jeans, then what?

What are short women in NYC wearing to look nice but be comfy and warm? Or are they all suffering for vanity, which is still an option?

Heavenly Donuts

In discussing the dire health of the Pope, Jenny & I agreed that it would be unfortunate for him to pass away on April Fools Day - yes, it would be unfortunate for him to pass away at all - but if it's today, it will just open the situation up for tasteless jokes and what not. We also discussed how he is likely getting the best care and at only 84, has probably taken good care of himself through the years, so may have a good chance of pulling through.

But then there are Krispy Kremes. The belief that Krispy Kremes were created by the Heavenly Father to bring peace and happiness to our ever darkening planet. That the sugary glaze is not just yummy, it feeds our soul with lightness and blesses us with an internal glow of joy that radiates to others and makes the world a better place.

I think the world has overlooked the power of the Krispy Kreme. That if there were donut proliferation, we might not have nuclear proliferation. If the people that hate Americans were offered a dozen hot glazed, perhaps their view would be softened, their perspective expanded, for how can you hate someone who provides something so loving and kind.

I don't think it's a mere coincidence that they are shaped like little angel halos. So even though the Krispy Kremes might shorten our lives with clogged arteries, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Krispy Kremes are, as we've all suspected, an instrument of God.

Glowing Orbs

I love these new glowing orbs. Much like the Candela rechargeable candle lamps Jenny blogged about, but now in available as ethereal little orbs that change color.

Now if they could just merge these with a Tomy Bobble Head Sunshine Buddy - like Jenny has - and I think they'd have a replacement for valium.