We Rocked It Like It Was 1984!!

Okay, sorry it took me so long to get all of this up here. It's been a crazy first week back to work. Soooo....... here we go!!

The girls and I met at Snookie's for some burgers and pre-concert talk. It was a lot of fun to catch up with them - most hadn't seen each other since school got out back in June. Then we head down to Fair Park. You could not believe the heat - the car said it was 112 outside!!! It was soooo hot!!!!The traffic as we got close to the venue was crazy. The concert was sold out and parking was going to be a nightmare. We used my phone GPS which took us the more popular route and had us literally parked on I-30. Jenice - smart girl - took us down a couple of exits and we came in the back way. Gotta love that back door action!!

We realize as we park and hike inside that we are going to miss Cheap Trick - this is an acceptable loss to me. I'm really here for Heart and Journey action!! We met up and get okay seats on the lawn off to the side - we can see the stage (good!), but we are by the walkway area (bad!!).......... Did I mention how hot it was?

Here's Erika (intently enjoying music), Jenice & Becca. Can you believe these pics are from my BlackBerry? Not bad.............

As we get our beer, get seated and settled, we have a great view of the stage. Once Cheap Trick leaves and Heart begins, this quickly becomes our view:

Butts..... lots of them. People stand and lean against the railing in front of us so we can't see. So we get a lot of free ass with our $28 admittance. The people were interesting - this guy and his two hippie friends, the girls who were too old to wear short shorts but wore them anyways, and Suspender Susie. Suspender Susie had an interesting ensemble: jean shorts (aka jorts), white tank top, and green suspenders. She was a little on the chubby side, so this look wasn't fabulous. But really the suspenders gave her something a little extra. She really should have wore them backwards, like a Cross Your Heart Suspenders. I have the picture on my phone and if I can get it online, I will post the look for your entertainment. There were all kinds of people there - all different ages - I was surprised by the number of young people. Did I mention the beer selling guy kept running over our toes?

This is the stage when Heart arrives. Do they play the songs I want to hear? YES! Do I see Nancy kick? YES - several low kicks and then one big kick towards the end. Kim is my witness that she nailed a good kick. And Ann? Boy can the sister belt it out!! My only complaint with Heart is that they only played 45 minutes. That was unacceptable - I could have listened to them for a lot longer!!!

Once Heart finishes, there is a break before Journey starts. It's sooo hot - I lay down on my blanket and splash with some water......

And here comes Journey!! The new lead singer was awesome!! It sounded just like Journey - I couldn't believe it!! He had a lot of energy, running around the stage, jumping up and down and doing some mild kicking. It was funny because the other three who are much older - they seemed to be a little bit more stationary.

Did they sing my songs? YES!! I loved for several of the songs the whole audience sang out loud together. It was fun!! They played new stuff and we'd yell for old stuff and then we'd get some. It was soo great!!

When it was time to go, we went out the wrong door and had to walk all the way around to our car, then we had to walk all the way to the far end of the parking lot to the car. We spent another 20 minutes just trying to get out of the parking lot. What a nightmare!! I was the first person dropped off and I didn't get home until like 12:45 AM. Needless to say, Monday morning was a bit on the rough side!!

I hope it was worth waiting for the post - it was worth reliving a week later!!

Summer 2008 comes to a close!!

Well, today is my last day of summer 2008. Starting tomorrow, I'm back at work, enjoying the challenges of my new job. My three weeks off have gone by fast, too fast if you ask me (but I think it goes by too fast no matter how much time you have off)!!

So how will I end my summer? By rocking it to the hot tunes of yesteryear by going to the Journey, Heart, and Cheap Trick concert tonight at the Superpages.com Center (formerly the Smirnoff Amphitheatre, formerly the Coca-Cola Starplex). It's gonna be so much fun. My compadres in crime are Jenice (we rocked it to Van Halen together in April), Kim, Cathy, Heidi, Becca, and Erika. Domenica couldn't make it - I know she's sad even though she's with family in California.

The only down side to this adventure is the HEAT. It'll be 102 when we get there, and hopefully will cool down to a balmy 93. I don't care if I sweat like a pig (hey, I might lose a pound or two), I'm gonna have a blast.

Time out for a quick prayer:

Dear God, It's me, Mo. You know who I am, right? The single gal with skin cancer on my scalp and a penchance for Girl Scout Cookies? The one that's living life with verve, humor, and elan? The one who can't always make it to church on Sunday mornings because I'm watching "I Love Money?" Yes, it's me - THAT Mo. It's my last day of summer. At our concert tonight, please let Nancy do kicks like in the glory days of '83. Please let me hear Journey's "Lights," Heart's "Magic Man" and "Never," and Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me." I've been a good girl (trying at least) and I'll keep doing so. Thank you. God Bless Yourself. PS - Tell Jesus "hi!"

Mo out. Rock!!

Massive Headwound Mo

Several weeks ago, I went to the dermatologist for my 6 month checkup.

I was glad to go because I had a bump on my scalp that had been bothering me for a few months. So, I have to strip down to my undies and a paper robe to be examined by the PA. This is an awful experience because she is tall, thin, gorgeous hair and skin, and has a very nice artificial rack, if you know what I mean. I feel like a blob and I feel even worse for her that she has to examine my naked body. I would totally hate her except she is the nicest person! She finds two spots, one on my arm and the bump on my head. She convinced that my head is basal cell skin cancer, but she's not as sure about my arm.

I went in this morning to get the biopsy results from my visit a few weeks ago. The good news was that my arm was precancerous cells, so I have nothing more than a small scar to show for that adventure.

My head.... well.... I have basal cell skin cancer. The good news is that it's the best kind to have - highest cure rate, when it's out, it's out. Bad news is that it's on my head and it's a rather large lesion. Not so easy to just cut out and move on. So we discuss our two treatment options:

1. Aldara - this is basically a topical chemotherapy cream (FYI - also used to treat genital warts - lovely!). I put it on each night for 42 applications. Then, a new biopsy is done to make sure it's all removed. Side effects could include a red irritated sensitive area, flu-like symptoms, hair at site could fall out, long duration, another biopsy, and the chance that it's not all gotten. At first, this sounded easy and I was interested.

OR

2. Moh's Surgery - microsurgery where they cut the cancer out, check it right then under a slide, and keep cutting until they get a margin they like. This can take a little bit of time, but it has a 99% success rate. Done by a special doctor to minimize scarring as well. Disadvantages include stitches (which may or may not mean I can wash hair), lots of bleeding, and really nothing else.

Can you guess which one I opted for? I chose #2. Temporary pain and discomfort for a few days or 6-8 weeks of dealing with it? They referred me to some specialists for Moh's surgery in Plano and they'll contact me to set up an appointment for consult and then surgery.

No more sunroofs, no more facial mosturizer without SPF, no more body lotion without SPF, and a hat or scarf if I'm going to be outside for more than a few minutes. Whadda pain in the keester.

This post should explain my quote to the right here. I haven't been laying out at all since I lived in Florida and I'm paying for it now and will for the next few years. Please be careful out in the sun - you don't want to look like a pock-marked leatherface like me when you get old.

This is from SNL and made me laugh.... I love Dana Carvey! Thanks, Tom, for sending it to me! Enjoy!!



I go back in October (now I have to do three month checkups for the next year) - gosh, I just can't wait!!

Mamma Mia!

Tonight, I went to dinner and to see Mamma Mia! with my friend Pam. I did my student observation in Pam's 4th grade class 16 years ago. She is an amazing teacher and many of my good ideas I took from my time in her room. I'm amazed (and blessed) that we've kept in touch this long. We only get together maybe 1-2 times a year, but it's like we just pick up where we left off and we have so much fun!

So.... Mamma Mia!? Loved it!! It was so much fun - I caught myself singing along to the ABBA songs over and over. Now, are the actors the best singers? No...... but I don't think any of them have ever claimed to be......

I had many favorite parts, but I loved the closing credits - make sure that you stick around for that - you don't want to miss it!!

This is a great fun movie to go see with friends! Enjoy!!

(Ed.'s Note: Danyielle and I are going to see the musical in September at the Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth. I struggled with seeing the movie - thinking I might want to see the musical first. But then I decided that I wanted to see the movie on the big screen, not on Netflix. So I'm excited knowing that I'll get to see the musical soon!!)

I don't love country music, but I do love Texas!!

I got this in an e-mail from my friend Pam - I'm not a big country person, but I do love Texas and this song is a neat tribute to our great state!! So scroll to the bottom to turn my tunes off, and watch it!!



For what it's worth, I think the guy is kinda cute. Maybe he needs a motorcycle mama for his adventures??

Do my friends love me enough to get me a cake like this?

Okay, this Wal-Mart cake e-mail has been going around a while now, but it's come to me twice this past week - once from a friend in Alabama and once from a friend here in Texas. (John originally introduced me to the cake a few months back.) I think it's karma when the cake keeps appearing in my in-box, so now it's going to appear on the blog.

I love it!! I could make lots of sarcastic little jabs, but why bother? I think it speaks for itself. I may have to stop by the bakery later and get my own......

Best Wishes Mo

Under Neat That

Enjoy the Rest of your Summer!

Comments??

I know many of you read my blog - why don't you post comments? You can do it anonymously so noone knows it's you. Or you can sign your name to it if you are man/woman enough to do so. (Ed.'s note: Yes, that was a veiled threat. Not so veiled now that I pointed it out to you.)

An encouraging word, an idea, a thought that was provoked by my post? It looks like I have no friends and no readers...

Why are you all mute?

Leave me some comments!!

(Ed.'s note #2: If you are needing an inspiration for your comment.... do you like my new header? The picture is from the Garvan Botanical Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I took it on my trip last October. Discuss!!)

Cultural Day 2008

Today was my first annual "Cultural Day 2008." (Ed.'s note: I hope to have cultural days more than once a year, but set your standards low and then you'll overachieve!!)

Cultural Day was born from the idea that I wanted to see the Impressionist exhibit that was at the Kimball Art Museum in Ft. Worth. It is from the Art Institute of Chicago - so you know that it's going to be good. I asked a couple of friends and no one wanted to go (too far, too hot, hate art, blah, blah, blah). So like with my musicals, I decide I'm going. Well, I start researching and realize that Ft. Worth is quite the cultural place. I add a visit to the Amon Carter Museum to look at a photography exhibit (photography is becoming a new hobby of mine) and then I'd go to the National Cowgirl Museum. I chose today because Tuesday is half-price day at the Kimball ($8 instead of $16). I also have $2 off coupon for the Cowgirl Museum - culture at a value price!

Of course, I start off my visiting my neighborhood Sonic for a drink so I can have all the vitamins and nutrients for my adventure. I wanted to leave at 9:30, but it was more like 10:15 when I left. No worries, the museums didn't open until 10 AM. I make great time with minimal traffic, except by DFW. And honestly, for a nanosecond, I think about going to airport and hopping a plane - wouldn't that be awesome?

I arrive at the Kimball. See the big sign letting me know that I'm in the right place?

There was also this great sculpture called "Women Addressing the Public" by Joan Miro. Is this the front or the back? This side looked like it had boobs, so I'm assuming it's the front......

Once inside, I pay my $8 to the snobby docent at the ticket counter and walk in. Absolutely amazing. Manet, Monet, Renior, Cezanne, Van Gogh..... beautiful paintings. I've seen most of them in books, but to see them in person was just amazing. They were really breathtaking. There were too many security people to try and sneak pictures - but it wouldn't have worked because the lighting was too dim to protect the paintings. I spent an hour just wandering, reading, and enjoying this work. As I walked around, I was so glad that I went - and probably better by myself, so that I could wander at my own pace.

This was in the "back yard" of the Kimball. I loved it. It's called "Running Flower" by Fernand Leger. Leaving the Kimball, I walk next door to the Amon Carter Museum. It was empty inside. I spent another hour just wandering, primarily in the photography exhibit. Some amazing photographs from the 1940's. This exhibit made me decide that I really want to take a class to learn more about photography.

From the Amon Carter, I head to the National Cowgirl Museum. It's about to rain outside, and the air is thick and humid. I'm sweaty and gross. I think I scared the ticket counter person at the Cowgirl Museum. I used my coupon and paid my $6. The bottom floor was dedicated to the new Natural History Museum being built.... yuckk!! I go upstairs to the Cowgirls. WOW! It was really cool - chicks rule! I tried to sneak pictures, but none came out too well.

The construction wall around the Natural History museum had paintings done by students at South Hills HS in Ft. Worth - they were amazing. I took a couple of pictures of those too.

As I'm heading back to my car, it's hot, humid, and I'm hungry. I stop and take a few more shots of the Will Rogers Complex and some more sculptures. As soon as I shut my car door, it starts raining - how's that for Cultural Day Karma? I decide to get on the road and head home rather than eat in Ft. Worth.

As I'm leaving the Ft. Worth Cultural District, look at what I find:

I wonder if Jake has met Leila? Do you see all of the trophies in the window? They must do some pretty damn good hair here. And palm trees in the parking lot? I thought for a moment I was back in Florida.....

Remember, culture is in the eye of the beholder.

Just Who Will You Be?

My life is a little on the chaotic bend right now...... new job challenges, health challenges, personal growth challenges, etc... Nothing more than anyone else is going through, but challenging for me nonetheless. The hardest part is not being able to control everything, to just let things happen as they need to.

I just read Maria Shriver's new book, "Just Who Will You Be?" It's a quick and easy read, 91 pages of double spaced writing (but I am still counting it towards my goal - it balances out the 400+ page books I've been reading). It's really insightful and I enjoyed it. The premise is that we shouldn't be a label or just one thing..... we don't even have to know what we are going to be, but we have to be open to it. What a great read as I'm dealing with some of the issues that I'm dealing with.

At the end of her book, she has a pledge. It's hers, to help her remember who is she and who she wants to be. She challenges the reader to create their own pledge. But I love hers - it's so powerful, that I'm stealing it for myself.

Maria Shriver's 10 Things She Pledges to Herself from "Just Who Will You Be?":

1. I pledge to "show up" in my life as myself, not as imitation of anyone else.
2. I pledge to avoid using the word "just" to describe myself. For example, I won't say, "I'm just a mother," "I'm just a student," or "I'm just an ordinary person."
3. I pledge to give myself ten minutes of silence and stillness every day to get in touch with my heart and hear my own voice.
4. I pledge to use my voice to connect my dreams to my actions.
5. I pledge to use my voice to empower myself and others.
6. I pledge to serve my community at least once a year in a way that benefit other people.
7. I pledge to ask myself, "Who am I? What do I believe in? What am I grateful for? What do I want my life to stand for?"
8. I pledge to sit down and write my own mission statement.
9. I pledge to live my own legacy.
10. And I pledge to pass it on.

Thanks, Maria.... I needed that!! Tell the Governator I said hi!!

High School Musical - The Musical

Well, it was back to the Dallas Summer Musicals tonight - it's been a few weeks, so I was anxious to return. Tonight it was "High School Musical - The Musical." I haven't seen either of the HSM movies, so I really didn't know much about it.

I adored it - it was soo cute!! The music was great, the scenery was amazing, and the actors were quite talented. But then again, I do enjoy high school type shows/musicals: Grease, Welcome Back Kotter, Square Pegs, Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl... I could go on and on........

Roland and Sylvia really enjoyed it as well. Sylvia had just gotten home this morning at 5 AM from Hawaii and she was tired! The gay commentary guys loved it too - the comments kept coming - at times, they were almost as entertaining as the musical itself.

Guess what's #1 in my Netflix queue now? I have to see the movie now that I've seen the musical!!

Here's what I didn't enjoy - all the little kids running around!! They were everywhere, I almost flattened a couple of them, some on purpose, some on accident. And one kept crying during the show - loudly. The mother wasn't going to do anything until some people started complaining. I swear - people think they are in a reality show staring themselves........

I have a four week hiatus until August 5, when Danyielle and I will go and see "Jersey Boys." I cannot wait - I've been dying to see it!!

PS - Day 5 of my vacation, I'm getting some rest and feeling good. Now if my house would just clean itself, life would be perfect!!

Trying some new things out on the 'ole blog!!

I'm always trying to find ways to make my blog more fun and interesting, not just for me, but for those of you who like read about my ridiculous life. ;)

So I've added the music to the page. What do you think? You can always scroll to the bottom of the page to turn it off or change songs. I'm still not sure I'm loving it myself, so I can't guarantee that it'll be staying.

I've also started some Deep Thoughts on the right hand column. I love quotes and collecting good quotes. So we'll see how (and if) that evolves.

Post a comment and let me know what you think. If you have any good quotes or song requests, let me know those as well.

Day 3 of vacation and life is good!! I already feel more rested and relaxed than I have in a while.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday, America!!

Happy 232nd Birthday, America!!

And I'm complaining about being 38? sheesh!

This is also a good day because it's my first official day of summer vacation. I have exactly 24 days off to do with what I want - and hopefully that isn't work! I see some reading, sleeping, shopping, scrapbooking in my immediate future (not to mention cleaning, but that doesn't sound near as fun!).

So what will I do today to celebrate the 4th? I don't know - I have no plans! I got to see fireworks last night, so I'm good there. I'm sure I can find something to do, but honestly, the idea of just chilling around the casa sounds soo good.... no where to go, nothing to do......

But whatever I do, I'm going to celebrate with great elan!! (<-- new word I learned the other day - thanks, Red Hats!)

While I'm a little scared about the future of our country (see yesterday's post), I'm proud to be an American. God Bless America!!

Where's Ross Perot when you need him?

I'm not very political..... I'll be honest. But I'm a bit concerned about our candidates for president this year. I really wish we had Ross Perot with the general guy as his running mate...... General Stockdale, was it?

For the Republicans, we have John McCain..... candidate, statesman, war veteran, and future Sparkletts deliveryman

(Okay, I can't claim credit for this one...... my friend John and I enjoy trading You-Tube clips that we find funny.... this one is from him! (Is that enough credit?))



Deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies? If they are dehydrated, do they want hot water? I would want a cool drink..... Or does he mean that the babies are like just needing water to come alive? Like they are freeze-dried?

And for the Democrats, we have Barack Obama - which has to be the strangest name ever in my mind. Barack's hobbies include geography, hanging out with Oprah, and fighting with Hillary.



Okay, 57 states and one to go? But he hasn't been to Alaska or Hawaii yet? Are they a collective one state since they aren't on the continent? Where the hell did he go? State of denial? Perhaps?

These are the people who want to lead our country.... are you scared? I'm worried about the economic liability of these extra states and programs to help the dehydrated babies....

Anyone?

Pilgrimmage Part Two.......

Now that the b-day drama is over - let me finish my pilgrimmage adventures!!

So on Saturday morning we wake up early with a full day planned. We shower, eat breakfast, and then head out to Leila's Hair Museum in Independence, MO. This was truly the most bizarre experience I have ever had in my life. Leila's museum is located in the back rooms of a cosmetology college. (Ed's. note: Leila is not pronounced lay-la, rather it's lay-i-la. I mean, you don't want to appear stupid when talking about the hair museum.)

We get there and pay $5 to go in. We walk into the first room. To the left are paintings of babies and children with real hair on the head. One of the baby pictures creeps me out - I swear the eyes are following me around the room. We see the "hair wreaths." They are housed in shadow boxes with gaudy gothic-like frames. They are made of hair. Human hair. Lots of it. You can wear them. It could take years to make it - it may have hair from many people too. Not many blondes back in the day, that was for sure. The tour guide is way too into this for me. We wander around and see the hair jewelry. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about it all. I feel like I have a hairball in my throat.

I shouldn't forget to mention the red hats. Do you know what the Red Hat Society is? A group of ladies who are deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan (this is what the website says....). WTF is elan? According to merriamwebster.com, elan means with vigorous spirit or enthusiasm. So is this like a sorority for old girls? And what age is middle age? 38? 45? 62?

Forget the pilgrimmage, I'm on the Red Hat Society. There are 40,000 chapters with 1.5 million members in the US alone. You must be 50, but if you are younger, then you can wear pink and lavender until you turn 50. Is this for real? It is not a sorority, and they don't have rules. Woo hoo - nothing like middle aged ladies gone wild - anarchy!! They like to go on outings, but enjoy doing tea parties...... uh, this isn't gonna work for me. Not a huge tea party fan here. The Red Hatters have also created a musical entitled "Hats! The New Musical for the Rest of your Life!"

And it just gets better - their national convention in 2009 is in Dallas. March 25-29..... I may have to wear some pink and lavender and get to the bottom of this....

Sorry... the ADD...... so there is a group of red hatters at Leila's. But they were a much older group of gals. And they LOVED it! "It's a lost art!" "Does Leila teach classes on how to do this?" This was when I knew I had entered the twilight zone and we had to get out ASAP. I think Betty and I agree that we were glad we went here, but also agreed that we would never need to come back EVER again.

Crack ice from Sonic and some Hot Tamales helped ease the hairball-inducing trauma we had just endured!

We go onto KC and to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It was amazing and beautiful - lots of art, particularly Asian art. I saw some Buddhas and some European paintings. They were setting up for a big social event that night, so we only stayed about an hour or so. They had a huge sculpture garden out front with very large shuttlecocks. Take that and run with it!!

We then went to Union Station and had lunch at this cute little diner place, The Harvey House. We then walked over to Crown Center to shop and look around. We hit the Crayola Store, the pet store, the Hallmark mother ship store, and a few other random spots.

We then drove over to Country Club Plaza and rode around. I was tired of shopping (and had no money to really shop), so we just window shopped from the comfort of the Sigh Sister Mobile. We went back to the hotel and rested and then went to the movies to see "What Happens in Vegas." Cute movie. (Ed.'s note: There was a scene when Cameron Diaz is alarmed by how gross Ashton Kutcher keeps his bathroom. She complains about all of this hair. He tells her, "I'm saving it to make you something." ::cue the Twilight Zone music::: Has Ashton been to Leila's?)

Afterwards, we were tired, so we went back to the Comfort Suites to sleep. We got up in the AM, hit Waffle House, and then Betty dropped me at the airport. Karma was high when I was asked if I wanted to upgrade to First Class for $45.... hell, yeah!!

In retrospect -

Two nights at the Comfort Suites - $100

Airfare, with the complimentary gum on my capris and the First Class Upgrade - $141

Admission to the Hair Museum - $5

Visiting the Land of My Birth - priceless

Next up for the Sigh Sisters - haunted hotels in Eureka Springs in October...... you know you want to come along!!