Happy Halloween!!

I know many of you will be with your "precious cargo" (aka your kids) tonight, but this is what I will probably end up doing. The couch, bad TV, and many beers. And it may get ugly, who knows.....

Happy Halloween!

I'm too tired to tell my BlackBerry woes......

Yesterday, I told you I'd tell you about my adventures with my phone. Well, I spent another hour today dealing with it. And I'm still mad.... so instead, I'll show this clip sent to me by my dear friend John......

Stick with it at least until 2:58..... it's worth the wait......



I have to be at school at 5:30 in the morning for Donuts with Dad.... Mo out!!

A Classy Night.... from Reginald to Tony to BK.....

Tonight was our Tony Bennett concert. I honestly didn't think that I was going to make it there - my afternoon was way messed up!! I'll have to save the first part of my trip (Reginald from the title) for another blog entry...... it was interesting to say the least.....

Because I'm running so late, I meet Brooke in the CVS parking lot by SMU and we head to the Meyerson. We got there in like 10 minutes, found a great parking spot across the street (that cost $15 - parking is SUCH a rip!) and were inside the Meyerson by 7:40. (Ed.'s note: The Meyerson is beautiful and great, but I like the Bass in Ft. Worth better.) We gulped down a couple of RC Cola's (we hadn't had time to stop for dinner) and we were in our seats ready to go by 7:55.

Kudos to Brooke for our fabulous seats! We were like 10 rows back and right near the aisle. We had an excellent view of Tony.

At 8:00 promptly, Tony came out and sang. He sang for 90 minutes. He talked a bit between songs, but not much. He threw names around like it was no big deal. He was absolutely amazing - he voice was clear and strong. He is 82 years old..... and he worked the stage for his time, never sitting down and always full of energy. He smiles constantly and you can really tell he is enjoying singing his songs for you.

I loved how he would throw his hands up in the air after he'd sing a bit or after one of the band members would do a solo and on command the entire audience would applaud. He did this often and each time the audience applauded. By the end of the show, we were trained. There were also at least 3 standing ovations during the show.

One of the most powerful moments was when he turned the microphone off and sang a song to a friend of his in the crowd. His voice filled the Meyerson and it was beautiful. It was amazing. There was not a sound in the theatre. When he finished, there was thunderous applause!

At the end of his set, he simply waved and walked off stage. The crowd kept clapping over and over... he came out a few times, wave, and then walk away. We kept clapping. (Ed.'s note: I think after all of the rock concerts I've been to lately, I was somewhat trained that if I clap long and loud enough, they'll come out and do an encore.) No such luck with Tony. When he was finished, he was finished.

We left and went to Burger King for a quick bite. Hey, after a fancy night at the Meyerson, BK is the perfect post concert stop. Brooke and I ate and caught up, then she took me to my car.

Tonight ends my October concert run..... 4 concerts (Buble', New Kids on the Block, Rick Springfield, Tony Bennett), 4 venues (Ft. Worth Convention Center, AAC, House of Blues, Meyerson), 2 cities (Dallas, Ft. Worth). It's been a great run!

Long Live The Chess King!!

Sorry, it took me a couple of days to get the Chess King on my blog. Not a bad picture from a BlackBerry in a dark concert hall (thanks, Laura!). However, you can't see the bedazzled rhinestones so that does take away a certain appeal. This is a lot of shirt to wear!! I don't know many men who could pull this look off.......

Many of you have asked me what is Chess King? It was a store in the 80's where all of the hot guys shopped. Us gals shopped at Judy's or Contempo Casuals.... the boys shopped at Chess King!! Unfortunately, like many things of the 80's.... it peaked and then plummetted into bankruptcy in the 90's.

Long Live The Chess King!!

Forget Jessie, I wish that I was Rick's girl!!

Apparently last weekend's stroll down memory lane was not enough.... tonight I went to see Rick Springfield in concert at the House of Blues.

Laura & I met in Lewisville and grabbed a quick bite before heading downtown. We valeted and waited for the doors to open. Once they did, we got some drinks and got settled into our seats. If you have not been to the HOB, I totally recommend it. It is an amazing venue - very intimate, very clean, very easy to navigate.

And our seats? WOW! Laura did an awesome job! We were in the Box on the second row. We had the best vantage point - we could see everything and see it well! We sat on the comfy tall barstools. It was so worth the money; if I ever go back to the House of Blues, this is the only place for me to sit!

So the opening act is "Escort Service," a local band from Dallas. They were fair. The lead singer apparently had a bet going with how many times he could drop the f-bomb during their segment. I enjoy a good f-bomb (or 2 or 3 or 4), but even I was like enough! Then he tells us his daughter is back stage - nice parenting, buddy!! My favorite song of theirs was the last song, which they a cover of a Billy Joel song.

I would be remiss to not introduce the people sitting around us. To my right, Mr. and Mrs. "I'm Hell Bent on Not Even Reacting to the Concert Tonight." I never heard them sing, clap, or talk for that matter. I almost pinched the lady at one point to make sure she was still alive. If I'd had a mirror, I would have put it under their noses. Why pay $100/seat to just sit? I don't get it. To Laura's left, Mr. "My Girlfriend Drug Me Here." He was about as thrilled as my neighbors to be there.

But the real highlight of the night, second only to Rick, was "Chess King." (If you don't know what Chess King is, take a stroll back to the 80's... or even 90's.) This dude was one sexy beast. He looked like the guy from Grease... the one with the crater face that drove the car that shot fire out of it's exhaust? He had the exact same hair do, except he had a Bluetooth in his ear.

But the piece 'd resistance was his shirt. It was a floral-y print with either rhinestones or sequins on it. It looked like it had been bedazzled. Laura kept taking pictures (much to Mr. "My Girlfriend Drug Me Here"'s chagrin.) and I will post one here when I get it. I can't even begin to do it justice as much as I'd like. He apparently was a big wig because he had his own person that came by and checked on him and his date.

And my darlin' Rick. Laura said he was 58, but I looked it up and he is 59. 59 years old!! He sure didn't look like it and didn't act like it. I was worried that he'd a bad dye job, some heavy eyeliner and some pancake makeup to try to give him some youth. He looked HOT! He threw himself into the audience and was all over the place. (I wonder how bad he's gonna hurt tomorrow? How much Percocet will he need?)

He was great - I heard the songs I wanted to hear (Human Touch, Bop Til You Drop, Affair of the Heart, & Jessie's Girl) plus some new songs from his new album, which were pretty good. I didn't want it to end - I had so much fun!

House of Blues gets 2 thumbs up..... and so does Rick!!

My last musical journey is Tuesday night..... Tony Bennett at the Meyerson!

Am I old, am I stressed out, or am I an idiot?

Have you ever turned your head too fast and pulled your neck muscle? It hurts, right? But after a few days, it goes away.

I did this on Tuesday. It hurt bad. I had my receptionist give me a massage, which usually works. Yesterday I was in pain. It hurt to turn my neck at all. Vanessa gave me another massage, and Christine shared with me her neck roll thingy that you can heat up. It did feel better after all of that.

I had a hard time sleeping last night - every time I moved, I woke up in pain. I took some Percocet and was able to sleep through the night. Amen!!

When I woke up this AM, I couldn't move my head AT ALL. The pain was unbearable. I thought it was because it was stiff and would loosen up as I showered and got ready. Well, I never got that far because then I had some vomiting and gastrointestinal issues.

Yuck......

Went to the doctor and I have a Grade II muscle pull? I'm on anti-inflammatories and have to ice it 15 minutes of every hour.

When the doctor asked me what happened, I was like, "Hell if I know.... I just turned my head."

He gave me a look like I'm an idiot......

But I'm also getting older........

And I've been under a lot of stress at work.......

This is a reality show that I might like to watch.......

We've got Barack and Sarah on "Dancing with the Stars" and Joe Biden on "Celebrity Rehab." Wonder what reality show John McCain will show up on? hehehehehehe (Ed.'s note: I'm SOOO ready for the election to be OVER!!)

Discuss.....

I've been "Hangin' Tough" with the "Right Stuff"..........

Well, tonight my 4 concerts in 4 venues in 2 cities continues......

It was New Kids on the Block at the American Airlines Center......

I just got home about 15 minutes ago (12:25 was when I got home) and I am exhausted. So I may start this blog and add to it tomorrow when I've had some rest.

Sarah and I met up and had a quick bite to eat before we headed downtown. We got inside, got a beer and got settled in our seats just as the opening act for the opening act was starting. I still have no idea who it was, but she was a bizarre little trollop who talked more about her skirt than anything. She only sang 2 or 3 songs, then was gone.......

After a quick break, Natasha Bedingfield came out. That sista can SING! Her voice is amazing, she did about a 30 minute set and it was fun. She ended her set with the song "Unwritten" (aka "The Hills" theme song) and it brought the place down.....

In between Natasha and NKOTB, I ran over to Section 114 to say hi to Elizabeth and her cousin. Then I rushed back to my seat.

I was again in Section 111 (see my previous post about Van Halen in April). We had awesome seats with a great view.

As quick as the concert started, it was over. The boys sang for 2 hours, but it felt like 2 minutes. They did all the standards and some of their new stuff. There was a lull in the middle where they took turns singing slow songs, I'm guessing that was a bathroom/costume change/water/catch your breath break. They came out and rocked it... ending the show with "Step by Step" and "Hangin' Tough."

Here's my individual reviews:

1. Donnie Wahlberg - I can truly say, he is the heart and soul of the group. He's the audience stirrer and head rapper. He apparently also is an exhibitionist, showing us his drawers as well as having the camera focus on his crotch numerous times. He got the audience going and was fun to watch. You could tell he was enjoying himself. Sadly, he wore a hat the whole night to hide his male-pattern baldness. Get rid of the hat, Donnie, we love you for more than your head of hair!!

2. Joey McIntyre - I had NO interest in him back in the day. But he has grown into a fine young man (he's actually 36 - I had no idea he was that old... I was thinking he was like 32 or something!!) with the bluest eyes ever. He can sing and he did a fair share of the vocals. He can also dance - I think "Dancing with the Stars" probably helped him.....

3. Jordan Knight - I was impressed with how many of the high notes that he could still hit. He has a great voice, and he chose to sing a song while wearing an open shirt and allowing a fan to blow it open. He's cuter than he was before... and a much better dresser..... no acid wash jeans or overalls the entire night!!

4. Danny Wood - God bless Danny!! He's not the cutest, and he's not a major vocalist, but he does contribute all spoken lines in any song...... that is important!! He also featured break dancing during a number, and talked about Breast Cancer Awareness and losing his mother. He has a good body, a lot of heart, so I give him a lot of props for his work tonight.

5. Jon Knight - I think Sarah and I agree that he was the worst. He literally phoned it in. He could not have been there and he wouldn't have been missed. Is he just doing it for the paycheck? My sister LOVED Jon 20 years ago, but is less than impressed with him now.

It's almost 1 AM and I have to be up in 4 hours to work. I may add to this tomorrow after a good night's sleep.

Let's just say I had a wonderful time!! I'm glad I went!! Happy Belated Birthday, Sarah!

Next up..... Rick Springfield at House of Blues on Saturday night...... let the tunes continue!!

My 20th High School Reunion

Well, it's over.... and I'm kinda sad about it!! The funny thing is I spent all of this time worrying about tonight and seeing everyone, how it would feel...... and it was silly! I had a total blast!!

I went to HH after work and had a few margaritas - then I spent too much time talking and had to rush home, hurry getting ready, and get out of the door fast! I hightailed it down the Tollway to Wycliff, where I was meeting Brooke.

She was 20 minutes late! That didn't really bother me, but the more I sat there, the more nervous I became...... would people remember me? would they talk to me? would I feel left out and stupid?

Brooke arrived and we headed over to Mattito's. As soon as we walked it, it was like time had almost not passed. Everyone looked pretty much the same and it was fun catching up with people. A few glasses of wine and 3 hours later, I felt like I had seen everyone I wanted to see and almost everyone there. We missed a few friends who didn't show up, but we had a decent turnout. The local girls talked about meeting a couple of times a year for brunch or happy hour just to stay in touch.

Tomorrow during the day is the picnic (no hubby or kids for that) and the tours of the school. I am kind of interested to see the new Ursuline - I know it has changed a LOT since I was there 20+ years ago.

Tomorrow night is the party with Jesuit at Jesuit. While I do want to go, I also want to go to the Lake Highlands shindig so I can catch up with all of those old friends.... what to do?

I'm so glad I went tonight.... I knew I would be!! UA Class of '88 RULES!! :)

This is a guy I might like to party with......

Joe Biden drunk and singing a song from an infomercial about some community in Florida..... he may not make a great VP, but he knows how to party!

Three posts in one day..... I either must be bored or avoiding work!!

Yesterday D and I went and saw "Nights in Rodanthe," the new Nicholas Sparks movie. Don't keep reading if: a) you want to see this movie (spoiler alert!!) or b) you aren't in the mood to listen to bitching.

This is a typical Nicholas Sparks movie with all of the appropriate elements:

1. Takes place in North Carolina
2. Someone has died, is dying, or dies dead during the film
3. People fall in love
4. Shit happens that keeps them from being in love (ie. death, mentioned above)
5. Women in the theatre cry at this crap

Now, I've seen several of his films (The Notebook (liked it, loved the book), A Walk to Remember (liked it, loved the book), Message in a Bottle (hated the movie, never read the book) and I can predict them like noone's business.

I knew when Richard Gere didn't show up at Diane Lane's house for dinner, there was some big shit going down..........

I'm not a crier. I was raised that crying is for the weak. I'm not weak.... I am woman, hear me roar!! I cried when I READ The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, but not when I saw the movies. (Ed.'s note: I think crying when reading a book is much more impactful than crying at a movie. This is my opinion.)

I'll be damned if I didn't cry when Richard didn't show up for dinner.....

And all I could think of was, "DAMN YOU, Nicholas Sparks!!! When will you be making "The Wedding" into a movie?"

Tony Bennett is coming to town... and I'll be there!!

In my quest to see as many different concerts in as many different venues in one month, I've been invited to see Tony Bennett with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson on October 28. Thanks, Brooke - 2 adventures in one month -we rock!!

4 Concerts, 4 Venues, 2 Cities..... I'm partying like a rock star voyeur!!

There is a God... and Michael Buble' is his name!!!

I've just gotten home from the concert.

All I can say is that I am in love!!

Brooke and I headed over to Ft. Worth for the concert this evening. We were going to eat down near Sundance Square, but there was a beer shindig going on and every restaurant had a 1-2 hour wait. We just didn't have time for that.

So we cruised to the Macaroni Grill - 10 minute wait and we were in and out within an hour. Gotta love chain restaurants.... they 'da the bomb!!

We get to the Ft. Worth Convention Center at about 8:10. We park in the garage on the top floor. We head into the concert, curious as to the open act. It was a comedian and he was done by the time we got to our seats at 8:30 PM. From what we were told, we missed nada.

We had good seats - on the right of the stage about halfway up. We were in the middle of our row and it was a pain to get to our seats, but it was a good view of Michael and the stage.

He came on at 8:45 and was done by 10:15 - the time flew by too fast. He did a great set of songs. He also did a lot of talking and he was funny and witty. He involved his band, which was amazing. Some of the band guys were real cuties.

It took us longer to get home (2 hours 15 minutes) than he played, but I can tell you it was worth it!!

I'm going to sleep and I hope to dream of Michael Buble' serenading me!!

Politics, anyone?

I received an e-mail from a reader of my blog asking why I never tackle politics in my blog. Great question!

I find it hard to discuss politics when frankly I'm just so freakin' frustrated with the entire thing.

Okay, you've got the Democrats: Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Barack doesn't really have much experience and Joe Biden is cocky.

On the Republican side: John McCain and Sarah Palin. John has lots of experience and Sarah's got a big mouth.

I'm really mad about Sarah Palin. I really wanted to like her. I was excited to see a woman run for Vice President. I wanted her to be smart and articulate, witty and funny, someone that a woman like me could look up to. Well, that really hasn't happened. At all.

But I hate that people rail on her because she has kids and was a PTA mother. All of these people who are bitching about it, who raised you? Your mother! Why can't a mom have a career and a family? I mean, how 1950's are we? Let the gay men run and don't judge..... let the black men run and don't judge...... but god forbid a mother runs....... (Ed.'s note: Yes, this is the same person who wrote the blog entry "Happy Hour.... with Children." Like I said, I don't want/have kids... and don't judge me for it.... and I won't judge you for having 'em.)

Is our country in a bad place? Yes.
Do we need new leadership? Yes.
Is Iraq a mess? Yes.
Is our economy &*$%%#* up? Yes.

Who will I vote for? I don't know. I'm about as inspired to vote as I was in 1988 in the Bush/Dukakis campaign. Neither side does it for me.

Is it bad that I get most of my political information from Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jason Sudeikis, and Will Forte?



Don't forget to vote on November 4!!

Oprah Winfrey Presents..... The Color Purple.... My Last Musical for this Season!!!

I'm a little sad tonight, so bear with me...... tonight was my last musical of this season, "The Color Purple." I was a little nervous because the State Fair was going on and I was worried about going alone and parking. A few weeks ago, I went and bought a special valet pass (for $30) to guarantee that I had valet parking for the show. (Ed.'s note: I walked farther than I normally walk when I don't park valet so that I could park valet tonight. Go figure!!)

I started the evening by meeting Mike & Sarah at Snookie's for a burger. As usual, we had great conversation. (Ed.'s note: We discussed whether you can use "golf" as a verb. Do you golf? Or Do you play golf? Discuss.) We also discussed my previous blog about US Americans and dumb Southern beauty queens such as.

I leave dinner and head down to Fair Park. I use my magic valet pass and have to hike my fat ass across two parking lots to get to the Hall. As I'm waiting to get my ticket scanned, the girl in front of me asks the usher how long the show would be.

Girl: "How long is the show tonight?"
Usher: "2 hours, 50 minutes."
Girls: "2 hours, 15 minutes?"
Usher: "No, 2 hours, 50 minutes."
Mo (to self): This is one long damn show. And I'm glad I'm not trying to be at work at 6 AM tomorrow morning. Thank heavens for boring staff development days that don't start until 9 AM!!

I get in and get settled into my seat. Roland and Sylvia are already there - they had spent a few hours at the fair before coming to the show (you can get into the Fair with your ticket to the musical - $14 bonus value!!) We chit chat and I find out that R & S live in the same neighborhood as my mother!! It's a small world after all!! (It's a world of laughter, a world of tears..... sorry, I digress.... it IS my favorite ride at Disney World!)

The gay guys come in at the last minute and we all talk about how sad we are that our season is over, but we are all overjoyed (seriously!) that we are all renewing tickets for next season! Tarzan, here we come!!!

The show was good - singing was amazing!! There was some material that I think offended Sylvia, but I enjoyed it. How do I know it offended Sylvia? When she said to me at the intermission, "I could have done with less of "that." I got the gist without them having to be soo graphic about it." But me, I was glad that I had the chance to see it! It was 2 hours and 50 minutes long.... I started to fidget at about 10:30 PM.

When it was over, we all said goodbye. The gay guys hugged me and shook my hand. I was a little choked up - I've bonded with all of them. And the gay guys helped me with my daily quota of sarcasm......

But we'll be reunited (reunited and it feels soo good... reunited cause we understood..... sorry, I'm punchy and feel like singing...) in March 2009 for Tarzan!!

Hasta la vista mis amigos nuevos!!

Are you one of the US Americans who knows where the USA is on a map?

Okay, apparently, I've been working too much lately and can't believe I missed this....



This doesn't look good for blondes, beauty queens or residents of South Carolina.

Really? US Americans? Our education should help us, no help South Africa and "The Iraq" such as.

Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel for the explanation:



For what it's worth, I've been in education for 17 years and I'm NOT responsible for this girl. I've only taught US Americans in Texas and Florida such as.

Guess what everyone is getting for XMas from me? Maps!!!

Blogging - it's like crack sometimes!!

You know, I just really enjoying blogging. I know most of you could probably care less about what I write about and I'm okay with that. I enjoy it, it makes me laugh, and that's all I really care about.

I do spend time reading other people's blogs too - I steal ideas, I laugh and I realize I'm not the only one who loves to blog!

Some of my favorite blogs are located on the right hand side of my blog. I'm constantly adding to that list as I find blogs I enjoy.

Some blogs I've found but didn't bookmark and wish I would have. One blog showed what a guy wore each day. One blog showed what a lady ate each day. Those were funny to me.....

Here are some other fun blogs I enjoy looking at:

1. Sexy People - People send in timeless pictures of themselves - it makes me laugh!! Check them out!! I particularly enjoy when people send in multiple pictures so you can see a progression over the years.

2. Jennsylvania - Jen Lancaster has written three of my favorite new books: "Bitter is the New Black," "Bright Lights, Big Ass", and "Such a Pretty Fat." She's plus sized, sarcastic and isn't afraid to say what she thinks..... gosh, she sounds a lot like me!

3. I Hate Green Beans - Lincee cracks me up. Years ago, she started writing an e-mail that got passed around after each Bachelor episode. Now she's on a blog, blogging about that and other crazy things. I bet she'd be my friend if she knew that Chris Harrison was my step-brother. Hmmmmmm......

4. Cute with Chris - Chris is a Canadian who's come to America. His blog has people submitting pictures of pets. He talks about "Crazy Cat Ladies" and the like. He does a weekly webcast. He's sarcastic as hell. I hate cats. I love Chris. Check him out!

I have many other blogs I read, both by people I know and people I don't know.... I'll be sharing those with you soon.

Happy Blogging!! (c'mon, Mike, you know you want to!!)