Epiphany

Spending the last several days here in the woods has given me a lot of
time to do some thinking. It's been cathartic.

I think when you move, you grieve. You grieve your old job, your old
home and your old friends. Even though I chose to move and I don't
regret the move, you still grieve. I don't think it's a bad thing, I
think it's necessary.

Going home last week really made it feel like I don't live there
anymore. Dallas isn't my home. But it's a great place to visit. And
many friends live there. My family lives there.

I'm done grieving. It's a new beginning. I love where I live, I'm
going to get out and enjoy it more now that the weather has cooled
down. My job is coming along, slowly but surely. I'm making friends
and reconnecting with people I haven't talked to in a long while.

Not to be cheesy, but like the song says, the future is unwritten.
(Ed.'s note: Let's hope I don't end up like Heidi!! haha)

Random Friday Thoughts

Okay, so it's October. The start of Fall. That makes me happy. So here's the random thoughts going through my head tonight:

• I bought a new car!! A 2010 Honda CRV EX-L!! It's gorgeous and new and clean. I will miss dear Jiggablue who gave me 8 years of service. I got a little choked up leaving her at the dealership. That is until I got in my new car, opened the sun roof, cranked the tunes and headed out on the highway!
• XM Radio is good. I can listen to all 80's hosted by the MTV VJ's (Anita Blackwood, Martha Quinn, Alan Hunter, Mark Goodman) from my time period. I also get Howard Stern. It's been a long time since Howard........
• Want to know how to paralyze a town of 8,000 people? Me, too!! Tonight I wanted to run out for dinner and the whole town was in a gridlock. I drove through several areas, but never saw anything that looked like it would cause such major gridlock..... can't wait to hear what the hold up was!! A cow or a tractor, maybe?
• So there is a new show on A&E where Tony Danza is a high school teacher in Philly. Seriously? He's 60 years old and now he'd like to teach? He does have an education degree.... but wow! I've Tivoed this and will have to report back with my thoughts!
• My Tivo is almost full and I have no idea when or how I can watch all of these shows..... where the helll did they come from?
• Maude has this new game where she goes near the window of another apartment that has a collie (named Lassie, I shit you not) so that Lassie sees her and then gets all riled up, barking and jumping at the window like a crazed beast.... she then barks more (I swear, she's taunting) and continues to drive the dog crazy. How does she know to do this? (Ed.'s Note: And when did we become so much alike?)
• I go home to Dallas for the weekend in three weeks! But I'm already making plans and looking forward to catching up with people.
• Four weeks from today I will be in Hot Springs at my sanctuary Bartee Meadow. I can't wait to get away. Peace, shopping, eating, sleep, laughing.... just what the doctor ordered.
• I want to go to a movie this weekend. Here's what I'm mulling around in my head: "The Town," "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," "The Social Network," or "Waiting for Superman." Any suggestions? Except for Wall Street, the rest involve a trip into Austin.... not a problem with my new ride!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Easy A (2010)

I needed some laughter after a crazy busy week, so I decided to head over to the neighborhood Chestnut Square to see Easy A.

Okay, it's been 20+ years since I was in high school, but I enjoy high school movies even now. This is the story of Olive (Emma Stone, who I think is adorable), who because of a spread rumor, is thought to be the head hoochie mama at her high school.

The plot is good, and the characters are funny. Her parents (Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci) are hysterical. I also liked Thomas Haden Church (UNT alum, woot woot) as the English teacher.

My favorite part of the movie was probably the music. They had "Don't You Forget About Me" from the Simple Minds as well as a remake. They also had the song that was at the end of 16 Candles, when Samantha walks out of the church and Jake is waiting for her - it's a remake too, but if you listen, you will recognize it. They also did a brief homage to the John Hughes genre of 80's movies, which as you know, makes me a very happen person.

If you want a funny movie that you will enjoy, then "Easy A" is an easy choice.

Mo's Review:
Easy A (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

I'm on a Sushi Mission.......

I love sushi. I first started eating sushi when I lived in Tallahassee with Joe. We went to a place called "Kitcho." They had the best sushi. We always got the "Choice of 2" - two rolls, miso soup, and a little salad. It was $9.99 - what a value!! We ate there weekly, it was like our own personal Cheers.

Fast forward back home to Dallas. I have a few different sushi places I like: Mr. Sushi in Addison, Jinbeh in Frisco, Avocado Sushi in Frisco, Big Tree in Little Elm, and Sushi Envy in Plano. My friend Melisa and I went every week for sushi, it was a welcome ritual. I miss both Melisa and our weekly jaunts for sushi.

Now I'm here in Bastrop. I ask someone when I get to town, "Where does one go in Bastrop for sushi?" I was directed to the Chinese buffet in town. I scoffed and decided to find my own. On the day I found South Park Meadow, I found Haiku Sushi. It was incredible. Some of the best sushi I've ever eaten.

One of my fellow principals here is a sushi conoisseur (sp?). I take him and another principal to Haiku last weekend. I ordered my favorite roll and they ordered a few. We shared them all and it was amazing!! I loved the new rolls they selected and we all were very happy with our choices and our meal together.

So Terrell (my new sushi buddy and fellow principal) texts me on Sunday to tell me he's found a place in North Austin that we need to try, Ka-Prow. We make plans to go on Thursday and of course I can't wait. I enjoy Terrell, he's a lot of fun to hang out with.

Thursday arrives (I wasn't sure it would, crazy week!) and we head to North Austin. I'm learning a new route to drive and we chat the entire talk. We get there and order. Our sushi comes and we eat it. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Haiku. We shared rolls again and I think we both made good choices, but it just wasn't the same. We both seemed a little sad actually.

We head back to Terrell's and we decide that Haiku is still the place to beat. We will continue searching for places to try on our adventure. When I'm leaving Terrell's, he tells me that he feels like he needs to eat a sandwich.... I get the feeling!!

So if anyone knows of great sushi in Austin, let us know..... Terrell and I are looking for our next place to try.But.... we may have to hit Haiku again before we go to a new place!

Maude's Living the High Life!!

So while I did my brief jaunt into Dallas, I had to board Maude. I was a little nervous bc I've always boarded her with Karen, who knows and understands Maude. But I had a few recommendations for "Best Friends Too," so I thought I'd give them a whirl.

I went out there a couple of weeks ago to check out the place. All I can say is WOW!?!!?! They have cabins for the dogs (either 8 x 8 or 5 x 8) and each dog has her own fenced in yard. The bigger cabins come with flat screen TVs. The cabins are air conditioned. The yard area is covered and has a mister.

The cabins form a semi circle around a bone shaped pool and a play area. This is like doggie paradise!! I was worried that Maude wouldn't want to come home when I got back.

She loved it! I took her on Monday afternoon and dropped her off. She ran from me and ran right into the play area. I started crying (this is my child after all) and she came back and jumped on me before she left. It was like she knew that I needed that affirmation from her. I called Tuesday morning to check on her. They said she was doing great and was a good girl (I knew this!!). When I came and picked her up, they had bathed her and clipped her toe nails.... and put on a cute bandana. She looked so pretty!!

This place isn't cheap - $32/night where I'm used to paying $20. But they take excellent care of Maude and she was so tired when she got home, she crashed for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Now I've got a boarding place, I need to find a vet. Step by step, we are getting settled here........

Richardson Reads One Book- "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein

Even though I now live in Bastrop, every September marks our annual "Richardson Reads One Book" event that Sarah and I love to go to. It's the literary event of the season!! haha

Now that I live far away, it takes a bit more effort..... taking 2 half days off of work, boarding Maude, the Parking Spot, and a plane ride.... but it is still worth the effort!! I worked a half day on Tuesday morning, then headed to ABIA. I love ABIA - it's new, clean, good restaurants, and easy to navigate. I landed in Dallas about 2:30 and was picked up by my brother-in-law Mike. We headed back to their house.

I had almost 2.5 hours to do NOTHING!! I think Mike was concerned that I was bored or lonely, but I loved it. I watched TV, read, chilled.... something I don't get to do very often at home now. Mike kept checking on me, but I was good.

Sarah got home and we headed to Richardson HS. The reception last year was at a bank, where we had booze. But tonight it was in the library at Richardson HS. So no booze. Boo hoo!! The culinary arts kids actually made all of the food and it was good, but I would have loved a glass of wine to wash it down with.... instead, water.......

Let me just say that Garth Stein is HOT. He's smart, witty, and good looking. Total package. Nice to watch. We were on the 3rd row of the auditorium, so we had great seats. He was a fun and engaging speaker. After, we got him to sign our books, then headed to Snuffers. We gorged on cheese fries so much so that we didn't want our dinner. It was so nice to have time with Mike & Sarah - I miss seeing Sarah on a weekly basis.

Next morning, I got up and Mom picked me up. We went and grabbed breakfast, then it was back to DFW to head home. I was in Dallas for a total of 20 hours, but it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I've been home in two months, so it was good to get a little shot of Dallas in the arm!

And the book? If you are a dog lover, then you will LOVE this book. I didn't want to read it after about 50 pages in bc I was worried about what might happen to the dog. I'm so glad I did. I cried at the end, just like I did with Marley and Me. Dog lovers, this is a MUST READ!!

Cost of Donation to RROB: $25.00
Airfare: $100.00
Parking: $13.50
Boarding Maude & bath: $90.00
Cheese Fries at Snuffers: $6.99

Spending time with my sister after missing her for two months: PRICELESS!!!!

Until next September........

Eat Pray Love (2010)

As I continue with the no-FB pledge, I've had a busy day. Slept in, then went to our new HS dedication to show my support for the principal and my friend, Russell. It's a beautiful campus and it took me back to almost 2 years ago when there was a dedication for the new campus that I opened. It's hard to believe it's only been 2 years.... wow!

I ran a few errands, drove by work and tied up a few loose ends, then decided to go see "Eat Pray Love." I loved the book and I've had the chance to hear Elizabeth Gilbert speak about two years ago in Richardson. What a phenomenal woman!

I loved the movie and I thought Julia Roberts really did a good job as Elizabeth. I laughed and I cried, I could relate to a lot of the movie. I was ready to go find Felipe if she hadn't gone back to him. Of course, when your love interests are played by Billy Crudup, James Franco, and Javier Bardem, life isn't too bad!

While I don't know that I'm finding myself, I'm finding myself trying to live more in the moment and enjoy now. Let the past stay where it is, quit worrying so much about the future and just enjoy the now. Since I've done that this week, in just ONE week, it's been amazing. I've had plans for three nights, I've read, talked to friends, played with my dog and just enjoyed.

It's been great..... and I look forward to my life to continue to evolve and develop over time. If you've read the book, the movie is a must see. If you haven't read the book, the movie is still enjoyable.

Mo's Review:
Eat Pray Love (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

Day Four of No Facebook and I'm Feeling Fine!!!

So, I spent too much time on Facebook. I was using it as a way to try and stay involved in what was going on back home. I would read and scroll, read and scroll, trying to figure out what was going on in everyone's life.

I cut the cord. Sunday night at 8 PM. It's been 98.5 hours and I'm actually doing okay. Only once have I thought about reactivating my account. Instead, I've read two books, finished a scrapbook, started working on my guest room closet and getting it organized, played more and walked my dog more, gone out to dinner with friends twice, and joined an organization in town.

Instead of holding on to my old life by a toe-hold, this week I've been busy building my new life here in Bastrop. And it feels great! I think eventually I will get back on - there are just too many old friends and family members that are on FB to not have it as a resource. But at least it won't be the only thing I do at night and/or on the weekends.

But until then... I've got to finish my book for my trip to Dallas on Tuesday and I want to get my guest closet completely finished. I've got to catch up on Netflix too... it's been way too long... must find out what is going on with Don Draper and the gang........

PS - Yesterday marks two months since I moved here. I'm glad to be here, it was a good choice for me. I'm looking forward to a long career here!

Alone vs. Lonely

So tonight, I've sat on the couch, drank wine, and read my book. I paused to consider the concept of alone vs. lonely.

If you'll indulge my inner nerd for a moment, alone means: separate, apart, or isolated from others. Lonely means: lone; solitary; without company; companionless or standing apart; isolated. If you look at it that way, they mean pretty much the same thing: isolated and apart.

I've been alone for a long time now. I've lived alone for 11 years. Why? Because I don't want anyone that close to me. I don't want to be hurt. I'm scared of rejection. Some people chose to take the risk and it works out for them, I choose not to. I like my space. I like my order, my way of doing things. I don't ever see myself having a relationship, moving in with someone or getting married. I know I'll die alone. I'm okay with that.

When I lived in Frisco, there would be times I would be lonely. Spending holidays by myself or sometimes wanting to go out to dinner or do something, but not willing to do it alone. Those moments were few and far between though. I had a pretty busy social life, so when I was at home, I was thankful for the peace and quiet.

Since I've moved to Bastrop, I've been lonely a lot more often. I have no friends. I have no social life. I work and I come home. It's like Groundhog Day, over and over. I miss having my sushi friend, my movie friend, my musical friend, etc. I had a great network of people that kept me busy. Now, no one. Nothing. I spend most nights by myself, watching TV or reading.

I'm lonely. And I'm not sure how to get out of it.

This was the one thing that worried me the most about taking this job. I knew I could handle the work part easily. But I was worried that at 40, being single, and Bastrop being a small town, that I would lose the social life and network I've worked so hard to build the 8 years I was in Frisco. Everyone I trusted told me not to worry, I'll make friends and be just as busy as I was in Frisco. (Ed.'s Note: Next time I should listen to my gut more. I'm just saying.)

So, I'm trying hard to really focus on my "lonely" time and turning it into "alone" time. I'm reading more, scrapbooking a bit, looking at planning a trip to take by myself, starting classes at Texas State for my Ph.D. I'm getting more comfortable going out to eat and to movies by myself. I'm trying to build a life that if I never am able to connect and make friends, that I have something for me to do besides sit at home.

So maybe I can go back to just being alone and quit being lonely.

I'm baaaackkkkkkk!!!!!

Were you wondering if I fell off the face of the Earth?

These past 5 weeks have been intense and crazy!! Finally, school has started and we've got teachers and students settled (at least I think). I've had friends and family come and visit. I've learned more about my town and am ready to start getting out and exploring the other communities close by.

My life has been much quieter since moving to Bastrop. I don't have as many friends locally, so I've been spending some time by myself. And it's been good. I've been doing some thinking. I've been trying to work through some of the hurt and anger I've been feeling. I've learned who my true, real friends are and I'm thankful for them. I think I appreciate them much more than I may have in the past. Instead of focusing on the hurt, I've tried to let go. I've started making goals for short and long term. This move changed a few of my goals, so it's been to good to think about them and how they have evolved.

Even though it's September, it's like a new year for me. Here are some of my goals:

1. Get out and explore.... Smithville, Elgin, Luling, Lockhart, Austin, Round Rock, Johnson City, Fredericksburg.....
2. Sign up for superintendency certifications at Texas State. I'm not going to be a principal forever.
3. Buy a new car - I LOVE having no car payments, but I'm not sure how much longer little Jiggablue is gonna go. I'm not sure what I want, I think a Honda CRV or a Ford Edge. Must go look and make some decisions.
4. Full physical - while I've got my glaucoma under control and I've ruled out bad cholesterol and diabetes, I need to check my heart and lose weight.
5. Get out and volunteer, meet people, and get involved in the community.
6. Stay open to all opportunities, even ones that I might not have considered six months ago.

This move has been a great way to stop and look at my life and make changes. My life is just one big change right now. No complacency allowed!!

If you could make one big change in your life, what would it be? Who would you become? What would you do differently?

State of the Union - 2 Weeks in a Small Central Texas Town

I know that you haven't heard much from me - I've been trying to unpack and settle down. My office is pretty much done, except for hanging pictures and cleaning out the previous two principal's stuff.

Home is a bit slower. Still a few boxes and I'm waiting for new furniture on August 14. My Dad needs to bring me my birthday TV and help me hang curtains and pictures. Then I think this place will start to be home.

I've got my car insurance done and I've found a nail place. I have a library card and I can get to Walmart in minutes. I know where Sonic is and where I can get a good margarita. I still need to find a hair salon.

My friend Kam came last weekend, it was so great to see her. I think I talked her ear off. We had a few 'ritas, lots of conversation, and a most delicious breakfast at Maxine's on Main. My sister will be coming next weekend, so I'm excited to show her around. We'll also head to Austin for some fun too. I think my Mom is coming over Labor Day, so Hotel Mo is up and running.

While things are working out, I thought I'd generate two lists, one of things I miss and one of things I like about my new life. So here goes:

Things I Miss

1. Sushi - apparently the Chinese buffet in town has sushi. But I'm a bit of a sushi snob after having great sushi in Dallas. I will be driving to Austin and finding good sushi. I also know that each time I come to Dallas, someone is going to get drug to my favorite sushi spots.
2. Shopping - Whether it's the mall or Target/Bath & Body Works/Bed Bath & Beyond/Hobby Lobby, I miss how close it was to me. The good news is I'm not spending as much money (which will benefit the house fund). Yesterday, Kathy & I went to Austin and found many of these shops, so it was good to know where it is.
3. Friends - I'm still meeting people and trying to find friends to hang out with. I'm about sick and tired of myself. I should use this time to read more, scrapbook, or unpack, but I dunno....... and even when I do find friends, where will we go?
4. Grocery Store - I miss Market Street so much. HEB just doesn't cut it.

Things I Love

1. Location - While I'm away from good shopping and some restaurants, I love how the bank, work, grocery store, post office, library, etc. are no more than a few miles away. I've been on the same tank of gas for over a week and I've only gone 60 miles. My gas expenditures will be less (which will benefit the house fund).
2. Local Restaurants/Shopping - There are some really wonderful restaurants here in town. Not chains, but locally owned. And there are a ton of cute shops - I haven't ventured out to shop, but I will do that and can't wait. For a town of this size, there is a lot to do!
3. My Home - I love where I live. The rent is very reasonable ($300 less than in Frisco) and there is a lot of grassy areas for Maude to roam. It's a new apartment with nice amenities and the office staff is fabulous! I referred a friend here, and I'll get $500 off rent (which will not benefit the house fund, but will benefit either the Albuquerque or Hot Springs fund!).
4. People - The people here are friendly and helpful. It's nice.

Bottom line, I'm glad to be here. And I'm available for shopping, pedicures, and/or margaritas.

Hello, My Name is Mo and I'm a TV-aholic

Okay, so as I get ready to make my to-do list and tackle another hot and humid Central Texas day, I have an ephiphany, actually two.

The first one is I'm hungry. I have to go the grocery store and get some food in my house. I went yesterday, loaded up my cart, got to the register, and realized I left my wallet at home when I was balancing my checkbook. I snuck out, cried the whole way home about how I hate my life here.

Then I got home and turned the TV on. I was fine. No tears, and just happy as can be. I'd been really testy and tense on Friday night. When the washer broke, you would have the thought the world is coming to an end. I couldn't even do my champagne welcome home toast that I was all excited about. WTF?

I was upset because I couldn't watch TV. Most of the time, I don't watch it, I just have it on as background noise. It soothes me. It's like a middle-aged lullaby. I was more worried about setting up my Tivo to record series than I was to unpack my kitchen, what is up with that?

I'm reading Dr. Drew's book about celebrity, narcissism, and how reality TV really exacerbates (sp?) the problem. I'm addicted to reality TV. I have got to break the cycle. I mean seriously, these people on these shows would never be my friends in real life, I couldn't handle their idiocy on a regular basis. But on TV, it's like I'm drawn in. Vetos, roses, torches, quick fire challenges, runway walks, clocks, backstage passes, table tossing NJ hoochies, I can't get enough. I can't......

And I will, I promise.... as soon as I find out who's getting put on the block on Big Brother tonight......

Things I'm Learning About My New Home

So, I've been a resident of my new town for about 2 days now. I've come to some conclusions about where I live:

1. The people here are sooo nice! Everyone has been very welcoming and very helpful. No Dallas bitchiness here.
2. People are not in a hurry here. It's taken me a while to do everything because no one is in a hurry. I used to think I was going to have a heart attack because I was killing myself, but now, I may have one because it's so slow I get impatient! I'm still in the Dallas mentality of gotta get it done that I've gotten frustrated a few times - but because it's a small town, I smile and am nice - people talk!
3. People here aren't afraid to ask questions - that is different. There really are no topics off limits. And they like to talk, there is no such thing as a quick question.
4. It's a small town..... I can get anywhere in 10 minutes, usually 5. That is nice. My school is 5 minutes from my house (3 if I make the light!). What an awesome commute!
5. It's hot as hell here...... I'm sure it's just as hot as in Dallas, but still.....

I'm slowly getting unpacked... and so far the only snafu I have is that my washing machine isn't working. It fills, washes, but won't drain, rinse and spin. So I have someone coming on Monday to get it fixed. I'm almost done with my bedroom, bathroom, and closet. Tonight I'll dump trash, break down boxes and start putting holiday stuff in the garage. My goal tomorrow is the grocery store and unpacking the kitchen so I can cook instead of eating out, I'm sick of it!!

I'm sure there is much more to learn about my new home.....

Small Wonders (1995)

When you move into a new place and you have no cable... and all of your DVDs are packed, then you decide it's time to finally watch the Netflix movies you've had for the past 3 months.

Tonight, I watched "Small Wonders." This is a documentary (you know I love documentaries) about Roberta Guaspari, a woman who teaches students in East Harlem the violin. She works at three different schools, lugging instruments and supplies up and down stairs. She teaches these children the violin, but also self-discipline and how to build self-confidence.

It was amazing to see what these kids were able to play. The kids got to play the National Anthem at a Knicks game and it was awesome to see how excited they were and how the crowd reacted to them. The players were nice, but Pat Riley ignored them. They also did a concert at Carnegie Hall and had several renown violin players join them.

This documentary was the seed for the 1999 movie "Music of the Heart," which had Meryl Streep play Roberta. I haven't seen that movie, but it's in my Netflix queue, so I'm sure I will see it - it would interesting to see how the movie is spun from the documentary.

It was an interesting film if you are into music and/or education.

Mo's Review:
Small Wonders (1995): 3 out of 5 stars

And The Move Begins!!

This morning begins the first day of the three day move process. I'm excited and exhausted at the same time.

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I've got some movies and books to review and will do that when I'm settled down south. Surgery, packing, the move, saying goodbye.... all had to be done and I wanted to enjoy them (well, maybe not the surgery!).

I still can't believe that I'm moving. I've been here 8 years and that's a long time for me (I was in Florida for 6, then Dallas for 3 prior to that.). But there are opportunities and adventures awaiting me that weren't available here. As a matter of fact, in some facets of my life here, it's changed so much it looks like I never was there. A fresh start is good too -new age, new job, new start. (Ed.'s Note: Let's see how long it takes before I jack any or all of it up!)

I have some deep thoughts to share, but those will have to wait until the dust settles. But I can tell you one thing I've learned this past week - I have too much crap!! I've probably filled a dumpster with my trash and junk. And I never did finish my bedroom closet, that'll have to be weeded out when I unpack. I just couldn't do it all!! How did I get this stuff and why do I have it all? Dumping a bunch of it feels like taking a weight off of my shoulders. I think sometimes we get weighed down by the possesions that we have......

I also want to thank my friends who called and checked on me, who met me for lunch, dinner, or drinks to say goodbye, who encouraged me when I was ready to fold. They really helped me through these tough last couple of weeks. And I've learned that some people who I thought were my friends, well..... they may have been more fair-weathered than I originally thought.

Let the adventure begin..... see you on the other side!!

Happy Birthday, America!!

So Happy Birthday, America!

At least it's not raining today. I'm still indoors, recuperating from my surgery. Things are going well, the swelling is going down, the pain is subsiding, and I think tomorrow I'll be ready to reenter society - just in time to tackle my 2 1/2 page to do list of things to do before I move down South.

I was supposed to go to the Rough Riders game today to see one of my teachers get engaged as well as another teacher's christening for her son. Unfortunately, I'm still on pain meds and swollen, so I thought it best to stay home and give it one more day. So congrats to Baby Michael on his baptism and congrats to Kristen on her engagement!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

Skin Cancer Surgery.... AGAIN!!!!

Well, this is becoming a recurrent theme that I'm NOT liking. Today I had to go get some skin cancer cut out of my forehead......

I got to the doctor's office about 8:15 for my 8:30 appointment. They brought me in and prepped me. My blood pressure and pulse were a little high..... I was freaking out!!

The doctor comes in, cuts out a piece, cautherizes (sp?) my head, then they bandage me up and send me to the waiting room. It's like me and a bunch of people over the age of 65. The nurses keep coming out and telling people they are clean, then they take them back to stitch them up.

Finally my nurse opens the door and points her finger at me. I don't like that. I shake my head no. She tells me I can't say no and to get in there. They don't have a clean margin, so they want to cut again. Shit! That means a bigger wound to heal and it means more money (they charge by the number of cuts they have to make).

While I cursed my parents for giving me fair skin and a predisposition for this as well as cursing myself for deciding that being as tan as possible during the 80's was a good idea, they recut, recautherize, re-bandage, and send me out to wait again. At this point, I'm the only one in the waiting room - everyone else has been stitched up and gone home.

I finally get the clear, and I head back to stitch. Because they had to recut, now my stitches are vertical instead of horizontal and about 2 inches long. But the doctor swears that I'll heal better this way than with horizontal stitches.

So now I'm enjoying my PJs, some Vicodin, and some Tivo. Sarah's coming over tonight for chicken spaghetti and watching the Bachelorette..... I think I'll learn to enjoy forced relaxation!!

The Things We Do for Love by Kristin Hannah

I'm really into Kristin Hannah books right now. This is the third one I've read in just a few months. I love her books, I start them and then I can't put them down!!

I started this one right after On Mystic Lake. But when I went to NYC, I took my Kindle and started another book there. So.... it took me a bit before I picked this book back up. But when I did I finished it in a day.

This is the story of Angie Malone, a recently divorced woman who goes home to help her family's struggling restaurant. She wanted a baby more than anything, and that is what tore her marriage up. A parallel story is that of Lauren, a high school senior who lives with her drunk mother.

Their lives connect and things happen. That's all I can say without giving away the book. But trust me, this is a good story. The ending will surprise you!

Mo's Review:
"The Things We Do For Love" by Kristin Hannah, (2004, 388 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

It's finally here - the Big 4-0!!

Well, so after a year (or more) of speculation, my birthday is finally here!

And it was rather anti-climatic...... and I mean that in a totally good way!!

There has been build up... surprise party at school, trip to NYC, etc... so it was kind of nice when I woke up today and it was a rather calm and peaceful day. I answered texts and FB wall comments, but I also paid bills, did laundry and worked on my to-do list for the move.

Mom and Sarah took me to Cheesecake Factory tonight for dinner. Sarah gave me a gorgeous Tiffany necklace and two charms - I love it - so beautiful!! Mom gave me money and a book.

The celebrations continue tomorrow and Wednesday, lunches and dinners with friends and other family members to keep celebrating..... I love when you can drag a birthday out much longer than just one day!!

Thanks to everyone for their texts, notes, cards, and phone calls. 40 isn't that bad.... so far!!

Best of NYC, Day Five

Laura and I slept in a bit, then got up, showered and packed. We checked out and had some breakfast at the hotel restaurant. We wanted to hit a museum before we went, but we decided to go to the TKTS booth and see if there was one more show we could catch. We wait about an hour in line (during which the sky opened up on us and rained), and we got tickets to see Billy Elliott.

Since we hadn't really done any souvenir shopping, we wandered Times Square, picking up little gifts for others.

After, we stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe for a drink and to just relax and chill until our show began.

Laura and I then went and saw "Billy Elliott" - it was incredible! I was so glad that I got to see that show - it was an awesome way to end NYC!

After the show, we went to the hotel, got a cab, loaded up, and headed to the airport. It was a great five days, but exhausting. Travelling in a large group presents challenges, but I think everyone had fun and got to do/see what they wanted.

Until next time, NYC.........

Best of NYC, Day Four

Saturday morning, Norma and I headed to Carnegie Deli for breakfast. It was really good, and you got too much food!

After breakfast, we headed to the Plaza Hotel to meet the Sex and the City Tour. It was a lot of fun, we stopped at the Pleasure Chest, Buddakan, West Village, and at O'Nieals. This is the building that is used for the front of Carrie's apartment (she supposedly lived on the Upper East Side, but this is West Village). We also got to eat a cupcake and have a Cosmo. It was a lot of fun.

After the tour, Norma and I wandered around Bryant Park and the NY Public Library. We were so hot and tired, we headed back to the hotel for a little break.

Laura and I went to Greenwich Village to go to the Comedy Cellar. We stopped at Washington Square Park and just hung out there before the show. I love this park!

The show was really good - had several comedians that I had seen on TV. We headed back up to Midtown and spent a few minutes in Times Square.

We went back to our room and crashed. By this point, my feet were hurting and I was getting tired. I was ready to go home!

Best of NYC, Day Three

On Friday, the weather was much warmer than it had been the previous few days. We got up and did the downtown double decker bus tour. We got off at Battery Park and wandered around, this is the fountain at Bowling Green.
We walked up to Wall Street, wandered around, took the subway to Canal Street, wandered around, and ended up in Little Italy for lunch. Pizza and gelato - yummo!

After lunch, we went to the Empire State Building. We went to the 86th floor observation deck - I've never done that and it was really cool to see NYC from that perspective.

We were all so hot, sweaty and gross, we headed back to the hotel for naps and showers. We went to see "Rock of Ages" - it was awesome. I was on the second row right next to the stage. Constantine sweat on me! It was so much fun to see the show up close like that. Afterwards, Kim, Danyielle, Laura and I waited at the stage door for autographs and pictures.

Everyone in the cast was so nice and it was so much fun! Laura and I headed out with Rhonda for a drink and to catch up... another late night!! Once Laura and I finally were comfy and ready for bed, lights out, we get to listen to the horns and garbage trucks. NYC definitely never sleeps!!

Best of NYC, Day Two

On Thursday, we got up early to hit the town. We did the double decker bus tour of areas above Midtown. We ended up in Harlem and saw the Apollo Theatre, which was pretty cool.

After the tour, they dropped us off on Central Park South, so we wandered around Columbus Circle (I bought a REAL coach) and then we went to Strawberry Fields in Central Park. So cool....

After that, we walked around the park a bit, then ended up at the Boat House, having a couple of beers and some appetizers looking out on the pond. The weather was cool and breezy, it felt fantastic!!

We wandered around Rockefeller Center and Times Square, then came home and rested. Laura and I had dinner at Joe Allens, then Norma, Laura and I saw "In The Heights." It was a terrific show!

We were up in the nosebleed, so during the intermission, I asked if we could go sit in a box, and they let us. We were like 10 feet from the stage - it was awesome!!

Best of NYC, Day One

We landed about 5:30, went to our hotel, checked in, then headed to Serendipity for dinner. It was yummy!!

On the subway back to our hotel, someone (me, but shhhh) got the idea that we should go to Coney Island. An hour and a half later, we get there. Here's outside the subway station.....

Pretty much the only thing open was Nathan's hot dogs, but we were full. A cop told us to get back to Manhattan, so we just stood around, took a few pics with the NYPD, then headed back.

At least we can say we've been to Coney Island.......

We are off to NYC!!

In less than an hour, 10 of my friends and I are leaving for New York
City. It's going to be an amazing weekend!

I'm testing my ability to send a blog entry via my iPhone so I can
keep you posted about our adventures. Hope it works!!

Here's what is ahead for us this weekend: dinner at Serendipity,
seeing "In The Heights" and "Rock of Ages," doing the Sex and the City
tour, going to the Comedy Cellar and the Statue of Liberty, and
hitting Canal Street among others.

Stay tuned for more adventures!!

My Trip was a Total Success!!

I got home last night around 11 PM and all I can say is that I love Bastrop!! I had a very fast and furious two days, but it was wonderful.

I got all of my stuff dumped into my office and now a great project of moving and sorting all of my stuff to set up my office awaits me in July. I love the color blue they painted my office - it's going to be a beautiful place to work!

I love, love my AP. I think we are going to be a great team and we will make our school an awesome place to work and learn!

I got my living arrangements settled: apartment, utilities, Maude's registration. My apartment is so cute and I have a garage close by, so that all worked out very well.

I met the administrative team for the district and I'm excited to get to know them all and work with them. They seem like a top notch group of people. I already LOVE the elementary principals and know that we will make a great team - one not to be messed with!

And as much as I worry about Bastrop being so small, I loved it. It has a lot for a town that size and there are so many neat little shops and restaurants, it'll be so much fun to show people that come and visit. Yes, sushi and Hobby Lobby are now a 30 minute drive, but it means less impulse shopping, which is a good thing.

I made the right decision to head south in July.

First Step Towards the Big Move

So this morning I'm heading down to Bastrop to check it out. I'll pick up Kathy in Waco, where she's been at her 25th high school reunion. I've got my Dad's Explorer and it is packed to the brim with all of my office stuff. Today I'll meet my new AP, Michele, and we'll dump all of the stuff into my new BLUE office. I'm excited to meet her as I've enjoyed our chats and e-mails up to this point.

Tonight Kathy and I will have dinner with the other elementary principals. Some we met at our interview and some we'll be meeting for the first time. I'm excited and I look forward to building relationships with them.

Monday and Tuesday are full of meetings - long days of meetings. I hope to get all of my HR paperwork done and pick up my laptop. Lots of people to meet and lots to discuss. Hopefully I'll feel more comfortable when all of this is over.

I will also be finalizing my apartment arrangements and making sure I'm ready to move on July 15. So much to do in such a little time. I think it'll be good to get down there and start to get settled. I'm bringing my camera, so I will post pictures when I return.

Then when I return, it's off to NYC!!!!

Boys II Men were right, it's hard to say goodbye!

Today ends a week of saying goodbye. Last Friday was the last day of school with kiddos. It was hard to tell them and the parents goodbye. I cried at our end of the year slideshow, which makes me think back to all of the great memories we've had this year. It's been a year!

Monday, I said goodbye to the teachers. I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I think maybe I had worked through a lot of my feelings prior to that. They gave me a really cool insulated Moving Day bag, with tons of stuff that will be helpful while I'm moving to Bastrop. They also gave me a ring of notes from all of the staff, which meant a lot to me. I sat in my office and cried when I read it. I just reread it and I cried again. Now, I'm gonna sound like a bitch here, but I would have loved to have had a plaque or pictures that I could put in my new office.... but it's okay. (Ed.'s Note: I know I sound like a bitch, but it's my blog, and I can say what I want!) I have a feeling that my ring of notes will be in my desk drawer and a constant reminder of my time with them.

I said goodbye to my assistant principal on Tuesday. I cried again. It was sad because we are such a good team and we've built such a good school. I pray that she gets my old job as she is ready and deserves it. But I've hoped other things for my district that haven't happened, so I don't know....

And yesterday, I said goodbye to my receptionist and my PEIMs clerk. I cried again. (Ed.'s Note: I've cried more in two weeks than 2 years... and my eyes are a red mess. I look awful!!)

I'll say goodbye to a few more friends after we get back from NYC.

It's just a lot of goodbyes. I'm not good with emotion, so it's hard on me. My last day with my job is June 30th, then I'll have to say goodbye to my secretary. Another hard one. I'm curious if the district will do anything for me when I leave. In the past when another principal left (who had only worked two years), they gave her a plaque and recognized her at the school board meeting. I've been there five years and I think with all the crazy and chaos I'll be getting a whole lot of nothing. It's sad, but another good reason to move forward with all of the positive changes in my life.

Wicked was Wicked Awesome!!

I was so excited to see Wicked, I could barely contain myself. I've always heard about what a great show it is and I felt like I was really missing out on something. Boy, was I!!!!!

Sarah and Mike met me for a quick dinner at Champps before we headed down. It was so packed, we had to park in the far lot (I've NEVER done that for a musical except during the State Fair). It was packed - which was interesting because it was only a Tuesday night and the show will be here for almost a month.

We get in and get seated. Again, no more Roland and Sylvia. I'm guessing that they ditched me and the season tickets or traded nights. Oh, well. I won't be back next year, so no worries on that. I sat next to a mother and daughter who were very unusual people.

The musical was spectacular - phenomenal - incredible!! The music was so good and seeing "Defying Gravity" at the close of the first act was mind blowing. The women who played Glinda and Elphaba had incredible voices.

I'm not sure where the two and a half hours went, but suddenly the lights came up and it was over. By the end, I was crying. I think the song "For Good" got me - made me think of friends and life and about how mine is going to be changing.

If you have not seen Wicked, get thee to the Dallas Summer Musicals before June 27. It truly was an incredible experience. And if you need someone to go with, call me!! I'd go see it again in a heartbeat!!

On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah has become one of my favorite new authors. I've loved the other books of hers that I've read.... Firefly Lane and True Colors. I've got a couple of her books in my to read pile. Can't wait!!

On Mystic Lake is about a a woman, Annie, whose husband leaves her just as her daughter is going to study abroad. She lives in a beach house in Malibu and has the perfect life, or so it appears. She decides to go home to Mystic Lake, OR to see her Dad. She reconnects with an old friend and her life moves on.

Then her hubby comes back..... and another surprise..... what will Annie do?

Kristin Hannah writes books that you devour. This book was 404 pages and I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened to Annie and what choice she would make in the end.

I highly recommend this book - it's a GREAT summer read! You won't be sorry!!

Mo's Review:
"On Mystic Lake" by Kristin Hannah, (1999, 406 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Crazy Heart (2009)

I was so excited to see this movie - I cannot tell you how many times I tried to see it at the movies. Things just kept getting in the way. So tonight, I decided to be domestic and I had Heidi and Caren come over. I cooked dirty rice and cornbread, then we sat down to watch this movie.

Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake, a country star on his way out. He needs a break, but his hard boozin' and hard livin' life has him kind of down on his luck. He's travelling around, playing dives (like bowling alleys) for a little bit of money. Bad actually opens up for a country singer he brought up, Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell). He meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a reporter who wants to interview him. They fall in love and have a fling until something happens.

The event changes his life forever, but in a good or bad way? You'll have to see the movie to find out.

I loved this movie, it was worth the wait. But it was hard to watch Jeff Bridges look like this - I prefer to remember him and how he looked in "Against All Odds." Now that is a good looking man!!

Mo's Review:
Crazy Heart (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

My Surprise Birthday at Work!

Today is exactly one month before I turn 40. I turn on the street that my school is one and I start driving down the road. There are several signs, including this one:

I suddenly realize that my staff is celebrating my birthday! I figured they were still angry and hurt from the announcement on Wednesday, but apparently not. There were 40's everywhere. Here's the door to my office:

All of the footprints around my office each have a year that I've been alive, so there were 40 of them. How cute!! The inside of my office was full of 40's everywhere too. I couldn't believe how much work went into my day.

Each team gave me 40 of something: dollar bills, blow pops, candy, sharpies, pit balls, dog biscuits for Maude.... it was so cute. They had a delicious potluck lunch for me that was so yummy. And then they ended the day after school with a cake. A Walmart cake - white with white buttercream - my favorite!!

I'm so lucky to have such a great staff to work with - I sure will miss them and their creativity!! They started off my 40th birthday celebration with a BANG!! Next in the celebration - our trip to NYC on June 16th.

I love turning 40!!!

Sex and the City (2010)

I have been waiting for this movie for MONTHS. We leave for NYC in a few weeks and are excited about going on the SATC Tour. But boy was I disappointed.....

I bought tickets about 6 weeks ago at Studio Movie Grill for a group of 12 to go see it. We were all pumped. We can go, have a few drinks, and just love being with the girls.

So that day of the movie, Kim and I decide to go early to get seats. I snuck out of school early, got my hair cut, then headed home to freshen up. It had been field day so I was kinda gross. Kim picks me up and we get there at 5 (movie starts at 7). I was expecting a long line of waiting, but there is NO ONE. We are able to go in and get seats, we sit in the center row, great seats. Then we ordered some drinks and queso and waited. Slowly the girls trickled in as well as two of my Facebook "virtual" friends who I was meeting for the first time. It was hysterical how few guys were there and how much fun you could tell all of the girls were having.

When the opening credits start, the theatre goes crazy. The first 30 minutes were truly the best part of the movie. Stanford and Anthony get married, which was hysterical. They were in NYC, which is like the fifth character to the show.

Then they get some far fetched idea to go to Abu Dabai. That's when the movie went south. Who cares about the dessert? And seriously, wearing Chanel to ride a camel? That's a bit far fetched. And 8000 miles from home you run into Aidan (who looked exceptionally hot)?

It was 2.5 hours long and I kept looking at my watch the last 45 minutes. The only reason that I'm giving it 4 stars is because it is Sex and the City and it was good to see the girls again. Even if it was ridiculous.

IF there is a third movie, STAY IN NEW YORK CITY!! Otherwise, I won't be watching it!!

Mo's Review:
Sex and the City 2 (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

My Heart Aches.... why is life so sad sometimes?

My heart broke just a little bit today.

Readers know that I opened a new school in August 2008 as principal. I poured my heart into this school... blood, sweat, tears. I slept in the clinic some nights. I wanted to build a place where people wanted to work and kids wanted to learn. I almost had a nervous breakdown that first year.... my secretary's hubby passing away, my AP on maternity leave, and wanting everything to be absolutely perfect almost broke me. But I perservered. Our staff perservered. We were exemplary in our first year, a first in our district.

This year was easier, but it was harder too. My PEIMS clerk husband died, our counselor (and my friend) had breast cancer, trying to maintain exemplary is harder than getting it........ But I love what we have created at our school. I walk the halls so proud. I LOVE LOVE seeing our students grow and become more confident in their learning and who they are. We are going to be exemplary again this year too.

But I haven't been happy this year. The pressures from above continue to push down on me and I'm starting to buckle under that pressure. The turmoil with our superintendent leaving as well as our deputy being overlooked have made me uneasy. Where do I fit in the new structure? Can I do it? I've felt very isolated and alone. It's taken it's toll on me. Sometimes I think I've aged more in two years that most people do in 5. If I could just stay on my campus and deal with my "people," I could do it. But that isn't how it works.

Then an opportunity came my way. I explored it and found that it was the next step in my journey. A step that I knew was inevitable, but didn't think would happen so fast. But it's a step that I would regret not taking. And so I will leave my school that I birthed at the end of June.

Today I had to tell my staff that I was leaving. I had a whole speech, I was going to stay calm and cool. I was going to focus on our successes and what we had done. I wanted them to know how much I loved and appreciated them and all they gave of themselves for this school. I was gonna be strong, like when I've had to deliver bad news to them time and time again over these past two years.

I stand at the front of the room and I look at them. I lasted about 3 seconds before I burst into tears. I'm not even sure what I said. It was like I dropped a really messy bomb and then I left. I could see the looks on their faces. Some looked mad, some looked sad, some cried, there were 1 or 2 who looked happy....... it killed me to upset them.

I know they'll get over it. They know what's right for kids. My AP will lead them. They'll do fine. And so will I. I will come back to visit. I think I even told them if they didn't continue doing what they were doing, I'm come back from Austin and kick their ass. (Ed.'s Note: Stay classy, Ms. Principal!)

I just didn't know it would hurt this bad.

My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster

As you all know, I love Jen Lancaster. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago and having her sign this very book I am now reviewing.

As with all of her books, this was a fun and easy book to read. I feel like I know Jen (this is the 5th book of hers that I've read) and it's always interesting to hear what is going on with her. But this book was particularly funny to me because like me, Jen is a reality show addict. She loves her some reality TV programming.

So this book is her foray into leaving reality TV and experiencing some culture. Chicago offers a lot of opportunity for that to happen and she hits it head on. She also has some experiences while out on book tour.

If you appreciate a witty, acerbic attitude, then you will love this book (as well as her other titles). I'm a little bummed that I have to wait another 10 months for her next book to come out. But when it does, Ashley and I will be ready to do the Jen Lancaster book signing right.

Mo's Review:
"My Fair Lazy" by Jen Lancaster, (2010, 370 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

My Sister's Keeper (2009)

I should first say that I love this book by Jodi Picoult. Shortly after I read it, Sarah and I had the chance to hear her speak at "Richardson Reads One Book," an event that we go to each September. (I still plan on going when I live in Bastrop.)

When they made a movie of this, I wasn't sure I wanted to see it since I had enjoyed the book so much. One of my dear friends, Heidi, saw it and hated it because it did not stay true to the book. So I avoided seeing it. But it just came on HBO, so I tivoed it and spent this morning in bed, being lazy and watching it.

Abigail Breslin plays Anna Fitzgerald, a child that was basically born for the purpose of saving her terminally ill sister. Her parents are played by Jason Patric (HOT, HOT, HOT!!) and Cameron Diaz (who was absolutely unbelievable playing a mother). The family's life has revolved around the sister, the brother is off doing his own thing and the parents' relationship is strained as well.

Anna decides to hire Campbell Alexander (played by Alec Baldwin) to get her medical emancipation. This tears the family further apart.

The movie continues to twist and turn until the conclusion. Which sucked. The book was much better. My advice? Read the book.

Mo's Review:
My Sister's Keeper (2009): 3 out of 5 stars

City Island (2009)

Tonight, Melisa and I did our weekly ritual of Sushi Envy, but we decided to hit a movie because it had been a while. We went to the Plano Angelika to see "City Island."

City Island is a part of the Bronx, so you know I love the NYC/accent/Bronx vibe. Andy Garcia is Vince Rizzo, a corrections officer with aspirations of being an actor. His wife, Joyce, is played by Julianna Margulies. She thinks he is having an affair because he's always going to poker games (but really he is going to acting classes, his teacher is played by Alan Arkin). They have two kids, Vivian (played by Garcia's real daughter) who lost her college scholarship and is now a stripper, and son Vince, who is obsessed with BBW.

While working, he realizes his son that he left before he was born is in the jail and offers to take him home for supervised parole. The movie is about all of these characters and their secrets coming together. It's funny, it's witty, and it's emotional. It's a great film, I recommend it!!

Also, Andy Garcia and the guy who plays his jailbird son are HOT - nice eye candy too!! ;)

Mo's Review:
City Island (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

Little House on the Prairie - The Musical

May is a fast and crazy month - lots going on with the end of school and for me, also there has been alot going on with my health. But my Dallas Summer Musical season tickets are always a respite from the crazy chaos!!

Tonight, it was Little House on the Prairie - The Musical. I was going by myself, but I did stop and meet sister Sarah for a quick dinner at Snookies - love their fries!! I headed down, got a great park and went in. It wasn't very crowded.

I got my seat, but again, Roland and Sylvia are no where to be found. I'm beginning to think they may have changed their tickets - I hope it wasn't me!! I miss talking to them! Because it's so not crowded, I actually move down to some nicer seats with a better view.

The musical was okay. The cast that played Laura and Almanzo were great. If you like Little House on the Prairie (which I do), then you liked the show. It wasn't the best musical so far this season (I think that may be yet to come with both Wicked and Dreamgirls still on the docket). It made me feel old that Melissa Gilbert is now Ma. (Ed.'s Note: She doesn't have a great singing voice.) Her son was also in the ensemble cast as well.

I'm really excited about what is coming up next - Wicked!! June 1 will be here before we know it!

Friends

This weekend our friend Big G (aka Lori) came to visit. Big G used to teach with me in Frisco before she moved to Houston and before I went into administration. She was supposed to come last May and visit, but there was a lot going down on this end, so the trip got cancelled. So I think we were all eager to get back together and catch up about old times.

G came in town Friday and stopped by my school. She got to see our talent show and spend some time talking to our librarian as she has an interest in becoming a librarian. She then met a friend for a drink while D and I went to the reception for our new superintendent.

We hooked up again for dinner and Kim was able to meet us too. We spent almost 4 hours at the restaurant.... laughing, talking, telling stories, remembering the past, contemplating the future. I'm so lucky to have friends like that, even when we don't talk daily or weekly (or even monthly), that we can come back together and it's just like when we all lived and worked together.

Saturday, we met up for "Date Night" (click to read my review). I had some errands and other things I had to get down, so we went our separate ways for the rest of the afternoon. That night, Kristen was able to join us and we went to eat at Tillman's Roadhouse down in the Bishop Arts District. Have you been there? It's easy to get to and it was so much fun!!

I had a couple prickly pear margaritas (which I highly recommend!) and we had an appetizer with a bunch of different fries (sweet potato, Idaho russet, and Peruvian purple) with seasonings and sauces to match. Yummo!! For dinner, I had the chicken fried steak (not a huge flat steak, but rather cuts of real steak that was chicken fried - delicious!), braised green beans and white cheddar mac'n'cheese. It was awesome. Here's my prickly pear margarita:

For dessert, we had S'mores. Homemade graham crackers, three kinds of marshmallows (orange, maple and coffee) and chocolate. You can see we had to roast our own marshmallows. It was soo good!

Again, we are sitting their talking, catching up until we are asked to leave because there are reservations waiting for our table. So up we went and headed home.

I'm blessed to have the friends I have and I'm grateful to have such a great weekend (I really needed that pick me up!) I LOVE my friends!!

Date Night (2010)

Today, I went to the movies for the first time in a while. I saw Date Night with Big G, D, and Kim. I was excited to see it because I love Tina Fey and Steve Carrell.

The Fosters are a boring married couple. They have a Groundhog Day like existence, but they do have a date night, where they go to the local steak house for salmon and potato skins. When their friends (Kristen Wiig and Mark Ruffalo) decide to get a divorce, they decide to spice things up and go into the city for their date night.

Claire (Tina Fey) wants to go to a new restaurant named Claw. When they realize they are going to get a table, they take someone else's reservation. As they enjoy dinner, some thugs come and ask them to step outside. When they go outside, they realize this is a bad case of mistaken identity. The rest of the movie is about trying to fix everything so they can get back to their hum-drum suburban life.

Claire enlists Holbrooke (aka Marky Mark Wahlberg) to help them out. Marky Mark does not wear a shirt, which adds to the movie aesthetic in a huge way. He did a good job with the comedy as well. James Franco and Mila Kunis also made cameos as Taste and Whippit - they were hysterical!! (Ed.'s Note: Common is in the movie as one of the bad guys and he is HOT!!! Love me some Common - will have to see "Just Wright" for that reason alone!!)

So Claire and Phil Foster solve their problems and go home? Watch else happens?? It's definitely a cute movie worth seeing.

Mo's Review:
Date Night (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

Meeting my Idol, Jen Lancaster!!!

I love Jen Lancaster!! She has written five books (several listed on my blog page under great reads) and has the best blog site ever, Jennsylvania. I'm always recommending her books, and I love reading her blog - I have it linked on my blog (scroll down on your right and you'll see the link!).

She just released her newest book, "My Fair Lazy." I'm almost done reading it and then I'll post a review on here as well. It's great so far, I love reality shows and apparently so does Jen. She's trying to find some more class in her life, so she goes on these adventures to expand her horizons.

With her new book release comes a book tour. She came to the Barnes & Noble at Northwest Highway tonight. My friend Ashley (who I've made a Jen fan) and I decide to go down to the signing. We leave pretty early and get there. We find out we have to have tickets for the signing, we are group F (which is the sixth group of 25 to sign... yikes!!) We are able to get good seats and we wait for Jen.

She arrives at 7 on the dot - does a reading and answers some Q&A. She's just as witty and funny in person as she is in her books. One lady kept asking questions and she shut her down pretty quick!

While we were waiting for our turn, we got to meet "The Preppy Pink Twins" - they came in their pink polos and matching skirt/bermuda combo. Notice their cousin next to the them in the complimentary color ensemble. Apparently, Ashley and I did not give our wardrobe enough consideration.

Meet Nikki (left) and her friend _____. They met here last year at Jen's signing and became friends. Nikki is a hoot. I'm not sure I can even do her justice. She asked Jen which was her favorite VH1 programming was during the Q&A. Jen's answer: Rock of Love!! (Great question!)

Nikki wants to be a VH1 star. She's written to producers and even has recorded her own them song (she's way ahead of me, I've got a lot of ideas, but no action at all)! All I can say is.... if anyone from VH1 reads this blog, GIVE NIKKI A SHOW!! I would definitely watch it! (Ed.'s Note: Maybe she'd even let me be a sidekick on the show. Like my own 5-7 minutes of fame, ya know.)

Meet the Know-It-All Twins (below). They were sitting next to Ashley and I while we were waiting. Ashley went up to ask the Barnes and Noble employee some questions, when she got back and shared the answers, one of them said, "Jen ALWAYS says you can do that." So, what? Are you Jen's real friend? Because if you are, why are you in Group E to get your shit signed? I mean, if you are Jen's friend, wouldn't she just sign your stuff for the heck of it?

When they weren't making us feel bad for being virgins at the book signing, they were reading to each other Facebook statuses and playing Words with Friends. Wow - so impressive. I have an iPhone too.......

So after waiting for 2 hours, it's now our turn to get up to see Jen. I'm so nervous. I tell her that I love her blog and I have a blog too. I also tell her that Chris Harrison is my stepbrother. I wanted to sound so cool, but I'm sure I sounded like a total dumbass. She signed my book and it said, "Culture Up!"

After meeting the idol, we went to Cheesecake Factory and had dinner. As we were leaving at 10:45, it looked like Jen was still signing away. God bless her - she is good to her fans!!

So, Ashley and I learned some valuable lessons so that when Jen comes back in 2011, we can maximize our experience. Here goes our knowledge:

1. Send my Mom over during the day to pick up tickets, so we are in a higher group. We almost died of starvation waiting for Jen, but were too scared to leave in case we missed our group.
2. Charge the camera - Ashley at least had hers with her - I didn't. Too many great photo ops were lost because we weren't ready.
3. Bring all of my books - she'll sign any of her books - I just brought her most current book.
4. But witty comments on the stickies she uses to sign books - the lady in front of me wrote things like "To my BFF" and Jen actually wrote that with her signature! So I'm going to come up with all kinds of witty sayings too.
5. Facebook friend Nikki so that I can maximize my Nikki time - she is a treasure!

So... until May of 2011, Jen.........

Skin Rash Gone Wild!!

As you know, I've been fighting this gross skin infection/rash/whatever-in-the-hell-it-is for a few weeks now. It hasn't been getting better - it's actually been getting worse. It moved from itching to painful.

I was supposed to go the big Job Fair in Arlington today (and I needed to, I'm looking for a couple of positions), but I had had enough, so I went back to the doctor.

When the doctor walks in and asks me how I'm doing, I start crying. I tell her how bad it hurts and I show her the rash. I think my reaction may have freaked her out just a bit.

She decides to take three biopsies of it, one on my forearm, one on my chest, and one on my shoulder. They numb me up, which hurts. The first biopsy I'm fine. The second one, it hurts soo bad (even with the numbing), I throw up!! And the last one, I look down and see the blood, then I faint.

I wake up sprawled out on the exam table. They give me some water and tell me that they want to give me a steroid shot and they want to send me off to do blood work. So, I drop my sweat capris and get a nice big shot in the ass. Which is great, because I already feel like I've been through the wringer.

They write my 'scripts for the blood work, then she wants me to get this stuff to soak in each night, and some strong steroid cream. She nonchantly mentions that if I start to grow hair where I apply the cream, I should stop using it immediately. (Really, ya think!?!?!)

I leave, running to the lab for bloodwork. Since I hadn't fasted, I had to schedule an appointment the next morning. Great, more fun.

I was going to go back to work, or go to a movie, or get a pedicure..... but after all the trauma, I went home, got my basset hound and crawled up in bed and slept the afternoon away. Until it was time to do my soak. And my cream.

I'm ready to figure out what the heck is going on with me!!

You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008)

I love Adam Sandler. I know his humor can be childish and silly, but it makes me laugh. I can watch "Billy Madison" at any time and still laugh.

I usually see Adam's movies as soon as they come out in the theatres, but unfortunately I was too busy when this one came out.

Sandler is Zohan, an Israeli soldier who wants to come to the US to be a hairdresser. Armed with an old Paul Mitchell book, he comes here and finds a job. He has some special skills that get him many customers, including Mrs. Garrett from Facts of Life (aka Charlotte Rae).

He is fighting against the Palestinian (Rob Schneider) whose goat he took back in the homeland. He also finds love with the salon owner, played by Emmanuelle Chriqui (who plays Sloan on Entourage).

Want to laugh and enjoy some mindless entertainment? Then this is your movie!!

Mo's Review:
You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008): 3 out of 5 stars

Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar.... cannot wait until August 12th!

I love the 80's. Love them. The hair, the clothes, the music. The lack of technology (though we thought we were so advanced then.)

My principal friend Laura and I have a blast together. We are close in age and just get along really well. We also have an infinity for all things 80's. We enjoyed quality concerts together (Rick Springfield, Cheap Trick/Poison/Def Leppard) and other outings (Denis Leary). She and I will be rooming together in NYC - we just do well together!!

Last August, we went to the Starplex (Superpages.com Amphitheater, but it will always be the Starplex to me!) to see Cheap Trick/Poison/Def Leppard. It was an incredible way to start the school year. I love Poison and it was good to see Bret (especially since he's hit a rough patch as of late). But Def Leppard ROCKED. I couldn't talk the next day at all from singing and screaming.

So I found us an 80's August Concert to start the next school year. It's Pat Benatar at House of Blues. I love House of Blues and we had a BLAST seeing Rick there in October '08. We invited our other principal friends, Cyndy and Kathy (who are also children of the 80's). We have another teacher friend joining us, so it will be so much fun. I cannot wait.

Trivia - We all know that "Video Killed The Radio Star" was the first video on MTV? What was the second? Pat Benatar's "You Better Run!"

As with each concert, I work on my list of what I need to hear to get my money's worth. Here is my "Essential Pat:"

1. Love is a Battlefield - Have you seen the video? The end.
2. Hit Me With Your Best Shot - great song - and it reminds me of my favorite musical, Rock of Ages.
3. We Belong - I love this song!!
4. Heartbreaker
5. Shadows of the Night
6. Invincible

I know that 80's people probably would like to play new music, but we really just want to hear the old stuff.

So Pat, don't be a Heartbreaker - play Mo's Essentials... and it will be a great night!!

The Benefits of Blogging

I've been blogging for almost 2.5 years and I enjoy it. I have a little following that likes to read and I get comments now again (though I get more comments face to face than I ever get on here!).

I've had some distinct advantages to have a blog:

1. I wrote about a book I read by the author Katherine Center. Since then, I've gotten to see her in person, read her two other books (LOVED THEM!) and have become her Facebook friend. I've learned a lot about the writing process from her and I hope that maybe it will give me the courage to pursue my dream to write a book of my own.

2. I blogged about my excitement (7 weeks from today I will be there!!) about going to NYC for my 40th B-Day girls trip! I can't wait to do the Sex and the City tour, so I blogged about it. They read and my group got a 20% discount code for our tix. I'm still bummed that they wouldn't swing for the $30 b-day chest in trade for me to blog about how awesome the tour is after I've done it.

3. You've read about my Alzheimer's Night Out a few months ago, right? Well, a reader (and one of my very dear friend's father) sent me a bootleg copy of Valentine's Day so I could see the end. Isn't that awesome? I got to see it and I loved it!! So thank you very much, FS, for reading the blog and answering my burning questions about the movie!!

I've had a few disappointments too:

1. OPRAH - For the love of all that is good in this world, I want to be on your show. I even signed a "No Phone Zone" pledge despite the fact that my drive to work is my most productive time on the phone. PLEASE get me tickets. I'm starting to lose my faith in you. Don't make me give up on you.

2. Kevin Bacon Project - I heard that Kevin has Google alerts for his name, so I challenged him to leave me a comment on my blog, but to no avail. Bummer.........

But, I'm always thinking ahead.... looking ahead... what else can I get going on here?

1. Jen Lancaster, if you are out there, please read my blog and leave me a comment. I want to be a writer just like you (but write about my own crazy life).

2. OPRAH - Again, c'mon, sister. What do I have to do?

3. Anyone related to the musical "Rock of Ages" - can you get us backstage for my b-day trip? I want pictures and autographs with the cast. Somehow I feel that sitting on the third row and possible getting spritzed by Constantine's sweat may not be enough for me to experience.

4. Free shit - anyone got any? I want some.......

So I guess I'll keep this blog up and going and we'll see what happens.... Please leave me some comments and ideas about what I can do to make my wishes become reality!!

It's Skin Cancer...... AGAIN!!

I swear, it's less than 60 days until I turn 40 and things are just starting to fall off of me.

My biopsy I had a couple of weeks ago when I went to deal with my fungal skin infection (which I'm still dealing with.... which is pissing me off because it's costing me $$ and nothing is happening and I know people are looking at me like I'm some kind of freak of nature!) came back as nodular basal cell skin cancer. My PA also adds that they can "spit seeds" (Ed.'s note: Are we talking skin cancer or watermelon?) and that she notices a few other very tiny spots that they may want to cut out while I'm being worked on. It may make me require a plastic surgeon, but I shouldn't worry because I wear bangs, so no one will really now that I have a freaky scar under there.

Now, if you have to have cancer, skin cancer (excluding melanoma) is really the way to go. It's cut out, you go on with your life. It could be so much worse. It's truly more of a pain in the butt than anything.

So I go for my consult on Wednesday to see what the doctors say about having it. I'd like to wait until June, but that may not be an option. So there's another $600-$1000 that I hadn't budgeted for - bye, bye summer road trip!! :(

I've said it before and I'll say it again..... USE SUNSCREEN!! DON'T PAY HOMAGE TO THE SUN GODS!! Tan is no plan, but pasty is tasty!!! (WTF????)

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang..... LIVE!

So last night, I went to the Verizon Theatre (formerly Nokia - why do they always keep changing names?) to see Chelsea Handler. After the pretty long, stressful and generally crappy week I had, it was great to go and LAUGH.

Sarah, Danyielle and I decide to start the evening with dinner at Smashburger in Addison. Omigod - it was soo yummy!! I had the BBQ burger with the Smash fries. It was delicious!! I will go there again and I highly recommend it! Our highlight though was as we were leaving, we saw an SUV that looked like an episode of Hoarders - there was stuff piled high everywhere, leaving just enough room to sit and drive. I would be afraid if you took a corner too hard, something might take your head off!

We finish up dinner and then head to the Verizon. About a mile before our exit, traffic just stops. Apparently there was also horse racing going on at Lone Star park. So the two miles took like 25 minutes. We finally get parked and get inside. We decide to get a drink, the line for beverages took another 25 minutes.

Brad Cohen was the warm up act. We missed part of his show because we were getting drinks. He was funny!!

But Chelsea was hysterical. She did comedy from her book "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" and talked about all others kinds of things. She loves her the profanity (which doesn't bother me), which made some things funnier.

The only bad part was the guy I was sitting next to. He was using my cup holder for his spit cup and he did it throughout the show. It was so gross. He also sat with his legs spread open (over into my seat area) so that they were pushing against my legs (which were definitely on top of the seat in my area), which was pissing me off.

Loved the show, loved Chelsea, would recommend it if you have the chance to see her in person!! Great time had by all!!

Good Hair (2009)

Who knew Chris Rock was a documentary filmmaker?

Good Hair is Chris Rock's adventure in trying to understand black women's hair. As the father of two young daughters, he was upset when his daughter told him that she didn't have good hair. So he went on a quest to find what was good hair.

He learned about the history of black hair care products and visited a hair show where they have a contest to see who does the best cuts. Not just sitting and cutting hair, there is underwater stunts, cutting hair upside down, scenes involving women on a bed, and a marching band. To determine who does the best cut - I'm serious.

Chris learned all about relaxers (which straighten out the curly hair). The chemical is so dangerous it can disintegrate a coke can. And you put it on your hair. And it burns. And if you aren't careful, it'll burn your hair off and leave you with a scab. Some girls as young as 3 participate in this endeavor.

So what are you other options? Weave!! This part hysterical as you learned about the different weaves. The women interviewed (included Nia Long, Eve, and other celebrities) talked about how no one can touch their weave and how they can't swim in their weave. Chris then interviews a bunch of men who talk about not touching a black woman's hair. Chris couldn't keep himself from laughing.

I learned that a lot of weave comes from India. Women (and children) grow their hair, then get their head shaved. It's a huge industry. And a good weave can cost several thousand dollars - women actually lay-away their hair? Wow - and I complain about $120 for a cut and color!!

This film was funny, but I did learn a lot about "Good Hair." All I can say is that I'll take my thin, fine, straight dirty blonde over all the grief these women have to deal with.......

Mo's Review:
Good Hair (2009): 4 out of 5 stars