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
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
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.
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!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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
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
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 21, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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.
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!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 7, 2010
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 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?
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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring all of my books - she'll sign any of her books - I just brought her most current book.
- 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.
- Facebook friend Nikki so that I can maximize my Nikki time - she is a treasure!
So... until May of 2011, Jen.........
Monday, May 3, 2010
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!!
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!!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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
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
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