Lordy, Lordy, I'm Well Past 40.... Now What??

To blog or not to blog, that is the question.....

2011-07-10T14:49:00.002-05:00

So, I haven't been around for the past 4 months... well, I've been around, just not blogging. I used to love my blog - writing stories that I knew would make people laugh - and loved getting comments from friends and strangers - it was encouraging!

Here are some reasons I think that I'm blogging less than I used to:

Lack of Material - Since I've moved to a small central Texas town, my adventures are somewhat limited. I started blogging about books I read and movies I saw to fill my blog, but it was boring. So I stopped.

My job - Being a principal doesn't really allow me to say what I want all of the time, I have to worry about potential backlash. (Trust me, there are so many stories I WANT to tell, but CAN'T.) Sometimes I wish I had a different job so I could write more.

Time - This year, for whatever reason, my job was my life. It almost killed me. I'm hoping that year two will be a little more merciful on my time and energy and I'll feel like blogging more.

Lazy - When I'm not working, my ass is on the couch. I've been on some great trips and I've not blogged about any. I've gone to see some cute towns and NADA. So I'm going to try and work on that.

Loss of Blogging Buddies - I had a group of friends that I shared blogs with and we would talk about our writing. One passed away a little more than a year ago of cancer and another one hasn't posted in as long as me. I miss having that connection.

Will I continue to blog? I hope so. I love writing and I still have it on my bucket list to write a book. Blogging is just such a fun way to write and share information.

So what do you think? Should I blog or should I go?

What the hell is going on in education?

2011-02-26T16:02:00.005-06:00

I've been watching the news and reading the papers daily. The budgetary crisis faced by the Texas legislature is about to seriously impact education in Texas. And that is some scary stuff. We are talking furlough days, closing schools, cutting salaries and RIFfing (reduction in force) teachers. I don't know the actual impact in my current district (they are still trying to figure it out), but I can imagine it's going to be a much different picture next year than it is this year.

I began my career in education in 1992 and I have never seen anything like this in the 20 years I've been an educator. I thought I was in a career that was untouchable because there are always children that need to be taught. Now I'm nervous and I have constant headaches, neckpain, and stomach aches as I watch what is unravelling around me. What does it mean to me? What does it mean to the teachers at my school? What does it mean to the children at my school?

And it's not just Texas. I heard on the news today that the school district that serves Providence, RI is laying off ALL 2000 teachers to maximize cuts. They will more than likely bring some back (Ed.'s Note: WTF? Aren't there still school aged children in Providence, Rhode Island?), but this will allow them to make the cuts needed.

Don't forget about our friends in Wisconsin..... teachers there had massive "sick-ins" to skip school so they could go protest the possible dissolution of collective bargaining in that state. They had a conference day off to attend professional development, but most chose to go to the capital and protest. The governor wants to dissolve collective bargaining because of the costs to the already financially troubled state.

What does this do to teacher morale and productivity?

And most importantly, what are we doing to our kids?

The Runaways (2010)

2011-02-24T16:46:00.002-06:00

I'm home sick today. I've been up since 2 AM, vomiting like a crazy lady. The bug has been going around the school, so I guess it's my turn. Since I haven't been sleeping much (about 3 hours a night for the past week), it's all come to blows today. I've spent most of the day in bed, sleeping and trying not to throw up again. I HATE throwing up!!

So to give me a break, I decided to watch one of my Netflix movies (which I've had since November, isn't that bad?). I select "The Runaways," which is the story of the 1970's punk rock band The Runaways. This girl band was founded by Joan Jett and Sandy West. They added Lita Ford and Cherie Currie. There were several bass players, but in the movie they were played by one character.

I liked the movie. I always thought I should have been born in 1960 instead of 1970 and this movie reminded me of that. I loved the music (maybe not all of the fashion). You see how young the girls were (16-18) and that maybe they weren't equipped to handle the fame and pressure. Cherie left the band and a few years later, the band broke up. Only Joan Jett and Lita Ford really continued with their music careers after The Runaways. You learn at the end that Cherie Currie is a chainsaw artist in the San Fernando Valley now.

If you like this time period or this type of music, then this is a great movie to see!! You'll catch yourself singing along!

Mo's Review:
"The Runaways" (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

True Grit (2010)

2011-02-19T15:16:00.001-06:00

The Oscars are just a week away and I still have a few more films that I want and need to see. This was one of them. I hesitated to see it because I have gotten mixed reviews from several of my friends.

So I headed to the Chestnut Square today to see this movie. I love that you can do a movie and snacks for like $12 - the price is right!! The theater is not the fanciest, but it's functional!

True Grit is a remake of the film with John Wayne, but it's very different. It's more based on the book (which I've purchased and plan to read soon). It was a great story about a young girl, Mattie, who hires Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her find the man who killed her dad. Texas Ranger LaBouef (Matt Damon) is also searching for the same man, so they work together and they don't. Matt Damon is great in this role.

I don't really like westerns, but I loved this movie. I thought it was great. Jeff Bridges is great (of course, I still think about the Against All Odds Jeff Bridges) but I do like his older, rougher side. And it's not a new western unless you have Josh Brolin in it.

The girl who played Mattie was incredible - she is only 14? Wow!!!

If you haven't seen True Grit, go for it!! You'll love it!!

Mo's Review:
"True Grit" (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

2011-02-13T20:20:00.004-06:00

I'm excited that I've been able to join a Book Club! I love reading and I love talking about books with people who love to read. So this was the first book since I've joined the Club.

I don't always like to read dog books (like Marley & Me) because they usually make me cry and get upset. I can't imagine anything happening to Maude, nor do I want to.

This story is unique in how it is presented - it's the story (of multiple lives) of a dog. The dog first is a stray and you learn what happens to him. The dog is then reborn to a new family. The dog has two more reincarnations and the last one is so poignant and a great way to end the story.

I laughed and I cried while I read this book - I knocked it out in two days because I couldn't put it down. If you are a dog person, then this is a great read for you.

Mo's Review:
"A Dog's Life" by W. Bruce Cameron (2010, 319 pages): 5 out of 5 stars

Just Go With It (2011)

2011-02-13T17:17:00.002-06:00

I love Adam Sandler. I've seen practically every movie he has ever done. I know that he isn't an incredible film maker, but he makes movies that are funny and make me laugh. I still love to watch "Billy Madison" every time it comes on the TV.

Just Go With It is the story of plastic surgeon Danny Maccabee (Sandler) who wears a wedding ring to get him girls. When he meets a girl that he really likes, the ring works against him. He enlists the aid of his office manager, played by Jennifer Aniston, to help him get divorced so that he can move on with this girl.

Jennifer Aniston is in so many movies, but she never plays anything but the same character. I could think of other actresses that would have been funnier in this role. The actors that played the kids are cute and funny.

Do you want to see a funny, mindless movie that makes you laugh? Here it is! Enjoy with some popcorn and a beer - it's a good use of a lazy day.

Mo's Review:
"Just Go With It" (2011): 5 out of 5 stars

I don't understand Girl Scout Cookies in Central Texas....

2011-02-10T20:56:00.002-06:00

So this is my first Girl Scout cookie experience in Central Texas. One of the bonuses is that you can start getting cookies in January, where in North Texas, you can't score the goods before February.

But I was surprised when I got the order form. I was actually confused. The names didn't make any sense to me. These are not the same Girl Scout cookies that I ate back at home. Or are they?

Let's do some examples:

North Texas: Samoas
Central Texas: Caramel deLites
Why the name change? I'm a little confused - why can't they have the same name? Why does the Central Texas name more descriptive?

North Texas: Trefoils
Central Texas: Shortbread
Okay, I was a Girl Scout in the 70's. They were called Trefoils then and they still are in N. Texas. Central Texas again states the obvious, duh.... we know they are shortbread.

North Texas: Tagalongs
Central Texas: Peanut Butter Patties
Now that just doesn't even sound good. Get me some "Peanut Butter Patties!" They are Tagalongs!! My post from a couple of years ago would not be near as funny if I had called them Peanut Butter Patties.

North Texas: Thin Mints
Central Texas: Thin Mints
Well, here we go - a name that's the same. But the cookie is thin and mint flavored, so I guess North Texas acquiesed to Central Texas here. Maybe so they wouldn't feel so bad that they have such simplistic names........

I'm sorry, as a Girl Scout alumnae, I will use the appropriate North Texas cookie names. Does anyone else think this is as weird as I do?

Rabbit Hole (2010)

2011-02-06T17:41:00.001-06:00

I'm still on my quest to see all of the Oscar nominated movies. Since this is one is an artsy film, it's a 80 mile round trip from my house to the only theatre in NW Austin that shows this fillm. Do you see my dedication to the Oscars?

I should have known that this wasn't going to be a feel good kind of movie. It's the story of Becca and Howie Corbett (Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart), a couple who is still grieving the loss of their child, Danny, who was hit by a car. Becca and Howie choose very different ways of dealing with their grief, but the question is, can they come out of it together and rebuild their lives?

Kidman (who is not my favorite actress) did a good job as the repressed and angry Becca. I loved Aaron Eckhart in this role as well - why wasn't he nominated for an Oscar? Dianne Wiest is fabulous as Becca's mother, who has also lost a child of her own.

This move is heart wrenching, but beautiful. It's accurate as it shows other uncomfortable with how to talk and deal with the Corbetts, not knowing what to say, some even pulling away from them because it's too hard to engage them in conversation.

This movie, while a sad story, is really driven by characters. These are characters you want to know and understand. And you want to know what will happen to them.... will they make it?

(Ed.'s Note: I was able to stop by Texadelphia for some dinner and some quasi for my Super Bowl watching party -yummo!!)

Mo's Review:
"Rabbit Hole" (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

2011-02-05T09:11:00.002-06:00

Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, that is for sure. I've read several of her books and I have a few others on my nightstand pile. This is one of her older books, a book that I found at The Book Basket (Bastrop's wonderful bookstore where you can trade and buy used books, perfect for a book nerd like me!). Besides, I'm going to Pennsylvania for Spring Break and we are hoping to take a day trip out to Lancaster County and see the Amish, so this book was especially appealing to me. I looked at it as some legwork for my upcoming trip.

This book did not disappoint. It's the story of an Amish girl, Katie Fisher, who has been charged with killing the baby she gave birth to that no one knew about. It's a study of how the Amish live and believe, how the Amish and the "English" interact, and about wanting forgiveness and acceptance.

Ellie Hathaway is a big city lawyer who has taken a break and ends up being the lawyer for Katie. Her story is detailed and rich and you see how Amish life can soften the edges of a tough career woman.

Picoult does more than just tell a story, she develops characters that you want to learn more about and understand. Katie and Ellie are as different as two can be, or are they? Are the Amish as pious and perfect as we may think they are? More importantly, what happens to Katie when she goes to trial? Guilty or innocent?

As with most Picoult books, there is a surprise waiting for the reader. Those who are familiar with her books know this, so you start looking for signs along the way as you read. But it still will be a big surprise for you when it happens.

Having heard her speak and knowing the amount of time and effort she puts in her books, this one did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this book to others to read!

Mo's Review:
"Plain Truth" by Jodi Picoult (2000, 405 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

Blue Valentine (2010)

2011-01-26T21:05:00.001-06:00

I'm on a mission to see as many of the Oscar-nominated movies as I can. I do this every year, but this may be the first year that I'm actually ahead of the curve!

Being new to the Austin area, I am still learning my way around town, so I was glad to find the Regal Arbor 8 Cinema - this is where the more artsy films are shown in Austin (kind of like the Angelika in Dallas). (Ed.s Note: If there are other theatres like this in Austin, I would like to know - I love artsy movies!)

Blue Valentine stars Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling as a married couple. It's like a side by side story - one side is their coming together and falling in love, the other side is the unraveling of their marriage. These two sides go back and forth throughout the movie until at the end, you have a full understanding of their relationship.

It's not a feel good movie and it's hard to watch at times. Having never been married... if that is what being married is like, then I'm perfectly content to stay single. However, Williams and Gosling are excellent in their roles. What I liked most about this movie is that I kept coming back and thinking about for several days, which is why it took me a few days to blog about it.

If you like character studies and don't mind dark - this is a great movie. Not my favorite movie I've seen, but a good one nonetheless.

Mo's Review:
Blue Valentine (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

2011-01-22T22:47:00.002-06:00

My commitment to read more in 2010 is going strong as I've finished five books so far this year. I'm really making time each night to read and it's been enjoyable.

This book is a character study of five different characters as they prepare for their 40th high school reunion. Candy is the hoochie girl with the unhappy marriage and a secret. Lester is the nerdy vet with a big heart. Mary Ann was the outcast who just wanted a friend and to be accepted. Pete learns that just because he was the big jock in high school, it doesn't matter now. And Dorothy is going to the reunion with one thing on her mind - what happens when she doesn't get what she wants?

Berg does a good job of creating the characters and it is interesting to see how they interact and how the reunion changes them. This was a good book, I gave it three stars because I liked it. It wasn't the best book I read, but it was enjoyable.

Mo's Review:
"The Last Time I Saw You" by Elizabeth Berg (2010, 241 pages): 3 out of 5 Stars

You Can't Make This Shit Up

2011-01-20T19:34:00.000-06:00

So I was running late to work the other morning (not sure I should mention that on here, huh?) and I was watching Good Morning America.

They had a lady who was on because a security camera video of her texting and then falling into a fountain had gone viral on You Tube. You can see the video here.

So she was on Good Morning America because she was so embarrassed and they were considering SUING. SUING? Why? Because you were an idiot and you didn't pay attention and fell into the fountain?

The plot thickens when it's later revealed that she's been arrested for identity theft and theft of credit cards. She actually left Good Morning America to go for a court appearance on the theft charges......

She's so worried about her feelings after falling in the fountain - but does she even consider the feelings of those that she has stolen from?

People never cease to amaze me....

Room by Emma Donoghue

2011-01-15T17:54:00.005-06:00

This may be one of the most thought-provoking books that I have read in a long time. My friend Lisa has previously read this book and I kept talking to her throughout my reading of the book - you couldn't help but want to talk about the book.

I really don't want to say too much about this book, because the reader needs to come in with a clear mind in order to really have the a-ha's that I had. So I will simply restate what I've seen on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.

Jack is a five year old boy who has lived in Room with his Ma for his entire life. It is his entire world, but it is his Ma's prison. They fear nightly visits from a man named Old Jack. What happens when Jack and Ma are able to escape Room and come to know what is called Outside?

This is an eerie topic, it echoes the Jacey Duggar story a bit, but it is so well written and so thought provoking - it makes you really think about what Jack might feel like and how he can process his new world.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!!

Mo's Review:

"Room" by Emma Donoghue (2010, 321 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

The King's Speech (2010)

2011-01-09T19:44:00.001-06:00

As you can tell, I love movies!! I consider myself to be a movie buff and I've been lucky to have a variety of friends who like to see different genres of movies.

As the Oscars approach, this movie kept coming up as a potential nominee for Best Picture as well as Best Actor for Colin Firth. (Ed.'s Note: I have a thing for Colin Firth. Some weird, bizarre, nerdy British thing.....)

So after a Sunday of shopping at my beloved Southpark Meadows, I headed to the theatre to see this film.

I loved this movie!! It was funny, witty, and touching. I learned more about the modern British monarchy than I had known. Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter were all fabulous - I can see why this movie has generated such an Oscar buzz.

Colin Firth is Bertie.... son of King George. King George dies and his brother David is supposed to become king - however, he's in love with Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee. He abdicates, thus leaving Bertie, now known as King George VI, to take the throne.

No big deal, right? Bertie has a horrible stammering problem. He can't speak and they've tried everything. His wife finds Lionel Logue, an Australian who works with speech disorders. Bertie reluctantly tries working with Lionel. That is the basis of the film.

Bertie is the father of the current Queen Elizabeth of England and the great-grandfather of Prince William. This story is so well told, it was hard to believe it was a two-hour film.

Mo's Review:
The King's Speech (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah

2011-01-08T22:26:00.004-06:00

One of my new favorite authors is Kristin Hannah. I love her books!! Several of them I have read in one day, the only reason this one took me a few days was that I had a busy jam packed couple of days.

This book is the story of Julia Cates, a psychiatrist who has been publically humiliated following the actions of one of her clients. She heads home to Rain Valley and her sister, Ellie, the chief of police. One day Ellie gets called to town to find a feral child in the trees, clutching a wolf puppy.

Will Julia be able to help this child? Are the sisters able to reconnect and understand each other? And what happens when the child's history is revealed?

This was a great book, very interesting. The description and dialogue is engaging and you are dying to know what happens to all of the characters.

If you are looking for a good book to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your Snuggie, this is the book!

Mo's Review:
"Magic Hour" by Kristin Hannah (2006, 391 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Am I getting old or is technology making me a dinosaur?

2011-01-08T16:16:00.003-06:00

Several of my friends posted the link to this article, Things Babies Born in 2011 Will Never Know. At the beginning of the article, it referenced another article from the Huffington Post, You're Out: 20 Things that Became Obsolete This Decade. So here's the things that are obsolete or will be by the time kids today grow up:

VCRs/video tape- when I moved to Bastrop, I sold all of my VHS (what was left, I had maybe 20-30 tapes that I hadn't watched in at least 3-4 years) to Half Price books - I don't even own a VCR anymore
Travel agents - I remember when we went to Vegas in '93, we used a travel agent. And I've never used another one since. You can schedule tour companies, hotel, airfare, everything on the computer.
The Separation Between Work Life and Personal Life - isn't that truth? So many people can work from home (I wish I could!) and with iPhones, we are never far from work. I'm always checking work e-mail, texts and voice mails and dealing with work issues.
Forgetting - With the Internet recording our every move, you can't really "forget" anything. People can find out and learn a lot about you by googling you!!
Bookstores - I have a Kindle and I love my Kindle. I have many books stored on my Kindle. But I still love buying books - there is something about holding a new book, ready to read. I love going to the bookstore and reading book jackets and selecting my next great read. But I still do subscribe to several magazines still (5), not sure about giving up on those
Watches - the article says that people use their computers or cell phones to find the time. That may be true, but I like wearing a watch and I can't imagine not having one. I'm not sure that this is going away as quick as they think - watches have been here FOREVER!!!
1-900 Phone Sex Lines - gee, can't say that I'll even notice it's disappearing since it was never anything that I used!!
Maps - I have an travel atlas in my car, but I usually use my phone to help find places and get directions to them
Phone calling - people are using texting and Facebook more than just calling people and talking. Depending on who I'm talking to and what we are talking, at times I do prefer texting to talking. I often e-mail instead of calling as well. And now there really isn't any long distance either with digital phones and cell phones.
Newspaper Classified Ads - people use Craiglist and other avenue to sell and buy things. Plus newspapers are becoming obsolete themselves. I've quit subscribing and find most of my content online or on my iPhone instead.
Dial-Up Internet - I remember when I got my first computer with a modem in 1995. It took forever to connect to the Internet and it was soooo slow!! Less than 10% of people use dial up Internet anymore. Another dinosaur!!
Encyclopedias - Some schools don't even use encyclopedias anymore. With so much content online and with Wikipedia, there really is no need for encyclopedias. I loved our set of World Books that we had at our house - I will keep them when my Mom tosses them because I can remember the hours I spent reading and researching with them.
CDs - Many CD stores have closed and most people do their music digitally. I still have many CD's, but I've also sold a ton of them and keep most of my music managed on my iTunes. It's hard to think CDs are gone, because they don't seem like they've been here that long in the first place.
Landline phones - Most people just use a cell phone as their major form of communication. For the last two years before I moved to Bastrop, I only used a cell phone. The only reason I have a landline know is because I could get my bundle (cable, Internet, phone) cheaper if I did all three. And it does help when my phone is a little spotty. But I rarely use it and I don't have any kind of voicemail on it.
Film and film cameras - Again, digital has taken over. But I think there will still be a segment of society that will use film cameras for photography as art.
Yellow Pages and Address Books - I've got a yellow pages, but they also send a CD that I could load the yellow pages on my computer, but I usually just google a place on my computer or my phone if I need to find out something. And I store all of my addresses in my phone rather than trying to keep up with a paper address book.
Catalogs - I still get my fair share, but definitely fewer than I used to receive. You can go online and see everything you need to see.
Fax Machines - there really is no reason why we still have these, but we do... it make take a little more time for these to die out.
Wires - With everything going wireless, do we really need wires? I think not. They are a pain. But I still have wires on my TV and cable box. I think some wires may be a necessary evil!
Handwritten Letters - When was the last time I wrote a letter? My XMas letter is typed, my cards are ordered online and my b-day greetings are usually sent by text or on Facebook

So what do you think? What else may become obsolete?

The Fighter

2011-01-02T19:34:00.002-06:00

Apparently, I am on a roll when it comes to the movies. (I saw 7 during Christmas break!) And of course, when I get my Entertainment Weekly with the 25 movies I need to see before the Oscars (and I've only seen 8), I realize I have some more work to do!!

I love Marky Mark - and I think he's a pretty decent actor. I saw him on Ellen and I know he put a lot of time (years) and effort in preparation for this movie. It showed. But I think Christian Bale may have stole the show.

Micky (Wahlberg) is a fighter from Lowell, MA who isn't making much of his career. His mother and brother Dickie (Bale) don't do a great job of managing him and he keeps ending up in bad situations. He has an offer to go and train in Vegas, but turns it down to be with his family.

Dickie was famous for a fight he had with Sugar Ray like 10 years earlier, but now he is an unreliable junkie. Micky starts training with others but can't be around Dickie.

Throughout this, he has his girlfriend, played by Amy Adams. I was kind of impressed at how good Adams was at playing a low rent kind of girl.

The story is good and the acting is compelling. I can see why it's getting nominations and being recognized. It was one of my favorite movies that I did see on my break and I would highly recommend it to others.

Mo's Review:
The Fighter (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

Welcome to 2011!

2011-01-01T13:10:00.000-06:00

A belated happy holidays to all!!

I did it again..... I started blogging strongly, then I ended the last two months without a word. It's been a busy fall and early winter here. I've meant to do a lot of things, but I've been hosting company, travelling, and getting to know both Bastrop and Austin better.

This is a big year...... travels (Philly, NYC, Charleston, Memphis, The Keys), school (waiting to hear if I get into the Ph.D. program and starting my superintendency classes at Texas State), work (continuing to work with teachers and students to improving our school), and personal (friends to make and enjoy, spending time with family, books to read, movies to see, sushi to eat, ).

Each year, I promise to do a better job with blogging and I will continue to do that. I do think that things are finally settling here and it feels good.

(Ed.'s Note: Notice I'm ignoring all of the talk about resolutions. My resolution for 2011? No resolutions!! Or actually, just to live the hell out of each day!!)

Epiphany

2010-10-31T16:13:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-01T22:38:00.004-05:00

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)

2010-09-25T19:14:00.002-05:00

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.......

2010-09-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

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!!

2010-09-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-09-18T17:42:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2010-09-16T22:27:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-11T22:37:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!

2010-09-06T22:35:00.003-05:00

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

2010-07-30T22:37:00.003-05:00

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

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.
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.
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?
Grocery Store - I miss Market Street so much. HEB just doesn't cut it.

Things I Love

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).
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!
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!).
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

2010-07-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

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

2010-07-17T17:08:00.002-05:00

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:

The people here are sooo nice! Everyone has been very welcoming and very helpful. No Dallas bitchiness here.
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!
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.
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!
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)

2010-07-16T22:18:00.001-05:00

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!!

2010-07-14T09:32:00.002-05:00

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!!

2010-07-04T19:46:00.003-05:00

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!!!!

2010-07-01T16:35:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-30T14:30:00.002-05:00

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!!

2010-06-28T22:25:00.002-05:00

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

2010-06-20T13:57:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-19T23:47:00.008-05:00

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

2010-06-18T23:38:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-17T23:23:00.007-05:00

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

2010-06-16T23:18:00.005-05:00

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!!

2010-06-16T10:05:00.003-05:00

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!!

2010-06-16T08:52:00.004-05:00

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

2010-06-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-06-11T09:59:00.003-05:00

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!!

2010-06-01T23:45:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-31T21:24:00.002-05:00

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)

2010-05-29T23:43:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-05-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-05-27T23:19:00.001-05:00

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?

2010-05-26T20:31:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-25T21:10:00.002-05:00

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)

2010-05-23T16:59:00.003-05:00

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)

2010-05-21T22:48:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-18T23:27:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-05-15T22:55:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2010-05-07T23:57:00.008-05:00

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:

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.........

Skin Rash Gone Wild!!

2010-05-03T21:39:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-05-01T23:32:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-04-30T17:42:00.003-05:00

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

2010-04-29T21:22:00.001-05:00

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!!

2010-04-27T17:08:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-04-25T10:28:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-04-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

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

Xanadu, Part Deux

2010-04-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

I love Xanadu so much on Tuesday that I went back today with friends. I loved it even more today. The crowd today was a little more subdued - on Tuesday, during the song "Xanadu," everyone was up on their feet, singing and clapping. Today, not so much.

After Tuesday, I had ordered the movie, the movie soundtrack, and the musical soundtrack. I'm patiently awaiting their arrival.

I love the 80's and I love Xanadu!!

Pineapple Express (2008)

2010-04-17T21:14:00.002-05:00

I learned that the Pineapple Express has nothing to do with Hawaii. ;)

It's a Judd Apatow film, starring Seth Rogen (surprise!) and James Franco (cutie!) as stoners. Denny (Rogen) witnesses a murder, leaves a roach (of a type of marijuana called Pineapple Express) at the scene that leads them to his dealer, Saul (Franco). Denny and Saul go on the run, trying not to get found by Ted Jones (Gary Cole, who will always be the Office Space manager or Mr. Brady to me) and his female cop partner (Rosie Perez, whose annoying accent hasn't decreased in all these years).

Maybe because I wasn't stoned, this movies was funny in a few parts, but mostly stupid. However, there was enough funny to string me along until the end.

If you enjoy Seth Rogen, Judd Apatow films, or pot.. then this is a must see!! If not, take it or leave it, depending on your mood.

Mo's Review:
Pineapple Express (2008): 3 out of 5 stars

All this for a rash?!?!?!!?

2010-04-15T19:29:00.002-05:00

I've had a rash for the last couple of weeks, it comes and goes. So finally I decide that I'm going to the doctor to have it checked out. (Ed.'s Note: I didn't think people over the age of 3 developed rashes. News flash - we do!! I'm telling you, the closer I get to 40.... don't kick the tires, something may fall off!!!) So I leave school a bit early and head for the dermatologist.

It's a fungal rash. Ewwww.... gross!! She gives me some medicine for the fungal infection (that just sounds gross) and then a pill for when the itching bothers me. (She also biopsies a spot on my forehead.... please, please, please..... no skin cancer for me!!)

I'm in and out in 20 minutes, so I head to Kroger to fill my prescriptions. I catch up on the latest "In Touch" while I'm waiting. (In case you are curious: Jen & Brad are getting back together, Kim Kardashian is "hand that rocks the cradle"-ing her sister Kourtney's baby, and Gwen Stefani's kids looked like normal kids for Easter.) I get my meds and some Smart Ones and head home.

I have this peculiar habit of checking my meds online. Don't ask me why, I guess it's the OCD in me?!?! So my drug for the fungal infection, I look it up and it states that it is used "for fungal infections in people with severely compromised immune systems, like those with AIDS." Uh, okay..... I don't have AIDS. Right? I don't, I'm pretty sure. I haven't been sick in a while, so how can that be? Maybe she's just given me a really strong drug to knock it, so I should be happy.

Then I look up my medicine to help me not itch. It states that the drug is used "for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders, such as anxiety and dementia." Dementia, seriously? I check the prescription to make sure I got this from the dermatologist, not my therapist. So dementia and allergic itching are related? Well, call me demented and lock me up!!!!

Let's just pray that I'm a rash-free, non-tense, non-anxious, dementia-free girl come tomorrow. If not, I'm afraid I'm one step away from the commitment hearing!!! (crazy psycho laugh inserted here.... bwwwwahahahahahaahahaha!!!!)

Xanadu

2010-04-14T19:10:00.001-05:00

Last night, I got to go see Xanadu at the Dallas Summer Musicals. I truly loved it!! I loved it so much, that I bought tickets and I'm going again to see it on Sunday!!

Three years ago, I went to NYC in the summer and wanted to see Xanadu on Broadway. Unfortunately, the lead actor Sonny fell and broke his femur during rehearsals and had to leave the show. They went with a new actor, so they pushed back the opening date, so it didn't coincide with my trip. I was crushed.

(A little Rock of Ages trivia for you: The original Sonny was James Carpinello, who plays Stacee Jaxx in ROA. The original Clio/Kira was Kerry Butler, who just finished a run as Sherrie on ROA. I can't wait to see Rock of Ages - two months and five days until I am on the third row!!)

Anyways... Xanadu was awesome!! The cast was great, the show was laugh out loud funny, the music was fun (I kept catching myself singing along). As soon as I left, I called D (my theatre buddy) and notified her that we would be going to this show. I've also ordered the original movie and soundtrack as well as the Broadway soundtrack from Amazon. Can't wait!!

I think one of the neatest things about this show is that part of the audience sits on the stage. You actually become part of the show. It looks so fun!! I tried to get our tickets to be on the stage, but it wasn't available.

On a side note, no Roland and Sylvia at this show either. I hope they will be there for Little House on the Prairie or Wicked. I miss them. As a matter of fact, Tuesday was not crowded at all!! Lots of empty seats - lots of people that missed out on that 80's goodness!!

Next up: Little House on the Prairie on May 18th (Melissa Gilbert is now Ma.... everyone is getting older!!)

My Friend Jason Huffman (May 2, 1971-April 7, 2010)

2010-04-08T22:25:00.004-05:00

I'm sad tonight about the loss of my friend Jason. Jason was a co-worker of mine as well as a friend. He had this incredible laugh, a great sense of humor and an air of mischeviousness about him that was fun to watch. He was a friend to everyone as well as a loving husband and a devoted father to Jack (9) and Caroline (6).

Jason and I had a whole history that we didn't even know we had. He taught at Hamilton Park Pacesetter in Richardson about 4 years after I did. One of the 5th grade teachers I worked with ended up becoming his mother-in-law. His mother-in-law Jeannie married a the father of a friend of mine that I grew up with - it was just all such a small world.....

Jason was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2006, just as I was finishing my first year as an administrator. When he came back to school the next year, he was bald headed as could be, but once I heard that laugh, I knew it was the same old Jason. He also blogged and we loved to read and comment on each other's blogs - we provided each other with quite a few laughs this way. (His blog is still linked on my page - it's the JDHTeach blog if you'd like to go back and read some of his posts.)

The last year has been hard as he has fought graft vs. host. His physical body was betraying him though his spirit was strong. He worked until a few months ago, when he just couldn't do it anymore.

His passing today was sudden... and sad. I regret not having talked to him while he was in the hospital, being caught up in my life and my work. I hope he knew that I loved and cared for him, that my heart hurts for him, but also the family he has left behind.

RIP Jason, we will miss you. But I'm pretty sure the angels are doubled over laughing just like you had all of us down here doing when you were around.

The September Issue (2009)

2010-04-05T20:37:00.001-05:00

I loved the movie "The Devil Wears Prada." It was so good. They say that movie is based on Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. This movie is a documentary following the Vogue staff as they prepare to put together the September 2007 issue of the magazine.

Anna Wintour is scary. She rarely smiles, people are scared of her, and they are desperate for her approval. She clutches her Starbucks as she pulls pictures off of the wall (where they layout the magazine) while the editors try not to show their disappointment. She attends fashion shows in NYC and Paris wearing dark sunglasses.

My favorite person in this movie was one of the editors, Grace. Grace has this mane of red hair and she is fairly simple in her dress and demeanor. She's know Anna a long time and they work well together, but boy is she unhappy when Anna starts cutting her photos. Grace was a model and has worked at Vogue for 20+ years.

They actually started working months ahead to creat this issue which was the largest (at that time) that they had published. It was like 800 pages. While I guess I'm not a fashionista and I didn't appreciate all of the styling of the shoots, you can see how much work goes into it and how disappointed the editors must be when Anna cuts their work.

This is a great movie if you are curious as to how the magazine business works. Or you love fashion. Or you want to see the documentary version of "The Devil Wears Prada."

Mo's Review:
The September Issue (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

Sex and The City 2 is coming!!!!

2010-04-04T17:03:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited... I cannot wait until May 28th when it comes out - I will be there that night to see it.... it's just two weeks before we go to NYC and do the Sex and the City tour... and exactly one month before my birthday.....

I'm gonna get Carried away..... by the movie, then to New York.... woo hoo!!! As Carrie says, "Sometimes, you just have to get away with the girls!"

(Ed.'s Note: I know the video isn't great quality and my blog layout cuts part of it off, but who cares??? It's Sex and the City!!)

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler

2010-04-04T16:54:00.002-05:00

I'm going to see Chelsea Handler later this month at Nokia in Grand Prairie, so I was excited when Ashley loaned me her latest book. I've read (and own) her other two books, which I loaned to my sister over a year ago and I don't think she ever read them. I made her give them back to me so that Danyielle can read them since she is going with us to see Chelsea.

This book is hysterical, just like her others. She tells stories that somehow others believe, but she is witty as all. She is funniest when dealing with her family, whether it's begging for a Cabbage Patch kid, her family's Martha Vineyard summer house, or doing mushrooms with her brother.

If you are a fan of Chelsea, then you'll love this book as well. It just got me even more excited to see her in 3 weeks - woo hoo!!

Mo's Review:
"Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" by Chelsea Handler, (2010, 243 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

Charter Member of the Nicholas Sparks's Fan Club

2010-04-03T21:16:00.001-05:00

I think I've made it pretty clear about how I feel about the formulaic Nicholas Sparks. I've addressed in my blogs about his movies "Nights in Rodanthe" and "Dear John." Say what you will, but I'm on to something with my Nicholas Sparks formula.

I know there is a new Nicholas Sparks movie out called "Last Song." But hear me now and believe me later, I'm not going to see it. I KNOW what happens without having ever read the book or seen the movie. If you have seen the movie, click on the above links and apply the formula. I dare you to tell me I am wrong.

I have a wonderful friend Bronwyn, who I enjoy seeing movies with. She is like my cerebral friend, so we see documentaries and Angelika-type films together. She plays on the winning trivia team for our local trivia contest... and I have to admit I'm a little jealous by her intellect. She's even asked me to be on her team, but I'm scared that she may realize I'm not up to her level and discontinue the friendship. Just kidding.... (well, maybe not?!?!)

Anyways, she sent me an incredible link from a blog that shows how movies would have ended had they been Nicholas Sparks films. I laughed out loud reading it, it was too funny. Linda Holmes, I love you. You are so right!!

If you are curious to see how The Karate Kid, When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Women, Grease, The Titanic, The Breakfast Club, or Hot Tub Time Machine might have ended if they went through the Nicholas Sparks filter, click here. Great blog!!

Let me know what you think!!

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

2010-04-02T23:07:00.001-05:00

My lazy Good Friday holiday was spent enjoying this film. It was listed by many critics as one of the best movies of 2008 and I can see why. I can also see why Anne Hathaway was nominated for an Oscar for her work in this film.

Hathaway stars as Kym, who begins the movie leaving rehab so she can come home for her sister Rachel's wedding. Kym has had many issues with drugs, even being high and causing an accident that killed her younger brother. Kym's father is very protective, which makes Rachel jealous and makes Kym feel that he doesn't trust her. Throw in the dynamics of the emotionally isolated mother, played by Debra Winger, and you've got one jacked up family trying to come together for the wedding.

If you don't like watching family dysfunction, then this isn't the movie for you. At times, it was uncomfortable, but very realistic. This isn't a feel good movie either. But it tells a story of drug abuse, guilt, jealousy, anger, and a family that is trying to persevere despite that.

Mo's Review:
Rachel Getting Married (2008): 4 out of 5 stars

Funny People (2009)

2010-03-28T11:56:00.003-05:00

It's taken me all weekend to watch this movie - one, because it's almost 2.5 hours long, and two, because this has been one crazybusy weekend.

Funny People is a Judd Apatow film, so you are going to see some standards (Leslie Mann, his real life wife; Seth Rogen, etc.), but this is different than some of the more recent movies he's mad. Funny People isn't really that funny. It's kind of sad, actually.

George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a well-known comic who is sick. He pretty much has no one in his life, so he hires up and coming comic Ira (Seth Rogen) to be his assistant, his opening act, and to write for him. They travel and they work together, building a friendship while Ira encourages him to let others know he is sick. He tells the girl who got away, Laura (Leslie Mann), who now is back in his life even though she is married to Aussie Clarke (Eric Bana - hottie!!) and has two kids.

To tell more would give away some of the plot, but one of the funniest scenes is in a bar where George and Ira talk to Norm MacDonald, Sarah Silverman, Eminem, and Ray Romano. Eminem gets mad at Ray Romano and they have an exchange that's pretty funny.

Does George live or die? Do George and Laura get together? What happens to Ira's career... you'll have to save a chunk of your life and watch to find out.

Mo's Review:
Funny People (2009): 3 out of 5 stars

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

2010-03-26T23:37:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure the last time I might have been so excited to see a movie. (Maybe the first Sex and the City film?)

Heidi, Ashley, Danyielle and I did reserved seating at Studio Movie Grill. The theatre was packed, so it was good thing.

I love John Cusack. We have the same birthday and his movies have been an integral part of my youth.... from Better Off Dead to Say Anything to High Fidelity to The Grifters - his movies connect with the story of my growing up.

Hot Tub Time Machine is about three friends: Adam (Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson from "The Office"), and Lou (Rob Corddry). Lou may have tried to kill himself while listening to 80's metal in his running car in his garage, so the boys decide to go back to Kodiak Valley, the hot ski lodge from their youth in the 80's. It's now a total dump. A few drinks and a hot tub later, they are back in 1986. If they don't make the same choices they did then, they could affect their future.....

It was hysterical. The clothes were great, the music was great. I know that the idea is totally ridiculous, but it's a fun escape. I laughed my ass off. The whole theatre was laughing at times, it was hard to hear. I will go see it again and I will probably own it when it comes out on DVD.

If you were in your prime time in the 1980's and need a good laugh, this is the movie for you.

Mo's Review:
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

So maybe I'm not a Vet......

2010-03-23T22:05:00.003-05:00

Meet Maude.... is she not the cutest dog you have ever seen? Yesterday, it was one year ago since I rescued her. It has truly been the most rewarding experience of my life. She is such a dear, I can't imagine life without her.

Because I'm a new dog mommy, I'm probably a bit of an overreactor when it comes to Maude. I just don't want anything bad to happen to her. (Ed.'s Note: I'm afraid I may be like some of those parents that drive me crazy at work!) I have a terrific vet who I love and trust completely. I told her about my worry that I'm a bit of a helicopter mommy, and she told me she would tell me if that was ever the case.

Yesterday, I come home from work after a long day. I went and got an iPhone, but I'll have to blog about that later. I get home and I'm ready to let Maude out, she is coughing something horrible. She won't stop. I try to force feed her water, thinking her throat is dry, but that doesn't work. She goes out, eats dinner, then falls asleep. Every hour or so she'd wake up, coughing and hacking - it made for a long night. She wouldn't play with me or do her evening walk, which also added to my concern.

This morning, she continues, so I decide to call the vet. I'm convinced because Maude went on Spring Break last week, she has kennel cough. I get an appointment for 11 AM. I call and get my work situated, then I start to read all about kennel cough online. I'm convinced Maude has it. I even start watching videos on You Tube to compare her coughs. Here's a fellow basset with some Kennel Cough:

(If I was smart, I would have made a video of Maude to show you.)

We get to the vet's and go in. They take her weight and her temperature (both normal). They check her ears, they look fine as well. Maude coughes a bit, but she is playful and seems fine. The vet tells me why do I think she has Kennel Cough, she was vaccinated for it in November when Maude had her annual visit. I explain my research and the You Tube videos, even offering to show it to her on my brand new iPhone.

She says that there is nothing really wrong with Maude, just maybe some seasonal allergies. Maude, who obviously can't stand to see her Mom look THAT stupid, decided that was the time to shoot a snot rocket right out on the exam table. Drainage scores points. The doctor chalks it up to a human equivalent of a sinus infection, giving me an antibiotic and some cough medicine.

We talk for a few more minutes, then she says to me, "Great seeing you and Maude. How 'bout we make a deal... I won't tell you how to run your school.... and you won't use You Tube to help me diagnose my patients?"

Deal.

My $0.02 on the Census

2010-03-21T13:15:00.004-05:00

So I received my Census materials in the mail this week. I waited until this morning to open them and complete them because I thought it might take some time to do this. I know I probably did the Census in 2000 when I lived in Florida, but I don't remember it. And I have no idea if I did it in 1990, but I was in college then, so I don't remember a lot of what happened from '88-'92.

I opened the envelope and take a look at the materials. They say it will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the form. Okay.... I can handle that. They've even got a phone number I can call if I get stuck.... that's great. I'm feeling a lot of support from the government here, it's like they are wanting me to kick ass on my Census.

I guess my skills are severly underestimated by the US Census Bureau. I timed myself completing the Census form - 11 seconds. 11 seconds?!?!? From the time I opened up the envelope until I sealed the envelope? 4 minutes, 26 seconds - and that's only because I opened up the whole census form, certain that I had missed some part of the Census.

That's it!?!?! And it could take someone 10 minutes? AND they might need to call someone to talk them through it?? What kind of idiots are living in our country? Frankly, if they can't complete this form, they shouldn't be counted. (Ed.'s Note: The only exception to this is if there is a language barrier. I can understand the need for assistance - of course some of you will argue that you should speak English if you live here, but that's for another time.)

I did read on the materials that if I had any comments about the "burden estimate" (aka 10 minute time suggested), I could write or e-mail my comments to the "Paperwork Reduction Project."

So here goes:

To: paperwork@census.gov
From: mo@undisclosedemailaddress
Re: Paperwork Project 0607-0919-C

To Whom It May Concern:

I feel your 10 minute "burden estimate" is a little on the high side. I completed the entire project in 4 minutes and 26 seconds. While I am single, the actual paperwork took me 11 seconds to fill in, so I have a feeling that if I had a large family, I could possibly tack another minute on the time total.

Are you dumbing down this process because we have people so stupid that they can't finish this without help? If they can't fill out the census, they might also lack some other self-suffiency skills. Could we consider not counting them, so that their idiocy is a not a "burden" on the rest of us? Don't you have people in your family you try and hide from everyone? Same concept.....

On an additional note, I was a little disappointed by how little you wanted to know about me. You just want to know I'm a white 39 year old woman that lives alone? I mean, that's not even any of the good stuff about me.... seriously! If you are trying to get to know who lives in our country, you could ask some more questions to get to know us is all I'm saying.

Best wishes and please give the people that man the phone lines a little extra TLC, they are going to need it.

Proud to Be An American,
39 Year Old White Woman in Frisco that lives alone

Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled- and More Miserable Than Ever Before by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.

2010-03-21T12:04:00.002-05:00

Okay, so according to this book, I am Generation Me. Not sure that I agree with it.......

Generation Me's are born in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. They are the product of parents who wanted to make sure they had so much self esteem. They were taught it's more important to like yourself and put yourself first over anything else. This has then created young adults that can't hold jobs because when they don't rise as fast as they think they should (because they think they are so wonderful), they just quit and move home. While our generation is much more tolerant toward race and sexual preferences, we still do have a ways to go.

Where I agree with this the most is in a school setting - where a child's failure is based on the teacher, not the child. Parents will go to any length possible to make their children only experience success, never adversity. Then when these kids go into the real world, they don't know how to work for something and are continually asking Mommy and Daddy to bail them out and fight their battles for them. I see this daily where I work. A child refuses to do an assignment, so the teacher sends him to study hall. The parent refuses to support study hall because after working all morning (though he didn't, or he would have his assignment finished), he deserves a break and not be made to feel bad.

Parents are so bent on being the child's friend and letting the child dictate what happens, they don't let the child learn how to function in a structure. Again, I refer to work..... a student who is clearly failing needs to be retained. In meeting with the parent, their argument is that the child told them they don't want to be retained and started crying. So the parent fights against the retention because they don't want their child to feel bad. Do they understand how bad the child will feel moving to the next grade when they won't be able to complete any work? (No, because it'll be the teacher's fault that the child can't do it.)

It's hard to say some of these things because some of these kids are parented by my peers. But children have to experience adversity and failure in a supportive family environment so they can handle it on their own. Otherwise, kids will never get married (or marry 4-5 times) and live at home forever. I can't imagine how hard it is to parent, but I can tell you it's a blessing that I'm not a parent. My skills are definitely suited for other areas.

This was a great read which will evoke a lot of feelings and opinions. Highly recommend it if you are in your 30's........

Mo's Review:
"Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before" by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., (2006, 277 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

The Bounty Hunter (2010)

2010-03-20T21:44:00.003-05:00

Okay, so yesterday it was 73 and tonight (aka the First Day of Spring) it's snowing? WTH?

I was cold and I knew that Gerard Butler could warm me up..... and boy, did he!! Brooke and I went to Studio Movie Grill - I was worried that it would be sold out since it just came out this weekend. SMG has tickets for sale online, but they also do reserved seating. For $22/person, you get your ticket and a $12 food voucher (you usually spend at least $15 or more if you drink). You also get to pick your seats out and they are saved for you. It's actually quite nice and is really how I recommend going, you get great seats for no more than you would normally spend. (Ed.'s Note: Okay, Studio Movie Grill - I just threw some business your way - how 'bout throwing some free tickets my way?)

Gerry (as those of us close to him like to call him) plays Milo Boyd, a bounty hunter who has been given the job of picking up his ex-wife Nicole (aka Jennifer Aniston). Nicole is working on a story and has got people looking for her, so what should be a simple pick up ends up being a weekend on the run. It's a simple story, but it's funny and the chemistry between Gerry and Jennifer is good. My favorite part? Gerry coming out of the bathroom in just a towel...... :)

There are also some others who appear in this movie that add to it. Remember Zed (as in Zed's dead from Pulp Fiction)? He's here, and guess what? He plays a bad guy here too!! Christine Baranski is hysterical as Nicole's mother, who does a stage show at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Jason Sudeikis from SNL (with a Lester the Molester looking moustache) was funny as Nicole's coworker. And Carol Kane is a hoot as the B&B owner.

Having done a quick drive by tour of Atlantic City during my Thanksgiving trip made the movie more interesting as well because I had been to many of the places shot.

This wasn't my favorite Spring Break movie (that goes to Shutter Island), but I liked this movie and would recommend it as a fun night out. If you like Gerard Butler, then this is a must see.

Mo's Review:
The Bounty Hunter (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

PS - Note the b-day counter? We are under a 100 days until the big 4-0!! Woo hoo!! :)

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

2010-03-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

I recycled my Valentine's Day post, I think I'm going to recycle my St. Patrick's Day post. It still makes me laugh as hard as it did last year.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

So I wonder if the amateur sketch was able to catch the Leprachaun?

The Hurt Locker (2008)

2010-03-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

I had wanted to see this movie once it was nominated for so many Oscars (especially the first woman to win Best Director), but it left the theatres quick and I had settled on seeing it on Netflix. So after its many Oscar wins, it came back to the theatres, so I ran to see it at the Angelika today. I am glad I saw it on the big screen, rather than on my TV home.

The Hurt Locker is a story during the war in Iraq. The bomb specialist of an crew (Guy Pearce - hottie!!) is killed by a bomb, so Sgt. Will James (played by Jeremy Renner - hottie!!) joins the team. They only have 38 more days left on their tour. James is reckless, doesn't always like to follow rules, but is damn good at what he does. He drives his other team members crazy (like why does he have part of bombs he's dissembled stored under his bed?) until they met up with a group of British contractors led by Ralph Fiennes (British hottie!!). He may be a crazy renegade, but he talks his team through the sniper attack and they all survive. Does everyone on his team make it to the end of tour?

Eventually James's tour is over, and he tries to go home and live his life..... is he able to do it?

This movie was slow in some parts, but it was good. It is the lowest grossing Oscar film of all times and I'm surprised that it was named Best Picture. I think it's a good movie, but not the Best Picture. Kathryn Bigelow did an incredible job directing something that most women wouldn't touch, I was glad to see her win the Oscar for Best Director. (Ed.'s note: Well deserving though she was, I hate James Cameron, so I loved that his ex-wife BEAT him!!)

Mo's Review:
The Hurt Locker (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

Shutter Island (2010)

2010-03-16T22:39:00.003-05:00

Tonight, Heidi and I went to the movies. I had free passes to Studio Movie Grill, so we went to see "Shutter Island." First of all, Leonardo Di Caprio is HOT. If if the movie had totally stunk, it would have been worth it for 138 minutes of Leo.

However, the movie did NOT suck. It was incredibly awesome - suspenseful, thought-provoking, well-acted and well directed. I love Martin Scorsese - he knows how to make a good film. He leads you to believe that you have it all figured out, only to realize that you have no clue! It's not really a horror film, but more of a suspense thriller.

Leo plays Teddy Daniels, a US Marshal sent to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of one the patients. It's an island in the Boston Harbor that is home to the criminally insane. To say anything else about the plot would give some piece of it away. To see it is to believe it.

Leo was great in the film, but he's not the only top notch actor. Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, and Mark Ruffalo all do a great job in their roles.

I have to see it again - I know I missed some clues along the way and I have to know what they were. You have to go see it - trust me, it's worth it!!

Mo's Review:
Shutter Island (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

2010-03-16T13:08:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged about a book. It's been a busy few weeks and I decided to tackle a big book (449 pages) for my next read. But it was also a hard book to read, so that did add some to my time.

People Magazine recommended Admission to me, so I bought the book. I'm usually on par with People in terms of their books recommendations (movies and music, not so much). Admission tells the story of Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton University. This was interesting to me because the Ivy League is not something I'm familiar with (product of the state schools University of North Texas and The Florida State University myself), so I was curious to see the whole admissions process and how it worked. That part was interesting - each chapter had an "excerpt" from an admission essay that was interesting (also funny, sad, bizarre) to read. I think if the book had stuck to just the admissions process, it might have kept my interest better.

Instead, there are parallel stories about Portia and relationships she has with several others: her free spirited mother Susannah, her long term boyfriend partner Mark, and John - a "friend" from her days as a student at Dartmouth. These stories SLOWLY all connect, but I found myself having a hard time keeping up with.... or caring, for that matter.... about them. John was the most interesting story of the three, and it was the least developed. But when all three stories did connect, it was the one time that I couldn't put the book down because I HAD to know how things ended up.

Usually when I find a book I like, I Tivo shows, stay up late, sneak the book in whereever I can (which explains why I can polish off a 350 page book in an afternoon). Admission wasn't a book like that for me - if it came down to VH1 reality or Admission, it was a hard choice at times.

But just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean that it's a bad book. It's well written, informative and entertaining - just not a perfect fit for me. I could see someone loving it though. I'd like to check out other books by this author because I do think it might be a better fit.

Read it and decide for yourselves - be curious as to what others might think about it.......

Mo's Review:
"Admission" by Jean Hanff Korelitz, (2009, 449 pages): 3 out of 5 Stars

Hey VH1, I found your next reality programming idea......

2010-03-12T23:07:00.004-06:00

As many of you know, I am only a stone's throw from celebrity. My stepbrother hosts "The Bachelor".... but before you become too impressed, we don't really talk or see each other often. Our parents married when we were adults, so we aren't that close. BUT.... it's nice knowing that there is a connection out there......

So... the other day a friend from high school sent me an e-mail and asked if she wanted me to submit my high school senior year photo (one I took when UA had an open house and I then posted the picture on to Facebook) to be submitted with her picture for a Will Ferrell project. They are collecting high school yearbook pictures which will be used in the movie. (I'm guessing opening or closing credits, but am not sure.) So she submits our pictures and we now have to do a release, so who knows, I may have my own brush with celebrity.

Which led me to start thinking..... in case you didn't know, I'm a HUGE fan of VH1 Reality Programming (Celebrity Rehab, Sober House, Rock of Love, Charm School, Flavor of Love, Celebrity Fit Club, The Scott Baio shows, Tough Love, Tool Academy, Frank the Entertainer A Basement Affair.... I think you get the idea!!).

Maybe after I'm in Will's movie, VH1 may want me for my own reality show. But what would I do? Search for love? Lose weight? Kick an addiction?

I have a food addiction and need to lose weight, but I don't think that will bring people in. So it'll need to be a show about me finding Mr. Right (because some people believe in true love being found on reality TV!) and that we do live happily ever after.

Okay, so I've a premise for my show. I'll have 25 guys to choose from. I'll bring in my sister and maybe a friend or two to be my confidants about the guys. But what will I give the guys when I want them to stay? (Bachelor does roses, Flavor of Love does clocks, Rock of Love does passes, Frank gives necklaces..... what can I give?)

What is associated with me? What do people think of when they think of me?

I love to read. Books. A book - they can get a book. Or it could be a chapter. My tag line will be "Would you like to discover the next chapter with me?"

When they make it all the way to the end, it completes a book. I would say, "You complete my book. You are the co-author of my future."

(Ed.'s Note: I realize that this may be a little too cerebral for VH1. But work with me here.)

My show would be called "Book Of Love" for two reasons: One, I give books to the guys. Two, VH1 likes shows with similar titles (ie: Rock of Love, Flavor of Love). My theme song would be the ABC song, "Look of Love," where I would just change the lyrics. (Imagine me spinning around and smiling as you hear the lyrics, with lots of hot guys who want my book of love. "That's the book, that's the book.... the Book of Love!!" It's gonna be an instant hit..... click here so you can hear the song. C'mon, you know you want to.... Besides it's funnier that way!)

I need an agent. And a publicist. I've always wanted "people," but now I believe it's the time to get some.

And all I can say is if this takes off..........

Oprah who? Oprah will be begging me to be on her show!!!!!!!!

RIP, Corey Haim

2010-03-10T17:02:00.003-06:00

So, I'm sitting in a meeting this morning and I get an email on my BlackBerry that says Corey Haim has died.

Am I surprised? No.....

Am I tired of this? Yes....

Corey Haim was a cutie pie back in the 80's - I loved "The Lost Boys," "Lucas," and "License to Drive," to name a few of his movies. But he was beginning to be a train wreck back then.... excess of money and drugs led to an older Corey that was a broke, unhappy crack addict. I'm sad to admit that I watched the 2007 A&E series "My Two Coreys" and you could tell that he was a timebomb waiting to explode. He couldn't deal with the fact that everyone didn't love him, and he wasn't making movies and money, and he missed the fame and celebrity.

How many more times are we going to have to see this? Whether an actual drug overdose (like River Phoenix, John Belushi or Chris Farley) or an "accidental" drug overdose (like Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, etc.), these people have issues that are overlooked until it is too late.

I'm tired of it.

But I still feel for all of those that are truly touched by Corey's death... friends, family, former co-workers. I'm sorry for your loss.

But when is someone gonna do something to make this stop?

Best Thing About The Oscars

2010-03-08T18:02:00.002-06:00

The Oscars were last night..... dressed up and went to my party.... had a bit too much fun, gained 0.8 today at WW.

This was on Jimmy Kimmel last night after the Oscars... made me laugh.....

When the didn't do the "In Memoriam," they did not recognize Bea Arthur or Farrah Fawcett - what is up with that??

See what happens when you go off the Weight Watchers plan?

2010-02-28T17:44:00.004-06:00

So this morning I decide I'm going to make some waffles for breakfast with my awesome new waffle maker. (Ed.'s note: These waffles are not WW friendly waffles, but I don't care. It's the perfect way to end my bender of a week before weigh in tomorrow.)

I plug in the waffle maker so it can heat up. I measure out the Bisquick (heart healthy Bisquick at least), put in the oil and the egg. Now I need to add some milk. I have a little bit of milk left in my container, so I use that and then I go to open my new container of milk. It's got the little ring that you have to pull off so you can twist open the lid. I grab a knife (just a plain butter knife) and start to use it to dig in......

..... (are you already getting an idea of where this is going?)... my hand slips (I blame the eggs and oil) and the knife makes a swift deep cut across my middle finger and my pointer finger on my left hand. At first, you can't even see the cut.... then all of the sudden.... it's like a CSI crime scene.....

Blood squirts (seriously, squirts) from the cut.... on the counter, on my shirt, in the waffle mix.... all over the place. I start to get queasy as I don't do blood... I put my hand under the water in the sink and all it does is HURT!!

Okay, what am I supposed to do? I can't think, so I grab a towel, wrap my hand and hold it above my head. Pretty quick the towel is soaking through. I'm thinking do I need to go to the ER for stitches? (It's prolly too early for the quack shacks to be open! I also start to panic, I'm in my blood spattered nightgown, with no makeup, no bra, and my hair is sticking up every which way. How can I shower and get ready to go to the ER if I'm bleeding everywhere?)

I sit down, remove the bloody towel, and use damp paper towels.... the bleeding starts to slow down and I try to find band aids....... I eventually learn that the bleeding will stop as long as I don't bend my finger - do you realize how often you bend your fingers unknowingly?? Let me tell you.... A LOT!!

I'm sitting at the table, trying to think. I need to make a splint - that will keep my fingers from bending. I need sticks or something...... what can I use? A genius idea comes to me!! Weight Watchers Ice Cream sticks!!! For only 2 points, I can have two sticks that I can tape around my fingers so I don't bend. I hold my arm above my head while I eat the two ice cream treats (in lieu of my waffles) and fashion myself a splint. (Ed.'s note: Not once did I ever think about just getting the sticks and trashing the ice cream - what a waste of ice cream treats!?!?!)

It works!! As long as I don't bend my fingers, no bleeding!!

And instead of using a glutton of points for waffles and syrup, I had two 1 point ice creams for breakfast.....

What lesson did I learn? Cooking sucks..... let's eat ice cream for breakfast!!

Phantom of the Opera

2010-02-23T23:20:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited - my Dallas Summer Musicals season has begun. Granted, it was a little funny that it began in February... on a day where it snowed in the DFW metroplex, but my season has begun nonetheless.

I started off by meetins Sarah at PF Changs for dinner - yummo!! You know what irritates me? It's cold as all get out, so PF Changs has complimentary valet (which isn't really complimentary because you have to tip), but they take the 8-10 spots right in front of the restaurant. So the valet is only going like 15-20 feet with the car. Leave the spots closest to the restaurant for people who are parking their own cars!! But the Beef Lo Mein and Kung Pao Chicken made up for my frustration.

I headed down to Fair Park. Last season, I had someone to go with, but this season, I'm going at it alone. Again. I get to Fair Park, park and go in. I was sad to see Roland and Sylvia weren't there, but they often trade tickets, so maybe they weren't able to go last night.

This is the last time Phantom will be touring in Dallas, so it was great to get the opportunity to see it. It was a fabulous show - the set and special effects were awesome. The actors were fabulous - the Phantom had the best voice. I really, really enjoyed it and was so glad that I got to see it!!

I can't wait... next up is Xanadu in April!! Let the Dallas Summer Musicals season begin!!

Me and My Big Mouth.......

2010-02-22T22:32:00.005-06:00

I'm hoping I don't regret that I told my good friend to make sure no one does anything for my 40th birthday. I hate surprises and get really embarrassed. I need a head's up. The absolute worst thing that could happen is me showing up somewhere and everyone is there to surprise me. I wouldn't like it and I'd act like an ass about it. (How do I know? I've done it before!) We are doing a girls trip to NYC, which I cannot wait for.... June 16th can't get here quick enough!

I was a kid who worked hard to find out what I was getting for Christmas. I could act excited and surprised, but I never had to worry that my face would give away my disdain like I did if I didn't know what it was. You can tell what I'm thinking and feeling by taking one look at me - I don't hide my feelings well. So I told this friend to just make the day go away.

But then if no one don't do anything, will I be sad? I'll already be alone - how alone will I really feel if the day goes by with no acknowledgement? Am I setting myself up for disappointment?

Which is more important - get over my control issues and just go with it? Or just accept the day is gonna come and go without a big deal because I asked for it.....?

Hit me with your best shot.......

I'm Gonna Try It ONE More Time.....

2010-02-21T17:18:00.002-06:00

Oprah has reservations open for this week. I put in a request and copied my last Oprah blog, Oprah, Why You Do Me Like That?

Let's see what happens......

I sure could use something good to lift me out of my funk.........

Pre-Alzheimer's Girls Night Out

2010-02-20T23:31:00.002-06:00

So, tonight I decide to go to dinner and to go see "Valentine's Day" the movie with Heidi and Caren. Heidi picks me up and we head to the mall. We decide that dinner at The Cheesecake Factory will be awesome. Since we are eating there, we decide to use the valet because it's free with your receipt. I run up and get us on the waiting list..... Heidi and Caren get the car parked.

We wait an HOUR to eat, by then we are so famished, it's like an afterschool special for eating disorders. She brings the basket of bread, then in the time it would take to snap fingers, all you see are crumbs. Wow......

We get done eating, pay our bill, and leave. (Ed.'s note: We forgot to get the receipt so we could have free valet, but don't realize this until we are settled in the theatre.)

We start watching the opening previews, which are stupid movies to which I make a fake laugh at the conclusion. Heidi tells me I'm being an ass. (Ed.'s note: I'm okay with being an ass. I'm often accused of much worse.)

We are plugging along with the movie, when I look at my phone (Facebook addiction) and realize it's 10:55. The valet closes at 11. The movie isn't over. We've just gotten to the part where Shirley MacLaine comes to the cemetary to look for Hector Elizondo.

What do we do? We have to leave. We have no choice. We have no car otherwise.

10:56: Take the escalator down from the theatre to the second floor of the mall. See the escalators are closed and blocked off to get to the first floor. Run to elevator and hit button.

10:57: Elevator car passes us by. We panic and start running for the door. I have a moment of brillance and cut through Barnes & Noble so my fat ass can ride the escalator down. Caren and Heidi head out the door to go outside to take the stairs down. (Ed.'s note: I should get points for having such clarity...... I'm just saying....)

10:58: I run through Barnes and Noble like a madwoman, calmly ride down the escalator, then run out the door. I swear they thought I was trying to shoplift something......

10:59: I run outside, and am the first one there. I yell at the valet guy, Caren comes running over, then Heidi trails. We pay too much for the valet because everyone is throwing money at them.

11:00: We are safely in Heidi's car heading home. Due to my large salad and my burst of athletic activity, I'm a bit gassy. I need to get home FAST.

Needless to say, we were cliffhung at the movie. Do Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo find each other? Does the little boy give his flowers to the girl? Do Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher get together? Do Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx get together? Does Eric Dane get some gay action? Do the teenagers do it or not? And is Julia Roberts the little boy's mother? Does Anne Hathaway keep doing phone sex?

So many unanswered questions, please share what you know so I can have some closer for this movie.

Mo's Review:
Valentine's Day (2010): unable to rate due to missing the ending

Things I Wish For....

2010-02-16T18:27:00.002-06:00

Peace.
That I could be given the same patience, understanding and benefit of the doubt that I'm expected to give at all times.
A pedicure - my feet are a hot mess!
An occasional heartfelt "Thank You." Again, I'm expected to make all feel appreciated, but instead of being appreciated, I get laundry listed with all the things I DON'T do or things that people want to complain about.
Someone I could come home to and process my day with. (And who could tell me that you don't end sentences with prepositions.)
A red velvet cupcake from The Cupcakery.
Someone ask me, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Someone asked me the other day, and it was music to my ears! I didn't need any help, but just to know that was available was heartwarming!
An iPhone. But I got to get to my WW 10% goal, then I can have one. I'm trying to remind myself of this as I try not to stress eat today away. Which do I want more, the cupcake or the iPhone? (Today it may be the cupcake.)
To not be such a perfectionist. It's such a hard thing when others don't share that same view, it ends up frustrating everyone.
Patience.
One of those laughs that almost make you hurt, I don't even know the last time I truly laughed (and it wasn't a fake courtesy laugh).

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

2010-02-14T13:34:00.003-06:00

I guess one good thing that can be said about this weekend locked indoors with myself, lamenting Valentine's Day, is that I'm getting some reading done. I finished Brad Cohen's book last night, started this one last night, and just finished it. Not too shabby.

Of course, when the book is written for a teen audience, it goes down pretty smooth.

I LOVED the Hills. When LC left, I chose to grow up, act my age, and quit watching it. I'm glad it did, because I felt like I left the show on an upbeat note. Reading this book made me realize how much I do miss LC. And how frickin' jealous that I am that this 20-something can write a New York Best Times Seller and I can't.

This is a story about Jane, who becomes the star of a "reality" show on PopTV, along with her best friend Scarlett. She navigates love, work, and being a grown up in the big city. Amazingly, some people aren't who they seem to be and she finds that she can be a bit too trusting......

That wasn't a stretch for Lauren to write, was it? But it's a fun, fast, easy read.... and makes me sad that my 20's were very different. Actually, it doesn't make me sad. It makes me relieved.

Mo's Review:
"L.A. Candy" by Lauren Conrad, (2009, 324 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

How I Love to Hate Valentine's Day!!

2010-02-14T08:35:00.003-06:00

So it's my favorite day of the year..... the day where retailers take a hit at my self-esteem..... the day where I can't stand being alone (even though I didn't mind it yesterday or will mind it again tomorrow)...... it's Valentine's Day.

So I was gonna craft a rant, but I read what I wrote last year and frankly, it stands the test of time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Here's an oldy by a goody from 2009: Happy Valentine's Day!!

Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen

2010-02-13T21:01:00.004-06:00

Each summer, I go to Austin as school gets out for my summer convention. It's a chance to hang out with the other principals, make new friends, and learn some new ideas that I can take back to my school with me. I look forward to it. It's a great break once we lose the teachers and students, and it means I only have a few more weeks until my summer vacation!

TEPSA has a Facebook page (who doesn't?) and there was a reminder to see the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie called "Front of the Class" about a teacher who has Tourette Syndrome. So I Tivoed it and watched it the next morning. What a great movie - I cried, it was funny, sad, so many different emotions......

Of course, I had to get on Amazon.com and get the book. I started it last night and finished it today. It was an easy read, evoking the same emotions in me that the movie did. Brad Cohen wanted to be a teacher, the kind he never had as a student who had trouble in school. This book was inspirational, funny, and thoughtprovoking. A great read! A must read!!

And the good news is that I'm going to get to hear Brad speak this June at our TEPSA conference. I can't wait! I've got my book, I'll bring it with me, and hopefully I can get him to sign it!

Mo's Review:
"Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had" by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky, (2005, 243 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Snow Day!

2010-02-12T10:59:00.002-06:00

Earlier this week, we kept hearing about the "winter mix/snow" that was coming. Half the time, I don't even listen to it because it usually is nothing. So yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment scheduled (which is a whole other blog entry itself) for 7:15 AM in Carrollton. I get up at 5 to let Maude out and there's no precip anywhere.... I hope in the shower and start getting ready and it's coming down. My Dad calls and tells me he's on his way to airport and it's bad out there. They start to close a few schools, but nothing in my area.

So I hop in the car at 6:30 and head toward Carrollton (normally a 15 minute drive), giving myself plenty of time. The roads are fine. They are slushy and wet, but fine. There is a lot of snow coming down, but it's not bad. I make it to the office building, park...... my phone rings. It's 6:50 AM, the doctor's office is closed since they just closed the school district the office is located in. Well, hell...... I turn around and drive home again. The roads are fine. I come home, put on some work clothes, eat some breakfast, take my meds, then hop into the car and head on into work. I leave my house by 7:20 and I was at work by 7:45. Again, the roads weren't bad, but by now, the snow is starting to pile up.

I was proud of my staff, almost all of them came in despite the weather. One who e-mailed that she turned around after an hour was suprising to me - since I drove past her neighborhood 3 times in an hour with no problem!!

All day it snows. It's gorgeous. I wish my back didn't face my windows so I could have watched it just snow and snow. Parents pick up their kids early, some of the kids go out into the snow and take pictures. We dismiss at the regular time, get all of the kids loaded up, then head home ourselves. Again, the roads were just fine.

Once I get home, I get Maude settled and I'm loving the snow. My worry is all the slush will freeze overnight, but the temperature is just hovering at freezing. They end up calling school off at 7:20 last night, which was awesome. No getting up early, starting to get ready, getting the call and then trying to go back to sleep...... you could just go ahead and sleep on in! Woo hoo!!

Today's been a great lazy day. Maude doesn't know what to think of the snow. She won't pee in it, just on the edge of the parking lot. But then she'll jump in it full force and play around - it's fun to watch. I wish I knew what she was thinking!

I'm trying to make the most of this day so on the Friday before Memorial Day, when I'm tired and stressed out and I remember that we have lost this day, I can think about this restful, wonderful snow day.

Extraordinary Measures (2010)

2010-02-07T21:51:00.001-06:00

To round out my movie weekend, in lieu of the Super Bowl, Heidi and I went to see "Extraordinary Measures, " starring Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell and Harrison Ford. Brendan and Keri play John and Aileen Crowley, parents of 3 children, two of whom are stricken with Pompe disease. Pompe disease gives children a life expectancy of about 9 years without any kind of treatment.

In searching for help, John Crowley encounters Dr. Robert Stonehill (aka Harrison Ford), an University of Nebraska professor who seems to be on to creating an enzyme that can help Pompe children. John pleads his case and they go into business together, eventually merging with a larger company to help finance the research and testing for this drug.

You'll have to watch to see if they get the drug developed and if they are able to help the Crowley kids (and others) with Pompe.

It was pretty predictable - you knew how it was going to end. Harrison Ford seemed like he was trying to be like Clint Eastwood in "Gran Torino," all tough and gruff. Overall, I liked the movie and would recommend it.

Mo's Review:
Extraordinary Measures (2010): 4 out of 5 stars