Karaoke Celebration...

Since our favorite DJ was not available, we opted to go to karaoke to continue my birthday celebration the other night.

We had an absolutely great time - lots of jokes, lots of laughs and lots of fun. Just the way I like it.

I had friends that trooped out even though they were sick.

There was a surprise guest star as well.

I highly recommend spending a night like this with your friends - it is good for the soul!

Alumni Band

We wore our bruises with pride back in the day. Now we're just in pain.

I was running on 3 hours of sleep but was still excited to be there.

The weather was perfect and I loved the feeling of playing a bass drum again. (until my back started to complain)

And I uttered the phrase "How did I do this for so many years?" a whole bunch of times.

I may march next year...not sure yet...

Bring on Fall....

Birthday Trek...

I had a fun day - did a nature hike at the Arnold Arboretum, got lost and ended up in the neighboring town. I found my way back and then headed to Castle Island to fulfill my part in a pinky promise. There will definitely be another trip because there are two parts to that promise. (yes, I take my pinkie promises seriously)

My greetings came from near and far - some very creative ones too!

Some were pulling out Latvian phrases even though it’s not their culture.

Some were traveling to a gig and I was the furthest thing from their mind but they found the time to send a text.

Some that wanted to know if they called first - even though it wasn't a contest.

Some that had to call twice so they had bragging rights for double wishes (there were two of those calls).

Some that said “I need to win this week's college basketball bet so I can get you your present!” HA!

Some that sent the Gerber daisies – quite the surprise!!

I felt the love.

And then there was the last call of the night "I wanted to be one of the first and also the last to wish you a Happy Birthday!". Aww...yes, I said it - Aww...you know you want to say it too! Aww...Aww….Aww….

The fun will be continued this weekend!!

Birthday!!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

How? How? How?!?!?!?

How do you talk about stuff that you know will hurt other people? You figure out a way.

How do you refrain from screaming at someone to get a clue? You just do it.

How do you not vent your anger when it is well deserved? You bite your tongue.

How do you forgive someone for lashing out at you? You don’t.

How do you stop yourself from reminding someone that they keep contradicting themselves? You bite your tongue and when you can't take it anymore, you lean on a friend.

How do keep quiet about something that you will never agree with? You withdraw your support.

How do you NOT comment on someone over stepping their boundaries? You do your best given the situation, all the while chanting "I told you so" in your head.

You do all of the above and deal with the consequences.

Hmm.....seems that I have more answers than I thought I did!

More Rock....

Just because I love this pic......(taken with my cellphone)

And thanks to Michele, I have a pic that shows where we were (red square).....as you can imagine, I spent the first 5 minutes walking into that section just saying "OH MY GOD!!!" over and over and over....

I Wanna Rock...

U2 was on my list of “Bands to See Before I Die” – they did not disappoint. We had a fun tailgate, talked about random life things and then headed in to the stadium. We meander on the field as Snow Patrol is playing. Best moment of their set – the crowd starts singing “Shut Your Eyes and Sing to Me” after they had ended the song.

The set up was open field seating – with more than enough room for everyone to have a great view. We were standing where we thought we were close and one of the security guys let us know that people could get closer on the other side. So we hoofed it over and got in – ended up standing about 10 feet from the stage. And of course I have the “OMG I have to pee!!” moment. (figures) I come back and they are no longer letting new people in. I felt all cool as I flashed my stamp and went in.

We had a great view of Adam Clayton the whole concert and he played to the audience – he would do this great bass player pose where he just juts out one hip and plays. Plus he had a sparkly gold bass for some songs – oooo, sparkly, shiny, pretty! They had bridges that went over the audience and we had everyone but Bono pass over our heads a few times. And AC stood there a few times – close enough to see that he wears tighty whities….tee-hee!

Of course I was a total bouncy pogo stick during “Vertigo” and “Elevation” – I can’t stand still during those songs!! They had some song mixing which I absolutely loved – they went from “Amazing Grace” into “Where the Streets Have No Name”, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” had a “Rock the Casbah” chorus thrown in and “Stand By Me” closed out “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”.

They also did a funky remix of “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight”. The whole stadium singing “With or Without You” was just amazing – I found myself just slowly spinning in a circle to take it all in. And I turned to Michele and just said “How could people not like live music?!?!?”
We made some random friends. Oddest excuse for pushing through the crowd? “Don’t smush me, I’m a mother!” *eye roll* We got to trail the band as they left the stage – wish I had brought my camera in as well. It was an incredible show!

We sat in the parking lot for a good 2 hours before getting out. Combine that with paying $40 for legit parking (some of the offsite ones charged $50!) and the town just fails at traffic control.

We took some fun back roads back and I made Michele listen to the Rock of Ages soundtrack. Definitely had an incredible time!

Recurring Theme...

I continued the summer’s theme of “I haven’t hung out with you in ages!”.

I journeyed North to see a friend who relocated there about a year ago. (next Northern trip will probably be Maine)

As I’m sitting at the light to turn right in the center of town, I see a hotel – a very familiar hotel. I have stayed at this hotel. And I just start laughing. It’s the “Let’s send in the Marketing Dept to make up for what that other department did” hotel.

I had a fun afternoon chatting with a friend who has gone through some big life changes. It’s very good to see her happy and content in her new life phase. Will definitely have to visit again!

Worry, Worry, Worry...

As of late I have been feeling anxious about the little things.

Not the big stuff that I truly should be worried about, but the little things.

The little things that I know I have enough time to do.

The little things that will get done.

The little things that I can do with my eyes closed!

Why am I worrying about them??

Cereal For All...

One of the reasons that I was SO excited to get a working printer was this week’s Kashi cereal deal at Target.

5 boxes on sale at $2.88 each
4 coupons at $1.50 off each
1 coupon at $2.00 off
OOP = $6.40

Received a $5 Target gift card for purchasing 5 boxes

Boxes of cereal = $0.28 each!!

And a receipt that proclaims – “You saved $15.95”.

Ring A Ding..

My poor cell phone – it had been acting strange in the past few months - I refused to buy a new one since I was so close to my “New Every Two” date. (of course I have Verizon Wireless - it has a V & a Z in it’s name!) Plus they didn’t fail me during an issue with my car like AT & T did….but I digress….

My old phone just fried over the weekend….making getting rid of all the data easier.

After the initial anxiety of not having the phone, it was very liberating. It was such an odd feeling at first to not be able to tweet or update my FB status. (not that I’m that important that people need a play by play, but I was in a fun city!)

I now have a dual flip phone – I can be like all the cool kids and text away on a Qwerty keyboard…

New York, New York....

Ah, the city so nice, they named it twice!!

For only being there a few days, I was able to pack in a bunch of fun!

We took in an improv show – one of the cast members is a friend from camp. (Latvian, not band). I laughed the entire time, but my favorite line is still “Can my peacock have some of your cocaine?”

We ventured to a bar after the show - Triple Crown Bar to be exact. They had the most eclectic mix of people and most overzealous servers. You barely got done with your plate and it was gone! We had two separate guys stop by asking to be spanked – one settled his booty on the table and refused to move until the deed was done. The other one had “2 kids & a vasectomy!!” - exclaimed with delight. In the next breath he invites us to come with him because “we’re going to see strippers!” (I made eye contact and then humored him – totally my fault for this chat)

The next day was “Rock of Ages” – I want to see it again. (like now!) If you are a fan of Poison, Journey, Asia, Motley Crew, etc. you should go see it. And if you sit next to me, I will warn you now – I will be singing along to every song. (yes, every one)

Random “Rock of Ages” exclamations - Jazz hands!, The Axl dance!, “Strippers, not strip malls!” and Oooo, a sparkly rock star!

We waited by the stage door and got to meet/greet/cheer for the cast. My friend’s mom actually shoved us aside a bit and was the first (and loudest) to scream Constantine’s name when he walked out. By the way, it was pouring the whole time, but he worked the entire line and did not rush things.

Dinner was the massive pizza fest that I described previously, but I have to throw this in - Check #2 is awesome! (Hey, Check #1 – Check #3 says that you’re cheese hogs and you suck and you tell kids that there is no Santa!!)

I made new friends, apparently drew some others out of their shells and got some great advice. It makes some decisions a bit easier – they echo what I have been thinking, but it’s more credible because it’s from someone one who did what I am gearing up to do…..maybe.

We had the token chat with the cabbie, the token “hey slow down my feet hurt” moment, the token waitress trying to scam $10 and the token visits to great bars. We spent the most time at the Fat Black Pussycat. (bar/lounge/awesome place)

I made new friends – both within our group and out of it. The couple that had been making out on the couch next to our table, the random guy that was lost in the area but looked like a native and the DJ that loved my accessories. “She’s still talking to him….” “Now she’s blushing.” “Isn’t he gay?” Yes, yes he was and he was mocking his own voice and telling me he loved my accessories.

It was a great time. Can’t wait to do it again….

Falafel Friday & It's Friends...

Another fabulous thing about NYC - the food is all around you.

There is a complete ADD moment when asked the simple question of "What do you want to eat?"

Pizza is the first thing that comes to mind since I can't find a decent pizza up North. Saturday night was all about the pizza - 15 people that kept saying "Can you pass the cheese/pepper flakes/spices....hey, hand it over!!!" as they tried to find room on the table for their pint glass among all the pizza stands - it was good....

Falafels were introduced to me by M-O-M in NYC, so I lucked out with having a yummy (and inexpensive) falafel joint around the corner. I had to throw in some stuffed grape leaves - they are so incredible when they are freshly made!

Bagel & Coffee are standard breakfast fare. There's just something about walking down the city street juggling both as you take in the scenery. (and until the subway door chomps on you - luckily it did not get my bagel - I had finished it)

Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries were a "September Babies" toast extra. Always, yummy - especially when someone else pays for them.

Gray’s Papaya Hot Dogs are a new discovery for me. I hate hot dogs (blech), but can't seem to resist one from Gray's. I actually went on this trip with a list of locations so that I could stop at one before I left. In the wee morning hours of Sunday, we walked out of the bar and lo and behold, we were across from King's Papaya. And as I chomped on my hot dog, I raved about the fact that they are open 24 hours and decently priced.

Yes, there was good food, but it's only part of the weekend.

Transportation Nightmares...

It poured as I drove to the tri-state area – making the trip two hours longer than it needed to be. I missed the first bus that I wanted to be on by a matter of minutes. (was driving right behind it actually)

I go to wait for the next bus on the street corner and the skies open with a vengeance. Five minutes later, I get on the bus and the rain lets up.

Subway doors chomped on me – spilled my coffee on the person next to me. (this was my fault for saying “Hey, let’s go in the next car!”)

Subway construction that night led us on a long loop – 3:30 am found us sitting at a stop watching guys work. (we had entertainment!!)

And on the way back to get my car, the main drag out of the city was blocked due to an accident – we had a lovely detour and I got to see some buildings up close and personal that I have always admired from the highway.

Bunched together like this, it seems like it was a horrible trip, but that was not the case!!

September 11...

The day that brings up so many emotions.....remembering what happened, where we were and who is important in our lives.

Loved this entry by one of my friends - go here to read it.

I also want to remember the people that have birthdays and anniversaries today - they forge ahead despite the fact that their special day will forever be associated with such a huge act of terrorism.

Hunting The Will That Is Good...

Apparently it is a sin to not have watched this movie.

Well, I can't stand Minnie Driver.

So, I never watched the movie, choosing to see Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in other movies.

But I have been spending some time at the L Street Tavern and some people who can quote the longest monologue from the movie, so I figured that it was time to watch it.

And the Hunting of the Will was Good....

9/9/09

"Knowing your penchant for darkness, is 9/9/09 big in the darkness community because it is the mirror image of 666?"

Sheesh, can't even celebrate a nifty date anymore.

I took advantage of the deals out in the world - scored a bunch of wine that will combine with a rebate and make each bottle ridiculously cheap.

Did I say cheap? It has such a negative connotation……

In-expensive, yeah, that's the word!

Candle On the Water….

It's been running through my head.....

I'll be your candle on the water,
My love for you will always burn.
I know you're lost and drifting,But the clouds are lifting,
Don't give up, you have somewhere to turn.

I'll be your candle on the water,
'Til every wave is warm and bright.
My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you,
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light.

A cold and friendless tide has found you,
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down.
I'll paint a ray of hope around you,
Circling in the air,
Lighted by a prayer.

I'll be your candle on the water,
This flame inside of me will grow.
Keep holding on, you'll make it,
Here's my hand, so take it,
Look for me, reaching out to show,
As sure as rivers flow,
I'll never let you go,
I'll never let you go,
I'll never let you go.

Choo-Choo...

My life train had a slight derailment Friday.

Not a full *WHAM* off the tracks de-railment, but just enough to spill drinks in the dining cart.

I hunkered down for 2 days in Boston with my polar opposite.

I blew off all my plans.

Now I see it as a kick in the booty - change that I wanted - even though it was not on my terms.

Oh My Word....

I have a new favorite website.....

I should have KNOWN that this site existed!!

It's dedicated to the People of Walmart....

My favorite one

Second Chances?

So, you find yourself in a quandry.

Do you offer a second chance knowing that the outcome will probably be bad?

But then will you kick yourself because “what if”?

You offer it to someone who you know won't offer it to someone else.

You offer it to someone who doesn't deserve it.

You offer it to someone who has hurt you.

I gave it a sporting chance - my conscience is clear.

Not Alone...

I think that he was able to sum it up better than I did.....
http://blog.tinou.com/2009/08/totality-of-life.html#comments

As for the airport renaming - won't that create some confusion with the NY airport?

And how do the Logans feel about this?

Sainted...

Notice that everyone becomes a saint once they die? All the bad memories fade and we remember the good that they did? Ted Kennedy…..Michael Jackson….

Yes, they both contributed to society – a lot.

BUT there were bad things – a woman died, kids may have been touched and some more scandals…...

It’s all sugar coated now – in order to not tarnish their legacy.

Both had huge events to give the public closure – I watched the pomp & circumstance – can’t help it – I got caught up in it too. (even though it seemed like Boston got to film a free tourism commercial given the hearse’s tour of the city)

But the whole time was the nagging thought that the bad things are being forgotten….

Punch Vas Served...

Only Family Guy can make WWII funny....

German Tour Guide: You vill find more on Germany's contributions to ze arts in ze pamphlets ve have provided.

Brian : Yeah, about your pamphlet... uh, I'm not seeing anything about German history between 1939 and 1945. There's just a big gap.

Tour guide: Everyone vas on vacation. On your left is Munich's first city hall, erected in 15...

Brian : Wait, what are you talking about? Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and...

Tour Guide: We were invited. Punch vas served. Check vit Poland.

Brian : You can't just ignore those years. Thomas Mann fled to America because of Nazism's stranglehold on Germany.

Tour guide: Nope, nope. He left to manage a Dairy Queen.

Brian : A Dairy Queen? That's preposterous.

Tour guide: I vill hear no more insinuations about the German people. Nothing bad happened. Sie werden sich hinsetzen. Sie werden ruhig sein. Sie werden nicht beleidigen Deutschland. You will sit down. You will shut up. You will not insult Germany. (Throws his hand up in a Hitler salute.)

Brian : Uh, is that a beer hall?

Tour guide: Oh yes, Munich is renowned for its historic beer halls.

Potential Tour...

I feel special - I was invited to 4 BBQ's - in 3 separate states - all on the same day.

Yeah, I would need a clone army to make that work.

The decision came down to this deciding question - "Who won't I see regularly after the end of September?"

Family members who are moving across the country.

Decision made.