Big fan of continuity that I am, on this auspicious occasion, I feel compelled to say, "Milestone, Milestone, who's reached a milestone?" "It's me! It's me!" "Milestone, Milestone who's reached a Milestone?" "It's me, It's me!" "Uh-huh, uh-huh, Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "100 to go!"
Yes, today is the day that I have been striving towards for weeks. I have now been 43 for 266 days and I am delighted to report that all is well and I'm still going strong. Additionally, I've now written 266 consecutive blogs; which means that in just 100 days, I will be 44 years old, my daily blog will be concluded and Lyndzi, Jackie and I will be on our way to New York. I can't wait, on all three accounts!!
Although I REALLY wanted to write about John Travolta's appearance on "Dancing With The Stars" last night; I felt obligated to share something a bit more personal today. I thought that it would be appropriate to tell you a few of the things that I've learned in the past 266 days, since when I first wrote "43" I said that I planned to write about things that I learned, enjoyed, or recalled. One of THE most important things that I've discovered thus far, is that you need to take your happiness wherever and whenever you find it. Rejoice in all things that give you pleasure, even if it's something small. So since John Travolta makes me SO happy, and I enjoy him thoroughly, I've concluded that it makes perfect sense to write about him tonight after all.
Now if this isn't your first time at this rodeo, than y'all know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Maksim Chmerkovskiy (dancing pro) on "Dancing With The Stars," and I'm also a big fan of his partnership with Kirstie Alley this season. You may also recall that on a number of occasions, I've mentioned that John Travolta is my favorite actor. So imagine my sheer delight when John Travolta popped up on "DWTS" last night, because Kirstie felt that she and Maks needed the aid of "The Dance Doctor." WOOHOO! I felt myself smile from ear to ear when JT popped in. Now JT didn't dance, he just gave Kirstie and Maks a lil coaxing and encouragement; but nonetheless, it was a pleasure to see him. I knew right then and there that I wanted to write about how giddy his appearance made me; and I started to reflect on why I adore him. I considered this "Dance Doctor" title and realized that I could think of no other actor of our time that has danced in as many movies as John Travolta has. I'll state the obvious, "Saturday Night Fever." Then he sang AND danced in "Grease." There was "Staying Alive," then he two stepped in "Urban Cowboy," heck he even danced in "Pulp Fiction," and strutted his stuff briefly, in "Michael," and I have to give him double props for dancing as an overweight woman, in "Hairspray." Other than "Staying Alive," I loved all of these movies, and even the ones that he hasn't hoofed it in.
Yes, seeing John Travolta on "DWTS" last night, was a perfect example of how easy it can be to get happy; and I think that we need to be thankful for all things big and small that put a smile on our faces and make life a little sweeter.
I am so thrilled that I've been able to live up to my commitment, despite the many times that I didn't think that I could. I know that I'm in the home stretch now; and instead of fearing the 100 posts that I have yet to write; I'm going to embrace the challenge and push myself to make these next 100 blogs the best that I've ever written.
Thank you so much for taking this journey with me. As always I welcome your ideas for new posts and your feedback.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
This week is proving to have it's own challenges. Now I'm not really into complaining, so I DON'T want to share what's going on. Just suffice it to say, it's a garden variety of things. I'm NOT overcome with sadness, anger, or worry; I'm just an ample amount of concerned, but I have every confidence that all will work out exactly as it should.
With much on my mind and a lot to do, I wanted to keep tonight's post really light and before I knew it I was formulating a list of ten things that I have no desire to do. How's that for feeling quite contrary. It's entirely possible, that I may have mentioned one or more of these before in some other context; but from where I sit tonight, these were the first ten that came to me.
Ten things I have no desire to do:
1. Bungee jump
2. Eat rabbit
3. Ski
4. Sky dive
5. Go to India
6. Eat venison
7. Watch "The Godfather"
8. Go on a safari
9. Eat frogs legs
10. Hear Jennifer Hudson sing "I feel good"
I made the list prior to writing the post that accompanies it; and I have to say that I find it truly amusing. It seems that of the ten things I have no desire to do, most involve heights, and eating cute or endearing animals. Because I'm me, I feel the need to say that my list is not meant to offend anyone who may like, do or want to do these things themselves; they're just my own personal preferences - for now. As for "The Godfather" I only mention it, because I've never seen it and I don't have any interest in doing so. As a matter of fact, I could probably make a list of at least ten movies that are popular or iconic, that I've never seen, nor do I want to, even though tI know that they are highly acclaimed. But that might be a list for another time. In regard to Jennifer Hudson; I like her, I do. I think she's a GREAT singer; however, I can't stand her rendition of "I feel good." I feel compelled to change the channel when she's singing it in her Weight Watcher's commercials because her version irks me. So having to endure the full song on "Dancing With The Stars" tonight, was just unbearable for me, and fit right into my theme. Continuity, continuity, continuity. Now there's something I LIKE!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
I was going to write this post yesterday, in which case it might have been slightly more timely; but I felt that I had to tell share the finalization of Luis' DJ name first; and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to express my thoughts on "DWTS" with you.
This week on "DWTS," the celebs were asked to pick a song that had personal meaning to them. Now in case you're unaware, the stars don't typically pick their songs. It's my understanding that the producers assign them a song. So allowing them this type of input makes things a little more interesting. When you add in the fact that the song was supposed to be one that meant something to them and that they had to incorporate the story of why it was important to them in their dance; it proved to be a very powerful and moving show.
Were all of the dances phenomenal? Of course not. But there were two outstanding performances and those are the ones that I want to highlight. According to Dictionary.com the definition of valiant is "1. courageous, intrepid, or stout-hearted; brave 2. marked by bravery or courage: a valiant deed" and this week the effort put forth in the performances of Chris Jericho & Cheryl Burke and Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy were positively VALIANT!
When Cheryl was partnered with Drew Lachey in season two of "DWTS" and choreographed their freestyle to "Save a horse ride a cowboy;" I was a fan. When Cheryl and Emmet Smith performed to "Can't touch this," in season three; I was still on her bandwagon. But when Cheryl did her self-promoting "What A Feeling" freestyle with Gilles Marini; I wanted to kick her ass. Pardon my French. Gilles had been such a fantastic competitor that season; and he should have won the mirror ball trophy, but Cheryl choreographed this lousy freestyle that only showcased HER and he lost. Ever since then, I have not been a Cheryl fan, BUT this week she redeemed herself (a bit) in my book, when she arranged a dance that did justice to Chris Jericho's touching story of the loss of his mother. Chris (who used his given name of Chris Irvine for that number;) chose "Let it be," and Cheryl's choreography really echoed the sentiments that Chris had shared in his package.
I didn't know anything about Chris, before "DWTS," but I have to say that he's been impressing me since day one; and it's not just because he's a hot tamale. There's just something about a strong man, who can move his body so precisely and show vulnerability at the same time. If I had a paddle, (the judges kind of course;) I would have given them a ten, for everything that they did and all that they made me feel.
When I wrote "Two Standouts," I sang Kirstie Alley's praises; as well as gushed on and on about why I want, I mean like Maks. But this week's routine gave me new reasons to love them both. Let's start out with the fact that Kirstie shared an extraordinarily painful experience with us; in explaining why she had chosen "Over the rainbow" as her song. I was prepared to be moved, just after hearing her story. But shortly after the music started, Maks fell and he brought Kirstie down with him. Maks managed to get up, as did Kirstie; but it was clear that Maks was in pain. Nonetheless, Maks continued with the dance; which was breathtaking and they received a score of 21, accompanied by accolades from the judges. I think that this particular routine was valiant on two accounts. One, that Kirstie had the courage to share this very private experience with the audience and have it translated into a dance for the world to see her grief, her pain and her resilience; and two, for Maks to take full responsibility for his fall and apologize for it profusely.
I can honestly say that these two performances are some of the reasons that I'm such a big fan of reality TV. I'm thoroughly convinced, that not even the best writers could have written scenes with the heart, soul and honesty, that were demonstrated on this week's "Dancing With the Stars." Lastly, I want to acknowledge Chris, Cheryl, Kirstie and Maks, because I know from experience who terrifying it can be to expose your real self and your feelings, to the world.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Season twelve of "Dancing With The Stars" began this past Monday; but I didn't get to watch it until today. As usual there were some contestants that I could do without; but there were two standouts that I thoroughly enjoyed; and will be looking forward to watching week after week.
My first fave came as a big surprise to me. It's none other than the "Karate Kid" himself; Ralph Macchio. Ralph is paired up with Karina Smirnoff. I've had mixed feelings about Karina during past seasons; but I must say that I like her a lot more, now that she's no longer engaged to Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
My second fave is Kirstie Alley; and I swear that it's not ONLY because she's partnered by Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Now before I go on and tell you why I am am pulling for Ralph and Kirstie; I think that it's only fair to acknowledge my "slight" obsession with Maks.
If this isn't your first time at this rodeo, then you probably know that "DWTS" is one of my very, favorite shows; and that the thing that I like best about it, is Maksim Chmerkovskiy! Maks has been mentioned countless times on "The Bumpy Ride;" so much so, that there's been more than one occasion where I've given my, "this is not becoming an all Maks blog disclaimer." Some of you may even recall "The Queen's Big Coup," where I shared the story of how I had come to meet, hug and have my picture taken with the drop dead gorgeous Maks. 
Now even thought I absolutely hate how heavy I was in this picture; I'm going to share it again for those of you who've never seen it before; and for others who might like to see it again.
