(43-217) Holy Shin Guard!

One of my favorite things on "GLEE" is when they do a mash up.  If you're not familiar with this term, according to "Wikipedia"  "it's when they combine two or more different songs into one by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another." 

A little earlier tonight, I was talking on the phone with my friend, Jenny; and she asked what tonight's blog was going to be about.  I shared my two ideas, she gave me her opinion; and after we hung up, I realized that I could totally combine both.  I realized that often times, "The Bumpy Ride," truly is a mashup. 
 
I was all set to go with the idea that Jenny preferred; until "American Idol" came on.  Y'all know from several recent blogs, that I am once again a big (yes) HUGE, fan of "American Idol;"  and when I found out tonight that the 12 guys were going to perform today, the twelve girls tomorrow and then on Thursday, the top five guys, the top five girls; and the judges wild card picks would be announced; I was a HAPPY lady.  I for one am very glad that they won't be drawing these qualifying rounds out.  Get in, get out quit messing about.  That's what I like!!
 
We settled in to watch and laughed as Ryan Seacrest handed Steven Tyler a blooper mask.  Now this is just a term that I made up, because I don't really know what you call the "American Idol" logo on a stick, that Ryan handed to Steven to put in front of his mouth in case he cursed.  Ryan demonstrated how Steven might use the blooper mask; but he didn't need it when he yelled out "Holy Shin Guard," after one of the performances. (Or at least that's what it sounded like to me;)   I love me some Steven Tyler and the new and improved "American Idol."
 
Ironically enough, the original idea for tonight's post, is something that had me saying "Holy Shin Guard," or something like it, earlier today.  A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from USAA or so it seemed.  It was asking for my personal information, but as I'm not a USAA member; I totally disregarded it.  A few days later I received a similar email from my bank.  It didn't read right to me, so I decided to take my chances and disregard it as well.  Then this morning I found this email :
"We recently have determined that different computers have logged onto your Online Banking account, and multiple password failures were present before the logons. We now need you to re-confirm your account information to us.
If this is not completed by March 4, 2011, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely, as it may have been used for fraudulent purposes. We thank you for your cooperation in this manner.
To confirm your Online Banking records click on the following link:https://online.my/my banks name.com/IdentityManagement/

Thank you for your patience in this matter.
My banks name Customer Service

Please do not reply to this e-mail as this is only a notification. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.
�2011 My banks name  Corporation. All rights reserved.

Thank you Steven Tyler, I'll say it again; "Holy Shin Guard!"  Once again I was suspicious; so I clicked on the link, and I swear to you, it looked very similar to my banks home page; logo and all; however, it required me to provide my log in and password on the same page, and that doesn't happen unless I'm first shown my site key.  I decided that I'd rather be safe than sorry; so I called my bank and waited on hold for ten minutes or so; in order to ask if my bank had sent me this email.  Well, I'm sure you know as well as I, that in fact they did NOT.  It was a total scam.  My bank told me what information would have been included in the email had it been authentic; and I felt really relieved that I was not duped. 

In the interest of (say it with me,) "the Greater Good," it is my fervent hope that by posting this story tonight; I will prevent at least one person from falling pray to these scavengers.  When I think about this email scam and the potential harm that it could do; I get very angry.  How ironic that they threaten to suspend my account due to fraudulent activity; when this is the most fraudulent activity of them all.  I know that there have always been con artists out there; and some of them legitimize their craft by calling themselves car salesmen. No offense to my car salesmen readers; but I'm not really a fan of the mode of operation used to separate me from my hard earned money.  But I digress.  I feel the need to pull Roseanne Rosannadanna outta my arsenal and say "Hey, you email scammers; stay the heck outta my business and go make some money by gettin a real job.  Hopefeully one where you're bustin your hump; YOU'RE MAKING ME SICK!"
 

Whew!  Talk about a mashup... I covered "GLEE," "American Idol," email scams AND Roseanne Roseannadanna all in one blog.  HOLY SHIN GUARD; not bad for a Tuesday night.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-91) A REAL Time Warp

So the burning question has got to be "Was the Rocky Horror GLEE episode as awesome as I'd anticipated?"   And my answer would have to be "NO."  However; with that being said, I will fully concede that sometimes you can build something up so much in your mind that it will never be able to exceed your expectations; and I do believe that was the case in this instance.  I guess that it's true; we need to be careful what we wish for, because watching the cast of "GLEE" re-create "Rocky Horror" definitely felt like a REAL time warp.   

Now in all fairness; don't let the fact that I said it wasn't awesome, mean that it wasn't good; because it was.  In fact, there were some parts that were FANTASTIC; and I have to say that it was extremely clever.  They managed to do a number of songs from the movie, using the premise of putting on the play.  And through auditions and rehearsals, they provided us with some of the very best of "Rocky Horror."  I think that it was a very nice tribute; and though I never expected it to be identical to the original; it left me longing for it.
 I'm going to go at this a little differently this evening and tell you what I liked the best and the least about this episode.  Let's go with what I liked the least first; because I always like to end on a positive note.

Least fave moments of "Rocky Horror GLEE" (in no particular order):
1.  Mercedes singing "Sweet Transvestite."  I LOVE Mercedes' voice; and had I never heard "sweet Transvestite" before; her rendition might not have bothered me.  BUT, when you are comparing her performance with Tim Curry's, it's just too far of a stretch for me; so I have to say  - nice try but no cigar.
2.  Quinn's solo as Magenta in "Time Warp,"  I think she took to much liberty with the song and I would have preferred that she sang it more like the original.
3.  The fact that Mr. Shue suggested that he play Rocky; even if it only was to rehearse "Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Touch me," with Emma; was nauseating.  Yuk Mr. Shue; YUK! 

The Best parts of "Rocky Horror GLEE" (in no particular order):
1.  The opening scene; great lips; super vocals.
2.  Appearances by original cast members Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf.
3.  "Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Touch Me."  Although I wouldn't have wanted to see Mr. Shue as Rocky, Emma did a spot on job as Janet in one of my FAVORITE RH tunes.
4.  Hot Patootie!  Even though John Stamos didn't sound as good as Meatloaf, when he originally rocked this number; I thought it was fun, fun fun!  Way to go Uncle Jessie!
5.  "There's a Light "   I enjoy Rachel's voice; being the Broadway lover that I am; BUT I must say that I liked that Rachel didn't over sing this song.  I though that she rivalled the original.  Nicely done.

Now, I revert to my original statement.  This wasn't a bad show by any stretch of the imagination; I just think that in many cases; you can never be as good as the original, ie: Willy Wonka.  I don't think that there is anyone who would be willing to say that the re-make of "Willy Wonka" was better than the original; no matter how much you love Johnny Depp.  
 
I'm grateful that  "GLEE" did this episode, because it reminded me of how much I love this music; and how many great times I had; going to the show.  It's not something that I had thought about in a long time and it was fun to take this walk down memory lane.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-85) Best Of Both Worlds

I am VERY excited, like I can't wait, excited; for next weeks episode of "GLEE."  Now I've told you several times that I am a total GLEEK.  But couple my love of "GLEE" with one of my all time favorite movies, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show;" and throw in director / choreographer Adam Shankman; and I am over the moon!!
For those of you who haven't heard; the Halloween episode of "GLEE" has the students performing "Rocky Horror; and the guest director is Adam Shankman; my fave judge on "So You Think You Can dance."  I ask you; can it get better than this.  All 3 elements of this combo put a great big smile on my face; I mean like big ole, ear to ear grin; beaming with happiness, smile.

Back in the day I was a Big (say it with me) "Huge," "Rocky Horror" fan.  I never dressed up; I left that to my brother; who weekly would portray the sweet transvestite himself; Dr. Frank N. Furter.  And for those of you who know my brother but didn't know this tidbit about him, go ahead and pick your jaws up off the floor now; I'll wait.
Anyway, all it took was one viewing and I was hooked.  I loved the music; and the audience participation (hmm, maybe that's why I'm such a big fan of The Shout House - our local, dueling piano bar.)  And the fact that the film was shown at midnight just made it all the more exciting as a teen.  Now there'd be no way I'd stay up long enough to make it to a midnight movie.

If by some chance you've never seen "Rocky Horror," let me give you a quick synopsis.  Susan Sarandon (yes, Academy Award winner, Susan Sarandon,) plays Janet Weiss; an innocent, young woman who gets engaged to nerdy, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick.)  They are driving home from their friend's wedding on a cold and rainy, November evening and a flat tire causes them to stop at the castle of Transvestite, Dr. Frank N. Furter; played impeccably by Tim Curry.  Well,  Frank has been in the process of creating the perfect, male specimen; (Rocky) who he'd planned to introduce that evening at the Transylvanian convention that he's hosting.  Janet and Brad have to spend the night at the castle with a diverse cast of characters (most of whom we find out are from another planet.)  Frank tries to be a hospitable host; and tucks Janet into bed (if you now what I mean;) he then does the same for Brad and when Janet finds out, she decides to take the virile, Rocky for a test drive.   Well suffice it to say that when Frank becomes aware of this, there is hell to pay; just as there was for his ex-boyfriend; Eddy (played by Meatloaf.)  OK, I've said enough.  If you've never seen this, it probably sounds like a ridiculous, train wreck; or the b-rate science fiction / horror film parody that it was intended to be.  If I was watching it for the very, first time now; I don't know that I could sit through it; BUT given my history with this flick; it's a movie that I can never pass up; and watching the Glee cast recreate it, will be a pleasure.  I know it won't be THE SAME; but in a lot of ways; it will be even better.

I've known about this highly, anticpated "Glee" episode for a few weeks now; but I'm all fired up about it tonight; because a facebook friend posted the link for the "Glee" version of "The Timewarp." AND, in the interest of (say it with me;) "The greater good."  I'm going to share it with you.

Now it seems only fair (being the Queen of FAIRNESS that I am) to also share a link from the original, cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture show."   I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I do and I'm sure I'll have a comment or two after next week's "GLEE."                                 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-75) Master Chef Marathon

Luis and I are as different as night and day, when it comes to our taste in TV shows and movies. Suffice it to say that it is rare that we are both interested in the same movie or TV show, so when we are; it is a cause for celebration.
Luis usually likes to watch CNN, MSNBC, Boxing, Soccer and the Discovery channel.  In fact, I can't tell you how many times he's watched the documentary on the Stick-Dick tribe.  I on the other hand, STILL watch "General Hospital," which confounds him no end; and I delight in my dancing and cooking shows too.

Well, in the past couple of weeks, I have managed to get Luis hooked on a few of my faves. Although he's not quite a Gleek yet; he has liked what he's seen; and has even commented on a number of occasions, that he thinks that they sound better than the originals.   He's definitely, devoted to "Jersey Shore;" and I actually have a theory on why it is, that  we like it so much.  I'm now convinced that the reason that we find it so delectable is because it's very similar to "The Hangover;" in as much as you are shocked by what these numnuts do; and you never know what to expect; so that's my answer and I'm sticking to it.
 
Lastly, when I wrote "Reality Check," I told you that I'd DVR'd but had yet to watch "Master Chef."   So the other night,  Luis and I were checking to see if we had anything DVR'd that we could agree to watch and I suggested "Master Chef;" but he wasn't interested.  I reminded him that HE had asked me to record this show after seeing a commercial for it; so he reluctantly acquiesced; and gave it a try.  Once we got past the auditions we found the show compelling; and we have been watching nothing else for the past couple of days.  I have to say that I'm positively, pleased that we're watching it via marathon; this way we don't have to wait a whole week to see it again.
Neither Luis nor I had watched "Hell's Kitchen," so we weren't very familiar with Gordon Ramsay; but we like him.  He seems very fair and caring in his own way.  Much like "The Great Food Truck Race," we've been cheering out loud for our favorite contestants and even though our tastes don't often coincide for shows, when it comes to people; we are in total agreement.  Neither of us finds arrogance attractive and we've been annoyed by a couple of the contestants who were cocky and rude; and ultimately this caused us to root for the contestants who were perceived as the underdogs.  In one group challenge the underdogs truly had the better food; but because they ran out of food they lost the challenge.  In the next challenge, most of the same people were on the underdog team (even though in reality a lot of them were stronger contestants;) and the team who thought that they were "better;" behaved in a manner that was repulsive.  The challenge involved making burgers for truck drivers.  Each team needed to come up with one kind of burger; and then make 100 of them; and the truckers would cast a vote for their favorite; and the first team to get 51 votes would win.  Well the team who thought that they were all that and a bag o chips, made a run of the mill burger, with cheese, butter lettuce, tomato, onion and cole slaw.  The underdogs made a burger with Swiss cheese, bacon, sauteed onions, and a chipotle barbecue sauce on a toasted bun that had a bit of bacon flavor.  Can you guess who won?  The winner as it should have been was the underdogs; and my mouth watered for their burger something fierce.  I begged Luis to go to Red Robin for dinner after watching this episode, but he promised to make burgers tomorrow instead and the frugal side of me folded.  Luis and I discussed this challenge and he commented "These are truckers, of course they're going to like bacon; it's not like they were making burgers for Rabbi's;" and I almost peed my pants.  Oh my god,  sometimes Luis is just TOO funny!  Just like when he told me that he knows that I like this one contestant because he looks like Maks from "Dancing With the Stars."  HAHAHA, well he was right about one thing; I do like this one contestant because of what he looks like; but even I hadn't made teh correlation between he and Maks, until Luis pointed it out - and he is SO right! YUM!!  I don't feel guilty though, because Luis' favorite contestant just so happens to be a woman (a very young woman at that.)  I don't mind though; because I do like her too.

Needless to say, I have to finish up tonight's post so that I can go catch one more episode of "Master Chef" before I go to sleep.  So I'll leave you with this.  If you eat up the cooking shows; and you haven't watched "Master Chef;" see if you can catch it online, because it is nothing short of slendiferous.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-71) Santa And The Fairies

I don't post a status on Facebook every day; but this morning I couldn't resist and I shared: This morning Kelsie asked if the actors who play Kurt and Sue on "Glee" believe in God, even though Kurt and Sue don't. We discussed the fact that different people have different beliefs and different religions and Kelsie said; "I don't believe in Santa; but I still believe in fairies."


OK, so let's rewind a bit.  I was making the kid's lunches and out of the blue Kelsie asked her question about Kurt and Sue.  See, what did I tell you in "Quality time with Kelsie"... "A mind like a steel trap.
Anyway; just as I reported in my status; I pointed out that people can have varied beliefs and religions and I elucidated that even in our own home we have contrasting religions.  And that is when Kelsie, ever so matter of factly; shared that she doesn't BELIEVE in Santa; but she BELIEVES in Fairies.  Talk about being literal...

So, charmed as I was by her comment; I HAD to post it on Facebook; but I knew that this topic required more investigation; so after dinner I asked Kelsie if we could talk and she was clearly, relieved to find out that I wanted to discuss Santa and the fairies.  She said "THIS is what you wanted to talk about?  I thought that I was going to get in trouble for something."   Which certainly begs the question "what had she done?"  But heck, I had a blog to write, so I ignored the possibility of wrong doing and went on to ask Kelsie to tell me why she doesn't believe in Santa.  Kelsie said "I don't believe in Santa because when you get up, your parents are up and I just have the feeling that they just wake up early to do the stuff for their kids and shop."    She went on to say "Santa doesn't know how to make coffee because the parents know how and when I get up there's coffee and a bite in the cookie but I think either your mom or dad bites the cookie."  So her disbeliefs seemed to be based on the fact that when she gets up on Christmas, Luis and I are already up and everything is done AND there is coffee; and she didn't think that Santa would make the coffee or know where the cups were.  I clarified that I prepare coffee every night for the next morning; by putting it on a timer.  So I asked Kelsie, "If I make the coffee every night; what makes you think that I wouldn't make it on Christmas eve so that I could have it when I wake up on Christmas?"  Kelsie actually had a bewildered look on her face after I presented this information and I could see the wheels turning.  After giving it some consideration; Kelsie went on to say "How does Santa know where the wrapping paper is?"  She asked this, because s few months ago she found the wrapping paper that I had used for "Santa's gifts."  So just as I did at the time; I assured her that I leave the wrapping paper out for him.
Kelsie contemplated this claim and then said "Santa brings the present that the kids want and the gift wrap that he wants you to use and you wrap it up and put the bow on; because the reindeer might be tired; so he can't stay that long at each house.  I just have a feeling that the parents do everything for you. "  And she said it like that verbatim; without taking a breath.  It was immediately followed by "I know how Santa would fly from the North pole to America, but what if he can't make it everywhere on time; or what if his reindeer got sick, then there wouldn't even be a Christmas.  There would be no presents or gifts; just you and your family watching movies and eating food."  Whoosh!  OK, so I still wasn't convinced that she DIDN'T believe in Santa because her comments were contradicting; so I had to probe further and this is what she said, "I believe there's a guy who's dressed up like Santa but there's no flying reindeer.  The guy who drops off the presents is a guy who's dressed up in a Santa suit and he calls himself Santa Claus and he looks like Santa BUT there's no flying reindeer and he takes a plane and he carries a sack around."  Hmm, it seems to me that it's more so the reindeer that she's suspect of (and who shouldn't be?)  So I said "OK, so there's a guy who looks like Santa, but there is no Santa?" And Kelsie giggled and said, "He retired a long time ago."
 
I'm not sure that Kelsie really has a handle on this whole Santa thing.  It seems to that she believes in Santa to some extent; she's just questioning what exactly HE does.  I could tell that trying to explain her Santa theory was exhausting her; so we moved on to the topic of fairies. 
 
I asked Kelsie why she believes in fairies and she said "because if you say that you don't believe in fairies, then they will die.  I believe that if you think hard enough then you might just see the fairies and then you can say, I do believe in fairies.  And sometimes you just can't see them, but I think they are there."  She also tried to relate a story about seeing the Cheshire cat in a crescent moon as we drove to Mexico; and somehow she attributed this to fairies; although she couldn't explain it in a way that I could understand the connection between the two. 
 
Kelsie grew tired and appeared to be confusing even herself, so we concluded our interview for the evening; but something tells me that this is not the last that we'll hear about this subject. 
Truly it matters not to me, if Kelsie believes in Santa or fairies; but I do think that it's beneficial to keep a little wonder and magic in your life, for as long as you can.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-34) The Show I Shouldn't Have Missed...

In my August 24, 2010 blog, "Reality Check", I wrote about how reliant I am on my DVR.  Well, the thing about the DVR is, that it doesn't work UNLESS YOU PROGRAM IT.

In my March 4, 2009 "100 Random Things About Me" blog, #37 was "I've always loved award shows. But now, I keep it down to The Oscars, The Tonys,The Emmys and The Golden Globes; (oops, And SAG and Critics Choice.)"  So, what do my DVR and award shows have in common? You've probably guessed it.  I was unaware that the Emmys were on last night and hence I did not watch or DVR the broadcast; and I am very disappointed.  I've been able to find re-runs of the red carpet coverage, and of course there's the "Fashion Police;" however, thus far I have been unable to find a FULL broadcast of the actual show. Now certainly I have bigger fish to fry and this is NOT the end of the world, but while I was trying to locate the show online; I found the opening number from the broadcast and let me just say that if this number was any indication of what the rest of the show was like; BOY did I miss a doozie. In case you haven't seen it, I'm going to share the link with you now; and if you've never checked out any other link that I've posted; I promise you that you won't want to pass this one up. If you have seen it; by all means go ahead and watch it again. I've already watched it 3 times and it just gives me a BIG smile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPkDFPmRSqU

Now I ask you, WHAT could be better than this??  I'd take Jimmy Fallon as a host, over Neil Patrick Harris any day; and I like Doogie; really I Doo!  You've got the cast of  "GLEE;"  and if you've read "The Bumpy Ride" before; then you KNOW that's one of my fave shows.  If you're new to my blog; I LOVE GLEE!!  The effervescent Betty White (who I just blogged about last week in "Hot and Huge,"
was prominently featured; as was Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Kate Gosselin and Randy Jackson - not a group you'd typically expect to see together. This skit was funny and innovative and in my opinion, "Born to Run" is one of the best Springsteen songs ever; so the entire number was just PERFECTION!!  I think this is going to be a VERY tough act to follow; but rest assured my DVR and I will be ready next time for whoever wants to try.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Simple Pleasures

Seasons Greetings one and all!

When I first thought up the idea for this post, it was in response to the difficult economic times that we are all facing. I hadn't really been feeling like the Queen of ANYTHING which was certainly one of the reasons; OK, EXCUSES for my latest disappearance. Truth be told, I hadn't really had anything to write about that wouldn't make you want to slit your wrists after reading; so I thought it best to keep to myself. I know that things are tough ALL OVER and that everyone has their share of woes and sorrows, which is yet another reason that I chose not to regale you with my current state of affairs. So instead I decided to take the high road , and focus on the little things that make me happy; the simple pleasures, if you will. I had been compiling a list of things that put a smile on my face and bring warmth to my heart and now that I've waited so long to share this message ; the holiday season is upon us and I think it's an especially timely suggestion to reflect on those things that cost little to no money but bring us comfort and joy. I know, I know Kumbaya and all that - but I can't help it; I just gotta be me.

My Top Ten SIMPLE PLEASURES (in no particular order):

1. We recently discovered that a Hummingbird built a nest in the Lime tree outside of our guest room / office window. It appears that the hummingbird built the nest out of dryer lint and every time that I see the charming, little bird in her nest; it brings a smile to my face. (That's what I wrote WEEKS ago.) What happened next, was that Luis discovered that the Hummingbird had laid 2 eggs in the nest and so we now have baby Humming birds as well. How GLORIOUS! Don't ask me why, but I feel blessed to have them living in our tree. Luis, Nicky and I would go out daily and check on them and they are now big enough to fly. I am hoping that they build additional nests and continue to grace us with their presence; because they do make my heart smile.

2. My children's smiles.

(Need I say more?)

3. Hershey (my Chihuahua) When I originally wrote this down, (several weeks ago) it was actually; Taking walks with Hershey, because for various reasons; OK., EXCUSES - I hadn't been going to the gym. I was planning to go back but at the time it was SO beautiful outside, that I decided to take walks instead and take Hershey with me. It was invigorating to be outside on a beautiful November day and I must say that walking WITH Hershey and enjoying her companionship was just the icing on the cake. But on the 13th, I had a freak accident, involving one of my toes, due to another simple pleasure, "The smell of Pine;" and I haven't been able to go for a walk since. Now, before I go on and on about my wonderful dog; I know that I have peaked your curiosity about my toe. Let's suffice it to say that on Friday the 13th I was in Walmart and I wanted to smell a pine candle that they were selling (because I LOVE the smell of pine) and when I took it off the shelf, another candle came crashing down on my toe. The toe in question is an unsightly thing called a hammer toe (that I was born with, even though Michelle K has been trying to fabricate some type of accident that caused it.) Anyway the toe is is bent down and the glass candle landing on it has dislocated my joint. I know this because 2 weeks later, I actually went to see a Podiatrist, who had to give me a shot to numb it and a shot of steroids and informed me that I am going to require surgery. Now as fearful as I am of shots; you HAVE to know how painful this injury is in order for me to agree to take the shots; so hence NO WALKING or exercising has been going on. BUT, I can recall how loved and safe I felt walking with Hershey and since it was on my initial list, I have decided to let it remain. Truth be told, having her in my life brings me much happiness, no matter what we are doing.

4. A strong cup of coffee. I LOVE the smell, I savor the taste and it warms my body and soul. The first morning cup of the day is something that I really look forward to. Coffee can energize and inspire you. It can be social or something that you enjoy on your own. And I feel compelled to mention that my mom was a BIG coffee drinker and she always had a pot of coffee brewed, no matter what time of day. She drank it hot or iced; it was her beverage of preference and every time I smell or taste a cup I feel an irreplaceable connection. Ahh Coffee!

5. Getting a book that I want - at the library. I am almost giddy when I am fortunate enough to find a book that I really want to read, available at the library. it doesn't happen all too often, but when it does, I am on a high.

6. The smell of a barbecue. Even if it's not me who is going to get to enjoy the meal; I just adore that mouth watering smell.

7. A tidy house. I treasure the feeling of calmness that comes over me when I walk down the stairs in the morning and everything in our play room is in its place. There's nothing laying on the floor or overflowing from the bins; it's just TIDY, and I feel good!

8. I don't know that I REALLY have to say anything about this one; but this is me we're talking about; so of course I will. If you are a GLEEK like me, then I know you totally understand. If you haven't seen it but you like music, and a little bit a drama; you should definitely check out this show. If you don't, then I equate it to being a Trekkie.

This show isn't rocket science; it's not the best written thing on TV, it's just something that speaks to me. It's the first non-reality show that I've really gotten into in a LONG time and I look forward to watching it on Wednesday nights.

9. Making someone laugh. Now honestly, what better gift is there than a good laugh? OK, maybe you're thinking that a BMW or an all expense paid vacation COULD be better than a laugh; but let's be realistic. 1. A laugh is ALWAYS good for what ails ya, and tingles your being (ohh, that didn't sound EXACTLY like what I meant; butchya get the point I'm sure.) And 2. This IS the "SIMPLE pleasures" list. Now we know how good it feels to just crack up. To laugh so hard that you can't catch your breath or you think you're going to pee your pants; but to be the one who causes that laughter is a feeling that is far more precious than rubies.

10. Finishing a blog. The sense of satisfaction that I get when I complete a new post on "The Bumpy Ride" is beyond compare. I am always excited to add a new post to my repertoire because I feel as though I am taking one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a professional writer. Every time I actually publish a post, I am tenuous about the reaction that I am going to receive, but I know that if I don't try, I am already failing and that is NOT acceptable to me. Even just sitting down today to finally get this post out; I felt as though I was really breathing for the first time in a long while. As my fingers started tapping against the key s and my words were appearing on the screen, I knew that whatever doubts I've been having were unfounded, because this is EXACTLY who I am and what I should be doing ~ I feel it in my soul. So yet, once again, I am getting up on that proverbial horse and I am going to try and ride this baby for all it's worth because WRITING is really not an option for me; it's a necessity.
And with that, I encourage you all to be who you are. Know your truths and pursue your dreams; whether personal or professional. I recently found out that a friend of mine passed away very unexpectedly. He was 39; and although I am profoundly saddened by this loss, I am using his example to remember to live for today and not waste a minute because none of us ever knows how many we will be given. Rommel was an extraordinary individual who loved life. He knew who he was and he lived accordingly and that is more than most of us do in a much longer lifetime. I urge you all to be thankful for the things that bring you simple pleasures, take care of yourselves and be who you are.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING