(43-62) So HAPPY To Be Wrong!!

There was a part in "Dirty Dancing," when Dr. Houseman told Johnny that he knew that he wasn't the one who had gotten Penny in trouble; and he said "When I'm wrong I say I'm wrong."   And just like Dr. Houseman; so do I.  Now even though I didn't get anyone pregnant; I did have an equally troubling situation recently.  For those of you who are familiar with "The Bumpy Ride;" you know that being vague is NOT my strong suit;  but for proprieties sake, (now there's a new one for me;) I can't elaborate on what the problem was; however, I can tell you that this issue had NOTHING to do with another person; but with some documents.

Now in my particular case, since it was a matter of documentation and not communication, it was just that I misunderstood the situation and then the people who should have explained it to me; perpetuated the misunderstanding. But today someone finally explained the matter very clearly and precisely and the hugest weight was lifted off of my shoulders; and the birds chirped and the sun shine (or was it shone)and ALL was right with the world.  I can sincerely say that I have never been this happy nor has it ever felt this good to be wrong before.

I know that it's difficult for some people to admit when they're wrong; just as I wrote in "The Dirty Word," that some individuals have trouble saying "no."  But since none of us are perfect; should it really be that tough to just admit it when we've made a mistake?   EVERYONE gets confused from time to time.  Anyone can make a blunder, slip up, or err once in a while; so for (say it with me) "The greater good;"  wouldn't it just be that much less stressful and that much more pleasant if people could just own up to being incorrect if they are?  I know that pride often stands in people's way; but I for one, want to live harmoniously and with as little stress as possible, so I will gladly acknowledge being inaccurate or misinformed, if I know I am / was.

It's true that the way I was wrong about my documentation, harmed no one but Luis and I.  It caused us stress, and worry, in a different way than what I'm referring to in my advice for the greater good; but I think my point is that sometimes it feels good to know that you were wrong about something.  I can say that  we definitely would have not been this happy if I was "RIGHT" about the records in question.  Just as if I suspected I was ill, I wouldn't want to be "Right" about that.  Sometimes being wrong can be a good thing.  And sometimes admitting when you're wrong can be a great thing.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-56) Dirty Dancing ??

The Queen of EVERYTHING P.I. is at it again.  I don't enjoy being a cynic or a killjoy; in fact I like to think that I am typically the antithesis of these things; however, I DON'T like being duped; and something happened on "Dancing with the Stars" last night that had me feeling uneasy.
For those of you who don't watch "DWTS,"  my apologies; but please stay with me, because you don't have to have knowledge of the show to read this post.

Now, I LOVE "Dirty Dancing,"  it's one of my all time favorite movies, and I know that I've mentioned it at least twice before on "The Bumpy Ride."  The first time (briefly) in "Camping In Style," and then later in "What a Man."  I was actually quite surprised to see that I had only written about it twice and also that I didn't have it listed in my profile as one of my favorite movies; so I may just have to rectify that.  Anywho, I think that we've now established that I'm a Big (say it with me) "HUGE" "Dirty Dancing" fan; and as such I really don't want to tarnish any one's memory of it or call out one of its stars; but then again, I am The Queen of FAIRNESS; so I HAVE to.

Jennifer Grey is on this season's "Dancing With The Stars."  I for one am very happy that she's there, because since she got her new nose, we just don't see that much of her; or maybe we do and we just don't recognize her - SORRY.  Just kidding; REALLY.  Anyway, Lucky Jennifer got paired up with dance pro Derek Hough who just happened to have won "DWTS" two times already; and before even dancing a step they were already being pegged as the couple to beat.

So prior to their Viennese Waltz; they showed some clips from their rehearsals, and when Jennifer found out that they were dancing to a song from "Dirty Dancing," she had a little break down, cried, and left the room.  When she came back she explained that she was remembering dancing with Patrick and she spoke of him VERY fondly and very lovingly; which moved the audience tremendously; me included.  BUT, me being the Queen of USELESS KNOWLEDGE and the QUEEN of REMEMBERING THINGS, I recalled hearing that Ms. Grey and Mr. Swayze actually did NOT get along well during the filming of "DD" nor afterwards; and, I hate to say it, but this recollection made me feel manipulated.  I felt as if it was a stunt on Jen's behalf to pull our heartstrings and get votes based on our love for "Dirty Dancing" and our adoration of "Mr. Swayze," and that didn't feel honest to me.  The irony is, that Jennifer danced BEAUTIFULLY.  Had she not played the Patrick Swayze card, people would have voted for her based on her performance and for their love of Baby; but now she'll never know exactly why she got the votes.  Was it Dirty Dancing??

Do I enjoy being suspicious?  No way!  And, I am definitely not judging Ms. Grey's feelings about her "DD" co-star.  Perhaps if she was not fond of him in the past; that changed when he got ill.  It's not for me to say (or judge,)  BUT, my curiosity did get the better of me; so when Michelle K came over for dinner and I told her my theory; we got to work.
Every good PI needs a sidekick, and Michelle has helped me on more than one caper; so while I finished preparing dinner, she Googled "Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze's relationship during filming Dirty Dancing," and found:  Jennifer Grey Hated Working With Patrick Swayze Fearing they wouldn't have the right chemistry for Dirty Dancing...
By: Harjeet Mander on May 21, 2008  To quote Harjeet's article  "Jennifer Grey was distraught when she found out she was to star opposite Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, because the actress hated working with him in a previous film.

The co-stars first worked together on Red Dawn, an experience Grey strongly disliked, and when she discovered she was to work with the Hollywood hunk again in the cult 1987 film, she threw a hissy fit.
Producer Linda Gottlieb recalls: "When Jennifer heard that Patrick was playing the part she was not a happy camper.  "They had performed together in Red Dawn and I gather that was not a wonderful working relationship.  "They had very different temperaments  - Jennifer is a kind of spontaneous girl and she'd be very emotional; she would cry easily. Patrick is the exact opposite."

Now in doing my research (YES, research;) before boldly, writing this blog; I did find articles about Jennifer Grey's RECENT claims that Patrick Swayze inspired her to do "DWTS," and yet; I can't help but feel that this was all very calculated.  Certainly I don't want to taint any one's memory of "Dirty Dancing" or cause anyone to question the chemistry between Johnny and Baby, because there is no denying that it was there; but I guess that's what has me so distracted.  I can live with knowing that they were "acting," but I don't want to believe that Ms. Grey is using Patrick's passing to garner votes and sympathy; because she's BETTER than that.

Now, there's no need to comment and tell me that I'm being skeptical or rude; because I'm truly not trying to be.   Perhaps as Jen got older, she learned to value Patrick and the experience that they had together.  Maybe Ms. Grey and Mr. Swayze had a reconciliation at some point and we weren't privy to this information; however, I think that it's fair to say that if we don't have all of the information, we can only go on what was put out there for us; and that's exactly what this post has been based on.  I'll still vote for Jennifer Grey if she DANCES for my vote.  I'll continue to watch "Dirty Dancing" EVERY time I get the opportunity to; and it will still bring me the same joy that it always has. I'm merely presenting an idea, because afterall; although it might not be humorous, it is an observation and it's what has been on my mind today.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

What a MAN!

The news of Patrick Swayze's passing was sad, but if I'm being honest; I didn't really give it much thought until I watched the tribute to him on "Dancing With The Stars" last week. Although it wasn't quite the same as watching the original; I thought the dancers did a very good job on the recreation and I will admit that I was moved to tears.

It really doesn't matter how many times I've seen the "Time of My Life" routine or who's dancing it; my reaction is always the same ~ I just love it! I love the song, I love the dance, and I LOVE the movie.

I was a junior in college when "Dirty Dancing" premiered and I couldn't wait to get to the theater. I so related to what this movie was about: a setting just like The Pines, a guest / staff romance, AND dancing. It seemed like this movie was made for me. I fell in love with "Dirty Dancing" and the character of Johnny Castle upon first viewing. No, it wasn't that I had a crush on Patrick Swayze but THE MAN that he was portraying. Yes, Johnny was such A MAN to the girl that baby was and I think he made all of us girls want A MAN. (A man as in a mature being ~ no offense ladies.)
I remember how hopeful I felt watching the love story of Baby and Johnny. How I cried when I watched the scenes between Baby and her father, because my father was gone; and I truly remember feeling that I was ready to have a MAN in my life as opposed to the boys that I'd been spending time with. And all of these feelings drove me back to the theater to see it, again and again and again. I bought the soundtrack upon its release, the video and the DVD and yet, every time I come across it on TV, it's one of those movies that I can't pass up; even though I could just as easily take it out of its box and watch it commercial free. Oh who amongst us didn't want to crawl across the floor with Johnny to "You're the one," didn't want to dance with Johnny in his room while it poured, or have him for their very own? As a young woman I found watching their relationship exciting and compelling and I wanted one just like it; dancing and all. Oh I could list hundreds of reasons (and you know I could; ) why I loved / love "Dirty Dancing" so much, but I think that one of the most profound reasons is because it was actually the first romantic movie that I had seen where it wasn't just the man rescuing the woman. Yes, Johnny did rescue Baby, (from the corner) but she rescued him too. She showed him that his life could be different from what it had been and that he could choose to have whatever type of life he wanted; and then he even told her (and everyone else) that she had done this for him; which in my opinion made him even more of a MAN.

Not only did Patrick Swayze play a good MAN; he was also capable of playing a very good woman. For those of you who never saw "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar;" I highly recommend it; if you are looking for a feel good, B rate movie that will give you a tickle; (and I am the Queen of B RATE MOVIES after all.) Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in drag; need I say more? Probably not, but you know I will... Patrick Swayze's character, Vida Boehme was not just a man dressing up as a woman but a man trying to live his life as a GOOD woman. And I must say that he was a lot more graceful in body and spirit than a lot of the "real women" that we encounter in our day to day lives. Vida Boehme was the embodiment of what she believed a real woman should be: feminine, thoughtful, kind, well mannered, respectful and strong. She was poetry in motion; and we have Patrick Swayze to thank for that example.

During his life, Patrick Swayze may not have won an Oscar but he did win our hearts; and I'm sure that he will not be forgotten. I hope that Patrick Swayze had the time of his life and that he rests in peace.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Camping In Style

Disclaimer: This is going to be one long RIDE; so you might want to get a drink, get a snack and settle in for a while. Fasten your seat belts....

On July 28, I will turn 41. Boy, how time has flown. I can't believe that just a year ago I was getting ready for my 40th birthday Scraptacular weekend. I've been reflecting a lot over the past few months and I'm happy to say that during my 40th year I've made some very positive changes in my life - namely going to the gym and eliminating carbs at dinner and after (can you say "Broken Record"?) Well, now I've lost 27 lbs so I'm a little more than a quarter of the way to my goal, and I'm just as determined as ever. See, I really am the Queen of DETERMINATION.
I know that many people, ladies in particular have concerns about turning 40 and they tend to want to examine what they've achieved in their life thus far, and compare it to what they thought they would have achieved; I don't personally recommend this. I had no concern at all about turning 40; no, for me the magic number is 43; since both of my parents and my paternal grandfather - Wolf Howell (Yes, that was his real name - Richie Howell's father - go figure;) passed away at the young age of 43. Well not me I tell ya. That's NOT going to be me!! I'm DETERMINED to live well past 43. I've got too much living to do, and 2 more years just won't cut it. When I think about this I always seem to think of that Tim McGraw song "Live like I was dying." I always try to think of what it is that I would want to accomplish in these next 2 years - just in case. This slightly morbid notion does have a way of giving one some awesome perspective; and for this ONE in particular, I have decided that I STILL have many changes to make. I am DETERMINED to become a better person (not that who I am right now is so bad, ) but I want to be more patient, more tolerant, less anxious, less insecure, less fat, less annoyed, less critical, and more self-fulfilled. So you know what that means; more blog, more blog, more blog.
So to those of you who have yet to turn 40, I'm here to tell ya - ain't no thang but a number! Live, Live, Live; reflect and live some more!! Everyone goes at their own pace, and that's what makes our stories different; that's what makes us unique, individuals. I say embrace who you are, where you've been and where you're going AND if where you've been was not so great, then get the hell outta Dodge (if you haven't already) and DON'T GO THERE AGAIN.

Now that I'm down off my proverbial soapbox, I'm sure you're wondering what the hell this blog has to do with camping. Well folks, that's why I call it "The Bumpy Ride;" and away we go...

Some of you may recall that I previously stated emphatically "Jews don't camp." For those of you who don't recall this; it's time to yield. Stop right here - go to my archive and read the July 11, 2007 blog entitled "My Disorder;" then come back. For all others; let's move on. OK, so I previously stated that Jews don't camp; but now, this Jew does!! I LOVED camping and I can't wait to go again; and this was a decision that I made (to camp) and something that I discovered (that I love camping,) when? When I was 40. That's right, another major life change for the Queen during her 40th year. Get it now??

So let's talk camping... Luis and I took our time to purchase our tent, air mattresses and cooler - of course we did ; I'm the Queen of Making sure I got the best deal possible. When all was said and done, we had a FABULOUS 14x15 tent with a screened in patio, (I know it must be absolutely hysterical to my nearest and dearest to hear me use the word "fabulous" to describe a tent of all things.) I got us a smokin' deal on an Aero bed (air mattress royalty.) If you're in the market for an air mattress; whether it be for home use or camping (though you'll need to buy an adapter if it's for camping;) I HIGHLY recommend the Aero bed - it Rocks! Well actually it doesn't which is part of what makes it so fantastic. Luis and I had the pleasure of sleeping on an Aero bed when we visited our friends Hollie & Daniel in Colorado almost 2 years ago. We knew that the Aero bed was the Mercedes of air mattresses - and about the same price. Well, not really; but relatively speaking. Anyway, when we'd seen them in the store, they were typically around $200, but in early June I had the good fortune to see it in Costco for just $130. Knowing what a good deal this was; I bought one immediately; and then as luck would have it, about 2 weeks later I received a coupon flyer from Costco and they were offering the Aero bed from 6/23-26 only for $99 - OMG!! Well, you must know by now that I waited until the 23rd, took my unopened Aero bed and coupon (no receipt) right over to Costco; and after a little persuading (because I didn't have my receipt;) they refunded me for the difference. Woohoo!! Now I truly was a "Happy Camper."

I don't have a story about my coolers; but I will say that for novices, Luis and I packed them up perfectly and EVERYTHING stayed cold for the duration.
Now for those of you who were expecting some crazy story about me falling in the lake or getting sprayed by a skunk or anything verging on the bizarre and outrageous, like what I'm usually up to; I do apologize; but I have nothing to report. I was safe other than tripping over a rock or six. I didn't have anything to complain about, other than the enclosed hole in the ground that they called a bathroom; and I did something that I have done very few times in my life - RELAX!!

For me going camping was a lot like going to "The Pines." The Pines was a hotel in the Catskill Mountains (NY). I liken it to Kellerman's in "Dirty Dancing." My Nana and Papa, would check in on Memorial Day weekend, check out on Labor day weekend, and since I only lived about 2 hours away; I'd go up to visit EVERY chance I got. My major activity at The Pines (other than hooking up with a waiter or lifeguard,) was sitting. LOL Well, not JUST sitting; hanging out, sitting and talking. I'd meet my friends for breakfast, eat and talk; adjourn to the couches in the upper lobby, where we'd sit and talk till lunch; where we'd eat and talk, change for the pool, (sit & talk - occasionally swim.) Shower and get changed for dinner, meet friends in the lobby, sit & talk till dinner. Go to dinner (s&t) walk up to the nightclub - AKA theater where we might see a mediocre performance at best. Let's just say it would not have been unusual to see a "Mambo Madness" type performance or we'd go into the lounge to listen to the vocal styling's of Speedy Garfin and the Garfin Gathering (thought you'd like that BIG V - she was a BIG fan;) then we'd sit on the couches outside the coffee shop where we'd eventually have to go because it had been over 3 hours since anyone had eaten - ha ha ha. Is it any wonder that I had 100 lbs to lose? OK, anyway my point was - camping was a lot like The Pines; a lot of sitting, talking and eating; and I loved it!! I had some wonderful "Scrabble" games with Michelle (It's July and she's still not legally) K, I got to read, play poker, have some cocktails and enjoy my family and friends without having to rush off somewhere - What's not to like? OK, the bathrooms. The bathrooms at this particular campsite were not to like; but next time we will camp in a place with flush toilets. My bed was comfy with a capital C. My "Survivor man" husband showered me and treated me like the Queen I am - OK, yes I said he showered me. Yes, I stood outside naked on a large rock, (it was dark and no one could see; at least I hope so;) and he poured water over me so that I could get clean. My hero!! Luis AKA "Survivor man" (SM) was AMAZING to watch in action. He practically put up our tent by himself at nightfall, in the rain (I had kids to trek to the bathroom.) He blew up our air mattresses to help make our comfy, stylin' camp. He cooked 3 packages of bacon, he made pancakes AND eggs, cooked to order. He chopped wood, took the kids fishing, bathed the kids, bathed me, secured our tent when it rained, he grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for 15 people, he helped me with everything and anything and even got our tent back into its original bag. Watching SM at his best just convinced me more than ever that he truly is "survivor" bound.

Before we even left the campsite I was already trying to plan our next camping trip. Heck, I would have gone again that weekend but I knew we wouldn't be able to get a reservation due to the holiday so we're now planning to go on August first because July is a busy month for us. Not only will I celebrate my birthday, but Luis and I just celebrated our 14th anniversary. Upon reflecting I am thankful for every day that we've had together during my 40th year as well as ALL others. I have come to the realization that no one is perfect (especially me,) and marriage is the toughest job that you'll ever have; but at the end of our very busy days it's all worth it and I'm glad that we've got each other . I have a feeling that we've got many more camping trips ahead of us; and you just have to know that an accident or mishap is bound to happen - so please stay tuned.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING