(43-266) 100 To Go!

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       

(43-100) 100 MORE Random Things About Me

Today's post is my 237th and  #100 in my 43 series.  I can't believe that I've written for 100 consecutive days; or that I have 266 more to go; but just like I told you in "43," I'm going to celebrate all year long; and I can think of no better way, than to acknowledge each milestone.

Since this is post #100, I tried to think of a list that I could formulate.  I considered doing my top 100 songs, but thought better of it, because that would pretty much preclude me from ever writing a song blog again; and I like having that option.  Michelle M suggested that I do 100 of my favorite things; but since most of my favorite things are food, friends, and TV shows, I decided to hold off until I could give that topic a lot more thought.  Ultimately, I decided; if it ain't broke; don't fix it.  And so, since I did "100 Random Things About Me" for my original 100th post; I thought I'd provide you with a list of "100 MORE Random Things About Me:"  

1.     I've always wanted to go to Paris.
2.     I'm a Fanilow.
3.     I highly recommend "Mike And Molly," on CBS.
4.     Sci-fi is torturous to me.
5.     I am a big fan of Pesto.
6.     Though many find him annoying; I'm amused by Gilbert Gottfried. 
7.     I adore whipped cream.
8.     My favorite thing about Maks (from "DWTS") is his smile.  OK, and his HUGS!
9.     I love to buy new underwear.
10.    "The Queen of Babble" by Meg Cabot, is my current, favorite book.
11.   I get great joy out of using a coupon.
12.   I don't typically like re-fried beans.
13.   I get nervous to drive to places I've never been before.
14.   I get annoyed when people write "your" when they mean " you're."
15.   New pens are a simple pleasure.
16.   I look forward to my first cup of coffee of the day.
17.   I have no interest in eating Taffy.
18.   I always ask for a piece of lemon if I order diet cola.
19.   I hate to touch raw chicken.
20.   I don't ever need to hear "Boom Boom Pow" again.
21.   I don't use a lot of salt; but I love it on a brownie or in a chocolate chip cookie.
22.   I've never been an Oprah fan; but I've actually started recording her show.
23.   I would prefer that people chew with their mouths closed.
24.   John Travolta is my favorite actor.
25.   I don't like the color grey.
26.   I love the smell of Orange Blossoms.
26.   I'm dying to go to Hawaii.
27.   I'm too sensitive.
28.   I never iron.
29.   I'm not good at relaxing.
30.   I wish that I danced more - A LOT more.
31.   I make lists.
32.   I applied to the NYU school of Social Work; just to see if i could get in...I did.
33.   For one semester, I went to graduate school for teaching.
34.   I also went to graduate school for community and school psychology.
35.   I don't have a Master's degree.
36.   I would consider moving to just about anywhere.
37.   I thoroughly enjoy Bill Maher.
38.   I do what I say I'm going to do.
39.   I despise liars.
40.   I miss Broadway shows.
41.   I don't like cottage cheese.
42.   I don't think "American Idol" will be the same without Simon Cowell.
43.   I like Shredded Parmesan cheese but I won't eat the grated kind, (in a can.)
44.   I've never had a professional back massage before; and I'm OK with keeping it that   way.
45.   I dread driving the I-10 to L.A.
46.   I don't care for Matt Damon.
47.   I prefer Asti Spumante to Champagne.
48.   I'm tired of Rachael Ray.
49.   I eat up entertainment gossip.
50.   I believe that laughter IS the best medicine.
51.   The Situation amuses me.
52.   I know all of the words to Sugar Hill gang's "Rappers Delight."
53.   I can't pronounce Chili Relleno properly.
54.   I could listen to Kate Winslett read the phone book.
55.   I don't like to drive at night.
56.   Haggling makes me happy.
57.   I've been to a Neil Diamond concert and it was a blast.
58.   I don't think that you should do something to make someone else happy, if it won't make you happy.
59.   I've learned that you can never expect others to do what you would do; and be disappointed when they don't.
60.   I want to spend next summer in Puerto Vallarta with my kids.  (Luis too of course; but he'll only be able to come in to visit.)
61.   I may have a crush on Kevin james.
62.   I wouldn't want to go to the moon.
63.   I try to cook dinner at least 5 nights a week.
64.   I'm awful at Geography.
65.   I have very bad allergies and sinuses.
66.   I like making new friends.
67.   I care TOO much about what people think about me.
68.   I liked Rhoda better than Mary.
69.   In third grade we had to write a fan letter and I wrote mine to Anson Williams   (Potsie on "Happy days.") 
70.   During my sophmore year in high school, I was on an episode of "That's Incredible."
71.   I wish that I was as creative as my friend Mari.
72.   Lobster is my FAVORITE food.
73.   I don't like saying "Good-bye."
74.   I re-write lists if I don't think that they're neat enough.
75.   I love to snuggle.
76.   I can't drink Chamomille tea.  Well, technically I can; but I won't.
77.   I think that Wendy's breakfast biscuit is a treat.
78.   I want to become a better baker.
79.   I'm easily grossed out.
80.   Italian food makes my mouth water.
81.   I'd rather swim in a pool than the ocean.
82.   I usually fall asleep easily.
83.   I still like Jell-o shots.
84.   I always cry during "Forrest Gump."
85.   I was never into video games.
86.   I need to paint my house.  OK, Luis needs to paint my house.
87.   I appreciate consistency.
88.   I admire my friend Dawn's vocabulary.
89.   I need to dedicate more time to sending out writing samples.
90.   I would never go on Tower of Terror.
91.   I have VERY mixed feelings about Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."
92.   I'm easily frustrated.
93.   When I was a Social Worker, I appeared before Judge Judy (before she was ever on   TV.)
94.   I don't like going to the zoo.
95.   Seth Rogan makes me laugh.
96.   Once again I need to lose 100lbs.
97.   It's been a long time since I've seen a really good movie.
98.   I think Kohl's rocks!!
99.   I don't think that the Duggar's should have any more children
100.  I am grateful beyond words to Rachel K, for teaching me how to post a link.

What more can I say?
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

100 Random Things About Me

Continuity, continuity, continuity; oh and by the way, did I mention continuity? So just as I like to celebrate my birthday all weekend; OK all week long; I also want to enjoy the fact that I have reached a real milestone on "The Bumpy Ride" by posting 100 blogs. Now, being the Queen of Fairness that I am, I had to work through a real dilemma last week, as last weeks post was Bumpy Ride #100; however, since I deleted a post (NEVER to be read again - God willing;) it actually appears as if up until today there were only 99 posts. So what does this mean, you ask... Right, that THIS is TECHNICALLY blog # 100 - WOOHOO!

Now, if you happen to have read my post entitled "You Asked For It;" (The one with all the photos of GC,) then THIS post would be the one, previously referred to as #2; but hopefully you won't think it's #2 - capiche? And so, for continuity's sake I decided to bite off of a recent forward (if you will,) that has been going around Facebook. During the past few weeks people have been sharing 25 random facts about themselves. When I first received someones, I was a little perplexed because it invites you to share your 25 random things and I'm such an open book, that I honestly didn't think that there were 25 things that people DIDN'T know about me. After thinking about it for quite a few days (surprise, surprise ) I posted my list but later realized that I had forgotten to use some of the "good ones" that I'd come up with; so I got to thinking - "In honor of my 100th blog, I'm going to challenge myself to post 100 Random things (including some of my original 25 - I mean give a girl a break.) Now these 100 random things will also include random thoughts as hey, thoughts are things; AND, say it with me "I'm all about the greater good."

I've really been looking forward to this post, and I've had my list comprised pretty much since I previously referred to it as #2. I decided that I was going to take a break from work in the morning, and get this weeks post out early. I found my little picture (above) and I started typing away. I was ON A ROLL; until, I couldn't find my handy, dandy notebook where I had written the 75 things. I won't say I searched frantically, but CLOSE TO IT. Finally I gave up and went back to work. I emailed Michelle K, and let her know about my road block and she kindly suggested that I pray to St. Anthony as her Grandmother swears by it. Since I was desperate, I thought it couldn't hurt. I told her that I would do it, but I drew the line at crossing myself. I went from room to room saying "St. Anthony St. Anthony look around; something's lost and must be found" but alas, no notebook. So when I picked Kelsie up from school I told her that I had a very important job for her, and I asked her to look for my notebook and bribed her with the $1.00 Jr. Candy Sundae that she has been after from Sonic. Well, this was a deal that Kels couldn't pass up, and after being in the house about a minute and a half, I hear "I GOT IT!" And sure enough SHE DID. It was in the playroom, don't ask me why. My little artists probably needed a piece of paper and helped themselves to Mama's special book; but I DON'T care. I got it back and now I can get started. I wrote to Michelle and let her know that Kelsie had found my book, to which she replied "Great, maybe now she can find me a job." LOL I assured her that for the price of a Sonic sundae anything might be possible. AND while I'm on the subject; I just came back from getting Kelsie that Sonic Jr. candy sundae and I have to say - it's PERFECT! If you are trying to watch your weight, but desire a little treat, for $1.00 you get a small portion of vanilla ice cream with your choice of M&M's, Oreos, Peanut Butter Cup or Butterfinger, whipped cream and a cherry. I didn't get one for me, but definitely made a note to self, for those low self-control days, I am heading to Sonic.

And, so without further ado; I present my VERY random list.1. Luis and I fell in love at first sight in Puerto Vallarta;. We were physically together a total of 4 weeks during the course of 6 months, (before he came to the U.S on a fiance visa;) and we'll be celebrating our 15th anniversary on July 2nd. (Full story still to follow at a later date.)

2. My kids are the best thing I've EVER done..

3. I ache to become a professional writer. (I actually feel it in my bones.)

4. I've always wanted to live in Chickapin Parish ala "Steel Magnolias".

5. I don't think that I'm a very good driver; EXCEPT for on the highway in Mexico.

6. I am not very religious; but I love being Jewish.

7. I totally miss New York Diners. Seriously, if there is anyone with some restaurant savvy, and you're looking to strike it rich ~ move to Arizona and open a Good, Old Fashioned, everything from Omelets to Crab stuffed flounder diner, and you will make a Gold Mine.
8. ABBA music makes me happy!!

9. I'm a very good organizer( but you would never be able to tell that by looking at my house.)

10. I love going to the movies; but I rarely go.

11. I could eat Sushi every day.

12. Michelle Kalka (still getting used to that and I know SHE is too;) IS the best speller I know.

13. I have never been to Oregon, but I just have a feeling that I would love to live there.

14. My parents and paternal Grandfather all died at the age of 43 and that WON'T be me.

15. I love Broadway Musicals.

16. I do a pretty good Cher impression.

17. My favorite physical feature is my eyes (Yes, boys; my eyes.)

18. I excel at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. (Feel free to email AsktheQOE@gmail.com to challenge me.)

19. I don't like scary movies because I have a VERY vivid imagination.

20. "Silence of the Lambs" was the scariest movie that I've ever seen and I still check the backseat of my car before I get in; so I can make sure that no one is hiding in there to abduct me (proving #19 right there.)

21. I am terrified of dying and leaving my children.

22. I don't speak fluent Spanish; but I have a very good accent.

23. I'm not always the person that I want to be.

24. My friends are my family.

25. I have severe wanderlust.
26. I ALWAYS wake up in a good mood and raring to go - NO matter how tired I am.

27. I gave birth to all 3 of my children without any drugs or and epidural and I'd gladly do it that way all over again.

28. I'm a pretty good public speaker.

29. The 3 best meals of my life were all eaten with my husband, "My Sister" Michele and her husband, Tony.

30. I've never smoked pot or taken any other illegal drugs.

31. I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

32. I used to smoke cigarettes; and I loved it.

33. I don't like heavy metal - never have.

34. I LOVE iced coffee and even drink it when it's cold. (It TOTALLY reminds me of my mom, and she would just be tickled at how many places serve iced coffee now; let alone all of the varieties.)

35. I wish that we spent more time with my brother.

36. I believe intelligent conversation can be a thrill.

37. 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.)

38. I believe that Jackie Teale would give you the shirt off of her back.

39. I am grateful for my husband and I LOVE him beyond words.

40. I'm great at returning things - even things that shouldn't be returned. (Yes, I'm THAT woman.)

41. I LOVE Frozen margaritas, without salt and only if you can't really taste the Tequila. (Yes, I know that's called a lime slushie - but humor me.)

42. I want to learn to make Matzoh Balls.

43. People tell me that I'm a good cook but I have a limited repertoire.

44. I love to make plans.

45. I'm very good at arguing (even when I don't want to.)

46. I wish I had a singing voice like Judy Leff, Michele Quigley or Stefanie Schanzer Melillo.

47. I don't think that people should wear slippers to the store.

48. I prefer fountain sodas to bottles or cans and the bigger THE BETTER!

49. I wish Bath & Body Works would sell Holly Jolly Mistletoe Antibacterial hand soap (or any evergreen scetnted soap) ALL YEAR LONG

50. I still LOVE to dance.

51. I can't resist movie theater popcorn. (With butter)

52. I will miss James Spader and "Boston Legal" terribly.
53. I have NEVER watched an episode of Star Trek.
54. I think Rachel Kaufman is a marvel. Her entrepenaurial spirit is contagious.

55. If my handwriting doesn't look neat enough to me (even if it's just a list;) I'll rip it up and re-write it. (I know what they call that; you don't have to tell me...)

56. I know nothing about wine, but I admire people who do.

57. Lori Butler is the MOST exceptionally, organized person I know.

58. I HATE being late; though all too often I am.

59. I hate calling in the order for take out; and I don't really like picking it up either. ( I think it has to do with being fat.)
60. I love Olives - ALL kinds.

61. I find slot machines tedious.

62. Sour Patch Kids / Sour gummy worms are my new faves.

63. I prefer chocolate if it has something in it - like peanut butter or nuts; hell, even a raisin.

64. I love the way Bobbi Hahn accessorizes.
65. Every day I try to be a better person.

66. I can't resist a "Real World Road / Rules Challenge"

67. I have learned that when someone shows you who they are - BELIEVE THEM.

68. I can't wait to go camping again. (I KNOW; can you belive it?)

69. I love to sleep in the car (when someone else is driving - of course.)

70. I love to look at the ocean but I've always hated sand.

71. I think Disneyland pales in comparison to Disneyworld.

72. I love mushrooms with EVERYTHING. Eggs, pasta sauce, steak - YUM!

73. I think crab legs are a waste of time. Not enough meat for the work; BUT, I really like crab.

74. I'm a big Johnny Depp fan.

75. I probably take too much Ibuprofen.

76. I have pee anxiety. If we're going somewhere I HAVE to go to the bathroom EVERY chance I get, for fear that I will have to go and then there won't be a bathroom available.

77. I love Victorian homes.

78. I've always wanted a porch swing (which I guess would mean I've also always wanted a porch.)

79. I am thankful that I come from New York.
80. I should have changed my major from Pre-Law to English and NOT Sociology / Criminal Justice.

81. Since I try not to eat carbs at dinner, Chinese food has lost it's appeal.

82. Hollie Castro is the most ambitious person I know; and I think she is truly awe inspiring.

83. My feet are way TOO BIG.

84. I wish that Nick Mitchell / Norman Gentle, would have made it into the wild card round of American Idol. ( I mean wouldn't you rather watch a few weeks of him, then say someone like Sanjaya?)

85. Serendipity is one of my very favorite words, (but I rarely get to use it.)

86. I believe that money can't buy happiness but it can buy peace of mind.

87. I am committed to building my home in Puerto Vallarta (for someday.)

88. I love to stay in nice hotels. (Which is to say - I love to stay in hotels; as long as they are NICE!)

89. I don't like to spend time alone.

90. It's very unusual for us not to have plans on a Saturday night.

91. I am not fond of cilantro.

92. I can defnitely fly by the seat of my pants.

93. I once went to the airport with a friend, and just got on a plane and went to Orlando. We had nothing with us, and just bought a few things when we got there.

94. I have recently learned to believe that just becasue someone thinks something about you; it DOESN'T mean it's true. (YES, I only JUST learned this.)

95. I believe that Robert Downey Jr. and John Travolta will both win Oscars one day.

96. I know Most KISS songs by heart; thanks to my brother. I hated them growing up, but over the years they've grown on me; and yah I REALLY LIKE THEM.

97. I think forgiveness is the best gift that you could give or receive.

98. Lesa Guth's lemon bars are good for what ails ya. (You'll just have to take my word for this one.)

99. I believe that I'll be paid to write one day. (hopefully sooner than later.)

100. I try to give more than I take.

So there you have it. What more can I say ~ REALLY? I know that these tidbits may seem rather self-indulgent, but I guess that's why it's MY blog. Although as I've said a million times before, I am EVER so grateful to those of you who chose to read it. And EVEN more grateful to those of you who tell your friends about it. LOL

I am optimistic that my next 100 posts are going to be even better than the first; and I am actually going to attempt to do 2 posts a week in order to get in a more regular writing groove. Maybe a pro wouldn't say writing groove; but hey, I just gotta be me.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

How the Ride Began Part 1

Disclaimer: This blog is has been previously published in the form of an email. So to any readers who participated in my Oscar pool or were in my test market, I apologize for the re-run; but wanted everyone to have a clear understanding of how the ride began...

OK, so with that said; When I announced that I was going to be writing a blog, many people asked WHAT I was going to be blogging about, and this was my reply:
Now you may be wondering what I plan to blog about and believe me; so do I. I certainly have comments still left to be made about the Oscar's; before, during and after. Everything from red carpet to acceptance speeches, etc. etc.
Where will I go from there? Well, I enjoy Reality TV so I thought I might write a bit about that. For instance I'm a "big musical girl" in case you haven't guessed that one already; here's the tip off - Jennifer Hudson - WOOHOO! Anywhoo, being the "big musical girl" that I am; of course I wanted to watch "Grease - you're the one that I want," I mean what could be better? Grease, one of the all time classic movies of the 70's; that I think I saw IN the theater at least 10 times (b/c god knows movie prices weren't what they are now, and one could reasonably see a movie 10 times - like there's anything reasonable about seeing a movie 10 times, but I digress.) Anyway, Grease, A reality show, Broadway bound performers or wannabe's whatever you wanna call em'. This just sounds too good to be true; and pretty much last weeks show proved that truer words were never spoken. I started calling the show "Grease - you're the one I don't want." I mean why the heck would you have people who are auditioning for a Broadway show, sing songs like "summer of 69 and Mony Mony." I might have understood if MAYBE those songs had been done to a Broadway style arrangement; but no, this was just pathetic w/ a capital P.
I must admit that one of the parts that annoyed me the most, wound up giving me such a laugh. I thought it was moronic that they gave a nickname to each Danny and Sandy. So one was Slacker Danny or Boy band Danny or Baby Sandy or Serious Sandy etc. But my absolute favorite, was "Spiritual Sandy," yes the girl who sings w/ church groups professionally chose to sing "suddenly I see" by KT Tunstall. I thought that this was a very peculiar choice for her but it tickled me silly every time she sang "why the HELL it means so much to me." I mean that line must be in the song at least 5-10 times and "Spiritual Sandy," sang on "Why the Hell, it means so much to me." Teehee. It was just awful. I'm thoroughly disappointed, though there are a couple of real hottie Danny guys. Truth be told, I'm just gonna watch in hopes that my boy John Travolta comes out one night to reprise his role - yum, yum, I love me some John Travolta. So I'll continue watching and waiting or maybe I'll just watch my Grease DVD and put myself out of my misery. Heck, even Grease 2 would be better than this. Can you say Adrian Zmed?? (Whatever happened to that joker?? ) For those of you - who have not seen this spectacle, you're probably lucky; however, the few minutes it took you to just read that tirade was a complete waste of your time. SORRY!! And for you I offer that I'm also considering writing about regular TV shows, like the genius I believe to be "Boston Legal."
What can I say - James Spader, James Spader, James Spader. No longer playing a spoiled, rich boy in 80's teen movies; all grown up and at his very best, Candace Bergen, I loved her as Murphy Brown and I say as Shirley Schmidt she's JUST as good - and even Shat. I for one have NEVER seen an episode of Star Trek or TJ Hooker and I didn't even care for his Priceline commercials, but this man was definitely born to be Denny Crane. Gosh, what a brilliant show. I think it kicks Ally McBeal's butt. Yes I know Ally isn't on anymore, but it's all David Kelly and this is much, much, better and smarter; though I must say I don't know who in their right mind would buy Delta Burke as a Jew?? Bella Horowitz my big toe. I see her and I just think Suzanne Sugarbaker (Designing Women;) another smartly written, awesome show, but not a Jewish girl amongst them; which is ironic since most everyone knows how us Jewish girls like to decorate - sometimes a little TOO much; and if you don't have any clue what I'm talking about with these shows either - again I say "Sorry," a few more minutes of your time wasted. My bad!!
Now, if none of this appeals to you; I think I'll also blog about everyday stuff. Thoughts, opinions, incidents. Because, let me just tell you that I am an incident waiting to happen. Rarely does anything go off without a hitch for me, so pretty much it's ALWAYS something. I've ALWAYS got a story to tell and now I finally have a forum to tell it. Not to mention that I'm married to Ricky Ricardo personified so what more could you ask for. My home is akin to an "I Love Lucy" episode on a daily basis; I just have interchangeable Mertzes.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING