(43-204) MAMMA MIA!

I woulda, shoulda, coulda, called this post MY BAD; since ultimately it's about me making yet ANOTHER mistake.  BUT, since my mistake revolved around seeing the show "Mamma Mia," and MAMMA MIA is an Italian interjection; I decided to go with that; because I thought it was kinda clever.

Yesterday, when I wrote "Making Plans;" I told you about how I wanted to plan to see "Mamma Mia," in Las Vegas.  Did I think to check and see if it was still  running in Las Vegas before writing my post; hell no.  Why would I do that?  That would make too much sense.   It honestly never dawned on me to research it before writing my post; because I just assumed it was still there. But this morning, my friend Bernice left a comment on my post; and she told me to check because she didn't think it was currently showing in Las Vegas; and I guess by now you've figured out; that she's right.  OK, so I'm not feeling like the brightest bulb in the box at the moment; but this too shall pass.

When checking to see if  "Mamma Mia" was still in Vegas; I was able to find out that it is coming to the Gammage auditorium in Tempe, in May after all.  So at the very least we'll have an opportunity to see it if we want to take our chances on the sound.  As for the Vegas part of my plan; if people are interested in meeting up there; I could still plan to celebrate my 44th birthday there and see another show.  Barry Manilow's still there; (at least for now.)

The good news is; I've got nothing but time baby.  162 days to be exact. This is just a minor set back.  This is simply one wrong turn on this Bumpy Ride; and I for one am very excited to see where this journey will take me.  I have every confidence that I, Queen of PLANNING and clearly not Queen of RESEARCHING; will ultimately enjoy the best 44th birthday EVER; no matter what we do. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-203) Making Plans

When I wrote "100 Random Things About Me," # 44 was "I love to make plans." In fact, I think it's safe to say that I'm The Queen of Making Plans. It just seems to come naturally to me.  I've always had an affinity for organizing people so whether I'm planning something as simple as getting together with another family, or something as complex as a scrapbooking weekend with whatever number of friends; and a complete schedule of activities; I am happy to plan away.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't ALWAYS have to have a plan.  I can just as easily fly by the seat of my pants; but, I think the reason that I generally plan, is because I like to keep busy. There are also times, when planning is necessary, like when going on vacation or celebrating a special occasion; which brings me to the point of this post.  

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned to Luis that I wanted to do something VERY special for my 44th birthday.  We agreed that if  ever there would be a time to rejoice; it would be after surviving my 43rd year.  We discussed the possibility of a party, or going away for the weekend; and inviting my friends to meet us at the chosen destination; and we agreed that it was something that we would discuss further as my birthday got closer.  Well, with only 163 days until my birthday; my minds a thinking.

Now when I wrote "We Are Family," I told you that my cousin, Jackie and I were discovering that we had a lot in common; and one of our greatest similarities was our love of Broadway shows. Over the weekend, Jackie and I had been telling each other about the first shows that we'd seen, and some of our favorite musicals; and just as I said "I really want to see 'Mamma Mia,' Jackie said "me too!"   We discussed the possibility of seeing it in Phoenix; but I told her that I didn't think that the sound at Gammage auditorium was very good; and I suggested that we see it in Las Vegas.  The more that we talked about the idea; the more excited we got; and then I started thinking that maybe THAT'S what I should do for my birthday.  I could fly up to Vegas with Jackie's daughter Becky; and if any of my other friends wanted to meet us there; they could.  They could join us for "Mamma Mia" if they wanted to; but they certainly wouldn't have too; and then the next day, Luis could drive up with the kids; so if anyone else wanted to travel with their family, we could all get a chance to be together.  Sounds like a win win to me.

So there you have it.  I'm in planning mode.  Now of course this birthday plan isn't written in stone.  It's just the first idea that I'm throwing out there; and I am very open to suggestions. Hint, Hint!  I know that one way or the other; Jackie, Becky and I, will plan to go to Las Vegas to see "Mamma Mia;" no matter if it's for my birthday celebration or not; and I'm anxiously anticipating it.  I think that's one of the greatest things about planning... You ALWAYS have something to look forward to.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-32) Vegas

I really do LOVE Las Vegas; it's a veritable feast for the eyes.  From the magnificent hotels, to the bright, neon lights, to the people from all walks of life; it is spectacle to behold and such a FANTASTIC time.  And speaking of time, it's amazing how time seems to pass SO quickly while you're there.  Before we knew it the clock read 2am, but the hotels and the streets were as lively as if it was 7pm.  We hated to go to sleep, but we really were tired; so at 3 we decided to call it a night.
Although I knew that I would have an awesome time, having Luis to myself and visiting with our friends; I'll say it again, the trip exceeded my expectations.  Luis an I reconnected.  We laughed, and joked, and danced and sang.  And I feel so blessed that after 16 years, we STILL enjoy our time together as much as ever.  We never run out of things to talk about; in fact we talked about some things today that we've never discussed before and the time we shared was priceless.

Even though I missed my kids, it wasn't agonizing.  I was looking forward to seeing them; but I knew that they were in great hands; so, I would have to say that there is definitely something to be said for having some time alone with the one you love; no matter where you are.

Such a fun trip, deserves it's own soundtrack; and so I'm going to share some of the songs that will forever remind me of this trip. 
"I Like It" - Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9_n8jakvWU
"Club Can't Handle Me" - Flo Rida & David Guetta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgM3r8xKfGE
"Everlasting Love" - Carl Carlton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uozA4PQwYl0
"Right Round" - Flo Rida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrjp4IPXSY

"I Like it" just so happens to be both mine and Luis' new fave song, and Luis put it on the CD that he's made for our trip.  I've always loved "Everlasting Love" and it made it onto this list because our cocktail waiter who doubled as a singer butchered this song while we were playing video poker, and although it was a bad rendition; it was memorable.  Yes, I know 2 Flo Rida songs; "Club Can't Handle Me" is another song from Luis' Vegas road trip CD; and "Right Round" reminds us of "The Hangover;" and since we were going to Vegas we reminisced quite about about this movie.  On our way there I even asked Luis if he wanted to steal a cop car and Mike Tyson's tiger and he said he was TOTALLY up for it.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-31) FIRSTS

I'd say "Guess where I am," but I think it's farely safe to say that you've already figured that out.  The BIG news about me being in Las Vegas, is that Luis and I are here WITHOUT our kids and this is the FIRST time that we've ever gone away overnight without them.  Talk about making changes.  Thanks to our AMAZING friend Tina, Luis and I left for Vegas after dropping the kids at school this morning and within 5 hours we arrived at the Rio.  Now we're only going to be here for one night; but we've been having a FANTASTIC time.
We came to Vegas because my friends Dawn and Michael were going to be here for a few days (they live in Connecticut;) and I REALLY wanted to meet Dawn in person.  OK, that probably sounded peculiar; so let me explain.

My senior year of high school, I became friends with Michael, who was a friend of a friend; and went to a different high school then I did.  Michael and I lost touch during college but reconnected on Facebook and in 2009 when I was starting up my Oscar pool for the year, Michael mentioned that he thought that his wife might be interested in participating.  I sent her a friend request, and the rest has been history.  Dawnie and I hit it off famously and found that we had an extraordinary amount in common.  Dawn is an absolute delight and she has become a very good friend of mine.  Dawn is someone that I've come to count on for love, support and advice; and truth be told I actually talk to her a lot more often that I talk to Michael; although I adore him as well.  Dawn is intelligent, and funny, forthright, and insightful; and she doesn't just tell you what you want to hear; which I truly respect.  Now ironically enough, Dawn's family lives in Arizona, but she hasn't been there to visit since we've become friends; so when she asked me to meet her in Vegas, I JUMPED at the chance.  With only 5 hours between us, there was no way that I could have her be in such close proximity and NOT meet her.
Asking Luis if he wanted to go to Vegas was like asking Imelda Marcos if she wanted a pair of shoes.  He was totally on board for a little getaway, and we had planned to bring the kids, but since Vegas isn't a pet friendly town (unless your Paris Hilton,) we were going to have to find someone to watch Hershey.
Coincidental as it is Michelle M is also in Vegas now too, so we couldn't ask her to watch Hersh; but thankfully I remembered that Tina had volunteered to watch Hershey, the last time that we were thinking about coming to Las Vegas; so I thought, "well MAYBE Tina could watch Hershey AND the kids;" and sure enough when I asked her, she said "DEFINITELY." 

I knew that the kids would be happy to stay with Tina because she has always been so kind to them.  Tina makes sure that she comes to at least one of each of their soccer games a season, and at least one swim meet.  If you are fortunate enough to have Tina for a friend, she doesn't just befriend you; but your whole family; and everyone is all the better for it.  Tina has away of making everyone feel important, loved and special.  She is an exemplary mom and has perfected the art of being a good friend.  This morning I texted Tina and I said that I didn't know how to thank her enough for watching the kids; and that I just might have to express my thanks in my blog.  Tina replied that she didn't think she made great blog material; but I told her to leave that to me, and the truth is that I could sing her praises all day (and night,) but alas, Vegas awaits. 
Meeting Dawn and seeing Michael again has exceeded my expectations.  The four of us have been having the BEST time; and it is so hard to believe that most of us are just meeting for the first time.

I'll have to tell you more about my trip tomorrow; because we only have a little over 12 hours left and there's a lot more fun to be had.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING