(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

(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

(43-36) To Do...

Tonight's blog is courtesy of Mari's "Memories and Thoughts" jar; which I told you about in my post, "There's Something About Mari."  Before I disclose the topic; I have to say that this jar is even more fantastic than I could have imagined.  Not only does the jar contain fun writing prompts, like the one that  provided the inspiration for last weeks "Fruits" blog; but it also contains thought provoking cues that cover all genres.  I know that Mari put so much effort into finding all of these suggestions for me, printing and cutting up all of the prompts and then decorating the jar and again I just have to give her a big THANK YOU!!

As I did last week; I read through a few of the choices until I found the one that felt right for tonight.  So with out further ado; I will "List 10 things that I want to accomplish before it's too late."  Now some of these are no brainers and if you've ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before, you might even say they were givens; and if you're new to THE RIDE; then I welcome you to get to know me.  What I found really fascinating about this topic, was that I truly had to contemplate what (besides for the givens) I want to accomplish.   I couldn't just ramble off a list of 10 things that I wanted to do; I REALLY had to give it a great deal of consideration - but I found that what lies at the base of most of my dreams; is MY FAMILY; and what I want for them.

First and probably foremost; I NEED to lose 100lbs.  I'm not in poor health; by any means but I want to make sure that I keep it that way.  I want to be fit and sound, so that I will live well past my 43rd year.

Secondly, I'd like to learn to speak fluent Spanish.  I took Spanish for 2 years in junior high and 3 years in high school; and once I started travelling to Mexico, I found that I had retained a lot of what I'd learned and I tried to speak Spanish to everyone and anyone.  However, when I met Luis, he spoke such good English that I felt embarrassed to speak Spanish to him; and I missed the opportunity to perfect my fluency.  When Luis first moved to the states we agreed that we were each going to learn 5 new words a day; me in Spanish and him in English.  I wrote down my 5 words, which were basically things I needed to refresh - inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs etc.  Luis couldn't think of any words that he needed to learn, so I handed him a Pennysaver (a free, local magazine with job listings, home rentals and advertisements etc.) and the only words that Luis didn't know the meaning of were drapes and swag.  I explained what they were and informed him that very few heterosexual men knew these words and thus ended the 5 words a day plan.

Third; I want to spend more FUN time with Luis and our kids.  One thing I know for sure is that time FLIES.  Nicky's already a tween and the older they get the more they have other things on their minds; so I want to spend as much time as possible with them; while they still want to be with us.

Fourth, and not necessarily FOURTH; I want to be a professional writer!!  Shocker, I know; I mean isn't that why we're all here?  Not here, as in on earth obviously, but here at "The Bumpy Ride?"

Fifth - I want to take my family back to New York so they can see where I'm from.  Luis lived in New York with me for a few months before we moved to Florida, but the kids have never been there and I think that it would be really nice for them to visit.  Perhaps if I can fulfill #4; #5 will follow.

Sixth -  While we're in travelling mode; I want to take my family to Disney World.  I am a TOTAL Disney fanatic and though Disneyland serves as a quick Disney fix for me; in my opinion (and those on the West coast will adamantly disagree;) Disney World is the ultimate Disney vacation.  From the resorts to the parks EVERYTHING at Disney World is just bigger, better and more magical and that's exactly what I want my family to experience.

Seventh (although it probably needs to occur before #'s 5 and 6) I want to earn more money.  It would be ideal if I could do this by accomplishing #4; but as much as I believe in myself; I need to have a back up plan. We all know that money can't buy you love and when it comes to love I am one of the richest women in the world (thank you God;) but money does help buy a lot of the other things on this list; so I need to be practical.

# Eight - I want our family to spend more time with Luis' Mom and Dad.
Luis comes from a very close knit family.  He is one of 6 children; his dad is the oldest of 13 and his mom is one of 10.  Family is THE MOST important thing to Luis and he magnanimously sacrificed being with his, in order so that he could move to the states to be with me.
The main reason that Luis and I moved to Arizona was so that we could get home to Puerto Vallarta more often; but sadly we only make it once ever year to year and a half, and his parents have not been able to visit us in the states since Kelsie was born almost 7 years ago.  As I know first hand that you never truly know how much time you have on this earth; it is PARAMOUNT that we spend more time with the only grandparents that my kids have and that Luis be with with his parents AND siblings more often.  Ahh, I guess I really need to get working on #'s 1, 4 and 7.

Ninth, Once I'm done spending the money (that I have yet to earn) on the travelling that I want to do; I want to save for retirement.  I have a 401K so that's a start, but if I don't start putting money aside soon; I'll be working as a greeter at Wal-Mart till I'm 100.

Last but definitely not least, I want to dance the Samba with Maksim Chmerkovskiy on "Dancing With the Stars;" which I've mentioned before in my blog "My Guilty Pleasure;" but I'm pretty sure that I will need to accomplish #1 and #4 before I could ever have such an opportunity.  Oh a girl can dream...
Although this post was not pre-conceived in any way;  it really got me thinking and of course in the interest of (say it with me) "The Greater Good;" I hope that it got you thinking about making and fulfilling your own TO DO list as well.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

You Asked For It...

Oh how my cup runneth over. I potentially had 3 different blogs that I could do tonight; which I must say is HIGHLY unusual for me. For topic #1, I was waiting for a piece of information . Yes, sometimes, I actually do gather information before I go typing away. And just in case said information did not arrive in time; I had a back up plan. Then at dinner, idea #3 presented itself; and just as I was ready to go with #2 or 3, I found that piece of information that I was waiting for when I got home; and hence I'm going with my original idea. Never fear, #2 and 3 will not be long to follow; and thus begins our Bumpy Ride.

Previously I have advised in disclaimers that this is not becoming an all scrapbooking blog, or not becoming an all political blog; and tonight I will follow those disclaimers with: This is not becoming an all Guy Collura blog; and yes BL, I have his complete and total permission to use his name; as THAT was the piece of information that I was waiting for.

Now, not to rehash this story OVER and OVER again, but I would like to just give my version of a "Reader's Digest" version of the whole story; just in case by some chance you've forgotten where we left off; OR if you happen to be joining me for the first time (WELCOME!)

In June of 2007, I posted a blog about meeting Maksim Chmerkovskiy from "Dancing With The Stars;" and I wrote about how I was SO nervous to meet him; and I likened it to how I felt about Guy Collura in high school; as I had this "crippling" crush on him etc. etc. Then a few months ago, I received a comment from Guy in regards to this blog; so I became painfully aware that he in fact had read all of my confessions about the crush. In his comment, Guy said that he noticed that I had taken a picture with Maks, but never with him. To which I replied; "I couldn't even say hello to you; let alone get close enough to take a picture." Well, after writing my blog entitled "Forty one candles" and exposing how utterly embarrassed I was that Guy had seen the blog; he again left me a comment or two; OK three, telling me not to be embarrassed; which I must say, was very kind, very gracious and very sweet; however, due to the conditions in which the comments (now deleted) were received; I was suspicious that perhaps it wasn't Guy who wrote the comments after all, but someone else; without as honorable intentions; and this forced me to go from being mortified to being to being courageous; and I found his number and called him. Yes, Yes, I know that if you've been following the blog, you've heard all this before. And you're probably thinking my god, what's #2 and 3. And if we're personally friends, you've heard it before ad nausea um; BUT if you're new to "TBR" let me assure you that reading each of the original posts will be FAR better than the synopsis that I am providing now; and yet, I REALLY do have a point.

When I spoke to Guy, one of the things that we discussed was how the comment section really picked up once he got involved. You see, Guy had made a comment inferring that there were naked pictures of him, floating around the Internet and this aroused the curiosity of many of my readers. The ladies commented that they would like to see pictures of Guy, (not naked; just pictures;) and he agreed to oblige them.

So now it seems that we've come full circle. I went from writing about a crush (and I never in a million years would have expected the crush to read it;) to actually being friends with him. And yah, I think we're friends. We've emailed a few times so that he could send me the pictures that I'm going to share; but hmm, now that I have them, perhaps I won't be hearing from him. I did suggest that he join Facebook, and we're "friends" there; so yah, I think it's safe to say that we're friends and after all these years; that is just mind blowing to me. Trust me when I tell you that if you would have told me back in 1980whatever that in 2009 Guy Collura and I would be emailing each other; I would have said "what the hell is email?" HAHAHA, OK, just kidding, I would not have believed it of course. But hey TRUTH really is stranger than fiction; ESPECIALLY in my life.

Funny, but I'm actually not embarrassed anymore. In a way, I'm actually thankful because after all of these years, I finally got to talk to the guy that I thought was so terrific; (really just based on what he looked like,) and it seems that he also looks good on the inside too.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

My Guilty Pleasure

Disclaimer: Rest assured, this is not becoming an all scrapbooking blog; nor is it becoming an all Maks loving blog and while I'm at it - it's not becoming an all anti-Palin blog - yet all will be mentioned here and now...

This months theme for The "Scrapbooking from the Inside Out" kit club is JOY. Now, since it's "Inside Out," you're encouraged to explore your feelings. Everyone knows my kids bring me joy, and my husband brings me joy; so we try to delve a little deeper and for me I didn't have to dig too far to be able to say "Maks brings me JOY!!" OH BOY, does he bring me joy. As soon as I decided to scrapbook the picture of me and Maks; I knew what the title would have to be; so I now present to you;
my "Guilty Pleasure."

When I made this lay out, it took a lot of thought before I finally came up with my Garden of Eden theme.

The journalling reads:

I've had a shameless crush on Maks from "Dancing with the Stars" for a few years now. I know it's beyond ridiculous; but what can I say - looking at him is like looking at a piece of art. To me, he is PERFECTION; and undeniably MY GUILTY PLEASURE.

As much as I LOVE to admire Maks; seeing this picture of us together DELIGHTS me NO END. I smile from Ear to Ear every time I look at it because he brings me JOY.

I know - I've said it before, "I just can't help myself." Hello, my name is Paige and I'm a Maks addict.  I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH. In fact; you know you have a problem when you rewind the intro of "Dancing with the Stars" just so you can see Maks on the screen one more time. Yep - a PROBLEM; I know. BUT, I do have a new goal, OK, fantasy - whatever. It goes something like this (English accent - Announcer's voice) "And now dancing the samba (and you have to say it like him; Sam - like the name; Samba,) "AND now dancing the Samba, Observational Humorist, Paige Ramos and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy." Ahhh! I can hear it now. Maybe if we all visualize it enough; it will come true. What? Weirder things have happened.

I could make a breakthrough; just picture me in that Samba costume - LOL

Now, while I'm on the topic of guilty pleasures; I'd be remiss if I did not mention Facebook (again). OK I admit it; I'm LOVIN me some Facebook. In just a couple of weeks I have reconnected with several people from "The Condo," (The development where I grew up. Hey, I was even invited to join the alumni of the New City Condo ASSOCIATION; and ya, know I did.) Then there's my pals from Elementary school, High School x 2 (The school I should have gone to because of my address & the school that I went to because I LOVED IT!) College, The Pines (And ya know that if Speedy Garfin wants to be my "friend," I'm DEFINITELY sayin YES.) LOL

Facebook has helped me reconnect with people who were REALLY important and special to me. Yes me; Queen of MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIPS OVER LONG PERIODS OF TIME (not to mention Queen of LONG ASS TITLES) it has even helped me. So I highly recommend that you join up; and then add me as your friend (if you haven't already.)

And so we move on...

Oh what would my blog be these days if I didn't take a jab or sixteen at Sarah Palin. So under the category of "Let me state the obvious" - Just because Sarah Palin went on "Saturday Night Live" (under the guise of) showing what a good sport she is - it still does not and I mean DOES NOT qualify her to be the Vice President of the United States. Sorry Sarah but the last time I checked; being a good sport wasn't a criteria that people looked for in a VP - sorry, not gonna buy it. Now, I thought that would be the only comment that I was going to make about her - but wait... there's more. How fortuitous that I've taken to writing my blog on Wednesday's (have ya noticed?) Because now, I have more fuel for my fire. Like the fact that Gov. Palin doesn't even know what the job of the VP is; and if she does, she got REALLY confused when she tried to explain it to a class of third graders. I'm SURE that you've already heard that she told them that the Vice President is in charge of the Senate... Um, NO Governor, the VP is NOT in charge of the Senate. You need to get that nasty little idea out of your head. UNLIKE me &; my " DWTS" fantasy, no mater how many times YOU say that - it's not going to come true. God forbid you were to win, you are not and yes; I REPEAT; NOT going to be in charge of the Senate. You'll only break a tie vote if and when you have to. Deja vu - haven't I explained this before. And of course, I must mention the $150,000 that the Republican National Committee spent to make over Hockey Mom; Gov. Sarah Palin. Oh, she was EXACTLY what they were looking for. EXACTLY the person that America was going to relate to. But I guess Ma and Pa sittin around the table just couldn't realte to her unless she had a new $150,000 wardrobe; so the RNC went on a spree at Neiman Marcus for a mere $150,000 and bought her one. Yup - you read me. Oh and she wasn't the only one who got outfitted. Baby Trig got (The EVERY Baby needs one) pacifier from Neiman's now ain't that real down home?? What do ya think of that Joe Six pack?? OY!

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

The Lord Giveth...

And the Lord Taketh Away.

The other day I received my (I don't know what #) invitation from a friend to join Facebook. Luis was out at the movies and I needed a little break from my garage sale prep; so I joined up. Within 24 hours I had reconnected with some old friends from High School and years gone by - so I was pretty excited.

Facebook is a lot of fun; AND it's especially fun because you can also make new friends; and guess who my NEW friend is? OK, I know most of you (not including the ones who already know or are on Facebook) have given up; so I'll tell ya... It's MAKS. Yup; you read that right. Maks from "Dancing With The Stars" is my friend. If you go on my Facebook page - "Paige Howell Ramos" You'll see him there - Tee Hee And every time he posts new pics - I'll see them (AHHHH!) Yes, Oh yes; I KNOW I have a problem (maybe this should have been a "You know you have a problem blog...") but he is my guilty pleasure - I just CAN'T help it.

Anyway; because Jackie was in the entertainment business, she has a few "friends" on Facebook who are actors, and ultimately she became friends with Maks, so I thought I'd throw caution to the wind, and see if he wanted to be my friend too. He confirmed; but honestly, he has about 2000 friends, so I think he confirms EVERYONE. Nonetheless, I was so excited to have such access to him (one might say I was blissful - just don't say it to Luis - haha, no, he already knows.) But, then it happened... yes, just as I was enjoying my state of euphoria; Lesa called to warn me that she'd heard that Misty May-Treanor (Mak's partner this season) had been injured and she was going to have to leave the show. SAY IT ISN'T SO! But, unfortunately; it is. SO you know what that means. No more 2 nights a week of Maks. My eye candy is gone; (at least until a pro number, group number or next season - which just isn't enough for me, I tell ya.) Well, at least I have my FRIEND, and all the glorious pictures that he posts.

See what I mean, The Lord giveth; and the lord taketh away.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

EXERCISE??

Admittedly, of all the things I am NOT the Queen of; NOT the Queen of Exercising has got to be on the top of the list. For those of you who know me; I'm sure you are just colored surprised right now. For those of you who don't know me, I refer you to my picture with Maks from "Dancing with the Stars" in the blog entitled the Queen's Big Coup (June 8, 2007.)

Typically my exercise regime is limited to transporting my scrapbooking necessities to my monthly crop (non-scrappers; a crop is when people get together and scrapbook.) Now, don't make light of this as far as exercise goes, because my NECESSITIES consist of: A huge roll on suitcase that's packed to the brim, a tackle box, a shoulder tote, a hand held tote, a shopping bag, a die cut machine, usually several 12x12 plastic drawers of paper and a partridge in a pear tree. HAHAHA, Just kidding, no paper, ahh, there I go again, HAHA No - No partridge in a pear tree of course. Now, to most of my scrapbooking chums this sounds like a drop in the bucket; however, for all of you non-scrappers, feel free to make fun of this being my form of exercise and don't leave out poking fun at how often I do it.
Now the point is (YES, there's a point; there's ALWAYS a point.) Michelle (Not yet legally) K - (Yes it's been a year now and it's still not yet legally K; although sometimes she's K in my comments; but I digress...)has joined a gym and she has inspired me to consider joining as well. (OK pick your jaws up off the floor now.)
Anyway, she has gotten me a buddy pass so that I can try it out with her on Thursday. She claims that this should give her enough time to familiarize herself with the equipment so that she can show me how to use it; which is a good thing because I can barely figure out a treadmill; hence my stupendous figure.

To say the least i'm sure that this experience will provide me with a couple good blogs or two and you know me; anything for the cause. Once again I say "where are the cameras when you need em?" You just have to know that this is an accident waiting to happen - me and Michelle (not yet legally) K at the gym together. All I can say is hopefully, I will bruise nothing more than my ego... Stay tuned.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

A Scene in the Life:

Let me set the stage: It's about 545am and I am in my kitchen. I've been up working for a half hour (I overslept because I was having this delicious dream about Maks from Dancing with the Stars. G rated - but DELICIOUS!)

Scene 1: Paige is putting mini frozen pizzas in the toaster oven; (yes at 545 am - Nicky and Lyndzi want to take them for lunch.)

Camera pans to top of toaster oven with loaf of cinnamon bread on it.

Scene 2: Paige walks into kitchen and re-sets toaster oven for another 5 minutes.

Camera pans to top of toaster oven with loaf of cinnamon bread on it.

Scene 3. Paige removes mini pizzas from toaster oven and offers children cinnamon bread for breakfast.

Paige: "CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

You got it! I didn't remove the bread from the toaster oven while it was on and the plastic stuck to the top of the toaster oven; etc. Let's hope it didn't really get on the bread that I fed the kids for breakfast anyway. It was nice and warm - though.

Say it with me "Who could make this stuff up?" Honestly, does it help make me seem like less of an idiot if I tell you that I've only had the toaster oven for 2 weeks?? I am truly my own worst enemy. BUT, as I've proven time and time again, I can laugh at myself and I do recognize how incredibly pathetic this is. I just thought that yet again, it would be the PERFECT opportunity for my own reality show. I felt like I was channeling Ozzy Osbourne or something. Couldn't you just see him using the toaster oven, walking away and then the camera pans to the bread adhering and melting on the toaster oven - yeah, me too. Guess that's what I get for dreaming about Maks. I suppose I have to try and keep my dreams to my husband only in order not to damage any more appliances and poison the children - I get it, I get it.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

The Queen's Big Coup

OK, I just can't keep this from you any longer. I've been wondering HOW I was going to tell you because this really is SO HUGE, and it needs to be presented as the ENORMOUS COUP that it is - and I am now ready to share the news, share my joy, my delight, my fantasy, my dream come true. Yes folks, believe it or not, I have met Maks; face to Gorgeous, HUNKY face, and he was AMAZING!!
Now I know that this is just flabbergasting news to some of you. Others are aware of my coup, but have yet to see the picture; and so I present my story and my photographic proof...

You know that forward that we've all gotten many, many times about friends coming into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime? You know it. It explains that sometimes you meet someone for a reason, and sometimes a friend comes into your life but only for a season while other friends are friends you'll have for life. Well, I've always liked that forward and this story is a perfect example of it...

It seems that my friend Jackie was a friend for a season; but also for a reason. I've previously mentioned that Jackie used to work in casting at NBC. Well, although she isn't in the business anymore, she is still a voting member of the TV academy and as such she receives invitations to special events which publicize shows for your Emmy consideration. Usually most of the cast of whichever show it is, appears at the function and they do a behind the scenes look, Q&A etc. etc.
Well, Jackie called me late one night and said "I have the perfect birthday present for you, but we have to act fast." I was half asleep when I heard her say "How would you like to meet Maks?" "WHAT" I shrieked nervously. To which she went on to explain that there was going to be a special "for your Emmy consideration" night for Dancing with the Stars, including a reception and dancing display; and as an early 40th birthday present, she wanted to take me to L.A. to go meet Maks.
OH MY GOD - I mean how often does this happen? My fantasy come true and wrapped up in an extraordinarily generous gift. How could I refuse?

We planned our trip and Jackie kept talking about taking my picture with Maks. I told her that I absolutely did not want to take my picture with him; and in fact I didn't want to get anywhere near him because I was just too afraid and nervous. I was like Duckie from "Pretty in Pink." I just wanted to be able to stand there and admire him. For me it was just like Guy Collura all over again. (There you go V - you knew it would be blogged about one day.) You see from the very first day of 9th grade until the day that I graduated from high school (if not longer,) I had a crippling crush on this guy, named Guy Collura. Now when I say "crippling," the crush was SO bad that when I would see him in the hallway - I couldn't even say hello. It wasn't that I was shy. I mean to some extent I was; but that didn't stop me from having my share of boyfriends, and then some. But there was just something about him that was overwhelming to me; I just liked him THAT MUCH, and I felt the exact same way about meeting Maks. I just wanted to admire him from a far. No picture, no introduction, just be in the room with him and watch him from a far.

The event began with the reception; but unfortunately they tried to fit 700 people in an area that was way to small for 700 people. I am NOT Queen of Dimensions, or Square Footage or anything like that; so I can't be exact. Let's just say that it was VERY crowded. 700 people just trying to shove past each other. Lots of old people, old people with bad face lifts and plates of Sushi, trying to squeeze through the crowds just to get a glimpse of someone from the show.

We were on the lookout for Maks and trying to stay out of harms way, when Jackie met the Oompa Loompa. That's right, "THE" Oompa Loompa. That one guy that played all of the Oompa Loompas in the terrible re-make of Willy Wonka. Then I saw Brian and Shandi; and whether you watched the show or not, you probably don't know or care who they are. I really couldn't have cared less about seeing them, and I was so close to Brian that he could have fathered my next child; yet I had nothing to say to them and didn't even desire a picture.
So let's move on. Things started to get interesting when I saw Stacy Keebler - the professional wrestler that was on 3 seasons ago. We met her and took a picture. (She was VERY nice.) Then we saw Edyta; one of my favorite professional dancers. We took a picture with her too. She was very genuine and VERY beautiful. While we were talking to Edyta, I turned my head; and THERE HE WAS. I could hardly keep my composure as I saw Maks across the room. I tried to speak, but I was so overwhelmed I could barely utter the words to tell Jackie that I had seen him; but somehow I managed to gleefully eek out "Jackie - Maks!!" and I pointed. All of a sudden I could feel my entire body blushing; but we wasted no time as we made a bee line right for him. All at once, it was as if the Red Sea had parted. I don't know where those 700 people went but suddenly we had a clear path to get right to him; just as if it was divine intervention or something. We walked right up to him and Jackie introduced herself - then introduced me. Jackie said "...I think she may be your biggest fan." Maks looked at me and said with the sexiest smile ever; "I think you're right. I think she is;" and then we took this incredible picture together. (All the while I was shaking like a leaf.)
After looking at the picture a couple of hundred times and upon reflecting - I actually think that Maks was referring to my size being big and not my adoration; so I was kind of upset with him for awhile - which is partly why I delayed in posting this blog. Yet even if he WAS so shallow and WAS making a fat reference; there's NO denying what an incredible picture he took with me.
I will forever be grateful to Jackie for giving me this once in a lifetime dream come true; and for the friendship that we shared for the season.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Happy Birthday to me

My birthday has come early.... Well, not my actual birthday; but, what would you call this - the age that I felt I was in my mind, the way I thought of myself - well that age. You see, on July 28th I'll be turning 40; but in my mind I still thought of myself as 16 or thereabouts. Not to say that I'm immature; just, well - youthful.

Now I know that today's 40 is not the same as what my mom's 40 was, or her mom's 40 - no these are all quite different animals. I have no problem with turning 40, really I don't; but I guess I just always saw myself as younger than that. Maybe it's because I still have a lot of the same friends that I had from high school, college, my early twenties; so I can still relive my glory days on a regular basis; or maybe it's because I think I'm pretty current when it comes to music, fashion etc. AND if I didn't look in the mirror to see the pounds that the years have packed on; I'd never believe it if you told me I was 39.

When I was growing up my parents had this friend named Millie (now that's the name of a 40 something. LOL) Anyway, Millie was a hoot. Millie is from the Bronx, and she smokes like a chimney, so you can imagine what her voice sounds like. Anyway; Millie always told it like it was. She was a great mom, but she was also fun, she was bold, she was the person who sang me the penis colada song. Yup, you read me right; penis colada.
You know that song "Escape"? The one that said "If you like Pina Coladas, getting caught in the rain, if you're not into health food, if you have half a brain..." Well Millie used to sing at the top of her lungs "if you like Penis Coladas, getting caught in the rain..." and me at 16 just thought this was fabulous; so much so that it has actually stuck with me to this day - and during my scrapbooking birthday party last year, "Escape" came on and I proudly sang "if you like Penis Coladas..." and now all my scrapbooking pals know that it can't be sung any other way.

My mom and Millie were true partners in crime. I used to love to be around them, because they always did as they pleased, (kinda sassy and classy for the most part,) they laughed a lot and people loved to be around them. Ultimately, I would be really happy to be the kind of 40 year old that they were; even though I'm not quite ready to think of myself that way just yet.

OK - so the road is twisting now and I'll start heading back in the main direction.
So today after I picked up my older daughter from preschool I took her to Sonic to get a grilled cheese; and as I was driving up the road I saw a naked boy hanging out of the sun roof of a car. Yes, you read that right; a naked boy hanging out of the sun roof of a car. (Now, I ask ya - who could make this stuff up?)
At first I only caught a glimpse of his butt so I thought it was a guy trying to moon people; but as I got closer to the high school, the boy was repositioning himself so that his butt was angled towards the 3 or 5 girls who were on the side of the road trying to take pictures with their cameras/tripods, while jumping up and down and cheering with delight.

OMG - I just couldn't believe it. I mean at 1:45 on a Tuesday afternoon, this was the last thing I expected; and then it happened - grown up me kicked in... Once I got home I got the phone number for the high school and I called the principal. Ultimately I spoke with one of the assistant principals and let him know what I saw. He said that he'd look into it and that was pretty much the end of that.

Honestly, I don't know what bothered me more; the fact that this incident took place or the fact that I had become the mom who was calling the high school to report it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I KNOW I did the right thing. I mean (god forbid) my son or daughters were involved in something like this, I'd want to know about it; and I definitely would want to know what was going on at that school. I think the only reason I say god forbid is because my kids are still so young and innocent that I just can't think of them like that - enjoying the naked butt of the opposite sex as it's hanging out a sun roof in the middle of the school day - OY!

So I guess it's official - I'm no longer 16. I am now parental, I am concerned, I am responsible; and that's OK.
Since it's now clear that I am NOT 16 in my mind; it might be time to start thinking of myself as 26. 26 would be GREAT because then I'm not the cradle robbing bitty who's lusting after Maks from Dancing with the Stars. We'd be just the same age now so all my lustful thoughts of him would be completely age appropriate.
Oh, who am I kidding? I don't really have lustful thoughts about Maks. I just want him to parade around my house with his shirt off, wink at me like he thinks I'm just as hot as I think he is; and maybe, hmm, nope, correction- I do have lustful thoughts about him, and this will be cool because the 26 year old me would know exactly what to do with him whereas the 16 year old me wouldn't have had a clue. - Yup; 26 it is - Lust rocks!!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Hot Topic

OK - It is late. Very late for me and I am sleepy- but as I am the Queen of Competitive (well sometimes;) I have to get this blog in before EVERYONE and their mother starts making their comments about Idol, because you know I want the credit for this one - yup you heard it, or read it here first...
What the hell is Ryan Seacrest thinking? If you are a little gentile, that's gen-teel not gentile (for my Jewish friends,) anyway if you are a little gentile, skip this part.
WHY oh WHY would Ryan make the signal for a hand job, on national TV? In case you missed it or I'm the only perv in the bunch; it went a little something like this. Chris Sligh had sang his way through the audience and then he had a little mic stand action on stage. Now very faintly Paula had made a comment about Simon trying to take the mic stand away from Chris (or something to that effect;) and then when Ryan was talking to Chris on stage, he made some reference to Simon trying to take the mic stand AND while he was making this verbal reference, (I kid you not,) he made the motion of a hand job (in reference to taking the mic I'm sure, but - OMG!!) Go check your Tivo's or rewind your tapes, or better yet just turn on E, the View, or the news because I GUARANTEE you that they will ALL be talking about it.

So let's move on from hand jobs to blow jobs - and by blow I mean those that blew, that absolutely sucked - say it with me now "Sangria, I just met a girl? named Sangria..."
Sangria attempted to rock, with "Girl you really got me down," and although Randy and Paula thought it was his best performance to date - is that really saying much? Once again Lesa said it best "Sangria really "had me going" allright........ straight to the liquor cabinet with a quick stop by the knife rack . Oh my Lord he is SO SO SO SO SO Brutal. " HAHAHA - Good one Lese.

Big news here - Sangria did actually admit that he is NOT the best singer in the competition. Yay! for a moment of clarity. What do you think his first clue was? (To the tune of won't you come home Bill Bailey) "Won't you go home Sangria, won't you go home..."

So here are my bottom 3 this week: Sangria (of course,) Phil ( I fast forwarded through his performance) and Gina ( She was lousy) She was more concerned with getting the hair out of her face then performing her song.

Actually, I gotta say almost the entire show bored me to tears. It was a major snoozefest. I fast forwarded through most of the performances including Lakeisha's and Melinda's tonight. I mean yah, we all know they can sing; but their song choices were just hideous. I don't know, call me crazy but when Lulu told Lakeisha "I think the other song is a far better choice and you can really deliever it;" and then she chose to go with that dreadful Diamonds song, I think that was just downright stupid. I'd almost vote against her just for being such an idiot.
Hmmm, maybe I should write up some suggestions for song choices and ask my brother to go "trollin the pier" for the idols. LOL

My top 3 this week: Jordin, Blake; and I guess Chris Richardson, though I could have just as easily left it at a top 2.

All I can say is Thank God for Dancing with the Stars. My Maks is back and he's got a partner with two real legs and a little rhythm, so he stands a chance of staying in for a few weeks. Oh that makes me a HAPPY Queen.

Of course I have to mention that once again on Amazing Race, Charla and Mirna donned their accents in lieu of the 5 languages they supposedly speak. While trying to sell manicures in Mozambique they put on some kinda unrecognizable accent when trying to convince the locals to let them polish their nails for money. (I know, I know, if you've never seen the show, that little description would certainly not inspire you to tune in - but you gotta trust me on this one - It's Goood.) Anyway, Charla and Mirna actually came in first this week. I was shocked, and a little nauseated, but it's only TV.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Reality Bytes

Now you have to know that I had a thing or two to say about American Idol this week; but I was afraid that I had missed the boat since the results were already announced. Then I gave it some more thought, (because I am the Queen of Thinking things over - can you say obsessive??) and finally decided; what the heck - criticism is criticism and should be shared regardless. LOL

So where shall I begin? I know I'll start at the bottom and work my way up.
So what kinda idiot is Brandon? First of all, Brandon said "I'm gonna sing Can't hurry love, because I grew up on that song." So then what happens; well amongst other things, the moron forgot the words. He grew up on the song; yet he forgot the words. Way to go, and go he did; right off the show.
Simon was on the money (as usual) when he told Brandon that he sounded like a back up singer's back up singer. I don't even think he sounded good enough to be a back up singer unless maybe he's gonna be a back up singer for Sangria.

(To the tune "Maria" from West Side Story) "Sangria, I just met a girl named Sangria." HAHAHA- oh I just kill myself. OK, so once again, Lesa was "dead on balls accurate." to quote Marissa Tomei from My cousin Vinnie (there ya go, Michelle K) She told me last night "I was sure that Sangria was going to sing I'm coming out;" OMG good one Lese, but I think it was actually Ryan's night to come out.
For those of you who don't know what I'm referring to, it went a little something like this: Melinda was saying that it was difficult for her to wear high heels and dresses. Ryan then throws it to Simon to make a comment about high heels (since Simon is such a fashion critic these days,) and Simon says "You should know Ryan;" and Ryan says "Stay out of my closet;" to which Simon replies "Come out." OK so to all of this I say, (not that it matters AT ALL;) but what heterosexual man would reply "stay out of my closet" when the subject of high heels comes up? AND I'm only talking about it because of the whole Sangria coming out thing. Anyway back to Sangria.

I thought that Sangria was trying to do a Diana Ross impersonation. Lesa thinks Sangria wants to be Michael Jackson, and everyone knows that MJ wants to be Diana Ross, so bottom line is Sangria was trying to be MJ being Diana Ross. Aagghh!! Too, Too much. You know you have to be REALLY bad when "in a singing competition," the only positive comment you get is about your hair - and while we're on the subject, what the heck was with that hair. Oh my gosh, I thought it was awful.
The only other thing I want to say about Idol before moving on is that I thought Lakeisha and Melinda blew Diana away. I was waiting for the judges to tell Diana that she was shouting. "Not your best performance dawg," is what Randy shoulda said.

So since I don't want this blog to be all about Idol; I'll move on.
Let's talk Amazing Race... (Here ya go Big V- I told you the time would come.) For those of you trying to keep up on my cast of characters, Big V is my treasured friend Ruthie; oh, excuse me, Ruth. Though from here on out she will only be referred to as Big V (my kids even call her Auntie V; they have no idea why or that her name is anything else; but the Big V is a story for yet another time)
OK, so in case I haven't said it before, I LOVE the Amazing Race; it's my FAVORITE Reality show; and since I'm such a fan of the all-star type event (I mean I was a huge Battle of the Network Stars fan - back in the day; and YOU know when the day was.) Anyway, I like Rob and Amber, well Rob anyway. He amuses me but now they're gone "and that's all I have to say about that;" to quote Forrest Gump. Hmm, big quotation blog for me. I feel a theme within a theme emerging...
My other FAVORITE team on the ARAS (Amazing Race All Stars) is Team Cha Cha Cha - Danny and Oswald. I LOVE them; I think they are GREAT and I'm so glad that they're doing well. I hope they kick every one's butts. And speaking of butts, let me now get on to Charla and Mirna.
So, first off, for anyone who doesn't know, Charla is a little person and she runs the race with her cousin Mirna, and these two are probably the most dislike duo in AR history. As much as people don't like having Rob and Amber in a competition, they dislike Charla and Mirna even more. Reason: they are whiny and annoying and quite honestly, though I've never watched it before I'm waiting for the "celebrity" boxing match between Charla and Mirna once Charla watches the show back and sees how Mirna was tooting her own horn and claiming that she has to work harder than anyone else in the race to make up for Charla's umm shortcomings -( haha that was my summation, she didn't use that word;) anyway she was doggin her and criticizing her like there was no tomorrow. EEWWWW Charla's gonna be MAAAADD and rightly so.
Now here's another tidbit about Charla and Mirna. Mirna, who is an attorney; claims to speak 5 languages - and I just have to say, Mirna, "accents and languages are NOT the same thing." OMG - Mirna will get in a taxi and put on what she thinks is a Spanish accent or a mid-eastern accent and try to tell the cab drivers to go or give them instructions. It's so flippin funny. I mean I think once I heard her speak another language, though I don't know what it was; but usually she just tries to feign an accent. So again I say "accent and language - not the same thing."
Here's another example of how hated these two are. In the last episode there was a road block (a task that only one team member may perform ) hmm, I just sounded like Phil (the host) there for a minute. Anyway, the roadblock was to go into this tiny one room post office and sort through the mailbags until you find the letter that has your team's names on it. Now first I have to say Mirna "you are an Ass!" why the heck would you choose to do this roadblock, when Charla had NO limitations on this one that would have hindered her performance. Little people can sort mail just fine, where hmm I don't know she seems to have a more difficult time w/ physical challenges; but you're right Mirna, you should sort the mail. That great reasoning probably comes in handy being a lawyer and all. (I should say for those of you who don't watch the show and just think I'm nuts at this point. Teams have to divide the road blocks, so they must take turns, and you obviously never know what's gonna come up, so If Mirna wasted a challenge like this and is kept from another road block which is more physical - "BIG Mistake, HUGE " To quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
Boy am I getting sidetracked today or what? A particularly BUMPY RIDE. OK, so Charla and Mirna - now; once they find the letter they have to open it and read it and they discover that the letter is from one of the teams that they competed against in their original race. Most people received nice encouraging letters, team Guido received a funny letter and Rob and Amber's was well; not so nice. But Charla and Mirna: Charla and Mirna receive a letter from Marshall and lance; two brothers who HATED them; (and by the way , I hated Marshall and Lance, I thought they were a couple of schmucks! They were in another country trying to get directions and they were complaining that the people didn't speak English. See like I said schmucks! "It's their country numnuts; they don't have to speak ENGLISH"- unless it was England which it wasn't.) Anyway, Marshall and Lance wrote this nasty letter to Charla and Mirna talking about how Mirna is supposed to speak 5 languages and she doesn't even speak English. (I see a theme here for those brothers) But you get the point. Were Marshall and Lance the only people that they could get to write to Charla and Mirna? Are they that hated? Probably. I actually felt bad for them, because they had to read the letter out loud, and I don't think that was very nice of the producers - but oh well; they just don't ask my opinion, so what can I do.

Lastly, since I'm talkin "REALITY;" I would like to mention that Monday is the return of Dancing with the Stars. My husband and I saw the commercial last night and I couldn't have been more excited;. even he knew why... (sing with me) "My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble, hay na, hay na - yum, yum, Maks!!" (I just threw that part in) Woohoo, may my fantasies begin... Maks is back and I am a happy Queen. Queen of naughty thoughts about a 26 year old guy; I should be ashamed of myself; but he's just TOO beautiful and it's just TOO much fun!! OK, I'm lost in the Maks zone now that I'm thinking about him, so I'd better go.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING