Getting back to "The Bumpy Ride" has been very much on my mind lately. I've spent the past two years helping my family pursue their dreams and since THEY are my dream, I felt that I had to put writing to the side; but I've really missed it.
I've been giving a lot of thought to making time to write and once again I even contemplated changing the look of my blog, to make yet another fresh start, but alas - I did nothing. Then this morning, Luis posted this photo of me on Facebook. He said he'd found it on "The Bumpy Ride" and I was quite surprised to see it. I wondered what he'd been doing here, and when I asked, he said that he'd been Googling "LYNDZI'S" , which is a totally other story - and he came across "The Bumpy Ride" and this photo. I commented "is this a hint?" Thinking that he was trying to tell me that he'd like me to look like this picture again, OR that he might think that it was time for me to get back to writing - but he just replied "No, hint, found it at The Bumpy Ride!!" So my theories apparently got lost in translation, but I decided to re-visit "The Ride" anyway. Not having any idea where or how to start, I re-read a couple of posts, hoping for inspiration and then I found it - a typo in an old post. I actually wrote hear when it should have been here; and I was HORRIFIED! I immediately tried to remember how to log on, as I was going to try and edit my mistake, and whaddya know; it brought me right to this blank canvas, so I took it as a sign to just get going.
So here I am Riders, if any of you are still out there. I won't ignore the fact that I never gave you any of the details of my New York trip; and now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I thought it would be such a long story to tell. So... Lyndzi and I took the red eye the night of my 44th birthday. We flew Jet Blue and we were very excited to have TV's to watch; however, they were not working during our flight. We don't sweat the small stuff, so we snuggled, slept and woke up in New York City raring to go! "My sister" Michele picked us up, along with her kids Giancarlo and Masha. We had a breakfast in a Long Island diner and I immediately felt like I was home. We went to their beautiful, house in Long Beach, so that they could pack up some things to take to the city, and we were off to our hotel, compliments of Big V. The hotel was just a few blocks from Times Square, and after visiting with my friend June for a little while, we went to Toys 'R' Us, met my dear, dear friend Rachel, rode the Ferris wheel and did some exploring. We were hit with a torrential rain storm, as we were making our way to China Town. We took the subway, (one of my least favorite things to do in NY) and we had to walk so far in the station to get to our actual train, that it felt like we were walking all the way to China Town. Once we arrived at our stop, it continued to down pour and although we laughed as we ran through the rain - we arrived at the restaurant soaked to the bone. I'll never forget the feeling, walking into the crowded restaurant and finding friends of mine that didn't know each other, all sitting together waiting for me. Rachel, Michele, the kids and I greeted Stacy,her daughter Rachel, Bobbi, and Tammy. How spectacular that even though these women hadn't met each other before, they were all able to figure out that each of them were there to see me.
We had a terrific dinner, and thankfully the rain stopped, so we were able to roam the streets of China Town and Little Italy. We chatted, walked, shopped and I don't ever remember feeling more comfortable in NYC. Of course we had to go to Ferrara's and have dessert, and I must say that as we all sat at the table enjoying our treats and the fine company, I was overcome with emotion and moved to tears. I felt very, very blessed and I kissed my incredible friends good night.
Saturday, at Giancarlo's insistence we experienced the deliciousness that is Shake Shack. We had amazing burgers and fantastic cheese fries. Michele tried this burger that had a breaded, fried Portobello mushroom on it and in inimitable Michele style, she shared with all of us. And as if that wasn't enough, we followed up the meal with the pièce de résistance - Salted Caramel Custard. Stuffed as we were, we made our way back to the hotel, so that we could get ready for "Mamma Mia."
Bobbie, Dawnie, Jasmine, Michele, me and the kids were all delighted with the fun loving show. We had fantastic seats (again, thanks to Big V) and we literally danced and sang the whole time. I think that the only thing that was better than the performance was the look I saw on Lyndzi's face as I watched her fall in love with live, musical theater. She LOVED it, just as I knew she would and it made the experience complete for me.
Outside the stage door, as the kids waited for autographs, we met my old college friend Eileen, as well as Rachel and her mom, Penny. We made plans to meet for dinner and were joined by my friend Beth, who I hadn't seen since high school, Dawnie's husband Michael and Rachel's dad - Mr. Schatten, (I've never called him by his first name. LOL) We had a wonderful dinner at a small Italian restaurant that Rachel knew, and my only regret was that I couldn't chat with everyone at once, because I so appreciated them coming to spend time with me.
Now why in the world I just thought I could get this full trip done in one blog post is beyond me. So, i'll stop here for now, but PROMISE that I will tell you more in the not so distant future.
With that being said; a few months ago, I saw the above post on my friend Monique's Facebook page; and I liked it, because I thought it was fantastic; but it also made me feel REALLY bad. I WAS being a waiter, but not because I wanted to be~ because I didn't know how to make time for me. So hear me now when I tell you that I'm NOT a waiter, I AM a WRITER and I have every intention of reminding you of that on as regular a basis as possible; so I sure hope that you'll join me again on this "Bumpy Ride."
Till next time...
Paige
I was so excited to tell you about starting my new job the other day; that I didn't share my other, equally exciting news. If you've been joining me on "The Bumpy Ride" for a while, then you may recall that the ball got rolling on my New York trip after I had posted that my cousin Jackie and I wanted to go to Las Vegas to see "Mamma Mia." Shortly after making this announcement, I came to find out that "Mamma Mia" was no longer playing in Las Vegas; and my wonderful friend Rachel S, suggested that I could come to New York to see it since it's still playing there.
After Rachel put the bug in my ear, I knew that I was New York bound. I asked my daughter Lyndzi and my cousin Jackie, to join me on this adventure, so that we could celebrate my 44th birthday. I knew that our trip wouldn't be complete without seeing "Mamma Mia" on Broadway, and onTuesday, thanks to my amazing friends Big V and Rachel S, our tickets were purchased for the Sat. July 30th matinee. WOOHOO!!! Obtaining those tickets was like watching poetry in motion. There were numerous emails that were exchanged very quickly, between Big V, Rachel and I; as Big V raced against the clock to purchase discounted tickets with great seats. Via text, I was able to get in touch with all of my friends who were interested in tickets and in no time at all; Big V had sealed the deal. I can't believe it!! If anyone would have told me a couple of months ago, that I'd be going to New York this summer, and going to see "Mamma Mia," on Broadway, I never would have believed it. But now, in just 127 days, I'll be there. God willing.
Everything about our trip is shaping up very nicely; and I really can't wait to go. I find it very interesting that I didn't know how badly I wanted to visit New York, until I started planning everything. I guess that's just part of self preservation. Since I knew that my family didn't have the time or the money to make a trip to New York, I never thought about doing so. I didn't allow myself to want something that I thought I couldn't have. But as soon as the opportunity presented itself; I realized how important it really is to me.
Planning this trip has given me the opportunity to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in far too long. I feel extraordinarily blessed, that so many of my friends want to spend time with me; and and I can't wait to hug each and every one of them.
Time is just flying by now, and I feel like I'm in the homestretch. My future is waiting for me right at the finish line; and I can't think of a better way to move forward, than to go back to where I began.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
The other day I told you that I had "VERY Big News." I shared that my daughter, Lyndzi, my cousin, Jackie and I are going to be taking a trip to New York to celebrate my 44th birthday. I mentioned that I decided to take one of my kids with me and that Lyndzi seemed like the perfect choice; but I didn't say why. Since that post, I've spoken with a number of my friends and although everyone is very glad that I'm bringing Lyndzi; they all seem to want to know how I made my choice. They all want to know; why Lyndzi?
When I first considered asking one of my children to come to New York with me; I thought about who would enjoy the trip the most; and hands down the answer was Lyndzi. Although all three of my kids can be picky eaters; Lyndzi is the most adventurous diner. Lyndzi enjoys trying different foods, where with Nicky and Kelsie, it can be like pulling teeth to get them to try something new. Since I was planning to eat in China town as well go out for Italian food; Lyndzi seemed like the logical choice because I knew that she would enjoy these meals more than Nicky and Kelsie would; and the same may be said for "Mamma Mia." All three of my kids like musicals, and both Lyndzi and Kelsie adore ABBA, but I think that Lyndzi is at an age where she'll really be able to appreciate the show, more than Kelsie would; and I didn't think that "Mamma Mia" was up Nicky's alley. Then there's the whole patience thang. Lyndzi is extraordinarily complacent, patient and considerate; and honestly,the same may be said for Nicky. Whereas Kelsie is seven. Nicky and Lyndzi are usually very shy, so Kelsie always appears to be the friendliest of the three. She's also naturally outgoing and a great conversationalist; but patience and consideration are two traits that my youngest daughter needs to work on. Lyndzi on the other hand, will sit and draw for hours on end; and she finds it very easy to entertain herself. Lastly, but certainly not least; I really relish the idea of introducing everyone to my little ray of sunshine. Lyndzi is such a joy to be around and her positivity is contagious; therefore, she is a gift that I would love to share.
It was very difficult for me to only invite one of my children on this momentous trip; but I assured them that they will each have an opportunity to travel with me at some point. I was very proud of all of my kids and the way that they handled my decision to take Lyndzi with me. Lyndzi didn't gloat or act overly excited; and Nicky and Kelsie didn't question my choice or make me feel guilty about it. Are these some special kids or what?
With each passing day, I get increasingly excited about our trip; which I've had to extend by a couple of days, by the way. I am so delighted that Lyndzi AND Jackie will be joining me on my return to New York; and I can't wait to revisit my past with them; and celebrate my future.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
I have news, I have news, I have VERY big news! When I wrote "Making Plans," I told you that I was starting to think about arranging a celebration for my 44th birthday; and I mentioned the possibility of taking a trip to Las Vegas to see "Mamma Mia." Well, the next day, I got an email from my amazing, friend Rachel S (who I wrote about in "The Care Package;") and she wrote something to the effect of "We also have shows in New York." I responded, telling Rachel that I'd love to come to New York; but I didn't think that I would be able to, any time soon. Shortly after that, I posted "Pizza Timeline," which prompted a conversation between my dear, friend, Dawn and I; about the fact that I hadn't been to New York since 1996; and she encouraged me to come for a visit.
With two friends now having mentioned the possibility of a New York trip, my wheels were turning. I spoke to Luis and we agreed, that in honor of my 44th birthday, I should in fact GO TO NEW YORK. I told Luis that I wanted to be home with him and the kids for my birthday; (and my local friends as well; of course) but I could take a red eye to New York that night; and he agreed. I was now in planning mode; and I could barely contain my excitement, when I asked my cousin, Jackie if she wanted to go to New York with me;and she immediatley got on board. Everything was starting to come together; but there was one final detail that I needed to address. I'd been considering taking one of my kids with me; and I thought that Lyndzi would be the perfect choice. I discussed my idea with Luis and without hesitation he agreed.
I spoke with Rachel via email and confirmed that Jackie, Lyndzi and I would arrive in New York on Friday, July 29 and we accepted her most gracious invitation to stay with her. Rachel was as generous as ever and told me that we were all welcome, as were any of my other friends that needed a place to crash for the night. We briefly discussed the need to find a location / restaurant where we could meet with all of my friends; and our need to find out how many people were interested in going to see "Mamma Mia," so that we could try to get a great deal on tickets.
So there you have it, in a nutshell. I'm going to be in New York from July 29 until Aug 1; and I desperately want to see as many people as possible; so anyone who's interested in getting together while I'm there, please let me know, so that we can make PLANS. I know that it won't be possible for me to go to all of the places that I'd like to go; but at the least, I want to go to China town, eat Italian food, and see "Mamma Mia." I want to go to New City, so that I can show Lyndzi and Jackie where I grew up; AND go to to a diner, of course. Last but not least; Jackie and I are planning to go to the cemetery where my mom and our grandparents are buried. We know that it won't be easy, but it's something that we know in our hearts, we need to do.
I am so overjoyed about the prospect of seeing so many of my old friends.
I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate my 44th birthday and I look forward to hearing every one's input and suggestions. If you you don't currently live in the New York area, but there's a will and a way for you to get there during my birthday celebration; I would be so delighted to see you. The more the merrier!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
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
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
I LOVE going to the movies!! Not just any movie mind you. I'm pretty particular about what I see. Which is not to say that I am a movie snob by any means nor that I see all the epic films; because for the most part I DO NOT. I could run off a laundry list of classics and blockbusters that I've never seen, never will and yet I set Girl's day/night movies months in advance for such classics as "Connie and Carla" (ever heard of it; yah...) or more mainstream films like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" or "Hairspray;" which some of you may recall I actually wrote" I cried the first time I saw the preview." Michelle (One of these days will become legally) K had a field day with that one. And then of course there was "Sex in the City" which although I NEVER saw on HBO, I've seen the G rated version on regular TV and I RAN opening night to see it and have since seen it again - MMMM; Mr. Big!! Now, on the "Scrapbooking from the Inside Out" message board, I mentioned that I got my first ticket for "Sex in the City" by buying the Season 1 DVD at Blockbuster. The DVD sold for $19.99 and actually came with a movie ticket. Well, you know that I just thought this was TOO good a deal to pass up; and I must say that I was awfully proud of myself for making such a wise purchase. So, if you have yet to see "Sex in the City," or you want to see it again and again; and you have any interest in owning any of the seasons of the show on DVD; take yourself over to Blockbuster and see if they still have any for sale - you can't lose.
Now, another must see film for me will be "Mamma Mia." It comes out tomorrow July 18, 2008 and I emailed my girls about seeing it a couple of months ago; after the first time I saw the preview on "American idol." In case I haven't mentioned it before; I am a HUGE ABBA fan. Just call me, that's right the "Dancing Queen." LOL Anyway, what could be better than seeing "Mamma Mia" Saturday morning with my girlfriends? How about seeing it for FREE?? Yep, you read that right and I'm gonna tell you how to do it. Why? Say it with me, "Because I'm all about the GREATER GOOD!!"
OK, so I wish that I could take full and total credit for this find; but credit actually has to go to my pal Patti. It seems that Ponds has a little postage stamp sized "coupon" (for lack of a better word) on their packages of moistened face towels. There are a few different kinds of face towels, varying from Microdermabrasion to age defying etc, etc. They're also great just for taking your make up off (got that guys?) Anyway, all you have to do is purchase a package of the towels but make sure it has this little "coupon" stamp on it. I happened to buy mine at Target and guess what? This gets EVEN better; they were on sale. I paid $5.49 plus tax, I got the towels (which I will definitely use;) and a FREE movie ticket for "Mamma Mia" or any Universal pictures release.
Here's what you do. Go to Ponds.com and you'll need to register; but big deal. Then I think you go to spotlight or something like that. It will ask for your reward code, and ALSO the UPC off the box. You'll need to type in the full UPC, but it will guide you. Then just follow the couple of simple steps, and Presto! you will have a free movie ticket to print. You can do up to 3 per household; so for instance I bought a second package so that I could get Luis a movie ticket too. No, not for "Mamma Mia;" he wouldn't be caught dead; but remember I said "ANY Universal pictures release." So now, Luis Ramos is registered on Ponds.com hahaha, well, he'll be taking his newly cleaned face and laughing all the way to his free movie; just like you can.
Now, for those skeptics out there; I printed this off of the Hollywood Movie Money website:
Can't find a participating theater within 30 miles? No problem. Just go to the theater closest to you, pay to see the movie and send us your receipt and the original certificate. After verification we will reimburse you.
Did a theater mistakenly turn you away? No problem. Just send us your certificates along with the theater manager/employee name, the theater you attended, and the date and time it happened. After verification we will reimburse you.
Refunds/reimbursements MUST be postmarked within (1) week of the certificates expiration date in order for them to be honored. Please be advised that if you were turned away from the theater because your ticket was expired you will not be eligible for a refund.
I hope that some of you are able to take advantage of this little tip. The tickets are good until October; so get em while they're hot.
I know I'll be singing all the way to "Mamma Mia." and maybe I'll even provide you with a little review - MAYBE. I wouldn't want to put anyone in shock by posting more than 2 blogs a month. HAHAHA"
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
