New and Improved

I'm back. My tantrum is over and I'm moving on. It's time for me to make some changes; and I plan to start now - after all, wasn't I the one who was claiming to be the Queen of DETERMINATION just a few short weeks ago? Well, the Queen has put on her big girl panties (God, I'm lovin that expression lately; and my nearest and dearest can attest that I've been using the heck out of it - but hey if the panties fit...) Anyway, since I am so determined to turn things around and take my shot; here is the new and improved Bumpy Ride, by the new and improved (down 30 lbs now) Queen of EVERYTHING.

For starters, The Rides new look is apparent; and I must extend my thanks to Jackie for helping me out with that. I actually thought about adding music to the Ride but I was afraid that people would find it too distracting when trying to read, and we all know that the last thing I want is to hinder anyone from reading and enjoying my blog - so for now please enjoy the quiet that The Ride offers, as I know sometimes it takes EVERY bit of concentration to follow where the heck I'm going.

Now, you know how time and time again I have blamed my blogging delays on lack of quality subject matter? Well, since it is my fervent hope to increase the frequency of my blogging, I've decided to try requesting questions and suggestions from those who enjoy The Ride and want to read more of it. I'm hoping that by doing so, I'll have a whole lot more to blog about. So here's how it's going to work (I hope.) If you have a suggestion for a blog topic, a question about me, or just want my opinion about something; PLEASE leave me a comment and then I Will do my best to post a blog within 48 hours.

My first suggestion has come from Michelle (July has come and gone and she's still not legally) K; who has asked for my top 10 movies of all time; as well as my top 10 movies that I just can't pass up. You know, the kind of movie that when you're changing the channels and you come across is, you can't NOT watch it; (even though you may own it on video or DVD) and no the 2 topics are not necessarily one in the same by any means. Please feel free to leave your lists as well, this way maybe we'll all find a new fave or guilty pleasure.

For today I'm going to tackle the Top 10 movies list; this way I'll save the Top 10 movies I can't pass up for my next blog. (see, thinking ahead, planning to blog in the near future - this my friends is PROGRESS...)

Now please keep in mind; although I run an annual Oscar pool, when it comes to movies my tastes are pretty shallow. What I mean by this is, chances are I will NOT see an epic. I do not like movies that I have to think to hard to follow. I like my movies to be clear and entertaining; that's just the way I roll. (Another expression that I'm loving the heck out of.) Anyway, I am (as I've mentioned before) the Queen of B RATE movies. I still love and could quote ad nausea um "Sixteen candles", "St.Elmo's Fire", "About Last Night" etc, etc. These to me are true CLASSICS. I have yet to see "Casablanca", or probably any other picture made since; of the same caliber or Stature; and that's OK with me. I will say that I LOVED "Dangerous Liaisons;" I thought it was BRILLIANT as was it's counterpart "Cruel Intentions;" those were story lines that you had to pay close attention to (at least I did) and though I saw them, and they are not my typical viewing fare; I thoroughly enjoyed them. Basically I just love movies that make you feel EVERYTHING. Movies that have you laughing one minute and crying the next; A la "Beaches" or "Steel Magnolias;" though neither of those are on my list. (Loved em' but 10 is 10 baby) ask me again tomorrow and it could be different; but at this very moment; THESE are my 10;(in no particular order; even though they're numbered; EXCEPT for Numero UNO, that really is my NUMERO UNO.)

10. "Cousins" - This was a movie back in the 80's that I could watch every day. It stars Ted Danson and Isabella Rossalini and it is a FABULOUS love story. One of the things that I love about it is how the scenes move on through a series of weddings. It's fresh, and endearing, and certainly worth watching if you never have. This is a movie that I could still watch again and again.

9. "Mystic Pizza" - Yep,another oldie but goodie. I LOVE the cast in this movie. Of course there's Julia Roberts, but also Anabeth Gish (who I just love,) Lily Taylor (who we need to see more of in the future) and Hottie McHotterson, Vincent D'onofrio (yes, he's that guy on one of the Law and Order shows that I don't even watch, and he's not so McHotterson now - but then man, whew he was exquisite - sorry fellas. But it's got Julia Roberts too, so there's someone for your viewing pleasure as well.) Anyway, GREAT story. I can't imagine that you haven't seen it yet, but if you haven't and you want some light entertainment, grab up The pizza and settle in.

8. "Pretty Woman" - While I'm on the topic of Julia Roberts, what more can I say. The Quintessential Julia Roberts movie, the Quintessential love story, with some lines that still bare repeating today. As a matter of fact just last week the scrap girls and I were quoting this movie. So unless you've been living under a rock for the past 20 years, I'm sure that you've seen it; but heck, who couldn't always see it again?

7 & 6 "Parenthood" & "When Harry Met Sally" - Let me explain why I have grouped these 2 together. Both movies came out in the late 80's and at that point in time, I actually would go to a movie in the theater more than once (OK, like 6 times even) if I really liked it, and both "Parenthood" & "When Harry met Sally" were multiple movie going experiences for me.

"Parenthood" was just a hoot and a half with an all-star cast lead by Steve Martin. Even though I was no where close to becoming a parent when I first saw it; I found it HYSTERICALLY funny and moving. I think it's a movie that could stand the test of time and I could watch it over and over STILL.

"When Harry met Sally," again, unless you're a Rock Dweller or maybe a guy (sorry guys no insult intended it's just that this was definitely classified as a chick flick so I know that could be a reason that you may not have seen it) but girl's c'mon I'd find it tough to believe that any of you out there hadn't seen it; and don't we all just LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this movie. I mean any movie that could endear Billy Crystal to you as a romantic lead - I say KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS and Meg Ryan - well she's just perfect. I know we all love the deli scene but that's just the tip of the iceberg. This movie is and always will be a classic and so I say, "Way to go Meathead - GREAT flick!!"

5. "The Holiday" (Yes, I have seen a movie since the 1980's - LOL) This film was out last year. It starred Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslett & Jack Black. It is a fantastic, make you feel EVERYTHING kinda movie and I find it to be DELIGHTFUL. I don't want to give any of the story away; but if you haven't seen it, run don't walk - because it's a winner!

4. "Fifty First Dates" - I love Adam Sandler (he cracks me up,) I love Drew Barrymore ( I just find her to be so down to earth,) I love them together (they are a great combo) and this movie does not disappoint. It is a love story, it is funny; and some of the funniest lines are from Sean Astin (he's not just a hobbit any more - haha I haven't seen any of the Lord of the rings movies - surprise, surprise, so I don't really know if Hobbit is the right word for his character - but you get my drift.) Anyway, this is not infantile Sandler - this is a REALLY good movie (for guys & girls both.)

3. "Wedding Crashers" - My God do I love this movie. This movie CRACKS me up like no other; even though I can't help but stare at Owen Wilson's nose when he is on screen and personally he is NOT my fave; but I love me some Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell is a riot. Luis and I quote this movie EVERY DAY; and we rarely enjoy the same movies. You'll see this one on my can't pass it up list too; because EVERYTHING about this movie is a must see - over and over and over again.

2. "Sex and the City" - Now you know I LOVED this movie. With the price of tickets these days, I actually went to see this twice in the theater (OK I had a free ticket once) but I would have paid, I would have, I would have. I was not a regular viewer of the show, because I didn't have HBO when it was on, but I have seen the G rated version on regular TV, and none the matter; as you could fully enjoy this movie without ever having seen one episode of the show. And Mr. Big - YUM, YUM, YUM! It's funny, he's not the best looking guy in the world - but there is just something about his whole package that is Sexy personified. His voice, his style, his mannerism, his persona - S-E-X-Y! Now don't get me wrong; I don't love this movie because of Mr. Big alone. This movie is a standout because of ALL of the characters, the relationships, the dialougue and really, just like BIG, the movie really is THE WHOLE PACKAGE. Honestly, Don't miss it. I personally will be on line to buy the DVD the minute it comes out.

1. "Life is Beautiful" - I have referenced this movie in several different blogs. This is my all time favorite movie and all I can say is; Roberto Benigni is a GENIUS. This movie takes place In Italy during World War 2 and it is a love story beyond compare. I don't want to give one second of this movie away. I'll warn you that it is in subtitles which I personally try to steer clear of but I'm telling you that it will NOT matter. You must see this movie. If you have any doubt about the value of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, if you need to be reminded what it's all about, or simply, if you have a heart - you NEED to see this movie and if you watch it at my prompting, PLEASE let me know, because i think it is the most PROFOUND movie to date that you could ever have the pleasure of watching - and you know I'm all about the GREATER GOOD; just get your tissues ready.

OK, so now I've said not so much about way too much, so I gotta hit the road. I had told Michelle (...) K that maybe by writing my blog more regularly, they'd actually be shorter - haha WHO AM I KIDDING? But seriously, it is not my aim to be verbose; say it with me "It's just the way I roll."

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Moved to Tears

There are several reasons why my blog is much longer than typical blogs. 1. I'm an overachiever - haha No, just kidding. 1. I don't post everyday or even on a regular basis, reasons being A) I don't have the luxury of time and B) and much more importantly; I won't/can't write about just anything. Believe it or not, I want my blog to matter in as much as I am giving you a good laugh, or provoking thought or sharing information and ideas that I your Queen of EVERYTHING, deem worthwhile for you. 2. I've got the gift of gab - OK, now you've probably forgotten why I'm listing reasons (I almost did - LOL) It was reasons my blog is typically so long. Right OK, so gift of gab. I write like I speak and no one has ever accused me of being short on words. OK I admit, I'm verbose. I am prone to the excess, hence, wordy blogs; however, I don't try to be wordy intentionally; I'm just trying to get my point across, and ya'know; this is how I roll. 3. HAHA - yes, of course I'm gonna keep going... Because I don't blog on a regular basis, I tend to combine multiple stories or experiences into one blog and surely this makes the blogs longer and exemplifies the whole theory of "The Bumpy Ride." For instance; if I cared less and didn't really have valuable information to share; this in and of itself could have been a blog; BUT you know me; I've only just begun AND I do have more to say - so let's round the curve and start going down the hill (well, not DOWNHILL I hope, but you know what I mean - hopefully. It's Bumpy Ride speak. My intro twisted and turned and climbed the hill and now i'm ready to head back down.)Gee, why are my blogs so long?? HMMMM...

OK, so as I previously stated, sometimes I HAVE to wait to blog until I know I have the PERFECT story for you. Just call me Queen of Anal Retentive; (but it's all for the greater good.) So, last night I experienced something that was so extraordinary, so profound; I knew that I had to share it with you. I would have typed the blog right then and there, but I had to get to bed so I could be up to work at 415; but I went to bed thinking about what I was going to write; and almost counted the minutes until I could sit down and tell this story.

Now I'm sad to say that my favorite hottie; Maks, is not on the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" yet I am watching it anyway. This season is actually full of "stars" that I enjoy. First, there's Steve Guttenberg. I've liked him forever. I LOVED him in "Diner," and he's always reminded me of this semi-boyfriend that I had in high school and college. Moving on, there's Marrissa Jaret Winokur - She's the original Tracy from the Broadway version of "Hairspray" for which she won a Tony. She's less than 5 feet tall and admittedly chubby and I love, love, love that she's out there in all her glory, doing her thing. She's got a ton of pep and energy and a real zest for life. She's a cancer survivor and just a little firecracker - Go Marissa GO!! Now, Penn Gillette and Adam Corolla are both contestants (though probably not for long;) and they both crack me up. Priscilla Presley looked a little scary to me at first but I think that's just her face. I was prepared not to like her; but I've got to give her props because she did great; as did Kristie Yamaguchi who was just amazing - SO graceful. Now last but CERTAINLY not least, was Marlee Matlin. Let me just say that I LOVE Marlee Matlin. She is sassy (which I'm a huge proponent of) classy, funny, fearless and inspiring. If any of you don't know - Marlee Matlin is a "profoundly deaf" actress who won an Oscar many moons ago for her performance in "Children of a Lesser God." She's been on "The West Wing," and more recently "The L Word," and now lucky us; she is on DWTS. She has said that she can't hear the music though sometimes if it's strong enough, she can hear the beat. She just follows her partner and watches his facial expressions and she says that is her music. She reads lips very well, but says that it's tiring, so she has an interpreter with her at all times and he signs the instructions after her partner gives them - OMG - SO much work!!
Well, let me tell you; I watched her dance and I was literally moved to tears. There was something about knowing that she couldn't hear the music that was just so powerful, so life affirming, so humbling, so compelling, and beautiful and motivating and brave. I'm not now, but I sure was then - SPEECHLESS! YES, me, Word Queen - SPEECHLESS!

Marlee Matlin's performance was the most brilliant and thought / emotion provoking performance that I have seen since Roberto Benigni in "Life is beautiful." It had the same exact effect on me. It taught me to take nothing for granted, see the beauty, that the only way to fail is not to try, to set an example for your children of all of the above AND that it's not what you say, but what you do. I KNOW that I SAY A LOT- but I'm hoping that in doing so, I am also DOING something.
Marlee's performance made me want to be a better person. To try harder - at EVERYTHING. To jump hurdles and seek challenges - because I CAN.
I can't encourage you enough to tune in to "Dancing with the Stars" and watch Marlee Matlin - I really believe that you will be glad you did.
If you did see her performance, or do watch next week, please leave a comment on this blog.

I know this wasn't my typical blog; but like I said earlier, I'm all for your greater good; and seriously, it just doesn't get better than this.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING