(43-184) Half Way There

It's SNL Cheerleader time again my friends. "Milestone, milestone, who's got a milestone?"  "IT'S ME!  IT'S ME!!"   YUP!  Believe it or not, I am half way there. With the completion of last night's post "Whatcha Need,"  I have now begun the second half of my ascent towards post # 366; and I for one, just can't believe it.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I have NO idea how I'm doing this; but I'm very proud of my commitment and I'm extremely grateful to those of you who are supporting me.

Now, with that being said; let's get on with getting on.  When I first started writing "The Bumpy Ride," I said that I was going to write about a multitude of things - one of them being, reality TV.  It's been a few months since I've tackled this subject; and with the return of "American Idol," I think that now is an opportune time to share my opinion.

When I wrote "100 MORE Random Things About Me," I said "I don't think "American Idol" will be the same without Simon Cowell;" and although I wish he were there;  I have to admit that I've really enjoyed the 3 episodes of "Idol" that I've seen thus far.  I like the chemistry between Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.  And even though I find Steven to be excessively flirtatious; I also think that he's amusing and entertaining in a way that I wouldn't have expected.  I'm impressed with J-LO; (I'm sure she'll be just thrilled to hear that...)  She seems to be very caring, sincere and down to earth; and I think she'll make a great role model for the contestants.  Randy's just Randy; and it appears as though he meshes well with the newbies; so I'm totally looking forward to this season.

Although Luis and I don't frequently watch the same TV shows, we both wanted to watch "American Idol;" and last night, Luis made a very interesting observation.  We were discussing how many people they put through to Hollywood, that never would have made it in previous seasons; because Simon would have said the contestant(s) didn't have "IT;" or because they didn't have the right look.  But this season seems to be a lot more like the first season was; in as much as they're offering chances to people who are less "it" and more different.  People who can sing, but aren't necessarily commercial; and I think that there's a nice symmetry to that.  It's almost as if they're starting all over again and getting back to basics.

If you haven't watched "American Idol" yet this season, let me tell you that there are some really interesting, and  amazing contestants; and barring any interference from that heinous, votefortheworst.com;  I think that this season of "American Idol," may just be its best yet.  Lucky for me, I've got 182 more opportunities to tell you all about it.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-163) 300!

So here's how my brain works; remember when Will Ferrell (as Craig) and Cheri Oteri (as Arianna,) did the Spartan cheerleader skits on Saturday night live?

Well, if you do, then you know that a typical cheer format would be something like: (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me" (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me." (Together): "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "Native Americans!" 

Now, if you've ever seen the skits that I'm referring to, right about now you should have yourself a good visual goin on; so hold that thought... And if you've NEVER seen it; then once again I sound like a loon, but please indulge me this one more time.
Now, with the cheerleaders in mind, it should make PERFECT sense, when in Spartan style I say: "Who's reached another milestone today?"  "It's me, it's me."  "Yah, who's reached another milestone today?"  "IT'S ME, IT'S ME!"  "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "300th post!"

WHEW, like giving birth sometimes I tell ya; but when I get an idea stuck in my head, I just gotta go with it; and that's exactly what I've been doing for 300 posts now.  300, that number seems so unreal to me; and yet I am hopeful that in just a few short months, it's a landmark that I will celebrate for a second time this year.  First now, for 300 total posts and then when I have completed another 137 posts and I submit #300 in the 43 series. Whoa, so many numbers my head is spinning.  I think it's probably best that I don't think in such big leaps, but simply continue celebrating the achievements as they occur.  I want to recognize my small victories, as I take baby steps toward this enormous goal.

In honor of my 300th post; NO, it won't be a list of 300 random things; or 300 anything for that matter; but instead only 3 things.  2 quotes and 1 song.  First for the quotes.  Yesterday, Michelle M, had this quote as her status on Facebook.  It's a quote from Aunt Frances, in the movie "Practical Magic;" and although I saw the film, I hadn't recalled the quote: "My darling girl, when are you going to understand that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."  Just mull that over for a sec; cause I LOVE it; and I think it is VERY me.

The second quote, is by Mary Anne Radmacher; and it also happens to be about courage.  This quote is on a magnet, on my refrigerator; and I look at it EVERY day; and it inspires me. 
"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying
'I will try again tomorrow'."

And with that, I give you one of my new favorite songs. A song that makes me want to get up and CELEBRATE!  It's Pink's "Raise Your Glass."  So CHEERS!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-65) A Little PRINCE

My house is less than a one minute drive to my kid's school; but because it's still so hot out; I've been dropping them off in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon.  So while I was on my way to pick up my kids I was thinking about what I might blog about today and while I was having this brief thought, I was also scanning the radio; and in the 15 second spans of time that it took me to  get from my house to the first stop sign, I heard not 1 but 2 different Prince songs.  Now if that's not a sign of longevity,  I don't know what is.
I've always enjoyed Prince.  I remember the first time that I saw him, when he performed "Wanna be your lover" on Saturday Night Live; and I recall not knowing if he was a guy or a girl; but why wouldn't one be confused with the lyrics "I wanna be your brother; I wanna be your mother and your sister too."  OK, I was confused; and I think that I thought that he was too; but nonetheless; I LOVED the song and I recall that performance to this day; so make an impression he did. 
A couple of years later "Purple Rain" came out and I was a Big fan, "Huge!"  I can't even count how many times I saw that movie in the theater.  I had the soundtrack (of course;) and the day the video (OK, date myself much) came out; I had a "Purple Rain" viewing party.  There were so many fantastic songs in that movie / album; I'd be hard pressed to find one that I didn't like.  Let's face it; the man is a hit machine no matter what his name is.

Funny how just scanning the radio in a couple of seconds, can lead to a post for the night; but there you have it.  Hearing those 2 songs, reminded me of how much I like Prince and I always have; so I'm going to share my top 5 Prince songs with you; and bid you happy listening.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Wanna Be Your Lover
Controversy
Little Red Corvette
I would Die For You / Baby I'm A Star
Paisley Park

(43-51) WOOHOO!!!

Tonight I am a happy girl, an overjoyed girl, an I CAN'T BELIEVE IT girl!!!  With the essay now behind me; I was able to focus on other matters today.  So this afternoon Kelsie and I went to The Gold Guy, to see how much they would pay for the stash that I wrote about in "Diamond Daze."  During that blog I mentioned that two stores in the mall had offered me $280 for the jewelry; and I wanted to see if I could make more than that.  Kelsie and I were warmly, greeted by Phyllis and I explained that I wanted to see how much she could offer me for my gold.  Phyllis asked if she was trying to beat a price, and I said yes; but I did not disclose what the price was.  Now typically I don't have a good poker face; but today I would have made Lady Gaga proud.

Phyllis weighed my jewelry and asked me if $485.00 would do it.   Oh Boy!  I contained myself on the outside, but inside I was doing the dance of joy.  And as composed as could be, I replied "That could do it, but could you make it $500?"  Oh yes I DID!!  Seriously, what did I have to lose; the worst that she could say was no, but as I wrote in "The Dirty Word;  even if she had said "NO," I'd be fine.  BUT, she didn't say no.  Instead she said, "let me call my boss."  Phyllis made the call and told him how much my gold weighed.  She asked if she could give me the dealer price and he said "It sounds like you already did.  But alright, if she wants $500, make her happy and give it to her."  Make me happy, indeed!!  I called Luis to see if he was OK with me accepting the $500 rather than shopping around, and he was just fine with it.
I told Phyllis that we had a deal and she wrote me a check for $500.  Phyllis told me that they do parties and I thought this was fantastic.  How nice would it be to invite friends over to a party that actually made them money rather than asking them to spend some; and all they'd have to do is sell a broken chain or an orphan earring.  She also said that they do fundraisers, and I immediately thought that this might be a super, soccer event.
Phyllis told me that I could deposit my check or go to the Wells Fargo in the Fry's down the street and they would cash it.  Kelsie and I promptly went to Fry's and walked out with 5 crisp, hundred dollar bills.  I was SO HAPPY!  The $500 is going to be enough money to mount my diamond in the new setting, get the ring appraised for my insurance,  AND get the extra ring sized.  Woohoo!!!!!  I told Phyllis that I was so pleased with her service that I was going to mention her in my blog.  So if your local and you're interested in selling gold; I highly recommend paying Phyllis a visit at THE GOLD GUY - 9827 W. Grand Ave. Suite A Sun City, AZ 85351 623-251-5664; and if you go please tell her that you read about her in Paige's blog.  Not becasue I'll get anything in return; just becasue I want her to know that I kept my word.

I am SO delighted that gold that was just sitting in my jewelry box doing nothing; has now helped to put my diamond back on my finger;  and in a setting that I will enjoy for years to come.  To quote Mike Myers as Dieter in Sprockets from "Saturday Night Live;" "Now's the time on Sprockets when we dance."  Enjoy my new fave tune!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

I Love Colonel Angus

A few months ago Michelle (STILL not yet legally) K, told me about the most wonderful Saturday Night Live skit ever - and it has brought me hours of laughs and entertainment; so upon her suggestion, I am sharing the joy with you.

Now I know that when you hear the name Christopher Walken, you don’t immediately think “comedic genius;” but trust me when I tell you that Christopher Walken’s “Colonel Angus” is the all time funniest thing that I’ve EVER seen on SNL. Now, I’m not sure that my description will really do the skit justice, but if you haven’t seen it; basically Colonel Angus is a civil war colonel (played by Christopher Walken) and when you say “Colonel Angus” it sounds as if you’re saying cunnilingus and everything that they talk about, when talking about “Colonel Angus” is just hysterical. ie: A young woman is out on the porch and an older woman is in a rocker. The younger woman says “Tell me about Colonel Angus and the older woman says, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Colonel Angus in these parts. Or “I’m not particularly fond of Colonel Angus…” Later the Colonel says “Don’t believe everything that you've heard about Colonel Angus…” I know; it’s a little juvenile, but I never claimed to be the Queen of Maturity and Colonel Angus makes me laugh,(well, not if it’s done right – haha) I hope that Michelle (not yet legally) K wasn’t the only one who got that.

Michelle (Not yet legally) K and I love to get together and talk about Colonel Angus; and since I am prone to being the Queen of Beating the dead horse, we can just go on and on all night - Colonel Angus is like that. When it's good, and fun, you just don't want to stop; and since Michelle and I are in full agreement that Colonel Angus would be a great name for a dog; we have amused ourselves for great lengths of time coming up with different scenarios for Colonel Angus. Now I don’t have a dog, nor do I plan on getting one anytime soon, so we started referring to Michelle’s dog Lady, as Colonel Angus - mostly because we thought it would be a riot if her son had to write something for school. He might say: Last night Mom told me to take a shower and Colonel Angus tried to jump in with me. Mom told me to get the dog out of the shower, because the shower was no place for Colonel Angus. Or how bout; Mom doesn’t like the dog to lay on our beds; she says Colonel Angus gets too many hairs on our bed and the floor is a much better place for Colonel Angus. She even bought a special pillow for Colonel Angus. HAHA… OK, you’re either laughing your butts off or you’re completely repulsed – SORRY!

Now, if you think you might enjoy Colonel Angus; let me warn you that It’s not so easy to find Colonel Angus anymore. I first viewed Colonel Angus on You Tube but now you can’t see Colonel Angus on You Tube, since it’s been taken off at SNL’s request. But if you’re determined and persistent, you may be lucky enough to find Colonel Angus and if you do, I guarantee that you are going to enjoy it. Colonel Angus always brings tears to my eyes and I hope it will do the same for you. Oh my god; I just can’t stop. See it’s addicting. It’s just too funny and I hope that you smiled.

And lastly,with Thanksgiving just a few days away, and the holidays rapidly approaching; let me just say that I am thankful for Colonel Angus (Oh boy, am I thankful.) I am thankful for my family, my friends and my readers; as well as for the opportunity to share my insanity with you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Till next time…
Queen of EVERYTHING