Step Up Revolution

     For every day that I think I kicked ass as a parent there is a day that I push the envelope a little.  It's always for a good cause but for every night at the opera something has to balance.  For every vegetarian healthy meal is some junk.  I want to be a little bit of everything as a parent and I want my kids to grow into adults that are flexible and well-rounded. 
     That being said today we grabbed a banana on the way out the door to a cheap seat early movie at the mall.  We went to see a PG-13 dance movie.  It was loud and in 3D and we loved it.  The bananas were the healthy part of a lunch that consisted of the LARGE popcorn, some soda and a box of Buncha Crunch.  As I see it the banana made it all better plus we giggled as we carried the peels through the parking lot to throw away. 
     We have watched SYTYCD since way back.  This movie was a tribute to the world of dance and the music and choreographers that make the dancers come to life.  It had a story, a message and a mission and it was thoroughly entertaining while giving it to us.  It also made me feel like dancing.  It was nice seeing the SYTYCD alumni strutting their stuff in some amazing dance mob scenes.  A perfect fun summer movie!

May & Walsh and a Bag of Doritos

     Tonight, I watched as May and Walsh kept their streak and made the US proud with their volleyball skills.  Does it make me miss volleyball more than ever?  Is there a sting in accepting that playing in the sand with my friends was over half of my life ago and feels like just yesterday? Am I feeling very excited and proud for them... but a little sad about me? Well, let's just say I ate a small bag of Doritos while watching and I haven't had a bag of junk food in this house in quite some time. So yeah...maybe a little.  Monday was a rough day but at least I didn't get the worst sunburn of my life from wearing a french braid and no sunblock while on the beaches of Rhode Island...
     That memory was supposed to make me feel better.  Turns out it did quite the opposite.  In any event... GO USA!!!

Opening Ceremonies

     We started to watch the Olympics the other night but it got late.  They sat safely on the dvr until this morning.  Today we watched the different athletes walk proudly with their flags flying high.  We marveled at their uniforms, read the stats out loud and wondered how there were countries that we had never heard of even though we all share the same planet.   Today we watched more events.  I love the summer games and am hoping to spread that love to my children.  I think it's working since my daughter appeared to be trying a butterfly stroke at the pool today.  They have also been practicing their karate forms more than ever.  I'm hoping the child that I have called my "little gymnast" since I carried him under my ribs might feel the flicker of the torch.   Olympic hopefuls and daydreams aside I want them to see the work, passion, training, pride and love that makes an Olympic athlete.  I want them to be inspired by the stories of sacrifice, endurance and opposition.  I hope that they see the heart that makes these athletes who they really are...heroes for the country they represent.  I also want them to see that the world can celebrate together and join forces and be unified...even if just for a few weeks.  The very competition that should make them enemies is the gift that brings them together.  Humanity can make sense...even if just for a little while. 

La Traviata

    My daughter was in a piano competition months ago.  One of the judges was a gentleman from the committee of the Buck Hill-Skytop Music Festival.  There was a spot to place information and a chance to win tickets.  We won our choice of events.  Jazz.  Dance.  Cabaret.  I've done them.  Opera.  Insert eye roll here.  I don't do opera.  But what has this girl learned in the past year and a half??? The old me didn't do opera or eat calamari or break bad habits.  This new girl...well...she does ok.  To the opera we went.  Children were free. 
     It was breathtaking.  Stunning.  Divine.  Absolutely delicious.  The world class performers not only did a Jewel Box production but then did a Q&A session afterwards.  A Jewel Box version takes the four hour saga of the opera and transforms it to a ninety minute show.  It's perfect for the beginner.  This festival is growing in leaps and bounds and brings artists to this area that we are lucky to listen to and/or watch.  It also gives the local youth the chance of a lifetime as they get to work with these musicians, vocalists and coaches. 
     As for me...I get it now.  Showers might never be the same. 

750 Words

     On this momentous day of seeing my blog reach 10,000 hits....I did yet more writing.  I still do my new thing and post about it but I've been missing the other writing that I had been doing.  I had a blog that was much more personal and inspired by a song.  I would pour my soul out into that one.  The music site stopped the sharing capability and now my blog sits there dusty.  I can look back on it to see how far I have come.  I still love my music and use it to inspire my day but I have missed the outlet.  My friend, Mark passed a site to John who passed it along to me.  It is a private place to write and the goal is 750 words a day.  I rocked it today and rather quickly.  It might just be the next step in developing this whole way with words.  I never had one and yet lately I can't seem to shut up.  I have so much to get out....
     You might want to give it a try.  I bet you have so much to say as well and nothing beats a little "you did it!" when you reach the goal.  Happy writing and thank you again for reading my ramblings.

Boom!

     I got to spend three nights in a row with my sweetie, Gabrielle.  Tonight the kids had karate so I threw out an invite to my buddy, Ryan and his two gorgeous gals to come on over for dinner.  Mama is off getting a little much deserved R&R so I am hogging them for a bit.  Gabby took a huge drink and as she put her glass down she let out a "Boom!".  This led to giggles.  For a long time. And a new thing to do when one has put their glass down after a much needed and very refreshing drink....BOOM!  The kids and I did it for the rest of the meal.  We're hoping it catches on. So grab something cold and frosty and give it a try! "Boom!" is the new "ahhhhhhh".  ;)

Dorney with the Kids

     When I was a kid I was very lucky to spend lots of time with my sister.   Summers meant a week or two at my house swimming and sunbathing followed by a week or two at her house with adventures around every corner.  We went back and forth for years.  I loved summers more when she was around.  Some trips led us to a campsite far, far away complete with frolics in waterfalls, treats by campfires and swimming in lakes.  Others took us to an amusement park where flume rides and roller coasters were celebrated. 
     A while ago I chatted with my sister about some very special trips to Dutch Wonderland and Dorney park.  We reminisced about how much fun we had.  A short time later a card arrived in the mail complete with a check and the directions to go to one of those parks with my own children.  I tucked it away for just the right time.
      About two decades ago I went to the very same Dorney park with my dear friend, Tina.  I don't think I have been there since which is insane since it is less than an hour away.  She threw out the idea to head there for the special night tickets and before she was finished with her sentence I knew the "right time" had finally arrived.  I had just watched a show earlier in the morning that stressed that adults need the "good adrenaline" and I knew just where that could happen.
     From the Wild Mouse to the Steel Force we checked out several crazy coasters.  The new Snoopy section for kids is adorable.  The park is more beautiful than ever.  I rode brand new rides I had never been on before and did something I never did.  Gabby instructed me to put my hands up after we made it over the biggest, scariest hill ever and I obliged...because sometimes a new thing is as simple as that! It was a night full of laughter, dancing and so much screaming that our throats were a tad bit sore. 
     Thank you Victoria for making it possible.  It has been hard to do the exciting things with the kids lately and she made it a mission!!!  Mission accomplished with some money left over for maybe another adventure on another road...thank you again from all of us!!!

Olga's with the Girls

     We are all very excited that our dear friend Gabrielle has joined karate.  It means we will get to see each other more often.  It means we will get to watch as she kicks a little butt and moves from belt to belt.  It also means that occasionally we might talk her mama into eating somewhere with us.  It worked this week as we headed right up to Olga's for some Greek food right after class.  Little Aubrey even dined on some rice! The three kids sat at a table all by themselves and as I looked over I realized how quickly it is all going...
     If you have people that you love find reasons to spend time with them.  Invite them.  Tell them.  Print them out a restaurant.com coupon and ask them to have a gyro.  Do whatever it takes.  But tell them.  Time is precious.  Friends are rare.  And salads with baklava crumbled on top are a gift from the gods. 

James Clavell's The Children's Story...

    

I was given this book to read months ago.  I have kept it somewhere safe but it was never time.  Tonight, with no hesitation or question I knew it was time to read it.  Sometimes I just know these things.  Coincidences are rare I find.
The book is simple and concise and yet speaks loudly and bravely about so many things.  We can analyze it from the perspective of a teacher, a citizen, a parent, a human being, a political activist and a child.  I treat all of those roles with respect but tend to shy away from allowing the heavy burdens of this society to weigh upon me too heavily.  I also try to avoid the media and its weapons and tools.  This past week it is almost impossible to dodge the "information" we are being thrown.  There are scandalous coaches, gun toting lunatics and evil politicians out there.  My heart goes out to all of the victims and my sympathies to the families that have been damaged.  But what frightens me is where we are putting our attention.  What terrifies me is who has the power.  What chills me is how we do more damage instead of trying to heal the past wrongs.  In this book...it only took a few minutes to change the view of a child.  Just think of what we are doing to them now...
In the story it only took 23 minutes to change the world...just imagine what is happening with all of the candy we are being fed for hours each day.

We need to find some new solutions and stop taking the sugar coated crap we are being handed.

We need to open our eyes to those who need our help. 

We need to come together as a people instead of being separated by titles, political viewpoints, religious affiliations, sexual preferences, classes, incomes and  professions. 

We need to look at ourselves instead of finding a few scapegoats to take the punishment for all of the crimes committed on a daily basis by so many. 

We need to speak up for those who can't. 

We need to take more steps and less stands. 

We need to be brave.

"If you fear too much, you'll be dead even though you're alive."

Singin' in the Rain

     I watched so many musicals as a child but this one must've slipped by me.  I'm sure I saw some of the classic musical numbers but never the entire film.  Maybe it was the big screen in the little movie house or the freshness of a musical I've never seen or the company of family and friends...but it just might be my new favorite! Oh, and I'll finally understand so many more of Jenne's little jokes...all this time she must've thought I was dumb or sumthin'!

Nam's First Anniversary

     The kids joined Master Nam's back in December.  Many lessons and several belts later it was time for Master Nam to celebrate his first anniversary since he came back to the states.  He was in this area for years before heading off to train/coach all over the world.  He has worked with Olympians as well as military troops...which is why we are so lucky he is in our little town now.  Tonight, all of the families gathered to celebrate a common theme.  Our children spend time together each week learning forms, exercising and sparring.  They are taught respect, discipline and concentration as well as to be good students and good sons and daughters.  For every serious moment in class there is a moment of laughter and fun... a beautiful balance is always struck. 
      As I sat there amongst the families watching our children play I thought about how lucky they are...not only because their families love and support their growth but for something even bigger.  We sat at a celebration where so many cultures were represented.  The food was a buffet from around the world.  As a child I was lucky to come from a place that was as diversified as could be.  I used to fear that my children would not have that experience but that is not the case.  To me it so much easier to not have to "teach" respect but to simply LIVE it.  When I can overlap lessons of life I'm always pretty excited.  It was a wonderful night for all...except for the pinata who took roundhouse kick after roundhouse kick. 

Moonrise Kingdom

    I thoroughly enjoyed this film and wish I could stay in that house every summer and enjoy the scenery.  Maybe I would hone my old camp skills of paddling a canoe and shooting arrows.   I would love to hike and swim there but I might do without the earrings.  Maybe.  I guess it depends...do I have to wear them to get to stay there for the summer...then maybe I would.  It would be a small price to pay...especially if Bruce was really the sheriff and a seaplane brought the mail. 

Put on the Brakes

     A new light came on the dash.  I'm used to the come and go of the air bag light...some days I'm safer than others I guess.  Gas light...yep...see him almost daily.  But today it said "Brake Lamp". Hmmmm....that is a new one.  So after a paranoid drive home on side streets and the instructions from my six year old to only find green lights I pulled safely into the driveway. 
     John was already on his way back from the auto parts place and upon his return showed me how truly simple it is to change a bulb.  I unscrewed the light, popped out the piece, switched bulbs and put it back...all by myself.  Brake pads and brake light bulbs are under my belt...tomorrow I'm dropping the tranny.  ;)

New Sara Song

     Last night I found myself driving around feeling lost.  Today, I tried to get back on track.  On my way home from work I remembered I had some new music to listen to on my Ipod.  The melody, the voice...but mostly the lyrics swept me away as I dodged rain clouds, lightning bolts and gusts of wind.  A storm was brewing literally and figuratively and I knew they both would soon pass....

"Once Upon Another Time"

Once upon another time
Somebody's hands who felt like mine
Turned the key and took a drive
Was free
Highway curve, the sun sank low
Buckley on the radio
Cigarette was burning slow
So breathe

Just yellow lines and tire marks
And sun-kissed skin and handle bars
And where I stood was where I was to be

No enemies to call my own
No porch light on to pull me home
And where I was is beautiful
Because I was free

Once upon another time
Before I knew which life was mine
Before I left the child behind me
I saw myself in summer nights
And stars lit up like candle light
I make my wish but mostly I believed...

In yellow lines and tire marks
Sun-kissed skin and handle bars
And where I stood was where I was to be

Once upon another time
Decided nothing good in dying
So I would just keep on driving
Because I was free

Self-Help at the Library

     You have been on my journey and know that it comes with challenges.  I have healed many a heartache.  I also have lots of work to do.  I find ways to grow.  I push myself daily.  Today, I decided I need some new sources.  So I went to the library and scoured the various sections.  I stood in line with a pile of books with topics such as dealing with Alzheimer's and healing from loss.  We are only as good as we fight to be and I'll take all of the help I can get. 

Pool Playing

     Mercury is in retrograde this week and I have more work than usual and some other challenges are making themselves quite known.  So when I get a few hours to run to the pool before it closes...I go.  A hot dog with kraut, some packed home brewed iced tea and a magazine or two and I'm set.  I even jumped in and played not only with my own kids but with any of the others that wanted to play as well.  We are getting to know a nice group of people and I'm becoming a little more brazen in my old age.  I am a goof on a good day and after playing with frogs for an hour it was time to relax a bit.  I sat in the chair and felt the breeze and closed my eyes and pretended that I was at the beach.  I think for a moment I even believed it. We are always a thought away from where we could be...always a decision away from change...always a choice from how we spend our time. 

Casablanca Clams

     A few weeks ago my niece and I texted each other with the dates that we were available to get together.  I had missed my sweet little White Family since Easter and requested some time to visit.  A half dozen texts later we found a Sunday that we could share together. 
     Popcorn Buddha was first for an array of fun flavors to take along.  New thing alert...Falafel popcorn might just be my new fave! If you haven't gone to Popcorn Buddha yet...please...get...there!!!
     A slow easy Sunday ride down 611 was full of singing and music.  This led us to an afternoon of pure family bliss.  Every detail is always perfect.  This menu featured the relaxed vibe of a bbq.  Corn, toasted bread, potatoes and clams filled the table.  I have made clams for others and watched since childhood as others devoured them...but they weren't for me.  Until this day.  Their salty goodness was much appreciated.  The meal was finished off with lemony chilled washcloths.  We all washed away the hints of the sea and the summer heat with a resounding...."aaaaahhhhhhh". 
    As always it was a beautiful time.  Pop Pop got to play with the cherubs.  Cousins got to throw a football and chase Potato the pug.  We even got to spend some time with the elusive, Eric.  But the thing that you leave with  (besides a full tummy) is a sense of peace.  The love is undeniable in their house and when there is such an abundance you always seem to take a little of it with you...like a doggy bag.
     Thank you for another wonderful visit!  Love you all very much!!!

Starner's Birthday

     I was very grateful to be a part of the celebration of Jason's birthday.  It was another great night in a full weekend that celebrated friendship and family...sometimes they even overlap!
     It is rare that I get to spend time with my buddies and I cherish each moment.  The hilarity on the outdoor deck followed us dancing.  Maybe there was too much fun for one special person though I won't mention any names. 
     Jason happiest of birthdays!  Jason, Mark, Jihan, Frank, Matt, Ryan and Tina thank you for a great night.  I can't share much more because what happens at the dance club stays at the dance club.  ;)

Fabulous Friday

     Friday was amazing.
   
      First I grabbed some shopping time.  I don't do that.  Half off items and the perfect shoes to go with my perfect new shirt and I was thrilled.  The ride to work was easy.  The weather was nice.  Work was pleasant.  I also got to make a mug...my first one from slab.  It was part of a training of sorts but it was fun.  Then I got to drive around the West End with Leigh Ann to find places to put posters for an upcoming event.  Sounds simple enough I guess...but with windows down and sunroof open we laughed and sang songs and felt a little touch of summer all while getting work done.
     After a pleasant work day and a nice shower I headed off to Yonkers.  John and I were going to see the friends we spent our childhood with...in elementary school.  I had seen some of them just a few autumns ago at my high school reunion but for others it had been decades.  It is a surreal feeling to see the faces you remember from grade school.  We caught up, toasted memories and futures, danced, laughed and hugged.  There were also squeals as each and every one of us made our way into the bar.  To Doreen, Colette, Jennifer, Kerry, Bobby, Edgar, Mary, Christine, Dawn and Jason...thank you for a wonderful summer night in my old stomping ground.  I can't wait to do it again! For those of you who missed it...there's always next time!!!

Walk the track with Aubrey

     Aubrey is just a baby.  But the girl can walk some track!  Ok, maybe she was fastened to her Mama in a Baby Bjorn but when you get to the track at 7:15 and stick with it until almost 9...you get some mad workout points...even if you are being carried.  She also made many observations and had much to say.  There might have even been some pointing! She already means business.  Her huge smile distracted me from a throbbing foot.   Her adorable chatter made me lose count of laps.  She seems to be the perfect walking buddy!  I would also like to thank her Mom for carrying her and maybe "carrying" the rest of us as well with her constant love, support, laughter, guidance and friendship.  This little girl has no idea how lucky she is  just yet...but I sure do!!!!

Spontaneous Beyonce

     Some days I have to seek a new thing.  Others I plan ahead.  Today, it fell upon me.  After being chased from the pool by a storm we headed home to get into dry clothes.  I was the first to change.  If I am in the bathroom then there is music playing. "All the Single Ladies" came on.  I turned it up even louder.  There might have been some dancing.  I will neither deny nor confirm.  Alright, I admit it - there was some dancing.  Seconds later there was a rhythmical pounding coming from outside the door.  It was my girl doing the same dance on the other side.  She popped in and we synched the silly.  Seconds later a naked little boy popped into the very same doorway doing some crazy little dance.  The three of us dancing...with little hands waving the infamous moves of a song we all know.  It is one of those moments you freeze.  Take a mental note of.  Maybe even a pic or a video.  It makes the challenging times alright and the tough times easier.  It makes sense out of it all.  The early bedtimes, the vitamins, the sunblock, the veggies...the worries that come with parenting all align as your kids dance and giggle together.  These moments say, "You are doing it well, Mama...now dance to that!"
     ...and dance we did. 

Tumultuous Tuesday

     It was a strange day.  The universe was testing me.  My father thought it was Sunday.  I wore a shirt from my dead mother's closet.  I prepped bags of baby clothes for the local church flea market.  Tucking clothes that no longer fit your children into bags to give away is hard.  I think of how it will help people who need it so very badly and that makes me feel better....but I let the sting happen first as to not ignore it and then I move on.  More scary envelopes found our mailbox.  Then I heard some disconcerting news.  I was proud of my reaction.  I would've flipped a few years back at what I had heard...but with much practice comes much strength.  I didn't react in my usual ways.  I gathered extra information.  I took words for what they were and was careful  not to swell with the many negative emotions that used to be right below the surface.  I listened to opinions not to back mine up but to keep myself in check.  Many new practices.  Some time went on and my new thing of the day was going to be a list of statistics.  I have four neon pink post its telling you the facts.  They will hit the trash can.  I knew there was something more that needed to be done. 
      This past Sunday for some strange reason I turned to OWN for a glimpse at Super Soul Sunday.  In one half hour I had felt more passion and excitement for life than I could grasp.  I listened to two men. We all know Deepak Chopra.  He soothed my mind about what I have been experiencing.  But the other man was big as well.  Bishop TD Jakes stirred something in me within minutes.  I have been thinking of it constantly ever since.  Tonight, I put down the pink sheets of information and opted to watch some of his sermons.  I watched one titled "Free Your Mind".  That same magical feeling stirred within.  Things are getting brighter.  The challenges had to get harder to squeeze out the bigger living.  Like college courses lined up with increasing difficulty...I simply have to get through them.  I will come out on the other side a different being.  I joke that I am in grad classes now...heck maybe I'll end up with a doctorate.  What I do know is that I always have a choice.  My reaction, my tools, my coping skills are mine.  In a world where so much has been taken from me lately it is nice to know those things can't be stolen.  So at the end of this horrible day all I can see is the growth, the lessons, the loving friends who support me, the promise that it will all be better someday and the brightness up ahead.  The peace is becoming more steady because it lives within.  I am grateful for the test... will continue to train the spirit...and will be wise about when to quit. 
     The night ended with a one hour uninterrupted talk with my children.  We sat together on a bed and talked.  Quietly.  Lovingly.  Sweetly.  We giggled and hugged in between messages of how to cope with emotions and where to find sources of strength. Tonight, I leave you with this...especially those of you who keep questioning the WHY of it all...

“Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.”
― Deepak Chopra

If you can believe this then you know that nobody was a mistake but simply a vehicle to get you to where you needed to go.  

Broken Road Not Taken

     Last September this area was hit with yet another brutal storm with flood damage.  A road fell apart almost from the inside out and has been closed ever since.  Tonight I got to see the pooch jump into the creek and swim like a crazy dog for the first time.  This creek runs along the road...so it was finally time to see for myself what the damages were.  It is a strange feeling to stand on a broken road.  In one spot my 6 year old stood near the crack.  It was taller than him.  Layers of sediment, rocks and asphalt could be viewed way down into the holes...like some strange science exhibit at a museum.  Luckily, no houses are close to this spot in the road...but I also wonder when they will repair it.  For now it just means a tougher morning commute for the chipmunks and one adventurous walk for a family. 

Ice Cream Floats at Tina's

     Tina doesn't understand the hype of the ice cream float.  She needed to wrap her blender around the whole concept.  She also needs an excuse to get her friends together as if we won't just show up to stare at her and giggle.  But when she throws out an offer we clear calendars and make room to visit.  This time it was the girls and the kids and the time with each other was as sweet as the yummy new recipe. 

Fresh mint leaves and watermelon go into the blender for a quick whirr and then the mush goes through a sieve.  Next some vanilla ice cream plops into a glass.  Add seltzer to the fresh pink foam and top the ice cream.  Don't forget your little sprig of mint and cute pink flexi-straw.

     We sat around slurping our refreshing floats while gabbing about books, upcoming wedding plans, baby tips and the frustrations of motherhood.  The kids played in the sprinkler.  There might have even been some bubble blowing because when a little girl named Greta squeals with delight I will just keep 'em comin'! It was a most lovely way to spend a few hours on a relaxing summer night.  We need more of them.  It was a weekend full of gratitude for the people I am very lucky to have in my life.  It will keep me charged for a bit though I am pretty excited that there is talk of an "iced coffee" recipe that might need to be attempted!

Flags...from Patriotic to Rainbow

     Today was the sort of day when you fit in so much energy of life that you know you will have to pay somewhere else.  It felt like the universe was showing me the many ways that people can come together and share joy, excitement and a sense of unity.  The day started with a 4th of July party at Suzan's house.  To say this woman puts together one heckuva shindig is an understatement.  The food was awesome.  The cake was stunning.  Red, white and blue cupcakes were adorable.  Coolers were full of ample beverages of all sorts.  The grill was grillin!  Kids got to play on the outdoor play set as well as take a dip in the pool.  But the real fun began when we adjourned to the air conditioned living room to battle it out in a game of patriotic movie jeopardy.  She created her own board complete with several categories and many questions.  We split up into teams (each wearing their party beads of red or blue proudly) and answered trivia questions about baseball, military and presidential films.  There were visual clips and even song clips of infamous renditions of our national anthem.  It was amazing.  What was even more amazing was how we all just jumped right into the game together as if we had all known each other for decades.  That is a little something special that New Yorkers tend to do...we act as if we have always known you.  Maybe it's because deep down we have grown up with a certain flavor that puts us all in the same big pot.  We had a blast and not just because my team kicked a little booty.  Then there was a game called Warewolf.  That was a great game as well.  It brought 15 of us to a big circle of chairs where we had to figure out the mystery of what was happening to the Villagers.  Find a group of friends and get the cards and play...you won't be sorry.  Of course you will need a really fun leader and we had one!
     But the day wasn't over.  I work at a pottery studio and slowly but surely they are creating a zoo and farm of animals.  This last creation sprouted a horn and some rainbow swirls...the unicorn was born.  Being a child of the 80's I could not have been more excited.  But we wanted to make the unicorn even more than a symbol of cuteness and joy...we made it about love, equality and pride.  We celebrated the unicorn at a coming out party at Rainbow Mountain.  Complete with tiny little closet to come out of and a rainbow made of cupcakes our little friend was introduced to the world.  There was a naming contest and after many fun suggestions like Roxy, Priscilla and Divine Equine the winner was picked...Elwood is now his name.  I also sang the Unicorn Song along with my boss and some new friends.  Not since the third grade had that song exited my lips.  From Catholic school to gay resort...that song has come a long way.  I caught up with some dear friends who I don't get to see so often, shared a fun night with my work buddies and met some of the sweetest people.  It was a celebration.  Hugs were given without reservation and smiles and laughs were plentiful...just as they should be.  By the end of night I had felt a new sense of energy...one that I hadn't felt in a long time.  Let your flags fly people...whatever they may look like!!!

Green Goddess

     If a doctor gives your friend her first mammogram she might be a little nervous.
     She might like the idea of a friend going with her.
     If her friend offers to keep her company she just might return the favor with a lunch.
     If you head into a Saladworks you might want to try something new.
     If the nice lady lets you sample the dressing you might decide it's the one to have this time.
     Green Goddess is a funny name and an even funnier looking dressing.
     If your friend thinks that sounds interesting she might want to give it a try as well.
     She might even order the same thing.
     If you headed out to the appointment too early and ate too quickly and found it too easily you
     you might have time to kill.
     Maybe you'll decide to take a walk. 
     The sidewalk might run out.
     You might head into the waiting room with time to spare.
     The people might be somewhat amusing. 
     If you give two gigglers some funny things to giggle about there just might be some giggling.
     If the appointment goes well and is finished quickly you might have some time to spare.
     If you give the girl a chance to have some extra time with her friend whom she misses all of the
     time she might be happy for the extra minutes. 
     They might each get an iced coconut mocha coffee.
     If they find a bench to sit upon in the sunshine for some additional giggling they might want to
     stay a bit.
     If you give a friend some support chances are she will return the favor. 
     If you give a friend a hurdle she might just want a friend to go with it.

The Amazing Spiderman

     We collected cereal boxes on sale because of the extra bonus of a free movie ticket!  It ended up scoring us two admissions.  So from 6 to 86 we headed to the mall to see the new superhero movie.  It's not easy to find a movie that everyone will like but I think this one was a success.  Peter Parker didn't let us down.  The movie was fun and popcorn was perfect and my daughter finally admitted that a boy was cute.  Spidey...who knew you had such superpowers!

Red and Blue Nails

     Today will include hot dogs, fireworks and pool time in honor of a day off.  I have been reading The Kite Runner and am therefore extra grateful for the freedom that we have...but I wasn't about to make a new thing get in the way of my sunshine and splashes.  I also was excited for the second annual trek along the levee to sit upon a blanket to watch fireworks for the 4th of Jallow.  So today a little girl and her mama made their fingernails blue and red.  I have never worn blue nail polish on my toes because it's weird.  Now, I have to say I kinda like it.  Will it also work nicely for the new Spiderman movie...you betcha!
    Happy Freedom America!

Magic Mike

     I remember back in the day when Donahue was on...and the Chippendale's would be the guests for the show.  The audience full of women would hoot and holler at the tan muscle men.  It was comical.  Those women were "old".  Here I am a few decades later joining some of my girls for a night at the movies.  Sure there was a plot and a story.  Yes, indeed the characters had substance.  Uh huh....Steven Soderbergh made the movie cool.  But why did 5 chickies who lead very busy lives all make time to go to the movies on a random Tuesday night?  Well...because there were tan muscle men.
      But let me make a few points.  First off...us women have sat through many a stripper scene.  Did you go to see a movie about zebras fighting cancer only to be led astray by Nazi troops?  Guess what?  They will find a way to end up in a strip bar to talk about it.  Maybe you thought you were experiencing a cinematic treasure full of the challenges one might face in life only to find you were once again in a nudie bar.  Boys, we realize that if it is a crime movie, an action packed thriller or a superhero flick we might have to see some curves but it gets to be a bit ridiculous.  As the five of us sat down in a theater (sold out on a Tuesday night btw) we proclaimed that this was to make up for the nine thousand superfluous scenes we had to struggle through. 
     The other major point is this...we girls are silly.  We giggled and covered our eyes through some of the more obvious moments.  We laughed at the UNsexy costumes the boys wore during the dances.  We cringed at the weird angles and dance moves.  It is very different from those scenes when quiet men just stare at a girl on a pole.  We are goofballs who take every moment in life way too seriously and this is the chance to relax. 
     And guess what?  The opening scene had a naked woman...go figure.  The sighs and grunts from an audience who thought this one was for us meant the feeling was there for all.  It is hard being a normal woman in a world that supports eye candy.  I will spare you the lectures about the pressures to be beautiful.  I won't list the ways we are made to feel crappy.   I will tell you that I feel a little shift happening.  When a girl speaks out against a teen magazine, when the top bestsellers give women a new voice and when a movie like this has women cheering...it says something.  It says if karma is a bitch you boys best be worried because she has a lot of making up to do! ;)

Brave

     Pixar strikes again with another wonderful movie.  This time we have a girl who needs to find the path to her destiny...and there isn't even a prince charming at the end of it.  It is about the struggles on the journey...finding inner strength, being fearless and fighting for what is right.  She also learns about the bond between mother and daughter in a way that no other experience would have been able to teach her. 
     It's funny.  Smart.  Animation is stunning.  It even made me tear up at the end.  It was nice to see some themes that are classic done in a way that was fresh.  She also had some killer curls...finally...a heroine with crazy hair!!!

Read a Book in One Day

     Somewhere in my earlier years I'm sure I have accomplished this feat.  A little Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew was probably finished in an afternoon.  But as an adult...especially with kids...the challenge has been to read at all let alone finish a book.  Book club was a good attempt but I found myself struggling to get it done and cramming on the night that we would meet.  I have started books over and over and left them somewhere along the way. 
     Lately, I have been reading more.  It just seems to be coming to me easier.  I find the time.  I also find the books that lead me to want to turn the page.  I thought it was pretty exciting to complete a few books in the past few weeks but today I took it a step further.  I read an entire book today.  I took time while my kids were off enjoying themselves and sat quietly and read.  "Bossypants" by Tina Fey is hysterical.  It is smart and quick and funny....so funny that I laughed out loud for realsies.  I spent some time in the afternoon, came back to it later in the day and just finished it before midnight. Finished a book today.  In one day.  Some of you will understand that this is a big deal even if you are the very women that I tend to marvel at...you know the ones that read a few books a week on a regular basis.  So thanks Tina for the laughs as well as the ability to keep my attention as you darted around every subject under the sun.  I might not be going anywhere for a vacation but today I took a little break and just read in the sunshine...I left here for a short journey to there...and that has to count for something!
    Now off to update my Goodreads...because I can.  ;)

Comedy Bang! Bang!

     I checked out a new show on IFC.  The guest was John Hamm.  It is weird and quirky as only IFC can be.  Comedy is always a nice way to end the day.  Think summer school for Portlandia.