Rest In Peace Benoit Family

It is with a heavy heart that I enter my post today. Needless to say, I will not inject any sarcastic comments. The fans of professional wrestling, aka as the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) were shocked and grief stricken when word of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their seven year old son's death was announced.

Between yesterday and today updates of what transpired are flooding the internet, and news stations. It appears that Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son, then took his own life. I am not going to add a bunch of links to the articles, because that's not my entry is about. You see, I knew Chris Benoit once upon a time (and I am sure I had met his wife as well.) My family, and friends and myself are shocked and sickened that this has happened. I am heartbroken over it because three lives were taken. One of them, an innocent child. But I stand firm in my belief that they were ALL victims.

I know a lot of professional wrestlers, and years ago had been very friendly with them. In fact, to this day, I still keep in touch with (2) two guys who used to work for the (then) WWF...now known as WWE. Ida and I used to travle to many a wrestling match, and have stories that would curl your hair. We still have many a laugh over old memories of who did what, in such a such town. There were many good times, and many happy memories. Unfortunatly the wrestling profession is a cruel one. It takes ALOT to make a name for yourself, and if by chance you do become an employee of the WWE, a massive amount of travling must take place. You can be on the road 300 days out of the year (as my one friend had been.) Family life becomes strained, and due to travel, and the 'work hours you keep' more than likely your unwind time will be at the hotel, or hotel bar. Injuries do occure even though the matches are 'written'. Drugs, pain killers, booze are all a part of your life. I'm not saying that ALL wrestlers who are professionals live such a dark life. But it is very easy to get sucked in to it. The easiest way to sum it up is, A WRESTLERS LIFE IS NOT AS GLAMOROUS AS IT SEEMS. My family and I actually know more wrestlers who have passed away due to drugs than we now know who are yet alive.

Yes, I had known Chris Benoit (as did some of my family.) Not as well as I knew several other wrestlers. But each time I was in his company, he was always pleasent, a wry smile on his face. He was shy and reserved but well liked and respected. Chris wasn't the one to tell a joke, but he sure appreciated one. He never was unkind, nor did he seem unhinged. Nancy (who went by the name 'Woman') alwso was well liked, and a very smart business woman. I don't recall meeting her, but I may have.

And they're gone. In a blink of an eye, Chris ended it all. Many people are up in arms, wrestling fans who never liked him. Wrestling fans who have now turned against him. People who don't like wrestling at all. Some people are quick to blame steroids, but the toxicolgy report has yet to come back. Some people are quick to judge him. But how can we? Do we REALLY know what happened? The answer is no. I ma not taking Chris's side in this. But perhaps he snapped (obviously he had.) Maybe he had mental problems. All I am saying is, try to remember the good of this man. And don't be so quick to blame him. Because Nancy and his son were not the only victims. Chris, somehow was too. I believe that. And I hope with all my heart that their friends and loved ones find peace one day.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

I love to read, and have loved it all my life. I don't have a specific genre that I will only read or that is even my favorite. Basically, if it's something that sparks my interest I AM LOST in my book. The only books I really don't enjoy reading is non-fiction, unless it is something that I am researching, or is of interest to me. My reason for the dislike of reading non-fiction is that when I read, I want to be entertained or immersed in something that I wouldn't come across in MY 'real life.' Does that make sense? I do enjoy reading autobiographies or biographies, but again it has to be on someone who interests me.
When I was a kid, I overheard about a book, a work of fiction by Oscar Wilde. It was about a man who wanted to stay young, and whose picture aged instead. This fascinated me. Imagine never growing old! I HAD to read this book. But alas, our wonderful library *note deep sarcasam* did not have this so-called book of which I spoke of, nor would they order such a book for me. You would think I was asking for a book on how to raise the dead with the way the reacted. Years went by, and I had forgotten all about 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.

Then a few years back upon talking with someone, the Oscar Wilde story came up in conversation and my quest to read or own this book was refreshed. Once again I went to my library, which over the years had grown in size, but obviousley not their narrow-mindedness. They still did not have the book, nor would they order it for me. I finally found it in Borders, and purchased it, adding it to my stack of books to read. Some months back, I guess almost a year ago I started reading it, and couldn't get through chapter one! You could only imagine my horror and disappointment. The verbage was very wordy, dry, and well. DULL! There was no supernatural element to it at all (at least not in the section I had read.) I found the two characters who kick off the book (Basil and Henry) arrogant, and pretentious, which I guess Oscar Wilde was aiming for. Much to my chagrin, I put the book away, unable to read it, and have yet to pick it up again.

Then I had saw that on TCM they would be airing the original film version of the book:

and I was so psyched. Now I'd get the opportunity to see what it was I was trying to read. Perhaps THEN I would get what it was Oscar Wilde was trying to get across. Last night Ida and I hunkered down to watch the 2-hour movie and were all but bored to tears. I found the character of Henry just repulsive and obnoxious, and found nothing redemptive of Dorian. For a movie which was made in 1945, it was done rather well. However, it was not a movie I was going to keep on my dvr box for eternity.

Does anyone else have comments to add on this Oscar Wilde story? Are all his works the same?

Working in hell does not even allow you a day off in peace

I don't even know how much of this to post as it is mainly all on speculation. Yesterday I woke up late for work (when on summer hours, I need to leave my house between 7:30-7:40 to ensure I get to the office for 8am.) Yesterday, what time did I wake up? You guess it, 7:30am. At first I rushed around like a chicken without it's head, then said what the hell. I'd take the day (although it was a crappy one, because I had time to do it, and plus I had hoped to sleep.)
Well, sleeping in wasn't happening as mom and Ida wanted me to run errands with them (which was fine.) And by the time we got home, at like 2 in the afternoon, I went upstairs and took a 3-hour nap. So I DID get my sleeping in.
But then this morning as I called a co-worker to alert her to traffic problems, we got to talking and I found out that there was only ONE office support person (and I call her that as she is not an admin. asst. AND because she is only a part-timer in the office. I called in sick, and the other girl who works in the office with 1/2 of the bane of my existance had a scheduled day off. OOOPPS! My bad! But in all fairness, when I called and left the message saying I wouldn't be in, told them to call the house should they need me.
However what is totally weird is that people knew I was out sick yesterday. People who really don't need to know or shouldn't be effected by my being out today. One of the mucky-mucks was in my office this morning when I came in, and he asked me how I was. I found it odd, yet nice that he had asked me. It was very alarming. Then I heard 'The Chief', my boss on the phone with someone whose voice I didn't recognize ('The Chief' was on speaker), and the other party informed him that two other people and myself were out yesterday. So my question is: just how many people know I was out? And why do they know? And who told them I was out? I'm not THAT important to the department, that everyone needs to know my daily activity. Or am I....and they're just keeping it a secret so as not to blow my ego up?
Either way you look at it; even those of us who commute to hell to earn a living are not allowed to take a day off in peace. So I guess that means I really am working in hell.

New Cooking Blog

Once upon a time, I had a recipe blog which I thought would be fun and helpful for those out there in cyber land. A place where they could get some yummy recipes and a side dish of my dry humor.
Alas I grew tired of it, and didn't know if anyone actually even visited the site. But recently I longed to have a second blog, since my original one Single Girl Meets the Un-Incredibles is pretty much defunct. What should I blog about? The Mc-kittens? Post my writings of the story I am penning? But then a blog that I visit frequently shed light. Tami has posted (2) two DELICIOUS recipes on her blog, and of course I just had to try them. Which reignitied my desire to start a recipe blog. So here we go!

http://the-cooking-corner.blogspot.com/

A Murder Most Foul!

Do the above photos look like pictures murdereres?

**Disclaimer: photos attached to this entry are not for the weak stomached. Photos at the end of entry.**

Pooka and Cro`i….my mc-kittens. The loves of my life, the best babies any pet owner could ask for. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for either of them, and evidentially they know that. ALL TOO WELL. Because they gave me a gift last night, that only a cat can give its owner. (Or a psycho gives the object of its affection.) And I love my Pooka and Cro`i, my mc-kittens. I just wish things went down a little differently than they had. I would also like to interject the mocking I received last summer when I feared waking up to finding mangled crickets near or on me. But sit back and read this tail of love or in my case my tail of horror. (Note my attempt to be funny with the wrong use of tail.)

Last night, as usual I was looking forward to sleeping in my nice, soft, Egyptian Cotton sheets. I was tired, and looking forward to getting to bed at a decent hour (like 11pm.) But I had found it odd, that my mckittens, Pooka and Cro`i were no where to be found. Pooka wasn’t on my bed, no one was in the little pink room, nor were they running amuck playing in the hall. I put my ‘jammies on, and were calling them as I walked in to my bedroom. And THERE IT was. Something small and not quite belonging on my bed.

I ventured closer. The item on my bed much more distinguishable. I backed away. “Mooooooom, can you come here please?” I call, as though I was 12 instead of 31.Mom was playing on the computer, “What’s the matter?” she asks, getting up to come see. “I’m not sure if I’m right….but what is that on my bed?” I ask her, pointing at the shape. With that Pooka J. Tubbybutt, aka, my mckitten, aka ½ of the dastardly duo, aka His royal tubbiness comes running from his hiding spot, because (his mommy), me found the gift he left for me. He hops on to the bed, and the corpse shifts slightly. Mom looks at me, AND STARTS LAUGHING. I start laughing too. “Awwwwwww, they brought you a gift.” Mom says and begins to praise Pooka. There he is getting petted, and loved up, praised, and he’s purring away. Like an ass, I doing the same thing (praising him…not purring.)

Mom goes back to the computer, and I’m staring at the DEAD MOUSE on my bed. THE DEAD, GOOEY MOUSE, as I see little blood stains. Blood stains on my EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEETS. My Egyptian Cotton sheets which are brand spankin’ new….now the scene of a mouse murder…with little blood stains! Ever so brave….I call again, “Moooooom, can you take the mouse off my bed?” Pooka looks at me like I suggested something absolutely crazy. Mom cracks up, “No way kiddo…that’s your gift and yours alone. You dispose of the corpse.” And there you have it, Mom, chickening out on me. After I saved her from the chicken breast aside the refrigerator.

So I go to my other savior…Ida. I walk half way down the steps, “Ida….are you awake?” I call. “Yes, why?” I hear from the family room. “Are you comfortable yet?” I ask hoping she says no. “Yes, I am…why?” She asks again. “I have a gift in the middle of my bed, and I need you to remove it for me.” She isn’t budging…”What is it?” She wants to know. “A dead, gooey mouse that the cats gave me as a gift!” Ida was no help at all, “Nu-huh, you’re on your own.” She calls. And much to my surprise and duress, she DIDN’T come to rescue me from the DEAD, GOOEY MOUSE on my bed.

So what did I do next? I’ll tell you. Between fits of laughter, shared between mom and myself, I grabbed two plastic shopping bags and scooped up the disturbingly soft, and squishy mouse off the bed, tied up the bag and threw it in the trash…tying that bag as well. Pooka and Cro`i looked appalled that I would throw a perfectly good, DEAD MOUSE gift away. Next I gave them heaping amounts of treats as a thank-you/reward for the mouse which they gobbled up. I then proceeded to strip off my sheets, and my blankets, and my stuffed animal (Flounder from ‘The Little Mermaid’) and marched down stairs to throw them all in the washing machine. I washed them with loads of soap on cold water, as to not allow the stains to set. Next I went in search of disinfectant to wash down my pillows and mattress (okay, maybe this was a bit overkill- no pun intended.) But I don’t care. Unable to find Lysol, I used the remaining rubbing alcohol I had and washed down the mattress. Today I will Lysol the mattress and pillows before I redress the bed. This morning I washed my sheets and blankets, and Flounder in HOT water, and Ida is now in the process of washing them again in warm water. Hey, I need my sheets MOUSE-GOO free.

I also slept on the couch downstairs, far…far away from the murder scene of my bed. Yes, it is very clear that Pooka and Cro`i love me. And I love them more than anything in the world. But I can’t help and wonder if I was so far fetched last summer to worry about dead or mangled crickets being dropped on me that they caught. Or if maybe having Cro`i on my tummy as I watched a Jack The Ripper documentary not so much a good idea. All I know is this was the second mouse they’ve caught…and my loveable mc-kittens are now serial killer

This is a photo of the DEAD GOOEY MOUSE on my bed last night:

Pooka looking smug after 'the kill'.

Craziness in the work place which is filled with crazies!

So I was driving home the other day, and thinking about my blog and how I have been able to update it more frequently, after practically abandoning it. Then it hit me, what had started out as a venting spot for me about my job and co-workers has not had any gripes about what is going on here. So here we go, because I’ve got a bunch to catch you all up on!

1. ‘Big Bad’ (my old boss) will now be referred to as ‘Big Dick’ because; well he can be such a dick. And it’s sad because he used to be so nice, and a really great person to work for or with. But he has these back-stabbing, underhanded ways about him. And he thinks that everyone is like him. For example, one of the departments in my company has food provided for them (such as bagels or cookies, or snacks) and one day there was an excessive amount left over. Well the bagels were brought in to ‘Big Dick’s’ office, and when a co-worker of mine went to snag one for her lunch…there were NONE to be found! Where did the bagels go? Because they didn’t leave the office, and the fridge there was crammed with jellies, and butter and cream cheese. He smuggled the bagels out to bring home, and this wasn’t the first time he has done something like this.


2. But that’s nothing. Because ‘Big Dick’ does this walk-thru thing thru my office. Another example: we have two doors in to my ‘cave’, (1) from the parking lot, (1) from the warehouse. And what ‘Big Dick’ does is come in from one entrance, and just walks thru the office and out the other door. No stopping to fax, copy, or talk to anyone such as my boss (the nice boss.) ‘Big Dick’ just does this to see what we were doing, if we were socializing or goofing off. One day he did this 3 times within a ten-minute span and even my boss was like ‘what the hell is that?’


3. When I had started working here, I would make cakes for peoples birthdays, and we would have small get-togethers but then some freaks on the second floor (who must have been deprived of birthday parties growing up) made it such an ordeal that for the past year Claire and I have tried to STOP the cake festivities. So what happened now? Well ‘Big Dick’ decided that we should have a bagel party for a PART-TIME employee who used to be ½ of ‘bane to my existence’. She still does nothing. I mean she SO DOES NOTHING, that she has people walk down her paperwork for her, from her office to mine or vice versa. So you can understand my griping that she should NOT have a bagel party to ‘celebrate her five years of hard work.’ Well Orelinde made a boo-boo, a BIG one. I had e-mailed a co-worker of mine a comment, and she had replied, but somehow it had gotten back to me and ‘Big Dick’. So now ‘Big Dick’ is actually shunning me, for the past two days because I was the one who passed a comment. He will not talk to me or look at me. If he does his walk thru, he actually makes a point to talk to everyone other than me. Like this hurts me. What am I five? Am I supposed to cry over this? I don’t think so….but this just proves that ‘Big Bad’ has turned in to ‘BIG DICK’.

4. I have a crush on someone in my company. And I don’t know why. I also know that once a certain someone reads this blog she is going to flip-her-lid. There’s a man who works for my company in a management position. He is not sociable, and does not even has people skills for the most part. Many people outright dislike him, and say he has NO sense of humor. In fact when I had started working here, ‘Big Dick’ tried to convince me that this guy was trying to cause problems for me. And perhaps this guy who I’m crushing on was. But this man has been in my building on special projects for about 8 months, (not on a daily basis) and we have a nice relationship when he is here. I even get him to laugh (which as rumor has it, he NEVER does), and he has even joked with me and my sidekicks. Has he changed completely? Absolutely not. And I’m not dumb enough to think that he is all sunshine and flowers, because he is very quiet, and ‘all businesses for most of the time he’s here. He’s older than me, as in old enough to be my father probably…and also is married. SO THERE’S NO WAY I WOULD EVEN ACT ON ANYTHING. If there was even anything to act on. Because there’s not. But I still have a work crush on him.

5. Claire is no longer in my department. She has moved on, in the company to a different department, and even floor. And I’m happy for her. But I still miss her.

6. I still have the other half of ‘bane to my existence’ sitting in the cube next to me. He’s as loud as ever and just as annoying, if not more so. I have found that I can tune him out from time to time which may or may not be good. He sings, whistles, drums, and makes siren noises. He sings and whistles so loud, that if he leaves the office, we can hear him for some time. ‘Bane to my existence’ thinks he is the shiznit but really he’s just a peon. All he does is complain, complain, and complain about all the work he does…yet he was the one who begged for it. Now he wants to hand payroll back over to me to handle. And if that’s the case fine. But I’m not volunteering to take it off his hands. In fact I believe he will now be referred to as ‘Bane to my existence’. I think he’s earned that full title.

And that pretty much sums it up I’m sure there will be more crap to talk about in the future about the crazies I work with. But I think you guys have enough to digest, and maybe even pity me.

Celebrity Boob Twin Quizz

To keep in the theme of my risque dance recital Sunday...here we go:

Your Celebrity Boob Twin:

Lucy Lawless

Who's Your Celebrity Boob Twin?

FREAKY

Your Beauty Element is Air You're quirky, fresh, and fashionable in a surprising way.You have a beauty that's all your own, and it changes as quickly as the wind!

What's" Your Beauty Element?

I find this freaky, as I am a Gemini...and Gemini is an air element. I found this to be very accurate.

The creative juices are flowing!

I have been meaning to start writing for a long time. In fact, I think it was about a year ago that I had mentioned that I was starting to write a story. But of course, I started and then stopped. Because I tried to follow the lessons I had been told when I had taken a creative writing course. Like you know: for a plot outline, detail each of your characters, write down key facts prior to jumping in to the story. And I did develop my characters, to some degree, in fact I had even picked out actors whose looks I was basing my characters on, so I could have a visual as I wrote. But I didn’t get too far because (A) I was reading a novel, and (B) I found it very difficult to follow these guidelines AND be creative.

When I was a little girl, most nights I would get a bedtime story. If it was told by my Uncle Frank, it was usually about his childhood, or when he was enlisted in the army. I loved hearing about his life. Other times we would just talk, or he would sing me to sleep. But one of my coolest memories was when my mom would tell me bedtime stories. Because she was very creative, and came up with a character called Princess Rosie Sunshine. Of course Princess Rosie Sunshine was based on me, and all my shenanigans. She also incorporated my pet cat Socks in to the story. Sometimes when I was eating lunch in school, I would even find pictures drawn on the inside of my lunch bag, of Princess Rosie Sunshine. Yep, mom knew how to make me smile.

So last night, at dinner mom, Ida and I were talking and she and Ida were reminiscing about when they lived in Brooklyn (NY), and some of their friends. Well, they told me this one scenario, and it hit me. What a great title for a story! But what made it even better was if I were to incorporate the character of my old pet cat, Socks, which my mother had created in to the title and story. I mentioned this to mom and Ida and they both agreed enthusiastically that it was a great title, and idea I came up with.

Last night when I got home, I didn’t whip out a scratch pad to start jotting down ideas or plots. I just turned on the computer and began to type out the story. I am already in to the tale two and a half pages. Which granted isn’t much at all, but it is sure is something. So we’ll see how it goes. I read mom what I had written thus far, and she really enjoyed it, she even said how real it seemed. I am pondering if I should blog the story or just keep it, and then shop it around once it’s completed.

Dance Recital aka Nipple-Gate 2007

So I did it! I made it through a year of dance class, followed by the dance recital without killing myself. Or freaking out on stage and not being able to dance. Of course there can not be an entry in my blog without some kind of drama, and I had drama on two different levels. (A) My cousin Maureen backed out of attending my dance recital due to another family function that she opted to go to. We got over it though. The second drama-infused part of dance recital was way more interesting…. And way more embarrassing and risqué.

Saturday afternoon went off without a hitch. Well, kind of anyway. Hip-hop was the first dance, and I have to say for missing two dancers, it went rather well. My friend Dawn, and this other girl, L.J. were both no-shows. So it was disappointing not to have them on stage with us, but it wasn’t a drastic change in the grouping or how we danced. Even though we had danced twice on stage, it was a bit daunting as this was THE BIG event. But once the music started pumping we nailed it. It helped drastically to have Carin in the wings reminding us to dance ‘sexily and sassily.’

Sunday’s performance for hip hop was no different, except Dawn was begging me to talk to her on stage. So there we were dancing and talking. This is hard, because you’re supposed to smile. So, I was like talking thru clenched teeth. But again, we ROCKEDto . Plain and simple.

Saturday’s session for tap was a little dramatic. Because it seems I got misplaced, trying to get part of my hip hop costume off. And my tap class was ushered back stage awaiting our song. So Carin (my hip hop instructor went on a mad dash to locate me and did) and we raced to the backstage to meet up with my class. I also wound up dancing with the choker on my neck from hip-hop, but that was no big deal. And there we went, tapping our hearts out. The song was SO fast, but we were amazing.

Sunday’s show was the one were risqué-ness took place. I was stoked, because my cousin Dolores was in the audience, and she was so excited to be there. I had forgotten that she used to come to my dance shows when I was younger. And there we went, tapping away on stage, like Happy Feet, and THEN I FELT IT. My left boob popped out of my costume, thru the keyhole…which is really just a low scoop, with draped material in the front. And I didn’t know what to do. Because as a performer, you know the show must go on. So do I dance with my boob out, or fix it. Well, I opted to fix it, but my costume was very uncomfortable as my boob was whipping around. So I tucked it back in, trying to be indiscreet...and knowing that people must see me fidgeting with my costume. Because of my distraction, I missed a key point, at the end of the dance, as I was center stage (and SO PISSED) and also didn’t dance to the full height of my capabilities.

Everyone said it wasn’t noticeable, my cousin Dee, mom and Ida aid it was ok. But then when we were leaving the venue, and I saw my tap teacher Cristin…she said someone told her they saw me fall out of it…TWICE. So I guess it WAS noticeable. And I guess everyone got a show within a show. But I had a great time, and can’t wait for the recital next year. Only next recital I will all but be superglued in to my costume.

Dress Rehearsal 2007:

So last night was dress rehearsal for the recital which will take place this weekend. I am equally excited and nervous. On bare-stage rehearsal, I goofed in one spot, but kept in time with the rest of my dancers. So I was really nervous that I would repeat the same goof in the dance at the same time.

My hip-hop number is the one which causes me more grief, as this is my first year doing hip-hop. Plus I don’t feel that comfortable with this one STUPID step which I am POSITIVE that Justin Timberlake and his doofy N’Sync pals did. So anyway, my hip-hop song is GET ME BODIED by Byonce, and out costumes are black and white…it is a tube/halter top with black & white streamers hanging and black track pants (velvet) with white stripe down the side of the legs. Plus we have a string choker, and gloveletts. I had missed the rehearsal on Sunday afternoon, so was really freaking out last night, because I didn’t know my spots on the stage. But then I decided to just eyeball my fellow dancers, as they knew where to stand, and so be it. So there we go, ambling out on to the stage in the dark, heads down, awaiting Beyonce’s “Woooo” to kick off our dance. And off we went, lines formed, moving as ‘sassily and saucily’ as we could per our instructor’s command. Everything in my mind clicked, and I knew when to move, where I needed to be, and managed to keep in time with everyone else. The only bad thing I noted was that the tie in on my costume seemed to be flying all over the place, and although it didn’t UNtie, felt like it had. (My instructor) Caron was pleased, said we nailed it. And mom even said that I looked real good, that the step that I HATE with the passion of a thousand suns, looked like I had it right.

My tap dance was next, the ultra-fast I know my heart is in good condition number to Patti LaBelle’s ‘Stir It Up’. Mom was sewing me in to this costume as well, and I kept practicing to make sure the boobies stayed where they were supposed to be. Because you know: (A) nothing like waiting for the last minute to sew the straps, and (B) why wear a bra? No matter what mom did, my left boobie felt like it was trying to escape, so we wound up safety pinning the straps to one another, which was hidden by my hair anyway. At the last minute, my instructor Cristen changed up entry spots slightly, bringing my line closer down stage. My friend Mary was upset because now she wouldn’t be able to hear me count us out, but Cristen counted her line out. As I waited for my entry, I saw one of the girls on stage pin fly off her costume. Then my group was out shaking our money-makers, and trying not to pass out from exhaustion. WE ROCKED. I can’t say anything other than that.

So this weekend is the big event. And sure I’ll be nervous before each performance. But I KNOW now that I can do this. We look great as a unit, and I know my stuff.

Dress Rehearsal tonight

So tonight is dress rehearsal, and I am scared shitless. All year I have looked forward to going on stage with my buds from dance class and putting on our show. But get me in front of people, have other dancers rely on me to count them out, and I am a bundle of nerves.

No to mention yesterday was bare-stage rehearsal (meaning we do our number in regular work out gear) and I totally missed the hip-hop number because I had gotten lost on my way to the high school. Then when performing the tap number goofed in a spot, but was able to keep in time with the rest of the people.

So tonight is dress rehearsal....costumes, make-up, blinding lights and an auditorium packed full of people. What have I gotten myself in to?

Happy Birthday to Me…31 and So-Much-Fun!!!

So yesterday was my birthday, as as usual Mom and Ida made it an extra special event. We celebrated from Friday night all the way up until last night, and I never want to eat again. I also treated myself of course, but actually didn’t go the jewelry route as I normally do.

Friday night mom had to run to the Smithaven Mall to do some errands, and asked if we wanted to have dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. So Ida and I said ‘yeppy-deppy,’ and I was stoked, as I wanted to go to Macy’s anyway. You see, I had found Egyptian Cotton 300 thread count sheets on sale for $59.99 which is a STEAL. Have I ever owned Egyptian Cotton? Absolutely not. Have I heard how soft and what a MUST HAVE they are? You bet your ass I have. So for my 31st birthday I was determined to have sheets that would envelope me in softness, and guarantee me a comfortable night’s sleep. At the Cheesecake Factory, I had a chicken and pasta dish which was quite spicy and not overly heavy. Ida had the Sheppard’s Pie, and mom had a soup and salad and sandwich combo. For dessert the three of us split the Tres de Leche cake, which was huge, and overly delicious. I was a happy, if not stuffed camper. Mom then went home, and I made my way to Macy’s for some comfy sheets which were beckoning to me. Well, I realized I was a bit of a mo-mo head when in the bedding department I couldn’t find my sheets, nor did I have the name of the company who made them. I sought out a sales person who informed me that they may not have them, as they don’t carry everything the web site does. But she was able to lead me to a sales table which had different Egyptian Cotton sheets on it, which I had to buy each piece separately. I was a bit bummed because I figured I would wind up paying more this way (as opposed to if I bought the bedding set which I had seen on-line.) Well I sure was WRONG. Because for (2) pillow cases, (1) fitted sheet, and (1) flat sheet the total price was $36.00. And they are the most SOFEST sheets I have ever owned. I can’t help but wonder what even higher thread counts feel like. But I am loving my sheets for sure.

Saturday was pretty much an easy day, ran errands, did some shopping, lounged about and then went to dinner again. We went to The Radio Grille, which is a local joint that I used to love. But we were not as impressed as we had been in the past with them. The service was poor, the food mediocre, and I it just wasn’t like how it has been in the years past. I had shared a mushroom appetizer with mom, and had a veggie wrap and French fries. Mom and Ida both had burgers.

Sunday was my REAL birthday, and I was nervous as I had to do my bare stage rehearsal for dance. My original b-day plans had to be cancelled as I needed to be at the rehearsal so we were unsure where we would do dinner. Mom and Ida (not to mention my mckittens and the pooch) gave me absolutely BEAUTIFUL tanzanite earrings, which I am wearing in the 3rd hole on my ears. They’re set in white gold, look like flowers and are HUGE. I got 2 lovely b-day cards from the family…and my cousin Dee called to wish me a happy day, as well as Michelle. From Japan, I got a video from Michelle’s nephew and nieces singing happy b-day to me.

I also had my bare-stage rehearsal yesterday afternoon, and due to getting lost on the way there only managed to participate in the tap dance. It went rather well, except I goofed on one part, but managed to stay in time with my fellow dancers. After that was over and done with…Mom, Ida and I had dinner at Carraba’s Italian restaurant, for the first time. Food was delish, and the pomegranate martini wasn’t too shabby either. Instead of singing in English, they sing happy birthday to you in Italian which is mad cool.

So turning 31 was not bad at all. I was with people who loved me, and got a few pleasant surprises. I wasn’t dreading it like I had dreaded turning 30.