Yep!!  Free Flow Friday anyone?  Sure, can you ”flow”a shot of tequila from Azul Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Midtown?  Love, love, love this place. 

A few months ago, Rod and I put on some different rims on my Audi.  It was a hot Thursday night, no kids, a date night with the top down.  (No, not me…my Audi).  :)  Since we frequent the same restaurants in Sacramento over and over again, we chose Azul.  Parking was crazy and since we waited so long (It was about 8:00 pm) since midtown/downtown gets filled with people on bikes, cars or merely walker’s; we found one somewhat difficult spot.  So, Rod starts to parallel park and no he didn’t ride up on the curb.  As he rode up on the curb, all I could hear were scraping sounds of my new rim.  My heart sank.  His heart sank.  We got out of the car, looked at the rim, got back in the car and ended date night.  :(  We both were so mad at the tire being “jacked up” within minutes of getting them, that we just went to Taco Bell and went home.  I mean, I’m not too surprised this happened to us.  This always happens.  We nearly wrecked our boat within an hour of buying it?  It’s just us.  Rod and I are both super excitable people who sometimes can’t slow down because of being so excited!  Most of the time, it’s a good thing. 

Anyway, the other day, we decided to have lunch at Azul.  I initially didn’t know it was a tequila bar as well, but was thrilled when we walked in.  The architecture and decor is magnificient.  I felt like I was walking right off the cobbled boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta into Xitomatoes!  The colors are exuberant and ever since being in there…I wished I had a blue wall, with silver birds up in my home.  Actually, I sat through the entire lunch obsessing on where and how I could have that blue wall!  Anyway, not to sidetrack, but the food was also excellent.  I had shrimp “garlicky” tacos.  They were authentic, fresh and most importantly the rice was the BOMB.  We almost ventured over there last night for date night, “garlicky” tacos and tequila, BUT ended up staying at the restaurant we were at due to a little too much alcohol intake.  NEXT time, I am there.  Sipping tequila at the long wood bar…I can see myself now.

Check it out.  They are part of MARRS (midtown, art, retail, restaurant scene).  They are located at 1050 20th Street.  Azul is smack dab in the middle next to Luigi’s pizza, and Soloman Dubnick Gallery.  They also participate (obviously) in second Saturday and generally have live music.  Very cool place, very good food and love the feel inside.  I love Mexico and felt as though they really duplicated the place well.

It’s Friday!  It’s FREE FLOW FRIDAY!

 Let’s talk about journeys.  I love the fact that life is a journey.  It’s what we do along this journey (and not  the final destination…because there really isn’t one) that forms our character, memories, experiences.

Maybe this is why I enjoy running so much.  It’s all of those strides taken between the first and last steps that really matter.  During those strides, I’m thinking about Connor; my family; my work; the book I’m reading; the book Jill and I are writing; my  goals, dreams, ambitions.  I’m not solving world peace or the problems of the universe - but what I am doing is solving my own problems or just reveling in my own peace. 

I’m paying attention to my breathing, settling into my “groove,” the speed of my steps, the music on my iPod…that cute guy who keeps running past me in McKinley Park…

I really am a runner.

And I’m a runner who actually enjoys chocolate gu.  And who loves to loiter around Fleet Feet, checking-out the newest running gear (love the skirts) and gadgets (foam core rollers, knee clamp things, heart monitors…).

Why do I run?   I do it so I can eat anything I want (and, more honestly, to drink  anything I want). Running helps me maintain my wine habit. My wine habit helps me maintain my sanity.  My sanity allows me to be a good mother, friend, wife ex-wife…

It all goes back to running. 

And this Sunday, I’ll be running the Buffalo Stampede with my friend, Christine.  Funny enough, I have two running partners, Christine (here in Sac) and Kristine (who’s been living in Europe and eating lots of cheese…I’m jealous!)  Anyway, Christine and I are running a cute little 10-miler on Sunday and we can’t wait! 

But let me be honest.

I love to run, but I’m definitely not fast.

The fastest time I’ve run was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco at  2 hours.  For me, that was awesome, especially given the nightmare of the hills.  I even walked a bit, took a potty break and chatted up other runners (I figured I blew my time walking a hill, so I decided to revel in the journey and NOT focus on the finish line). I’ve no idea how I managed to run it that fast (other than hauling ass with 8 minutes mile-Boston bound girlies for the first 6 miles). I also had Coach Tony run me in the last mile and a half (and he’s cute and the hotness of the menz on race day always adds some kick to my giddy-up).

Anyway, there is a point to all of this.  If you need shoes, the ONLY place to get them is Fleet Feet.   Don’t feel stupid running around the store…or having one of their knowledgeable sales staff watch you run up and down the street.  Apparently, I pronate a bit (my foot rolls slightly inward)…who knew?  The Fleet Feet folks knew!

I’ve even had a guy fit me for a running bra (that was interesting). 

Fleet Feet not only has the right gear for you, but training programs to help you cross the finish line. Check out their site here.  Right now, I’m enrolled in their CIM training program - it was only $150.  I show-up when I want and run with them - or sleep in and run when I feel like it (as long as I stick to my schedule).   They provide classes on fueling, nutrition, gear.  There are “beginner” training groups, too. And there’s no pressure.  And that’s brilliant. 

With the summer months coming to an end, we’ve got perfect running weather ahead.  A bunch of us will be doing the Cowtown Half Marathon in October (my ass will be planted firmly at the beer truck around 10:00am)…and we’re running the full 26.2 miles of the California International Marathon in December (ugh).

As Buddha said, “It is better to travel well than to arrive.”  

 Translation? You better get some good running shoes, gear and gu for the journey to the finish line.  The journey is the most important part, right? So why not look cute, feel great and enjoy the ride?     

Fleet Feet

2311 J Street,
Sacramento, CA 95816
916.442.3338

Pancakes anyone?

“Yes, we love pancakes.  I had pancakes at my dad’s all weekend!”

I am the queen of consistency.  They call me Jill Consistent Christopher.  It is my duty.  Us parents are the captains of our ship and must pull rank for consistency purposes.  I feel like I can drive myself crazy.   

The kids started school last week.  This was the first week that they, of course, had their “packets” of homework.  I had to sit and process all of the information that comes home the first two weeks and then get a schedule in my mind.  Then I implement the schedule.  You know if I wasn’t friends with Shelley or Mike, they both would probably find me so annoyingly obsessively chronic about the boys and “their” schedule.  They probably still do.  BUT, it is really important.

I was hanging out with three of my sister’s mother (my EX step mother) and we were talking about her “step child.”  Which is actually pretty weird.  Here at one time, I was HER step child, and now I’m not.  BUT, we still love each other and talk as though she still is a mother figure in my life.  She is remarried and her husband has a 16 year old daughter.  She explained to me that his daughter goes back and forth and recently told her dad that she was “all over the place” and needed to move in with her mom full time.  She explained to her dad that she didn’t know if she was “coming or going” and couldn’t remain organized enough with school and other important things in her life.  Her dad was devastated but what to do?  Children, teenagers and adults all need some level of consistency.  Isn’t this why we find someone to love, marry and stay with forever?  Consistency, right?  We are all devastated at divorce.  Why?  No consistency.

So needless to say, we are on the same page.  I can send an email letting Mike know Jack likes Laughing Cow cheese.  I can also send an email asking Shelley if she is having Connor read nightly for 20 minutes.  I can do all of this things (while still understanding my placement) in it all.  I don’t have to be timid and afraid to deal with the ex wife or ex husband, and fear what I ask.  It is a fairly liberating life and makes life a lot easier to live.  AND it’s not really about me.  It’s about the kids.  I think I drive myself crazy because I want to remember everything possible for the kids….

Mike finally told me yesterday….”Don’t drive yourself crazy.  Everything will be fine.”  And this is very true.  I guess I’ve got my own control issues!  :)  So between soccer, hip hop, school, homework and guitar lessons, we all have to work together as a team.  And thank goodness our team is all on board!  We’ve got our plans set for Halloween, birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Crazy, but I LOVE and NEED the consistency as well!!

Dale: [whispers] “Hey, are you awake?”
Brennan: [whispers] “Yeah.”
Dale: [whispers] “I hate your guts.”
Brennan: [whispers] “As soon as your eyes shut I oughta punch you square in the face.”

As we all know..the movie Stepbrothers is out and is probably one of the funniest renditions of true “STEP” brothers.  Is this true of all siblings?

For the last two days, Connor has been “punking” Jack.  On Monday, he chose to push him in the pool.  Why?  “Because he wasn’t going fast enough.”  Connor sat out in a time out.  Monday night, Connor was walking out of the bathroom, and pushed Jack out of the way.  Why?  “I didn’t mean too, he was just in the way.”  This morning, Jack asked Connor what shoes is was wearing to school, and Connor grumbled…”My old ones,” attached with a push.  I looked at Connor in PURE amazement, “What are you doing?”  I had only one word. “PUNK.”  And Connor isn’t a “punk,” but he is very quiet with his expressions (including the bad ones).

Jack then came to the table for breakfast.  He ran fast to go to the bathroom and ran back.  I asked, “Did you flush and wash your hands?”  “Yes, mommy I did.”  I asked, “Are you sure?”  While in the middle of asking, “Are you sure,” Connor chimes in…”I didn’t hear it Jaaacckkkkk.”  Trying to get Jack in trouble AGAIN?  So, I again asked Connor, “What are you doing???”  “I don’t know” was his reply.

When both boys came to breakfast, I explained that they are brothers and they need to be nice to one another.  I also explained that at some point in life if Connor or Jack are constantly mean to one another, maybe they won’t have each other’s back when they need it.  And maybe at one point, they may not even like each other.  Connor sat quiet.  Jack asked, “Will Connor always be my brother?”  “Yes, Jack, Connor will always be your brother.”  When I explained they may not like each other, Jack looked and me and said, “Mommy, I may not like how Connor treats me, but I will always LIKE Connor.”  He looks over at Connor, “Right, Connor? Don’t you feel the same?”  Under his breath, Connor says, “Yeah…”

I’ll tell you what….I felt like my Dad this morning.  Growing up, my dad always told me that “before he died,” he wanted to make sure that all of us sisters took care of one another…ALWAYS.  He couldn’t bare the thought of dying and knowing we all didn’t love one another.  BUT you know what is different with me than my Dad?  Yes, it would break my heart if the boys didn’t grow up loving each other…but you know what?  It’s out of my control.  They have to want to love each other, and respect and have each other’s back.  All of this is normal sibling day to day life.  But, I can’t say I always like it.  I feel protective of them both and want them both treated well and loved by one another.  Could it be the older brother to the younger brother?  For me, I don’t know.  I don’t remember being SOOO mean to my younger sister’s?  Maybe there is a difference in girls versus boys?  I guess I will learn as I go.  Although I cannot control the end result for the boys, I can give them the opportunity to “learn” the importance of a sibling.  Neither Jack or Connor has a sibling at their respective other homes.  You would think they would embrace the time together?

We always joke….”We can just switch days and then you guys won’t ever see each other.”  Sounds harsh….but I’ll tell you what….it makes them step back and appreciate what they have.  I love my siblings and wouldn’t change anything.  Life is about sharing, caring and respecting others around us (especially with your sibling).  No one ever gets in the way of your brother or sister.  (At least that is how I am with my sisters).  A tight bond between two boys (brothers) should last forever…whether step, half or full.

“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.”  ~Marc Brown
 

What happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas…

Here’s the low-down on how I lost my Vegas-virginity!

Man-friend, CW, and I arrived in Vegas around 10:30am and went straight to the hotel to check-in.  We stayed at the newest hotel on the strip…Trump.  Now, it must be said that Trump is non-smoking, does not have a casino and doesn’t have a restaurant.  So, for some, those could be pretty big negatives.  But, for us, we’re not smokers and not big on gambling. Plus, our suite was gorgeous with amazing views of the strip!  So…no complaints here!   Plus…the place smelled amazing. It’s odd, but the first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was the perfumey sweetness in the lobby - not smoke. 

Then…we headed directly to the pool where we secured some hot real esate: a little covered cabana lounger right next to the pool where we threw back some cocktails (7-7’s for me and Gentleman’s Jack and Coke for him).  I think this was one of my favorite parts of the trip - just sitting back with CW, watching people, making each other listen to obscure songs on our iPods,  taking a dip in the pool and the spa. It was sooooo relaxing that I didn’t really want to leave to get ready for dinner….

But we rallied!

Dinner was at Cut, Wolfgang Puck’s “critically acclaimed” restaurant in the Palazzo. CW had a steak and I had the sole…and we had side dishes, of course…and cocktails!  The ambiance was amazing…it was dark, sophisticated…and the service was impeccable. The cool thing was that chic surroundings were juxtaposed against 80’s rock that played over the sound system…Van Halen…Duran Duran.  LOVED it!

Then…CW surprised me with a show,  Le Reve at the Wynn hotel.  In a word?  Stunning.  This may have been my favorite part of the trip. I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil shows - but this was truly unique.  The music, visual effects and water (the entire show takes place on a pool of water) were amazing! 

Then, of course, we hit the casinos and walked ALL over the place…caught Bellagio Fountains   and saw the “Eiffel Tower” all lit up (not as magnificent as the real deal in Paris…but still pretty cool!) among other “must sees” on a first trip to Vegas. CW showed me all around and we packed so much in that there wasn’t anything I felt I missed.

The next day, we needed to eat something that would stick to us so we grabbed breakfast….and then hit the strip again!  I don’t know about you, but I love to watch people and Vegas is a freak show. 

But what surprised me most were all the families - and pregnant women!   Even though there is a ton to see and do, I still don’t know that I’d take Connor to Vegas.  There’s no way to shield kids from the nude pictures littering the streets, etc.  It is  Vegas, right? 

While I didn’t want the weekend to end,  I was happy to get home to my other man :-).  I spent time with Connor this weekend and then Rod, Jill and Jack came over to my house to whisk Connor away for the next couple of nights.  Jill helped me get ready for my trip  and I had a chance to share all the details with her.  Rod and Jill had been in Clearlake for the weekend and I think we ALL needed the extra day (Monday) for some recovery time!

Ahhh….it’s nice to be home!  But, CW made my birthday so, so, SO much fun!   No matter where you go or what you do - being with someone who is really compatible with you makes ALL the difference.  You can go to the most beautiful or exotic location with someone yet still feel completely, sadly, and helplessly….alone.  I’ve done that and there’s no way to describe what it’s like to be depressed in a tropical oasis…it just seems so wrong and incongruent to the whole purpose of being there!   But, this little trip with CW was easy-going, relaxing and perfect.  

Maybe this dating thing isn’t so bad afterall?

Ok, this blog is for all of you women out there who at some point in time have thought about Botox.  Because let’s face it….we all at some point have “thought” about it.  Personally, I haven’t had the cojones to do it.  So, I am always interested in new non evasive products.  Check out Lift Fusion.  I provided a description below:

“LiftFusion® is the first Topical-Injectable® alternative to doctor-administered anti-wrinkle injections and has been proven more effective than Botox® in a clinical study. Technologically advanced LiftFusion® formula, with breakthrough Micro-Injected M-Tox® nanospheres, delivers immediate, visibly transformational results comparable to popular injectables… without the discomfort, side effects and unnatural loss of facial expressiveness associated with many syringe-administered anti-wrinkle products.
Wrinkles result from facial expressions along with the loss of key skin components: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Micro-Injected M-Tox®, a proprietary blend of anti-wrinkle ingredients, absorbs and activates on contact to immediately transform skin’s appearance into firm, smooth, wrinkle-free skin:
- Proprietary micro-injected muscle inhibitors absorb on contact for visibly relaxed fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic acid-filling spheres capture and instantly swell with the body’s water, plumping to fill and smooth even deep wrinkles, smoothing and lifting to restore skin’s youthful firmness.
- Blend of proteins boost collagen production to tone, firm and promote resilient, healthier skin.  The result? Fine lines and even deep wrinkles are visibly, measurably reduced within ten minutes, vertical and horizontal forehead furrows, frown lines, crow’s-feet and nasolabial lines are softened, and skin tone and texture is dramatically transformed, as skin becomes smoother, firmer and healthier. ”

There it is….Can you believe it?  Nordstrom sells this product for $140.00, but you can also go directly to the source at www.fusionbeauty.com.  They are also the creators of lip fusion, lash fusion, glow fusion and skin fusion.  Crazy huh?  Check it out.  I was actually surprised at how many products they formulated.  I love the beach baby bling seen below.

A total “must have.”  Beach Baby is a sexy flush of fresh pink to deliver that just-off-the-beach, seriously plumped pout for summer.  It is limited edition though so time to rush out and get that extra “bling” we all need.

I also like that it seems fairly cost effective in comparison to shots of Botox.  I don’t know..I’m thinking I like the alternative of lift fusion versus stabbing of needles in my head!  So, I’ll leave you with that thought.  :)  Sephora also sells the product so I’m sure both Nordstrom and Sephora has educated staff to provide information before purchase.  Good luck and stay wrinkle free!!  Sunscreen…sunscreen…sunscreen! 

I’m a Vegas Virgin.

Apparently, I’m the last person on earth yet to experience that heavenly pit of debauchery.  But, I’m losing my vegas-virginity this weekend. And gladly…

My man-friend, CW (as he shall affectionately be referred to), is whisking me away for my birthday present.  He’s planned a Vegas get-a-away.  I could write an epic-long post about him, but he does read this from time to time and I don’t want to scare him away.   You know the drill.  So, for now, I’ll just tell you that he’s…heavenly…and has planned our entire trip. All I’ve had to do? Make sure he doesn’t forget the “ey” at the end of my name for the airline ticket. “It’s S-h-e-l-l-E-Y.” 

Sweet Jesus. Is he for reals?

Anyway…what does a girl do  when she’s going to Vegas? SHOP SHOP SHOP !!!!!!

So, Wednesday (my birthday), after taking Connor to school, and after a little 5.5 mile run around McKinley Park, I hit Arden Mall in all my sweaty not-so-cuteness. My strategy was to do as much damage as I could possibly  do to my bank account before my 12:30pm massage with mom at Arden Hills Country Club. 

Mission accomplished.

I already hit Madam Butterfly this week, and though I didn’t need  more dresses or cute tops crammed into my closet, I wanted  them.  And as mom always says, “It’s not the need -  it’s the want.”  It’s the Ronan curse mantra.  So, my arsenal of dresses grew significantly and they were craving accessories.  And I’m not one to deprive.

So…where do you go when you must have the most fabulous shoes and bag…but you have very little time?  Nordstrom, of course!!   Now, I LOVE boutique shopping…but I had noooo time for screwing around and digging. 

I was on a time-limited mission.

First?  I hit the handbag department. And, it is there, my friends, that  I met my savior. 

Sarah Hinkle  took me under her wing like Angelina and Brad hover over their cache of children.  I swear to God.  Ms. Sarah is a Vegas-Veteran,  and after hearing about my wardrobe, helped me accessorize with new bag, shoes…and even guided me over to make-up.

I had no idea that someone from one department could surrender their post and take me by the hand throughout the entire store - ? Maybe it was that tell-tale look of panic and fear I had on my face…that last-minute-frenzy to find the perfect this or that? I probably reeked of the twelfth hour “I- don’t-care-how-much-it-costs-as-long-as-I-look-freaking-fabulous”  syndrome.  Now, I have a ton in my closet…but it just never feels as good as “new.”  You ladies understand.

No matter.  Ms. Sarah had me covered.  She spent sooooo much time with me - looking at different purses - trying on different shoes - going over to the Mac counter…I was afraid she’d get fired.  I even asked her “Is this all okay??” I was a time absorber. She sweetly responded, “This is what I do.”  And, ladies, she’s does it well.

I left Nordstrom totally confident and ready to rock in Vegas.   If you need a personal shopper MINUS the attitude (a rare combo) - who is low-key and no-pressure….and who eats fashion mags for breakfast… she’s your gal. She’s totally helpful, realistic, knowledgeable, un-assuming, kind…and she won’t guilt you into car-payment-priced shoes.

And, to keep this all in perspective, I must add that my Nordstrom experience the day before went like this:

Pretentious Shoe Dept. Woman: “These shoes are only five.” 

Shelley: “Five what?” 

Snobby Shoe Dept. Woman:  “Five hundred.”

Shoe-Shocked Shelley: “We need to drop a zero, honey.”

Perplexed Shoe Dept. Woman: “But Stuart Weitzman is an  investment.”  (huff)

Unimpressed Shelley:  “Uhh…for who? Stuart Weitzman??  Yeeeeaahh…um…buh-bye.”

Anyway…I told Ms. Sarah what I wanted to spend, how I wanted to look (with her input) and that I needed to find this FAST.   She was a whirling dirvish of energy while also a much-needed breath of fresh air who knew her shiz - she had me in and out of the fray in record speed.  She was the Indy 500 of shopping.  It was shopping on speed. I left feeling completely confident and fabulous despite my gross pony tale, salty skin, black running bra, Mizunos and sweaty Adidas capris.  (And that’s sayin’ something).  I walked away with all  my goods firmly death-gripped in my silver Nordstrom paper bag. 

Thanks to Sarah.

If you need a personal shopper, do seek her out. Here’s her contact information.  Happy shopping!

(btw…I’m sure I’ll be posting Vegas picks next week…)

Sarah M. Hinkle

Assistant Manager

Handbags

(T) 916.646.2400 ext.1258

(E) sarah.m.hinkle@nordstrom.com

Well, it has been 3 days of school.  Yes, only 3 days of school and let me clarify that the first 2 days were minimum days.  So, for all of you who know Jack this won’t be a surprise.  Last year we had an issue with Jack (within the first 3 days).  Imagine that?

So yesterday I went to pick up Jack and his teacher (in a laughing manner) said, “Hey, I gotta talk to you.”  I had the look of death… and immediately felt panic stricken.  I asked, “What…now?”  She said..”Today one of the kids on the playground told me that that little boy (Jack) was kissing a girl.”  When Jack was approached he told his teacher, “She’s really pretty and we are playing mommy and daddy.”  His teacher with a grin on her face told him that he can only kiss his parents and siblings.  He understood and off he went arm and arm with Gabriella (yes, that’s her name…how beautiful is that?)  They continued to play absent the kissing part.  Jack then told me they played puppy and mommy.  Jack was the puppy.  My goodness…I know this is in all good fun but geez….  When I left with Jack, Gabriella ran up and whispered (yes whispered) in his ear…”Thanks for playing with me today.”  My jaw dropped.

Jack proceeded to tell me how great, pretty and nice she was.  I explained to him again about our rules, and told her that if SHE tries to kiss him that he needs to tell her NO.  Crazy, huh?  I then called Mike to inform him what was happening.  Guess what the first thing out of Mike’s mouth was….”Well, someone needs to talk to that little girl.  The girls are ALWAYS the ones starting that kissing stuff.”  I couldn’t believe it…I laughed so hard at him with that statement.  He took no ownership or responsibility for Jack’s actions.

Then I look back and recall Jack and his other friend Mia playing mom and dad.  But this was different.  They wouldn’t even hold hands.  WHY?  “Mom, because we have been married for a really, really LONG time.”  So, I guess him and Gabriella were honeymooner’s.  My goodness.

Oh…now Connor….Check that box.  He’s in class, and hanging out with his homey’s.  All of his friends are hooked up with girlfriends and Connor thinks he has a girlfriend, but never ends up talking to her?  Go figure.

So there it is…my two extremes.  I love the different personalities and the different challenges we face because of it!  :)  Just like Dr. Seuss says….”There’s no one like you, youer than you, truer than true.”

Any one else having these issues at school 3 days in?

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” ~ Mark Twain 

Happy birthday to you..happy birthday to you…happy birthday dear Vonnie (my sister) and Shelley..happy birthday to you!  AND many more……

Yep, there it is.  My older sister Vonnie and Shelley are born on the same day and turning the same age.  Bizarro huh?  So, my hat’s off to them!  Enjoy the day, and this is the year of happiness, love, joy and inner peace.  Take each day one by one and enjoy this journey as it is a new year filled with many opportunities.  I pulled a couple horoscopes, and found a couple more people that were born today that Shelley forgot….:) 

“You are considering the possibility of higher education.  Do some soul-searching to be sure this isn’t just because of restlessness, boredom, or a midlife crisis.  It is possible to regain your enthusiasm without completely abandoning the current scene.” ~ Sac Bee horoscope

“No matter how much you have achieved in your life up to this point you know you are capable of so much more, so promise yourself now, on your birthday, that the next 12 months will be special.  Don’t just aim to be good, aim to be the very best.”  New York Post horoscope

Another tidbit…the week prior to Labor Day (this week) is National Bowling Week.  Yep, Kingpin style!  The flower of August is Gladiolus meaning “splendid beauty.”  Birthdays…Confucius…hello, born 551 BC.  Quickly….can you believe that Paul Reubens is 56?  WHAT?  Jonny Moseley (professional skiier) turns 33 today.  Tom Ford, fashion mogul also born today.

Happy birthday to both my sister and friend…

“Today you are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is youer than you.” - Dr. Seuss

That’s my favorite quote from Dr. Seuss.  It so “truer than true.” 

Have a wonderful day!!

    

I can’t believe they f—-ing forgot my birthday.

~Samantha (Sixteen Candles 1984) 

No.  No one forgot my birthday. I wouldn’t let ‘em.  Because TODAY…it’s  my birthday!!!

So, I did what we’ve all done at one time or another and looked-up who was pulled from their contended oneness with the cosmos on the very same day I was.   Interestingly, there are a few hipsters (yet a fairer share of not-so-hipsters) who, like me, were slapped on the ass and gasped for air for the very first time on August 27th. 

With each of these birthday boys and girls, I tried to determine if we had something in common… anything…in addition to our birthdays and Virgo status. Here it goes…

Mother Theresa:   Don’t laugh. I guess our primary commonality is that we’re both Catholic. While I’m kind of a “salad bar Catholic” - she’s the realest deal.  But, I give myself points for becoming genuinely soggy-eyed when I read about her work. Truly amazing.  The world needs more people like her.

Mason Betha (Ma$e):  Don’t we all have a little gansta rapper in us? Come on…I have NWA on my iPod.  ‘Nuf said.

Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens:  Okay…we have the same hair color…does that count? Otherwise, this guy creeps me out.  Like. BIG time.

Barbara Bach:  Um. Who??  That’s what I said, too. But she was a Bond Girl and married Ringo Star.  Hmmm…let’s move on.

Daryl Dragon:  He sung “Love Will Keep Us Together” with his wife, Tony Tennille (maybe this explains my obsession with this song? or, more likely, it’s just the hopeless romantic in me….?) Anyway - LOVE her. LOVE him.  I really do love this song - when I trip over it while accidently coming across the Mix 96.1 on the radio…I hear it out. Always.

Martha Rye:  Again…who??  Yeah…I’m not sure, either. All I know is that she “entertained the troops with Bob Hope.”  If I was famous (well, and had some  talent to speak of) I’d rock it and entertain the troops just like Cher did with g-strings and glitter - I’d boost all kinds  of morale.  Seriously!

Lyndon B. Johnson:  Our 36th President.  I’ve no political aspirations whatsoever.  What. So. Ever. I think that makes me great Presidential material, actually.

Sarah Chalke:  From “Scrubs”…LOVE her.  And, she’s the closest to my age on the list which seems appropriate. We’re both a bit quirky - is that a Virgo trait?

I couldn’t find anyone else. Sad, huh?

Anyway…it’s a Shelley Day (my favorite kind of day). So, what’s the plan?  I had  hoped to sleep-in, but I’m taking Connor to school at 0800.  Then, I’m headed for a run around East Sac (yeah!)  Then, I’ll hit Starbucks for a Grande Mocha Decaf With Whip (no idea why I feel the need to capitalize that).  Then shopping! Then, I’m meeting mom at the spa for massages, a glass of wine and lunch (yeah!!!)  Then I’m heading home to relax until dinner dinner with the parents this evening.   I’ll be eating ahi salad, dayboat scallops. Ahhhhhh.  This,  for me, is perfection. Perfection and  happiness. 

Maybe this getting old crap isn’t so bad afterall??

Cheers!

It’s really human of you to listen to my bullsh—.

~Samantha (Sixteen Candles, of course)