I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This is Froggie's assignment for us: I ***HEART*** bullet points. The first couple of years that I blogged, I use to do "thoughts" post where I used bullet points. So, I'm asking you to do a bullet points post. Use no less than 5, but no more than 10. The post itself can be about anything you want, not necessarily a "thoughts" post. You just have to use bullet points in the post.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I usually have a bunch of drafts for potential blog posts, just waiting to be shared. I don't always get the push to make these posts go past the draft stage, so I decided to use this topic as an excuse to share one of them today. This article reminded me that I had this topic sitting in my drafts folder for quite some time.
As you may already know, I talk about my celebrity crushes a lot. However, I usually talk about the ones who are well-known. I have a list of celebrities I have crushed on in the past, who are not as mainstream. I wanted to give them a shout-out today.
•Johnny Whitworth: He was Eliza Dushku's crush in Bye Bye Love and the hottest employee of Empire Records. He was obviously crushing on Liv Tyler's character and she was so oblivious. I was super jealous of her!
•Paul Mercurio: I wouldn't have minded having him for my ballroom dance partner, as he knew how to work the floor in Strictly Ballroom. And he was ever so sexy in Exit to Eden. Australian accents get me every time!
•Peter Dobson: One of my favorite movies is Sing and it definitely helps that he's one of the main stars. He has amazing dance moves and he works the "bad boy" image so well. His birthday is close to mine, so that's a plus.
•Lee Montgomery: He is so hot in Girls Just Want to Have Fun! He's like a cross between Brad Pitt and Scott Bakula. I wouldn't have minded being in Sarah Jessica Parker's dancing shoes for that movie.
•Clayton Rohner: Even though he got really old, he was gorgeous in Just One of The Guys.
•Scott Weinger: Since I didn't have a boyfriend in high school, I lived vicariously through D.J. Tanner, while he was playing her boyfriend, Steve on the hit show Full House. Not only that, but he also voiced a cartoon crush of mine...Aladdin! And best thing yet, he wrote some episodes of 90210!
•Adam Garcia: Did I mention how much I love Australian accents? Adam Garcia could just stand there talking to me while I had my eyes shut and he'd win me over. But it helps that he's gorgeous and he can pull off some wicked dance moves too! Definitely a reason for watching Coyote Ugly over and over and over.
•James Frain: He's not my typical celebrity crush. He's got a plain look to him. However, he won me over in Where the Heart is, just by taking off his hat to reveal a head full of curls. I think the way he played Forney so well just sealed the deal for me! It was hard NOT to fall for him!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
52 Stories: On the road again
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through my book blog. She occasionally writes guest reviews and I enjoy chatting with her about the latest novels. This past winter, she sent me some books, which I thought was really sweet.
Name you'd like to go by: Allie
Age (or age range): 40-45
Gender: Female
Location: Atlanta
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Tough question. “Legendary” is a heavy word. Anything I consider to be legendary may unfortunately fall under the category of infamous. So I took a small poll and apparently many consider my road trips to be legendary. Over the past three summers I have logged thousands of miles on road trips with my kids - just me and my four little hoodlums, hitting the open road. The first summer was motivated by a nostalgic need to visit my roots in New England, and then I decided to add some sightseeing stops and visits with friends and family. After thirty days, as I pulled out of the last city, on my way home, I cried. Until I finished, I didn’t think I could actually do it, and I knew I was going to have to keep on truckin’. I can’t explain it, but I just love traveling and I’m so grateful that my children love it too. Every day is a new adventure. While on these road trips we learn something new about our country, our history and ourselves every day!
Now, it’s not all champagne and roses, let me tell you; it gets ugly and smelly, both in and out of the car. It can be stressful, expensive, and exhausting…but then you see beaches of Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the monuments of Washington DC, the Chicago vista from the Sears Tower, the wheat fields of Kansas, the cornfields of Iowa, the Alamo, the Gateway Arch…and it’s all so worth it! And I always find opportunities to reconnect with family and old friends. The planning starts six months before and we map it out and it becomes a big family project. Daddy thinks I’m insane. He flies in for some weekends, occasionally joins us in the car, and it’s really fun to watch him try and hang with us Road Warriors. Life on the road ain’t easy.
And so, the legend of Road Warrior Momma was born!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Okay, I guiltily admit I have many of these. Here goes: sleeping in on the weekends, coffee, expensive chardonnay, Yankee candles, Kid Rock, steaming hot showers, sunbathing (although I try to lessen the guilt with a hat and sun block), buying LOTS books - more than I can ever read, making photo books, entertainment award shows, and my rare time alone.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Italy! I want to ride in a gondola on the Grand Canal and then have drinks at Harry’s Bar; study the Statue of David and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; walk the Spanish steps and toss coins in the Trevi Fountain; listen to the Pope deliver mass at the Vatican; eat pizza in Naples; sail on Lake Como (where of course I will meet George Clooney); and don’t even get me started in the shopping and wine drinking!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
As far as material gifts, my favorite thing to give is books. Books have brought such joy to my life, and I want everyone to feel joy (not dread) when they get a book. I think about the person and try to buy book they would love to read (as opposed to books I love to read). Hopefully I’ve succeeded more often than not. Although sometimes I feel sorry for my friends and family, because they know they’re getting a book, there’s no suspense…ha, ha. I do shake it up sometimes and the book comes with a candle or lotion or jewelry.
As far as immaterial, I wish I could give the gift of peace and good health to all my friends and family. I wish this so much.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I haven’t a frickin’ clue! I hope I have, and I hope I have for the better (but am realistic that there’s always a chance that it may have been for the worse). Hopefully in twenty years my kids will say that I did, but only time will tell.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I used to be an energetic person (is that a personality trait?). I had boundless energy! Seriously – I was the energizer bunny and drove everyone around me crazy. But damn, I got stuff done! I could go to school (full time), work two jobs, help a friend move, go to the gym and party the night away – all in one day! Then I’d wake up and do it again. Where, oh where, did that girl go? Also, and probably more importantly, I’m no longer a wallflower. There was a time when it was very important that I be likable and fit in, so I suppressed my true self and my true opinions. I didn’t want to rock the boat. Wow, that really was a waste of time and effort. To all the wallflowers out there, it’s so much more fun to occasionally rock that boat.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My family. Seriously. If I didn’t find humor in this house, I don’t think I could stay. There are six of us – four stinky boys and two loud girls. I have a child with autism, who makes me laugh all the time. Most of his stories would classify as TMI, but they sure are funny. I have a child who doesn’t like clothes and loves to dance naked. I have a child who takes life too seriously, so it’s my mission to get him to relax, which always results in hilarity. I have a drama queen, who is very funny, but I cannot let her know how funny she is. I have a child, who thinks he’s funny, but he’s not, and that’s funny. And then there’s me, who thought this would all be so easy, and it’s not, but even that’s funny. (Did you notice I described five kids? One is forty-something. Now maybe that’s not so funny.)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love the fact that I have a lot of really, really good friends…which I hope is a reflection of me, as a friend. New and old, male and female, paid and not paid, related and not related, from all over the country and all periods of my life. I am extremely fortunate in this regard. When the chips are down, I’ve got oodles of options. A gift for me would be more precious time, both in the short-run and the long-term.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Parenthood. There’s a little bit of my life in each of those families. I LOVE that Show! NBC, please renew it for next year! It’s on Tuesday nights, 10:00 p.m. Watch it, please.
What is something that not many people know about you?
There’s not much! The older I get, the less I worry about what others think (so liberating), and now I’m an open book. But if people don’t know something, it’s because I don’t want them to!
I met this storyteller through my book blog. She occasionally writes guest reviews and I enjoy chatting with her about the latest novels. This past winter, she sent me some books, which I thought was really sweet.
Name you'd like to go by: Allie
Age (or age range): 40-45
Gender: Female
Location: Atlanta
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Tough question. “Legendary” is a heavy word. Anything I consider to be legendary may unfortunately fall under the category of infamous. So I took a small poll and apparently many consider my road trips to be legendary. Over the past three summers I have logged thousands of miles on road trips with my kids - just me and my four little hoodlums, hitting the open road. The first summer was motivated by a nostalgic need to visit my roots in New England, and then I decided to add some sightseeing stops and visits with friends and family. After thirty days, as I pulled out of the last city, on my way home, I cried. Until I finished, I didn’t think I could actually do it, and I knew I was going to have to keep on truckin’. I can’t explain it, but I just love traveling and I’m so grateful that my children love it too. Every day is a new adventure. While on these road trips we learn something new about our country, our history and ourselves every day!
Now, it’s not all champagne and roses, let me tell you; it gets ugly and smelly, both in and out of the car. It can be stressful, expensive, and exhausting…but then you see beaches of Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the monuments of Washington DC, the Chicago vista from the Sears Tower, the wheat fields of Kansas, the cornfields of Iowa, the Alamo, the Gateway Arch…and it’s all so worth it! And I always find opportunities to reconnect with family and old friends. The planning starts six months before and we map it out and it becomes a big family project. Daddy thinks I’m insane. He flies in for some weekends, occasionally joins us in the car, and it’s really fun to watch him try and hang with us Road Warriors. Life on the road ain’t easy.
And so, the legend of Road Warrior Momma was born!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Okay, I guiltily admit I have many of these. Here goes: sleeping in on the weekends, coffee, expensive chardonnay, Yankee candles, Kid Rock, steaming hot showers, sunbathing (although I try to lessen the guilt with a hat and sun block), buying LOTS books - more than I can ever read, making photo books, entertainment award shows, and my rare time alone.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Italy! I want to ride in a gondola on the Grand Canal and then have drinks at Harry’s Bar; study the Statue of David and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; walk the Spanish steps and toss coins in the Trevi Fountain; listen to the Pope deliver mass at the Vatican; eat pizza in Naples; sail on Lake Como (where of course I will meet George Clooney); and don’t even get me started in the shopping and wine drinking!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
As far as material gifts, my favorite thing to give is books. Books have brought such joy to my life, and I want everyone to feel joy (not dread) when they get a book. I think about the person and try to buy book they would love to read (as opposed to books I love to read). Hopefully I’ve succeeded more often than not. Although sometimes I feel sorry for my friends and family, because they know they’re getting a book, there’s no suspense…ha, ha. I do shake it up sometimes and the book comes with a candle or lotion or jewelry.
As far as immaterial, I wish I could give the gift of peace and good health to all my friends and family. I wish this so much.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I haven’t a frickin’ clue! I hope I have, and I hope I have for the better (but am realistic that there’s always a chance that it may have been for the worse). Hopefully in twenty years my kids will say that I did, but only time will tell.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I used to be an energetic person (is that a personality trait?). I had boundless energy! Seriously – I was the energizer bunny and drove everyone around me crazy. But damn, I got stuff done! I could go to school (full time), work two jobs, help a friend move, go to the gym and party the night away – all in one day! Then I’d wake up and do it again. Where, oh where, did that girl go? Also, and probably more importantly, I’m no longer a wallflower. There was a time when it was very important that I be likable and fit in, so I suppressed my true self and my true opinions. I didn’t want to rock the boat. Wow, that really was a waste of time and effort. To all the wallflowers out there, it’s so much more fun to occasionally rock that boat.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My family. Seriously. If I didn’t find humor in this house, I don’t think I could stay. There are six of us – four stinky boys and two loud girls. I have a child with autism, who makes me laugh all the time. Most of his stories would classify as TMI, but they sure are funny. I have a child who doesn’t like clothes and loves to dance naked. I have a child who takes life too seriously, so it’s my mission to get him to relax, which always results in hilarity. I have a drama queen, who is very funny, but I cannot let her know how funny she is. I have a child, who thinks he’s funny, but he’s not, and that’s funny. And then there’s me, who thought this would all be so easy, and it’s not, but even that’s funny. (Did you notice I described five kids? One is forty-something. Now maybe that’s not so funny.)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love the fact that I have a lot of really, really good friends…which I hope is a reflection of me, as a friend. New and old, male and female, paid and not paid, related and not related, from all over the country and all periods of my life. I am extremely fortunate in this regard. When the chips are down, I’ve got oodles of options. A gift for me would be more precious time, both in the short-run and the long-term.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Parenthood. There’s a little bit of my life in each of those families. I LOVE that Show! NBC, please renew it for next year! It’s on Tuesday nights, 10:00 p.m. Watch it, please.
What is something that not many people know about you?
There’s not much! The older I get, the less I worry about what others think (so liberating), and now I’m an open book. But if people don’t know something, it’s because I don’t want them to!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Making Memories....
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Mom of Many chose the topic: Talk about your first trip to Disney. What was your favorite ride? Is it still your favorite ride?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I recently traveled to Disney World with my family, it felt like I was there for the first time. This is partially because I hadn't been there in such a long time that I forgot what it was like. However, some things came back to me like no time was ever lost. And there's also the fact that a lot of things changed. Some rides were added and others taken away. Some rides felt different from how I previously remembered them.
Having said that, I really am at a loss for memories of my first Disney World trip. I know I was five years old and that our babysitter came with. We drove all the way to Florida in my parents' station wagon. We have gone on tons of trips to Florida (whether or not it was for Disney) since that time and a lot of them are a blur when it comes to theme parks. There used to be a non-Disney park called Circus World. There was a room where we could get our faces painted like clowns. I remember asking all the face painters their names. I wasn't shy at all! I also remember going to a character breakfast, but only because I know my parents have a picture where I'm wearing this red sundress with different colored shapes on it and standing with some of the characters. (Mom, if you're reading this and you find that picture, please send it to me. Same for some pictures where I had my face painted at Circus World.)
I don't know if I went on the Haunted Mansion ride on my first trip (I was five, so I hope it wasn't that trip), but I remember being freaked out by the image of a ghost or monster in our little car thing at the end. I thought it was following me out of the ride! I remember seeing some 3D movie where kids are in some sort of circus and they throw pies at people.) I'm sure we went on all the standard, kid-friendly rides though. I liked "It's a Small World" when I was a kid. There was so much to take in. I could see why my kids like it now. As an adult, I don't like that ride. It felt insanely long and slow and the dolls creeped me out. I kept thinking that they probably come to life after the park closes down. I was feeling sorry for the dolls who have to spin around in circles over and over again. I also won't go on the Haunted Mansion, regardless of whether it's appropriate for my kids or not. I definitely liked the Peter Pan and Pirates rides better when I was a kid, as well. I probably even went on the Dumbo ride a lot. And I don't have the equilibrium to tolerate Big Thunder anymore. I loved it when I was younger. I would never go on Space Mountain though, even as a kid.
The rides at Epcot were mostly boring (if anything educational was involved) when I was younger. I liked the Imagination ride (Figment!) and Horizons, which gave us a glimpse of the future. Spaceship Earth was pretty slow, from what I remember. I think there was some show about food that was cute. I don't think it was a ride though. And I think The Living Sea was a walk through exhibit. I remember a ride called The Land, but not what happened during it. I think there was a cheesy song to go along with it. We didn't go to Epcot on this trip, so I didn't get to relive any other memories of it.
I remember other aspects of our Florida trips from when I was a kid. Some memories are from our many trips to the time share in Pompano Beach, where family friends of ours usually stayed, as well. Others are from Orlando, like going to Sea World (loved the sea lion and otter show) or the Jacuzzi bath tub bubble incident. I remember most of the restaurants we went to in my youth, especially our regular favorites like Po' Folks, Flaming Pit, Bobby Rubino's, Americo's, Lovin' Oven (which had TVs on every table), Lai Lai (really good Chinese food) and Skipper's ice cream. What I noticed about Orlando this time around is how much it feels like Las Vegas. There's a cheesy souvenir shop every few blocks, surrounded by tons of hotels and restaurants. Maybe that's just the street we drove on the most, but it all felt like way too much.
To finish off this post, I'll leave you with this video. It inspired the title of this post and it's ever so cheesy! (I think I used the word "cheesy" three times in this post.)
This week, Mom of Many chose the topic: Talk about your first trip to Disney. What was your favorite ride? Is it still your favorite ride?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I recently traveled to Disney World with my family, it felt like I was there for the first time. This is partially because I hadn't been there in such a long time that I forgot what it was like. However, some things came back to me like no time was ever lost. And there's also the fact that a lot of things changed. Some rides were added and others taken away. Some rides felt different from how I previously remembered them.
Having said that, I really am at a loss for memories of my first Disney World trip. I know I was five years old and that our babysitter came with. We drove all the way to Florida in my parents' station wagon. We have gone on tons of trips to Florida (whether or not it was for Disney) since that time and a lot of them are a blur when it comes to theme parks. There used to be a non-Disney park called Circus World. There was a room where we could get our faces painted like clowns. I remember asking all the face painters their names. I wasn't shy at all! I also remember going to a character breakfast, but only because I know my parents have a picture where I'm wearing this red sundress with different colored shapes on it and standing with some of the characters. (Mom, if you're reading this and you find that picture, please send it to me. Same for some pictures where I had my face painted at Circus World.)
I don't know if I went on the Haunted Mansion ride on my first trip (I was five, so I hope it wasn't that trip), but I remember being freaked out by the image of a ghost or monster in our little car thing at the end. I thought it was following me out of the ride! I remember seeing some 3D movie where kids are in some sort of circus and they throw pies at people.) I'm sure we went on all the standard, kid-friendly rides though. I liked "It's a Small World" when I was a kid. There was so much to take in. I could see why my kids like it now. As an adult, I don't like that ride. It felt insanely long and slow and the dolls creeped me out. I kept thinking that they probably come to life after the park closes down. I was feeling sorry for the dolls who have to spin around in circles over and over again. I also won't go on the Haunted Mansion, regardless of whether it's appropriate for my kids or not. I definitely liked the Peter Pan and Pirates rides better when I was a kid, as well. I probably even went on the Dumbo ride a lot. And I don't have the equilibrium to tolerate Big Thunder anymore. I loved it when I was younger. I would never go on Space Mountain though, even as a kid.
The rides at Epcot were mostly boring (if anything educational was involved) when I was younger. I liked the Imagination ride (Figment!) and Horizons, which gave us a glimpse of the future. Spaceship Earth was pretty slow, from what I remember. I think there was some show about food that was cute. I don't think it was a ride though. And I think The Living Sea was a walk through exhibit. I remember a ride called The Land, but not what happened during it. I think there was a cheesy song to go along with it. We didn't go to Epcot on this trip, so I didn't get to relive any other memories of it.
I remember other aspects of our Florida trips from when I was a kid. Some memories are from our many trips to the time share in Pompano Beach, where family friends of ours usually stayed, as well. Others are from Orlando, like going to Sea World (loved the sea lion and otter show) or the Jacuzzi bath tub bubble incident. I remember most of the restaurants we went to in my youth, especially our regular favorites like Po' Folks, Flaming Pit, Bobby Rubino's, Americo's, Lovin' Oven (which had TVs on every table), Lai Lai (really good Chinese food) and Skipper's ice cream. What I noticed about Orlando this time around is how much it feels like Las Vegas. There's a cheesy souvenir shop every few blocks, surrounded by tons of hotels and restaurants. Maybe that's just the street we drove on the most, but it all felt like way too much.
To finish off this post, I'll leave you with this video. It inspired the title of this post and it's ever so cheesy! (I think I used the word "cheesy" three times in this post.)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
52 Stories: Time is of the essence
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller on Twitter, as I saw she also has a book blog. She seemed really fascinating, so I invited her to participate in "52 Stories" and I'm glad she did!
Name you'd like to go by: Jovon Tucker but my maiden name was Maxwell. My nickname since fifth grade is Jo.
Age: 26 years young
Gender: Female
Location: Alabama...but I'm from NY. I moved here 5 years ago and hope ti go back sometime!
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Oooh, great question! I'm sorry I am too torn to have just one!
1. When I was 18 I had the opportunity to go and film a documentary for a charity in Romania through my college. I was in Romania for 2 weeks and in between filming I was able to help build and extra bathroom for an elderly home housing 80 people with one bathroom. I helped paint a gymnasium for a middle school and make it a brighter learning environment. I went to an orphanage for children with HIV and aides. I had the time of my life? Met great people and saw so many amazing sights!
2. One day in September of 2011, after never wanting anything to do with G-d or the Bible or church...I randomly picked up a bible in a bookstore and started really reading it and liking it. Very weird of me at that time. Three days later, for no reason at all, after being told I wouldn't be able to conceive, I took a pregnancy test. I just felt it was a sign from G-d and began going to church. I miscarried a month later because of an accident but last March I was saved! I feel I found G-d because he knew I'd need him during that rough time. This is a happy story though because I know it can will eventually happen...if it's supposed to happen it will, you know?
3. On Mother's Day in 2012, I married the absolute love of my life. I walked down the isle to "1,000 Years" by Christina Perry. I was cool, calm and collected through all planning up until half an hour before the ceremony. The doors opened and there I saw him. I can't even remember who was at my wedding (thank God for photos!) I had tunnel vision for my hubby, Robert!
4. Robert and I became foster parents in October of this year! We have a little boy right now and he's totally amazing! It's an adventure everyday!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Reading! I love love love to read! You can go anywhere and any when when you read! It's my form of escape and I love it! That and warm pita bread and garlic roasted red pepper hummus! Yum!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I want to touch the pyramids of Egypt! I want to experience what it's like to feel life inside me! Bucket list item that I got to do!! I swam with wild dolphins last summer! OMG amazing!!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I know this may be super corny but I would and love to give anyone my time! I almost never have cash to lend anyone but I'll paint your house, I'll move ya, I'll give you the shoes I'm wearing if you needed them!
What part of your personality is now extinct?
My carefree, have nothing to worry about at all ever. However that usually ends when you grow up and have to pay for stuff yourself. LOL!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
"It's peanut butter jelly time, it's peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly and a baseball bat!"
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
Hmmmm....I love that my vocabulary becomes better than any author when I get really mad. It doesn't get vulgar but I'll use awesome thesaurus words!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Actually I just read this book a week ago and now because it's so like my life in a lot of ways it's now my all time favorite! RETURN TO ME by Justina Chen is so intensely moving and powerful! It's about this young girl who's father upends his family with a move and affair and now she has huge decisions to make regarding her future while handling her father's huge betrayal. I loved it an think it's a must read for every gender of any age!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I love geocaching!! If you don't know what it is...GOOGLE it! It's awesome to find little treasures from strangers. The best part is the hunt of course! Also, even though I'm completely tone deaf, I live to sing. So much so that I'll randomly start singing my sentences and continue all day. I sing to my husband that it's impossible to understand him unless he too sings. It's hilarious when gets into it too, LOL. Also, I have a HUGE addiction to flour tortillas and garlic roasted red pepper hummus!
I met this storyteller on Twitter, as I saw she also has a book blog. She seemed really fascinating, so I invited her to participate in "52 Stories" and I'm glad she did!
Name you'd like to go by: Jovon Tucker but my maiden name was Maxwell. My nickname since fifth grade is Jo.
Age: 26 years young
Gender: Female
Location: Alabama...but I'm from NY. I moved here 5 years ago and hope ti go back sometime!
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Oooh, great question! I'm sorry I am too torn to have just one!
1. When I was 18 I had the opportunity to go and film a documentary for a charity in Romania through my college. I was in Romania for 2 weeks and in between filming I was able to help build and extra bathroom for an elderly home housing 80 people with one bathroom. I helped paint a gymnasium for a middle school and make it a brighter learning environment. I went to an orphanage for children with HIV and aides. I had the time of my life? Met great people and saw so many amazing sights!
2. One day in September of 2011, after never wanting anything to do with G-d or the Bible or church...I randomly picked up a bible in a bookstore and started really reading it and liking it. Very weird of me at that time. Three days later, for no reason at all, after being told I wouldn't be able to conceive, I took a pregnancy test. I just felt it was a sign from G-d and began going to church. I miscarried a month later because of an accident but last March I was saved! I feel I found G-d because he knew I'd need him during that rough time. This is a happy story though because I know it can will eventually happen...if it's supposed to happen it will, you know?
3. On Mother's Day in 2012, I married the absolute love of my life. I walked down the isle to "1,000 Years" by Christina Perry. I was cool, calm and collected through all planning up until half an hour before the ceremony. The doors opened and there I saw him. I can't even remember who was at my wedding (thank God for photos!) I had tunnel vision for my hubby, Robert!
4. Robert and I became foster parents in October of this year! We have a little boy right now and he's totally amazing! It's an adventure everyday!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Reading! I love love love to read! You can go anywhere and any when when you read! It's my form of escape and I love it! That and warm pita bread and garlic roasted red pepper hummus! Yum!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I want to touch the pyramids of Egypt! I want to experience what it's like to feel life inside me! Bucket list item that I got to do!! I swam with wild dolphins last summer! OMG amazing!!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I know this may be super corny but I would and love to give anyone my time! I almost never have cash to lend anyone but I'll paint your house, I'll move ya, I'll give you the shoes I'm wearing if you needed them!
What part of your personality is now extinct?
My carefree, have nothing to worry about at all ever. However that usually ends when you grow up and have to pay for stuff yourself. LOL!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
"It's peanut butter jelly time, it's peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly and a baseball bat!"
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
Hmmmm....I love that my vocabulary becomes better than any author when I get really mad. It doesn't get vulgar but I'll use awesome thesaurus words!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Actually I just read this book a week ago and now because it's so like my life in a lot of ways it's now my all time favorite! RETURN TO ME by Justina Chen is so intensely moving and powerful! It's about this young girl who's father upends his family with a move and affair and now she has huge decisions to make regarding her future while handling her father's huge betrayal. I loved it an think it's a must read for every gender of any age!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I love geocaching!! If you don't know what it is...GOOGLE it! It's awesome to find little treasures from strangers. The best part is the hunt of course! Also, even though I'm completely tone deaf, I live to sing. So much so that I'll randomly start singing my sentences and continue all day. I sing to my husband that it's impossible to understand him unless he too sings. It's hilarious when gets into it too, LOL. Also, I have a HUGE addiction to flour tortillas and garlic roasted red pepper hummus!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Book Review: The Night Circus
When The Night Circus first came out, I didn't have much interest in reading it. It didn't sound like my kind of book. I heard good things about it and bought it for my mom on her birthday. She told me she really liked it and shared it with my sister, who also liked it. Then it was the choice for my local book club, so I obtained the book from my sister to read. And you know what? I couldn't put it down!!!
Trying to summarize the story into my own words would not do it justice, so here is what it says on Goodreads:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
There's something about the way Erin Morgenstern writes that is so engaging and enthralling. Almost immediately, I was swept into the world of her characters and the circus itself. Everything could be going on around me and I would just get lost in the pages. I felt like the characters were people I really knew and I even felt a kinship with some of them. When I would put the book down, they would stay in my mind. The descriptions are so vivid throughout the story. I could really picture most of what was going on. (The reason I say "most" is because sometimes the descriptions were a bit overzealous and I got lost in trying to figure out how to visualize them.) I like how it was set in the late 1800's/early 1900's as the story gave off such a perfect feel for that era. There wasn't modern technology to work with and people just seemed nicer in general (even if they weren't always the nicest).
I must warn you that in order to enjoy this novel, you need to have suspension of disbelief going on in your mind at ALL times. The magic (and even other circus acts) described is very cartoonish in nature. Since this is a book, the author's imagination can exaggerate things as much as possible. It made me think of Disney's version of Aladdin, where the Genie could just make anything happen, no matter how outlandish it was. I felt like the only way to play this out as a movie would be to have a huge art direction budget. There's just so much going on and it gives the story a "Harry Potter" feel. Also, the explanations were vague, which made things confusing or difficult to wrap my head around.
Overall, I loved The Night Circus. I already told my husband that he HAS to read it (he doesn't read much but I think he'd enjoy this one) and I want my kids to read it when they're older and can comprehend what is going on. I do think it would make a cool movie, but it would have to be done to perfection in order to do justice to such an amazing novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thursday, April 11, 2013
It happened at the White House
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, I chose the topic: Talk about a small world situation that happened to you personally.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
This topic was inspired by my recent trip to Disney World, as I hear "It's a Small World" in my head all the time!
In the past, I had been told about some really cool small world instances and was almost jealous of how cool the experience must have been. The first time I met my mother-in-law (when I had been dating my husband for a couple of months), she had gone to a Judaica store in West Rogers Park and had a conversation with the cashier that led to her finding out that he was my brother-in-law's college roommate. And better yet, the same guy showed up at our family friends' house a few weeks later. I wanted a story like that for myself!
When I first started my job, we had a holiday party that involved a tour of the White House. I had only been at this job for a few weeks and was still getting to know everyone. At the end of the tour, we were standing by the doors and complaining how cold it was outside. One of the girls mentioned how the cold didn't bother her because she was from Cleveland. I asked her what part of Cleveland, since my husband also grew up there. She named the town and it turned out to be the same town where he grew up and went to high school. I imparted this bit of information to her and she asked his name. I told her she probably wouldn't know him since she was a few years younger. She said "try me." So, I told her his name. Then came the real kicker....she responded with "I went to prom with him." What are the odds that I'd get a job in Maryland working with my husband's prom date from high school in Cleveland?!? They obviously hadn't been in touch in a long time and I don't think she knew my last name prior to the conversation, so the topic probably wouldn't have come up if we didn't have this excuse to talk about it.
Currently, I work even more directly with my husband's prom date. Turns out that she's one of my favorite people to work with. She's just so nice, easygoing and respectful. We have more in common besides the same taste in guys. :) Our kids are close in age and we're both fans of Rent. Funny thing is that we look nothing alike, so it seems like my husband has a broad spectrum of types. (Then again, haven't we all gone after various types at one time or another?)
When I first told my husband about how she and I work together and how I found out that she knew him as more than someone in her yearbook, he told me that it was the small world story to top all small world stories. I dare you to come up with something better than this....
This week, I chose the topic: Talk about a small world situation that happened to you personally.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
This topic was inspired by my recent trip to Disney World, as I hear "It's a Small World" in my head all the time!
In the past, I had been told about some really cool small world instances and was almost jealous of how cool the experience must have been. The first time I met my mother-in-law (when I had been dating my husband for a couple of months), she had gone to a Judaica store in West Rogers Park and had a conversation with the cashier that led to her finding out that he was my brother-in-law's college roommate. And better yet, the same guy showed up at our family friends' house a few weeks later. I wanted a story like that for myself!
When I first started my job, we had a holiday party that involved a tour of the White House. I had only been at this job for a few weeks and was still getting to know everyone. At the end of the tour, we were standing by the doors and complaining how cold it was outside. One of the girls mentioned how the cold didn't bother her because she was from Cleveland. I asked her what part of Cleveland, since my husband also grew up there. She named the town and it turned out to be the same town where he grew up and went to high school. I imparted this bit of information to her and she asked his name. I told her she probably wouldn't know him since she was a few years younger. She said "try me." So, I told her his name. Then came the real kicker....she responded with "I went to prom with him." What are the odds that I'd get a job in Maryland working with my husband's prom date from high school in Cleveland?!? They obviously hadn't been in touch in a long time and I don't think she knew my last name prior to the conversation, so the topic probably wouldn't have come up if we didn't have this excuse to talk about it.
Currently, I work even more directly with my husband's prom date. Turns out that she's one of my favorite people to work with. She's just so nice, easygoing and respectful. We have more in common besides the same taste in guys. :) Our kids are close in age and we're both fans of Rent. Funny thing is that we look nothing alike, so it seems like my husband has a broad spectrum of types. (Then again, haven't we all gone after various types at one time or another?)
When I first told my husband about how she and I work together and how I found out that she knew him as more than someone in her yearbook, he told me that it was the small world story to top all small world stories. I dare you to come up with something better than this....
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
52 Stories: A birdie told me
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
How fitting that this storyteller goes by the name Birdie, since there's a character in One Hundred Names who also goes by that name. I know this Birdie frequents my book blog but I don't want to reveal more as to keep her identity anonymous. She seems like a very nice person, from what I've gotten to know about her thus far.
Name you'd like to go by: Birdie
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Location: Minnesota
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Surviving breast cancer. In order to get, and stay, cancer-free, I have had five surgeries, chemo, and radiation. I lost all my hair, and a breast, but in order to live cancer-free, it was totally worth it. Plus, my hair grew back, better than ever (even after six years, it's curly and I love it), and I got a new, perky breast :)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Taking time to myself, during the day, to read (which I usually only get to do at night, since I have a four year-old.)
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Italy. I'm fascinated by European history, and Rome especially. I'd LOVE to see the Coliseum, and so many other things over there.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
It sounds cheesy, but I'd love to give my love of reading to my daughter. I don't let a day go by when I don't read part of a book, and I hope to pass that on to my daughter. Since she was born, we read books to her before bedtime, and she gets upset if we don't read at least three books, so I think I'm doing something right!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Adopted my daughter. You'd think that changed her life, but it changed mine and my husband's more. We had gone through some tough times. In 2006 we moved from Wisconsin (where our families live) to Pennsylvania. Four months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgeries, chemo, and radiation, I was declared cancer free in December of 2006. I wasn't able to get pregnant because of the treatments, and we decided to adopt. We started it in the spring of 2007. In February 2009, we found out that a birth mom had chosen us to adopt her baby. Haley was born 6 weeks early on February 15, 2009. We flew out to Kansas (where she was born) the morning after she was born. We got to see her 18 hours after she was born. Best day of my life. She recently turned four, and I can't imagine my life without her :)
What part of your personality is now extinct?
Being embarassed about the little things. After being bald for an entire summer (wigs and scarves can get very hot), and having a toddler who says and does extremely embarassing things in public, I've learned to just laugh things off.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My daughter. She makes me laugh every single day. (I realize I'm using my daughter in a lot of these answers, but as a stay-at-home mom, she's my life right now!)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I'd love to give myself a Mediterranean cruise. That way I could visit Italy, Greece, and Spain, three countries I would love to visit!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Probably The Middle, at least that's how it was when I was growing up. My brother was just like the oldest son, mostly because he sat around in his underwear all day ;), and the parents were a lot like mine, although my mom and dad cooked our meals, we didn't eat fast food every night! But I say The Middle because they are just an average (and dysfunctional, but aren't we all) family living in the midwest.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I really didn't mind being bald too much. It was actually kind of freeing. That being said, I certainly didn't mind it when my hair started growing back. :)
How fitting that this storyteller goes by the name Birdie, since there's a character in One Hundred Names who also goes by that name. I know this Birdie frequents my book blog but I don't want to reveal more as to keep her identity anonymous. She seems like a very nice person, from what I've gotten to know about her thus far.
Name you'd like to go by: Birdie
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Location: Minnesota
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Surviving breast cancer. In order to get, and stay, cancer-free, I have had five surgeries, chemo, and radiation. I lost all my hair, and a breast, but in order to live cancer-free, it was totally worth it. Plus, my hair grew back, better than ever (even after six years, it's curly and I love it), and I got a new, perky breast :)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Taking time to myself, during the day, to read (which I usually only get to do at night, since I have a four year-old.)
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Italy. I'm fascinated by European history, and Rome especially. I'd LOVE to see the Coliseum, and so many other things over there.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
It sounds cheesy, but I'd love to give my love of reading to my daughter. I don't let a day go by when I don't read part of a book, and I hope to pass that on to my daughter. Since she was born, we read books to her before bedtime, and she gets upset if we don't read at least three books, so I think I'm doing something right!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Adopted my daughter. You'd think that changed her life, but it changed mine and my husband's more. We had gone through some tough times. In 2006 we moved from Wisconsin (where our families live) to Pennsylvania. Four months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgeries, chemo, and radiation, I was declared cancer free in December of 2006. I wasn't able to get pregnant because of the treatments, and we decided to adopt. We started it in the spring of 2007. In February 2009, we found out that a birth mom had chosen us to adopt her baby. Haley was born 6 weeks early on February 15, 2009. We flew out to Kansas (where she was born) the morning after she was born. We got to see her 18 hours after she was born. Best day of my life. She recently turned four, and I can't imagine my life without her :)
What part of your personality is now extinct?
Being embarassed about the little things. After being bald for an entire summer (wigs and scarves can get very hot), and having a toddler who says and does extremely embarassing things in public, I've learned to just laugh things off.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My daughter. She makes me laugh every single day. (I realize I'm using my daughter in a lot of these answers, but as a stay-at-home mom, she's my life right now!)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I'd love to give myself a Mediterranean cruise. That way I could visit Italy, Greece, and Spain, three countries I would love to visit!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Probably The Middle, at least that's how it was when I was growing up. My brother was just like the oldest son, mostly because he sat around in his underwear all day ;), and the parents were a lot like mine, although my mom and dad cooked our meals, we didn't eat fast food every night! But I say The Middle because they are just an average (and dysfunctional, but aren't we all) family living in the midwest.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I really didn't mind being bald too much. It was actually kind of freeing. That being said, I certainly didn't mind it when my hair started growing back. :)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Book Review: The Storyteller
Before I go on, I have to be honest and upfront about something. Although I am Jewish and very strong in my faith, I haven't felt much of a personal connection to the events that took place during the Holocaust. Maybe because I don't know of anyone in my direct family lineage being victims. Maybe because it's so far in the past that it doesn't reconcile with the life I've lived. (Makes it seem even further in the past than it really is.) I can't put my finger on it. I feel bad that I didn't cry while watching Schindler's List, visiting Yad Vashem, or more recently, walking through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. However, I sobbed through Life is Beautiful. It was a fictionalized account of the Holocaust, told in a humorous way at times (like when Roberto Benigni is "translating" so his son will think the German soldier is talking about lollipops). What struck me was the personalization of the story. How one man helped his son get through such a horrible time unscathed. How many people could do that for their children when they felt so defeated? I just felt so connected with the fictional family in the movie and could not sit through it without shedding buckets of tears. Reading Jodi Picoult's latest novel, The Storyteller, brought back those feelings of personal connection to the Holocaust.
Sage Singer is a baker who works at night so she can hide her physical and emotional scars from the public eye. She even dates someone she knows she won't have to be seen with in public. When she meets Josef Weber at her grief support group, she forms an instant kinship with him. Then he asks of her a difficult request...to help him end his life. He explains about his past, that he was a Nazi war criminal, and how he feels horrible and wants forgiveness. Since Sage is Jewish (by name only) and her grandmother is a Holocaust survivor, she doesn't know if she's up for the task. However, she does feel that Josef should be punished, but to what extent?
Jodi Picoult's novels are always engaging, with vivid characters full of layers and complexities. The Storyteller is no exception to this description. There are four stories being carried through the book. Sage's story takes place in the present, Josef's story tells a side of the Holocaust that most people don't get to, nor want to hear. Her grandmother's story is perhaps the most harrowing of them all. That's the meat and potatoes of the novel, in my opinion. (Not that her grandmother got to eat either of those things during the Holocaust.) Then there's the work of fiction (a gothic fairy tale, of sorts) that is explained later on. The fairy tale is really intriguing, as well. Yes, I know that the entire book is a fictional novel, but the grandmother's recounting of her Holocaust experience felt so real that I almost forgot I was reading a story sometimes. I felt like I was on her journey and was exhausted when she was finished talking about it.
With that in mind, please know that there is NOTHING fictional about the Holocaust. Those who denied that it happened and claim it was made up are just denying the obvious mass genocide of a religious population (not to forget the other groups that were also victims, such as gypsies and people with disabilities). Jodi Picoult did a lot of research for The Storyteller and paints everything so vividly that you feel you're right next to Sage's grandmother in the Polish ghetto and at the concentration camps. Jodi doesn't hold back either. Some parts are very dark and gruesome. Others are just downright disturbing.
The only thing that I wasn't as thrilled about in this novel was how forced some of the coincidences felt. I don't want to give anything away, but it just seemed like she was grasping for straws by trying to make these coincidences work in order to move along the story in the direction she wanted. Balancing out my frustration over this was how much I loved Leo Stein, the Nazi Hunter (so to speak). He was a real mensch and it's too bad not many single Jewish guys are like him (and if there are guys like him, why aren't they headed in the direction of the women I care about). The fact that he was based in Washington D.C. made me like him even more. (I'm just biased that way, but I love reading about how things are portrayed in my neck of the woods.) There's something else in the story that packs a huge punch, but I won't give any spoilers. Just wait till you see for yourself.
Overall, I highly recommend The Storyteller. I've been calling it a "must-read" whenever I tell family and friends about it. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is reading it during Passover, since there's a lot of talk about delicious sounding bread!
More by Jodi Picoult:
Disclosure of Material Connection:
Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The things I never got to say
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: We've all been in a situation where we wish we'd had the last word with something (like in an argument or debate), and never got the chance to. What situation presented itself where you wanted to have that last word, but didn't get the chance? Why didn't you? And, if you had that chance again, what would you say?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
These days, I usually try to reach a compromise when there's an argument. Of course, I get the last word when the argument is between myself and one of my kids, much to their chagrin. However, there's a person from my past with whom I never got the last word. I just let the "friendship" dissolve because she was such an awful person. (Or a "nasty b*tch," as Romy said to her tormentor in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.) That summer, I stopped speaking to her altogether and it's not like she made an effort to contact me either. That's a relief, at least. However, there are times when I wonder what it would have been like to tell her off. She's the toxic friend I talked about shortly after starting my blog. I thought about this more while watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory where Leonard confronts a bully from high school. (I have tried to look her up online for morbid curiosity reasons....I wanted to see if she became a burnt-out loser in the style of certain celebrities who have hit rock bottom in recent years. I didn't find anything though. I guess she's not an attention whore like she used to be.) In lieu of this, I've decided to write out what my last words would have been, had eloquent 36 year-old me gone back into the mind and body of my 18 year-old self. (Keep in mind that I wouldn't get to tell her anything that happens in our futures, including reaming her out about the library incident.) At the time, I was too afraid to tell her off, thinking she'd turn my friends against me. Knowing what I know now, I would have gladly gone back in time and done it! I'm only using initials in this "letter." It is intended to be written at the beginning of July, 1994.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
L,
My last semester of high school, which was supposed to be fun and carefree, was more like a season of torture thanks to my "friendship" with you (if one could even call it a friendship at all). I don't know where you get off thinking you have any control over my life. First of all, you're a sophomore and I'm a senior. By your standards of age-appropriate socialization, I really should have nothing to do with you. Considering that my sister is only a year behind you in school and apparently you're too mature to hang out with freshmen "babies," then I'm too mature to be hanging out with sophomore "toddlers." Having said that, my sister has way more of a right to be riding around in my car than you do. After all, unless YOU paid for my car and the gasoline that goes into it, you have no say in who should be riding in my car and how loud or soft my radio should be playing. So the mere fact that you b*tched me out in the commons for saying that my sister was going to be riding in my car at the same time as you, K and N, is completely ridiculous. I should have stopped being friends with you right then and there, but I was worried about losing K and N. You also had no right to sulk over my sister being in MY car, let alone ream me out about it even more afterward. What is wrong with you?!?
And that's not all. No, not even close. There's the issue of the senior class party. The one K, N and I were supposed to go to TOGETHER. However, you and your selfish possessiveness of K made that a non-reality. Yes, N and I still went and we still had fun, but I was royally pissed because K really WAS supposed to be with us. You even used a guy as bait. Not sure why since it meant you wouldn't have quality "alone time" with K. It would make you the third wheel. I'm sure there was something in it for you, and I'm not even sure what it might be. Oh, and telling me that K wasn't at your house that weekend was sure to backfire when her mom said otherwise. Better yet, trying to tell me that K wasn't coming to my graduation party. Sorry, but that backfired too. I just wish you hadn't been there too. I love the whole fake thing at the end of the night, when you were trying to be all "we're such a great group of friends." Too bad N was on to your games even before I was. I didn't appreciate the crap you pulled on her by cancelling plans for everyone to go to Great America and then going with K anyway. That was low. N had every right to be upset that weekend! You also "drove" me....to go to Rocky Horror that weekend and dance around in my underwear. Oh, and get this, when I told you about the experience, you said it was gross. That was classic coming from someone who bragged to us about her slutty conquests.
Oh, you had one good idea in all the time we ever hung out....getting separate checks at any restaurant we went to. Want to know why?!? Because you give horrible tips. Having experience in the restaurant industry, I was appalled any time I saw what you left servers, especially if they didn't do anything wrong. I felt I should tip more, only to compensate for what they were losing out on from you. I'm glad we never dined together at the restaurant where I work. I only hope you had the same server more than once at any restaurant you've done this at so that they would remember your lousy tips and leave you something extra "special" in your food.
Guess what...K, N and I figured out what an awful person you are and none of us want anything to do with you. I think that we each reached our final straw points with you. I am pretty sure I know what N's was, and I think she stuck around for the same reasons I did. I don't know exactly what K's was, but I'm glad she figured out that you were treating her like your puppet. Mine definitely was when we were going to go to the Spaghetti Warehouse and you went all backseat driver on me and then flipped out at ME because I got even slightly annoyed with your antics. I don't even know why we all went to Great America as a group after that time. The whole day was spent watching you and N fight over something to do with K. All I know is that I'm done with you and never want to see you again. I know you'll probably amount to nothing when you grow up (if that ever even happens), especially given how selfish, rude and immature you are. I'm sorry I ever had to deal with you in the first place, but that's what I get for wanting to please my friends.
Good riddance,
M
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was definitely a therapeutic exercise. I encourage you to do this if you harbor the same kind of resentment toward someone with whom you have no contact anymore. Thanks, Moma Rock, for the opportunity!
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: We've all been in a situation where we wish we'd had the last word with something (like in an argument or debate), and never got the chance to. What situation presented itself where you wanted to have that last word, but didn't get the chance? Why didn't you? And, if you had that chance again, what would you say?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
These days, I usually try to reach a compromise when there's an argument. Of course, I get the last word when the argument is between myself and one of my kids, much to their chagrin. However, there's a person from my past with whom I never got the last word. I just let the "friendship" dissolve because she was such an awful person. (Or a "nasty b*tch," as Romy said to her tormentor in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.) That summer, I stopped speaking to her altogether and it's not like she made an effort to contact me either. That's a relief, at least. However, there are times when I wonder what it would have been like to tell her off. She's the toxic friend I talked about shortly after starting my blog. I thought about this more while watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory where Leonard confronts a bully from high school. (I have tried to look her up online for morbid curiosity reasons....I wanted to see if she became a burnt-out loser in the style of certain celebrities who have hit rock bottom in recent years. I didn't find anything though. I guess she's not an attention whore like she used to be.) In lieu of this, I've decided to write out what my last words would have been, had eloquent 36 year-old me gone back into the mind and body of my 18 year-old self. (Keep in mind that I wouldn't get to tell her anything that happens in our futures, including reaming her out about the library incident.) At the time, I was too afraid to tell her off, thinking she'd turn my friends against me. Knowing what I know now, I would have gladly gone back in time and done it! I'm only using initials in this "letter." It is intended to be written at the beginning of July, 1994.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
L,
My last semester of high school, which was supposed to be fun and carefree, was more like a season of torture thanks to my "friendship" with you (if one could even call it a friendship at all). I don't know where you get off thinking you have any control over my life. First of all, you're a sophomore and I'm a senior. By your standards of age-appropriate socialization, I really should have nothing to do with you. Considering that my sister is only a year behind you in school and apparently you're too mature to hang out with freshmen "babies," then I'm too mature to be hanging out with sophomore "toddlers." Having said that, my sister has way more of a right to be riding around in my car than you do. After all, unless YOU paid for my car and the gasoline that goes into it, you have no say in who should be riding in my car and how loud or soft my radio should be playing. So the mere fact that you b*tched me out in the commons for saying that my sister was going to be riding in my car at the same time as you, K and N, is completely ridiculous. I should have stopped being friends with you right then and there, but I was worried about losing K and N. You also had no right to sulk over my sister being in MY car, let alone ream me out about it even more afterward. What is wrong with you?!?
And that's not all. No, not even close. There's the issue of the senior class party. The one K, N and I were supposed to go to TOGETHER. However, you and your selfish possessiveness of K made that a non-reality. Yes, N and I still went and we still had fun, but I was royally pissed because K really WAS supposed to be with us. You even used a guy as bait. Not sure why since it meant you wouldn't have quality "alone time" with K. It would make you the third wheel. I'm sure there was something in it for you, and I'm not even sure what it might be. Oh, and telling me that K wasn't at your house that weekend was sure to backfire when her mom said otherwise. Better yet, trying to tell me that K wasn't coming to my graduation party. Sorry, but that backfired too. I just wish you hadn't been there too. I love the whole fake thing at the end of the night, when you were trying to be all "we're such a great group of friends." Too bad N was on to your games even before I was. I didn't appreciate the crap you pulled on her by cancelling plans for everyone to go to Great America and then going with K anyway. That was low. N had every right to be upset that weekend! You also "drove" me....to go to Rocky Horror that weekend and dance around in my underwear. Oh, and get this, when I told you about the experience, you said it was gross. That was classic coming from someone who bragged to us about her slutty conquests.
Oh, you had one good idea in all the time we ever hung out....getting separate checks at any restaurant we went to. Want to know why?!? Because you give horrible tips. Having experience in the restaurant industry, I was appalled any time I saw what you left servers, especially if they didn't do anything wrong. I felt I should tip more, only to compensate for what they were losing out on from you. I'm glad we never dined together at the restaurant where I work. I only hope you had the same server more than once at any restaurant you've done this at so that they would remember your lousy tips and leave you something extra "special" in your food.
Guess what...K, N and I figured out what an awful person you are and none of us want anything to do with you. I think that we each reached our final straw points with you. I am pretty sure I know what N's was, and I think she stuck around for the same reasons I did. I don't know exactly what K's was, but I'm glad she figured out that you were treating her like your puppet. Mine definitely was when we were going to go to the Spaghetti Warehouse and you went all backseat driver on me and then flipped out at ME because I got even slightly annoyed with your antics. I don't even know why we all went to Great America as a group after that time. The whole day was spent watching you and N fight over something to do with K. All I know is that I'm done with you and never want to see you again. I know you'll probably amount to nothing when you grow up (if that ever even happens), especially given how selfish, rude and immature you are. I'm sorry I ever had to deal with you in the first place, but that's what I get for wanting to please my friends.
Good riddance,
M
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This was definitely a therapeutic exercise. I encourage you to do this if you harbor the same kind of resentment toward someone with whom you have no contact anymore. Thanks, Moma Rock, for the opportunity!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
52 Stories: Keep it positive
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I connected with this storyteller at the beginning of this year (what a great way to start off the year). She and I love e-mailing with each other about books, our kids and life in general. She's very kind-hearted and generous, as you will soon see below. I'm very thankful to have met her!
Name: Marlene Engel
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Location: Clifton Park, NY
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Meeting our new (adopted) daughter for the first time. My husband and I had been fostering for a few years when we decided to take the next step and adopt. We had three teenage boys at home and lost our special needs daughter a few years prior to cancer. We decided to go with a private agency and assumed that it would take years. Three weeks after submitting our paperwork and home study, we received a call from our adoption worker about a newborn baby girl. A week later we were driving three hours to Long Island, NY to meet her. It was one of the best and most memorable days of my life! Unfortunately she wasn’t cleared to go home that day (she was born four months premature and still in the NICU), but we were able to come back a week later and take her home. She is now almost three years old and is my heart!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have two guilty pleasures. My first being chick lit books. I LOVE my chick lit books and always have a book with me at all times. My second guilty pleasure would be cupcakes. I’m a self proclaimed carboholic. Cupcakes are definitely my weakness.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’ve always wanted to go zip-lining. I’ve seen people do it on t.v and it looks like so much fun and a great rush!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give someone one of my favorite books. I love reading and have even become friends with some of my favorite authors. I actually have given some of my friends books from an author that I love. They are not only loving them, but they are going to be meeting this author in a few weeks and getting those books signed. I love introducing my friends to new authors and books.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I know that we changed the lives of the children that we fostered. I am a huge advocate for the special needs population. When we decided to become foster parents we told the agency that we wanted to take into our home severely special needs children. It’s hard enough to place foster children, but add a special need or disability and it’s sometimes near impossible. While in our care we treated these children as if they were our own. We not only showed them what love and a stable home was, we showed them that being different wasn’t necessarily a bad thing and to embrace their uniqueness.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I would have to say the negative part of me. I’ve had so much happen in my life that I’ve realized how precious each day is. I choose to live my life, and surround myself, with positive energy and people. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so I choose to live each day being happy, positive and a good person.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I find little kids to be funny. They’re so brutally honest and candid. They’re being funny and don’t even realize it.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I would like to think that I’m a good person who makes a difference in this world. I love that I’ve had the chance to affect and mold many young lives and to show them what it feels like to be loved and cared for.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I can’t think of a show, book or movie that is like my life. What I can say is that my life would MAKE a great (or interesting) show, book or movie.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I have five tattoos. Each of my tattoos represents my daughter who passed. For the most part they are hidden and not many people know I have them. I know that some people find woman with tattoos to be ugly or unattractive, but they have a special meaning to me and make me feel like my daughter is still with me.
Name: Marlene Engel
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Location: Clifton Park, NY
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Meeting our new (adopted) daughter for the first time. My husband and I had been fostering for a few years when we decided to take the next step and adopt. We had three teenage boys at home and lost our special needs daughter a few years prior to cancer. We decided to go with a private agency and assumed that it would take years. Three weeks after submitting our paperwork and home study, we received a call from our adoption worker about a newborn baby girl. A week later we were driving three hours to Long Island, NY to meet her. It was one of the best and most memorable days of my life! Unfortunately she wasn’t cleared to go home that day (she was born four months premature and still in the NICU), but we were able to come back a week later and take her home. She is now almost three years old and is my heart!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have two guilty pleasures. My first being chick lit books. I LOVE my chick lit books and always have a book with me at all times. My second guilty pleasure would be cupcakes. I’m a self proclaimed carboholic. Cupcakes are definitely my weakness.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’ve always wanted to go zip-lining. I’ve seen people do it on t.v and it looks like so much fun and a great rush!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give someone one of my favorite books. I love reading and have even become friends with some of my favorite authors. I actually have given some of my friends books from an author that I love. They are not only loving them, but they are going to be meeting this author in a few weeks and getting those books signed. I love introducing my friends to new authors and books.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I know that we changed the lives of the children that we fostered. I am a huge advocate for the special needs population. When we decided to become foster parents we told the agency that we wanted to take into our home severely special needs children. It’s hard enough to place foster children, but add a special need or disability and it’s sometimes near impossible. While in our care we treated these children as if they were our own. We not only showed them what love and a stable home was, we showed them that being different wasn’t necessarily a bad thing and to embrace their uniqueness.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I would have to say the negative part of me. I’ve had so much happen in my life that I’ve realized how precious each day is. I choose to live my life, and surround myself, with positive energy and people. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so I choose to live each day being happy, positive and a good person.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I find little kids to be funny. They’re so brutally honest and candid. They’re being funny and don’t even realize it.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I would like to think that I’m a good person who makes a difference in this world. I love that I’ve had the chance to affect and mold many young lives and to show them what it feels like to be loved and cared for.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I can’t think of a show, book or movie that is like my life. What I can say is that my life would MAKE a great (or interesting) show, book or movie.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I have five tattoos. Each of my tattoos represents my daughter who passed. For the most part they are hidden and not many people know I have them. I know that some people find woman with tattoos to be ugly or unattractive, but they have a special meaning to me and make me feel like my daughter is still with me.
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