tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36709312917659778502024-02-22T04:10:50.051-08:00Just JumpHere there be random thoughts, super heroes, romance novels, geeky thoughts, and girly girl ramblings.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-67968622155676641362013-09-22T21:27:00.001-07:002013-09-22T21:27:26.322-07:00This happened...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iZCzlb0IyWKfxgh45Ir3zfHnEP-l7mdhyh1hHD1xkiRJtoJ5OtjyfjEed5brguKSKP6MtobER_Uh6KKRlsKniJL9Mnm2naAaw7dy_teUjLdlzaW-H53_K4LsF0TUyKnAKIRnHDQutb4/s1600/Grumpy+Cat+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iZCzlb0IyWKfxgh45Ir3zfHnEP-l7mdhyh1hHD1xkiRJtoJ5OtjyfjEed5brguKSKP6MtobER_Uh6KKRlsKniJL9Mnm2naAaw7dy_teUjLdlzaW-H53_K4LsF0TUyKnAKIRnHDQutb4/s400/Grumpy+Cat+BW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello, you sweet grumpy little love bug!!</div>
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I want to take you home and hug you.</div>
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Even if you give off grump face!</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-72703318062451361912013-09-02T16:17:00.002-07:002013-09-02T16:17:37.366-07:00On behalf of our four-legged friends<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Maxwell Purrington III</div>
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aka Stray Cat Max</div>
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Max is a sweet-faced stray cat that lives
outside of my apartment building. After observing him hanging out for a
couple of weeks, looking all pathetic, I started to talk to him when I
came home at night. Then I started to leave him a bowl of water (and
some little jerk in this complex keeps stealing the bowl. We are
currently on bowl 4), then food. And the ultimate of sap moves - I
named him. </div>
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The
saddest thing of all is Max is just one of MANY stray cats in my
complex. One night I count 14 (yes, that is FOURTEEN) cats hanging out
by the dumpster by my building. I'm fairly certain Max's momma is the
big black cat that lives two apartments down from me. She is an outdoor
cat and just had another litter of kittens, which the owners are trying
to get rid of. </div>
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And this is where I
get uptight about people and their pets. And yes, I'm about to get on
my soapbox. IF you are going to adopt/buy a pet, be prepared to take
care of them for their entire life. There are so many dogs in the
shelters that are not ever given the chance of having a forever home.
Instead they are left to being abused on the streets, put in a cage to
see if someone will adopt them, and as a last resort, put down to make
room for another round of dogs that someone didn't want anymore. </div>
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Pets
are a big commitment. They cost a lot of money. If you aren't
prepared to deal with that responsibility, don't get a pet. No matter
how cute puppies and kittens are, they grow up. And in the course of
growing up, they learn to be proper members of your family. I get so
upset seeing the cats in this complex that have just been thrown away
because they are too much work. It is not that cat that is the problem,
it is ignorance in pet owning.</div>
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And
if you are not going to have that cat as an indoor cat (which would be
preferable) then spay/neuter! It is the kind thing to do. Poor Max is
going to be visiting the vet as soon as I can gain enough trust to get
him in a cat carrier and take him in. While I doubt he will ever be an
indoor cat as he is all too happy roaming, he is not going to have the
opportunity to father a bunch of kittens that no one wants. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-60973057944251867992013-08-02T09:18:00.003-07:002013-08-02T09:18:49.970-07:00I did a guest post!!My fabulous friend and author, <a href="http://meredithschorr.com/">Meredith Schorr</a>, in anticipation of her upcoming release of BLOGGER GIRL hosted a <a href="http://meredithschorr.com/2013/07/08/celebration-of-bloggersblurb-of-blogger-girl/">Celebration of Bloggers Tour</a>. I'm so honored that she asked me to participate and that I was included amongst some of the best bloggers out there today!<br />
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Come check out my <a href="http://meredithschorr.com/2013/08/02/welcome-michelle-bell-to-the-celebration-of-bloggers-tour/">confession</a>!<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-3265398247655602932013-08-01T09:29:00.001-07:002013-08-01T09:29:29.598-07:00Throwback Thursday: Viva Las VegasI used to be a wrestling fangirl.<br />
Yep, I really was. And one of the highlights was very October, I would head off to Las Vegas for the WCW's annual Halloween Havoc PPV. It was in Vegas that I met the one who would become my best friend, Rose. We met through a mutual "friend" who was truly the epitome of the term that we love - PSYCHO HOSE BEAST (PHB). Vegas was always a good time and is one of my favorite cities to visit to this day. Nothing beats the people watching in Sin City. <br />
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<br />Ida, Tracy, Michelle<br />
Rose<br />
Las Vegas 1998Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-14970806063715688902013-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-25T06:00:12.260-07:00Throwback Thursday: A Soapy Good TimeI used to love "General Hospital". And one of the biggest parts of the fandom was every July in Studio City, CA there was the annual "General Hospital Fan Club Weekend" aka FCW. And for numerous years I attended and enjoyed the silly fun that came from hanging out with your fellow fangirls and seeing all the actors from the show.<br />
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Over the years, I made some absolutely incredible friends and even became friends with a couple of actors on the show. Those friendships continue to this day and I love these people and our history. The show is a shadow of its former self now and the petty, ugly behavior that eats up fandom runs rampant, but for a while there it was a lot of fun.<br />
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So in honor of that...and that I am attending what will be my final soap opera event this Sunday (the 50th Anniversary Past Cast Event), I share one of my fondest memories - A lunch with the deliciously handsome Ted King and one of my most favorite vixens the show ever had, Cyndy Preston.<br />
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Ted King, me, and Cyndy Preston</div>
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Studio City, CA</div>
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July 2006</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-38279003918451752382013-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-18T06:00:06.797-07:00Get ya geek on!I'm trying to get back in the blogging saddle! So starting with the simple posting of the <b>Throwback Thursday</b> picture!<br />
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In honor of San Diego Comic Con, the Mecca for geeks, I present my first trip to SDCC. (And I am seriously sulking it up that I am NOT there this weekend.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFdzYAfHJ3XwvMM_5R8lM4HCSyrQc2NVRbAk0ffpiucc8YFO2dREZPnsUI8on3-SuXvKntM_Ih1hA5ppI4AzePxr-_NilQv9CSKQb0490-CSEUDLEcHp-GAa3zW9eqCPLDuyfgEKTK1U/s1600/262870_10150240371876157_8285203_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFdzYAfHJ3XwvMM_5R8lM4HCSyrQc2NVRbAk0ffpiucc8YFO2dREZPnsUI8on3-SuXvKntM_Ih1hA5ppI4AzePxr-_NilQv9CSKQb0490-CSEUDLEcHp-GAa3zW9eqCPLDuyfgEKTK1U/s320/262870_10150240371876157_8285203_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> This Star Wars fan was all about finding anything to do with the Force this first foray into SDCC's hallowed halls. And I found R2-D2...in fact, I found many of them that weekend. And yes, I did hug every single one that I saw. This was my first. Love this droid! He is always the droid that I am looking for!<br />
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I attended SDCC with two friends, Lisa and Mary. Lisa bought these darling classic Winnie the Pooh hats...we had a mini photo shoot in the Sails Pavilion. This was the final day of the Con and Con hysteria had set in...we thought we were pretty hilarious by this point. (And there were many other pictures in the hotel lobby that proved we were a little crazed.)<br />
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Next year, I'm determined to get back out there and celebrate all things geek in San Diego!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-36343375909080305702013-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-01T00:00:20.088-08:00Happy New Year!Yes, I'm still here. And I promised myself that I would get back to posting, but have just felt so lazy about it. Other than the book reviews that I am posting on my other blog, I rarely blog at all, either on here or on my private blog. I am going to work on that for this new year as I like having the ability to go back and see what was happening in my life through the year.<br />
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Anyway, as most of you know, I do not make resolutions. Resolutions are made to be broken. A resolution made on New Years sets you up for failure more often than not. I have never kept a resolution for more than 2-3 months. Instead, I choose a <a href="http://christinekane.com/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/">word</a> to define my year. An empowering word that will lead the way for what I want to do for the year. <br />
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I have thought about this word for a few days, throwing different words out there to see which one was going to stick with me. I have used "<i>adventure</i>" a couple of times in the past and it just didn't feel right using it again. I thought about "<i>growth</i>", but I think if you chose the right word that growth is something that will happen regardless. Last year I used "<i>live</i>" and I think I used it very well, but it wasn't the word that could be recycled for 2013. I thought about "<i>awe</i>", "<i>delight</i>", "<i>presence</i>", "<i>yes</i>", and "<i>selfish</i>" as well. All of them packing a lot of meaning into little words.<br />
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I decided on a word that I think is powerful and inspiring. It is a word that will encompass me physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a word that I kept coming back to, which became clear is the word I needed to use.<br />
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<b>Challenge.</b><br />
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Feel free to ask me through the year, if you so desire, how I am challenging myself. Feel free as well to challenge me yourself with something. I will do my best to meet your challenges, though I reserve the right to say no or to tweak it so it will fit my personality/ability. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-14012143085492966622012-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:002012-12-11T05:23:58.800-08:00Season's Readings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so thrilled to share with you this fabulous promotion by eight of
the most charismatic authors that I know! The couple of books that I
haven't read are on my "TBR" list. If you need further proof that these
ladies are adorably fantastic, check out their individual blogs for
their answers to some burning holiday questions, such as Santa: Sexy or
not, how to make a snow slut, and which celebrity hottie is on their
New Years Eve kiss list.</div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the spirit of coming together for the holidays,
eight popular Chick Lit authors<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>are
"partying it up" with a shared promotion for book lovers! That means
eight fun and fizzy e-books, each priced at $3.99 or less, that are packed with
plenty of laughs and romance to keep you entertained on those long winter
nights! And if you'd like to gift one of these books to a Chick Lit fan,
we've got you covered with your choice of paperbacks!</span></span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Which books are featured in this festive promo?</span></span><br />
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<b><i>Finding Lucas </i></b><b>by</b><i> </i><b><a href="http://samanthastrohbailey.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Samantha StrohBailey</a> -</b> <i>Daytime talk show producer Jamie Ross is beyond fed
up with her toxic bad boy turned metrosexual boyfriend. Spurred on by her gang
of quirky friends, she goes on a hilarious, at-times disastrous, and totally
life-changing hunt to track down the "one who got away." But are
some loves best left behind? </i>E-book and paperback available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Lucas-ebook/dp/B007VIIU6A/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>In Need of Therapy</i></b><b> by</b> <b><a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TracieBanister</a> - </b><i>Handling the problems of hysterical hypochondriacs, lovelorn
neurotics, and compulsive man whores is all in a day's work for
super-shrink Pilar Alvarez. But can she deal with her crazy Cuban family, a
trio of unsuitable suitors, and a threat to her practice without ending up on the couch herself? </i>E-book available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-Need-of-Therapy-ebook/dp/B008N6Z36Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>
and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-need-of-therapy-tracie-banister/1112265620" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>; paperback available on Amazon.<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>What the Dog Ate </i></b><b>by</b><a href="http://poochsmooches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> </a><b><a href="http://poochsmooches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">JackieBouchard</a> - </b><i>Discovering what her dog ate turns Maggie Baxter’s world
upside down. With her chocolate Lab, Kona, as her guide, can Maggie forego her
overly analytical ways to find a new life filled with tail-wagging joy? </i>E-book available
on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-the-Dog-Ate-ebook/dp/B007MC1A3K" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-dog-ate-jackie-bouchard/1110362055?ean=2940033132751" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-dog-ate/id519845268?mt=11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>;
paperback available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The Girl, the Gold Tooth, &
Everything</i></b><i> </i><b>by <a href="http://clippingsintheshed.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Francine LaSala</a> - </b><i>Suburban housewife Mina, beaten-down and struggling
with amnesia, starts getting her memory and her mojo back. But she soon learns
everything has a price in this fast-paced, richly layered, and darkly humorous
satire! </i>E-book and paperback available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Gold-Tooth-Everything-ebook/dp/B009NF9VQ2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>
and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-the-gold-tooth-and-everything-francine-lasala/1113317839?ean=2940015564051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>.<b><i> </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Breaking the Rules</i></b><b> by</b> <b><a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/blog/" target="_blank">Cat Lavoie</a> - </b><i>When
Roxy Rule shares a passionate kiss with her lifelong best friend, she must come
to terms with her feelings for him while dealing with two sisters in full
crisis mode, a boss who makes her want to stab herself with a letter opener and
a fiancé who can't wait to walk down the aisle. Can she keep it together--or will
she break under the pressure? </i>E-book available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-the-Rules-ebook/dp/B008UZYPLW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>,
<a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Breaking-the-Rules/book-xSuG-EpacUi_jswT50P9HQ/page1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, and
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-the-rules-cat-lavoie/1112418281" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>; paperback available on Amazon.<b><i> </i></b><br />
</div>
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<b><i>Fashioning a Romance</i></b><b> by</b> <b><a href="http://libby-mercer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Libby Mercer</a>
- </b><i>Devastatingly handsome and deliciously weird, John Harrington is
the man of Caitlyn Taylor's dreams… and her nightmares. She has no use for a
womanizer like him, and dodges his advances like a pro. But when they end up in
</i><i>Paris</i><i> together,
Caitlyn feels her resolve begin to slip. How will she ever be able to resist
the irresistible in the most romantic city in the world?</i> E-book available
on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fashioning-a-Romance-ebook/dp/B0084FGX36" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>,
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fashioning-a-romance-libby-mercer/1111074346" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>, and <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Fashioning-a-Romance/book-Vv_nTyGZnU-126CB00nuRw/page1.html?s=Kz-M91SRR069P4fezYwWJQ&r=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kobo</a>.<b><i> </i></b><br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><i>A State of Jane </i></b><b>by</b> <b><a href="http://meredithgschorr.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">MeredithSchorr </a>-</b> <i>Jane Frank is newly single after nine years and looking for a
second chance at love. But when she dives head first into the NYC dating scene
and finds it infested with flakes who are interested today and gone tomorrow,
it may be time for Jane to turn the tables! </i>E-book available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-state-of-jane-meredith-schorr/1112799844?ean=2940015677270" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>, and iTunes; paperback available on Amazon and Barnes &
Noble.<b><i> </i></b><br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><i>Picture Perfect </i></b><b>by</b> <b>Lucie Simone
-</b> <i>Lauren Tate's perfectly planned life quickly unravels at the seams
when a smear campaign threatens her career as a top TV executive, but she
learns just how cutthroat showbiz can truly be when the hottest scandal in
Tinsel Town turns deadly and the Hollywood hunk who's stolen her heart goes
missing. </i>E-book available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-ebook/dp/B0093H0326" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>;
paperback available on Amazon and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/picture-perfect-lucie-simone/1111953256?ean=9780985352042" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes
& Noble</a>.</div>
</span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-64957628342753966072012-09-17T18:39:00.000-07:002012-09-17T18:39:04.098-07:00Happy Publication Day, Meredith Schorr!Another lovely author friend of mine is releasing her second novel today!<br />
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Congratulations, <a href="http://www.meredithschorr.com/">Meredith Schorr</a>, on the release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347931294&sr=1-1&keywords=a+state+of+jane">"A STATE OF JANE"</a>!!! I can't wait to read this one and will be starting tonight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYkmjbSxpnSItt1MjGGg53hz6ICFxvTQSDYD8e9n-c9nfzLhHNB6lVIWPoo2CJ-7QcRUunsEvtEwHRngUigHgarc1MO8Vmp3Po3T0KXS7wg1RUrBioHiF8j0S1XdFcUwZQFWyjjYL2A8/s1600/A+State+of+Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYkmjbSxpnSItt1MjGGg53hz6ICFxvTQSDYD8e9n-c9nfzLhHNB6lVIWPoo2CJ-7QcRUunsEvtEwHRngUigHgarc1MO8Vmp3Po3T0KXS7wg1RUrBioHiF8j0S1XdFcUwZQFWyjjYL2A8/s200/A+State+of+Jane.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<i>"Jane Frank is ready to fall in love. It's been a year since her long
term relationship ended and far too long since the last time she was
kissed. With the LSAT coming up she needs to find a long term boyfriend
(or husband) before acing law school and becoming a partner at her
father's law firm. There's just one problem: all the guys in New York
are flakes. They seemingly drop off the face of the earth with no
warning and no explanation. Should she join her best friend Marissa in
singlehood, making cupcakes and watching </i><i>True Blood? Or should
she follow her co-worker Andrew's advice and turn the game back on those
who scorned her? As Jane attempts to juggle her own responsibilities
and put up with the problems of everyone around her, she starts to
realize that the dating life isn't as easy as she originally thought."</i><br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-29116224316412666922012-09-12T06:23:00.001-07:002012-09-12T06:23:58.172-07:00Happy Publication Day, Jen Tucker!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh8qJ8_5ESIaQ6tbvT79oGG__lm1z7AWeZh5hX5F8mfYmQ7q_xRsanT5Kj8OOOxaGALj05V5EkzdUbMmKHNT7vsnsf9LBCwtO_Z9zjpYgv0YGA7yMPww1HASupCeNYIw9HlyZi-OE_2E/s1600/party_balloons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh8qJ8_5ESIaQ6tbvT79oGG__lm1z7AWeZh5hX5F8mfYmQ7q_xRsanT5Kj8OOOxaGALj05V5EkzdUbMmKHNT7vsnsf9LBCwtO_Z9zjpYgv0YGA7yMPww1HASupCeNYIw9HlyZi-OE_2E/s200/party_balloons.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Why yes, I am still alive and I do plan to get some updating and blogging going on over here.
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But today is something else…today is a big day for my darling friend, <a href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.com/">Jen Tucker!</a></div>
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Today is the day that her second book, <b>The Day I Lost My Shaker Of Salt</b>, comes out!!</div>
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<i>Yes, she checked to make sure her panties were not inside out when her
day began heading south. Jen Tucker returns with her latest memoir, The
Day I Lost My Shaker of Salt. Her dogs sample ant trap delicacies, a
dentist appointment goes awry, and she battles her own version of animal
road rage on one thorny day. Tender at times, funny as always, one of
your favorite girlfriends returns to show you there are silver linings
in the midst of bad days.<br /><br /> Jen’s debut memoir, The Day I Wore My
Panties Inside Out, was a 2011 Goodreads Semifinalist in the humor
category. She is a regular contributor at Survival for Blondes, where
she marries humor with preparedness. Jen lives in Indiana with her
husband and three children.</i><br />
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Do yourself a favor and head over to Amazon and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Shaker-Salt-ebook/dp/B0097W4UEY/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1347454157&sr=8-13&keywords=jen+tucker">buy, buy, buy</a>!!! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-71348833434930905412012-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-09T05:00:10.687-07:00I'm moved!I had hoped to have pictures to share today, but I am still unpacking and settling in. It has to be perfect before I can share pictures. <br /><br />Saturday was a chaotic and long day, culminating in me getting dehydrated and getting sick, but we were done moving things to the apartment by 12:30. Not too bad. Now I just have to go over to my parents and clean out the closet, which is full of my junk.<br />
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Tyson has been moved over and is adjusting pretty well. He is like a little stalker, though. He follows me everywhere I go and watches me. If a door is shut in his face he yowls loudly until the situation has been rectified in his favor. I always tell him that he is lucky he is cute. I continue to stay this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fwz3kNhF4HpSkR3YNRiDKkjA-jFXI8Y625Mel2dO7MtGObN7gfWqY68RI3duBdLj__lnt2VuRI-FAvLdVPFpF8bCceoTyIG4LGDfbVzO4IawY4xYDhyphenhyphen8rgbStWcHeWq6g-jAMcC0V_c/s1600/IMG01084-20120507-1826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fwz3kNhF4HpSkR3YNRiDKkjA-jFXI8Y625Mel2dO7MtGObN7gfWqY68RI3duBdLj__lnt2VuRI-FAvLdVPFpF8bCceoTyIG4LGDfbVzO4IawY4xYDhyphenhyphen8rgbStWcHeWq6g-jAMcC0V_c/s200/IMG01084-20120507-1826.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I have to cover my couch up while he is sitting on it or it would have his cat hair all over it. But look at him! Cute sleepy kitty! I envy the positions that boy can get himself into and sleep so comfortably.<br />
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This past weekend, after getting moved in, I did haul myself off to the movies....it was time to assemble with The Avengers, which broke records for their opening weekend. BEST movie I have seen so far this summer. I urge everyone to see it...you are not going to regret it!<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-66152211956019089012012-05-03T12:15:00.000-07:002012-05-03T12:15:03.274-07:00Almost there!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_663101665"></span><span id="goog_663101666">Bear with me, folks! Just a couple more days. I will be back on Wednesday of next week with an update on everything that has been going on. </span><br />
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This week, however, is crunch time for the move! EEEP!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-63773001910647140792012-04-11T06:07:00.000-07:002012-04-11T06:07:45.614-07:00Excuse me while I freak out!First up, let me pass on the link for <a href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.com/2012/04/dancing-with-stars-week-4.html">week 4</a> of the Dancing With The Stars blog. This week we took on Rock & Roll week.<br /><br />It hit me yesterday while I was settling in to my new work station at work that I am moving in 3 weeks!! April 30th I sign the lease and get the keys to my new place. This thought fills me with extreme happiness and equally extreme dread. Why dread, you may wonder? I have a storage shed full of furniture from the last apartment. I have packrat tendencies and I need to go clean that sucker out and throw almost everything away that is in there. (I am going to yard sale a lot of it, I hope!) I have made a vow to myself that this time around I am NOT going to hoard things, simpler is better, and all that jazz.<br /><br />Regardless, you will need to forgive me if I am in the middle of mild freak outs and melt downs over the next couple of weeks. I have packing and purging to do and procrastination is my first thought process. (Oh and if you are in Phoenix on May 5th, you can come assist in the moving process. I know you want to!)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-22576967663600117082012-04-08T14:43:00.003-07:002012-04-08T14:45:12.712-07:00Happy Easter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7QB9uLsZU5glVQ3rkTkFdNaGuuhBUIxM2DAnPp9ZxHmFhfb3x2x2bRWNIJaMHF1AM5WfF_hCRxZU8Mx9O6nghn_F_iwDw3X6YSTEClOtGof-ySB8I_ThzAU5k_e1sO_u5DFhs43VYFo/s1600/Happy+Easter+Block+Brannie.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7QB9uLsZU5glVQ3rkTkFdNaGuuhBUIxM2DAnPp9ZxHmFhfb3x2x2bRWNIJaMHF1AM5WfF_hCRxZU8Mx9O6nghn_F_iwDw3X6YSTEClOtGof-ySB8I_ThzAU5k_e1sO_u5DFhs43VYFo/s200/Happy+Easter+Block+Brannie.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729149230560077410" /></a><br /><br />Hoppy Easter wishes from me to you!<br />Hope THE Bunny brought you all sorts of chocolate and jelly beans!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-9334807378078558412012-04-04T05:56:00.000-07:002012-04-04T05:57:52.444-07:00Dancing, Direwolves, and AwardsMy fabulous friend, <a href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.com/">Jen Tucker</a>, asked if I would like to join her and our friend,<a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/">Tracie Banister</a>, for a weekly blog for “Dancing With The Stars”…you know that I said YES!!! You can check out our very first post right here: <A href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.com/2012/04/dancing-with-stars-week-3.html">Dancing With The Stars week 3</a><br /><br />Leave comments, do a little waltz, have fun with us! I don’t watch every season of DWTS, to be honest. I have a big issue with DWTS and the fact that they do a two hour results show. (I hate this about all results shows that are over 30 minutes. Let’s be honest, you don’t need to give us a ton of filler fluff to lessen the blow of your favorite going home. Rip that band-aid off and get it over with. ) However, this season I tuned in to see how Laura “Half-Pint” Ingalls aka Melissa Gilbert would do while paired with the ego that is known as Maks. And then got sucked in, mainly due to the most gorgeous specimen I have seen in a while – William Levy! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlEcYDKCsBTqHoSOT2GeadgpgfqCKABqQYkd6R44uNCZ6UxFNNE4WNtokOk12-y1ej3QGpFfTYHZt5BfyiSlmx4zeba5NFQ0NNh9jOYwuTuQ8-nEtaNwZmpWxmpbFFsrn5-boII5uz9w/s1600/william-levy-300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlEcYDKCsBTqHoSOT2GeadgpgfqCKABqQYkd6R44uNCZ6UxFNNE4WNtokOk12-y1ej3QGpFfTYHZt5BfyiSlmx4zeba5NFQ0NNh9jOYwuTuQ8-nEtaNwZmpWxmpbFFsrn5-boII5uz9w/s200/william-levy-300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727383374413616482" /></a><br /><br /><br /><iframe width="360" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/172oP_FYni0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9gYCUkEskDEkVspGKK_frAKfcZE4LSOOvDsug8KZbQZNxliQkyjxhhpH_GYUjIh4UsjKVVujcIrZ3JaQqHuANFppRths6KXpEoJn1KE6dH6KhNLlP24zvwR68A742RjMzcPirRpabFs/s1600/0001hyw5.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9gYCUkEskDEkVspGKK_frAKfcZE4LSOOvDsug8KZbQZNxliQkyjxhhpH_GYUjIh4UsjKVVujcIrZ3JaQqHuANFppRths6KXpEoJn1KE6dH6KhNLlP24zvwR68A742RjMzcPirRpabFs/s200/0001hyw5.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727389104383073474" /></a><br />“Game of Thrones” also made a spectacular season debut on April 1st Last year when GoT was getting ready to debut, the New York Times had a woman review it. She called it “boy fan fiction” and eluded to the fact that only weird girls who enjoyed p0rn would enjoy this series, but no female she knew would be caught dead watching something like this. Gee, I must know a lot of dead people because I actually know more women that watch GoT than men. And I have to tell you - they aren’t weird. They come from all walks of life, but they are all well adjusted adults. This year, NYT again did a review where they assumed that only the Dungeons & Dragons crowd would be watching GoT. Hmm, you know what happens when you assume, right? (This amused me as they ran, at the same time, an article on Peter Dinklage, who not only stars on Game of Thrones but won an Emmy for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister.) Luckily Huffington Post got it right. <A href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alexandra-gekas/game-of-thrones-women_b_1395410.html?ref=tv&ir=TV">A great article by Alexandra Gekas</a>. I embrace geek happily and I *LOVE* Game of Thrones!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSHg4joB0CwM16Sh_jqnt6eqH9JLOAlryhQt7gJsQlCMdVEi1U6a7I3hYoYC6UdMELXeWzUs7VB-TA1r7qQGsgamDg6NjNitP3iT_stYmDOcHbHi4qpL_YjCCyAV32dlq952Uthxa13U/s1600/0001s432.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSHg4joB0CwM16Sh_jqnt6eqH9JLOAlryhQt7gJsQlCMdVEi1U6a7I3hYoYC6UdMELXeWzUs7VB-TA1r7qQGsgamDg6NjNitP3iT_stYmDOcHbHi4qpL_YjCCyAV32dlq952Uthxa13U/s200/0001s432.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727389099772522226" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQuggMySXrdvgWD7JnyuvOQrtHZYaIXGVRz7RZxcnzJsddAmMIZVq-hTLsl2lopUP68chM55QW1AcfM-1Juli7l0aEziN3L4fFYOaGuhqBJZ0KCBxOp6Wnme5O2BXCQA0t878fx3JzZk/s1600/0001r4yq.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQuggMySXrdvgWD7JnyuvOQrtHZYaIXGVRz7RZxcnzJsddAmMIZVq-hTLsl2lopUP68chM55QW1AcfM-1Juli7l0aEziN3L4fFYOaGuhqBJZ0KCBxOp6Wnme5O2BXCQA0t878fx3JzZk/s200/0001r4yq.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727389108438831250" /></a><br /><br /><br />The absolutely lovely, <a href="http://traceylivesay.com/">Tracey</a> gave my <a href="http://michellesbooknook.blogspot.com/">Book Nook blog</a> the <a href="http://traceylivesay.com/2012/04/03/lois-lane-the-liebster-blog-award/"> Liebster Award</a>! I am so touched that she did that! Please check Tracey out, she is one witty and fun lady to chat with. And watch my Book Nook blog for the award posting.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-31522889374599013002012-03-28T05:58:00.000-07:002012-03-28T06:00:03.360-07:00Random is as random does.Oh let’s see…how about some random things for today!<br /><br /> <br /><br />First off, I am moving!!! Into an apartment on May 1st. I can’t wait! I’ve been shopping like a lunatic for a couple of months now to get everything I need. Now I just find myself buying the more frivolous things instead of the can opener, toaster, and lamps that I need. I put the deposit down yesterday and am now in full on “I need to get organized’ panic. Pictures will come soon!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Speaking of pictures, my computer crashed on Sunday. In the process of said crash I lost everything on there. Including all music files and about six months worth of pictures that I hadn’t saved. Sad thing is I lectured my dad just recently on doing just that. Yet I kept telling myself “later, later”. Now it is too late. I was a sad panda, man! It sucked. That will teach me, however.<br /><br /> <br /><br />My friend, Brenda, is in town this weekend to attend some Spring Training games. Hopefully I will get to see her one of the nights she is in town. *fingers crossed* I haven’t even attended any Spring Training yet this year and it ends on Sunday. Pffft, where did that month go? I kept thinking I had a little time to worry about it. <br /><br /> <br /><br />“The Hunger Games” – have you seen it yet? Have you read the books? The book is, of course, better. But the movie is all sorts of amazing and definitely worth taking in a showing of! I am firmly in the Team Gale side of life, just because I think Peeta is kind of a wuss. But it is really all about Lenny Kravitz and the gold eye shadow and guy liner. HOT!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfiVhY6NhJYQd-xqAUv4SUbMLbc0aDgPj92B-I8s20eC9OWRDfG9F0633PIGyUT4vxasLb9TMGuOecs6muqqdfkDJASys6Qpr6ZueooRQWILx-y2HbcTahN52A7vHRTIVeby83tDWft0/s1600/0001e2kq.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfiVhY6NhJYQd-xqAUv4SUbMLbc0aDgPj92B-I8s20eC9OWRDfG9F0633PIGyUT4vxasLb9TMGuOecs6muqqdfkDJASys6Qpr6ZueooRQWILx-y2HbcTahN52A7vHRTIVeby83tDWft0/s200/0001e2kq.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724801417939585410" /></a> <br /><br />This Sunday, April 1st, is the return of Game of Thrones. THAT is what I have been anxiously waiting for. If you haven’t seen the show, please do yourself a favor and give it a try! HBO is free this weekend in anticipation of huge numbers for the premiere and this season is going to be good! The casting is excellent, the setting is phenomenal, and it is just an intense ride. (And don’t taunt me with the fact you get to watch it while I’m at work during the day, Marika!!!)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-44836941760747550162012-03-21T05:52:00.001-07:002012-03-21T05:54:53.555-07:00WonderCon = Geeky Good TimeLast week I headed over to Anaheim to attend WonderCon for three days. I love geek time and sharing it with Angelina and Desi was even better! <br /><br />HBO had an opportunity to get your head superimposed on the stake, much like Ned's poor beheaded head from "Game of Thrones". (This show...oh I can't even begin to tell you how much love I have for this show. Watch it if you have not!)<br /><br />We wandered the vendor floor and did a little shopping on Friday. I came away with a stuffed R2-D2 as he was only $10 and the real deal is $5K. OUCH to my checkbook! But R2 is such a little pistol, I would really like one. <br /><br />Saturday was movie day in the ballroom. We saw a couple of panels for movies that are complete pass for me: Locked Out and Sound Of My Voice, in particular. A few that look interesting: Resident Evil Retribution, Looper, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. And some that I am bouncing off the walls in anticipation over: Prometheus, Battleship, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Snow White & The Huntsman.<br /><br />Two of the most gorgeous men I have ever seen were in the house for panels: Michael Fassbender with the Prometheus panel and Alexander Skarsgard with the Battleship panel. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpplVc0OSo1CO7Iu8AU0wloZM2jbnTzrAlsIh5GOCi_vX8pdadpsqhnjDxf6Yb3Vj1qtq9NLyUV4gz8WTOTwVwDOKDE4Rcpcau2TX-vwmsBsN4CrsL36vVn0MfjhVL0VQ34CYdfqiPgE/s1600/tumblr_m153b6RTPK1r672go12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpplVc0OSo1CO7Iu8AU0wloZM2jbnTzrAlsIh5GOCi_vX8pdadpsqhnjDxf6Yb3Vj1qtq9NLyUV4gz8WTOTwVwDOKDE4Rcpcau2TX-vwmsBsN4CrsL36vVn0MfjhVL0VQ34CYdfqiPgE/s200/tumblr_m153b6RTPK1r672go12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722096127163147042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vVVt4CUupyGO3FPkV737xsPcJVrLL4FEul07Wsqtec4etC5giFrP5fA1ZUTPv9uJBoByhBetlpk0k8HB8isUuF2r5FNYgUx6oFtakNFUQJqqrYq9Z7Al6w37XYCnSYaknBu5p7E3rjA/s1600/wenn3785017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vVVt4CUupyGO3FPkV737xsPcJVrLL4FEul07Wsqtec4etC5giFrP5fA1ZUTPv9uJBoByhBetlpk0k8HB8isUuF2r5FNYgUx6oFtakNFUQJqqrYq9Z7Al6w37XYCnSYaknBu5p7E3rjA/s200/wenn3785017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722096132786936610" /></a><br /><blockquote>**These two pictures are not by me. I was not able to get pictures during the panels that turned out, it was too dark and we were about 20 rows back.**</blockquote><br /><br />Sunday was TV panel time. We went specifically for "Once Upon A Time". That show is fabulous! They showed us the episode that was going to air that night and the two writers that were there did a great panel. There is some good stuff coming up on the show - the appearance of the evil queen/Regina's mother, answers as to who August (the writer) is, and the return of a character. Angelina had never seen the show before and got hooked with that episode. <br /><br />I had wanted to meet Kristian Nairn, who plays Hodor on "Game of Thrones" so we went to the exhibit hall to find him. Hodor is one of my favorite characters...all he says is Hodor. Mala and I speak Hodor to each other often so I wanted to get his autograph for her. He is such a nice guy! I mean, seriously a genuinely nice guy. He was so laid back and having a good time. I was impressed. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iTT8h4xFWdwDTOZ1J-V08igsAO-X0Ly4pSJ0Y35nlfIFEZ3wzpP_jAbI46LliuMr2FYjKrFpokrBm2toD9cyThWW6Ai-q59v3UBq14TAPh0ykZ21OX-YGCvcW1Yr2reZku4opoDeae8/s1600/Picture+125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iTT8h4xFWdwDTOZ1J-V08igsAO-X0Ly4pSJ0Y35nlfIFEZ3wzpP_jAbI46LliuMr2FYjKrFpokrBm2toD9cyThWW6Ai-q59v3UBq14TAPh0ykZ21OX-YGCvcW1Yr2reZku4opoDeae8/s200/Picture+125.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722099452253719858" /></a><br /><br />To end the fun CA trip, I met up with the lovely Natalie at Fat Dog in LA for dinner and gossip! She is as awesome in person as you would imagine she would be and we had a great night. <br /><br />Now it is back to the grind of the j-o-b this morning...I need a vacation!<br /><br />Some various pictures of the weekend:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRoCWnZ2rNwBKldDBRjeWDmHaFVr9hWOWLf-ByR9jKgQ0xkdHvhXdVrhouS9PsRZKuIlHhD5GY4pSTlCzC8ou2tqanfK3NTC9_rDDWqalFg5NoeCvolk8Bql4t9Dpsj7L1IEuFOplbtw/s1600/Picture+094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRoCWnZ2rNwBKldDBRjeWDmHaFVr9hWOWLf-ByR9jKgQ0xkdHvhXdVrhouS9PsRZKuIlHhD5GY4pSTlCzC8ou2tqanfK3NTC9_rDDWqalFg5NoeCvolk8Bql4t9Dpsj7L1IEuFOplbtw/s200/Picture+094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722102279874973954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGwBIQS3zzrirTYe9qDv9LleUBYTzkmiByNJJueKZKQrCI1x97CDHtAkHVLMDtLlMF3lF194UxBcPC2T5PYu1vpWOM_tIx9oZ41ZA_gLPsW7WSlM8FgoX5QyefCNbc0jGLJbN-t4WjE4/s1600/Picture+091.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGwBIQS3zzrirTYe9qDv9LleUBYTzkmiByNJJueKZKQrCI1x97CDHtAkHVLMDtLlMF3lF194UxBcPC2T5PYu1vpWOM_tIx9oZ41ZA_gLPsW7WSlM8FgoX5QyefCNbc0jGLJbN-t4WjE4/s200/Picture+091.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722102269734485650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YKVU34vxmA0vMj-MbSC4W7W-FNNZw-zEZuD30f3eXmQjULgZrVaO2hIDawJh6EZDxfwZqxK7rC8IR9adqWEpJ9OTdzCi6f43F01FuzlIvbq4qiSLNu3GdV7gng-1ZPELy7DIUNICsGs/s1600/Picture+124.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YKVU34vxmA0vMj-MbSC4W7W-FNNZw-zEZuD30f3eXmQjULgZrVaO2hIDawJh6EZDxfwZqxK7rC8IR9adqWEpJ9OTdzCi6f43F01FuzlIvbq4qiSLNu3GdV7gng-1ZPELy7DIUNICsGs/s200/Picture+124.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722102289416795746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgbUIhMRo86gIIAZbNc6lfq0Vy6gzlsOTDAaSUxh7G89y3_HZEokbw_4fqDePlkiLE-d7LAwLNsEI8uk3KP61r4QGSQYrlcpsx449aLDhheg5kf4X1HQFdEthgPvSND4GtKjEBWn78mE/s1600/Picture+070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgbUIhMRo86gIIAZbNc6lfq0Vy6gzlsOTDAaSUxh7G89y3_HZEokbw_4fqDePlkiLE-d7LAwLNsEI8uk3KP61r4QGSQYrlcpsx449aLDhheg5kf4X1HQFdEthgPvSND4GtKjEBWn78mE/s200/Picture+070.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722101025317054690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw6wEoJPGGQaUSQB0jUfpvyAdDUeAhl2oYNE4qMWamnruo8b1k_9-eImd1QF7K7HDl5-dxbIzlwqYWKbVzYDND2PTeTCqG__pVdNE2fVK0iwo3GEh02BCd1pzbQPylMacNAda-y9AZZ0/s1600/Picture+068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw6wEoJPGGQaUSQB0jUfpvyAdDUeAhl2oYNE4qMWamnruo8b1k_9-eImd1QF7K7HDl5-dxbIzlwqYWKbVzYDND2PTeTCqG__pVdNE2fVK0iwo3GEh02BCd1pzbQPylMacNAda-y9AZZ0/s200/Picture+068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722101009877197490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV8onS7hPdhSsUPU49UCCnii8dIf-qXhnYYpOg3GC_plgW21bgFtFdesnlfxM8kPuVLUTn9GYNmxCLZ75BGM91jQRf6BhNCzhhIXI6zqwIQ9wp2g8zcucKJA3u0GZvi5zXD5ySiCVPRQ/s1600/Picture+066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV8onS7hPdhSsUPU49UCCnii8dIf-qXhnYYpOg3GC_plgW21bgFtFdesnlfxM8kPuVLUTn9GYNmxCLZ75BGM91jQRf6BhNCzhhIXI6zqwIQ9wp2g8zcucKJA3u0GZvi5zXD5ySiCVPRQ/s200/Picture+066.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722101002777738322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpePzCaZ3885jqDF24Ph1YDfLIzJlwnr1cZ5SQTV0tIvbNZSJ0IIAzieqOkBJMhhT0gs75wVBoKr9t18aK0qLqH2p17iFoplVb6M0ABsR66d5Y4Dv_as8Ay-lxk1QAT9BTbH6vG6mZhDc/s1600/Picture+058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpePzCaZ3885jqDF24Ph1YDfLIzJlwnr1cZ5SQTV0tIvbNZSJ0IIAzieqOkBJMhhT0gs75wVBoKr9t18aK0qLqH2p17iFoplVb6M0ABsR66d5Y4Dv_as8Ay-lxk1QAT9BTbH6vG6mZhDc/s200/Picture+058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722100992377134290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgG_-U3RsOztfDhaH3C6qAh4sUz3MC5YULemhwsNsTk6zgNn5JaSVNaPXw6Ug_QyNUvcTAZiyxCT6CvwRO8_SjuFDca1qddu1fV-cbLBgiM9BgG8PxYkRLgYNOsfU7FBo9HFDaKwQwho/s1600/Picture+072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgG_-U3RsOztfDhaH3C6qAh4sUz3MC5YULemhwsNsTk6zgNn5JaSVNaPXw6Ug_QyNUvcTAZiyxCT6CvwRO8_SjuFDca1qddu1fV-cbLBgiM9BgG8PxYkRLgYNOsfU7FBo9HFDaKwQwho/s200/Picture+072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722101034814372610" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-56267377916672557792012-03-14T05:48:00.001-07:002012-03-14T05:48:46.072-07:00It's no surprise to me, I am my own worst enemyIf there is one area of my life that I am really picky about and strive for perfection in, it is my professional side. I will say, with confidence, that I am a damn good employee. I will work extra hours, I will take on extra responsibilities, I pride myself on doing a good job.<br /><br />I am also extremely critical of myself when I make a mistake. I know we are all human and no one is perfect, we all make errors. I get that. Unfortunately, I am so aware of the mistakes that I make that I get overly uptight over it.<br /><br />I made one of those mistakes this week. I didn't know that I had to make a change in the system and a payment went out that shouldn't have. The big boss is not happy, my manager told me he will have to give me the lecture and they do understand that I am still new to the job, but the lecture will be coming anyway. *sighs* I told him that it didn't matter what he had to say, I can guarantee that I kicked myself harder than he could ever imagine. I didn't sleep Monday night, in fact. It plagued my mind.<br /><br />I don't know how to accept the "you're only human" excuse. While no, I didn't know about the change I had to make to stop the payment as I wasn't trained about it, I still own up to the mistake and it is not easy to handle.<br /><br />Vacation tomorrow cannot come fast enough!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-65245780736078880672012-03-07T20:14:00.002-08:002012-03-07T20:17:57.209-08:00Book giveaways!I have two book giveaways going on over on my Book Nook blog. Both end on Monday, March 12th and all you need to do is comment to be entered to win. <br /><br /><a href="http://michellesbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/03/casting-forged-in-fire-by-trish.html">Forged In Fire by Trish McCallan</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://michellesbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/02/giveaway-favorable-conditions-by.html">Favorable Conditions by Kathleen Kole</a>.<br /><br />Stop by and leave a comment. :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-31882668670090015382012-03-07T04:55:00.001-08:002012-03-07T04:55:28.493-08:00MARCHing onIt is hard to believe that it is March 7th already! How did that happen? This year has definitely started off with a bang. Unfortunately, for quite a few people in my life it has also led into 2012 with job loss, illness, and heartbreaking deaths. Makes me all the more thankful for the job that I have and the fantastic people in my life.<br /><br />March is stacking up to be a busy one! Today, if I convince myself it won't be chaos, at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is the Hunger Games Mall Tour stop. I did finally read "The Hunger Games" and it was such a good book (I've only read the first one). I would love to stop in at the mall tour just to see Liam Hemsworth. He isn't as hot as big brother Chris "Thor" Hemsworth, but he is cute in that boy toy kind of way. However, I have a feeling that the mall tour is going to be reminiscent to the 90210 mall tours of the 90's when there were riots and the talent had to be rushed right back out the door.<br /><br />Friday is Jen Lancaster's book signing for the paperback release of "If you were here". Very excited for that and hoping that my mom will be able to join me for another fun night of Jen's exploits.<br /><br />My Uncle Ron and Aunt Faye will be here this weekend.<br /><br />On Thursday (the 15th) I'm leaving work at 11AM and heading over to California to attend Wonder Con with Angelina, Desi, and thousands of geeks. I'm excited to see my girls, Alexander Skarsgard (Eric, True Blood), and the Once Upon A Time panel on Sunday. I'm also excited to see my friend's Brenda and Kent...and to meet the fabulous Natalie! Plus, anytime to get a break from work is a good time, right?<br /><br />The end of the month Brenda will be here to attend some Spring Training games so I'll get to see her at some point.<br /><br />Also the Phoenix Film Festival is taking place and I have passes for the showing of Jeffrey Dean Morgan's new series.<br /><br />In between all this, I definitely need to take time to read some, see some fabulous cinema, and just have a good time with friends.<br /><br />We are also moving at work. April 5th is our final day in this building. This past weekend they moved the Telecommunications team out and our section of the third floor is pretty barren. I took a picture, which prompted some hilarious comments from Jen Tucker, Heather Hummel, and Jazz.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFhyphenhyphen1tS46VY6fidvL8iorn0emx7vXw5NH49ngLGZ0ljvFudWi_np1Yj3-NCnwIRHljPt_txE18Tay73A4M_nFaBivfNcjDgXDgc4hxQZBBb6kHnX11vYUR8RNZ5jbefJ3vwWZ3m9Yl68/s1600/IMG01018-20120305-0907.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFhyphenhyphen1tS46VY6fidvL8iorn0emx7vXw5NH49ngLGZ0ljvFudWi_np1Yj3-NCnwIRHljPt_txE18Tay73A4M_nFaBivfNcjDgXDgc4hxQZBBb6kHnX11vYUR8RNZ5jbefJ3vwWZ3m9Yl68/s200/IMG01018-20120305-0907.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716583696350692306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From roller rink to water balloon fight to turtle racing, they kept me laughing the morning away at work. I always thought with the cubicles there we could have an awesome game of hide-and-seek. Now I think we should be able to have chair races. (We were warned, by management no less, to stay off the hand carts that are all lined up against the wall. Pfffft!)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-29284856424741914062012-02-29T04:54:00.001-08:002012-02-29T04:59:35.784-08:00I'd like to thank the AcademyTo wrap up the awards season, I asked Danielle, Natalie, and Tracie from the previous post to come back and do a little wrap up with me on the Academy Awards.<br /><br />First off, congratulations to Tracie! She called all the big winners! And as she said in email:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Michelle,</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So, what's my prize for getting all four of my Oscar predictions correct? :)</span><br /><br />Hmm! Have to think of something good, right? I already showed you Tom Hardy and his pooch...shared some Alexander Skarsgard...what else?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best dressed female/male?</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie:</span> Best Dressed Female - Slightly torn between Michelle Williams and… (reluctant sigh) Gwyneth Paltrow. Michelle Williams’ Louis Vuitton gown was stunning (I loved the bodice, the brooch, and I thought the color was perfect for her.) Then you have Gwyneth Paltrow's gorgeous Tom Ford gown (she got to wear a cape!) It’s a tough choice but since I was less than pleased with Gwyneth’s low ponytail – Michelle takes the win!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbnAP9wZNy4pHC-7kSxDD0FxvsYInwKpctw5S2gqZiIFuqXRPUU5GMVdb3Dy2HIsTXygyG7s7dgxMphPe9vX_zjFHngEDHYbX5kUS5RRLpPQmPHN0wfnT_haCrY6CNMWz2ly-iMbh9eE/s1600/michelle-williams-2012-oscars-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbnAP9wZNy4pHC-7kSxDD0FxvsYInwKpctw5S2gqZiIFuqXRPUU5GMVdb3Dy2HIsTXygyG7s7dgxMphPe9vX_zjFHngEDHYbX5kUS5RRLpPQmPHN0wfnT_haCrY6CNMWz2ly-iMbh9eE/s200/michelle-williams-2012-oscars-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714359302773049314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Best dressed male? Colin Firth. What? He looks good in a tux.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuQD62gg0dzZ9zCDnLq3OjYTs9pWJ6PJvBzJt6JK_bgJolMaqwNYq0ORKL8mEOnGNMxYLofFkWKUJAjZkeBn01jx-NI12rbiMrU3NHjq3gVO6_yzj3Ap3qyoBiM6zomg4oKHytMV0dZs/s1600/colin-firth-livia-2012-oscars-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuQD62gg0dzZ9zCDnLq3OjYTs9pWJ6PJvBzJt6JK_bgJolMaqwNYq0ORKL8mEOnGNMxYLofFkWKUJAjZkeBn01jx-NI12rbiMrU3NHjq3gVO6_yzj3Ap3qyoBiM6zomg4oKHytMV0dZs/s200/colin-firth-livia-2012-oscars-06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714360090636614850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> I get to pretend to be Joan Rivers. Fun! This will probably be controversial, but Best Dressed Female for me was Emma Stone. Her gown had the "WOW!" factor for me. The color (raspberry) was gorgeous and complemented her pale skin and fiery hair very well, the design was interesting (not usually a fan of bows, but the one on that dress was architectural, not cutesy), and the silhouette (yes, I watch Project Runway) was really flattering and lovely. I, also, thought that her hair and make-up were perfect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pTqkpUeUPSqb5tLz7uUKGX-rSEK2oCQDKYLCC32m6elM9vzCecjXdVpNeCV-v67AczYIZ7dJ97fbTTs51ipvnWoOwLsRGBHrLOdrEbrubmQIBnb6kRwdXjnQD-6eSHTjx396qM2Jm4g/s1600/01220-emma-stone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pTqkpUeUPSqb5tLz7uUKGX-rSEK2oCQDKYLCC32m6elM9vzCecjXdVpNeCV-v67AczYIZ7dJ97fbTTs51ipvnWoOwLsRGBHrLOdrEbrubmQIBnb6kRwdXjnQD-6eSHTjx396qM2Jm4g/s200/01220-emma-stone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714034462054855714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Best Dressed Male? That's tough, but I'm going to go with Jean Dujardin. He looked like a winner before he even got his trophy! Very suave and debonair in his classic black tux.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L43EG13nB8g-z5Q6xQJKmjcymOTjxRvd7jgT0KfZ7LB6Jxz5qov4yfPAYbNI8hx3EhDq2BybbEneMrrnlBcSNesqHgPGYUHnKuENPMliBt1CQ9GB6sqTKQBY-tXpjc539m-3BKBBmuI/s1600/jean-dujardin-oscars-2012-red-carpet-02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L43EG13nB8g-z5Q6xQJKmjcymOTjxRvd7jgT0KfZ7LB6Jxz5qov4yfPAYbNI8hx3EhDq2BybbEneMrrnlBcSNesqHgPGYUHnKuENPMliBt1CQ9GB6sqTKQBY-tXpjc539m-3BKBBmuI/s200/jean-dujardin-oscars-2012-red-carpet-02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714034465221579762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> Mila Jovovich and Brad Pitt (still hot)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYDZvn4xXXOi-Z_JDOIEIHlU3HKpipD0Mp7uAP8KJWoaibr4S609XHXO6Cn7iRODC78BCNmMrSkYxKsfj4-rlWi297tByu0qFqV2iiHG1bIXXO4QIASY9JjQTwmjdAI8IT2r6qhnwkhQ/s1600/01137-milla-jovovich.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYDZvn4xXXOi-Z_JDOIEIHlU3HKpipD0Mp7uAP8KJWoaibr4S609XHXO6Cn7iRODC78BCNmMrSkYxKsfj4-rlWi297tByu0qFqV2iiHG1bIXXO4QIASY9JjQTwmjdAI8IT2r6qhnwkhQ/s200/01137-milla-jovovich.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714034782538466914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGBQwiSTjaxaoUZ0NiH3L51YNa2AzXjlvp0uhNfT0c0706UsKC3wrAO94sHGd_-UEK7Km8i_uXAF7Op2hCU_tbbvjTGi5MOHTGWZWksVCU39PfKPyNwYrNzmmTMK-b8pgLCKr1OWmrI/s1600/01255-brad-pitt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGBQwiSTjaxaoUZ0NiH3L51YNa2AzXjlvp0uhNfT0c0706UsKC3wrAO94sHGd_-UEK7Km8i_uXAF7Op2hCU_tbbvjTGi5MOHTGWZWksVCU39PfKPyNwYrNzmmTMK-b8pgLCKr1OWmrI/s200/01255-brad-pitt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714034789388352194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> Best Dressed Female. Ya know, this year there wasn't that dress that stood out and just screamed "THAT is the dress of the evening!" It took me a while of looking at the dresses to decide on the best dressed and I'm going with Cameron Diaz. The color flattered her, I liked the cut of the dress, and she didn't over accessorize.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zap6HUJQ2Capjmd056itKtEMXSMN97D4yOJnUWDVtNNJKq4Ol42AvgJ_umBbuNGKuwOWXYeOkIVMoEJ5wen0q7QU1rJlmzmNbC2CNdOyj1xXDVYNKbZTm62Y5G24vT55bWBO-YcSSHY/s1600/01233-cameron-diaz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zap6HUJQ2Capjmd056itKtEMXSMN97D4yOJnUWDVtNNJKq4Ol42AvgJ_umBbuNGKuwOWXYeOkIVMoEJ5wen0q7QU1rJlmzmNbC2CNdOyj1xXDVYNKbZTm62Y5G24vT55bWBO-YcSSHY/s200/01233-cameron-diaz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714036101784741074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Best Dressed Male? Robert Downey Jr. And at that, I think RDJ would be a GREAT host for the Oscars next year.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc6airsiSjDr8aA1lIGUotIPhTecVm_3iLFuXJh9bz4Qr581g2behmhbcSNwERUj9P-Ku0Ythsu63Vh8UIAE3LhfymyXaR6bVp6GhhGI1D33B5nzWHBLg_iVmFb3J-_UJwAjsgrtC8Qo/s1600/robert-downey-jr-gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-2012-01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc6airsiSjDr8aA1lIGUotIPhTecVm_3iLFuXJh9bz4Qr581g2behmhbcSNwERUj9P-Ku0Ythsu63Vh8UIAE3LhfymyXaR6bVp6GhhGI1D33B5nzWHBLg_iVmFb3J-_UJwAjsgrtC8Qo/s200/robert-downey-jr-gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-2012-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714036102629553650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Worst dressed female/male?</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> Hee hee <cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""> Worst Dressed Female was without a doubt Shailene Woodley. That cream-colored Valentino Couture gown was so horribly wrong for a girl her age. It looked like she'd pulled her grandmother's old dress from the 1970s out of mothballs. Every inch of skin was covered, the design was bizarre (weird cut-outs on the chest - why?), and the color, or lack thereof, completely washed her out. So dowdy and boring! Act your age, Shailene!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPEKSQlhqIenGJ4o6-Ok3L5OTyHltM7RRtQPahhjIRdVimJx-Y8ZRI4Am-qCc6jj-nbxd9gUFrC-VkvBYzCJX47ZcFP8lB-o7d8CxS3PgcKGkTVcPskZwsXbl9wyhHivtQmF9iYrIIJk/s1600/01157-shailene-woodley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPEKSQlhqIenGJ4o6-Ok3L5OTyHltM7RRtQPahhjIRdVimJx-Y8ZRI4Am-qCc6jj-nbxd9gUFrC-VkvBYzCJX47ZcFP8lB-o7d8CxS3PgcKGkTVcPskZwsXbl9wyhHivtQmF9iYrIIJk/s200/01157-shailene-woodley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714041013197161458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Worst Dressed Male goes to Jonah Hill. He lost all of that weight, then he wears this fugly, ill-fighting tux that makes him look more chubby than ever! And was that a navy blue shirt with a black coat and shiny bow tie? SHUDDER The slicked back hair made Jonah look like a little boy going to his bar mitzvah. Major faux pas all the way around.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREssINRmBP7yDeUVyjlUrZ5MVpWNImk8A6RtKLXNaM3pwcMtyJ-myNROZ9j-VZTt1bjyqbiFU05tGZIvSmqxZvqjUsgjUxgH9J-oapjJ5WFJTiVbQPrMhgRLyxfMMlBW3oWuNqQncR0s/s1600/jonah-hill-435.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREssINRmBP7yDeUVyjlUrZ5MVpWNImk8A6RtKLXNaM3pwcMtyJ-myNROZ9j-VZTt1bjyqbiFU05tGZIvSmqxZvqjUsgjUxgH9J-oapjJ5WFJTiVbQPrMhgRLyxfMMlBW3oWuNqQncR0s/s200/jonah-hill-435.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713990766963482402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> Viola Davis (I just didn't like this dress) and George Clooney (his tux was boring)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa6SoAoOBhubmUAvpo2z6X-1VNJPcwx88eBziQ78MjjfzF7ehRSI_66zgQH5yr9r03CmBdpXqdiX4fW6SiCEKEIKIUJoI4axKhIxw287xulGGzXZcwmW-GOW-u7GWi75HXuXV9VbrSbg/s1600/01165-viola-davis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa6SoAoOBhubmUAvpo2z6X-1VNJPcwx88eBziQ78MjjfzF7ehRSI_66zgQH5yr9r03CmBdpXqdiX4fW6SiCEKEIKIUJoI4axKhIxw287xulGGzXZcwmW-GOW-u7GWi75HXuXV9VbrSbg/s200/01165-viola-davis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714043566300516514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvI80uSMfHl-rwMWbCBCsUllrkBLWvYZzHMvgaJ9QjIf_pxLChBQho5unCVJMB9LlQh4p5RjumKF2vEXr814WJwS9TY85uQKueMg0hyphenhyphenjsOqU6-pEKMh9XTvC3bahbD7Yq1f6YZFym3xA/s1600/main-george-clooney.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvI80uSMfHl-rwMWbCBCsUllrkBLWvYZzHMvgaJ9QjIf_pxLChBQho5unCVJMB9LlQh4p5RjumKF2vEXr814WJwS9TY85uQKueMg0hyphenhyphenjsOqU6-pEKMh9XTvC3bahbD7Yq1f6YZFym3xA/s200/main-george-clooney.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714041393006273170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> Worst Dressed Female is a toss up between Rooney Mara and Shailene Woodley. I think that Rooney just looked odd with the haircut and the lines of the dress. And Shailene's dress was just unflattering.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz691PJLwJZV9wbSEC1Y68BD8DQkAMmzevfselEe8B5qqfdDJ4R8VWiyCg8PFjWPrVgOyBt9H3hS3hFTzS0dRzlpYd6EOjwEtm2qkiAYoJU6rrIuMahUMKrTM1fJlPpuvdLxmykRxT8Z8/s1600/01181-rooney-mara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz691PJLwJZV9wbSEC1Y68BD8DQkAMmzevfselEe8B5qqfdDJ4R8VWiyCg8PFjWPrVgOyBt9H3hS3hFTzS0dRzlpYd6EOjwEtm2qkiAYoJU6rrIuMahUMKrTM1fJlPpuvdLxmykRxT8Z8/s200/01181-rooney-mara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714041013073880946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Worst Dressed Male is Sacha Baron Cohen and this ridiculous persona of The Dictator.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhZ5TM_4Xoo6AD8ciStqrIiBdWfz8i7W9CgrHMWpsAr01txYUr7EtoYxKRunQ-VsF78e1gguooB0IkWjAcVJ3s85NhvxZmvvsVbg5DEngHfVDkR86XQ-lQutosSaCSU0oOw1x85C3IRE/s1600/sacha-baron-cohen-660.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhZ5TM_4Xoo6AD8ciStqrIiBdWfz8i7W9CgrHMWpsAr01txYUr7EtoYxKRunQ-VsF78e1gguooB0IkWjAcVJ3s85NhvxZmvvsVbg5DEngHfVDkR86XQ-lQutosSaCSU0oOw1x85C3IRE/s200/sacha-baron-cohen-660.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714041013691461154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie:</span> Worst dressed female – It seems like a cop out to name Stacy Keibler since I never knew her name before the Oscars, so I’ll go with Sandra Bullock. I thought her gown was an ill-fitting, off-putting, confusing mess. And she looked oddly botox-alicious.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyUYzzbm3WF2euxPGbapJrn2pvAV0MXIlPYgVuQsR7z07ivpmYQI1IAEYP5_oWP7rMqbWIhe-n6k9H4C4ARV3LWVsN_T4VSm2ki4QCNZg88bs32IjDsXiNYUXudhBTWQXMBmjzdikcmc/s1600/01248-sandra-bullock2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyUYzzbm3WF2euxPGbapJrn2pvAV0MXIlPYgVuQsR7z07ivpmYQI1IAEYP5_oWP7rMqbWIhe-n6k9H4C4ARV3LWVsN_T4VSm2ki4QCNZg88bs32IjDsXiNYUXudhBTWQXMBmjzdikcmc/s200/01248-sandra-bullock2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714361073185278162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Worst dressed male? Jonah Hill. Black on black - who thought that was a good idea? And was the shirt shiny? And somehow the blacks didn’t match. Basically, he looked like a cheap prom date.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1slgT6WIaEGXEMlE6mNtdeTztNqMc6vQbLDHuSpHIvj5jYaZdK9-1n2N1K3rUlzZ0XTW-UQH-mLaNWvoZDOPZKckL8rbZjWN-dpiqHoe1T7GWP-Z9YeIsjuzqfL9qRQTPK90Qw9EcDI/s1600/01183-jonah-hill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1slgT6WIaEGXEMlE6mNtdeTztNqMc6vQbLDHuSpHIvj5jYaZdK9-1n2N1K3rUlzZ0XTW-UQH-mLaNWvoZDOPZKckL8rbZjWN-dpiqHoe1T7GWP-Z9YeIsjuzqfL9qRQTPK90Qw9EcDI/s200/01183-jonah-hill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714361074629887490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></cackles><div style="text-align: center;"><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><span style="font-weight:bold;">Biggest shock or surprising moment?</span></cackles><br /><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""></cackles></div><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> Sasha Baron Cohen dumping Bisquick on Ryan Seacrest<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> That happened out on the red carpet when Borat, I mean, the Dictator, dumped an urn full of "ashes" all over Ryan Seacrest. I will never forget the astonished/horrified/pissed off expression on Seacrest's face. I'm not normally a fan of juvenile pranks, but seeing someone discompose the robotic Ryan Seacrest made my night!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTF91CKkKBPqJNYu_Pzk5GWdeDDlkADHGChHxZ_62ObOPeIwEArPzb8OtZ4A0kwdqBtGxrDsz44UB7FE1-IY1YC5yZH2YuTk25u6SSbG5oj-52XbK_A1yYeXuPNfi_M4dI98vwqUfvOo/s1600/ryan-seacrest-660.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTF91CKkKBPqJNYu_Pzk5GWdeDDlkADHGChHxZ_62ObOPeIwEArPzb8OtZ4A0kwdqBtGxrDsz44UB7FE1-IY1YC5yZH2YuTk25u6SSbG5oj-52XbK_A1yYeXuPNfi_M4dI98vwqUfvOo/s200/ryan-seacrest-660.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713991128221324258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> And I agree one hundred percent. Seacrest stammered and blustered, then made sure to milk it for attention. "I got bisquick dumped on me." THAT should have been the drinking game for the red carpet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie:</span> Eh, for lack of a better surprise I suppose it was “The Dictator” but it left me a little cold. It’s not like it happened during the red carpet coverage on ABC - he did it on E! with Ryan Seacrest. Had he braved the network (and therefore the Academy) I would have been truly shocked but to pull a stunt like that on E! seemed slightly anticlimactic. (Although I agree with the gang here, I did enjoy seeing Seacrest sweat a little.)<br /><br /></cackles><div style="text-align: center;"><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who got robbed?</span></cackles><br /><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""></cackles></div><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows pt 2. I can't believe it didn't win a single award it was nominated for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> Nobody, as far as I'm concerned. I was very pleased with all of the winners, although I did get a bit tired of hearing the name "Hugo" called.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie:</span> I think I have to agree with Michelle and say Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows pt. 2. Admittedly, I didn’t see Hugo… but really?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> I haven't seen any of the movies but I'm guessing people think Viola Davis was robbed<br /><br /></cackles><div style="text-align: center;"><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><span style="font-weight:bold;">How did Billy Crystal do as host?</span></cackles><br /><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""></cackles></div><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaQ8y6KGaWQA8QX9BCJxiABgtbYhVOZq0IJ5kJ_n_yKpDzRk_QB5UfdAIQd4Mlv6ErY0O33ZWulRk0AGZ9xpYDuuMlH0bkIpkLMzUGZaESyQH64EF3l1sezlCymqSFWC2QY6oRUwMngo/s1600/Billy+Crystal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaQ8y6KGaWQA8QX9BCJxiABgtbYhVOZq0IJ5kJ_n_yKpDzRk_QB5UfdAIQd4Mlv6ErY0O33ZWulRk0AGZ9xpYDuuMlH0bkIpkLMzUGZaESyQH64EF3l1sezlCymqSFWC2QY6oRUwMngo/s200/Billy+Crystal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713674649722007650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> Ya know, I didn't go in with high expectations for him and he actually did a pretty good job. A little too much wasted time with silly skits, but overall enjoyable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Natalie:</span> The ladies here know I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of The Crystal – however there were a couple of chuckles and nothing offensive (I can’t really call the dreaded musical number offensive.) But overall, I felt the Oscars were slow - I didn’t love the talky clip packages, and it wasn’t exactly a banner year for the movies. So if you add it all up, I suppose Billy Crystal did just fine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> So much love for Billy. I haven't enjoyed an Oscars ceremony that much in years! He's funny (I love his ad-libs!), not offensive, and keeps things moving at a fast pace. No one can beat him as Oscar host.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> Billy was surprisingly funny (sorry Natalie)<br /><br /></cackles><div style="text-align: center;"><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best acceptance speech?</span></cackles><br /><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""></cackles></div><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michelle:</span> Octavia Spencer. She was so genuinely overwhelmed and gracious. I got choked up before she even started to speak, just by the joy she was showing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCip4LIBN93DYMg5ot_HJwTAxBkQ0ubCfNZpjSNrYnQ7TlmXmkSe9-ArkHvzKbHaUWBRZsi5N1-vyo9V2MbXpkEsteyP8ID1wbEwOvmgqEiL7leb6ACxLDllX0aUjvv3By5H88CoR5CLE/s1600/octavia-spencer-oscars-best-supporting-actress-win-01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCip4LIBN93DYMg5ot_HJwTAxBkQ0ubCfNZpjSNrYnQ7TlmXmkSe9-ArkHvzKbHaUWBRZsi5N1-vyo9V2MbXpkEsteyP8ID1wbEwOvmgqEiL7leb6ACxLDllX0aUjvv3By5H88CoR5CLE/s200/octavia-spencer-oscars-best-supporting-actress-win-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713675178987744706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danielle:</span> Octavia Spencer's speech was so sweet and humble.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie:</span> While I loved Meryl Streep’s humor and candor, I have to go with Octavia Spencer because her emotional speech proved once and for all that I’m not completely dead inside (I nearly felt a tear coming on – shhh don’t tell.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracie:</span> Meryl Streep! I love how self-deprecating and down-to-earth she is. She honestly seemed shocked about winning. It was nice that she started out her speech by thanking her husband and I got a little choked up when she acknowledged her "departed" friends, as well as her friends in the audience. Such a classy, talented lady!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ei_ZFsEhnXG_0A0TQejI5nd_q5Ne_1b7iuDKEzrDySViU9Al7JNfa-Q82xdr4y2iSOAIQXaS8EBwG5QwwEmtTJKvjqfK9n0gUBDJ7I2TBxzY8dmBgYfj1S33QmxkWw9PW-p6BIDOatY/s1600/meryl-streep-435.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ei_ZFsEhnXG_0A0TQejI5nd_q5Ne_1b7iuDKEzrDySViU9Al7JNfa-Q82xdr4y2iSOAIQXaS8EBwG5QwwEmtTJKvjqfK9n0gUBDJ7I2TBxzY8dmBgYfj1S33QmxkWw9PW-p6BIDOatY/s200/meryl-streep-435.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714043569593498882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></cackles><div style="text-align: center;"><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully="">-----------</cackles><br /><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""></cackles></div><cackles and="" rubs="" hands="" together="" gleefully=""><br />There you have it, folks! Our thoughts for the 2012 Academy Awards. Care to share yours?<br /><br />And a huge thank you to the lovely ladies who joined me - Tracie, Danielle, and Natalie. You three are the best! Looking forward to next year!</cackles>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-50503803597710158892012-02-22T04:49:00.000-08:002012-02-22T04:51:16.851-08:00And the Oscar goes to...I'm a massive movie fan and what movie fan doesn't love the pageantry of the Academy Awards? In preparation for this Sunday's telecast, I asked three of my favorite tweeties to participate in a little Oscars fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Picture:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiPmPg-y9kJEMBnybo6GZSqFTK6tOWvqrDT9tjCyGPWOkaRnl-hqcVfgv8MSS-ybTsLI3c_tljo01ab5iqOosyx95bmT_uTsrwdIfIP7SFn7wGwfc7z7bUgyW0_orDE6s_RZqix_C3xY/s1600/the-artist01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiPmPg-y9kJEMBnybo6GZSqFTK6tOWvqrDT9tjCyGPWOkaRnl-hqcVfgv8MSS-ybTsLI3c_tljo01ab5iqOosyx95bmT_uTsrwdIfIP7SFn7wGwfc7z7bUgyW0_orDE6s_RZqix_C3xY/s200/the-artist01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711058424532264594" /></a><br /><br />Michelle: I have everything crossed for "The Artist". Such a cute charming movie!<br /><br />Danielle: The Artist<br /><br />Natalie: "The Artist" seems like a sure thing to me.<br /><br />Tracie: I don't think we're going to see any surprises this year. The winners will be the ones who have the most heat coming into the Oscars. Best Picture will be "The Artist."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Actor:</span><br /><br />Michelle: I really want to see Jean Dujardin win for "The Artist", but have a feeling it will go to George Clooney.<br /><br />Tracie: Best Actor will be Jean Dujardin for "The Artist."<br /><br />Natalie: Best Actor: This one is a toss up. Will it go to suave newcomer Jean Dujardin or the old charmer, Clooney? Since Clooney has only won for Supporting Actor – my money is on him. (Insert Tracie/Danielle/Michelle retching noises here.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1XlKtvVIpijZj67mWIQBxvawOt2eF8cnxcfYiToR0uMXrrGAB6eEXMkVQe0qsD5Fjh5tEdksh37SYmnuGunVzrH7Re9KdipW6MlWsmSKYfiQu9PxJDTKRRlTKBKhp1mSoaiWunLshLo/s1600/main-george-clooney.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1XlKtvVIpijZj67mWIQBxvawOt2eF8cnxcfYiToR0uMXrrGAB6eEXMkVQe0qsD5Fjh5tEdksh37SYmnuGunVzrH7Re9KdipW6MlWsmSKYfiQu9PxJDTKRRlTKBKhp1mSoaiWunLshLo/s200/main-george-clooney.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711058917706533954" /></a><br /><br />Danielle: Best actor- George Clooney (even though I don't want him to win, but Hollywood likes to kiss his ass!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Actress:</span><br /><br />Danielle: Viola Davis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGBlKz0796OyNLlcTZ4qLPaUyEGmD7dN_qB0HKd-6LWdYAQv9aWkIpJcY1G5umn0wWIEu2iVNeQdIjRqTPMGe99WbeHZkJUhtn5jj3LzzrCNFm4RCUjtK5mBu32Dbp8iifzchc3IDgT4/s1600/Viola-Davis1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGBlKz0796OyNLlcTZ4qLPaUyEGmD7dN_qB0HKd-6LWdYAQv9aWkIpJcY1G5umn0wWIEu2iVNeQdIjRqTPMGe99WbeHZkJUhtn5jj3LzzrCNFm4RCUjtK5mBu32Dbp8iifzchc3IDgT4/s200/Viola-Davis1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711059349234601506" /></a><br /><br />Tracie: " Best Actress will be Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady". (Those Academy members love them some Meryl!) I think that the supporting categories are sewn up, too. Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") for Best Supporting Actor and Octavia Spencer ("The Help") for Best Supporting Actress.<br /><br />Natalie: I’m going with Viola Davis. While Meryl Streep is always a favorite, “The Iron Lady” seems way too safe. I agree with Tracie's picks for Best Supporting – but I wish Melissa McCarthy would win to mix it up. (Fine, I know she should just be happy to be nominated, but I miss "Gilmore Girls," dammit.) <br /><br />Michelle: I'm going out on a limb here and saying Michelle Williams for "My Week With Marilyn".<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who would be your dream date if you were attending?</span><br /><br />Tracie: I wouldn't just want eye candy for an Oscar date. I'd want someone who was really talented and charming, as well as good-looking. So, my pick would be Jude Law.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquj8Uv2nYZ8ys0Ewwfqn2FcZ-s_evdJ_XwyPe2TiVPWlX2l1MSLspErka0TIUzLX-Uac_n4KEsi4td6urhg1pgujiUtookHr-CeeBVeSPHza2jZUQRJjpdBh57FW95yMdrsKc61ORXdk/s1600/600full-jude-law.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquj8Uv2nYZ8ys0Ewwfqn2FcZ-s_evdJ_XwyPe2TiVPWlX2l1MSLspErka0TIUzLX-Uac_n4KEsi4td6urhg1pgujiUtookHr-CeeBVeSPHza2jZUQRJjpdBh57FW95yMdrsKc61ORXdk/s200/600full-jude-law.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711059906881369522" /></a><br /><br />Natalie: Hmmm. Michael Fassbender? Ryan Gosling? Tough choice – but I choose Michael Fassbender. Sigh. (Thank you, Magic Genie!) <br />I'm withholding comment on Tracie & Danielle's picks (although I do realize that by pointing out that I'm withholding comment I am actually commenting) let's just say it looks like Michelle and I will be double dating on Oscar night!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TDdQ39JVDpP7fAdSkf0IB6B0cf8E5kapUAJxbUahIAxLgMSLQtLTbb3DwevaKRB0xbBV9vPAUVJWPC1ryq9jyZKXT2rqXztsc2h4HYrXxR6puOxVvi_5ai8_ImE8_Hkc7TOQ3Fq69NI/s1600/Michael-Fassbender.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TDdQ39JVDpP7fAdSkf0IB6B0cf8E5kapUAJxbUahIAxLgMSLQtLTbb3DwevaKRB0xbBV9vPAUVJWPC1ryq9jyZKXT2rqXztsc2h4HYrXxR6puOxVvi_5ai8_ImE8_Hkc7TOQ3Fq69NI/s200/Michael-Fassbender.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060297742432194" /></a><br /><br />Michelle: Can I have a date for each different commercial break? No? Okay. Sheesh, I have to go with Jeremy Renner! Or Dwayne Johnson....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPKGZZsMgpebDEZ4yxdEUINqExFP7yC76_4Rkk2HhHj-E9KfZbXIQU192Le9eDFfz3U3wRfFQ68tnFo9B1XFTQRn1dGv-gOw1AziFmnIOJ3GvtNDwaMoO8SsZg2H-XK0mVM1J4yfXu8E/s1600/Jeremy%252BRenner%252B2011%252BVanity%252BFair%252BOscar%252BParty%252BgxsAat3khdKl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPKGZZsMgpebDEZ4yxdEUINqExFP7yC76_4Rkk2HhHj-E9KfZbXIQU192Le9eDFfz3U3wRfFQ68tnFo9B1XFTQRn1dGv-gOw1AziFmnIOJ3GvtNDwaMoO8SsZg2H-XK0mVM1J4yfXu8E/s200/Jeremy%252BRenner%252B2011%252BVanity%252BFair%252BOscar%252BParty%252BgxsAat3khdKl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060661622496850" /></a><br /><br />Danielle: That's easy, RPatz (my boyfriend).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ13A3nz_2OYfdY7xJVs38ivqKtXM-GXi7KqqoAu537QlKfy18jAXGDppNTrbqo-5cc_rNA2eu64Uk6wLSHCtO8zl6t2HSkkoIfj4DgvyFlAmAHZaTfhKHqsBEYCKV-Z3jg2XNjF6b-_c/s1600/large_image-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ13A3nz_2OYfdY7xJVs38ivqKtXM-GXi7KqqoAu537QlKfy18jAXGDppNTrbqo-5cc_rNA2eu64Uk6wLSHCtO8zl6t2HSkkoIfj4DgvyFlAmAHZaTfhKHqsBEYCKV-Z3jg2XNjF6b-_c/s200/large_image-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060946096720962" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What would you wear:</span><br /><br />Danielle: Something elegant by Oscar de la Renta.<br /><br />Tracie: Something red and sparkly. I prefer classy, feminine red carpet attire, so I'd be happy with a gown designed by Elie Saab, Chanel, or Armani Privé.<br /><br />Natalie: I'm assuming the same Genie who procured my Fassy date is at work here? If so, then I choose Givenchy. (I loved Cate Blanchett’s beautiful gown from last year!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8xjnWCm_5OTSIizCtkJ6b_5ThyqIEAeHiUUSo-EyNg-gzxrUN2Z1GA1-X6ZwtYu3GZDSJEJij-naVeRsF5HqSJuvQ1mLkYaT-sZmkM3EP94B1rT5SmNWnCf_cjZjPDtuF1jmNdGuiHY/s1600/Oscars2011RedCarpetCateBlanchettGivenchy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8xjnWCm_5OTSIizCtkJ6b_5ThyqIEAeHiUUSo-EyNg-gzxrUN2Z1GA1-X6ZwtYu3GZDSJEJij-naVeRsF5HqSJuvQ1mLkYaT-sZmkM3EP94B1rT5SmNWnCf_cjZjPDtuF1jmNdGuiHY/s200/Oscars2011RedCarpetCateBlanchettGivenchy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711061301783376690" /></a><br /><br />Michelle: Something in purple, of course...maybe Dolce & Gabana.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Taking a wild guess, which red carpet interviewer is going to make an ass of themselves first?</span><br /><br />Natalie: Seacrest & our friends at E! are always cringe-worthy but I’ll pick the first person who gets stuck interviewing the Brad/Angelina-Bot. Awkward.<br /><br /><br />Michelle: Billy Bush or Seacrest. If we are talking interviewee, I just fear what Nick Nolte will say.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0TfU2FQQX7QebWlCv6CLDI0O3T3E3sjy4Nom1TUrJXGub6ivd_kp9RFebzljsSHkHxrCaGgfuYGYCVWm4uVaVmdbmSfKYTwlCRqwLTtliwUftHhwgRNU_kf1FoAGqDLTQeNszvroAGM/s1600/ryan-seacrest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0TfU2FQQX7QebWlCv6CLDI0O3T3E3sjy4Nom1TUrJXGub6ivd_kp9RFebzljsSHkHxrCaGgfuYGYCVWm4uVaVmdbmSfKYTwlCRqwLTtliwUftHhwgRNU_kf1FoAGqDLTQeNszvroAGM/s200/ryan-seacrest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711061642226699762" /></a><br /><br />Tracie: Well, it's a tradition for him, so there's no wild guessing required - Ryan Seacrest.<br /><br />Danielle: James Franco.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who do you think, undoubtedly, will end up worst dressed?</span><br /><br />Danielle: Glenn Close<br /><br />Michelle: Tilda Swinton. She scares me!<br /><br />Tracie: Is Tilda Swinton going to be there? If so, she'll undoubtedly be Worst Dressed. I think she delights in horrifying the fashion pundits. If Tilda doesn't attend, I'm guessing that last year's Best Supporting Actress, Melissa Leo, will show up in something atrocious. She's an attractive lady, but she goes terribly wrong with her fashion choices nine times out of ten.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F3NSe1GETAeF8baAprrDIzYy3-vdOyWyMesRgNXsN5AIJiPOkVmeim75GbxB5BPU1C_RmdnuxYdp0Y97taZ4E3eYBNmDP5zzUS6gZzJFgEACW7XaKrMngKj-KrWo-fuOueKxVqJ8DC4/s1600/tildaianwestpa2333.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 171px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F3NSe1GETAeF8baAprrDIzYy3-vdOyWyMesRgNXsN5AIJiPOkVmeim75GbxB5BPU1C_RmdnuxYdp0Y97taZ4E3eYBNmDP5zzUS6gZzJFgEACW7XaKrMngKj-KrWo-fuOueKxVqJ8DC4/s200/tildaianwestpa2333.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711062793321092994" /></a><br /><br />Natalie: The Swinton is my pick too – she never disappoints on the red carpet! (Wondering what Danielle has against Glenn Close…) Michelle - Your earlier mention of Nick Nolte has reminded me that he is also a hot mess to be reckoned with.<br /><br />We'll see on Sunday who has picked the most winners!<br /><br />Thank you so much to Tracie, Danielle, and Natalie for joining me on my blog this week. You three are simply the best!<br /><br />-----<br /><br />Natalie Aaron works as a reality TV producer in Los Angeles and is the co-author of "Unscripted" with her friend and fellow producer, Marla Schwartz.<br />Follow her @Unscriptedbook on Twitter<br /><a href="http://www.unscriptedbook.com/">Unscriptedbook website</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/unscriptedbook">Facebook</a><br /><br /><br />Tracie Banister is the author of the Oscar-themed Chick Lit novel "Blame It on the Fame," now available at Amazon and Smashwords. She blogs about books and other fun stuff at <a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/">Books by Banister</a><br />and her Twitter handle is @traciebanister <br /><br />Danielle, to quote her Twitter page, is a mother, aspiring published novelist, carnivore, marathon runner, and celebrity obsessed.You can catch her on her <a href="http://daniellequinn77.blogspot.com/">blog</a> or on her Twitter, @daniellequinn77Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-80548299875866030932012-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:002012-02-15T19:21:09.654-08:00What's love got to do with it?I’m kind of a jaded romantic. I don’t truly believe in soul mates. I have never really thought about the big white wedding with hundreds of people there to wish me good luck. But nine years ago I learned that love at first sight is in fact a reality when I met the cutest little face I had ever seen.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1kTVFc-nzQH5vAt_HRKFvNvwkVcgaXcvZrApVhmj-BeJ357CjtRKQfevEOCzTXHFKnqyq7c2yi-PHYdGqaWeRLb-je1QacJc22uAbDrFC6th9enLFxYDzAzRECkE3xdhBsOHHaBBBW8/s1600/Picture+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1kTVFc-nzQH5vAt_HRKFvNvwkVcgaXcvZrApVhmj-BeJ357CjtRKQfevEOCzTXHFKnqyq7c2yi-PHYdGqaWeRLb-je1QacJc22uAbDrFC6th9enLFxYDzAzRECkE3xdhBsOHHaBBBW8/s200/Picture+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709566371441717986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN_NmVBilqrWUSZSuZCwiTq_r9BFJFyJN82E17AEVcCjlo4RdnmkyYyBFqjSkxNHQhOrRZmTGzjn6v4quK_z3ysxNywaa73huruHIFi8ZJo10wP34Qd05RJwo8SDtAvTj3pFKV4MqRaA/s1600/Picture+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN_NmVBilqrWUSZSuZCwiTq_r9BFJFyJN82E17AEVcCjlo4RdnmkyYyBFqjSkxNHQhOrRZmTGzjn6v4quK_z3ysxNywaa73huruHIFi8ZJo10wP34Qd05RJwo8SDtAvTj3pFKV4MqRaA/s200/Picture+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709566383243943186" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3mvy86nSUxqRREGGQqmZ-X8ddfOy6s91IhgKc8baKL2mHUX2NhDAycw_36TgVVGIBgmVgaj41QruD7nIfOPEPWfn1f8cILL5u-iVRloejmd5gAiTEIKIoIZoBhhZp_eFBD4MSEFcKLg/s1600/Picture+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3mvy86nSUxqRREGGQqmZ-X8ddfOy6s91IhgKc8baKL2mHUX2NhDAycw_36TgVVGIBgmVgaj41QruD7nIfOPEPWfn1f8cILL5u-iVRloejmd5gAiTEIKIoIZoBhhZp_eFBD4MSEFcKLg/s200/Picture+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709566376005450274" /></a> <br /><br />Happy Birthday, Curtiss! You are such a brilliant little man and I can’t imagine life without you in it. Yes, indeed, I am a proud aunt. Wouldn’t you be if you had such a handsome boy to call your nephew?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEDQhrd8EJghuGvDWzD3VkP2TKNNTwfxsD0qhacaTnTk6OaVRpWdOcAhjTGiwvvm9mkayq18WgR5vkjE7RrP1bzzuuLsJ4bNRJtJwIc7PM7Thr6RobboMh-rzfGmMxTF7Nel1V9QyK0k/s1600/DSC00315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEDQhrd8EJghuGvDWzD3VkP2TKNNTwfxsD0qhacaTnTk6OaVRpWdOcAhjTGiwvvm9mkayq18WgR5vkjE7RrP1bzzuuLsJ4bNRJtJwIc7PM7Thr6RobboMh-rzfGmMxTF7Nel1V9QyK0k/s200/DSC00315.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709567724835040850" /></a> <br /><br />Today is also my darling friend, Angelina’s, birthday! Happy Birthday, Ang!! We will be celebrating it up when I come to CA in a few weeks!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dJKJbS4SABypcNS7Z1TpmhOPI7B5SuOrjPLwdkA7PbhBhhCrMweBJMZbTA-DsAd30JAfPbJDXBHS_uvaf6W-gOdCKvmsNL1h3BXnHg89VE9Tnea6IS3FNK1YTtRv9IfmFTuK-6MOxTM/s1600/Picture+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dJKJbS4SABypcNS7Z1TpmhOPI7B5SuOrjPLwdkA7PbhBhhCrMweBJMZbTA-DsAd30JAfPbJDXBHS_uvaf6W-gOdCKvmsNL1h3BXnHg89VE9Tnea6IS3FNK1YTtRv9IfmFTuK-6MOxTM/s200/Picture+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709568145597572098" /></a><br /><br />Yes, this is kind of a short little post for the week. However, I pulled a muscle in my neck and to turn my head is painful. Thus I am operating on very little sleep and am beyond crabby. You get to look at my darling nephew, that should hold you over until next week!<br /><br /> <br /><br />(And keep an eye on the book nook blog, I will have a giveaway coming up shortly .)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-46072490485454719792012-02-08T10:57:00.001-08:002012-02-08T10:57:53.846-08:00Cuz you gotta have friends...During my lunch break at work I am reading a fabulously interesting book called <a href="http://mwfseekingbff.com/">MWF Seeking BFF</a> by Rachel Bertsche. Rachel is searching for a local BFF in Chicago because let's face it, women need their friends. Rachel dedicates a year to finding a new BFF, that is fifty-two friend dates over the course of a year. I'm fascinated by this. Mainly because I need a local BFF myself. <br /><br />Now this isn't to say that I don't have friends here now because I do and they are some of the best. However, children are a pretty prominent feature in each of my friends locally. And while I do adore their children, I miss going out at the spur of the moment without having to worry about the babysitter. <br /><br />I have many friends on line and my best friend is out of state. And they are absolutely fabulous, but again, I can't call them up and say "Hey, let's go grab a bite to eat and a late movie." It requires more planning involving time off of work, travel time, and packing a suitcase. I love a good vacation as much as the next person, but it isn't always financially feasible.<br /><br />So new friends locally...must find them!<br /><br />Now in this book, Rachel has friends introduce her to friends, she tries "friend dating" (like speed dating), and I'm currently up to her joining all kinds of meet-up clubs. I have joined a few meet-ups here in Phoenix that are in my interest range, but guess what? I'm too shy to go! Yup, I really am! I keep telling myself to suck it up and go, but I back out like a coward. <br /><br />There is one place that I will not go seeking friendship at, however - the workplace. I know people that develop their best friends through the workplace. I am not one of those people. I was burned by one of those "friendships" in the past and I have no desire to find myself in that position again. I work with some really nice people. I have gone to lunch with them, enjoyed my time with them. I admit that I have briefly observed them each and thought, "I wonder if we can be friends". The feeling dies just as quick. Sometimes I ask myself if I am shutting myself off to the possibility of a BFF with that stance, but I am pretty set in that determination.<br /><br />So that goes back to the before mentioned - meet up groups, local book clubs, friends of friends, and opening my mouth in social situations. Hmmm...think I can find one new friend in 2012?<br /><br />How about you? What is the most unique/oddest way you have met a friend?Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670931291765977850.post-16922832932905065762012-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:002012-02-01T19:23:46.309-08:00Welcome February!!I think the time has come that I have to put some smack down on myself and put structure to the blog. I am not a daily blogger. I wish I was, but I am both lazy and truly not that witty to come up with something that will keep all of us entertained on a daily basis. So I think I’m going to task myself with a weekly blog post.<br /><br />So from now on, your Wednesdays are going to be filled with fabulous words of wisdom (stop snickering, peanut gallery) from me. You never know when I might break out with the words that you were searching for to add purpose to your day. Or refer you to that book that is going to change your life. <br /><br />I am back on the apartment hunt again. Seriously, why is it so hard to find an affordable apartment in a good neighborhood that has the amenities that I need (I need a washer and dryer. I hate Laundromats)? The one that I put a tentative hold down on threw a few surprise charges at me that raised the rent into an area that I am not comfortable paying. So I have been looking again. <br /><br />Of course, I put myself on a pretty tight budget and that is when Tyson throws a wrench in the works. He has a cold...and is typical of him, he has an eye infection now. *sighs* To the vet we will be going. One cranky,mean cat turns into one big Momma's boy baby as he will cling to me.<br /><br />Anyway, welcome to February! January was a rough start to the new year for myself and so many other people. Quite honestly, I was more than a little pleased to see the 31st come and go and to flip the calendar to a brand spanking new month with a clean slate. <br /><br />I am doing the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/207-2012-reading-challenge">Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge</a>. I said I would read 24 books over the year. Doing pretty good so far with 5 down:<br /><br />Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (So good! Ready to start the second in the series!)<br />Year of the Chick by Romi Moondi<br />Thank you for flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell<br />Blame It On The Fame by Tracie Banister<br />Mad about the Boy by Suzan Battah<br /><br />There will be reviews posted soon for four of them. <br />What are you currently reading? <br /><br />(Ya know, I have a week to think of something witty to share with you all next Wednesday and I'm already drawing a blank. Anything you want to chat about?)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765191219253926034noreply@blogger.com2