Derby Time!

I can't believe the Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. (And instead of being at the track to witness the craziness here in Phoenix, I will be sitting with my face covered through "Nightmare on Elm Street". Who planned this??)

Anyhoo, these are my picks:




The beautiful gray, Paddy O Prado. (I always bet on a gray.)



The favorite, Lookin' At Lucky. (Second bet is always on the favorite.)




The longshot, HomeboyKris. (He was 60-1 the last I saw, I always bet a long shot.)


Good luck to all!

Random thoughts from a brain on shuffle...

• Why does the ice cream truck play Christmas music? I mean it is blatant Christmas music. Silent Night, Joy to the World, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It is all sorts of odd.
• Every week I think about quitting Grey's Anatomy. And every week I get sucked right back in. Tonight was no exception in the first 5 minutes.
• My job drives me nuts. Today I got told that I am going to be taking on a new responsibility that still doesn't result in getting a raise. What the heck!
• How crazy am I to agree to go see "Nightmare on Elm Street"? I don't like horror movies. If I happen to pass one while flipping channels, morbid curiosity makes me stop and watch. Then I am scared all night. Now I'm willingly going into a crowded theater to watch this movie through my fingers. Paula owes me!
• I get so excited at the arrival of new books. I got two in the mail from Barnes & Noble yesterday. One is "The Carrie Diaries" by Candace Bushnell. Her books are hit or miss with me. I have high hopes for this one as it is featuring the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw before she made it to NYC. The other is "A Bump in the Road" by Maureen Lipinski. I can't wait to read them! I have to finish "Chasing Harry Winston" first. And, of course, Jen Lancaster's new book comes out on Tuesday! YAY!

Happy Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mom!
I may have drove you crazy at times, but I did it out of love. :) (Yep, that is my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Love you!

Tyson Tuesday presents a guest star!

Tyson has to take a backseat to the sweet little kitty that played co-hostess to me during my California vacation.

This is Hazel.


Hazel happily lives with my cousin Selena and loves to play with her mice at all hours of the day, needs a daily dose of catnip, and loves to chatter to the blackbirds from the safety of her windowsill.

Just another Manic Monday!

I got up this morning and sat there debating if I wanted to call out from work. Yeah, you guessed it -- I went to work anyway. After a stop at Jamba Juice for a peach pleasure smoothie. It helped me make it through the day.

I still need to recap my vacation to California and a fun filled day on the set of "General Hospital" with my sweet friends, Kent and Minae, but I have to be in the recap mood and it isn't here yet. Instead I am going to blog about having one of *those* conversations where it is such an emotional moment, but it also inspires at the same time. I love having fun and laughing but I also really like having those soul talks where you are completely open and you end up having one of those great big "a-ha" moments. There was a lot of talk about life and love, future plans and dreams. A lot of thoughts were laid out before me and a lot of thoughts came into my head the whole drive home as things just kept coming to mind. One of the challenges put before me was to blog openly from the heart. I'm a very private person (yes, I know that will shock some people) and I don't really like having all my thoughts and words out there for the masses to read. It isn't that there is anything wrong with them, but when I write it leaves me vulnerable if it is public. But that in itself is the challenge -- growing comfortable with myself to write and post substantial blog entries that no matter how raw they are are public. I am toying with the thought of a new blog for that challenge. It wouldn't be associated or linked to this one, but it would be public and out there. But at the moment, it is still just a thought on how I am going to proceed.

Also a good friend of mine just launched her very first website, full of positivity and passion for life. Please feel free to check it out and support Tricia in her journey. Nothing Left Undone. Tonight was the online launch party and it is off to a good start, full of lively conversation.

I'm baaaack!

Will do some sort of a vacation recap soon, but first I'm finishing laundry and then off to have sushi with Paula.

I did think about a job in police enforcement for the Port Charles Police Department while there. Them cops seem to get to check out the hot mobsters frequently!

Happy Earth Day!

I can't wait to see this movie!

California, here I come...

Tomorrow, anyway. I have to go in to work an hour early to make up for the fact that I am leaving at 1PM, but am heading over to Studio City at that time. It is a 5 1/2 hour drive and I will be performing a concert for none in my car as soon as I finish downloading music to burn to a CD. :)

Friday is going to be an early day as Kent notified me that our tour will be starting at 7:45AM. Yikes! But we will get to watch the cast of "General Hospital" film some and then we will head off to a lunch. Then dinner with my cousin, Selena. Saturday is another early day...meeting Kent for coffee before heading to Riverside to see my friend, Desiree, for a few and then driving on home.


Minae, Michelle, and Kent. I can't wait to see the girls!

It has been 100 years since Mark Twain passed away. The following is my favorite quote and one that I hope people live by:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Looks are deceiving...(Tyson Tuesday)

Don't let his sweet look fool you. Tyson is 110% attitude and he really is not a fan of people. My poor niece, Michaela, found out today that not only does Tyson not like people, he really doesn't like children in particular. I think they are a little too hyper for him and it freaks him out. Mike (her dad) has always been able to handle Tyson and used to call him "Fat Man", which would have Tyson running to him. This gets to Michaela as she really wants pet him. So Mike told her to go ahead and pet him today, let him sniff her. Yep...that went over well. I hear that Tyson lit into her.

Tyson's firm motto is "Look, but don't touch."

Oh the thinks I think...

• Does anyone else watch 24? Holy cow! Last week had me devastated...this week I'm loving vengeance seeking Jack Bauer!!

• Someone explain to me why when it is obviously stifling hot that my ignorant little kitty thinks that is the perfect time to snuggle? The last thing I want is his fur heated body against me when I'm hot, but he thinks it is perfect.

• I have been looking over food blogs. It makes me feel like I can cook anything...even if I haven't really cooked anything that I have seen recipes for.
  

• Short work week for me. I'm heading off to CA for a FAST trip on Thursday when I get off work. I'm going to LA to stay with my cousin, Selena, and my sweet friends, Kent and Minae, are going to take me to the set of "General Hospital". I went to the set 2 years ago, but it was dark (they weren't filming) but the crew had permission to turn the lights on so we could play on the set.
  

(I come home on Saturday...see? Fast trip!)

Purple flowers make me forget that I kill plants.

I love going through the garden area of Target and looking at all the pretty plants and flowers and other various cool looking gardening paraphernalia. I dream of beautiful gardens and all the cool things I can do with the plants.

Then I remember that I am a notorious plant/flower killer.

But those pretty purple flowers make me smile.

Book Review and some babbling.

Does anyone else read Nancy Martin? She writes the charming Blackbird Sisters Mysteries, that I love with all their quirky characters. She started a new series, "Our Lady of Immaculate Deception" that features the step-sister of Mick Abruzzo from the Blackbird mysteries. The book sounded interesting so, of course, I bought it. (I really need to consider a library card...I spend a lot of money on books.)



The lead character, Roxy, is what you would define as a "tough broad" but she is not overly likable. The characters all have that Nancy Martin stamp of quirkiness, but I think the Blackbird Sisters were more enjoyable. The supporting characters - the dumb but loyal sidekick (Nooch), the dog (Rooney), the mystery man from her past (Flynn), daughter Sage, and aunt Loretta are more likable and I found myself wishing I was reading more about them than Roxy. The character is left with a desperate feeling to her. I am loyal to the writers I like so will most likely read the next book that comes in the series, but I may find myself waiting for paperback...or when I finally get that library card.

As I love reading so much I decided I needed to try to keep up with my Goodreads account and document the reading and the reviews of what I am reading. You can find me here: Michelle's Goodreads account. Friend me if you are on there, I am always checking out what the friends are reading as well. :)

One of my goals for the year has been to try different types of food when I go out to restaurants. Anywhere from different nationalities to just something that I had never tried before or is not something that I would normally try. Tina and I have been trying to do different restaurants when we go out, with my favorite so far being the delicious sushi from Zen 32 a couple of weeks back. (They make this delicious salad to start you out that is made of zucchini, carrots, and seaweed that is in a vinegar dressing....YUM!) But with that in mind, I decided to sign up for Yelp and do reviews there of the places that I eat out at. And you can find me here:
Michelle's Yelp account. There are no reviews on there just yet, but there will be shortly!

And how was your weekend? :)

Flashback Friday!

(borrowed from Kristie, who loves all things 80's!)



When you think of MTV in the 80s, which video is the first one that pops in your head?

"Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles, it was the first video played on MTV afterall. (And I think of Duran Duran and their epically awesome videos...and Culture Club!)

Favorite Madonna Song?

Express Yourself

Favorite song by Hall and Oates?
Sara Smile or I can't go for that (No Can Do). Hall & Oates are just amazing!


Favorite song by Rick Springfield (besides Jessie's Girl)?

Affair of the heart and Don't Talk to Strangers. Rick Springfield could read the phone book and to this day I would still be fascinated.


Favorite one hit wonder?

Blame it on the Rain by Milli Vanilli

Favorite teen movie?

The Breakfast Club

Most Hated 80s song?

I'm with you, Kristie. Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin


Favorite song by Poison?

Unskinny Bop


If you had to live inside an 80s tv show for one week, which one would you choose and why?

Dynasty! The clothes, the drama...The Carringtons!

Or Facts of Life. I mean, hello, a young George Clooney! :)


Favorite Pet Shop Boys song?

West End Girls

Who was the best 80s leading man in a teen comedy?

Ronald Miller from "Can't buy me love"



If you could choose an 80s show to make a comeback, which one would it be?

Oh man, tough question. There are too many shows to name!!

Another want on a long list of WANTS!

Woodford Reserve & Tiffany's make exclusive for Kentucky Derby.



I have always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby.
I love horses. I love horse racing. I love people watching. And I want to wear one of those big hats and parade around.

Next year, I really need to go...

It's about that time to say Good-Bye to Ugly Betty.

*sniffles*
I have an hour until the finale starts and so sad that this cute little show is ending. For four years we have joined Betty in her struggle to get somewhere and find love. We have seen her "fall in love" and get her heart broke, we have seen her have ups and downs at Mode magazine. We have watched her darling nephew, Justin, grow up. Her sister finally get her man. Her dad raise his family proudly.

We have had the Meade family fall apart and struggle to put themselves back together. Daniel has finally started to grow up. Amanda has searched for her daddy and been the best dang receptionist ever. Marc has come into his own.

And now we have to say good-bye. I have my tissues ready.

Grumpy! A Tyson Tuesday Tirade!

I don't know what is up with the grumpy cat, but he shoved through the door and jumped on the bed, growling. He proceeded to flop his head down on my purse, his tail beating on the bed, and give me the death eye.



Notice the position of his paw? He took a swing at me when he saw the camera come out.



Angry kitteh tail that beats on my bed. He is still mad and glaring at me. I don't know what I did but I will about guarantee it involves his stomach and lack of treats.

Buffets, Bows, and Marky Mark!

There is something about Chinese buffets that is just lacking lately. (And I'm not really a big fan of the Chinese buffet to start with.) The last two I have gone to during my lunch break have been so disappointing.

We tried out this new place two weeks ago, Zen Buffet, that had just opened. There were nine stations and only ONE of them had anything Chinese on it. And it was not anything appealing looking, either. The salad station was full of all kinds of fixings, but the salad was wilted. There was pizza, fried chicken, spaghetti, tacos, and various soups. And a large dessert station. There was also a sushi station but the man was so rude and said he had no time to explain what was what, just eat it. The food was disappointing and the horrendous headache that I had afterward was the icing on the "no more Zen Buffet" thought.

The sad thing is there is actually a buffet across the street from work, Great Wall Buffet, that I love for their crab puffs/wontons/whatever you want to call them. But they obviously are feeling the need to keep up with the Zen Buffet and when we went on Friday there was more pizza, fried chicken, and tacos than ever before. Sure they added fried rice, which I love, but this is not what I call Chinese food. (Their salad selection was pretty good.)

WHY have a CHINESE buffet when you are going to fill it with pizza, fried chicken, and tacos?? So disappointing.

(And for the record, had P.F. Changs for lunch yesterday and it was DELICIOUS!)

I also had to pick up Molly from the groomers yesterday. How sweet is she with her bows!??!




The bows only lasted until about 7PM last night and I can't find them. She probably ate them, the little tomboy!

This morning I went to see "Date Night" starring the hysterical Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. The movie was hilarious and I definitely needed the early morning laughs that it provided. But the best part of the movie?



Mark "Don't call me Marky Mark" Wahlberg. Hello! I could stare at him for hours on end!

(Oh and the fact that there were trailers for "Sex and the City 2" and "The A-Team" didn't hurt matters either!)

Carrie!! Big!!! Aiden!?!?

Have you seen the new Sex and the City 2 trailer yet?

Aiden? Noooo!

Follow link for the new trailer

Leslie, are you ready for May yet?? Yuma better watch out!

Free books? Sign me up!

Lesli over at The Year of Not Shopping posted about Book Sneeze today.

Basically it is free books for bloggers that are willing to write reviews of the books that they read on both your own personal blog and a commercial website (such as Amazon). I'm all over this and have signed up and have my first book on the way!

As a child of the 80's, I grew up watching "The Fact's of Life" so my first book I chose was Lisa "Blair Warner" Whelchel's book "Friendship for Grown-Ups". I can't wait!!



If you want to read for free and are willing to post a review, you should definitely check out Book Sneeze!

A little What If for the day...

If you were given the chance to go back and change one moment of your life, what moment would you choose? You have to think carefully because one little change could greatly change your whole life as you know it to this day.

I have quite a few to choose from, but I think the one moment that I would definitely pick is I would go to college. That is, without a doubt, the biggest regret I have.

How about you?

EEEEEP!

Oh "Ugly Betty"...you were so wonderful tonight and next week it is going to be a sad farewell!

And I'm going to miss Marc & Amanda the most!!

*sobs*

Peep loving aka Tyson Tuesday

These are peeps.



Tyson is a big fan!



He only gets one after we spent an expensive and memorable Easter in the ER Vet Clinic when he was a kitten for eating a box of peeps, plastic and all.





He only nibbled the ears before he got distracted and then I was the mean person that threw his peep in the garbage.

Happy Easter!!

Hope you all are having all the chocolate bunnies, peeps, and eggs you can handle.

Tyson is having to wait until later for his one bunny peep he is going to get.

Hoppy Hoppy!!!

Food Revolution!

Are you watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution?

If not, you should! It is so eye opening. Tonight is the official 2nd week (though there was a sneak peek of the first episode 3 weeks ago) and it is incredible to witness. I definitely don't think I can touch chicken nuggets again after watching them be made last week. But it makes me think about the food that I am eating. I have struggled with weight my entire life and I am both a bored eater and a comfort eater, leaning more to a bored eater as I tend to put something in my mouth when I am bored. Since watching the Food Revolution I have found myself eating more fruits and vegetables and I haven't ate fast food. It is a kick in the pants, open your eyes awakening that was needed.

Check out Jamie's website for information on the food revolution that he is bringing to the US and give the show a chance, watch it with an open mind. You will be astounded by what you see.

Just a thought...

(I will be back with more in a bit.)
A thought on life.

Have you ever had a past life regression done? When I was working at an answering service back in the early 90’s a bunch of us went to have our past lives read one night just for the fun of it all. I made the lady mad by giggling through it and asking too many questions, which led her to asking me to leave if I was going to doubt her. But the one thing I have really noticed with all past life regressions is you are always SOMEONE in your past life. (And just to note more people claim to have been Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or a Queen than anyone else.)

This brings up the thought that one day your current life will be the past life of someone else, so what are you doing to provide them with the WOW factor? Just something to think about.

Peep Show!

The Washington Post put up the gallery of the best "Peep Show IV" entries.

I want to play with peeps.