Friday Picture Day: The Girls on New Year's Eve 1999

Today's picture (though not the best quality, taken w/disposable camera) is my friend Alyssa, Melissa and myself at a New Year's Eve party in CT at this guy Donnie's house that Melissa and I met when we went on a cruise the November before.

That was a great cruise it was to celebrate my finishing of all treatment for cancer. WOO HOO!! There were three of us that went, Adrianna, Melissa & myself, the cruise went to Cozumel, Grand Caymon & Jamiaca, such a needed vacation after the year I had had and to share it with close friends was perfect.

On that cruise we met a whole bunch of people, and one was this guy Donnie and his friends who lived in CT. We got to know them and realized that we didn't live to far from them and after the cruise I still talked to Donnie after the cruise, when it got close to New Years he told us he he was having this big formal New Year's Eve party to celebrate the new millenium and wanted us to come. Unfortunately Adrianna couldn't make it but Melissa & I could and then we invited Alyssa too.

Now what is funny about this story, is that Donnie gave me directions to his house (which seemed simple enough) he told me to go on this highway and then that one, turn here... one of those highways was 91 South (91S) well I wrote this all down but my S sort of looked more like a 5... needless to say we were looking for 915, and we stopped and asked and everyone kept saying 915 I don't know about any route or interstate called 915 (hey at least we asked men would've kept going until they hit NY or fell off the map all together). Anyway, about an hour into looking for 915 I look at my note with the directions and I say, "Oh crap!"

"What?" Melissa asks (she is driving)

"You are going to kill me." I say sort of trying not to laugh or cry.

"What???"

"Um, that isn't a 5 that is an S we need to look for 91 South."

"Uh Crap! I think that was back a ways." Melissa replies in a not so amused voice but still cool.

Alyssa is sitting in the back and she just starts to laugh. Oh did I forget to mention that we took my fathers van for the trip and it had no shocks that was one bouncy ride.

So I look to see where we were and looked on the map and realize we are about an hour off.

We turn around and call Donnie and he says no worries (we were getting there really early anyway and staying over).

We finally get to Donnie's house and park, get ready for the party and have a great time. It was a definite wild night, just ask Melissa. Alyssa, Melissa and I had a blast and he was a great host and threw an awesome party. It was a great way to ring in the new year, even if I did get us lost. Unfortunately after I moved to FL we lost touch (Donnie & I not the girls). But we have a great story to laugh about, actually when Melissa and I went to Six Flags we had to get on 91S and I say, "OMG that is the road we were supposed to get on when we went to Donnie's holy shit we were SOOO OFF!! " We went so far the wrong way that night we actually had to get on 91N.

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That's Enough!

Thursday Thirteen: Sexiest Musicians

This weeks Thursday Thirteen is dedicated to Melissa who gave me the idea because I didn't know what I was going to write about. This weeks list is going to be the sexiest musicians out there. Now these are the ones that I think are sexy some of you might agree and some might not. I haven't decided if I want to just leave it all men because there are some sexy women musicians out there too but I think I'll do just the men this week. Hee hee I said DO.

1) Nikki Sixx - Motley Crue Bassist

I love Nikki Sixx I have loved him and thought he was HOT HOT HOT since at least 7th grade. We used to know this kid Vince who I swear looked and dressed just like him. I remember one time Vince was at the mall and we were all in the food court and he had this girl sitting on his lap and well lets just say she wasn't just sitting... such a rock-n-roll thing to do. But this is about Nikki not Vince, Nikki Sixx OD on heroin and was revived with 2 shots of adrenaline straight into his heart, woke up, checked himself out of the hospital and shot up heroin again. Crazy rock-n-roll life, I couldn't even imagine such a thing and it is really gross, he will be 50 next year and he is still sexy to me (w/o the drugs of course).

2) Jason Newstead - Ex-bassist for Metalicca, now with Rockstar: Supernova

I've seen Metallica in concert 3 times, the first concert was the best. 1992 Section B (on the floor) 2nd row. I went with my friend Jennifer and some other friends, we were so close to the stage that when I sat down for a minute I still could see everything. Caught Jason's pick that night. The 2nd time I saw them was 1994 and I was headbanging so much that the next morning I think I gave myself whiplash because I could not lift my head up without help. The last time I saw them was in 2000 not the greatest concert and it was the last year (I think) that Jason played with them. But now he is with Rockstar: Supernova and though the lead singer I wanted didn't win I will still see them in concert.

3) Slash - Ex-guitarist for Guns-n-Roses, now with Velvet Revolver

I never got to see Guns-n-Roses play live, too many issues with Axl Rose, but I did get to see Velvet Revolver live about 2 years ago. The concert itself was pretty good only problem was the sound system wasn't right for the small venue they were playing at. But you could hear Slash and he was awesome. There is something that I find so sexy about him, even with all his muck when he smiled he just made my knees week. (Of course I never met the man so this was only in interviews and pictures). I have a dream to someday be able to play Sweet Child of Mine on the guitar I know I have to learn to play the guitar first, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking more and more about taking lessons.

4) Jim Morrison - The Doors

Oh how I would've been a Doors groupie specifically for Jim Morrison, he was the Lizard King and he was sexy. I have read many books on them, I have one or two of his poetry books, I have watched movies, documentaries and anything else I can absorb about The Doors. I love their blues influenced music, I love the way their music mesmerizes you and the way Jim sings is enthralling. He died too young, I hope to visit Paris to see his grave, I know that people have vandalized it and it is guarded now, oh and I'm one of those people that thought he was capable of faking his own death. I'm not saying that is what happened, but he really wanted to get out of the lime light to give it all up, he considered himself a poet not a rock star.

5) Billy Idol

My favorite song by Billy Idol has to be Rebel Yell, I love the way he sings, I love the way he curls his lip and it is not a curl like Elvis did. Billy's lip curl is more of a growl, like he's going to bite you. I'd let Billy bite me, he also has a smile that will weaken your knees, maybe it's the lips that do it for me. Though he is in his 50s now he still can rock like any young rock star out there. GO BILLY!!!




6) Chris Daughtry - Daughtry

Though he started on American Idol and is new to the scene he is someone that I think will be around for a long while. He has an amazing voice and a great presence. I love his music and hope to see him in concert sometime, also, the cover he did of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday is just amazing. I also hear that he is still very much grounded and that he includes his band mates in everything. It isn't his band it is our band, pretty cool Chris, hope that stays with you.


7) Anthony Kiedis - Red Hot Chili Peppers

There is something mystical about Anthony Kiedis, how he sings, how he writes, how he moves. I love his tattoos and though he has been up and down with his drug use, he always seems to find his way back, and you can't beat a guy that can put a tube sock on his (rhymes with sock) and it stays on. OMG!!! That is impressive, and let me tell you if I had been front row of that concert it would've been hard to not to try to pull that sock. LOL.



8) David Silveria - Drummer for Korn

I have heard that he isn't playing with them as much as he used to because he is trying to spend some time with his family and other ventures outside of Korn. Also, I remember reading that he was having problems with his wrists but I'm not sure if that is still the case. He is planning on coming back for the new album and some touring, either way I still think he is one sexy drummer, he might not be the best drummer out there, but damn he's fine.



9) Jon Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi, I really don't need to say much about him, there isn't any women I know that doesn't think he is good looking, that smile, that body, that hair. He also just seems to get better looking with age. He's been married to his high school sweetheart for almost 20 years, and that just melts my heart. I've heard he is also really nice in person and really gives back whenever he can to his community and around the world. I saw Bon Jovi in concert twice once in (oh gosh this makes me feel old) 1988 and then again in 1989. Great concert, hope to see them again.

10) LL Cool J

Now this is a smile that will not only weaken your knees but will pretty much make you go gaga. Oh MY GAWD he makes me drool. That body, that smile, those lips, and you know not only is he a great musician, he's not bad in the acting department either. I've seen quite a few of his movies and he usually plays the good guy and I like that. He too has been married to the same women for a long time and still makes sure he has time for his family. GOOD GUY!!


11) Lenny Kravitz

You know I'm starting to see a pattern, another man with luscious lips, I think I have something for lips, I always knew I liked a nice butt, but a sweet pair of lips isn't so bad either. LOL. Lenny looks so much better now that he's cut off the dreadlocks. I saw Lenny in concert and I have to say, he is one of the few musicians that I've seen live that actually sounded better live then on CD. He puts on an amazing show and knows how to rock.



12) Bret Michaels - Poison

Melissa and I saw Poison in concert in 2000 and it was hysterical don't get me wrong the music and show were awesome, it was Dokken, Slaughter, some other band I can't remember now and Poison were the headliners. What was hysterical were the audience I don't know if it was just nostalgia or if these people still really dressed like that. It was acid washed jeans, aqua net sprayed teased tall hair, and I swear to GOD leather jacket with fringe oh and fringed boots. We laughed so hard, it was great. Oh did you hear, Bret Michaels is doing a show on VH1 called Rock of Love, its basically the same as Flavor of Love but now it's with Bret. Oh Bret why?

13) Joey Fatone - N'sync

I already know I am going to get so much crap for this one but I don't care. I love Joey Fatone, always have and always will, he is on my list (top of the list). He is just the exact type of guy I like, I actually dated a guy that looked a lot like him (before I knew who Joey was) maybe that is why I like him so much. I watched pretty much every episode of Dancing with the Stars this year because he was on it. I even wanted to go see the tour but it is completely sold out, I was thinking of going down to stalk him but I am a bit old for that now right? Oh well, he just seems like he is fun, and silly and he's so talented, most don't know but he has been doing Broadway for a while now and has gotten great reviews. So pick on me all you want he is my FAVORITE!

Well that's it hope you liked it, and please tell me who some of your favorites are.

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That's Enough!

Look at my new toy

I think I've fallen in love with my new phone, seriously I have never felt this way about a phone before. Yeah sure I've enjoyed my last phone, but by the end I really wanted to get a divorce from it. It kept shutting off, and erasing missed calls w/o telling me. Not giving me what I expected when we met 2 years ago. So what did I do. I replaced it with a newer, younger and more stylish phone. Good riddance old Audiovox hello LG EnV!!



This phone does so much, it is an MP3 player, it has a full keyboard, takes good picures/video and let's me IM... it does so much more then my last phone could do. Sure I know it's not the iPhone, but who wants to spend $500.00 on a phone, this little baby only cost me $49.99 and for that price you can't beat it.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Fun Filled Tuesday: Superman

Today's Fun Filled Tuesday is a picture of me and Melissa at Six Flags riding the Superman Ride of Steel. BEST ROLLER COASTER EVER.

The reason I'm considering the picture for today's theme is because look at me, I look like I'm constipated or as Melissa said, trying not to fall out. She looks like she is having a blast though WOO HOO!!!

Next time we will pose for the picture (like the people behind us, you can't see it but they were all ready for it.).

Hope everyone is having a fun day today.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Keys & Superman

What a crazy weekend this has been, it was both good and bad. Friday night was my last Friday working at the restaurant and I'm very excited to have my weekends off. I have been working 8:30am - 11pm (or so) every Friday night since end of January and it was starting to get to me. But now I have switched my Friday night for Monday night YEAH!!! So maybe I'll actually do some fun things on Friday nights, we'll see.

When I finally got home on Friday it was close to midnight and I was tired, but I was excited too because Melissa and I decided to go to Six Flags on Saturday to ride some roller coaters. Also, I was going for my second walk with the walking group from Weight Watchers and we were going to a new place near a river. I set my alarm for 7-7:30am and tried to get to sleep, but lately I just haven't been sleeping well, okay well actually I never sleep well, but lately it is worse. I keep waking up in the middle of the night with sever anxiety. It is the worse feeling to try to sleep while having an anxiety attack (I even dream about my anxiety not fun). My alarm wakes me up way to early and I get ready for the walk, we meet at Cosco and then start to walk to the park. We thought it was close by but no, Stephen forgot to mention it was a 30 minute walk to the park from Cosco on Rt 16 which is a major street. Not so much fun that walk but next time we will meet a little closer, we had thought it was the park next to Costco. Oh well we still got to walk so what if we were walking and breathing in truck fumes. LOL.

We get back to the Costco parking lot and my mother says, "I need to pick up my pictures from Cosco."

"Okay I'll wait for you here."

"No, I want you to come in and try on this shirt."

"But I have plans and I'm tired and I want to go home and relax a bit before I get ready to go to Six Flag."

"It will only take a second and I don't know if it will fit."

"Fine." I say, with a not so friendly tone.

We get the pictures and then walk to where they have some shirts (I don't normally buy my clothes from Costco but they have cute shirts with prints sometimes). I put down my keys on a pile of shirts and try the shirt on (over my other shirt), nope doesn't fit. Which I knew because the shirts there are always too small. I pick up my keys (or so I thought) and walk to where all these cute tee shirts are, now at this point I don't remember if I had my keys or not (you see where this is going don't you). We get some storage bags, and head to the check out line. Pay for the bags and as we are leaving I say, "Mom, do you have my keys?"

"No" she replies

"Fuck!"

"I'll go and look where did you leave them?" she asks

"I left them by the tee shirts I remember putting them down but I don't remember if I picked them up for some reason I thought you had them."

My mom goes back to look for them, about 5-10 minutes later she comes out with this look on her face. "Did you find them?" I ask

"NO"

"Fuck, fuck I'll go look."

I retrace my steps, and search, search and search nothing. I looked through the clothes, I asked the woman there, nope, I ask the guys at the Verizon Wireless kiosk, nope, I go up to customer service and returns nope. Oh and my keys are NOT small they are not that easy to lose.


"FUCK FUCK DOUBLE FUCK!!"

So now I'm fuming absolutely fuming, I'm pissed at myself, I'm pissed at my mom, I'm pissed at Cosco because they don't have an intercom system. I'm tired, I'm cranky and my mom doesn't have her keys so we have no way of getting in the house unless I crawl through the window if the landlord isn't home. (He lives above).

The guy at the customer service desk was really nice though he helped me look again and then let me use a phone to call Melissa to see if she could pick us up so I can get my extra set of keys for the car (thank god I have them). She picks us up and as we are turning into the driveway we do a little prayer that our landlords van is there YEAH they are home. He unlocks our door I run in grab my key and Melissa drives me back to Cosco. I run in just to see if they found them, nope.

I tell Melissa "I know we are running late now but I still want to go to Six Flags, I'll run home shower really quick and we can leave." Melissa says not to worry and we will have a blast. I get home, shower, change and off we go.

It is about a 2 hour drive and we are just talking and laughing and I'm already feeling better. I was thoroughly convinced that someone had saw my keys and either hid them or took them just to be mean. Unfortunately there are people out there that would do that just to be "funny and mean". I have a tendency when I'm mad to think irrationally and I know this but at that moment I don't care.

We get to Six Flags and go in and grab a map and plan out what we are to going ride first. We figured since it is later then we expected to be there, we would skip the water park and just do the rides. We start off with Flashback, the line wasn't too bad and let me tell you the ride released all the aggravation from earlier, with one zoom, poof it was gone.


What an adrenaline rush, I absolutely love that feeling.

After the Flashback we went on Blizzard River, Cyclops, had some lunch and kept going on more rides. It was funny because after each ride (that was fast and thrilling) I kept saying, "I'm hungry." I don't know if it was the adrenaline or what, but I wouldn't be hungry before and then zoom I was. I didn't eat too badly though. The day went by fast, the lines weren't too bad, and we finished the day with the best ride. Superman Ride of Steel. Oh my GAWD!!! What a ride. It was fast, and tall and long. It rocked!!!!


We had a great time and we didn't get to ride on all of the rides, we missed Batman, Scream and some other cool ones, plus we still need to go back for the water park. They have some awesome water slides, so what did we do, we got a season pass. I'm hoping we get back there again soon. I know I definitely want to take my brothers and sisters. What a great day to end such a crummy beginning.

Sunday I relaxed, layed out for a bit and then got the call from Costco, they found my keys YEAH!!! I went and got them, and have never been so happy to see them.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Friday Picture Day: The Girls from Topkapi

When I first moved back here from Arizona where I grew up I lived and worked for my dad, needless to say that did not work out and he fired me and kicked me out of the house (but that is another story).

I lived at this girl Trudy's house on her couch for about 3 months and then we found an apartment together (ah Trudy...that too is another story a good one but not for now). I also had to find a job and I remember Melissa (who was visiting me at the time) and I were at the mall looking around and shopping for her to bring presents back home. As we were walking I saw a sign in a window at an accessories store called Topkapi (they were owned by Claire's) that said help wanted. I decided to go in and speak to the manager about a job. She (Kelly) liked me right away and pretty much hired me on the spot. We became fast friends and she was the manager and I was the assistant manager. The other person that I became very good friends with is Alyssa, who at the time was still in highschool (senior) and this was her afterschool job. I used to take Alyssa to a club called Joy on Thursday nights and we would have so much fun dancing, drinking, talking, laughing, meeting guys. Kelly and I oh we had so much fun, we used to go to all the clubs and party. We used to hang out with these 2 guys from UAE, oh my gawd they had more money then I could ever imagine. They were here for school and one of them had an allowance of $5000.00 a day (yes that is five thousand). If he spent all of it the next day $5000.00 was back in his account, if he spent $100.00 a $100.00 was added back to make it $5000.00. People that is $35,000.00 a week, most people don't make that in a year let alone have that as their fun money. Remind me to tell you of the time we went to NYC to go shopping.

Anyway this picture is from Topkapi around Christmas 1995, from top going clockwise Alyssa, Kelly (in middle) Catrice, Thao & Me. Sometimes when something awful happens, something wonderful emerges from that. I have two very close friends because of the fight my father and I had, so even when things look bad, remember that there truely is a silver lining. I can't believe it has been 12 years, Kelly is now in DC working, and Alyssa just finished her 1st year of law school (I'm so very proud of her). I don't know what happened to Catrice or Thao, I know that Thao wanted to go into broadcastng and was hoping to be an intern for Howard Stern. I hope she was able to fullfill her dream. Catrice quit working there and I never saw her again.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Places I Want to Visit

Today's Thursday Thirteen was inspired by a new friend Stephen who has travelled like I have and has been to some great places. We were talking about places we've been and places we would like to see. This weeks list is dedicated to the 13 places that I want to visit sometime hopefully in the near future, needless to say this is not ALL the places I want to visit just the 13 I thought you would like to know about.

Let's get started in no particular order

1) Wailua Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

This majestic, 80-foot tiered waterfall is located close to the roadside lookout for everyone to enjoy. The falls can dramatically change appearance depending on rain and the river's flow. The best time to view this spectacular site is early morning as the sun shines on the falls. The brave and sure-footed can can take a slippery trail down to the bottom of the falls and take a dip in the cool, mountain water.

I love waterfalls the roar of them is powerful yet they are so serene and calming. I want to swim in the pool below and feel the falls on me.

2) Tibet & Nepal

I have always wanted to go to Tibet and to Nepal on a spiritual retreat and to visit the monasteries. I think the Buddhist way is fascinating and I hope to someday visit these two places, to learn from the monks. I hope the next time the Dali Lama is speaking I can get a chance to hear him.


I hear he has such a calming affect on people and I could really use some of that right now. To be that close to Mt Everest is pretty cool too, no I do not want to climb that. No thank you I read the book Everest and that was enough.



3) Goa, India

Goa, the emerald land on the shore of Arabian Sea with extended pristine beaches is an amazing place to relax, and they are known for their parties on the beaches. I had an opportunity to go there once with a friend who was going to DJ a party there. Due to circumstances I was not able to make it, but I plan on getting there someday. On the coast of India and on the Arabian Sea Goa holds some of the most beautiful beaches of India.

4) Prague, Czech Republic

When I went backpacking through Europe we wanted to stop in Prague but did not have enough time, we had to get to Rome to meet Tim's sister. Unfortunately I have not been able to get there yet but I will. Prague is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is one of the most visited too. It suffered the least amount of damage from WWII so the original architecture is still intact and to see some of these buildings stand the test of time will be thrilling.

5) Amazon Rainforest & River

There is nothing like the natural beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. There is so much we still don't know about this region and it is being destroyed, there has to be a way to make "people" understand that we need to save this area. This has always been a dream of mine, we'll see if I ever get there, I've heard they have bugs the size of basketballs, um yeah no thanks, see snakes and lizards and all that doesn't bother me, but huge bugs that freaks me out. I can deal with spiders but other creepy crawly creatures, ACK!!!


6)Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 2,600 kilometres and cover an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. I had a friend who spent a sometime in Australia going to school there. She has told me how beautiful it is there and I want to visit Australia and if I ever do get there no matter what else happens I will visit The Great Barrier Reef, it will be an amazing site to see.

7) Singapore

There has always been such a fascination with Singapore for me. It is a beautiful city and one of the cleanest I've heard (in respects to trash and debris not pollution). Someone told me that gum is illegal there and there is a sign in the airport that says if you bring drugs here you will be executed, now I don't know if that is true but it sounds good. There is so much to see and experience there, like the Singapore Zoo and Macritchie Reservoir, and all the islets that make up this island.

8) Egyptian Pyramids

The ancient Egyptian Pyramids are a true architectural marvel. The way they were built and how they are structurally intact is amazing. I've heard that how tall the pyramid is, is how deep it goes, now I don't know if this is true but if I ever get there I'll let you know.


9) Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a mysterious place built in a staggering landscape for reasons forgotten with the passing of the Inca empire. It is believed to have been constructed by the great ruler Pachacutec around the middle of the 15th century.To see a place like this that holds no written record and to speculate how and why this was built is just a wonderful mystery to explore.

10) St. Petersburg & Red Square, Russia

St. Petersburg is very close to Finland where my mom is from so this one might be an actual possibility next time I go to Finland. I know my mom has no desire to go there, because Finland used to be under Russia's rule before WWII. But I just think the history that is here would be something to explore.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square is just one of the most colorful and beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen of course I've only seen pictures but look at the detail of this building WOW. The cathedral is a memorial to the Russian conquest of Kazan in 1552. Moscow is now for the 2nd year in a row the most expensive city to live in, with a luxury 2-bedroom apartment going for roughly $4000.00 a month. Nevertheless I want to visit St. Petersburg & Moscow and see all there is to offer.

11) Sicily

I won't lie I have always wanted to go to Sicily to go to the place that Cosa Nostra was born the home of the Mafia. I know, what is wrong with me, but I have this absolute fascination with the Mafia, I don't condone what they did, but the history, the culture the codes they used to abide by, is just remarkable. I have read many books, watched documentaries, movies and interviews about this organization. But that is not the only reason I want to go to Sicily, surrounded by the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea the water is crystal blue and absolutely stunning. I want to see everything that Sicily has to offer, food, wine, culture and their history.


12) African Safari

My whole life I have always wanted to go on an African Safari, either in Kenya, Zimbabwe or anywhere else that will allow me. To see nature in its purest form with animals roaming wild and tribes of nomads searching the land is just something I want to experience. It makes me sad to think of all the atrocities going on in parts (most parts) of Africa. I would love to go to a place like Kenya and help build homes (a friend of mine did that) and meet the men, women and children who are from there, to learn about their culture and traditions would be an honor.

13) Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of the most architectural modern city in the world, the structures that they are building and have built are just incredible, from the Burj Al Arab considered to be the world's best hotel, it is built to look like a sail, which also has an underwater themed restaurant. They have man made islands to look like palm trees and the world. Oh and did I forget to mention the indoor ski slope they have since they don't get snow there. This place is just amazing. This one is going to take a lot of savings before I can get there, but when I do what a site it will be.

So there you have it, I tell you after doing this weeks Thursday 13 I'm realizing I desperately need a vacation. I've tried to add a links list on the bottom of this let's see if it works.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

The Landlord (Plus the Out Takes)

For today's Fun Filled Tuesday I thought I'd try to share one more time the skit with Will Ferrell called The Landlord. I think this time it will work because I got it from his website.





But for a bonus I am also going to add a clip with the out takes of making The Landlord. Must be hard working with a 2 year old.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Father's Day

As I have said before my father and I have an up, down relationship. We are trying to really work on keeping our relationship on the up side right now. So much has happened that we realize it is important to be united rather than apart.

My father went to Greece for a couple of weeks and while he was there he was in a pretty severe car accident, luckily he is okay the car and his pride are damaged but he is safe and unharmed. As we were sitting for lunch yesterday to celebrate Father's Day he is telling us kids what happened with the car accident. In our family we never seem to get any details when things happen, usually I am the last to know about anything that happens good or bad.

As he is telling us this story everyone talks and jokes and it was sort of bugging me because I'm trying to really listen and understand what happened. As he tells us what happened, I realized how close we came to losing him. He was on a mountain/hill road that had a cliff on one side and if my father had not been as good of a driver and quick thinking as he is he might not have rolled and landed in that ditch but rolled and fell off that cliff.

Sometimes it takes something like this (or the death of my grandfather) to really understand that we do not have that much time in this life and that the small petty stuff needs to be forgiven. I am really trying to understand who my father is and I think (I hope) he is trying to understand me. I love my father very much and don't like it when we don't talk for long periods of time. We are a very emotional family, whether that be in love, in anger, in sadness or in happiness we express it. So when we fight we FIGHT!! We are also STUBBORN, oh you can't imagine how stubborn our family is. But one thing that we do, is tell each other I LOVE YOU every time we talk, I think it is an important statement to tell each other. When I get off the phone with my mother, father, sister or brothers and friends I tell them, I love you or I miss you or how much they mean to me because that might be the last time you speak to that person.

Now for a little less serious topic, the rest of the lunch and Father's Day was good. We went to Bertucci's for lunch and as the waitress came up to take our drink order I whispered to her, "I'm sorry." She asks, "why???" I said, "You'll see."

Though we are polite and I think we tip well, we can also be loud and a pain in the butt. When you get 7 Greeks in one table watch out, it can be dangerous.

We talked, we laughed, we ate, we drank, the food was excellent the company was entertaining and overall it was a good meal.

We went back to my father's house and relaxed, Zoe had to go to work and the boys went upstairs to play on the computer or to talk to friends. My father and I talked, and there is an opportunity that my father might have that I might be very very interested in. I don't want to talk about it just yet (oh and it is killing me not to tell you all what it is) but I want to see what comes out of this before I start mentioning it. But I will tell you this, if this opportunity is real and serious I am definitely onboard.

I hope all the fathers out there had a wonderful day. You deserve it!

Happy Father's Day

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Gave me Goosebumps

I was reading The Insane Writer and she had this clip of 6 year old Connie singing, Somewhere Over the Rainbow for the show Britain's Got Talent and I just had to show all of you. She gave me goosebumps watch the reaction from the judges (oh and one of them is Simon Cowell).

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Friday Picture Day: Getting Plates Smashed on my Head

Sometimes I sit here in front of my computer trying to think of things to write about and sometimes nothing comes to mind. So I started thinking about my adventures, and stories from my past, oooh and what a past I have scandalous... I'm just kidding, though I have to say I do have some fun, weird, strange and interesting things happen throughout my 32 years of life, and I have millions (okay thousands) of pictures detailing these times. So I have come up with a new fun way for me to share with you some of these stories. We'll call it Friday Picture Day.

What I will do is show you a picture, this picture can be anything, from my family, my friends, myself, ex-boyfriends, ex-friends, places I've been, places I would like to go. Maybe it will be a picture that I saw in a magazine or in the newspaper, and then I will write about that picture. Tell you the story behind it, or how that picture made me feel when I saw it. I am a very visual person, and I truly believe the saying a picture says a thousand words. Let's see how this works out, we'll start with a picture of me taken when I was backing packing through Europe in 1996 (I can't believe it has been 11 years).



I don't know if you can tell, but that is me getting a plate(s) smashed on my head, yes folks I was drunk very drunk. I guess we should go back a bit, a friend (Tim) and I went backpacking through Europe in May-June of 1996 for 5 weeks, we started in London and worked our way down to Greece. We made it to the island of Corfu in Greece and to a place called the Pink Palace (which by the way was on the E Channel's Wild On, yes I went to a place that was featured on Wild On oh and I went before they featured it, I won't lie it so made me feel like I was in the know). Anyway, we get there on a Friday night and they tell us that tonight is Toga night oh wait I forgot to mention that the reason this place was called the Pink Palace was because everything in that place was completely PINK I'm talking Pepto Bismol pink. The walls, the togas, hell even the Ouzo was dyed pink.

We get settled into our room and we go check out the place, the way I would describe this place (other then the color of PINK PINK and more PINK) was it was summer camp promoting alcoholism. OMG they had enough booze going around to even get Lindsay Lohan to say No MORE! But it was a fun place and I met some really cool people. We drink, we swim in the sea (which by the way is so beautiful in Greece it is warm and clear and NO SHARKS), we dance, we eat, we laugh, we meet new people. Then we get ready for the Toga party "Toga Toga Toga" They give us these thin pieces of material (you guessed it) died Pink. I wrap mine around me but realize oh this is not going to cover much so I throw on my bikini underneath (this was back when I could still wear one), and Tim if I remember correctly might've gone commando (actually a LOT of the guys went commando that night and they liked showing us girls).

We go into the big dining hall which also serves as the bar, and dance floor, they set us up in a large circle and they put on a great show of Greek dancing and the owner did this really neat trick where he stacks chairs on a table and puts a bottle or something on top and then picks it all up just using his teeth, NO HANDS!! That was pretty impressive. Then he goes around and starts smashing a plate on peoples head, just one plate (they are the kind of plates that break easy, it doesn't hurt per say but you feel it if you aren't numb from all the alcohol). So he comes by me, and I say, "Hey I love this place and oh by the way I'm Greek." Well at this point (me not knowing) he is looking for someone to take in the middle of the circle and some people who have been there for a while or had been there before go, watch what happens and I'm all "huh, what..." with a goofy smile on my face, completely oblivious as to what is about to happen.

The owner then chooses ME, to go in the middle of the circle and he says to me, "You might be Greek, but you have never done this before," and proceeds to take off my glasses and gives them to my friend, who also has the camera, and then they start feeding me shot after shot after shot (you get the idea) of Pink Ouzo. I finally say, that's enough, or rather I slur it... I couldn't even feel my lips anymore. Then they tell me to sit straight with my head looking forward. Yeah like I was going to be able to stay like that for long. Then all of a sudden I feel something on my head, Boom, Crash, and then there are plate pieces all over me. I think oh that wasn't too bad thinking it was only one plate (he hadn't smashed one yet on my head when he was going around before). I laugh, I get up, stumble and go back to my friend and the new friends. They all ask, "How do you feel?"

"Fine, why, that wasn't too bad." I say all wobbly.

"Um well you do know you just got about 12 plates smashed on your head at once?"

"WHAT!!!!?" I say, a little more alert and sober now. "What do you mean 12 plates, I thought that was 1 plate?"

"Uh.. no, that was about 12."

"Holy shit, 12? Well I didn't realize, OMG 12?"

Yes ladies and gents I had 12 plates smashed on my head and took it no problem, didn't even flinch. I have to say the Ouzo did help HA HA! The rest of the night was a blast, and the cute guy who I met in Budapest a week before was there too and we hung out on the beach that night, wait isn't there a drink called...

I'll leave the rest up to your imaginations...

That was a great trip and I have tons more pictures, maybe I'll write about my whole trip in a series called My Trip to Europe I'll have to get out my journals from that time, no blogging back in 1996.

Great trip, great pictures, great memories

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Thursday Thirteen: Best Stand Up Comedians

Warning: Contains Adult Content (lots of swearing on the videos) might NBSW!!

Hello everyone, here is another round of Thursday Thirteen, this week I was having trouble thinking up a good list. Then last night Last Comic Standing was on and I thought there you go, that is what your list should be. I absolutely love comedy and wish I could get to see more comics live.

Luckily I am going to The Opie & Anthony Traveling Virus which is a comedy show with quite a few stand up comics. So in honor of that show and since we always need a little laughter, here are some of the comics that I would love to see live.

1) Ralphie May


I first saw Ralphie May on the first season of Last Comics Standing, personally I think he should have one. He is hysterical and he has no problem talking about and making fun out of anybody, regardless of race, sex, or religion. Though some might be offended (which just means you have a stick up your butt) but the things he says, you can't deny aren't true. I hope I get to see him live.

2) Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard, I just love him, not many cross dressing comics out there and with his British accent you can't help but love him. First time I saw him, (again not live) was when I was going through treatment for cancer and met this guy Steve and when we went back to his house (to chat people plus Melissa was there with me) Eddie Izzard was on TV. We were rolling on the floor laughing, and now he's on the new show The Riches on FX.


3) Wanda Sykes

A quick-witted comedien who has transcended the comedy scene to become one of the funniest comics to hit the stage in some time, Wanda Sykes' unique blend of stinging humor and outspoken honesty has found her moving beyond a career in standup thanks to notable success in film and television. I am glad that she is a regular on The New Adventures of Old Christine, she brings it all together on that show.

4)Margaret Cho


Margaret Cho is one of the more visible Asian-American women of her time. Although probably best remembered for her short-running sitcom All-American Girl, Korean-American comedienne Margaret Cho has come a long way since then. Margaret Cho is a living example of what can happen to you when you become a poster child for someone else's idea of political correctness. I was sad when they cancelled her show All-American Girl and it was so disturbing to find out that they forced her to lose a lot of weight when she really didn't neeed to, (this is what is wrong with this country). But I love that she turned it all around in her favor and jokes about it now oh and when she talks about her family especially her mother it is hysterical.

5) Carlos Mencia


I know a lot of people out there (mostly other comics) talk about how Carlos Mencia steals jokes from other comics, whether that is true or not I don't know. But every time I watch Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central I laugh, every time I watch him on TV doing standup I laugh. He will be at the O&A show next month and I'll let you know how he was.

6) Rodney Carrington

I used to watch his show and was sad when it got cancelled but his stand up is great, he sings parody songs in his act that are funny but one of my favorite bits he's ever done is when he's talking about a man getting ready to go in the shower and he swings his hips and says helicopter helicopter. OMG I laugh every time.

7) Jim Norton

I listen to Jimmy Norton on the O&A radio show every morning, some of the things that he says just make me laugh, the three of them on that show each morning make my drive into work a little bit easier. Jim used to also be on Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd on Comedy Central and he always had an interesting point of view.

8) Kathy Griffin

Okay Kathy Griffin has come a long way since the first time I saw her many many years ago. It was with a guy I was dating and I have to say I wasn't impressed, but since then she has really found her nitch. Trash talking celebrities she has encountered or she has heard something about. I think she is quite a funny and talented woman and enjoy watching her show My Life on the D List on Bravo. If she ever came back this way I would most definitely go see her show again.

9) Eddie Murphy

Now here's the thing with Eddie Murphy, back in the day when he used to still do stand up he was the man, he was funny. Now he's just weird, what's up with all these movies where he plays all the characters and wears a fat suit. I miss the old Eddie, Beverly Hills Cop and 48 hours Eddie. Some of his best stand up is from his album Raw. "It's my house and if you don't like it you can get the fuck out" quoting Eddie as his father.

10) George Lopez

George Lopez started as a stand up and never thought he'd get his own sitcom well one night Sandra Bullock watched his comedy show and said that she wanted to produce a sitcom for him, from that was born The George Lopez Show, he took from his own life growing up and made it funny. Another funny show that has been cancelled, (I'm starting to see a pattern here).

11) Colin Quinn

Colin Quinn I remember when he was on Remote Control on MTV, one of their first game shows back when they still played actual music videos. Man did I want to be on that show and I think I would've rocked too. Then he went on to do other stuff and got his own talk show on Comedy Central called Tough Crowd talking about the issues and things going on but with some comedy flavor mixed in.

12) Robin Williams

You can't deny that his stand up is rip roaring funny. The voices, the impressions, the energy. Not much else you have to say, Melissa and I still quote Live at the Met and we still laugh.


13) Bill Engvall

I have saved my favorite for last, by far Bill Engval is one of my all time favorite stand up comics and I am very excited to say that he is going to have his own show coming on TBS premiering July 17th (and no I was not paid to write that). I saw Bill Engvall live little over a year ago in Florida for a charity event. I have to say that when we left the venue my friend Nancy and I were still laughing, our cheeks were sore and our eyes were watering from laughing so hard. I hope he comes here soon and I get to see him again. He is the man that is responsible for the phrase, "Here's your sign" people that say or do stupid things should wear a sign that says, Hey I'm Stupid!!! We've all seen it, said it or done it.

Well that's my list of thirteen great comics, I know I know I have left a ton of them out including, Richard Pryor, Larry the Cable Guy, Steven Martin (when he still did stand up) and so many more, big names and small names, but I can't name them all. Please add to the list, tell me who you've seen, who you love or disagree with.

Hope you got a good laugh from my clips.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

What European City do You Belong In

Since today is Fun Filled Tuesday I thought I'd share this cool website I found.

It has all these different quizzes, and memes you can put in your blog. I love taking different quizzes to tell you what european city you belong in or what kind of wine you'd be. So I thought I'd do the European City one.

You Belong in Milan

Stylish and sophisticated, you want to enjoy a truly European life - away from tourists! Milan fits you perfectly. Great shopping, high quality food, lots of culture... with very little hype.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Hmmm Milan, I like that, I've always wanted to go there, and I love Italy and Italian men so I could see myself living there. I'm the type of girl who can't stay too long in one place, who knows maybe I'll move to Vancouver next (yes I'm still on cloud 9).

I Want More...

That's Enough!

The Weekend & The Favor

The Weekend:
I had a fantastic weekend, not only did I meet Joel, but Melissa and I went to a graduation party for a friends two sons where we met Maria who was so sweet and nice that we started to chat. Maria said that we reminded her of her bestfriend Andrea and herself (just how Melissa and I are together) well we had such a nice time with Maria we invited her to come play trivia with us at my restaurant later that night. Maria came with her friend Andrea and we just had a blast together, it was a fun girls night out.

It was funny how much we had in common with Maria and Andrea, they have been best friends for over 20 years, Melissa and I have been for about 18 years, Andrea is married to a Morrocan, Melissa is married to an Algerian. Maria and I are single but want to meet someone (we might go together to speed dating, oh what a post that will be I'm sure). Maria and Melissa both love country and Andrea and I so do not. There was so much more but no need to go on. We talked and giggled like we had known each other forever, there were no filters on so anything and everything was said and we just had fun.

You know I have to say this weekend was probably the best weekend I've had in months, and I really needed it. I think we are all going to the Opie and Anthony comedy festival in July, I'm really excited about this show, there are some seriously funny comics going to be there. Carlos Mencia, Bob Saget, Jimmy Norton, Patrice O'Neal and others. I love stand up comedics last one I saw was Bill Engval in Ft. Lauderdale at a charity event.

Either way I really hope that we get to hang out with Maria and Andrea again and that we become friends, it is always nice to meet new and interesting people that you can have fun with.

The Favor:
A while back I had mentioned a favor that a friend of mine needed from me, well today I am helping him out with said favor. Should be an interesting night, will let you know what happens tomorrow.

To be continued...

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Joel

I met him Friday night at my restaurant, he came in alone and I could tell that he was probably staying at the hotel next door. I have a pretty good sense of these things, being that most of our customers are regulars. Well, I sit him at a table near the bar, where you have a pretty good view of everything. Oh by the way did I mention he was HOT (the picture doesn't do him justice).

So, I'm sitting people and talking to regulars, laughing and overall having a pretty good night, but every so often I get this feeling that someone is looking at me, and I realize it is this guy. So I go up to him and say, "You look sad, or bored, what's up?"

"Oh, I'm just here for business, I leave tomorrow at 6am."

"6am, damn that's early, did you get a chance to see any of this city?"

"No, just the hotel basically."

"Well, you have until 6am that's plenty of time to see all there is to offer." I joked.

I ask him his name and introduce myself, and we talked for a bit more, but then I had to get back to work up front, and he was going to get going.

"You're leaving?" I asked

"Yeah I should get going."

"Well, if you ever come back I'd be more then happy to show you around."

"Cool."

"I'll give you my email address."

"Why don't you give me your number and maybe we can hang out later."

I was shocked, but in a good way. "Uh-uh okay but I don't get off work until 11pm or so." I say nervously.

"That's okay." he replies with a sheepish smile (what a cute smile and gorgeous eyes).

I give him my cell number and he says he'll text me later, and figure something out.

A couple hours later he text messaged me, "Hey Hey...this is Joel from Vancouver:) It was really nice to meet you this evening...you're very sweet...and you're also very beautiful. I'll call you at a little after 11, and we'll see if there's something fun we can do tonight:) talk to you soon..."

I reply, "Aw you making me blush thank you, sounds like a plan."

He replies (with what I have to say is the best text I've gotten in a long time.}
"Keep blushing, because you're HOT!!! I'm excited to hang out with you:) Really excited."

Now I'm all giddy, I won't lie, I felt like a teenager again. It has been so long, since a guy who wasn't 50, married, and drunk hitting on me. This guy is cute, young and single (at least that's what he said.)

We text message back and forth for awhile and I just get more and more excited, but really nervous too. I talk to my friend & coworker Ronnie and ask her what should we do. She tells me about this bar that she goes to after work around the corner and since she was going to be cut soon, she would be over there. I felt that was a good place to go, 1) because it was close by and 2)there was going to be someone there that I knew just in case. I don't know this guy he could be a psycho (a cute psycho but still a psycho).

The rest of the night went by really slow at work, and I finally asked the manager if I could possibly leave early, he asked how early and I said about 10:30pm because I had a date and it's been so long since I've had a date. He is a pretty cool guy and I always work really hard, and pick up shifts that he let me leave a little early. I was (am) really appreciative.

I text Joel and tell him that I'm all set. I call Ronnie and tell her that we'll be there in about 10 minutes. Joel drives to the restaurant, and he follows me to the bar around the corner. This bar was a little hole in the wall, but it worked for us

We talked and got to know each other, Joel was here because he sells different kind of machinery to places like Home Depot, BJs and Cosco, but what he really wants to do is open up a camp for kids in Vancouver. He is also a singer and used to sing with a band in Canada that is pretty big there. But he's doing his own thing now when it comes to singing, he doesn't drink (never has) doesn't smoke. Ronnie thinks he's pretty cute too, and asked me if I needed her to stay and I said no, I'm okay. We talked for a bit longer but then the bar was closing and we didn't want the night to end. He suggests going back to the bar at his hotel, because when he left it was still really busy, I said, I bet it's closed now but we'll check it out.

We go back to the hotel but alas the bar was closed, at this point I really had to go to pee pee and went to the bathroom in the hotel lobby. When I got out of the bathroom Joel wasn't there, I figured he went to the bathroom too, but then I heard, "I'm over here."

I turn and see him sitting at a piano in the corner down the hall a bit. He starts to play the piano and I sit next to him on the bench and he stars to sing, and what a beautiful voice he has. I swear to you, I felt like I was in a movie and I was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (ok not a hooker but the scene where Richard Gere plays the piano). I also kept saying to myself, "what if we get in trouble or is this a joke am I getting punked?" Because I am not used to this kind of romance and it was romantic. It really did feel like i was in a movie. I have never in my life been serenaded by anyone especially not by someone as talented as him.

He finishes the song and I was just in awe. I'm thinking to myself, can this really be happening, damn why does he have to live so far away.

We walk around a bit and he suggests that we go back up to his room so I can hear some of his music, (get your mind out of the gutter nothing happened). We go up to his room and we talk and laugh and listen to music, and then we kiss. Oh what a kiss that was, it was great, it has been so long since I've been kissed like that. We kiss and kiss and kiss, we talk and cuddle. But nothing else, my pants stayed on thank you very much. Trust me a part of me wanted to take them off, but I don't know this guy and I'm not like that.

I told him at one point, you could have a wife and kids back home and I'd have no clue. We laughed, he said he didn't but honestly for one night I didn't care. It started to get really late and the poor guy needed to leave for the airport around 4am and I felt bad that he probably wouldn't get much sleep. I told him I really should get going and that I really enjoyed my night with him. He also told me that he wished he could have stayed longer but that he had a meeting back in Vancouver (I had suggested that he change his flight), but he said that he would be back in about a month. But before I left I said, I have to get a picture of you, and he obliged (isn't he just a cutie?). I had to get a picture because I didn't think anyone would believe me and I wasn't sure if what had happened was even real. I kept thinking I'm going to wake up and this was all a dream.

I left and we text messaged for awhile longer and he said that he wants to stay longer next time and he wrote his email address, and "I really loved every minute I got with you:)" I am still all smiles.

You know if I never see him again I would be okay with that, for one night i felt like a princess and I needed that. I really did.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

My first waitressing job

After I got better from cancer I was not able to go back to work full time yet, partly because I had lost so much muscle tissue and had been out of work for about a year and I just wasn't mentally ready to go back to 9-5. So instead of going back full time right away, I thought about waitressing one or two days a week. Luckily for me I knew a lot of people in the biz, from my club days and was able to find a job at this 50s style diner in the city. What a place this was, it literally only had 5 booths, and 14 spots on the counter, the grill was in viewing distance and the place was always busy.

I remember getting the job through my friend Steven, and I went in to interview and they hired me, and I explained to them, that I couldn't work more then 1 or 2 days a week to start, to build up my strength and to get used to working again. When you go through what I did, the anxiety you feel sometimes is overwhelming and I didn't know how I would handle being around so many people. If I started to cough let's say from someone smoking or because I was getting a chest cold I would have an anxiety attack because that is how it all started, with a cough. It took me a long time to not panic every time I got sick. Thankfully now, my immune system is strong and I don't get sick too often anymore and I don't have those anxiety attacks like I used to.

The owner Robin has me train with this girl Melody and within the first couple of hours I pretty much have it down pat. She was quite impressed by me, asking, "Are you sure you've never waitressed before, because you are a natural?" Most people don't realize how hard it is to waitress and how intimidating some customers can be, but I'm an outgoing, far from shy person so I fit in really well, plus I have a very good memory. I remember I was first put on the afternoon/evening shifts. Usually I worked 3 to 11pm. (The diner was opened 24/7) but after a month or so, I had already gotten a lot of my strength back and my anxiety level had diminished some and they asked me if I would want to work an overnight shift. Being that at this point I was pretty much not sleeping at night anyway and those shifts are where you can make some serious money I said sure. They put me on a Wednesday overnight shift first 11pm - 7am because Wednesday's weren't that busy but still busy enough that I could make some money.

Well let me tell you I loved it, I wanted to work most overnights from there on out. So little by little I was put on more overnights either 11pm-7am or 1am - 9am, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were the days that if you worked overnight you could make around $250.00 a night (in cash). I started to work these nights and I had a blast doing it. I met some really interesting people, from the construction workers that were working on the new tunnels to the "in the biz" people coming in after they had closed the bars/clubs, to the pimps and hookers that would come in around 5am. This is also the place that my friends friend threw up on me.

I remember getting to know a couple of hookers (don't ask me names cuz I don't remember) and asking them why, why would they choose to do this for a living and they said, money. I thought to myself, that was a sad reason to do it. I also remember seeing how lost they were when you looked into their eyes. But the two girls that always came in were polite, pleasant and always tipped well. I always felt that these two girls if their lives had just taken a different path, they could've done anything.

I also remember one night, this pimp was with his girlfriend (who was also one of his hookers) and he started flirting with me (I know ewww gross) and he says something to me about how cute I am and how he and his girlfriend want to share me, or have a threesome with me, something like that. And me being the "nice" person I am (oh no don't you even think for a second that I said yes), replied, "thank you but I'm abstinent right now." (which was the truth) and they looked at me like I had 4 heads,

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'm not having sex right now."

"What!!! Why?" this was both of their replies.

"Because a lot of things have happened to me in my life and right now I need to focus on me and not worry about some guy trying to get into my pants, if a guy wants to be with me, he will first have to really get to know me and respect my wishes."

I thought these two were going to fall over and die. Here I am telling a pimp and hooker, who just hit on me, that I wasn't having sex right now. I don't think they understood the concept. Needless to say, it was an interesting job to say the least.

I truly enjoyed working there, and because of that place I got my first tattoo (okay I only have one so far but am dying for another) and then I got my tongue pierced (I've taken that out since then). This was a place where if you didn't have a tattoo you were the weird one. But that's not why I got mine, I got it because I wanted to celebrate that I was now in remission for one year and I got a symbol that is Ancient Greek that stands for eternal life.

Because of this job I was able to get stronger mentally, physically and also was able to save up my money to move to Florida (plus I have great stories to tell). I need to go back to the diner for some late night food except shit I don't stay out late anymore, damn it I need to change that.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Thursday Thirteen: Favorite Movies from the 80s

Today's Thursday Thirteen is my favorite movies from the 80s. Now this isn't a list of the best 80s movies that were ever made, these are the movies that when I was younger I probably watched 100 times each. Some I still do watch and others I say to myself, what was I thinking?

I'll tell you a little about each movie and if possible send you to a link with my favorite scene.

Okay lets start with one that I'm sure everyone can relate to and probably still loves.

1) The Breakfast Club

They were five total strangers, with nothing in common, meeting for the first time. A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel and a recluse. Before the day was over, they broke the rules. Bared their souls. And touched each other in a way they never dreamed possible.

I loved watching this movie when I was younger and I still love it. Judd Nelson is so sexy (still is) Click here for my favorite scene (I used to imitate Molly Ringwald's dance in this)

2) Pretty in Pink

Young Andie is one of the not-so-popular girls in high school. She usually hangs out with her friends Iona or Duckie. Duckie has always had a crush on her, but now she has met a new guy from school, Blane. He's one of the rich and popular guys but can the two worlds meet.

I know Molly Ringwald again, but she was the girl we all wanted to be and she always got the guy we dreamed about (wait there is one more with her can you guess which one?) I just love the characters in this movie and I love John Cryer. Here's my favorite scene, Duckie dancing to Otis Redding

3) Sixteen Candles

Samantha's life is going downhill fast. The sixteen-year-old has a crush on the most popular boy in school, and the geekiest boy in school has a crush on her. Her sister's getting married, and with all the excitement the rest of her family forgets her birthday! Add all this to a pair of horrendously embarrassing grandparents, a foreign exchange student named Long Duc Dong, and we have the makings of a hilarious journey into young womanhood.

Oh Jack Ryan who didn't have a crush on the most popular boy in school, I know I did and he didn't know I was alive lucky for Samantha she gets the guy. Here's the trailer (too many favorite scenes to pick one) but the trailer shows most of them.

4) Some Kind of Wonderful

A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school. Unfortunately, the girl's old boyfriend, who is from the rich section of town, is unable to let go of her, and plans to get back at Keith.

Yes I know another teen movie about the wrong side of the tracks wanting the person on the right side. Come on you know you love these movies too (I swear I have other movies that I loved too). My favorite scene I love how Watts makes Keith think he might not have the ability to kiss, and she kisses him and what a kiss that is. And I won't lie the last scene of the movie makes me cry every time. (I know big dork!)

5) The Lost Boys

Financial troubles force a recent divorcee and her teenage sons Mike and Sam to settle down with her father in the California town of Santa Carla. At first, Sam laughs off rumours he hears about vampires who inhabit the small town. But after Mike meets a beautiful girl at the local amusement park, he begins to exhibit the classic signs of vampirism. Fearing for his own safety, Sam recruits two young vampire hunters to save his brother by finding and destroying the head vampire.

See I told you I liked other kinds of movies. Lost Boys oh I think I still can recite this movie verbatim from memory. I used to have a VHF (yes back in the day before DVD) tape of this that I would watch rewind watch rewind and so on. I would pause so I could look at Corey Haim gotta love me some Corey Haim (I hear now he's fat, broke and homeless poor guy btw I actually got to meet him once). Favorite scene is when Sam figures out that his brother Michael is a vampire and he says:

Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!

Unfortuantely I couldn't find the scene anywhere so here is the trailer.

6) Stand By Me

Based on Stephen King's Short story "The Body", "Stand By Me" tells the tale of Gordie Lachance, a writer who looks back on his preteen days when he and three close friends went on their own adventure to find the body of a kid their age who had gone missing and presumed dead. The stakes are upped when the town bullies are close behind - and it becomes a race to see who'll be able to recover the body first

Such a great movie about boyhood friendships and adventures, and to think that fat kid is Jerry O'Connell (he sure did grow up nicely). Sad to say though River Phoenix in all his glory such a talented actor died way too young. Favorite scene when they are in the pond and poor Gordie gets a leech on his... well you watch and see

7) The Goonies

Mikey and Brandon Walsh are two brothers whose family is preparing to move due to a new development that is sure to be started unless enough money is raised, which is quite doubtful. But, when Mikey stumbles on a treasure map of the famed "One-Eyed" Willy's hidden fortune, he, his brother, and a few friends set out on a quest to find the riches in hopes to save their homes. The entrance to a cavern is found, but it is located underneath an abandoned restaurant occupied by the Fratelli family, a treacherous group of thieves who attempt to beat the "Goonies" to the treasure.

I remember the first time I watched this movie, I was in Finland visiting my grandparents and because this was so long ago, TV didn't start until after 6pm so my mom and I went to a video store and got a couple of videos for me to watch and Goonies was one of them. One of my favorite scenes is the Truffle Shuffle but one of my favorite lines is when Mouth talks to Brandon about failing his drivers test, both seen here.

8) Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Follows a group of high school students growing up in southern California, based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. The center of the film is held by Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer dude who faces off with the resolute Mr. Hand, who is convinced that everyone is on dope.

What can I say about Fast Times, maybe the ultimate stoner movie out there. Spicoli is a character that you just love, and to think that is the amazing Sean Pean (who is a bit serious now), what a long way he has come. My favorite scene would have to be when Spicoli has pizza delivered in class and Mr Hand lets everyone else have a piece but him (you know you've always wanted to order a pizza while in class). But since I couldn't find that here's the trailer.

9) Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris Bueller has played hooky numbers of times, and this time he's got the entire school and more believing he is on the verge of death. On this special day off, Ferris invites his friend Cameron Fry and girlfriend Sloane Peterson to his day of fun, while taking Cameron's father's precious Ferrari for transportation. All the while, the principal Ed Rooney is determined to prove Ferris is faking his illness and Ferris's agitated sister Jeanie also has a goal to catch Ferris off guard. Ferris enjoys his day with his friends, until the mileage of the Ferrari reads one too many miles driven and Cameron has a blow out

Who didn't want to be Ferris for just one day, I only ditched school a handful of times and let me tell you the most exciting thing I did was probably hang out at a friends house worrying about getting caught (not by the school but by my mother ACK!)
Poor Matthew Broderick, he's done so much yet he will always be Ferris in my eyes. Favorite scene is when Ferris talks about how to trick your parents into thinking you are sick but again can't find it so here's the trailer


10) The Outsiders

Based on the novel of the same name. The story of young men growing up facing hard times where they have little going for them. Two opposing groups, the Greasers and the Socs, continually fight against each other and their "turf".

I love this movie for so many reasons, I always root for the underdog in movies and how can you not love the Greasers. It has to be tough to live in a town where if you are poor you don't have much respect. I love Ponyboy and Johnny and the innocence they still exume but that all changes one night. Matt Dillon has some of the best lines in this movie. "We gotta win that fight tonight. We gotta get even with those Socs! Let's do it for Johnny, man. We'll do it for Johnny!" Favorite scene when the Greasers beat the Socs.

11) The Princess Bride

When a young boy falls ill, his grandfather pops round to visit him. To cheer his grandson up, Grandpa has brought a storybook; The Princess Bride, a tale of the love between the beautiful Buttercup and the besotted Westley, a love cruelly interrupted by Westley's tragic apparent death at sea when seeking his fortune. Heartbroken, Buttercup has sworn never to love again, but accepts the marriage proposal of the rich and handsome Prince Humperdinck, heir to the throne of Florin; but death is no barrier to true love, and in a story filled with exotically-accented swordsmen, big-hearted giants, genius kidnappers, sadistic torturers, vile swamps, Rodents of Unusual Size, the Dread Pirate Roberts and a somewhat embittered miracle worker, the love between Westley and Buttercup twists and turns on a path filled with adventure. Will the True Love of Westley and Buttercup win the day? Will Inigo Montaya find the six-fingered man who murdered his father? Will Humperdinck's evil plans come to fruition? And, more importantly, will Grandpa be able to tell the story without any of the yucky kissing?

I still love watching this movie and I still love to hear, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father prepare to die." over and over again, until he kills Count Rugen which is the best scene. I love this fairytale love story. "As you wish...."

12) Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo

A developer tries to bulldoze a community recreation center. The local breakdancers try to stop it.

I know I know it is a bit cheasy but come on it's the 80s and this is one of the best break dancing movies of its time. The music was great and the dance moves were awesome. I love Ozone and Turbo god I was in love with Ozone (it was 1984 and I was 9 what can I tell ya). The street battles were the best, they don't fight one another they danced.

Last but certainly not least as we have all seen this and wish we were Baby.

13) Dirty Dancing

Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances ('Baby') falls in love with the camp's dancing teacher and learns about life and herself.

What little girl (or big one) didn't want to be Baby, to fall for Johnny and dance with him. Patrick Swayze was the ultimate guy for a long time (especially for our mom's) he could dance, sing and was still sexy and masculine. I have probably watched this movie over 100 times and I have to say, that I can't watch it anymore. I've tried but I just can't do it. Favorite scene (any of the dancing ones).

Of course there are many many other ones that I could list but I could only pick 13 and this post is long enough already. Hope you enjoyed and please tell me some of your favorite movies from the 80s.

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