Thursday Thirteen: 13 Things I'd Like to Accomplish

Today's TT comes from me thinking about my wishes and accomplishments I'd like to try to finish soon. Some I have started and some I haven't but would like to, so I figured the best way to get going on these is to post them so they are out there.

1) Learn to play guitar and master two songs, Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns-n-Roses and Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi.

I know showing my age here, but those two songs have great guitar intros and guitar solos and I have always wanted to learn how to play them.




2) Take a singing lesson to find out if it is completely hopeless.

I so am NOT the next American Idol and do not have any desire to be, but I love to sing the only problem is I do not do it very well. The only place I sing is my car, wouldn't want to hurt any one's ear. But they say with the proper training you can learn to carry a tune, and that is all I'm asking. But if I had a wish it would be sing like no other.


3) Travel the world

I want to see the 13 places I mentioned in a previous Thursday Thirteen and I want to explore places that I find off the beaten path. My dream is to take a year off and travel, to see exotic places, to find small nooks and to learn about each places culture. Oh to be able to do that would be a dream come true.

4) Volunteer with children, teens and young adults fighting cancer.

This one is near and dear to my heart and also something I have to start IMMEDIATELY. I have a friend that knows someone that runs the volunteer services at Children's Hospital she has contacted this person to see if there is anything I can do. I just want to be able to let them forget for a moment that they are fighting cancer, or be there for support. I know what it is like to battle this horrible disease and I want to be there for others.

5) Move out of my mother's place by 2008

This one is a little embarrassing to even mention. See, I have been out of my mom's house since I was 18 years old (at 19 I lived one year at my father's) and to be back at my mother's at 32 is really hard for me. It's a pride thing rather then a "I can't live with my mom". I love my mom and overall we have been doing pretty well living together considering it has been about 14 years since the last time we shared a home. Unfortunately I got my self into debt while living in FL, though I work 2 jobs and am taking care of it, it is not feasible for me to move out right now. I love my mom and she has been so understanding (I do pay her rent), I just miss having my own place.

6) Have all of my debt paid off by the time I turn 35.

As mentioned above I um well, got into some debt while living in FL. I'm not going to get into how or why, but nevertheless it SUCKS!!! I am working 2 jobs to get myself out of it and have taken the appropriate measures. So my goal is to have it all paid off by the time I turn 35, and NEVER EVER allow myself to get into that situation again. I tell you if it wasn't for friends and family to help out, not financially but just by being there and letting me know I'm not a complete LOSER is something I can never repay I don't know what I would have done without them. THANK YOU, you know who you are.

7) Live a year outside this country.

I have always dreamt about living abroad, I love other cultures and how people live. If I found a job that allowed me to live a year or two in some other country I would jump at that chance. To learn a new language, a new country, a new way of life, how exciting would that be. I think I can still do it, and who knows if I really like it there I might never come back.


8) Run or own an inn or hotel in a tropical location.

Not too long ago, my father told me about a possible business venture that he had come across, it was to run a hotel on the island of Corfu near the beach. I have always wanted to run/own a B&B or a small hotel/resort (nothing fancy) near the beach. You know the kind of place that you can rent out a room w/kitchen for days/weeks/months at a time. I know it is hard work, but that is my ultimate dream. My father and I almost had the opportunity to, but as things go it didn't work out the way we wanted. This doesn't mean I've given up on my dream I believe that someday it will happen.

9) Lose 40 more pounds.

I have lost 20lbs so far, though I am happy with that, and feel better about myself, I want to lose an additional 40lbs. I think I can do it if I try hard(er). I really hate to exercise I find it really really BORING!!! I am also self conscious at the gym (and you thought I had confidence HA HA that's all a facade). I enjoy going to Weight Watchers, the team leader Ann is great, the people at the meetings can relate, and it is something my mom and I do together. BTW my mom looks FANTASTIC, she is getting so skinny I'm very proud of her. GO MOM!!

10) Overcome my fear of public speaking.

I have this huge fear of speaking in front of people, I can be the center of attention in small groups in fun places. I can hold a conversation with many people listening to me in intimate settings, but I CANNOT get up in front of a group of people and make a speech or presentation. NOPE no way, I start to stutter (and I don't stutter), I get all nervous then I turn BRIGHT RED!! I lose my place and train of thought. It is such a sad sight. If I feel comfortable with the people I'm better but still one little thing and I turn RED. I hate this, my mom is amazing she can get up in front of a huge group of strangers and just start talking. I wish I got that from her.

11) I want to zip line, sky dive, and bungee jump.

I know you are thinking I'm crazy, but I am also an adrenaline junkie, I love roller coasters and I love going fast. I guess that is why I have a lead foot while driving. I just think all those things would be so exciting. I want to zip line through Hawaii and South America of course getting up those trees/platforms will be interesting. I want to sky dive while looking at the beautiful landscape. I want to bungee jump off of a bridge into the water. I know it will be scary but at the same time exhilarating. Just thinking about it makes my adrenaline run.

12) Learn another language

I already know how to speak Greek but I don't know how to read and write it, I would like to become completely fluent in this language. But that is not the only language I want to learn. I want to learn Spanish and either Chinese or Japanese. I love different languages and especially love accents. If I meet someone with an accent I try to guess where they are from. Some times I'm correct and other times I'm way off. But I always ask, "Where are you from?"

13) Live life to the fullest and not sweat the small stuff.

Last and most important I want to live life to the absolute fullest. I need to learn how to stop over thinking and worrying about all the small stuff. I need to remember that every day is a precious one and that I can't dwell on the past. I will end this with a quote that I've heard for many years and believe, but have no idea who said it first.

Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.



thursday thirteen

I Want More...

That's Enough!

4 disposable cameras what do they hold?

Over the weekend I was going through some of my things looking for something and while searching I came across 4 disposable cameras that I had never gotten developed. So yesterday I took them to the one hour lab and had them developed. Only one camera actually had used up all the film one had just a few pictures taken and the other two had about half, but I couldn't wait anymore.

What I found was pictures from 8 years ago taken on the cruise that Melissa, Andrianna and myself took right after I finished all my treatments. Pictures taken Nov. 1999

Then there were pictures from my 5 year remission party at a Polynesian restaurant we were celebrating that fact that I was now considered CURED!! These were taken July 2004

Then there were pictures from my apartment after the remission party. Pictures taken July 2004

There were also pictures of my friend Nancy's wedding from July 2003. Unfortunately the marriage didn't last, but she still looks beautiful and I thought I'd share.

Last but certainly not least there was a picture of Devon and I taken in Miami around Aug/Sept of 03, I have to say that I like this picture a lot of us. I know you are probably wondering who Devon is, well that's another story all together.



It was fun to see the pictures that were on those cameras. I haven't posted all of them, I'll try to get them all (including these) on my flickr page ASAP!!

I Want More...

That's Enough!

"I'm just a sweet transvestite, from transexual transalvania"

You think that title will get me some weird comments? For anyone under 30 that title probably doesn't make any sense but for most of us older then 30 we know what it means. So for those of you that do not know (I swear I'm not having a sex change or referring to anything kinky) let me explain. It is a title to a song from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It's a movie that I have seen many times when I was younger and have had some great times watching this film.

When Melissa and I were in high school the one thing our parents didn't mind us doing was going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS). It played on Friday and Saturday nights at midnight at this run down little theatre on Mill Ave in Mesa, AZ (near ASU). We would go with our friend Jennifer and anyone else that could fit into her car.

It was the one time that our parents would allow for us to stay out past midnight, I'm surprised Melissa's mom let her go considering what the RHPS is all about. But then again I don't think Melissa actually told her it was about a transvestite from out of space building a man named Rocky.

I know sounds weird but you actually didn't go to watch the movie you went to experience the movie. For those that do not know, the movie itself is rather well stupid, but when you have audience participation and actors, acting out the parts infront of the screen it is a completely different adventure.

I actually had a couple of friends that acted in it as well, (not the movie but the people acting it out up front). They actually kept trying to get me to do it and even though I'm not shy and have no problem with being wild and crazy, I have severe stage fright and also have a huge fear of speaking in front of people. So I just went and had a good time as an audience member.

They have this ritual for all newbies (or virgins as they call them). All the "virgins" have to stand up and some are called up to the front and they are initiated, our friend Vince had to marry this girl (who by the way was so not Vince's type but he played along) but when he went to sit back down his chair broke (remember I said it was an old run down theatre). Me, well I had to unzip a guys pants with my teeth only (which I did with no pause). Then there was the time that Melissa, myself and someone else were in a contest to see who faked the best orgasm, and lets just say it wasn't me or the other girl hmmm Melissa.

Now all this is happening before the movie even starts, then they do a call of the people who have seen it more then once. Everyone stands up and as they ask whose been here more then 10 times, all the people who have stay standing, then they say 20 times and then 50 and so on. I remember when I finally was able to stay standing when they said more then 20 times. It was a proud moment for me, hey I was 16 what else was I going to do every weekend. My friend Jenn she was able to stand until they said more then a 100 times. We were true Rocky fans and loved every minute of it.

I love the fact that when Brad and Janet introduce themselves you say Asshole after Brad's name and SLUT after Janet's I also love that Janet is played by Susan Sarandon, Brad is played by Barry Bostwick, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter is played by Tim Curry. All of these actors you know and love and to see them in such a cult classic is awesome.

I love that you participate, that you say things out loud that are happening in the movie. More examples are, when Brad and Janet get a flat tire and Brad is about to kick it, you say "KICK IT!" or when they are walking in the rain and they use a newspaper to protect them from the rain you also put a newspaper over your head.

The reason I bring this up is other day I was talking with Aislynn and mentioned the RHPS and her being under 30 she had no clue as to what I was talking about. So of course I had to Google RHPS and found all these great sites and clips from You Tube. I showed her the above titled song. Which you can watch below.



Of course then I had to show her the Time Warp, my favorite song in the whole movie. When this song comes on everyone in the audience gets up sings and dances right along with the movie. You know I showed her, I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only did I remember the words but I remembered the steps and sayings. Here is a clip of the Time Warp for you to enjoy.



So I got to thinking I wonder if there is any place around here that still plays it and guess what I found a location that plays it every Saturday night at midnight. So of course I have been calling everyone I know and am trying to get a group of us to go. I cannot wait, I feel 16 again. This should be an interesting night.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Can we talk about something else now

I never realized that my post from yesterday could attract so much attention. I just have a small blog that I write for myself for friends and family and for those that are not near me so they can keep up with my day to day (it's really not that exciting). I went to Blogher to meet some of my favorite bloggers, to meet new bloggers and to learn more about the blogging world.

When I wrote the post I was just trying to stick up for my friends who felt snubbed and left out, because I would never want anyone to feel like that. I wasn't trying to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad. I was writing on my emotions right at that moment it's called venting and I thought this was the right place to do it. I try not to censor myself too much but that can backfire on me. I appreciate all the comments good or bad

I'm over it now, it's all good, let's talk about something more fun shall we?

Even though it is Wednesday already and I still haven't gotten my blogroll post up yet (I'm working on it I swear), can I tell you how awesome this past weekend was.

On Friday I had dinner with Aislynn, saw my friend Jeff from Florida who was up here for his yearly check up (we both had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma), we had a nice visit even if I was really really late.

On Saturday, we had some friends over for a barbeque, it was really great to see them, Mike, Lauri, Michael Jr & Gino are the sweetest family ever, we had great food, great company and I made some killer margaritas.

Once Gosia got off of work she came over had some food and then we went into town and met up with Alyssa and went out dancing.

We started at Alyssa's restaurant, we waited for her to finish up her shift, from there we went to Sanctuary had a couple of drinks (Gosia didn't drink cuz she was driving). The music was okay there, mostly hip hop which is fine, but I was in the mood for more dance music, house and trance. So we left Sanctuary and Alyssa called her friend to find out what is good (it has been 7-8 years since I was in the Boston club scene) she told us of a place called Underground, by now it is almost midnight and Gosia has to go to work in the morning, so she opts not to come with us. We feel bad, but Gosia is okay with us still partying without her, we hop into a cab and head over to Underground. We get there and there is a LONG line and I say to Alyssa, "I don't care about paying cover, but I am NOT waiting in that line."

She asks, "what are you going to do?"

"Watch." I reply

I go up to the bouncer and sweet talk him a little bit and he lets us right in. Alyssa laughes and says, "You still got it."

We go in, and unfortunately we have to pay cover but give me a few weeks I'll get it so we don't have to pay cover either.

We get in, order a drink and head over to the dance area, this is my kind of place, older crowd, great music, international people. We had a blast we danced for the rest of the night.

I thought about Kristie cuz we were supposed to go dancing together in Chicago but we didn't get a chance to go and how I wished that she was there with us. We left the club and saw a couple of my old friends from long long ago. We caught up with them for a bit said goodbye and then headed home (via taxi of course). I didn't get home until 3:30 in the morning I felt like I was 22 years old again, until I woke up on Sunday and said, "UHHH I'm so NOT 22 anymore!"

It was a great weekend and a great time.

NOTE: Okay so I re-read my post and it's not my best work, but I wanted to get it done, promise to have better writing for you. Oh crap I just remembered tomorrow is Thursday Thirteen think quick what should I write about?

I Want More...

That's Enough!

I didn't know

I have been reading a lot of posts lately about how some bloggers felt that they were snubbed or felt left out because of how some of the more "popular" bloggers treated us. First and foremost those people can SUCK IT!!!

I did notice on Thursday nights get together upstairs at the W there were a few people that couldn't be bothered with me, but you know what I had such a great time with the people that I did meet, I said FUCK IT who are you to snub me, I'm a nice person and if you are too much of an asshole to meet new and interesting people then I have no desire to meet you either, and you can bet that if I read your blog I'm not reading it anymore.

In a weird way I'm kind of glad that I got sick and missed out on all most of that bullshit highschool crap. I was never the popular girl and I probably never will be. But you know what I met some great ladies at the conference and even though I haven't had a chance to a) say hi to everyone I met b) update my post lately c) reply to some of them I just want you all to know that I think of you daily and that I am so glad I met you.

Please do not take me not responding or leaving a comment as a snub on my part. The only excuse I have is that I've been so busy with my two jobs that every time I sit down to write I either get interrupted or fall asleep I have no idea how you mommy bloggers do it all, you'll have to tell me your secrets.

I swear I have been trying since I got back from Blogher to just get my blogroll updated and to write a post with all the business cards I got and to list all of the blogs, websites and everything and anything I got.

Let's see if today I can finally get all these drafts posted.

But my new friends from the conference you know who you are and you know that you are in my heart. You made my first experience at Blogher a memorable one and I hope that we get to see/talk to each other again. If I forgot to add you here I will add you to my blogroll post, I don't want anyone to ever feel left out.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Thursday Thirteen: The Sexiest Under the Radar Celebrities

This weeks TT is coming after a few week hiatus. I just couldn't think of any good topics, but then I started to watch a movie with an actor that is quite a hottie but also isn't in all over the place in mags, tv or the web. So my topic this week, is the 13 Sexiest Under the Radar Celebrities. Now don't get me wrong most of these you will know who they are, some you may not. I will link their bio and give a little synopsis of why I chose them. I've included both female and male celebrities, because not only are there some freaking hot men out there, there are also just as beautiful women that don't get enough recognition either.

Remember these are just some that I think should be around more because not only are they beautiful to look at but they are also people I enjoy watching. Please add your own in the comments.

1) Mark Ruffalo born November 22, 1967 in Kenosha, WI

You may know him from movies like 13 Going on 30 and Just Like Heaven. Every time I see him in a new movie I think oh he's so cute I wish he was in more. He's great playing the good guy in all those sappy chick flick movies, you know you watch them too. Though I do have to say I'd like to see him in a movie as the bad guy that would be sexy.

2) Lauren Graham Born March 16, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii

Now you all know Lauren from Gilmore Girls I have to say that was one of my favorite shows. I loved her character Lorelai, she was quirky and funny and all around good person and great mom. But I also love her in other movies like Bad Santa and Because I Said So even if I didn't like that movie too much, she was still great. I hope now that Gilmore Girls is over that she won't be one of those actors that disappears.


3) James Lesure born September 21, 1975 in Los Angeles, CA

James Lesure is in one of my favorite shows, Las Vegas, but I first saw him on another show that didn't last too long called For Your Love with Holly Robinson Peete, who played a character named Malena (which happens to be my name just spelt different). He was great on that show and I love him on Las Vegas, his character Mike is funny, handsome and smart. Can't ask for anything better then that.



4) Vanessa Marcil born October 1, 1968 in Indio, CA

I figured since we talked about James Lesure from Las Vegas lets talk about Vanessa Marcil. You may remember her from General Hospital and Beverly Hills 90210, in both those shows she played the Bitch. She has really come to her own in Las Vegas, Vanessa plays the hardball casino host Sam Marquez she is smart, sexy and has a mysterious side to her character that we are only just now getting to know. By the way, she has a son with co-star Brian Austin Green from 90210 (who also is damn sexy in his own right).


5) Jeffrey Donovan born May 11, 1968 in Amesbury, MA

I am watching this new show on USA Network called Burn Notice and I have to say it is one of my new favorites. I love the plot, the characters, and most of all sexy Jeffrey who plays Michael Westen, a spy that for reasons unknown to him or us has had a burn notice put out on him. Michael must figure out who did this and why, but in the mean time to make money he helps regular people out. Jeffrey Donovan is handsome and sexy and you might be wondering where you have seen this man before? Well he guest starred on Crossing Jordan as a special prosecutor searching through old files to make sure no mistake were made at the morgue, though he was only on for about 6 episodes I enjoyed each one and am happy to see him starring in his own new show. I hope we see more of Jeffrey and when I say more I mean shirtless.

6) Laila Ali born December 30, 1977 in Miami, FL

Laila Ali a women who not only is beautiful and sexy she can also knock you the hell out. Laila takes after her father Muhammad Ali she also is undefeated boxer but wait did you know she can dance too. If you missed this years Dancing with the Stars you missed out on Laila showing you that she truely is an elegant, sophisticated woman. She was my 2nd favorite to win, (of course Joey Fatone was my favorite come on you know how I feel about him). I was so happy to see her in all her glory, she really dazzled us and proved that she's not just a boxer who can knock you out but an amazing dancer and performer also. I'd like to see more of Laila I don't know if she will ever transition to a career in showbiz but she sure has the charisma to do so.

7) Channing Tatum born April 26, 1980 in Cullman, AL

Now here's a new hottie out there that if he plays his cards right could explode onto the scene. He made his debut on So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, from there he played smaller parts in movies and television, but exploded onto the scene in the starring role in Step Up. He played Tyler Gage a kid from the wrong side of the tracks forced to do community service at a Maryland school of arts. You can see where this is going, but that's besides the point, the man can move and what a sexy dancer/actor he is. Channing is making a name of himself and it's a good one. I hope that he has a long career in films and we see him often.

8) Holly Marie Combs born December 3, 1973 in San Diego, CA

One of my all time favorite shows was Charmed, though not on anymore I still watch the replays on TNT whenever I get a chance. Three sister witches trying to fight off demons to save innocents how can you not love that. My ex Devon used to pick on me all the time because I would be enthralled by this show. Holly Marie Combs played Piper Halliwell who though was one of the stars of this show didn't get the credit I think she deserved, everyone knows who Shannon Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan are partly because they are always in the media, good, bad or crazy. But Holly Marie she stays out of that limelight and that's a smart thing to do. I hope that even though Charmed is no longer on we see more of Holly Marie, she is beautiful, talented and a joy to watch.

9) Kevin Alejandro born April 7, 1976 in San Antonio, TX

Kevin Alejandro is fairly new to the scene, he's played a lot of bit parts and guest spots on shows but hasn't found the right show to star in yet. He was one of the main characters on this year's Drive but Fox cancelled it before it even really got going. I was a bit disappointed by that and unfortunately I don't think he'll be back on Ugly Betty as Santos, Justin's father, he was sadly killed off (or so that is what it seemed on the season finale). This is one new hot hunk of a man, those lips (yeah I have a thing for think juicy lips), those eyes, I hope that if he doesn't come back to Ugly Betty he finds a show that stays on for a long time.

10) Kerry Washington born January 31, 1977 in Bronx, NY

The first time I saw this beautiful actress was in the movie Save the Last Dance, she also had a guest spot on The View, as a co-host I got to know her a bit more on there (yes I watch The View sometimes). She is a beautiful woman and a talented actress, but she also has a great spirit to her, I'd like to see her in more starring roles instead of a minor roles or as the friend or sister. I think she will go far in this business as long as she keeps her head on straight. So far so good.


11) Jensen Ross Ackles born March 1, 1978 in Richardson, TX

With a name like Jensen Ross Ackles how can you not want to get to know more about him (I have a thing for original yet strong names). He plays Dean on the CW show Supernatural. Dean and his brother Sam are on the quest to find the truth... yeah I know but who cares he's hot and so is Sam played by Jared Padalecki who you may remember from Gilmore Girls. Jensen has been on television for awhile and I'm happy that he has finally found a starring role. Plus I hope that he'll be able to transition to the big screen as well if that's what he wants. If you get a chance and like to be scared a bit check out Supernatural I know Melissa doesn't miss an episode.

12) Amanda Bynes born April 3, 1986 in Thousand Oaks, CA

Though I wouldn't say that Amanada Bynes is one of those girls that oozes sex appeal she is a beautiful young actress that is really starting to shine. She has this great smile and great comic ability, she started out with her own variety show called The Amanda Show on Nickelodeon. After The Amanda Show she went on to star on the WBs What I Like About You with Jennie Garth from BH 90210 and now she plays Penny Pingleton in the remake of Hairspray. I think this girl will go far and she seems to get it and at only 21 years she already has made a GOOD name for herself.

13) Jeremy Sisto born October 6, 1974 in Grass Valley, CA

Now Jeremy Sisto is one of those actors you know you've seen in dozens of movies, but you can't place him. He also isn't one of those pretty boy sex symbols but there is a definite sex appeal to him. His dark rugged looks or his ability to switch and play goofy adorable characters. We all remember him as Elton the rich snobby guy from Clueless but he is so much more then that. He has played dark characters as well like in Six Feet Under as the mentally disturbed brother of Brenda and I loved him in Population 436 as the agent from the Census Bureau. Right now I have the movie Unknown at home and the main reason I got it from Netflix was because he was in it. I think Jeremy picks smart roles and really dives deep into his characters, I see him some day winning an Oscar, lets see if it happens.

Well that's it, my 13 sexiest under the radar celebrities tell me yours and let me know what you think.

NOTE: I need help with a topic for next week any suggestions?

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Blogher Pictures galore

I have finally gotten most of the pictures from Blogher from Melissa and a few from my camera as well.

I have to say that I love to take pictures and be in them too but this trip was the first in a long time that I actually didn't mind how I looked in those pictures, I think Weight Watchers is finally working. WOO HOO!!!

First I just want to say that I am so happy to have met everyone, even though I was sick I still got to meet and see so many people!!

I met my two blogging idols J from Othejoys & Y from Joyunexpected check out the cheesy smile I have, they were both so kind and did not mind that Melissa and I asked to take a picture with them.




There were so many other great ladies too and oh the cleavage...





Can you guess whose cleavage belongs to who?

Check out all the other gorgeous ladies I met.



>

I have been adding every business card that I got to my google reader and wow I can't believe how much I have to catch up. So far I have to say, everyone's blogs are amazing. I'm never going to get any work done.

I am going to write a post with every single website I was given I will also add it to my blog roll too so you can find them whenever you want.

If you want to see all the pictures from Blogher you can go here they are on Melissa's flickr site I figured it was just easier to link her then upload all of them again.

I Want More...

That's Enough!