On a related note...

This year, due mostly to my new roommate who likes crime dramas a whole lot more than my old roommate, Modern Family and Lost moving to Tuesdays, I have officially become a Monday-Wednesday TV watcher and I have to say, I like it. Ande, just the mention of Modern Family in your post below made me smile from ear to ear. I look forward to this show every week, and Liz and I watch each new episode at least twice on DVR. In case you need to get your laughter yoga started for the day, see below for one of my favorite clips ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIciVwFeoEM

L.O.L.

Last night I was watching Jessica Simpson’s new VHI series, “The Price of Beauty,” and I actually learned of a new concept: Laughter Yoga (Side NOTE: It sounds like I watch a lot of TV, but I really don’t, trust me.)

I for one, love a good laugh, so I was instantly interested. Here are some details: (taken from the Laughter Yoga website)

Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.

Throughout India, thousands of Laughter Yoga Clubs meet every morning in public parks. Most Laughter Club members proudly report that they have not missed a day in five years or more. They say it makes them happy, healthy and energized - effecting a transformation in their lives. The Laughter Yoga session each day, results in positive energy that makes it easy to cope with stress of daily life and saves them from depression.

In fact, the impact of laughter is so profound that many practitioners claim they no longer need anti-depressants. The sustained positive emotions keep them coming back for more.Participants of Laughter Yoga report significant general health improvements. Many have felt a reduction in the frequency of respiratory infections like common cold and flu, and some others reported overcoming depression, relief/cure from chronic medical problems. With people's committed participation, Laughter Yoga has helped many people become healthier.

To this day, I think one of my biggest laughs had to have been when I was in middle school and was having a slumber party. For some reason, we were doing “indian pow-wows” around the house (you know who you are), and I ran really hard into the wall- it was the kind of laughter where… yeah, you pee your pants. I could laugh about this right now, or should I say, I am laughing.

The worst laughter: when you are not suppose to laugh but can’t control yourself. This is one of the worst feelings- could be classified with the pain of a “Charlie horse cramp” in the leg… it’s uncontrollable. I have fallen victim to this in Church.

So, my goal for you today: laugh uncontrollably at least once…if you need assistance, watch Modern Family tonight (another TV mention, ouch!), keep a smile on your face, and see if it helps out with your ‘tude. And why not – it takes 37 muscles to frown and 22 muscles to smile…. Conserve energy for your happy hour adventures.

I have never really watched Dancing With the Stars…minus the time Kim Kardashian and Holly Madison were on it. But I can’t get enough of it this time around, and it’s even on my DVR line up. Why you ask: KATE GOSSELIN.

Why does this woman waste so much of my time? I was a devoted John and Kate fan, I have wasted countless amount of money on tabloid magazines that have her face plastered on them, and I have also read one of her books.

I want nothing more than for her to succeed on Dancing with the Stars. But she has me worried.

Last night, if you watched, she counted her 8 counts as she was dancing, she watched her partner for the next dance moved, and to be quite honest, she looked scared shitless. If I could talk to her, I would tell her, “Kate drink a bottle of wine before showtime.” Lord knows I can cut one heck of a rug after drinking.

However, I was thrilled the show’s wardrobe people put her in a better looking costume. Loved the red lipstick- she finally looked alive. I will continue to vote for her, and I truly hope her next performance she won’t look so scared.

Anyone else think Pamela Anderson looks preggars? Put a spanx on it, girl.

I hope I come up with some better blogging material- never did I think I would be this interested in D.W.T.S. I would contribute a morning post to it.

By the way…where are the 8 kids, and wear is John? Probably cruising the Caribbean with Ed Hardy again.

Oh and Breaking NEWS, you heard it here first - I believe Heidi and Spencer maybe done-zo. I miss Laguna Beach and my home girls L.C. and Lo.....

Yellow Again

Hello friends. Nice to see you again. It has been awhile, I realize. I have been sick, busy, and out of town (not in that order) and have had no time for extracurricular activities. Alas, I feel like any news I had to share after last weekend at SXSW is old news considering it was almost a full week ago. But, I do have to share this one little tidbit about my new favorite electric violinist. Yes, you heard it right, an electric violinist.

http://www.myspace.com/caitlinmoe

Caitlin Moe is awesome. I had the pleasure of seeing her at the Perez Hilton party at SXSW and I have to say that other than Snoop in his Thunder jersey, this was the best part of my evening. This girl is AMAZING. I would really like to be her friend, or better yet, just be her :)

It is finally Friday in Dallas, Texas, and I am so ready for the weekend. My plans: stay in bed as much as possible and do away with this terrible viral bronchitis that has ruined my week.

In other news, for those of you who will be making it out and about tomorrow you should try the 3rd Annual Celebrate Texas Chili Cook-Off at the Gingerman: http://www.dallasobserver.com/events/texas-chili-cook-off-at-the-ginger-man-pub--1718283/

Love you to pieces,

SES

Non-Sense Afternoon Ramblings

Today I was asked a random question over a little morning gchat session: “So, where do you see yourself in 10 years?” I was taken back by this, because I haven’t really thought about it.

When asked this question as a senior in high school (18 and a blasted idiot that thought she knew it all), my answer was this: “Living in Dallas married to my OU sweetheart (yes, I have always been a cheeseball), 3 kids and I would be a psychiatrist.” Who was I at 18? I don’t know if I knew. All those dreams at the age of 18 have been crushed…. But then again, who’s dreams were they?

When asked this question today, I didn’t have an answer. Where the heck will I be in 10 years? I have no idea.

Last week, the Today show did a segment on what the co-hosts do when they are not on TV. Anne Currey’s segment really opened my eyes and has had me thinking for the past week – what do I really want to be doing with my life and am I doing what I want to do? From what I know about Anne (well, okay, I only know her on TV, but she did step on my mother’s foot in NYC, so I feel like we do have a connection), she’s a well rounded/balanced woman. She was talking about her passion for photography and how a doctor once told her to find her passion and do it for at least an hour a day.

My passion would have to be arts and crafts. Any sort of creative task has the ability to clear my head and put me in a better mood. Does this mean I should be teaching a children’s art class? Should I be giving scrap booking lessons at Hobby Lobby? I haven’t a clue.

Let’s just say I have been puzzled for the past week. This goes against my new year’s resolution of “Living in the Now.” But I have never kept a new years resolution, so what’s new.

But ask yourself- where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I am reading Kelly Cutrone’s new book: “If you have to cry, go outside.” That woman is a hell-raiser, but it’s clear to me that she has found her passion. Now it’s time to find mine…..

Or, I think it's actually time to go get a Dove chocolate for an inspirational quote.

Somedays don't you wish there really was a "yellow brick road" to follow?

Spring Break Gossip (Because that's all I can think about this week!)

BREAKING SPRING BREAK NEWS: No, nobody’s been kidnapped, and nobody we know got knocked up, but one of our very own “Friends of the Weeks” are with Bob Stoops at this very moment. If you have to ask who Bob Stoops is, get off W.W.A.G.S.

El Fidler and Madeleine are two of the people I am mad at right now…they are Spring Breaking in Telluride. Bob Stoops followed them there! I had reports of a sighting this past Sunday, but this is confirmation. Please see proof below:

In other news, Mary M. Green will be our friend of the week this week…if she ever fills out her questions. As many of you know, she’s made her departure from Dallas, back to OKC, and we are dealing with it.

I am so excited about Bobby! I once saw him after a game in La Luna and yelled, “Bobby,” at the top of my lungs. He heard, turned around, and we waved to each other. What I would do to be his wife.

That’s all for now!

HELLO KXT

For about two months now I have been meaning to take a listen to the new KERA music station KXT. One of those things that I knew I needed to do, but kept forgetting every time I got in the car. Being the creature of habit that I am, I have a sort of daily listening schedule on my commute to and from work. The morning is usually Morning Edition, Diane Rehm (if I'm running late), the Beatles, or Radiohead. The evening is usually All Things Considered, a random mix cd from college, or whatever cd is on my play it to death rotation of the month. Well, yesterday morning I finally remembered to try KXT, so I shook things up a bit and tuned to 91.7 instead of 90.1. I have to say, it is the best thing that has happened to me all week. I heard Beach House yesterday and today. I am currently listening, and now am on my second live show from SXSW. Prior to that I heard Fleet Foxes, David Bowie, AND Flogging Molly (which I am really only excited about because it's St. Patrick's Day, but excited nonetheless).

Basically, this station is awesome. There have only been two other times in my life that I have been this excited about the radio: when I first discovered KJ103 in 5th grade and when I started listening to NPR in college.

Please listen.

On the radio: 91.7 KXT

Live on the internet: http://kxt.org/listen/

Where's MY Spring Break?

There are many things I took for granted in college, and spring break is one of them. Every year around this time, I get very moody and upset that I am not spring breaking. I often reevaluate my career choice and wonder why I didn’t pick a profession that celebrated spring break. (Teaching)

Who says people that work a normal 9 to fiver don’t need spring break? We all need a break now and then from the annoyances of our daily jobs/lives. What I would do to be on a vacation somewhere, anywhere…even if it were just sitting at home with my dog, Lucy Le.

But what I would really like to do is go back in time: Spring Break 2001. I think everyone has heard this story, but for those of you that haven’t, I have you right where I want you.

Spring Break 2001 was a trip I will never forget. Cancun, baby. After a full day of drinking, tons of beads and a yard stick, I spotted a huge camera on the beach behind Fat Tuesdays. I did what any normal person would do and went and danced in front of the camera, screaming, “Spring Break 2001!!!!”

Two weeks later, still hungover and tired from spring break, I was taking my after school siesta. (another thing I took for granted) I was watching some MTV, and what do you know, THERE I AM ON TV, right after Snoop Dogg.

The camera I danced in front of was an MTV camera. Friends, I made “The Making of MTV Spring Break” in all my glory: leopard bikini, beads, purple sunglasses and yard stick. This is something I will never forget. To this day, I still pull the VHS out and watch it. (MUST get converted to DVD.)

The sad part about it, I was awarded “most likely to talk about spring break 10 years to come” at our high school graduation. I never dreamed I would still be talking about it, but it was MTV. I can only hope they will let me show the :10 clip on repeat at our 10-year reunion.

To all those spring breakers out there: I HATE YOU.

Super Sarah?

Last night Paul had a play date with the cutest Australian Shepherd in Dallas, Riley Panda Smith. On my way out the door I was holding the little guy, my purse, and two items of clothing that needed to be returned to Strueber. I made it halfway down the first flight of steps. Then, I tripped over a combination of my pants and my flip flop and went flying down the second half. I was so scared I was going to kill my dog, yes you have to worry about that when your pet only weighs 5.8 lbs. So, I threw my arms out in front of me like superman, holding Paul by his tiny little waist, and tried my hardest to break my fall, and prevent Paul's impending doom, by bringing my knees down to the floor. Well, since we all know how coordinated I am, this didn't exactly make for a graceful save. Instead, I landed right on my shin on the corner of the fourthish step from the landing and slid down the rest. I think Paul was crying by the time I landed...actual tears. I have a really nice bruise and rug burn now. But, I don't have a dead dog. So, I think it was a success.

Happy Monday?

Well as most of you know, because you were there too, this weekend was a little too much fun. So much fun, in fact, that I had to use all of my Sunday and Monday fun on Saturday, so I won't be laughing or smiling again until tomorrow. Maybe I am exaggerating a little bit, but not a lot.

This is okay with me though. Maybe tonight I will watch Titanic or Gone with the Wind. You know, just to get some perspective and shed a few tears. In all likelihood I will probably just watch How I Met Your Mother, and laugh, but only on the inside.

But, as I sit here stone faced in Addison, and think about how much fun Saturday was, I fully agree with myself that it was worth it.

I can't wait to wear green again on Wednesday.

My Nana is Going to China

Today I woke up, got ready super fast, weird I know, and then took little Paul to doggy day care. He was a little nervous, but very excited, so I think he is going to have fun today. I've been thinking about my family a lot because my brother only has a couple months left in China, I haven't been home in forever, and I miss my Frank and Betsy.

So, on my way to work, I placed a call to my Nana. She is 77. Tomorrow she is going with my mom, my uncle, my two cousins (Katy - 11 and Macy - 8), and my aunt to China, to visit my brother. 77 people, and she is going to walk on the Great Wall of China in just a few days.

Right now I am in a huge transition period in my life...buying a condo...moving out on my own, etc. And, I can't help but think about what I am going to be doing in 50 years, when I am 77 like my Nana. I just have to say, she is an amazing woman. She has been through so much, and she is the best mother and grandmother in the world...and she votes the same way I do :) I just can't tell you all how excited I am for her to go on this trip. Nana has two favorite things in the world outside her family: traveling and wine time at 4pm. Every time she visits, she will without a doubt look at her watch and say, "Sarah, is it time for wine yet?" I will have wine with you at anytime Nana.

They are going to have the most wonderful time. I really really wish I could go with them, but I don't think I can talk my parents, or my boss, into two trips to China in one year.

If in 50 years I have the same loving family she does, am able to get out there and tour the wonders of the world, and still persuade everyone that 4pm on any given day is a great time to start drinking, I will consider myself to be a fully accomplished woman. I have such a wonderful example to follow. Here's to my Nana!

And here is the link to my mom's blog of her China trip: http://okiesinchina2010.blogspot.com

Friend of the Week - Little Liz Stutts

Confessions questions

Your favorite virtue - Compassion

Your favorite qualities in a man. - Kindness

Your favorite qualities in a woman. - acceptance

Your chief characteristic - love

What you appreciate the most in your friends - loyalty

Your main fault - impatience

Your favourite occupation. - caretaker (of animals)

Your idea of happiness - being with my friends and family (and animals)

Your idea of misery. - alone in the rain (random)

If not yourself, who would you be? - Jennifer Garner

Where would you like to live? - Alicante, Spain

Your favourite colour and flower. - yellow, gardenia

Your favorite prose authors. John Steinbeck / T.S. Elliot

Your favorite poets. - I don't really have a favorite.. I'm not a huge poerty fan

Your favorite heroes in fiction. - Peter Pan, Edward Cullen (I havent finished the books.. he may be a villian)

Your favorite heroines in fiction. - Jane Eyre

Your favorite painters and composers. Claude Monet / Rachael Portman

Your heroes in real life. - Mom and Dad

Your favorite heroines in real life. Mom

What characters in history do you most dislike. - Hilter (although he would have loved me)

Your heroines in World history - Rosa Parks

Your favorite food and drink. - pizza and beer

The military event I admire the most - Civil War

The reform I admire the most -

The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with - Singing

On my Honey Do list - Unload the dishwasher, fix the shelf, cuddle with Paul, and watch the Good Wife with my roommate (love - Sarah)

What is your present state of mind. - groggy.. not feeling great today but I'm trying to pretend I feel great... Mind over Matter

A Few Faves:

You know those days/weeks…or months that you are feeling really passionate about something? Well, I am having one of those weeks, so I thought I would share in hopes maybe YOU would find happiness in them too.

Dove Mini Chocolates: These have my name written all over them. Not only are they only 45 calories a piece and you get your chocolate fix, they also have inspirational quotes written inside the packaging.

My most recent quote: “Treat every day like a Sunday.” Of course, I loved this, having already tried to treat Mondays like a Friday, but then I started thinking….If I treated every day like a Sunday, I would have “bed sores” from my couch and would be eating anything I wanted all week. So, not the best advice, but I will take it. The cool thing is, you can have your messages personalized. Men, great way to propose…right? Girls love chocolate.

Whipped Cream in a Can: Specifically, Fat Free Reddi-Wip Whipped Cream. You would think I worked for them, because I can’t stop promoting my new found love. You would also think I took up “huffing,” but no, I just really like the taste. Put a dab of that on a Jello Pudding snack, and you are in for a treat. It tastes just like the French Silk pie at Pioneer Pies. (Yes, we still pick up pies from there on Holidays.)

Amazon: I have not met an easier website to online shop. Your credit card is stored, as well as your address, and BAM. You click buy, and you have it. I have ordered 3 books in less than a week. Now to find the time to read them….I am sure other websites are just as easy, but I really have grown fond of Amazon. Everytime I ship my package "ground," it's there within 2 days.

So there you have it- those are the things I am thinking about this week. Not to mention the St Paddys day debauchery that will be taking place this Saturday. This is one of my most favorite things to do in this city.

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang!

I sometimes get “nervy” to admit this, but I am a huge Chelsea Handler fan. Every time I watch her show, I get a good laugh, and I really can’t say that about many talk shows these days. The reason I get a little “nervy,” is that she’s pretty dirty. And in dirty, I mean vulgar. You never know what might come out of her mouth… or what might be written in her books.

The purpose of this post is to send a public service announcement. Do yourselves a favor and go pick up her new book: Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.

This book will be a vacation for your mind. Well, I don’t know this for a fact, but I am assuming it will be. This is Chelsea’s 3rd book, and I know for a fact that her first 2 books were dirty, funny and an easy read. (My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands and Are You There Vodka, It’s Me, Chelsea.) If only we were reading this for book club.

My only advice, don’t read in a public place. I read My Horizontal Life on a plane, and I was that girl laughing out loud for 2 hours.

I am happy to announce I will be seeing Chelsea on her comedy show tour in Vegas, late May.

When her last book came out, I was that girl at Barnes and Noble getting my book signed, and taking a picture with her. I tell you what, she’s TINY in person. That camera for sure adds some poundage. (I could never be on TV.) Any who…she told me she liked my shirt. I still wear that shirt.

ENJOY!

Operation Oscars: 70%

So as most of you could have guessed, I did not watch 7 movies this weekend. Instead, I watched two. All in all I saw the following best picture contenders:

1. Up

2. Up in the Air

3. Avatar

4. The Blind Side

5. The Hurt Locker

6. A Serious Man

7. Inglorious Basterds

I did not see:

1. An Education

2. Precious

3. District 9 (though I am likely going to watch this one sometime this week)

Nor did I see these two Best Actor nominated movies that I wanted to see before the big show:

1. A Single Man

2. Crazy Heart

Because I believe in extra credit, I am not going to count those two, making my final grade a 70% not a 58%. I realize it is not that much better, but it is a passing grade, and Cs get degrees.

Anyway, I have to say that of all the Oscar movies I saw, Up in the Air was by far and away my favorite. I could have told you that it would be before I ever saw it, hello Clooney, but I really ended up loving it much more than I thought I would. In fact, it might be one of my all time favorites.

But, I did think that the Hurt Locker deserved to win last night. That movie was simply amazing, and I think that everyone should take the time to see it. It is out on DVD already so it won't be that hard to make arrangements. I downloaded it on iTunes and watched it on my computer yesterday afternoon. I have to say, although I will never understand what war really feels like for the men and women fighting it, this movie gave me a whole new perspective on what I think it must be like, and I was absolutely moved by it. I am so glad I watched it.

One final note on movies from last night, I did happen to come across a little gem called In the Loop a few months back. This is hands down one of the best movies I have ever seen. It was nominated for best adapted screenplay. If you enjoy laughing, watch this movie!

Even though I didn't achieve my goal of 12 Oscar movies before last night, and even though I lost a bet in the meantime, last night was the first time ever I had gone into it seeing that many movies that had been nominated, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I think I will make this a repeat goal for next year, but I will just have to get started a little bit earlier.

Cheers!

I read an article yesterday that really struck a chord with me. Here’s a glimpse:

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Public-service ads intended to reduce binge drinking may actually lead to more of it, according to a study out of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management that's set for publication in the Journal of Marketing Research later this year.

….It has long been assumed, of course, that guilt and shame were ideal ways of warning of the dangers associated with binge drinking and other harmful behaviors, because they are helpful in spotlighting the associated personal consequences. But this study found the opposite to be true: Viewers already feeling some level of guilt or shame instinctively resist messages that rely on those emotions, and in some cases are more likely to participate in the behavior they're being warned about.

(Big thanks to AdAge.com for this information)

Could it be that ads that are intended to keep us from drinking too much or tampering with illegal drugs are actually making us do them more?

I don’t know if I should admit this on a public forum, but I have caught myself watching public service announcements on TV with people either high or at a party, and I catch myself wanting to be at a party….or I even catch myself thinking, that guy looks like he’s having a good time. (He’s stoned.)

If you want my opinion, whoever is creating the ads should take some advice from their target market. What would make me want to stop binge drinking? (If I were a binge drinker…)

Speaking of which, time to head on out, I got wine to drink.

Bottoms up.

Little Liz Stutts

Did you all know I live with an elf? She has some special abilities and some really big goals in life. Of course, this elf is Liz "Kathy" Stutts. I don't think it comes as much of a surprise to you that she is actually not human at all, and that at night she sings in elvish to our little puppy Paul, and she has the most enchanting voice. Would you like to know more about her? "Yes" you say? Good, because she is next week's friend of the week. And, to give you a little taste, Liz thinks that if she trained for four years she could compete in the following Winter Olympics events: 1) the luge; 2) the bobseld; 3) speed skating; 4) curling; and 5) (her personal favorite) ski jumping.

See you Monday Little Liz.

Working for the Weekend

I woke up this morning, stressed as usual, wondering where Paul was. He came running into my room as soon as he heard the opera blaring on my alarm clock, yes I wake up to opera, and he gave me bunches of kisses. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, took a drink of water, and finally realized, "IT's FRIDAY!!!" I have had a hellish week. This weekend could not have come sooner, and I am so glad it is here.

So in case you are bored, or need some ideas on how to spend the next two days, here is my to do list:

1. Celebrate Mary Green tonight at Hotel Belmont with my best friends.

2. Spend some time with Adrienne Jones.

3. Wake up tomorrow, figure out how I am going to watch 7 movies by 7pm on Sunday.

4. Take Paul on a walk.

5. Get my hair highlighted at Avalon Salon Snider Plaza.

6. Get my hair cut at Avalon Salon West Village.

7. Find something fun to do on Saturday night so that I don't have time to watch any 7 of those movies until Sunday morning.

8. Magically add ten extra hours to Sunday so I have time to watch all of those movies.

9. Wake up on Sunday and clean my apartment.

10. If number 8 doesn't work out...at 6:30 on Sunday call Jesse and let him know I lost our Oscars bet.

11. Watch the Oscars.

12. Do some writing.

13. Start reading You Can't Win.

Any questions?

Go play,

SES

Friend of the Week: Robert "Bobby" Scarff

From one of our favorite friends to all of our dear readers, here are Robert Scarff's Confessions Questions:

Your favorite virtue - honesty

Your favorite qualities in a man. - work ethic, loyalty, an interest in the finer things

Your favorite qualities in a woman. - kindness, big breasts

Your chief characteristic - steadiness

What you appreciate the most in your friends - lack of pretense

Your main fault - whatever it is, it is spiritual

Your favourite occupation. - being on the PGA Tour, probably

Your idea of happiness - used to think it was doing what I love for a living, now I know it is being with who I love

Your idea of misery. - Grey's Anatomy

If not yourself, who would you be? - I wouldn't want to be anybody else, but Derek Jeter if pressed.

Where would you like to live? - Lakewood, forever. Or Austin.

Your favourite colour and flower. - Any Colour You Like; tulips

Your favorite prose authors - Salinger, Hemingway

Your favorite poets. - Lennon & McCartney

Your favorite heroes in fiction. - Sam Spade?

Your favorite heroines in fiction. - Madame Bovary. Just kidding, way overrated.

Your favorite painters and composers. - Van Gogh is pretty good... Beethoven, Satie, Copland

Your heroes in real life. - those guys with the longhorns on their helmets. and my dad

Your favorite heroines in real life. - Alexis, Mamaw, Teri, Gradma Scarff

What characters in history do you most dislike. - Nazis

Your heroines in World history - The Virgin Mary, Wilson Phillips

Your favorite food and drink. - I never tire of bar b que and beer

Your favorite names. - please look at the Garland High School football team's roster

What I hate the most. - most intensely - myself; most frequently - officials of sporting events i watch

World history characters I hate the most - hate is an awful word, but Hitler

The military event I admire the most - I admire when both sides agree to stop

The reform I admire the most - don't know, but this health care thing probably isn't it

The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with - foot speed

How I wish to die - an old woman, warm in her bed

What is your present state of mind. - "tax season, damn"

For what fault have you most toleration? - ask Al

Your favorite motto. - live and let live, baby

Blank.

Blank Slate. That is me these days. I don’t have anything new going on…My life right now resembles the movie “Groundhog Day.”. I pretty much repeat the same day over and over again. Wake up, fight myself to workout, go to work, come home, catch up on some more work, go to bed. Wake up, and repeat the next day.

Am I okay with this? I guess so. Sure I would like to have better material to write about, and sure, I would like a little more excitement. But this stale period will end soon, and life will begin to look more like a twisted Lifetime movie- full of twists and turns, and I will be hoping for a “Groundhog Day” period once again. This is just kind of like a “life time-out.”

I am hoping this “Groundhog Day” period will end around 7pm Friday night during our dear friend Mary’s going away celebration. Instead of a Lifetime movie, let’s make this next phase “Boogie Nights.” I kid, I kid… sort of.

Anyways, Mary’s departure is another blog entry, for another day. Till then, I will continue to live my “Groundhog” life…. Friday, hurry up or don’t hurry up. I don’t want Mary to move.

And P.S., Elton John was fantastic. Although, I did not purchase any flair from the show. For those that know me, this is shocking. When did concert t-shirts start selling for $40?

And P.S.S. Yes, I am very excited Kate Gosselin is going to be on Dancing with the Stars. Don’t judge me. But I have to ask myself...where will her 8 kids be? I do not trust her Ed Hardy wearing "ex-hubby" to get the babysitting job done.

A Restaurant Love Affair

On a chilly Sunday in the fall of 2008, after a weekend in Oklahoma, Sarah Smith arrived at her apartment, tired, a little bit cranky, and in dire need of a glass of wine. Her roommate Alexis greeted her with a tired smile. It had been a long weekend for them both.

Always in the best mood when they were in each other's company, their spirits soon lifted with the prospect of Sunday dinner plans. Italian, they both decided. But where? Alexis remembered a unique little place on Greenville where Adrienne's mom Dotty had taken them a year ago. Terilli's! She exclaimed. Sarah was only familiar with the place as the establishment at the end of the row of a couple bars she frequented, Hurricane, where she spent her 24th birthday, Mick's, where she had her first real Irish Car Bomb on St. Patrick's day, and Greenville Bar and Grill, or GBG, as she had so lovingly learned to call it over that very summer after many many nights there with some newly-made friends. Terilli's, she thought. I might as well give it a try.

Alexis and Sarah arrived at about 7:00 pm. They took a seat on the right hand side of the restaurant right by the bar...behind the piano that had filled the dining room with music the night before. It was quiet. Their waiter only had one table other than them. Three girls sitting in the corner. Before they ordered Alexis and Sarah inquired about the Italchos, a menu item they had never heard of before. The waiter recommended they try them with steak, gorgonzola, and red onions. No, the two best friends thought, we are semi-vegetarians and aren't in the mood for cow tonight. So, they decided on an array of veggies, asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and broccoli. They sipped their wine and waited for their order, laughing at how romantic this evening was, and loving every second of it. It had been a long time since their last date. Both girls, enjoyed the Italchos coupled with a house salad each, and two glasses of red wine. Sarah had the house cab, Alexis a pinot that was at least $10.00 a glass. After dinner Alexis and Sarah retired to their apartment and reflected on their meal. Wow, they both thought. An undeniable restaurant love affair had just begun...

A year and a half later, following about thirty visits to Terilli's for late night dinners and late afternoon lunches, it is gone. Today, I am reminded of those mussels I only tried once, and how glad I am that I did, the best birthday party I ever had (thank you Mary, Ande, and Alexis), sitting at GBG talking about Fake Plastic Trees with Jesse, Nok, and Brandon while studying for the bar, Liz taking a spill outside and ripping a hole in her pants, the not one but two times I randomly ran into Robert and Alexis outside/inside the restaurant, playing trivia with Neil at GBG and logging my score as Sarah Potter or Sarah Weasley every chance I got, sipping wine with Kendra after the symphony, Jenny getting flustered while waiting for a table, taking every friend who ever came in town there at least once, finally eating there with my mom last month, those damn Italchos and chocolate martinis, clearly I could go on forever...if this is the end of my love affair, I just don't know what I will do.

My thoughts today will be focused on Terilli's insurance. Emit positivity. Hopefully they will be back in business soon, because, just as I feel when I am signing my check at my favorite restaurant, I am not ready for this love affair to be over...not even close!

Abbey Road...Again

In response to my posts about Abbey Road/Nice last week, a little birdie forwarded me this picture. Just in case any of you wanted to see a picture of me, Philip, and Britton traversing the famous crosswalk...here you go :)

Operation Oscars: Double Feature Failure

Hello everyone. Happy Monday. This weekend I had every intention of seeing two movies on Sunday - An Education and Crazy Heart. Saturday I ended up working until a little after 5, so I was unable to get anything done around the house, spend time with Paul, etc. So I decided instead of the double feature to just go see Up in the Air at 4:50. Well, we all know that the hockey game went into over time, and I felt like I should watch the end of it, which I did. Then I decided to wait and go see the movie at 7:20. I cozied up in my bed to read the Help for a bit. I fell asleep...dreamed about Clooney. Woke up at 7:35. I missed Clooney. I did not follow through on any of my theater-going intentions. So, instead, I just watched A Serious Man.

I had heard mixed reviews about this movie beforehand, and wasn't super exciting, but had to watch at least one movie this weekend so I chose that one. I can't really say I liked it, or that I even really understood it (especially not the ending), but I did laugh at times, and I definitely felt sorry for the main character. I guess you could say I appreciated it, but it is still nowhere close to Avatar in the running for choice for best picture. I can't believe I just admitted to preferring James Cameron over the Coen brothers. I promise people, this is the first and only time this will happen! Just so you know, I like O Brother Where Art Thou more than Avatar (Clooney, Homer, and the Coen Brothers - HELLO!!!)

I am hoping to watch one movie tonight, one tomorrow, one Wednesday, and the rest Saturday and Sunday. I have decided that I am no longer going to tell you all about my plans, because like Jenny always says, "[I] never do what [I] say I am going to do." Instead, I am just going to tell you what I think about each movie after I watch it. I won't lie about any of them I promise. You will know if Operation Oscars is a dud. I hope you care, and even if you don't, I hope you read it anyway :)

LOVE,

SES