The Best Things In Life Are............

free, they say. Well, there are a few things I'm loving right now and, though, for the most part, they weren't free, I'd like to share. (NOTE: I'm in no way endorsing any of these things, nor am I being paid to write about them (unfortunately).



This stuff is amazing and a real god-send for someone who hates to iron like moi. Honestly, is there anyone who really enjpys it?



This mascara from the French cosmetics company, Bourjois, was recommended to me by a salesgirl, who couldn't have been more than 20 years old, in my local Ulta store. She was so enthusiastic and just so gosh-darn sweet that, even though it was a bit pricey for me at $17, I gave it a try. It's claim is that it will make it appear that you're wearing eye liner and give you that doe-eyed look. And it didn't disappoint. Another product that does what it says it will do. Love when that happens.
BTW, while we're talking make-up, I've been selected to be a part of a "Beauty Panel" being organized by J&J to exchange thoughts and ideas and try new products and give my opinions. But they're really serious about this. I had to agree to never give the website address to anyone, share my password or discuss anything that I become privy to with anyone. Who knew the beauty world took itself so seriously?


Her name is Patti Scialfa. For those who don't know, her married name is Springsteen. She's a member of the E Street Band, but she is one hell of a singer/songwriter herself. When her first solo CD, Rumble Doll, was released in '93, I admit, I bought it out of curiosity. After listening to it just once, I became a fan. Maybe because we're about the same age, but the images and feelings she puts into words resonate so true to me. She has since released two other CDs and there isn't a bad track on any of them.


Oh baby tell me stories
About those pretty worlds
Who will deliver us from blame
Who will walk free
Who will walk in chains
And when the sky is falling
What do we believe in
When everything we learned to trust
Turns around and makes a fool of us

But baby I still believe in all of loves glory
I gave that promise to the rain
I'm not afraid to stumble
Baby I can fall

Oh my tender dreams
I gave them such fragile wings and
I sent them up to heaven
But heaven was just too high
And I watched them falter against the sky

But baby I still believe in all of loves glory
I gave that promise to the rain
I'm not afraid to stumble
Baby I can fall

Oh i I could I'd play out my part
I'd cup my hands and
I'd collect the rain that falls inside your heart
But I can't stop the rain
I can't hold back the thunder
Oh but I can make one vow
and promise you my heart right now

'Cause baby I believe in all of loves glory
And no one's gonna talk me down
I'm not afraid to stumble
Baby I can fall
I'm not afraid to stumble
Baby I can fall
I'm not afraid to stumble
Baby I can fall

Artist: Patti Scialfa
Title: Loves Glory

My fingers are tired now. I'll try to post Part Two tomorrow.

Who Are You?

In the last 24 hours, I've had visitors to my blog from, among other places:

LAS VEGAS (where The Flamingo Hotel was named after Bugsy Siegel's girlfriend's legs and it's illegal to pawn your dentures)
SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (1/3 of the population is under 18; home to Canada's kabaddi stadium, which is some team sport where someone called a raider has to fight his way through the opposing team to try and get back to his tram, all the while holding his breath; honest)
BUENOS AIRES (twice) (known as Paris of South America; Aristotle Onassis started out washing dishes in a cafe here when he was 23)
OAK RIDGE, TENNEESEE (hometown of Megan Fox and the fastest supercomputer in the world)
LONDON, ENGLAND (okay, I know you've heard of London, but did you know that the British eat twice as many beans as Americans?)
VADODARA, GUJARAT (the 18th largest city in India and home of the oldest cricket ground in Asia)
BILBAO, PAIS VASCO (the largest city in the Basque Region of Spain; featured in a scene in the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough)
PORI, FINLAND (big college town & home of an annual jazz fest where Steely Dan has performed)
MONSELICE, VENETO (60 kms from Venice; market day is every Monday)
EUFAULA, OK (POPULATION:2639; County Seat of McIntosh County)
SPRING, TX (20 miles north of Houston; hometown of Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox pitcher; IS THAT YOU, JOSH?)
CRAVLOVA, DOLJ (Romania's 6th largest city, known for its cheap taxi fares)

Ok, you lurkers. I took the time to find out a bit about you. Now it's your turn to introduce yourselves. Leave a comment. I dare you!

Miscellany On My Mind

Driving home from work Friday night, I saw the light............. the dreaded "Check Engine" light. Question to the auto manufacturers out there:
"Can you be any MORE vague?" (must say this like Chandler Bing). I mean, the last time I looked, the engine had, like, a zillion parts. And, for some reason, I have always hated getting my car serviced. So much so that, when I was much younger and a tad more immature, I blew up the engine in my MR2 because I never had the oil checked. I even hate stopping for gas. And here in Jersey, we don't pump our own gas. We have slaves to do that. Anyway, I took a guess that I needed to get the oil changed, which I did yesterday and the light is now out.

I've read all the Twilight books, but had not seen any of the films, so I had only seen photos of Robert Pattinson and honestly, he did nothing for me. However, I watched Twilight last night and I am now officially a member of Team Edward. So, I was wrong. Bite me.

Why is it, when I get angry, the person telling me to calm down, is usually the person who pissed me off in the first place?

I wish we could somehow collect the gas my dog emits and use it, instead of natural gas, to heat our house. Actually, we could probably heat the entire neighborhood.

My new favorite thing is chocolate-covered pretzels. I received a gift basket for Christmas from a client. It included a large Pennsylvania Dutch pretzel dipped in Godiva chocolate. Sooooo good!

My husband works for the town we live in. The town is self-insured, meaning they have an outside company oversee the administration of it and the town pays the claims once approved by this outside company. My husbad has been seeing an out-of-network doctor for the last year. He has to pay $100 each visit and then submit a claim to the insurance company to be re-imbursed $80 per visit. We haven't received reimbursement for the last six months. Come to find out that all the claims have been approved and sent to the town for payment. However, the town doesn't have the money to pay all the claims they have. How do they get away with this? I'm outraged.

I learned a new word this week: Brobdingnagian,which means "of tremendous size." How have I gotten to this age and never heard this word before?

I have owned a ZUNE, Microsoft's version of the I-Pod, for 3 years and still have no idea how to download music to it. It doesn't come with an instruction manual. I've looked online, but, I'm hopeless when it comes to following instructions for all these electronic gadgets that have become part of every day living now. Anyone have a 10 year old I can borrow to help me with this?

I Love Ellen and Dennis

I don't have much time to spend on the blog right now, but just so you know I'm still around, now and then, when I don't have time. I'll probably post a video or something that I find humorous. I hope you do too.

I've been a fan of Ellen DeGeneres for years. With work every weekday, I don't get to see her show very often. But I found this video from today's show. I just love these "Candid Camera" type jokes. And I also love Dennis Quaid. He was a good sport to participate.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The place for Ellen tickets, celebrity photos, videos, games, giveaways and more.

Life Is Hot Chocolate

I heard from someone over the weekend. I wouldn't even really call her a friend. At least, not anymore. We knew each other through a mutual friend about 10 years ago, but, as often happens, we drifted. We were both divorced and we remarried the same year. The gentleman she married was (and is) very wealthy. Over time (not that long a time) I saw that wealth change what was a sweet, caring person into a selfish, thoughtless egomaniac. It was an astonishing transformation. And not a pretty one.
She honestly seemed to believe that the money made her better than everyone. She quickly forgot what it was like to have to earn an income, take care of a home, the normal daily grind that the majority of us have to face most days.

I hadn't heard from her in quite awhile and that was fine by me, as we really don't have much in common anymore. So I was surprised to hear from her and curious as to why. And I still don't know why she called.

After the initial greetings and the "OMGs! What a surprise", I continued the conversation like, I believe, most of us would, by asking "So, how are you?" And that was it. She just prattled on about her "problems," such as having to travel with her husband to the Far East (he likes her with him when he travels on business), which caused her to miss some society event that was, according to her, the "event of the year." And now, she HAS to go to their villa in FL, which she hates, because of some decorating "disaster."

Maybe, some of you reading this think I'm just jealous. Maybe, when I was much younger, yes. And, don't get me wrong, if I won the lottery tomorrow, I wouldn't give the money back. But, the entire time I was listening to her, I just thought "can she be that self-centered not to know that there are millions who would trade their problems for "hers?"

Anyway, after the call, I started thinking about something I read awhile ago. So I searched the internet and found it again. I wish I had a way to send this to her. But, then again, it would probably go right over her head.

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at
a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired.
During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.

Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a
large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups — porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking,
some expensive, some exquisite. He then told them all to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they each had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:

"Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.
While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress."

"The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate.
In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink."

"What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup
... but you consciously went for the BEST cups."

"And then you began eyeing each other's cups."

"Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups.
They are just tools to hold and contain life."

"The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate."

The happiest people don't need the best of everything.
They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
And enjoy your hot chocolate!!

~Author Unknown

Closet Queen

Even though I proved my theory a few weeks ago that cleaning house is bad for your health when I threw my back out vacuuming, I decided that, having the day off, I would tackle a chore I had been delaying for a long time - cleaning out the linen closet. This closet, actually, held very few linens. It had become a "I don't know what to do with it, so I'll put it in here" closet.

It's amazing what I learn about myself when I clean out a closet. First, I am in love with the travel sizes of EVERYTHING. Every time I go away, whether it's for a long weekend or a two week journey, I head to my local Harmon's and buy up everything they have that comes in travel-size. Shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray, styling gel, facial cleanser, lotions, polish remover, astringent, deodorant, sewing kits (which I have yet to ever use), purse-size tissue packs, purse-size toilet paper, Purel. I could have a garage sale and just sell what I have of this stuff and be able to retire.

I also have a HUGE stash of shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions, shower caps, mouthwash from every hotel I have stayed in over the last 25 years. Why do I feel the need to take this stuff home? I'm always overjoyed when housekeeping restocks the bathroom during our stay. Now I know why we've been charged overweight bag fees on the way home. For most people, their bags are heavier with treasures they've purchased for themselves and their loved ones; not me, I'm stocked up with toiletries that I will never use in 100 years (if I even had that long left).

There were things in this closet that brought back memories that I've tried so hard to forget. Bad memories. Like the Fleet enema and left-over shit (a very appropriate noun) that I had to drink for a colonoscopy. Why the hell was I saving that, you may ask. Just don't ever piss me off and you won't have to worry about it.

So, the closet is finally neat and organized. But, I'm a bit nervous. You know how you keep something around forever; then, right after you decide to throw it out, you find a need for it? I threw out that enema.

Sunday Night Giggle

Just got home from a niece & nephew's birthday party. Don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to share this. I never had seen it before. I hope it makes you laugh as much as it did me.

Looking For A Sole Mate

I know we've all heard that 50% of all marriages end up in divorce. But what about socks and their mates? Has anybody looked into this? Because, if my laundry is any example, there are a LOT of single socks out there. And it seems to affect all sock ethnic backgrounds - the knee-his, the sweatsocks, the argyles, even the cute, little anklets.

Is there a Match.com for single socks? If there is, I have a few lonely socks looking for a mate that I would like to help out.




You can just tell by the teddy bear, that this young lady has a very youthful outlook on life. She is looking for someone who loves to snuggle.



This casual guy is happiest when he's matched with a pair of comfortable, basic jeans. Those into designer labels need not apply.



There's only one baseball team for this gal. Anyone interested in hooking up must be able to withstand major mood swings, based on how well her team is doing and not be offended by foul language. And, if they're out of play-off contention by the All-Star break, you might as well forget any thoughts you may have had about enjoying a wonderful summer together. now, on the other hand, if her team is doing well, you're probably going to find yourself getting very lucky, very often. AND, if, by chance, they win the World Series, buddy, you have no idea what this girl can do.



This guy is known as a trouser sock and does best when he's in an office setting. Not to say he's all work and no play (he'll occasionally show up with a casual khaki). But, overall, you'll need to be creative to get him away from the office.



Most of time, this gal likes to be active. You'll normally find her hanging out in an athletic shoe, maybe playing tennis, working out at the gym. However, she'll slow down sometimes and just take a walk and even just hang around the house, keeping a chilly foot warm.

If you do an internet search, you'll see there are plenty of different theories as to where the socks go. Here's an exclusive video of a sock making its escape:

Common Scents

I don't wear perfume. I haven't for almost 10 years. I stopped after I was diagnosed with asthma and realized perfume aggravated it.

But, after seeing all the ads before Christmas for the zillions of perfumes available now, I want to start wearing it again.

When I was around 12, I started to get interested in perfume and make-up. At the time, one of the popular brands was Jean Nate. Now, pronounce it right; it's "zhen na-te" with the accent on "te." I had the whole works, the bubble bath, lotion, eau de toilette (always loved that ). I thought I was so sophisticated, wearing this "French" perfume. After I finished my Jean Nate bath, my brothers would complain that I had stunk up the bathroom.

From there, I progressed to real perfume and my scent of choice was Shalimar. This is truly a perfume from France, introduced in 1925 and is still around today, an oldie, but a goodie. Of course, the ads for these perfumes are quite over the top now. If my mother read how this scent is being presented today, she would never have let me wear it:

"Shalimar is a fragrance to excite and express desire. She who dares to wear it, is asserting her femininity and ultra sensuality. Hers is carnal seduction at the frontier of the forbidden. Shalimar gives her the freedom to express her feelings and desires relating to her perfume with the utmost in passion. Wearing Shalimar means surrendering control to the senses."

Who writes this stuff? Can a scent truly seduce someone? I believe a person should stick with one perfume, make it your "signature" scent, so whenever a person smells that perfume, they'll think of you. I know when my boyfriend from high school, Carmine (yes, he was from Jersey, but he wasn't a guido!) gets a whiff of Shalimar today, he cannot help but think of me.

Just before I stopped wearing perfume, I was in love with a scent that I actually bought online from Victoria Jackson. It's just known as her "Signature Scent." I had noticed the scent on a woman I was acquainted with and asked her what it was. I was very surprised to hear the answer because this woman was quite wealthy and could afford to wear whatever. I purchased it and I'm not exaggerating when I say I was stopped numerous times by total strangers, asking me what I was wearing.

Now, it seems, every celebrity has their own perfume line. Do people buy a perfume just because there's a "name" attached to it? Celebrity perfumes actually do the opposite for me. I haven't decided what scent I'm going to select, but I doubt that it will be one of these (though Miss Piggy's "Moi" sounds intriguing.

From Wikipedia:

Musicians

50 Cent: Power [1]
Ashanti: Precious Jewel[citation needed]
Avril Lavigne: Black Star
Beyoncé Knowles: True Star, True Star Gold (backed by Tommy Hilfiger), Emporio Armani Diamonds (backed by Giorgio Armani)
Britney Spears: Curious, Fantasy, Curious: In Control, Midnight Fantasy, Believe, Curious Hearts, Hidden Fantasy, Circus Fantasy [2]
Celine Dion: Celine Dion, Notes, Belong, Always Belong, Memento, Enchanting, Spring in Paris, Paris Nights, Sensational, Sensational Moment, Spring in Provence, Chic
Carlos Santana: Carlos by Carlos Santana[3]
Cher: Uninhibited by Parfums Stern, Inc. [4]
Christina Aguilera: Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera (2007), Inspire (2008), Christina Aguilera: By Night (2009).[5]
Cliff Richard: Miss You Nights, Devil Woman
Deborah Gibson: Electric Youth (mfd. by Revlon, 1989-1990)
Enrique Iglesias: True Star (backed by Tommy Hilfiger)
Gwen Stefani: L. A. M. B., L by Gwen Stefani, Harajuku Lovers (Includes 5 Different Fragrances)
Jennifer Lopez: JLo Glow, Still, Miami Glow, Love at First Glow, Live, Live Luxe, Glow After Dark, Deseo, Deseo Forever, Deseo For Men, Live Platinum, Sunkissed Glow [2]
Jessica Simpson: Fancy, Fancy Love
Julio Iglesias: Only, Only Crazy [6]
Kiss: Kiss Her, Kiss Him
Leona Lewis: Leona Lewis[7]
Luciano Pavarotti: Luciano, Luciano Pavarotti
Kylie Minogue: Darling[5], Sweet Darling, Showtime, Sexy Darling, Couture, Inverse (Men)
Mariah Carey: M by Mariah Carey, M by Mariah Carey Gold, Luscious Pink, Forever
Michael Jackson: Mystique de Michael Jackson, Legende de Michael Jackson [8], Magic Beat Unwind, Magic Beat Heartbeat, Magic Beat Wildfire, Michael Jackson Mystery [9]
Prince: Get Wild [10], 3121
Sean John: Unforgivable, Unforgivable Woman, Multi-Platinum
Shania Twain: Shania by Stetson, Shania Starlight[citation needed]
Tim McGraw: McGraw, Southern Blend
Usher: Usher For Him, Usher For Her
Victoria Beckham: Intimately Beckham for Her, Intimately Night for Her, Beckham Signature for Her
Alejandro Sanz: Siete Alejandro Sanz Men, Siete Alejandro Sanz Women

Actors/Actresses

Amitabh Bachchan: Amitabh Bachchan by Lomani Perfume for Men
Alan Cumming: Alan Cumming [2]
Antonio Banderas: Spirit, Mediterraneo, Diavolo Hypnotic, Diavolo Donna, Diavolo, Blue Seduction
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Elizabeth Arden Provocative Woman, Red Door Revealed
Charlize Theron: Dior J'Adore
Eva Green: Dior Midnight Poison
Milla Jovovich: Emporio Armani She, Emporio Armani Night for Women, Dior Hypnotic Poison
Elizabeth Taylor: Passion, White Diamonds, Forever Elizabeth, Black Pearls, Diamonds & Emeralds, Diamonds & Rubies, Sapphires & Diamonds [2]
Gloria Swanson: Estée Lauder Youth Dew
Hilary Duff: With Love... Hilary Duff, Wrapped With Love
Isabella Rosselini: Daring, Isa Bella, Manifesto, Storia
Joan Collins: Spectacular
Joan Crawford: Estée Lauder Youth Dew
Kate Winslet: Lancôme Trésor
Uma Thurman: Lancôme Miracle
Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen: N.Y. Chic, L.A. Style; One, Two; Hamptons Style South Beach Chic
Nicole Kidman: Chanel No. 5 (see No. 5 The Film)
Keira Knightley: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Raven Symone: That's So Raven
Sarah Jessica Parker: Lovely, Covet, The Lovely Collection: Dawn, Endless & Twilight
Shahrukh Khan: 'SK' by "SK" by Jeannes Arthes. SK Silver for men, and SK Gold for women.
Shilpa Shetty: S2 (pronounced S square) by Mark Earnshaw
Clive Owen: Lancôme Hypnôse
Henry Cavill: Dunhill London
Ewan McGregor: Davidoff Adventure
Monica Bellucci: Dolce & Gabbana Sicily
Reese Witherspoon: In Bloom
Scarlett Johansson: Calvin Klein Eternity Moment
Rachel Weisz: Burberry London for Women
Ioan Gruffudd: Burberry London for Men
Gwyneth Paltrow: Estée Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze, Estée Lauder Pleasures, Estée Lauder Pleasures Delights
Liv Tyler: Givenchy Very Irrésistible
Queen Latifah: Queen
Halle Berry: Halle

Athletes

David Beckham: Instinct, Intimately Beckham for Him, Instinct Intense, Intimately Beckham Night for him, Beckham Signature For Him
Derek Jeter: Driven[11]
Maria Sharapova: Maria Sharapova
Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan, Jordan, 23
Carlos Moyà: Carlos Moyà
Jeff Gordon: Halston Z-14

]Fictional Characters

Miss Piggy: Moi
Barbie: Barbie, Barbie Blue, Free Spirit, Sirena, Summer Fun, Super Model
Dora The Explorer: Dora The Explorer[citation needed]
Marvel Comics and DC Comics: X-men, Storm, Spider-man, Hulk, Superman
Strawberry Shortcake: Strawberry Shortcake[citation needed]
The Powerpuff Girls: Bubbles, Buttercup, Blossom[citation needed]
Austin Powers: Mojo [12]
Desperate Housewives: Forbidden Fruit [13]

]Misc.

Calum Best: Calum
Danielle Steel: Danielle
George Kurdahi: Lebanon's George Kurdahi, GK
Jade Goody: Shh..., Controversial
Joan Rivers: Now & Forever
Kate Moss: Kate, Velvet Hour, Kate Summertime
Katie Price: Stunning, Besotted
Kim Kardashian: Voluptuous
Kimora Lee Simmons: Baby Phat Goddess, Fabulosity
Lata Mangeshkar: 'Lata Eau De Parfum' by Gandh Sugandh
Naomi Campbell: Naomi Campbell, Mystery
Prince Nicolò Boncompagni Ludovisi: Prince Nicolò Boncompagni Ludovisi, Giove Nettuno Plutone [14]
Svetlana Stalin: Svetlana's Breath
Zeenat Aman: 'Zeenat' by a Saudi Arabian company
Paris Hilton: Paris Hilton, Just Me, Heiress/Heir, Can Can, Fairy Dust, Siren
Alex Curran: Alex
Chanelle Hayes: Mwah!
Christian Audigier: Ed Hardy [15]

Back To Reality

It's back to work for me tomorrow after being off for 11 days straight. And when you count the time off this month for the cruise, I only worked 9 whole days in Dec. So, I can just see all the crap waiting for me. I wish I liked my job. Actually, the job itself isn't that bad. It's all the stress that comes with it. And, as much as I tell myself I won't let it get to me, I don't see where I have much control over it.

These past 11 days have been totally stress-free and I've enjoyed it so much. I acquired a couple of things that I'm taking into the office:



This will be warning for all who enter my space. And, when they start getting to me, I will read this:



Will any of this help? Probably not. But it's a new year and maybe, some of those folks who drive me crazy made a resolution to try and keep the drama to a minimum. I can only hope.

Liar Liar

It's that time when we're supposed to, at least, THINK about making some positive changes in our lives. I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions, other than the typical lose 10 pounds or some such thing. But, this year, I've been doing some serious soul-searching and have identified a character flaw that I want to work on.

I'm a liar. No, I don't lie about things to other people. I lie to myself. I rationalize some things that I do and lie to myself about why I did it. I've already had an opportunity to address this issue just this week.

I was angry with the LSH about something that happened that he could have easily prevented. Now, I'm not apologizing for being pissed off at him; he admitted that it was his fault. But, I took that anger and used it to make a decision that affected other people. At the time, I told myself that I had legitimate reasons for this decision. But, I was lying to myself. I made the decision because I was mad at the LSH and wanted to punish him.

So, then the hard part came, admitting this to him. But, I swallowed my pride and confessed. And, guess what? The world didn't end. And, I felt much better.

So, that's my resolution. And I'm not lying.