The Little Tree that could

Try not to judge too hard... ok? I may or may not still have a Christmas tree up in my house. 

Ok, yep.... you caught me! I don't know how it happened, I swear. I was going to take it down the first of the year then I got busy. Then I thought, "Oh I'll take the Christmas decorations off of it and put Valentines Day ones on it." BUT I got busy and that didn't happen either. Instead I've had this Christmas tree looking back at me for months. 

In the tree's defense, it is cute and only 3ft tall. Today the tree will come down. I promise! 

Warning! Bullets

I have about a million thoughts going on in my head. The only way I know how to get them out is in bullet points:

-I'm having a giveaway on Thursday so don't miss out!

-Someone e-mailed me saying that I haven't been showing up in their google reader or dashboard and asked me what the deal was. Answer: Um...I have no idea. Refresh the page? I could go through the steps like they do when you call about your internet being down. "Have you restarted your router? No? Let's do that...wait 30 seconds." I hate that crap. It's always awkward. Do you make idle chit chat to let them know your still on the line? I usually pretend a cough or clearing of the throat to let them know I haven't hung up the line. Haha, yes I'm that lame awesome. 

-Remember all those books I posted about here. Well I've read 2 of them: San Diego and A Slice of Heaven. I'd recommend, A Slice of Heaven but when it comes to San Diego I really wanted to throat punch one of the main characters... so I'm going with, "It's a decent book but I wouldn't put it at the top of my go out and get it list."

-I've been working out (ie running) and if you know me, then you know I'd rather be one of those speed walkers, who looks like they have to poop cause they're walking so fast than be running. 

-Someone at work, said something that kind of hurt my feelings. It must have because I'm still thinking about it. At work I've tried to make it a joke but in all actuality it wasn't funny for me. I think she tried saying it in a nice and caring way because we usually get along but it made me feel not so great. Boo

-I started taking things off the walls and that makes me very excited. The countdown is on people! Now I just need to get this yard sale organized to eliminate extra boxes filled with crap that don't need to be moved.  

Waw Wa Waw

Debbie Downer is rearing her ugly head. 

The past few days it feels like all I've heard about, thought about and talked about is death, life insurance and POA. Can we say depressing? I hate talking about stuff like this. I hate to even think about it. I would much rather always have the person around than the money. What good's the money if you don't have the people/person you care about with you. 

I refuse to think about it. When I get told where policies and forms are to find, I can feel my eyes glaze over and my head nodding. Granted, I change the subject as fast as possible. I just can't even think about it. HATE it.

Theater Thursday

Welcome to another edition of Theater Thursday. This week we're taking a look at the movie Who's Harry Crumb? 

Starring, the late & great John Candy as Private Investigator Harry Crumb. 

Made in 1989 (You know how I love my 80's movies), Harry (Candy) is the last private eye in a long line of his family's successful investigator firm. However, talent has skipped his generation. 

When a young woman named Jennifer Downing from a rich family gets kidnapped the family reaches out to family friend Eliot Draisen (Jeff Jones) to find the best investigator. Along the way, Jennifer's sister Nikki wants to help Harry. Will he be able to find her or will his crazy ways cause more harm than good? 

This movie is extremely funny and if you've never seen it, you'll be sure to get a laugh out of it.

Now for the really fun part: Have a movie out on dvd that you like? Post about it then come back here and link up. Don't know how to link up? It's easy! Just post about your movie, then come back here and follow the simple Mcklinky steps. Click on "You Are Next" and the steps are easy. Still need help? Just email me!

A place to hang our hats

Finally! We have a hotel booked for our trip to California! 

We will be staying here....

The Roosevelt Hotel

The lobby of Hotel Roosevelt

I was starting to sweat a little with panic. It's only 57 days away and we had no place to sleep while being in L.A. Well...finally after looking at tons of hotels we finally decided upon the famous and star studded Hotel Roosevelt. Maybe we'll see a few celebrities in the bar while there. Apparently a lot of them hang out here. 

Now that we've got that taken care of we just have to figure out how we want to spend our days. We're thinking a studio tour either Universal or Warner Brothers. We're also planning on seeing the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Famous Chinese Theater, the Observatory and much more. Have you ever been to LA? What are some of your suggestions or must sees?

Gotta love the dancing

Dancing with the Stars was on last night. Did anyone happen to catch it? I've watched it since season 1 and love it. This season is going to be interesting for sure. I was very thankful Jake did not come out dance to, "On the Wings of Love". I would have turned the channel for sure. Gag. 

I felt extremely embarrassed for Buzz Aldrin. I met him once when I was living in Alabama while working for Nasa. He gave a speech to the employees and at the end signed books, etc. To say that he was a little weird odd, would not even cover it. He gave off the vibe of being bitter on that whole number 2 man on the moon thing. Either way, his dancing was not good. I ended up voting for Pam Anderson. I love that she doesn't care what people think of her. Go Pam!

Are you watching? Who are you voting for?

Hog Wild

That's what happened when I went into the Book Warehouse, while I was in Pigeon Forge last week. I actually made two trips to it while we were there.Haha! 

I ended up walking out of there with 17 books. Recently, I've been reading a lot and I thought this would be a great time to stock up on future reads. Before I had left for the trip, I recently fell in love with a new author that I just discovered... Sherryl Woods. If you haven't read any of her books, I highly suggest you go to the nearest bookstore. I was hoping to find some of her books at the Warehouse but sadly, I only found 3. However, 3 is better than none. They were the following:

   

Until a few months ago, I had never been into Nicholas Sparks books but the ones I've read (minus Dear John), I've loved. So when I saw this one I had to pick it up:

I'm also taking a chance on an author I've never read before, Donna Leon. Have you read any of her books? I chose this one to start with, hopefully it'll be good!

After walking the isle's of murder, mystery and novels, I found a really cute series of brides books. Nope, not the kind of books you use to plan weddings but stories of women getting married in different times, different states and under different circumstances. It looked really cute so I thought I'd give them a try. They had a few different collections but I went with:

    

   

A military novel that takes place at Christmas:

The next 2 books are historical fiction. They take place in the 1800's and follow the lives of different women. 

 

The last book I bought, is my current read book. If you're curious as to what I've finished reading, I've got my full 2010 list placed on my right sidebar. So, I don't know about you but I think I'm set for awhile on the book front. Any questions on the books... just ask!

Meat & Potatoes

First of all, if you didn't see it yesterday, I have a new blog layout! So if you've been following in google reader come on out of there and take a look around!

Wouldn't this also be a great time for all you lurkers and new followers to say hello?!? I think so! I promise I don't bite, I love getting to meet new people and read new blogs. So go ahead, leave me a comment saying hello and introducing yourself. 

Ok, now down to the real meat of  this "Meat and Potatoes" post. The crazy neighbors have struck again! If you're not familiar with my past crazy neighbor incidents they are located here. I don't know what it is with these people? Maybe it's the reemergence of the warm weather. I know the heat can make people do some crazy things. Anyways, here's the story:

On Wednesday night, I was coming home from grocery shopping, filling my gas tank up, etc. I turned my corner to where I would park my car and I see about 20 extra cars that aren't normally there. We've had parking wars before on this block and between my neighbors and myself. This time they however left me the entrance to my driveway. So I start to take a closer look, there's got to be something going on for all these people to be at their house on a week night. I mean they literally have cars parked on their lawn... then I see it.

They've uncovered their pool. Not only did they uncover their pool in March but they were having their 1 year old son's birthday party around it and in it. Um people..it's warmed up some but it's not that warm. The high here Sunday was 39. The high here yesterday was 51 and tomorrows high is in the 60's but still! I think they've fallen off the deep end (pun intended).

New Layout!

Guess who got a new blog layout?!? Me!
Leslie did such an amazing job! She dealt with my neurotic ideas and my thousand questions and never once complained. She's amazing! If you ever want or need a new layout you should definitely check her out. She's got her button on the bottom of my blog so check out her designs.
SO...what do you think of the new Crazy Shenanigans?

Theater Thursday

It's Thursday already?!? That means it's time for another round of Theater Thursday! This week we're taking a look at the 1992 hit, Big Girl's Don't Cry... They Get Even!

13 year old Laura, is fed up with her dysfunctional family. Her parents divorced when she was 8 and both remarried. Currently, Laura is forced to deal with Keith, her mothers new husband, a step sister, 2 step brothers and now a half brother. 

Her father on the other hand has divorced his second wife and his 2nd child to now be with a 19 year old who's pregnant with his twins. After being blamed for an incident she didn't cause Laura decides to run away. She escapes with Josh, her older step brother who she likes but has been banished by Keith. Once she's stowed away and arrives to Josh's cabin in the mountains he calls the family to let them know where Laura has gone. 

With the family trip to Hawaii in danger of being scratched the entire family goes to the mountains to get Laura. Laura however sees them coming and runs away yet again. Now her entire family is forced to sit around together and wait until she's found. 

This movie is really cute and funny. If you've never seen it, I highly suggest it. 

Now for the really fun part! Have a movie that's out on dvd that you love? Post about it, then come back here and link up! That way everyone will get to see your movie choice and might find something new to watch. Don't know how to link up? Here's what you do: Post about your movie. Come back here and link up using the link. Click on "You Are Next" and follow the simple instructions. Still don't know how...e-mail me and I'll be more than happy to help you!

It's a great day in the neighborhood!

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight everyone! It feels good to be back! I enjoyed my mini road trip but it's always nice to be in your own home and own bed. 

First off, I guess I should share where I went running off to. I'm actually really surprised that no one guessed it, however I went to... (drum roll please) Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg, Tennessee! 

I love that place, I can't get enough of it! The fact that I might not get back there for a long time really saddens me but... hey you never know. I had a really great time. I went with my mother this time and we always have a great time on trips together. Sometimes I wonder how women who aren't close to their mothers go through life. I love my mom and no matter what she'll always be my best friend. Here's a photo of us together, waiting for the Dixie Stampede show to begin. 

(Pardon the fact that I look like a troll)

Every time I'm down there I always try to do something different. This time we ended up going to the Star Cars Museum over in Gaitlinburg. I'd seen it from the outside several times but had never taken the time to go inside. It was really fun. I got to see lots of cars from movies that I love. I'd have to say my top 3 were the following:

The Ghost Busters wagon

The jeep from Jurassic Park

And Bumblebee from Transformers!

After touring the car museum, I divulged into some serious shopping, where I bought a new Coach purse and these lovely items:

and this dress, which I love! 

I also bought 14 books but since I feel like I've written an entire book today. I'll leave the books for another post. Hope everyone is doing fabulous!

Open Book

This is a scheduled post. I'm still road tripping!

I have something I want to talk about and I'm wondering if anyone else is the same way or complete opposite. Basically...

I wear my heart of my sleeve. Yup, that's right I admit it, I do. I can't help it. I'm the girl who will sit at home, on the couch and cry because of a commercial. I'm the girl who cries when a guy and girl end up together in a movie. I'm the girl who tears up when people talk about their family members passing. I cry during television montages. I cry when people tell me things from their heart. 

I also tend to cry when I'm expressing emotions from my own heart. For a long time, I use to be the kid who never cried. Who never told people what they meant to me or expressed how I really felt. I think the older I've become the more I've worn my heart of my sleeve. Now granted while I'm at work, I can keep that stone cold, no heart, and I don't care attitude in check. However, recently even at work I've become a little softer. 

Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with wearing my heart of my sleeve. Sometimes it's probably not the smartest thing to do but it's just who I am. 

Road Trip!

Good morning everyone! Today I'm heading to a doctors appointment and then I'm hitting the road. I figure since my days of living on the east coast are numbered I should enjoy them. So I'm traveling to one of my favorite places! 

Have a guess as to where that might be? 

See all of you guys Wednesday! 

And there might just be a giveaway on the way!

What Not to say/do on a date Part 8

That's right everyone! It's back! 

If you've missed any of the previous editions you can find them here. 

This date actually happened with someone who I had been in a relationship with for awhile. We were out to dinner and we were sitting across from each other at the table. I'm not one of those let's sit on the same side of the booth type girls when it's just the two of us. Anyways, we're sitting there waiting on our food, making general chit chat about our days and what not. The previous week I had my hair highlighted. Out of no where he says:

Him: "So are your eye brows suppose to be that dark?"

Me: "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Him: "Well you got your hair highlighted but your eye brows are still dark. That seems odd. Don't most girls dye them as well?"

Me: "Maybe, but it's not like I went platinum or have black eyebrows."

Him: "Well I think they look weird."

Me: "And this is coming from a man who has a unibrow..."

We broke up not too long after that. 

Theater Thursday

Hello all! It's Thursday so that means it's another Theater Thursday! This week we're taking a look at the movie American Dreamer. 

Made in 1984, American Dreamer follows Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) a midwest housewife that enters and wins a writing contest on the murder/mystery books of Rebecca Ryan. The grand prize she receives is an all expense paid trip to Paris for 2 and a meet and greet with the author of the Rebecca Ryan novels. 

Eager to tell her husband Kevin (James Staley) about the win & their upcoming trip she prepares a french themed meal for dinner. At dinner he informs her that he can't and won't go on the trip and that she shouldn't either. Cathy decides to go against him and leave for Paris alone. 

Once in Paris, France she's involved in a hit a run and loses her memory. When she does recover it, she believes that she herself is the fictional character Rebecca Ryan. Cathy now Rebecca goes all across Paris and eventually meets up with the author of the books Alan (Tom Conti) who thinks she's mentally unwell. 

Together they both stumble on a real muder mystery and must find their way out before becoming the deceased. If you've never seen it, it's a great 1980's movie. Check it out! 

Now here's where the fun part comes into play. Have a favorite movie that you think others would like to watch? Post about it! Then come back here and link up. Don't know how to use the link up? It's easy! All you have to do is post about your movie. Then come back here and click on the "You Are Next" tab and follow the simple instructions. Still can't figure it out? Email me! Also grab the Theater Thursday button in my sidebar! 

It's my new Favorite

Tuesday nights have now become one of my favorite nights for watching television. I know a lot of you out there are big Lost fans (so am I) but there's a show that comes on after it that I love. It's called Southland. It's over on TNT and you should totally check it out. It's great!

Have you seen it? It follows the lives of Los Angeles' finest, from street cops to detectives. I love cop shows but don't get this one confused with any that have came before it. It's different. This one is more real, it feels as if they really are showing what it's like to be an officer in LA. They say cuss words but just have them bleeped out even though it's a scripted show. I find that very refreshing.  Plus hello...who wouldn't want to look at this hunk for a good hour?

That's Ben McKenzie. He plays a rookie officer who's been paired with an experienced partner..who also happens to be addicted to prescription drugs. 

Next Tuesday if you don't have anything else to watch and wanna try a new show check out SouthLAnd. It comes on TNT at 10pm est. 

Is this thing on?

I feel completely overwhelmed. I have so much to do, it's not even funny. Today is my only full day off from work this week and it's jam packed. Yesterday, the weather was so nice outside! I was even able to wash my car. 

Maybe I'll just say, screw it to my list and go shopping at Hobby Lobby and Sephora instead...

For days, I've had this song stuck in my head. Personally, I love the Britney Spears version. But it's starting to drive me insane!  

A Burr In the Saddle

I was among many last night who watched the Oscars. Can I just say, I'm so happy that Sandra Bullock won?!? She's by far my favorite actress and the fact that she won was great!

Plus the fact that Keanu Reeves was there...icing on the cake. Love him!

Ok, let's talk about a burr in my saddle. It's the new show premiering at the end of the month, called Food Revolution. It was made by a guy named Jamie Oliver. Food Revolution is a show about getting healthy and showing people the proper way to eat when trying to get on track to living a healthy lifestyle. The show happened to be filmed in my hometown, which happens to also rank #1 on the list of unhealthiest cities in the United States. 

I have the feeling know the show is going to portray the town in a horrible light. From the previews, it's not looking pretty. I mean, yes, this town may be the fattest city in America and yes some of the residents may not have the greatest eating habits but that doesn't give anyone the right to make someone look like a fool. The people in my hometown are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. 

If you came to the town and had car trouble, someone would stop and offer to help you. If you were at a restaurant and realized you'd forgotten your wallet, someone would help you. If you got lost and needed directions, someone would help you. It's a town where people know each other. It's a town where people wave, hold open doors, smile on the street and bid each other a good day. 

I hate the fact that soon, people all across America will tune in and see only the portrayal of a man who came to town for a few weeks, captured his viewpoint and didn't bother to see the people behind the fat. So please, if you watch this show remember that it was done by a man who came here with very little interest in getting to know the real people of the town. That it was more than likely all about the money. 

I Admit It

I fell off the wagon. 

I had given up chocolate for lent. I was doing so good and then.... my girl scout cookies got delivered. I was staying strong and opened up only the shortbread box. Then I got mad about something and without even thinking, opened up the tagalongs and started chowing down. 

I feel pretty bad about it. So now I'm trying to make sure I don't eat anymore for the rest of the time. 

Has anyone else had a problem with this years lent?

Theater Thursday

It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing at Crazy Shenanigans. It's Theater Thursday! For all of the newcomers around here, every Thursday I host what's known as Theater Thursday. I feature one movie that's available on dvd. Then at the end if you'd like, you can post about a movie and then come back here and link up. This week we're taking a look at the 1990's hit, Drive Me Crazy!

Drive Me Crazy stars Melissa Joan Heart as Nicole, a popular senior in high school. Nicole being one of the most popular girls in school is trying to land a date for the prom. She wants equally popular Brad, head of the basketball team to be her escort. In an unforeseeable accident he falls in love with another girl and decides to ask her to the prom. 

Nicole develops a plan to get a date for prom and refuses to give up on Brad. To pull of her plan she needs to coax her ex-best friend and current neighbor outcast, Chase (Adrian Grenier). Chase who's also trying to woo back his ex decides to go along with the plan. Together on a mission they pretend to like each other and be each other's date for the Prom. With time running out they'll have to make everyone fall for their scam. 

In addition to the movie being really cute, it also includes some great music by none other than Miss Britney Spears. Remember this video? It was made for this movie! 

Now here's the really fun part. Have a movie that you really like that's out on dvd and think other's should hear about it? Awesome! Post about it then come back here and link up using the McKlinky link. Don't know how to use it? Well once you post about your movie, come back here. Click on the "You Are Next" link and follow the steps. Still don't know how? Just email me and I'll help you!

If I Were...

I've been seeing this on a ton of blogs so I decided to join in.

If I were a month, I would be... June. It's my birthday month and it's truly the summer.
If I were a day of the week, I would be Wednesday. As odd as it may sound, I always know I'll be off work that day.

If I were a time of day, I would be 8:00pm. That's when the good tv shows start. 
If I were a planet, I would be Pluto. It'll always be a planet to me.
If I were a sea animal, I would be a sea turtle. I'm obsessed with them. I also look for them at aquariums.
If I were a direction, I would be South. I'm all about the warm weather. 
If I were a piece of furniture, I would be a comfy couch. 
If I were a liquid, I would be sprite zero. I'm addicted to that stuff. 
If I were a gemstone, I would be an emerald. I love them. 
If I were a tree, I would be a cherry blossom tree. I've seen them bloom and they are breathtaking.  
If I were a tool, I would be a wrench. They always come in handy.
If I were a flower, I would be a peony. Peonies are my favorite flower. 
If I were a kind of weather, I would be the hot blistering sun. Can you tell I'm tired of the winter?
If I were a musical instrument, I would be a clarinet. I totally rocked that back in the day.
If I were a color, I would be green. It's one of my faves. 
If I were an emotion, I would be happy. I like being happy. 
If I were a fruit, I would be a strawberry. It's the only fruit I actually like. 
If I were a sound, I would be laughter. I love to laugh and hear people laugh.
If I were an element, I would wind. I always think of car trips and the wind in my hair. 
If I were a car, I would be a black range rover. Ohhhh how I want one.
If I were a food, I would be a french fry or chicken strip. Yum
If I were a place, I would be London. That city is amazing and I love it there.
If I were a material, I would be silk. It's so smooth.
If I were a taste, I would be like coconut. 
If I were a scent, I would be like my car freshener which is currently black cherry.
If I were an object, I would be a remote. 
If I were a body part, I would be a nose. 
If I were a facial expression, I would be a smile. Smiles are good!
If I were a song, I would be anything but "On the wings of love". I would be U2's With or Without You.
If I were a pair of shoes, I would be sperry shoes. I love them! I want a new pair for the summer!

Dear So & So: The Bachelor Edition

I don't know how many of you watch the show or tuned in for the finale last night but wow!

I had heard rumors (thanks to realitysteve) on who won. Sadly, he was correct. I was hoping the whole time he'd be wrong. Anyways, I've decided to dedicate this edition of Dear So & So to the show. Enjoy!

Dear Chris Harrison, 

I love you, I really do. I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders. I think you have balls of steel but tell me the truth. Did you vomit in your mouth a little bit on the day Jake chose Vienna? or How about last night when they started sucking face right in front of you? Do you tune her out when she speaks to you? 

Sincerely, still loving you.

Dear "On the Wings of Love" Song, 

I never, ever, EVER want to hear you again. I thought I had finally escaped you as the montage of Vienna and Jake played in the season finale. However, you got me again on the After the Rose ceremony, where you actually had the balls to bring out the original guy to sing. Gag. If I would have had a fork handy, I would have stabbed my ears. 

Sincerely, hate in the heart. 

Dear Tenley, 

No pun intended (ok maybe a little bit) but you are a 10! You showed more class last night than most people do their entire lives. If it would have been me, I would have either bitch slapped Jake or kicked him in the man parts. I don't know how you continued to smile and thank him while being sincere. You have class girl and don't worry, you'll find someone who really does appreciate you. 

Sincerely, one of your newest fans

Dear Jake,

Congrats man. You chose Vienna much the surprise of the world. I hope you enjoy the maybe 6 months you guys last. Once you get to hang out on an everyday basis and she moves in (that you mentioned) I'm sure you'll be kicking yourself for picking someone so immature. Also, I caught the "It's not you, it's me" speech you gave Tenley on the boat. That was low class dude. Way low class.

Sincerely, good luck..

Dear Vienna, 

Did you get work done on your face? Because at the ATFR ceremony you looked a little different in the face. You actually kinda looked less drag queeness. I guess now that you have Jake, you have someone who can take your weave out at night for you so that's a plus. 

Sincerely, not a fan. 

They Strike Again!

Goodbye February. Hello March! 

Thank goodness another month is finally here. We're one day closer to warm weather, sunny vacations and life changing events! 

Ok....prepare yourself, there was another crazy neighbor incident this weekend. 

As mentioned in past posts, I have some ridiculous and obnoxious neighbors. You can read about the previous incidents here. The latest incident took place over this past weekend....

On Friday, I worked all day and late into the evening, around 9:00pm. I finally get in the car to start my drive home. I'm tired, hungry and getting crankier by the minute. I turn the last corner (because my house is located on the corner of a city block) and I notice a strange car is parked where I park my car every single day. My neighbors know that I park my car there. I know all of my neighbors and in the 2 years that I've lived here, I think we've all parked in the same spots. Let me stress that for you... 2 years of parking my car, then walking the 10 feet into my house.

So I pull up to my house and I realize there's no where to park. I realize that I'm going to have to park on the street and since street parking is limited that I'm going to have to park almost a full block away from my house to avoid blocking driveways which someone has parked in mine. I get pissed off and say Screw that! Then it hits me. I realize that about 3 houses down from mine there's a rental home and that new people have moved into it. The rental home does not have a garage or a driveway. So I realize it must be either them or someone visiting them. 

I don't know if it was because I had worked all day, was tired and hungry or what? But I snapped. This is my own home! I should not have to park a block away and have to hoof it in the freezing cold and snow. I own this joint! I shouldn't be forced to do that! So I came to a conclusion that had 3 options. 1. I could either double park on them and block them into my own driveway so they would have to come knock on my door and face me. 2. Leave a note on their windshield, giving them the 411 on parking in not so many kind words or 3. Lay on my horn until someone came outside. 

What did I do?

I blocked them into my own driveway. I forced them to have to come to my door, knock and explain to me that they did indeed park in a driveway that is not theirs. AND not only is it not theirs, it's not even on their side of the street. I don't think they'll ever park in my driveway again after the speech I gave them. I was pissed! 

And what made my blood boil even more was the fact that they didn't see anything wrong with parking there. Um...hello, it's not your house, which means it's not your driveway, which means you don't get to park there!