The Good, Bad & Ugly

This week has been crazy. It's been filled with a lot of good, a little bit of bad and an ugly moment that even Jillian from the Biggest Loser would be upset about. So let's get to it shall we? 

The Good- My mom's book came out on Tuesday (check out the post I did on it) and so far there's been nothing but great things said about it and her! Tonight I'll be attending a reception for her so expect a ton of photos come Monday! 

Another good... I started reading Something Borrowed on Monday and by Tuesday afternoon had finished it. It was such a good book and I can't wait to go see the movie next Friday. If you haven't read it, get it! I loved it and next up I'll be getting Something Blue to find out what happens with Darcy. 

The Ugly- The press on the Royal Wedding. Ugh! I know, I know. It's exciting and fun but the non stop, relentless press has been on my last never for days. Thank goodness it's all over today! Maybe now we can move on to something else! 

The Bad- I had a dermatology appointment yesterday and the doctor totally made me cry. Not just a few little tears either, we're talking the ugly cry. He said some really uncalled for and unnecessary things to me. Basically because I didn't follow his method of treatment. Umm... I'm sorry that not everyone wants to be pumped up with a serious drug that has major side effects and is being recalled and sued by almost everyone!!! Plus the fact that he took a whole 2 seconds to look at me before diagnosing me and coming up with his treatment plan. 

PASS! I don't think I'll be visiting him again anytime soon. NEW person! 

However, JAX totally came to my emotional rescue and helped me not cry in my car in the parking lot. Big thanks to my good friends Kristin and Erica. They agreed with me as well and thought the doctor was a totally wackadoo. 

Now onto the weekend and good times! Have fun everyone!

Theater Thursday

Welcome to this week's edition of Theater Thursday! Today's featured movie is 10 Things I Hate About You. 

10 Things I Hate About You is the story of two sisters, KatStratford (Julia Stiles) and Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) and the men who want to date them. For the boys in school though it's torture because their father won't allow them to date. 

When the new boy Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) comes to town he is immediately struck with Bianca's (Oleynik) beauty. He devices a plan to go out on a date with her. Along with the help of his new friend in school, Michael (David Krumholtz) they decide to get bad boy Patrick Verona (Health Ledger) to date Bianca's sister Kat (Stiles). If Kat dates.... Biana can date. 

The plan begins to go down hill when Cameron realizes that Biana may have feelings for the most popular boy in school instead, Joey (Andrew Keegan) who's an underwear model. Bad boy Patrick also gets more than he bargained for with Kat and has to decide where his allies really lay. 

If you've never seen this movie, you are missing out on a classic high school movie! 

Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About CA

It's that time again! Another Top 5 Reasons to be excited about California! If you've missed any of the other reasons check them out here. Enjoy this week's reason's why it's great to live in the Golden State!

1. Proximity. Los Angeles is close to a lot of cities. There's San Diego, San Francisco, Ojai in California alone. Then you've got Seattle, Washington, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Las Vegas, Nevada all within a few hours of travel. 

2. The Santa Monica Pier. Located on the Santa Monica beach, the pier offers food, fun and fishing. They've got carnival like rides that can fill up hours with fun. The last time I was there I scored this awesome corn dog before I got on the ferris wheel. 

(And no I wasn't pregnant, my sweater was bunching)

3. Extra Casting. Need some extra cash? Sign up to be an extra. Union and non union casting extras get paid on a daily basis for their time, often making at least 100 dollars a day. I've done some extra work before and it was a lot of fun. Maybe I'll sign up and get lucky to make a few dollars standing around doing nothing. 

4. Andrew Keegan. Remember him? What ever happened to him? He was in a ton of movies in the 1990's and the early 2000's. Then he basically fell off the Hollywood bandwagon. Maybe I'll fun into him while living in Los Angeles. 

5. The beach! No matter where you live in Los Angeles, the beach is never too far away!

My Mom's Book Is Out Today!

Today is a very special day! Today is the day that my mother's book is finally published and out on the shelves to buy! 

The book is Huntington, WV On the Fly written by the late, great Harvey Pekar. The book was originally suppose to be published last year but got held up from Random House. During that time Harvey passed away and continues to be missed. 

So what does this have to do about my mother? The book is about Harvey meeting my mom! Here's a little back story.... Know the actor Paul Giamatii? He's been in some great movies like Sideways and the HBO hit John Adams. He's also acted in the movie American Splendor which was based on Harvey Pekar's life. If you've seen that movie then you know who Harvey was. 

Harvey was a well known graphic novel writer who would write about his every day life. He was from and lived in Cleveland, Ohio and was well respected in Hollywood and in the graphic novel business. In 2006 my mother had the pleasure of getting to meet and work with Harvey.

He came to town and did a cameo appearance in a movie that my mom was staring in, called The Comic Book Lady. Once they met, they remained in contact and visited with one another anytime they were in the same town. 

After the filming of Harvey's cameo in The Comic Book Lady, he returned to Cleveland and wrote what is now known as, Huntington, WV On the Fly. The book is about his journey to Huntington, WV and his time there including meeting my mother and being in the movie. So if you happen to get to a bookstore today or find yourself browsing on Amazon check it out and pick up a copy! 

Easter Weekend

It poured the rain here all Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I mean we're talking animals were beginning to line up 2 by 2. I never thought it was going to let up. I'm sure some people's Easter plans got rained out for sure. As they say though, April showers bring May flowers!

Look who the Easter bunny decided to visit...

Oh yeah, that's right! Me! I may be turning 27 this summer but the bunny still hops to my place. Sweet. I've already watched three of the movies. Love those classics! 

My family doesn't do anything big for the holiday. We only have meals and get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas so I ended up working on Easter. Which is fine by me because I'm in countdown mode for vacation. Dear end of May, please hurry up and get here! 

The other big thing I had happen this week... I got a better idea of when I'll be moving to California so now I can't stop stressing and lessen my chance for having to take high blood pressure pills in the future. 

Dear So & So: The Obsessed Edition

Dear Beef Jerky, 

I am obsessed with you. I had never tried any kind of beef jerky till about 2 weeks ago and since then I have become your #1 fan. I am especially fond of the Jack Link's Teriyaki flavor. In fact, I may have admit that I ate two bags in two days. Must get more...

Dear Dexter, 

I am obsessed with you. I had been hearing great things about you for a few television seasons. This past weekend, I purchased seasons 1 & 2 on dvd and finished season 1 in two days. You are awesome! You're a killer and I actually want you to not get caught. Can't wait to see what keeps happening! Keep those blades sharp.

Dear American Idol,

You surprised me this season. I thought with the new judges and the same ol' rules that you'd be just another snooze fest. Then something happened and you found a few great singers and performers! I'm loving every Wednesday and Thursday. I even text in my votes. Now if only the tweens would quit voting for who they think is cute instead of who can actually sing. Crossing my fingers for James.

Dear Forever 21, 

I am obsessed with searching on your website! At work, at home, in the morning, in the evening, I'm all over that site drooling at the cute dresses and fun tops. The accessories are fabulous and so inexpensive! I wish I had tons of money. I would shop till I drop. Come on down!

Theater Thursday

I got a request from my good friend Kristin who reads the blog, she asked me to feature a newer movie so I decided on.... Picture This! for Theater Thursday.

Picture This stars Ashley Tisdale as Mandy Gilbert, a high school nobody who's got a crush on the most popular boy in school, Drew (Robbie Amell). When she gets invited by Drew to his house party she thinks her dream may come true. The only bad part is... she's grounded. 

Mandy's dad is strict and being an only parent, he isn't ready for his little girl to grow up and go off to college. What started out as an argument led to a fight and caused Mandy to end up grounded. Will Mandy miss the party? With the help of her two best friends she's determined to come up with a crazy shenanigan to be able to attend the party. 

Another hurdle in her way to the party is Drew's freshly new EX girlfriend, who's determined to get back with Drew and cause Mandy misery. 

Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About CA

That's right! It's time for another Top 5 Reasons to be Excited About California! If you've missed any of the other great reasons why it's so awesome to live or even visit check out my previous reasons why it's great to live in the Golden State! 

1. Vintage Clothing Stores. I love to shop for vintage clothing and accessories. Anytime I go on a road trip or vacation I scout out vintage stores and hit them up while I'm there. You never know what you'll find and that's always half the fun. Los Angeles has tons of them and they always seem to get new stuff each week. The last time I was there I went to 3 stores in a span of 4 days. I bought so much I had to have some of it shipped back! Maybe this isn't a great thing... since my bank account will definitely be feeling the hits. 

2. Grauman's Chinese Theater. It holds over 75 years of history. Besides hosting major motion picture premieres, it also home to over 50 celebrity hand and foot prints. Visiting the theater to either take in a movie or do some sightseeing, it shouldn't be missed. 

3. The People. You never know who you'll run into. You never know who you'll see. The last time I was in Los Angeles, I came across these people just sitting beside the road up in the hills of Beverly. Just holding their signs, wanting people to stop and chat. We did stop... turns out their two struggling actors looking for their big break.

4. Bruce Willis. He will never get old. Of course, age wise he will but he's good looking, successful, rich and um... yeah.. HOT! He lives in Los Angeles and wouldn't it be great to be ordering a vanilla bean frap, turn around and see him. I sure think so...

5. Of course the Beach! If you haven't guessed... it'll always be on the list!

Top 2 Tuesday

It's been awhile since I linked up for Top 2 Tuesday but this week's topic was too good to pass up!

Top 2 Things You Collect!

1. Saint Candles. 

No, I'm not uber religious and no, I am not catholic. However, I do love Saint Candles. I don't know if it's all the bright colors and designs or what but I love adding to my growing collect. I think I about about 15 right now. 

2. Movies!

Hello?!? Remember my giant post talking about my Not So Secret Addiction of dvds ?! I have over 1,000 movies and the collection just keeps on growing and growing! What's pictured isn't even all of them!

A Weekend of Deals

On Friday, I got up early, gassed up the car and drove two hours north. What for?!? The Everything Fiesta Tent Sale.

Twice a year the Fiestaware factory store has a tent sale, where they slash the prices up to 60%. No limit on what you can buy, you only have to bring your own dolly or cart.

Armed and ready with instructions from a fellow Fiestaware lover and tent sale expert Stephanie, I hit the tent sale running. I got almost everything I wanted except a utensil jar (because they had already sold out). Let's just say I made out like a bandit. I was able to get the following:

8 Drinking Glasses

2 Oven Bakers

1 Square baking/serving dish

1 Oval baking/serving dish

1 Gravy Boat

8 Salad Plates

8 Dinner Plates

8 Lunch Plates

1 Pitcher

1 Bread Tray

1 Serving Bowl Large

1 Butter Dish

8 Pasta Bowls

8 Gusto Bowls

1 Spoon Rest

For a grand total of $189.00. Yep! You read that correctly. You can never get Fiesta stuff that cheap and that's what I've been telling people anytime I get that look of, "Why did you guy dishes when you're moving across the country?" Simple answer, it was cheap! If I wanted to buy all of that stuff while living in California, it would have cost me over quadruple what I paid for it while still being here. It's worth packing and hauling 2,500 miles. 

Once I got back from getting my Fiestaware on, I was pretty tired. Who knew a tent sale with hundreds of women and men running around with giant quantities of kitchenware could take it out of a person? However, I carried on and stopped at a new store that I was hearing great things about... Charming Charlie. 

They carry every accessory you can think of! I walked in there and it was like the mother ship calling me home. They color coordinate the store so everything is easy to find. They've got bags, necklaces, earrings, rings, hair accessories and clothing. I ended up with this great purple shirt. I use to not be a big fan of purple but it's really high on my list right now!

To cap of a great weekend, I came down with a case of the sickies. My throat feelings like it's been scratched up and down a 1,000 times with razor blades. Pardon me while I go and try to soothe it. Have a great Monday everyone! 

Theater Thursday

Welcome to another edition of the fabulous...

This week's featured Theater Thursday movie is Chain Reaction. 

Chain Reaction stars my super crush, Keanu Reeves as Eddie a scientific researcher who's helping find green alternative energy along with his sidekick assistant Lily (Rachel Weisz). On the night of their discovery, their lead scientist is murdered. Leaving Eddie and Lily holding the bag and being framed for his murder. 

Paul Shannon (Morgan Freeman) who's a leading expert in the field works alongside the FBI to help hunt down the real killers while keeping in contact with Eddie and Lily who are on the run. What Eddie and Lily don't know is who to trust and why this is happening to them. 

If you love suspense then this is the movie for you. I would compare it to Val Kilmer's The Saint. 

Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About CA

Oh that's right! It's time for the, Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About Moving to California! Did you think it was going to be a one time post? Oh no! There's more than just 5 reasons to be excited about moving to the Golden State!

1. Trader Joe's. Have you ever been there? It's amazing! They have so many great, healthy, organic products. The closest Trader Joe's is about 3 hours from my house so having one a 15 minute drive away is going to be perfect!

2. The Griffith Observatory. I love seeing the stars. The views at night and even in the day are remarkable from the Observatory. Most nights of the week, they have telescopes set up on the front lawn for star gazing. They also offer a museum for patrons to learn more about the sky above. If you'd like to know more about Griffith, check out a post I did on my travel site. 

3. Pink's Hot Dogs. It's a Los Angeles staple. It's been a stand alone, takeout place for almost 70 years. The line forms for hours just to get a taste of their famous hot dogs everyday. When I was there the line was so long, I couldn't wait. Hopefully, living there will allow me to bite into one of their wieners. 

4. The Staples Center. They offer everything from basketball games to figure skating to concerts. I'm sure they'll supply me with many nights of entertainment. 

5. Did I mention the beach?! Again... it's only a short drive away! 

(From the Santa Monica Pier)

I Deserve...

I deserve to be happy. 

I deserve to get flowers, candy and other gifts of affection. 

I deserve to be wanted. 

I deserve for someone to want my company.

I deserve to be cared about. 

I deserve a relationship. 

I deserve to be liked/loved. 

I deserve the fantasy. 

I deserve to be treated with respect and care.

I deserve to have someone who's going to always be in my corner.

I deserve the truth. 

I deserve all of it. 

I don't deserve to be treated 2nd best. 

I don't deserve to be treated like an after thought.

I don't deserve to be treated like an option.

It's going to take someone really special for me to change my relationship status to taken.

If the Possibilities were Limitless

This weekend I went and saw Bradley Cooper's newest movie, Limitless. 

Have you seen it? I thought it was amazingly good. The acting was superb and the concept was even better. My next question is when will this drug actually become a reality. I bet it could happen one day. Only time will tell. 

I wore a great outfit with my spiffy sparkle shoes. This was the first time I'd worn them.

I don't think my feet have ever been in so much pain my entire life. About 15 minutes into the evening, I thought I was going to lose a pinky toe. Next time I may think twice about this before wearing them. Oh man, the things we do to look nice. 

In other news, it's poured the rain here for 3 days in a row now. I'm tired of the rain but thankful it's not snow. I'm sooo over that. I'll be happy for the days that I live near the beach and won't have to deal with snow. Ahh... California dreaming.

The Good, Bad & Ugly

First up... The Good! We've got a winner for my Theater Thursday 100th post giveaway. Using random.org, let's give a big Congrats to... Krystal!!!!

Don't be sad if you didn't win, there will be more giveaways and very soon! 

The bad. I'm still waiting to hear my move date from work. It's really frustrating only having a time frame and not an actual date. Without a date, I can't call apartments asking to see them or book a flight out to actually look at places to live. Having a place to live is pretty important...

The Ugly. 

Did you see this last night? I was shocked. I mean she wasn't my favorite but I never thought she would have got sent home this early. Thank goodness my two favorites were safe! 

Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About CA

My giveaway ends tonight so make sure you've entered! 

Since the secret is out about moving to California, I can now share with you a little segment, I like to call.... This week's Top 5 reasons why I'm excited about moving to California!

1. I'll be living in the same state as the Governator. Whether you like his political stand points or not, I'm a major fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's what American dreams are all about. He came from Austria barely speaking english and look at him now. Plus I had a giant crush on him circa True Lies the movie. 

2. The off chance that I might run into/meet Jon Favreau. He's funny, talented and kinda cute. Have you seen him in Couples Retreat? hilarious! Who wouldn't wanna bump into him in the club?!? Sadly, I think he's married. 

3. Two words: Keanu Reeves. Hi. Yes, you're gorgeous. Can we make out? If you know anything about me, it's that I'm an avid fan of the Reeves. Since I can remember I have loved him. Like had the biggest crush on him. When I first saw Speed, I'm pretty for sure I told everyone I knew I was going to marry him. So watch out Keanu, I'm gonna be looking for you! 

4. Swingers. If you've ever been to LA or Santa Monica and not at the Swingers Diner, you are missing out. Both times I've been there, I've had breakfast foods and it's amazing! They offer great organic options and the prices are so reasonable. The food taste great and the atmosphere is perfect. If you wanna know more about Swingers, I featured them on my travel site. 

5. In 20 minutes or less you can be at the beach. Sand, water and sun. Ahhh, now that's the life!

Oh California, how I can't wait!!!!