Michael Jackson

Wouldn't This Work Too

Lately, I have seen a new workout machine called Ab Circle Pro. You go from side to side for 3 minutes a day and apparently get excellent abs.

Isn't this just a glorified rolling chair?So now, in my office, for 3 minutes a day, holding onto my desk, I am just going to swing side to side...do you think it will work? here goes nothin'! Weee...

SSHHH..

Lately, I have found a new love for silence. I encourage you all to try it out. At the end of the day just turn everything off and lie in bed and listen to silence. I usually like to do the corpse yoga pose that looks like this (minus the tight grey sweats):

Just lay like that and refuse to think about anything and listen to silence and I promise you will have the best night's sleep ever!

Book Report

A memoir about a young boy struggling to find his identity and be true to himself, America's Boy by Wade Rouse is witty, deeply touching and a very easy read. I must admit, there are a couple TMI moments in the book (mostly at the end), but usually only last a sentence or two and really not enough to make you put it down and walk away forever.

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Last Curtain Call

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with" - Michael Jackson.

From his dynamic beginning to his tragic end, Michael Jackson ("MJ") will always be one of the greatest performers of all time. While his life choices were questionable and he had descended on what most thought to believe a downward spiral of weirdness, his talent was pure, creative, and unique.

Often imitated but NEVER duplicated, MJ was an icon of icons; a performer's performer. "Have you seen my childhood?" he once asked his thick following of fans, from his first record to his last CD and every DVD in between, Michael always has hits to remember. Even those who claim to hate the man find themselves grooving to songs and trying to figure out half of the creatively put together lyrics. From "Shes out of my life" to "Dirty Diana" to "Thriller" MJ sang about life, love and liberty. His music videos still blows every video out of the water to this day with its movie-like appearance and creative genius. People would plop in front of the television with popcorn when a new video would dawn upon the world. I personally would sit extra close to the screen so I wouldn't miss a move, a step or a scene. I used to be in love with MJ...Pepsi commercial Michael I call him...before all the plastic. But it can be said he was as mild as Cetaphil soap and as loving as a baby. I really hope MJ found the peace he was always fighting and searching for.

I will miss MJ even though people have poked fun at him so often through the years. He was often misunderstood by still remains a lyrical and performing genius. My best to the Jackson family...MJ will be missed. For the record, my favorite video was "Smooth Criminal" because of the intricate dance steps. Why can't people do videos like this anymore? I can tell you why...there's just not enough true talent or imagination. MJ went beyond the songs of sex, money and cars to topics and issues that people tossed and turned about at night. "Ben" about his mouse friend, made me cry when I was little and subject to much teasing. I related to the song for some strange reason and still do. "Do You Remember the Time" has a beat worth dancing to (and everyone tries to immitate MJ's moves; each move he performed with such grace and pratically no effort) and all of his Jackson 5 songs carry a tune that will get even the worst dancer moving. We really believed him when he said "Billy Jean" was not his lover and the kid was not his son and we smiled when he told us we "Rocked His World". The music industry will move forward because even MJ said not to "Stop Until We Get Enough" but there will always be a void...his void that will never able to be filled. We love you MJ.

Book Report

I know, I'm a book reading fool! This week I ready Nearlyweds by Beth Kendrick. About three ladies who get the rare second chance of taking the "plunge" it was a great easy summer read. Pick it up if you are looking for something "light and fluffy" to read while sitting by the pool (or in the air conditioned building).

Well, Duh.

I got a note from the lawn care guy that said in big bold "IF YOU DON'T WATER YOUR GRASS, IT WILL DIE." Well not sh*t Sherlock...what the hell am I paying you for? Ugh. Now there's a "voluntary" water ban in my city which never really made sense to me. "Follow this rule if you want to but you won't be punished if you don't"...what? If it's not mandatory, don't tell me about it. It just confuses me. Are they going to send police around shaking their fingers at those who choose not to abide by the voluntary ban? Will you get a special reward for abiding by it? The City just needs to make a decision, no water or water...none of this "I guess it's okay if you really have to but we wish you wouldn't" stuff. Take a stand City, do you want me to water my grass or not?

Book Report

This book was excellent. Though the chapters were longer that I am used to,

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella was funny and actually relatable for the most part. It's about a woman who, despite her best efforts, cannot control her shopping addiction and therefore suffers from an ever mounting pile of IOUs. I was hoping to be able to see the movie (catch the trailer here) but it won't be out on DVD until the 24th (or somewhere around there). I look forward to renting it. I really hope it did the book justice.

WEEZ FREE!

Happy Juneteenth to all my Texas peeps! For those of you who don't know the significance of today, it's "Black Independence Day." In all actuality, the slaves in Galveston, Texas didn't get word that slaves were freed until this day in 1865, thus allowing slave owners to get a nice 3 extra years of service (as*holes). Anyway, to find out a celebration close to you, go here. You can also go to www.juneteenth.com or here for more background info.

Whatever Happened To...

In the 90's he returned (but not really because was he ever existent to begin with?) Mark Morrison was hot for a really hot second, then got into trouble and disappeared...banished from the US...aww

O NO U DIDN'T

Apparently between the time I was yoga-ing myself to relaxation and the time I awoke this morning, someone decided to help themselves to the contents of my car. I come outside this morning, kids in tow, to find the passenger door open to all the world. Upon closer inspection the glove compartment (no, I do not keep gloves in there) was also open and the car was full of mosquitoes. "What did they take?" I ask myself as I see the car stereo still in tow along with the DVD player, car seats, car charger and inhaler. Finally I figure it out. They took the ipod tuner (bought for $9 at Ross) and my daughter's diaper bag (filled with such goodies as: old diapers, old sunscreen, kleenex and wipes...oh yes and the first aid kit). What really pisses me off is that they sacheted themselves up MY driveway...Now I am here waiting for the police thanking God for no broken windows (apparently, someone left the door unlocked though I am not going to point the finger because blame will not really help this situation) and thanking God the majority of the car is in tact. But let me say this. Don't be fooled by this comedic, nice, lawyerly persona. Never take my kindness for weakness because I will NEVER hesitate to pop a cap in someone's as*. The rest of the day can only get better right?

Book Report

"Today on the bus a guy called me a fat b*tch." And other great lines will have you lol-ing throughout the entire book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all especially those who have been dealing with weight issues. Check out this and other books by Jen Lancaster and check out her hilarious blog at http://www.jennsylvania.com. (Just a note, if you are going to check her books out, there is usually a long waiting list but it's totally worth it).

After these messages...

During my boredom this weekend, I was channel surfing and came across the show "Help I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" and I began to wonder, why do they do these types of shows? I mean, seriously, what are the odds of a regular American getting stranded on a desert island and have to push a wheel barrow above ground through trees on a tight rope and then come down to a feast of ants? How about they make the show more attuned to American life...say they have to live a "normal" life. For example, put them in a 1700 sq foot home with a spouse and 2 small children. Require them to work blue collar or office 9 hours a day with a boss riding their as* all day and then come home and have to prepare dinner, from scratch, making sure not to feed one child dairy and the other eggs, bathe them and have then in bed by 8. Then, fit in a workout, wash and fold laundry and dishes and watch their spouse sit on the couch contributing nothing. To make it even extra special, give them $1000 worth of bills and only $500 in their bank account, and make all the bills due before pay day. Have them call the mortgage company to get a refinance and actually get it done within 2 weeks. Then, for sh*ts and grins, have them get a flat on the way to work and still make it in by 8am...ah yes, I would tune in every week for that one!

You're So Vain

You probably think this post is about you :)

Que Sera

Que sera sera (Whatever will be, will be). Can we live that motto? How much less stress would we experience if we would just mumble that to ourselves when we begin to freak. Take me for instance, I have spent the last couple of weeks (and $$) trying to "fix" an unfixable computer...I need a new computer. New Computer = $$ O doesn't have. Eh. It happens. So I have stopped all attempts to resuscitate. And my weight loss? Hey. I have lost a little over 30 pounds...I think I can have a cheese fry or two (or the whole damn thing with a nice coating of thick ranch and ketchup thank you very much...don't judge me). And this whole "living on a budget" thing totally sucks but so does being broke with nothing to show for it (check out mint.com...awesome site that will REALLY helps you see where you money is going). So thank you Doris Day for singing it so well (hear her here). Really listen to the lyrics and apply them to your worrisome self (or maybe it's just me). (and yes, i do know Wikipedia is man-made...I get it, I just don't care...) until next time my worry-free warriors!

Paging My Phone

It finally happened. I knew it would. My portable (or do you call it cordless) phone has gone MIA. I think I heard it ringing faintly somewhere. Perhaps the baby's room? Nah. She didn't wake up. Who knows. So the base sits expectantly looking sad...perhaps I will replace the actual phone with a brick...ah yes, now that's an idea!

Whatever Happened To...

Duran Duran, I personally can't think of any songs I used to rock out to but I remember them all the same. You can visit their website at http://www.duranduran.com. Not that I know why you would...

Money...Ha!

In a world of high fashion, fake flossing and prime real estate, it becomes easy to get sucked into the hamster's wheel of trying to meet (or beat) the Jones's. After years of hustling, beating myself up and worrying, I have decided I am OVER it. I look at my bank account now to make sure my house, car, and daycare notes are paid. Other than that, whatever. I will buy what I need, when I need it and splurge when I feel. What the hell with trying to catch up with someone who doesn't even know my name? The Jones's...HA how bout the Jones's come down to my level?! Let them worry about impressing me with more than material things and zeros. I look at my children, my loving husband and myself and realize that is all that matters. We make each other laugh; we have fun. It's literally priceless. When you die, you can't take any of this crap with you anyway so it doesn't matter. I give up, throw my cards in and decide to no longer worry about "financial stability" blah blah blah. Live for the moment because you will only get one...and one day it will be your last :)

Book Report

Yep. I surprised myself and finished yet another wonderful book. By Janice Kaplan & Lynn Schnurnberger, this book is about a middle aged woman going back into her past to see what could have been. Never a dull moment, I really do recommend this book even if you aren't middle aged (Lord knows I'm not)...you are guaranteed to chuckle a few times...

Happy National Doughnut Day

Though I didn't know this existed until an awesome co-worker filled me in, I would like to wish you all Happy National Doughnut Day in hopes it's not too late for you to go and indulge in your favorite doughnut(s)...no, it's not National Kolache day so just stick to the doughnuts...mm warm doughnuts.

Black Music Month

For those of you who didn't know, June is Black Music Month. To see some of black music's top contributors, visit BET's Legends. And that's pretty much all I have to say about that :) Happy June everyone! It's guaranteed to be soulful.

Book Report

Yup. Another one! I just finished The Botox Diaries by Janice Kaplan & Lynn Schnurnberger. A chic yet witty tale about ladies in their 40s going through a midlife crisis, it's guaranteed to have you chuckle at least once. Bon apetite!

Whatever Happened To...

Ah yes, the lovely Billie Holiday. Known for many of her sultry, soul-touching songs, especially Strange Fruit, a song based on a poem about lynching often misunderstood as a "sexy song about people swinging." Though the end of her life offered her up as a penniless, drug addicted happenstance, her beauty and grace still spill artistically through to her music and she (and her music) will truly be missed.

Say What?!

During our long weekend escapade of parading around childless we hit up the lovely Ross...ah. Ross. The place that resembles nothing less than a clothing massacre; the customers being the greedy crows circling around for the ambushed carcasses or cotton, polyester and silk. During my half-hearted search for clothing I couldn't help but encounter a nice family consisting of 2 small boys. Now, the boys couldn't have been more than 5 and 6 and the parents were trying to get the 6 year old to watch after his little brother whom the 6 year old declared "that is NOT my brother" (must be a blended family situation). Finally after trying to console his little "brother" the 6 year old lets out an exasperated "this is some bullsh*t." I look at mom. mom looks at me and in some fetal attempt to pretend to "discipline" the boy, she looks at him and shyly says, "don't cuss"...to that lady I say, don't try to impress me by disciplining him for something he more than likely says all the time around you and gets away with. The ease of the phrase escaping from his lips displayed a familiarity with the words that can only mean he is well versed in curse words and for that I don't judge you...I guess in the end he should be commended for being straightforward with his feelings...though embarrassing for you it was strangely liberating for him. And as for me? I choose to just walk away and let you handle that little situation you have created.