Hello Kevin

Burn The Floor at Pantages Theatre

2011-05-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to the beautiful Pantages Theatre and saw the remarkable "Burn The Floor". What a performance. Such beautiful dancing, costumes and lighting combined with exotic music and ever so sexy male and female dancer. So wonderful and I sat in the second row so it was truly an experience.

This is one lucky girl! Oh those men!

Sleep per chance to Dream...

2011-05-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been having trouble sleeping at night. By the time I start to feel that I can sleep it is like 4am. But last night was better as I went to bed at 2am and slept until 6am. But my energy doesn't last even if I eat breakfast and by 9am I was ready to lay down again.

So I did and ended up sleeping until about 12:45pm today. I guess I needed it. I have read that sleep is very important to losing weight so I have been trying to get more sleep but it's not at a consistant time. I guess for me, restful sleep is a work in progress. After I wasted some time playing games on Facebook (terrible habit really), I find it is now 6:30pm and I am wondering what I need to get done. There's laundry, house cleaning, reading assignments, projects to do. So that is my day and evening. I've got to get it all done so I can relax and watch Lady GaGa on HBO tonight. That should be good!

Hope y'all have a great weekend and please subscribe or comment so that I know I am not writing all this for myself.

Get This Party Started - Shirley Bassey

2011-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think it might be time to reboot this monster back to life. Look for more posts coming soon to a computer near you!

Happy Birthday Jerry Herman!

2010-07-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Mr. Herman is a composer and lyricist on Broadway. He wrote the scores for Hello Dolly!, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles. His talent is legendary. Learn more here or go to the official Jerry Herman website.

In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. Enjoy! Happy Birthday Jerry and thank you for the music and the memories. You have created some of the "best of times" in my life.

'In the Heights' - 2008 Tony Awards - Best Musical

2010-07-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Such a wonderful night at the Pantages! I loved the show. Go see it if you can. I am so proud to be a theatre geek! I love musical theatre!

Lin-Manuel Miranda Tony Acceptance Speech - In The Heights

2010-07-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Lin-Manuel is brilliant and so deserving the Tony! Just think he is, like, less than 10 feet away from me on the stage right now.

As Lin-Manuel Miranda says, "Good Morning Y'all"

2010-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. Twelve hours from now, I will be in my center orchestra seat, row A, at the Pantages Theatre as the curtain goes up on this Tony Award winning musical.

When I got my ticket back in April, I had no idea that Lin-Manuel would return to the stage to reprised his role as Usnavi. This is gonna be great!

2010-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

And so it began with the drafting of our declaration of independence. This is a terrific clip from the movie, "1776".

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Happy Birthday Betty Buckley!

2010-07-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have a new roommate!

2010-07-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing Pinky! Isn't he just the most precious little boy!

He arrived from Sacramento this morning. Pinky is an exotic shorthair and was born on April 5, 2010, so he is a just a little over 12 weeks old.

I think we are going to get along great. He is already taking over the house and running and jumping at absolutely anything and everything. I bought him a ball and was given a plush toy from one the ladies at Metro that is as big as him and he has wrestled it to the ground until it squeeked and he scurried away. He seems to really enjoy running the length of the apartment and jump for no reason. Video to follow soon once the battery charges.

And boy he sure can purrrrrrrrrr!

Need I say more...

2010-06-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's Coming Soon !!

Go Leslie Go!

2010-06-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

I think having Leslie Jordan appear on the next season of Dancing With A Stars would be such a hoot. He is the self-proclaimed "gayest person I know" and I think the electricity between him and Bruno would be such fun. I wonder if there is any chance that they would partner him with Max.

Head over to Facebook and We Want Leslie Jordan on Dancing With the Stars and vote now!

Wishing you a good Monday morning...

2010-06-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

...with the help of Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor from the MGM musical, "Singin' in the Rain."

I have an exciting announcement coming this Friday and I hope that you will check back! Plus, it is the 4th of July weekend coming up and that should be lots of fun!

Have a terrific week !!!

It's a Sordid Lives Festival!

2010-06-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yellow is about to begin here at the Coast Playhouse. I so wish you could be here with me to enjoy it, but I thought you would enjoy seeing some fun videos I found featuring "Sordid Lives." I am such a big fan of Leslie Jordan.

Yellow by Del Shores

2010-06-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am heading down to the Coast Playhouse to catch the world premiere of Del Shores new play, "Yellow." He is the author of "Southern Baptist Sissies" and "Sordid Lives." So looking forward to seeing this show.

You can click on the picture below to be taken to the website or HERE for the review of the play from the LA Weekly.

Living in Hollywood is fun!

2010-06-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I attending an opening night performance of The Antaeus Company's production of "King Lear." While it was three hours long, it was a brilliant evening of classic Shakespearian tragic theatre. You can click HERE for a review of the production by the LA Times and click on the picture below to take you to the Antaeus Home Page.

After the performance, an opening night dinner party was held and during the event I was introduced to a lovely woman named Tess. After about 20 minutes, I realized that I was speaking with Academy Award nominee Tess Harper. She was so friendly and funny.

Ms Harper was nominated for a Golden Glob as best supporting actress for her performance in "Tender Mercies" in 1983.

In 1986, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in "Crimes of the Heart." It also starred Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek.

You can catch both of these great films on DVD and order them from Amazon.com!

Hope y'all continue to have a great weekend. What are you up to?

Meeting Tori Spelling and the whole gang...OF COURSE pics!

2010-06-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to Barnes & Noble at The Grove for a book signing with author and actress, Tori Spelling, who just released her newest book, "Uncharted TerriTORI".

Also attending the event was her beautiful family including her husband and actor, Dean McDermott, and her two children, Liam and Stella. The color for the event was sunshiny yellow and Tori looked stunning in a flowing yellow dress. Beautiful.

Little Stella was precious in her sunny yellow outfit while the papparazzi went crazy to get shots of the family. Dean and Liam settled into a comfy chair to review the book while Tori began greeting the fans. I was a bit concerned that B&N were not going to let us get photos with them but I knew that Tori would never let her fans be disappointed.

Tori even tweeted me! How great is that.

Mehran, Tori's BFF, was also there and it was delightful to meet him. Very handsome I might add.

Check out this link and go get the book today. It's sure to be a great summer read.

A few updates... and info on book signings!

2010-06-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by the pink video to update the look of my blog. I will be doing a little clean up here and there but I wanted to tell you about some exciting things which have been going on since I moved to West Hollywood.

Geez, is it expensive to live here in LaLaLand and the social scene is most certainly a challenge. So I find myself attending events that cost little or no money and one of the events that I have discovered I enjoy is attending book signings. True, there is the cost of the book, but can you really put a value on a really good read and getting to meet the author is certainly a bonus. I have gone to about four or five in the last couple of months and you can check out my book recommendations in the right hand column.

I just finished reading Melissa Anderson's new book, "The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House." It brought back so many memories of when I watched Little House religiously as a youngster.

Here is a great picture of Melissa and I at Book Soup for the signing. She was very friendly. I told her that I felt like we grew up together and we sorta did via the television. This was my second time meeting her. She once made a personal appearance at the Ozark Empire Fair and I think she appeared with Allison Arngrim (Nellie Olson from Little House).

She had retired from show business and moved to Canada with her husband. I hope that we see more of her in TV very soon. It was fun to meet her. Click on the box on the right and buy her book now.

It's beautiful! Think Pink!

2010-06-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

What a lovely video to share on this lovely day in West Hollywood. It's positively beautiful outside today. Summer is officially here I guess and I think it's going to be terrific.

2010-06-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

I read a great article about Leslie Jordan's terrific Broadway opening of "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" and it brought back such great memories of when I saw the show in its long-before Broadway run at the Renberg Theatre here in Los Angeles.

It is a flawless adventure of his life in Hollywood as "the gayest person I know" and his southern upbringing. I laughed out loud and was touched with memories of my own life growing up in the midwest. I think I will go re-watch the video.

Oh, and thank you to Lily Tomlin for bringing this terrific production to Broadway. She is one of the producers. It is so well deserved.

http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341c2ca253ef0134835f5bb7970c

Quote of the Day!

2010-05-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

"To look, open your eyes - to see, open your heart."

MJS

Have a great week everyone.

OMG! Can you stand it!

2010-05-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

I so can't wait for May 27th to arrive so I can see my girls again. I heard some unofficial unsettling spoilers about the plotline of the film. If you want to know more just ask me.

Enjoy and please comment.

Red Carpet Videos - TV Land Awards 2010

2010-04-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

I had the terrific opportunity to attend the red carpet arrivals and the show which was taped last weekend. It was so fun watching stars from all the classic shows and the "new" classics like Glee arrive to attend.

Then we were escorted into Soundstage 15 where the awards were held and treated to champagne, wine and appetizers from Wolfgang Puck before the show began. It was such a treat.

Don't miss the show on TV tonight. Check your local listings and WATCH!

Red Carpet Videos - TV Land Awards 2010 | Celebrity Interviews from the Red Carpet & more | TV Land

Guess what?

2010-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Friday Night funny!

2010-01-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Miss Vicki Shaw!

Spartacus: Blood and Sand Preview

2010-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

This new series on Starz looks very interesting.

How is your day going?

2010-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre

2010-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

After work, I am heading down to the Center Theatre Group and the Ahmanson Theatre to enjoy a performance of Mary Poppins. Looks really good doesn't it. I am excited.

Let it snow!

2010-01-05T07:01:00.001-08:00

For all of my friends and neighbors back home in Missouri and around the world on Facebook who are moaning about the single digit temperatures and all the snow fall.

It's is supposed to be like 72 degrees in Los Angeles today! Maybe I will drive to work with the top down!

Have fun!

The weekend is over and it's back to the office.

2010-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

But I enjoy my work! I work in Century City at Crystal Cruises as a Reservations agent. It's fun talking to the guests and the travel agents, plus our building is incredible. Take a look.

The views of the city are incredible from our break room and when the weather is nice there is a grassy area to enjoy lunch. The building is called the Century Plaza Towers.

I hope you have a week filled with sunshine during the first week of the New Year.

New Year Soul

2010-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

"The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul." G.K. Chesterson

Homage to Brad Pitt

2010-01-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

I went to Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri, with Brad. We were in choir together. The old boy has done well for himself and is the pride of my hometown. I just think he's hot.

Oh Kathy!

2010-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

She did it again. Kathy Griffin slipped in a little f-bomb during the CNN NYE broadcast. Abosolutely crazy!

Friday night funny!

2010-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this funny video of comic Ant. He is one of my favs.

Have a terrific weekend!

Welcome 2010! A Year of New Beginnings

2010-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

This video really speaks to me for some reason. Happy New Year! The battle of renewal has begun! Go Forth!

Promise NOH8

2009-12-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

It's NOH8 day. Leave your comments in support of NOh8 and marriage equality.

Doesn't everyone deserve the opportunity to love who they choose and be happy!

Book signing in Pasadena with Kathy Griffin

2009-09-30T21:23:00.001-07:00

So I went to Pasadena tonight to meet Kathy Griffin and have her sign my copy of her new book.

While it was great fun to see Kathy and her entourage (including her onscreen assistant, Tiffany), the pictures are not so good.

But, hey I got to meet my first celebrity since I moved to California. There will be many more I hope.

Dancing With The Stars

2009-09-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

So I managed to get tickets to see a taping of "Dancing With The Stars" tonight and it was really fun. While it was a results episode, there were some great guest stars.

First up was Selena Gomez, one of the stars of the Disney program, "The Wizards of Waverly Place." I personally have never seen the program, but she was an entertaining pop singer.

Then the USC Marching Band made an appearance.

Jos Stone sang two songs with some of the pros dancing including some of my favorites - Louis Van Amstel, Dmitry Chaplin, and Cheryl Burke. Boy can those pros move their bodies to the music. I wish I had studied ballroom dancing.

Max (my ultimate favorite pro) was in the bottom two tonight with his contestant partner, Debi. Fortunately, they were spared and Kathy Ireland was eliminated which means that we will see less of Tony Dovolani. Oh well, Tony or Max. I choose Max! Such a yummy, fun evening!

What is a moment?

2009-09-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I am getting settled into my new existance in Los Angeles / Long Beach and once I get fully unpacked I will start writing more regularly. Until then, watch these videos and think about them...

Are you ready to accept the moments in our lives? Each one is precious to someone! Leave your thoughts in comments and thanks for sharing a moment.

Welcome to Los Angeles!

2009-09-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am here finally. Staying at my brother's house for tonight and then we head down to Long Beach to meet my new roommate and move into the condo. I am very excited.

I hope that all my friends will come to visit if they have time. I love to play tour guide. The photo above is my brother's house. He lives with his partner on one side and they operate the other side as a guest house. It's very convenient and you can read more about it here at their website, Sanborn Guest House.

Vegas to Los Angeles

2009-09-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm on the final leg of my drive to Los Angeles this morning. It's been a good drive and it was great to have time to stop and see my friends in Vegas and drive by my old stomping grounds. I even went by to see my old house.

To keep myself entertained I have been pumping out the tunes on my iPod and have listened to every cast recording I have and even sung them at the top of my lungs. Enroute to LA, I am listening to Kathy Griffin's new book, "Official Book Club Selection". I love Kathy and Team Griffin. Bravo on the new book! Go and buy it on the link to the right! DO IT NOW!

When your finished reading it, I would love to hear your thoughts!!!!

My fun in Las Vegas is done...

2009-09-10T00:45:00.001-07:00

Enjoyed a quick bite at the In and Out Burger. What a treat! I really missed them in the midwest.

Then I hung out with some great friends at Charlie's Las Vegas. It was so great to see old friends who are steadfast and true. Shout outs and thank you to Laura, Wayne, Kelly, Guy, Windsor, David and my new friend, Joel, for coming out and saying hi.

Special thanks to Wayne for being such a great and true friend. Thank you for understanding! You're a superstar!!!

I wrapped up the evening at The Palms playing a few of the penny slots. Did I win? Well, lets' just say that I can't wait to get settled into my new job.

Until next time, everyone, good night!

Yesterday...

2009-09-09T12:19:00.001-07:00

So my day began beautifully. It was sunny as I headed from Amarillo and, even though I was still really tired, I was enjoying my drive under the beautiful blue skies as I entered into New Mexico and the terrain changed from flat to hilly and lots of big red boulders. It was lovely.

Then the sky turned grey and dark and it let loose. Well, I hate driving in the rain. Not because I am worried about my driving but the driving of others. Some people just go stupid when it rains and they don't know what to do.

Fortunately, the downpour stopped and it was off and on over the afternoon. You could see the rain on the road ahead. There was a stretch of rain and then sun. It was kinda weird as the rain seemed to just bounce off some parts of the road.

Anyway, since I was making good time, I decided to continue my drive.

I was not aware that from Arizona apparently the road is ripped to pieces for construction and this slowed me down substantially. As it began to get dark, I was starting to re-think my idea to drive further but it was too late. I was in the dark out in the middle of nowhere.

And the curves. OMG! It made the curves of Branson a piece of cake. So I was stressing with the curvy roads and darkness not to mention that my GPS decided that I should take an even curvier path via the Hoover Dam. At least there was light.

It was actually quite beautiful. I only saw glances as I was afraid to take my eyes off the road for fear of driving off a cliff.

But I made it finally. That right folks, I arrived at fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada at about 11pm last night. I was very tired but felt really accomplished with how far I had driven.

I will be in Vegas until Thursday. I have a few friends here from when I lived in Vegas from 2000 to 2005 and we are meeting at Charlie's for drinks tonight. Then I will head into the final stretch on to Los Angeles and my brother's house in Silverlake.

How was your day?

As it began at 9:09am

2009-09-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. Firstly, I have to say a big thank you for all the well wishes on my move to the West Coast. It is an exciting and yet scary time, but also very exciting.

I did not get out of Springfield until after 9:00am and the above picture is the view from my eyes at the gas station where I filled up the tank. Today's drive was uneventful. My GPS charge failed after about two hours on the road, but fortunately I had printed a hard copy from Google Maps as a backup. I stopped at that over the road arch restaurant in Oklahoma for a quick bite. When I was little it was a Howard Johnson's restaurant and I remember they had vending machines with toys, games and magic tricks that I usually spent all my money on. Does anyone else remember that? It's now a McDonald's.

After about 540 miles, I am now in a Motel 6 ($42.08 with tax) in Amarillo, Texas and about to eat Domino's and go to bed. On the road again early tomorrow!

Finally Finished Packing!

2009-09-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Thank heavens! I have finally finished packing and sorting everything. It's a little after 2:00am and I am zonked. Gotta get a bit of rest before I start on the journey at 8am. But, I have a slight problem...

How do I tell this little fella that he can't go with me right now? I'm tearing up just thinking about it. This is the worst part.

Dear Beethoven, I promise that I will return to get you as soon as I can. I will miss my little buddy poop-head pumpkin!!!!!

It's alive again.....

2009-09-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone! I have decided to resurrect my blog in light of the the fact that I am moving to Los Angeles on Monday. I promise to report on all the sunshine and wacky crackers that I can locate in Hollywood.

I will be living in Long Beach actually, but plan to throw myself into the hollywood subculture and scene and see what comes out to greet me.

SO, my adventure begins sharp at 8am on Monday morning. According to Google Maps, the drive is 1,619 miles and it will take 23.4 hours of driving time. I will keep you updated on the road with pictures and maybe a video or two. I may stop in Vegas on the way but will be to my brother's house by Thursday morning latest. Wish me luck!!!!

2009-03-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

I got this email the other day and it just made me giggle. Thank heavens for church ladies with typewriters. Their misspellings, bad sentence construction or choice of words all make for fun reading. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

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The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

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The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

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Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

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The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

---- --- --- --------------------------------

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

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This evening at 7 PM there will be hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours!

Quote

2009-03-12T08:32:00.001-07:00

Not moments after my last post, I stumbled upon this quote...

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

I must be blind.

Going through the motions...

2009-03-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that you are just going through the motions in your life and not really participating in it? I guess that is sort of what I am feeling right now.

I was all prepared to get up this morning and go to a Weightwatchers meeting. Felt good about everything that I have done over the past week and yet when I weighed myself here before leaving the results shocked me.

280.6 as of 03/12/2009

So I somehow managed to gain a pound. I'm disgusted with everything. I know it is just a pound but my results are crap based on how hard I have been working the food plan. Also my energy level has been virtually nil so I've delayed my fitness plan. And so many other things are just not in line with what I was hoping for - this blog, my work, my living arrangements, my finances, going back to school but can't qualify for any loans. Shit. I am so over this.

What am I gonna do?

That about sums it up...

2009-03-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

So I decided to take one of those Facebook personality quizzes and this was the result.

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not one to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Become my friend at Facebook. Click here!

Dreary day!

2009-03-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I just hate Monday or just this day in general. I am feeling less than energetic and kinda like I could curl up in one of the towers below and just evaporate.

Plan is going well.

Too Busy To Exercise? - Days 4, 5 and 6

2009-03-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not blogging in the last few days, but it's been a whirlwind of activity here. I share a house with my elderly parents who need a little extra attention. My mother recently got out of the hospital and we are learning some of the necessary changes to keep her healthy. Like how to give an insulin shot. Boy that was fun! Also, my work and various projects have kept me busy and unfortunately not very tuned in to anything around me.

However, in saying that, I have remained steadfast on my new plan and did well with my food choices for the most part.

On Thursday, which was Day 4, my point total for the day was 44.5. Now this is 4.5 WW points over my daily allowance; however I have not yet used any of my 35 weekly bonus points, so we pulled some from that. I am feeling pretty good about the diet and eating lots of veggies and fruit, staying away from carbs as much as possible and eating lean meats.

On Friday, I can't say that I did well on my diet however. I had lunch with some wonderful friends at my favorite Japanese Steakhouse called Hinode's. I ate a large plate of rice, noodles and hibachi chicken so there were carbs in there. Later when I got finished with work, it was so nice out, we decided to take a drive in the convertible. So where did we go? Sonic! Not a healthy option at all, but I tried to be good. I had a small chili cheese burrito from the value menu and a small diet Coke. Then we topped it off with a visit to Andy's Frozen Custard where I got a small chocolate cone. So this day was really a miss diet-wise and I did not even bother to count points.

I noticed now that whenever I drink any amount of water, I immediately feel a need to go to the bathroom. It seems to flow right through me and I am hoping that is the a sign that the detox is working. I feel like it is.

On Saturday, I got up early and decided to make a fruit salad with strawberries, blackberries and grapes. It looks delicious doesn't it.

So I munched on this salad mostly throughout the day, ate some string cheese, tuna, and had some skim milk. Very healthy day. And when I weighed-in on Saturday morning, the scale said...

279.6 lbs. as of 03/07/2009

When I rejoined Weightwatchers on 01/15/2009 I weighed in at 292 pounds. I have lost 4.8 pounds this week since starting this blog.

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE 01/15/2009: 12.4 lbs.

Hope you have a fab weekend. I will write more about the fitness stuff later today. Now that promises to be a real challenge!

Inside Daisy Clover

2009-03-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last night after I finished work, I sat down and finally got an opportunity to watch one of my movies from Netflix. It was "Inside Daisy Clover" starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford. It tells the story of teenager Daisy Clover (Natalie Wood) who rises from beach-living obscurity to Hollywood celebrity overnight.

She quickly discovers that the glitter of 1930s-era Tinseltown hides a dark side of exploitation and fear. She must learn to smile for the cameras as she navigates the twisted world of manipulative studio executives, empty relationships and disintegrating mental health.

The movie, which was filmed in 1965, also stars Robert Redford who is engagingly handsome and the brilliant Ruth Gordon.

Wood and Redford make a beautiful couple and the scenes on the boat reminded me of the sequences in "The Way We Were" which was filmed eight years later in 1973. The pair of Wood and Redford was repeated in 1966, when they starred in "This Property is Condemned".

A collection of memorable Natalie Wood films was recently released and includes "Inside Daisy Clover" plus five other films. If you loved the beauty and talent of Natalie Wood then this is a must for your collection.

Here is a terrific clip about Natalie narrated by Robert Redford.

Day 3

2009-03-05T08:06:00.001-08:00

Here is what I ate:

Morning
1 English Muffin Sandwich from Weight Watchers Smart Ones (4pts)
1 cup papaya (1pt)
1 cup Pomegranate bluebery juice (2.5pts)
1 Yoplait Light key lime pie yogurt (2pts)

Midday
1 WW Smart Ones Traditional Lasagna w/Meat (6pts)
1 Yoplait Light lemon yogurt (2pts)

Evening
1 WW Smart Ones Fajita Chicken Pizza (5pts)
1 cup beets (1pt)
1 WW Round vanilla ice cream sandwich (2pts)

Anytime Snacks
2 American Cheese slices (3pts)
1 Pringles cheddar cheese 100 calorie pack (2pts)

I consumed my detox capsules 30 minutes before each meal as usual and drank about 9 bottles of water throughout the day. Finally I can feel like my body is starting to take to the program. My headaches which I suffered from yesterday are gone and my system is moving. I hope to see some great results when I weigh on Saturday morning.

Now I am off to sort out my new fitness routine. Later!

Health and Fitness - Day 2

2009-03-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

This has been a very interesting day and I have tried to be very conscience of things going on as they related to my food choices.

Firstly, all afternoon I have had a horrible headache and I think it might be because of the caffeine loss in my diet.

Many years ago when I entered into an eating disorder clinic to be treated for bulimia, we were immediately removed from all caffeine, white sugar, and white flour. By the third day in the clinic, I suffered from awful headaches and boy was I grouchy. Well I guess that is where I am at now. Beware!

So while I was not feeling my best, I did manage to eat a healthy diet for the most part and get more WW points in than I did the day before.

Here is what I ate today:

Morning
2 cups Special K Red Berries Cereal - 4 WW points

Snack 1
small lettuce salad - 0 WW points

Midday
7 prunes - 2.5 WW points
1 cup of green grapes - 1 WW point
6 oz. Yoplait Light Yogurt - 2 WW points
Salad with grape tomatoes and Fat-free French dressing - 1 point
1 Lean Cuisine pesto chicken - 6 points

Snack 2
2 cups grape tomatoes - .5 points
2 cups V8 100% vegetable juice - 1 point
1 serving WW Original Multigrain Crisps - 2 points

Evening
1 WW Smart Ones Sweet & Sour Chicken - 3 points
1 cup brown rice - 3 points
1 Snickers 100 calorie bar - 2 points

Snack 3
1 Craisins 100 calorie pack - 2 points
WW points

I drank about 7 bottles of water also. This brought my WW point value to 30 which is 10 under my 40 point limit. At dinner, I was not really hungry again. I felt nauseous and not up for eating but I did anyway. I figured it could be from the headache. By 11pm, I just needed a quick snack and the crasins and another bottle of water did the trick.

Now, as far as the detox is going, I can't say that I have noticed much of a difference except that I have been going to the bathroom more often, but only number 1. It has been a full 48 hours since I did number 2 and I am feeling kinda bloated and full. I should probably keep tabs on that.

Stay tuned for more to come...

Don't Forget To Subscribe

2009-03-03T10:53:00.001-08:00

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Summary of Day 1

2009-03-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I began my new health and fitness plan with the first day of a 7-day detox. Here is what I ate for the rest of the day.

30 minutes before lunch, I had 6 more detox capsules. For lunch, I had a pint (2 cups) of grape tomatoes. I have fallen in love with these little treasures and am buying them all the time now. A pint is only 1/2 point with WW so they make an excellent alternative to those unhealthy snacks. I just love them. Also with lunch, I had 1 cup of cottage cheese (5 points - way too many if you ask me) and another banana (2 points). So my total WW points for lunch was 7.5. Not bad at all.

Throughout the day I was drinking water so it seemed like I went to the bathroom like 30 times. I drank 8 bottles of water. Basically anytime I put food in my mouth I was getting my water in also. In mid afternoon, I was feeling a big gassy but alright and certainly not hungry.

When it was time for dinner I was still not very hungry. Now by this time I was going to pee every 30 minutes I think, but that is good I guess. So I fixed a salad (0 points) with a few more of my favorite tomatoes (0 points) and a fat free French style salad dressing (2 points). I also wanted to get some calcium into my system, so I had a cup of 1% low-fat milk (2 points). I just can't do skim milk. It tastes like I am drinking cloudy water.

In the evening, I drank so more water while I worked at my desk, pee'd some more and never really felt the urge to snack. When I decided to spend a few moments in front of the tv, I still did not snack which is very unusual me.

So to recap, I had 21 WW points total for the day. Now this is a concern because I can have 40 points total and I know of people who don't eat all their points and they stop losing weight. But we will have to see what happens when I hit the scale which I will do next on Saturday on my own and then I will weigh-in at Weightwatchers again next Thursday.

In the next few days, I will be telling you more about the fitness side of the plan. Thanks to those who left comments and if you are struggling with the same battle against your weight, please don't hesitate to send me an email for support. We gotta help each other out.

The beginning of the plan...turning my life around...DAY 1

2009-03-02T09:27:00.001-08:00

Good Morning readers. Today is the day that I begin (again?) a new health and fitness lifestyle plan. You'll notice I did not call it a diet. I don't think that I believe in diets anymore. But I do believe that if you are conscience and focused on what you need to do, when it comes to food and exercise, that it will just work. And it does work because I have seen those results in the past.

So I will track exactly what I do and we will start with my weight. According to the scale this morning I weighed in at (drum roll please):

284.4 pounds as of 03/02/2009

It took me a long time to get up to such an awful number so it will take me some time to get back down, but I am going to focus more on how I feel and how my clothes fit as opposed to the number. I think we all get stuck with THAT number.

Now many of you know that I have been a member and strong supporter of WeightWatchers and have been successful with their program. While I will continue WW, I am going to mix it up a bit and try some other things and hopefully see even more progression.

The first thing I have decided to do is to start a 7-Day Detox and I have decided to go with the following product. I am not endorsing the product until the 7 days have been completed and then I will give you more information on where you can get it, should you wish to give it a shot.

So this morning, I started with 6 capsules 30 minutes before breakfast and I set the timer on my iPhone at 30 minutes. Really, I did!

With the capsules I consumed 16 oz. of water.

After the 30 minutes were up and I had swallowed my pills, I had the following for breakfast.

A 6 oz. container of Yoplait Light Banana Cream Pie Yogurt. I cannot stress how delightful this product is. It helps your digestion and they have so many delightful flavors and so far I have found them all enjoyable. It also only has 110 calories and equals 2 points with WW.

I then ate two bananas equaling 4.5 WW points. Bananas are a terrific source for potassium and they taste great. Also, if you want to try to eat as much raw food as possible it's a great option and very filling. I will talk about eating raw in another post. Suffice to say that I am sticking to raw as much as possible during the detox days.

To finish my breakfast, I had 1 cup (yes, I got out the measuring cup) of Minute Maid Pomegranate Blueberry fruit juice for 2.5 WW points. I was not sure that I would like it but it was very good. There has been lots of media about the benefits of pomegranate juice so I wanted to give it a try.

And that it it for the moment. 9 points total for breakfast. Oh, I also have another bottle of water (16oz.) for a total of 32 oz. At the end of the day, I will summarize the full day so stay tuned.

Leave me your comments, thoughts and ideas if you'd like.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

The Music Man.....go see it!

2009-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Call 417-869-1334 for tickets!

Never to be forgotten!

2009-02-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Ellen could not have said it better. We must stop these acts against each other. It's tragic. Just stop and think how you could change the hate. Baby steps people.

Click to Remember Larry!

Do you like this dress?

2009-02-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

So Angelina appeared at the BAFTAs in this Armani Prive gown and people are calling it a masterpiece. What do you think? I am just not sure about it.

Photo courtesy of Splash News

This is just bizarre!

2009-02-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a clip of Joaquin Phoenix from the Letterman show. I'm not quite sure what the deal was but I think that Mr. Phoenix made Farrah's appearance look smart.

Check it our HERE

BCFEA

2009-01-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

I have always amired the work that Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids does for the HIV/AIDS community. They have wondereful fundraising shows (maybe I will actually get to attend one in the future - wanna go?) in New York and this is clip of The Gypsy of The Year show in which Daniel Radcliffe did a take off on his Equus performance and ended up raising the most money. Watch it!

The Inauguration

2009-01-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Last week history was made in the United States and I decided not to add further comments on all the pomp and circumstance. That was until today when I stumbled upon this hilarious video of Greg Scarnici as Aretha. Now I am sure that you were thinking the same as me. The hat was going to need it's own security detail. Watch...

10 Days and Counting...

2009-01-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

Springfield Little Theatre's production of "The Music Man" opens in just 10 short days. Have you gotten your tickets yet? Well, time is wastin' and you really ought to give Iowa a try!

Click here to get your tickets now!

You know the musical. Come enjoy all those memorable songs including Trouble, 76 Trombones, and The Wells Fargo Wagon. It promises to be an exciting production filled with energy and fun. Directed by Chuck Rogers and choreographed by Lorianne Dunn with a cast of talented Springfieldians! It runs from February 6th-22nd.

Get your tickets now!

And the nominees are...

2009-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

GLAAD announced their nominees for The 20th Annual Glaad Media Awards

Not familiar with GLAAD? Check out their website for more information on the nominees and the organization. Click HERE.

I pledge...

2009-01-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

...to be the best person that I can be and prove that knowledge really does equal power! What do you pledge! Comment now...

Let it Ring!

2009-01-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

2009-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

It promises to be a wonderful day....

...and a renewed and beautiful tomorrow!

Rock On Obama!

What a shame.....

2009-01-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed watching Jeremy Piven in "Entourage" and way back when he was on Ellen's sitcom, but the producers of Broadway's "Speed The Plow" are unimpressed with his recent departure from the play. Seems that they are now filing a grievance with Actor's Equity.

I honestly hope that he is ok and there is not something deeper going on. Read the full article at TMZ. com

Sexy Saturday Night Video

2009-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this hot and sexy video as you head out for a fun Saturday night. It's No Can Do by Sugababes.

2009-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for January 24th, 2009 for the premiere Lifetime television screening of Prayers For Bobby.

Scott Bailey, Ryan Kelley and Sigourney Weaver attending an event for The Trevor Project.

Sigourney Weaver stars in and produced the film, which is based on the true story of Mary Griffith, a woman whose son Bobby killed himself after his parents would not accept him as gay, and who went on to become a crusader for gay rights herself.

Ryan Kelley and Scott Bailey in Prayers For Bobby. Photos courtesy of Lifetime.

2009-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

These images of the US Air flight that crash landed into the Hudson River are incredible.

This stuff is right out of disaster movies. Thank goodness that no one was killed. Bravo to the brave crew!

It's just like the movies....

Plan of Reinvention

2009-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

So far today has been pretty good. As you know, I was rather inspired lately by friends and ideas and I have set a plan in motion to get myself out of this pit that I have felt like I've fallen into.

This morning I joined Weightwatchers and went to my first meeting. I weighed in at (I can't believe I am typing this in public) 292 pounds. So now you know. I will keep you updated on my progress with a weight loss posting every week. I am hopeful but there is lots more to get done.

Step two is to find a new job and continue to build my life on land.

Oh......and I got glasses. Do you like them? Do they make me look smarter? sexier?

Have a great day!

Beautiful and Inspiring.....Thank you!

2009-01-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

2009-01-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

In all honesty, things have been kinda difficult lately and I am not really sure why except to say that I am in limbo with my life to the point that I seem to have lost my focus and my purpose for being on this planet. Then my dear comic friend, Ant, out in Los Angeles posted this on his blog for me to see...

Ant....how did you know? When I am done wiping away the tears I will overcome this depression I am feeling and come back to you with a plan tomorrow.

Hugs to everyone!

2009-01-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

The hottest at the Golden Globes!

I thought Eva Longoria was stunning and #1 in her scarlett gown...

...and Gerard Butler looked so dashing in his Dolce & Gabanna tuxedo.

The winning couple for the evening was Kate Winslet in her Yves St. Laurent gown and Leonardo DiCaprio in his black, velvet-trimmed pinstriped Giorgio Armani tuxedo.

They will be appearing soon in a new motion picture, "Revolutionary Road" which I absolutely cannot wait to see. Click HERE to visit the official website.

Source

2009-01-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Patrick Dempsey!

Dr. McDreamy was born this day in 1966. I will always remember him as Everett Calloway from the 1994 move, "With Honors." I loved that film and knew when I saw him that he was destined for success in the entertainment industry.

2009-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

A symbol of equality.....because everyone should be able to tie the knot.

2009-01-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Just because...

...you should see this movie!

...and congrats to Sean Penn for winning the Critics Choice Award!

2009-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Now you have something grand to celebrate over the weekend...

2009-01-08T03:00:00.001-08:00

Very naughty indeed...

2009-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

January seems to be the month for mid-season premieres.

I love Glenn Close in Damages and this new reality series is intriguing!

2009-01-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

And speaking of being drunk...

A drunken man walks into a biker bar, sits down at the bar and orders a drink. Looking around, he sees three men sitting at a corner table.

He gets up, staggers to the table, leans over, looks the biggest, meanest, biker in the face and says: "I went by your grandma's house today and I saw her in the hallway buck naked. Man, she is one fine looking woman!"

The biker looks at him and doesn't say a word. His buddies are confused, because he is one bad biker and would fight at the drop of a hat. The drunk leans on the table again and says: "I got it on with your grandma and she is good, the best I ever had!"

The biker's buddies are starting to get really mad but the biker still says nothing. The drunk leans on the table one more time and says, "I'll tell you something else, boy, your grandma liked it!"

At this point the biker stands up, takes the drunk by the shoulders looks him square in the eyes and says, "Grandpa, Go home! You're drunk."

2009-01-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight! The Season 6 premiere!

And if you just can't wait...here is a little video

2009-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I thought you might enjoy this funny video.

2009-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am sure that most of you have heard about the heart-breaking and tragic death of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son, Jett (age 16), in the Bahamas on Friday morning, January 2nd.

Source: splashnewsonline.com

Click on the pictures above if you would like to read more about this tragic story or go to John Travolta's official website HERE to write a condolance message.

2009-01-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

More Leslie Jordan....

His book is truly a gift from the heart and a delicious, funny romp about growing up as "the gayest person I know" in the South. You will laugh until you cry. I promise.

GET IT NOW - CLICK ON THE LINK!

2009-01-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Check out to see if the sun is going to shine bright for you in 2009...

Click HERE for New Year horoscopes!

2009-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

In December, when I got off the Golden Princess at the end of my contract, I spent a few days in Los Angeles visiting my old stomping grounds where I used to live. During my visit, I had the good fortune to attend a benefit for "No on Prop8" which featured my favorite comic, Ant, along with a host of other exciting entertainers including Margaret Cho and Leslie Jordan. The show was absolutely phenominal and after I got a chance to meet Ant. I have been following his career for awhile. He is the host of Celebrity Fit Club on VH1 and has appeared on many other television shows. He also does a video blog called "The Ant Colony" and it is brilliant. I encourage you to check it out HERE or at the link to his website on the right.

Do it today as he has just begun, for the month of January, You 2.0 and it promises to be lots of fun and hey you just might make a discovery or two about yourself.

Ant and I at the Prop8 benefit in Los Angeles.

Also at that benefit was Leslie Jordan who currently appears as Brother Boy in Logo's new series Sordid Lives: The Series and of course played Karen's nemesis, Beverly Leslie, in Will and Grace. He was also appearing in the one-man show of his recent book "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet". So I ran down and got myself a ticket. The show was a hilarious riot about his southern Baptist upbringing and how he got to Hollywood and became a gay icon.

The link for his website is at the right also. Check it out!

Leslie Jordan and I at his show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet".

What a great trip to LA that was!

2009-01-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

I happened to be browsing through a few of my favorite blogs and came upon this from The Staging Diva. It's horoscopes for the year and considering that I am currently studying home staging and re-design, plus I am definitely a Leo, I thought it was kinda profound.

"You are a trendsetter, an adventurer and a leader -- all qualities that make you a natural entrepreneur. You're also artistic and can't stand chaos, which makes you a great stager. Your calm demeanor makes people feel they can count on you to help them through challenging times. This will make you highly sought after by homeowners affected by the economy in 2009."

Source: The Staging Diva website

2009-01-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Have you picked up the most recent book in the Oprah Winfrey Book Club! It's truly wonderful and if you are an animal lover like I am you will enjoy this riviting family saga.

It tells the story of Edgar Sawtelle who leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home.

Once you have read it, don't forget to head over to Oprah's Book Club and register for the webcast event when Oprah and the author, David Wroblewski, will sit for a live webcast on January 26th. Don't miss the world's biggest book club discussion.

2009-01-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

So Kathy hosted with Anderson Cooper on CNN at New Years and once again she slipped a dick joke (actually she was being heckled by a guy in the crowd) in. Oh well! I say to those who can't handle it, "Fuck you, it's a joke" or Suck It in Kathy's own words....check it out!

I still love my Kathy. She makes me smile! Check out her official website HERE!

2009-01-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Thank you for checking out my new blog. Hang on....it's a work in progress. In the meantime, I want to wish all of you the best year ever and that each and everyone of your goals is achieved with ultimate success. God Bless and Peace!