Lady Marmalade

I have always had a great love for great music. Even so-so music has a place in my heart...but it is the great music that keeps me listening to the radio, cd's, 8tracks...whatever! So, today my Daily Dose will be YOUR TOP 3 FEMALE ARTISTS! This was also triggered by a movie I watched with my daughters and son last night...

#1- Carly Simon. Not much else needs to be said except that last night, I was fortunate enough to find an hour or so of quiet, Mom & Kiddo's time and watched "The Piglet Movie". Now, you might not find this interesting, but Carly Simon did all of the songs. To hear her sing to the crazy antics of the 100 Acre Wood residents is just awesome. Not to mention the fact that she has been putting out the musical landscape of my life. From "Your So Vain" to "I Haven't Got Time For The Pain" to "Mockingbird" to "Let The River Flow" (from Working Girl) there is probably not a single song of hers that I turn the station on.

#2- Sarah McLachlan. I was turned on to her during a very difficult time in my life. To quote another song...."torn between two lovers....feeling like a fool!". Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is possibly the best cd from beginning to end that I have ever heard. I have 3 copies of it...one for home, one for the car, one for work. She is everywhere. Seeing her at Lilith Fair all those years ago was just the cherry on top of the cake.

#3- Billie Holliday. I used her cd during my first pregnancy...to calm and relax. What a talent! What a waste! Wish that there were more of her around nowadays. You can have your Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald...I will take the enchanting Ms. Holliday any day.

Honorable Mentions, as always....Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders, Karen Carpenter, Faith Hill, Rosemary Clooney, Judy Garland (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas makes me cry every time!), Carole King and Martha Davis from The Motels...

Tag...you're it.

Mirth & Merriment...and great music!

Take It Easy!

Oops! I have been so wrapped up in things, that I forgot to post a quote this week. After reading my sister's blog, which dealt with the rise is suicide, I decided that I should put Dorothy Parker on here. After all, it is absolutely perfect!

Résumé by Dorothy Parker
Razors pain you;

Rivers are damp;

Acids stain you;

And drugs cause cramp.

Guns aren't lawful;

Nooses give;

Gas smell awful;

You might as well live.

Boys of Summer

Well, just 1 boy in particular. My future Rock Star is out of his mind with boredom. He has apparently mastered all of his video games, watched tv until his eyes bugged out and squirted his sisters plenty with his water gun...and he is just 2 weeks into his Summer Vacation. Pace yourself, Little Man. My Gosh...you have months to go before Second Grade. Take it easy!

When Ants & I decided that we would try for another baby, I explained it to Matthew. I explained it all! I told him about body parts, using the correct anatomical words and how babies are made. His response, at 5 was....YOU DO THAT? My eyes widened and I said, "Well, only once so far...." His hope, from that moment, was to get a baby brother. Someone to pick on, to share his Spider Man and Batman action figures with. By the way, to date...he has over 50 of each of those masked figures. OY!

Then we found out that I was pregnant. What a joy! My son was so excited that there was now a little person inside me, growing and possibly....with a penis! His elation topped ours, although we were so thrilled to be added one member to our crew. Two weeks later, with me just 6 weeks pregnant, we discovered that we were, indeed adding to the bunch, by two! That was thrilling and scary. Matthew did not quite understand it, but I helped him through it. The idea that we had created not one, but two babies....both of which might have scrotum's, was an excitement he could hardly put into words.

We discovered at 5 months, that one baby, for sure was a girl! Everyone now....ahhhh! Matthew was still hopefully that a brother was still in the distance. Then, about 2 months later, our little piglet revealed herself and Matthew was somewhat devastated. Two little sisters and an older one. WOW! It was now just him, and occasionally Dad, against the 4 girls in the house.

Well, he is a great big brother. He does pick on them and punches them when he thinks we aren't looking, but I am still chalking it up to the idea that he wanted a brother and somehow by playing rough with them, he can pretend that they are.

So...I know that he is bored and done with the whole "watch your sisters" crap that he gets everyday. I am trying desperately to stop doing that. He is not responsible for them, but if he is going to be outside with them and watching them dance on top of a wet table, close to the edge, he has to notice that it could cause injury, right? RIGHT? RIGHT!

Matt, I know you are bored. I know you are ready to have some "boy" time alone with Dad. I am going to do my very best to make sure you can have some fun and not have to bring me diapers all the time. I love you, Jake!

Let's Go Crazy

(As if we aren't there yet?)

As I sit here watching construction out my window, I am hit by the idea of building something from the ground up. Like the Superior Super Warehouse that they are constructing, my relationship and marriage started out probably just a little southwest of normal.

Anthony & I met as neighbors as apartments we will call MELROSE PLACE. He had a lesbian roommate and I had ... well, just me and my books. It was my first apartment. I loved it. I actually went to the movies, the theater was less than a mile away, by myself. The Blair Witch Project will always hold good memories for me. We started to hang out....karaoke...and drink. And drink, and drink... We hung out until 3 am and then I was the only one in the place with a coffee pot. I would hear the clunk of coffee cups banging on the door for those of us who actually attempted to do the 9-5. I knew right away that Anthony and I would have some type of relationship...and more than that, that we would be great friends.

Here is the time line...about 9 months later, our son Matthew was born. On Thanksgiving Day, 2002 Anthony proposed at my Aunt's house. On January 3, 2004 we were married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. On February 16, 2005, we welcomed our twin girls.

WHEW! It seems like in the last 7 years, we have been through more than just a simple rinse cycle. We have buried 3 loved one's. We have separated. We attended 3 weddings. We saw a bunch of new babies come into our families. We have dealt with addictions. We have seen depression and medicated it.

And here we are. 7 years later and still struggling everyday to make sure that we can keep this work of construction up to code. Ants, you are my Rock when I need you the most. You love me, in spite of my faults and treasure me as if I were a "trophy wife". I am not perfect, in fact I am surprised I can even spell the word Perfect. But you don't care. Yes, we fight, but in the end, we will always have each other. Come what may, and trust me there is a lot coming right now, you will always be my very best friend. I love you.

Mirth & Merriment.

She's Got Legs.....

YOUR DAILY DOSE today is for all the fine ladies out there reading this blog. Even as a young girl of 10, I knew that I was sort of an "Ugly Duckling". My ears stick out too far, my smile makes me look like an actual duck and I was scrawny and flat chested. My, My, My...how times have changed. Now that I am the Mommy to 3 girls, one of whom has already stepped her way into her teens, I realize how important image is, but more than that, how important self-esteem is. While I was doing my hair this morning, I actually had something positive go through my head...my hair really isn't so bad. I have a good cut, the color is good (the greys aren't peeking through the color, just yet!) and it's shiny and feels good. So, here it is for today: I want you all to tell me the TOP 3 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF. Sense of humor, although is something we all need in this world, does not count. Neither does a good personality. Go to the bathroom and look in the full-length mirror. Tell me what you see that "aint so bad" or "I've seen worse".

Number 1 - My eyes. At the moment I am wearing a turquoise shirt, so my eyes are more blue than green...but, I like them. If only I had been more "popular" in high school, I might have won prettiest eyes over Diana Nolan....but, go figure. She was a Cheerleader.

Number 2 - My Boobs! Yes, my back and shoulders hurt and I complain constantly that I need to get these babies reduced, but let's stop for a minute. I sure do fill out a shirt nicely. That is, as long as it doesn't have buttons....I don't want to put someones eye out with a chaotic flying button!

Number 3 - My Hips! I am writing this one because it is my husband's favorite part of me, with the exception of #2 on my list. I have really round, full hips...perfect for child bearing! Good thing! I have no butt to speak of, but what I lack in the "ass" department, I make up for with my hips.

Honorable Mention - my toes (when they are freshly painted), my shoulders - freckles and my lips!

So, there you have it. Give it to me...I'm a big girl.....I can handle it.


Mirth & Merriment.....

MY QUOTE FOR THE DAY!

“The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of motherhood, still flabbergasted by how a job can be terrific and torturous.”

By Anna Quindlen

I was "tagged" by my big sis to do this, so blame her if you get bored. EIGHT RANDOM FACTS ABOUT MYSELF!

1. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in a rather large PINK naval hospital.

2. I really am a natural blond! Ask my Mom...go ahead. I'll wait!

3. I was a CIF swimmer...again, no lie. I actually held a record for the backstroke for awhile there. No big boob jokes, people!

4. I have only worn a "bridesmaid dress" once....it was lavender and ew, I just got the chills. I did stand-up for my sister in a falling-apart courthouse in South Carolina, but I picked out the dress.

5. I can flip people "the bird" with my toes!

6. I can speak with several different accents....southern, English, french, Australian...or are those my alternate personalities?

7. My bra size is a GG...close your mouth, Julie!

8. And finally, I got to shake Madonna's hand. I was a babbling idiot and she realized it and remained calm...thank God. I would have hated to be dragged out of Borders by security!


TAG - ALL OF YOU READING THIS...post your answers in my comments.

M&M

Please, Mr...Please

Yes, I know it's Thursday. Time for my Daily Dose for the week. I have been so ultra-busy this week that there is no time to even sit and write this all down..but, just for you....I found the time.

I have been having stress issues related to work, home, money, marriage, kids, did I already say MONEY? So, I have decided not to spice it up today.

DAILY DOSE OF TOP 3 THINGS I LIKE FOR BREAKFAST!

1. Cream of Wheat. Are you listening, Ma? You made me this way...addicted to the stuff...especially when you make it with milk, or (gasp) Half & Half. Creamy, warm goodness...perfect to take the chill out a morning.

2. Pancakes. I had the great opportunity to share a breakfast out with my fantastic son. We are so desperate for Mom & Matt time it is sick! So, there I sat enjoying my pancakes with my favorite boy. It is a memory I think of during times of complete stress...which is right about.. NOW!

3. Green Chile Chilaquilles. Now, my mom used to make me chillquilles with red chile and ground beef in them. However, I have discovered being that I am now a "Torres" and need to Mexican-up that the other variety, the one I devour, is quite possibly one of the greatest things ever. Cut up some corn tortillas and fry them. Pour in the green chile enchilada sauce, or your fav green chile salsa...mix it all up. Put the lid on the pot for about 10 minutes to let everything blend together and then sprinkle a healthy serving of Monterrey Jack over the top. YUM!

Honorable Mention: Leftover pizza, Captain Crunch, scrambled eggs (yes, with ketchup), leftover pasta and coconut creme pie. Hey, I told you I was stressed.

Mirth & Merriment....to you all!

Take Another Little Piece of My Heart...now, baby!

I have decided that Tuesday is going to be a day to pick out my favorite Quote. Yes, I decided..this is MY blog!

"Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads on to actions, actions form habits, habits decide character, and character fixes our destiny."

- Tryon Edwards, Theologian

Mirth & Merriment....

Don't Stop Believing....., Part 2

WHAT THE HELL? I made it a point to make sure that I was crouched in front of the tv last night at 5:00 p.m., PST to watch the series finale of what has become one of my favorite shows, EVER...The Sopranos. Let me tell you a little hint into my whacked psyche...I dig Tony Soprano. Somehow the heavy breathing, mixed with the accent and attitude...and don't forget the POWER...My God, THE POWER, have turned me into a Tony-Junkie. He is hot! I know, I am whack-a-doo!

So, there I sat...waiting for blood, gunfire, more blood and tears. At the end of the hour, I was the one crying. Journey was playing, they were one big happy f-in family? That isn't right. There was 1 gunshot in the whole hour. There was no closure. There was NO CLOSURE! I am disappointed in the writers of this episode, of that I am sure.

Anyone else left lubricated and not finished off?

Mirth & F'in Merriment....

Picadilly Palare

Ok. So the title of the blog basically has nothing to do with anything except that it is one of my favorite songs by Morrissey. I have been super-duper, like busy this week (could you hear my Valley Girl voice?) I have not had much time to do anything, let alone blog. So, I will make up for lost time...

Sunday we baptized my beautiful Goddaughter Eva. She let out a little cry with that when we got to the whole water on the head moment, but she was just lovely. JOY! It is quite a responsibility to be a spiritual advisor to someone who has yet to take her first steps or speak her first word. I look forward to meeting the challenge and helping her to become a strong, proud woman.

This past week, I have been covered in grease and poop! It has not been too exciting.

SO...a day late and a few dollars short...here is my Daily Dose Topic!

Top Three Things That I Need To Do Before I Die! I often think about when I was younger and I made a list about things that I wanted to do before I died. Well, the want has now turned to need. I will do these things...even if it kills me doing them. At least they would be done, yes???

1. Visit my birthplace. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and need to go back there. See the pink hospital on the hill where I took my first breath. Go to Pearl City and walk down the street where I first lived. To take my children to such a beautiful land and to take a step back in time to where my life began. Where things were simple for me. When I was worshiped and adored by my Mom and Dad and my big brother and sister did everything for me. I do not remember those times, but I want to be able to walk and tell the stories that I have been told to my own children.

2. Pay off all my debt. Now, this one is a lot harder than a plane ticket to an Island paradise! I owe everyone. I am not sure that I can ever truly repay everyone, but I will do it. It make take me 50 more years...but, it will be done. And you know who you are!!! For all that you have done for me, I can never truly thank any of you enough.

3. On the theme of places to visit...I would also like to take my children to Washington D.C. To see Arlington National Cemetery and the eternal flame that glows there for John Kennedy. To see the Washington Monument at night. To tell them about Martin Luther King, Jr. and walk where he walked while reciting "I Have A Dream". To let them see Abraham Lincoln glaring down on them, wondering what has become of the world. Is it truly better now?

Honorable Mentions include: having a conversation with Maya Angelou, Paying $500 for a haircut, going to Althorp and laying down white roses for Princess Diana, walking on the General Hospital set, solving a mystery and singing the National Anthem before a 49er football game.

Is it all too much to ask?

Mirth & Merriment to you all!

She's A Maneater!

I forgot to put this out yesterday because I was so busy...and no, I was not getting my nails done. So my Daily Dose is of Hollywood Heartthrobs. I want your top 3 hotties from Hollywood. I am sure most of us could name more than 3, but let's not aim too high...for the lower your standards are the less disappointed you will be.

#1 - PATRICK WILSON. Who? I know, I know...have you seen "Hard Candy" or "Little Children"? OMG! He is quite the hottie. Even though he is Canadian, he is such a joy to stare at. Not that I would ever cheat on my husband, but I would definitely question it if Patrick came around my block. Oh Joy...better than an ice cream truck!!

#2 - As if we need more than that..how about DANE COOK? I never say "Employee of the Month" for obvious reasons....Jessica Simpson. But, I watch Tourgasm on cable and I loved his last HBO special. He is so funny...good looking...and has quite an ass! Ahem! Anyway, the hair that is never completely done and his sense of humor make Dane a definite YEAH HUH!

#3 - I am not gong to justify this one, just deal with. EDWARD NORTON!

Honorable Mention goes, but is not limited to Jude Law, Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU), Christian Bale, Hugh Laurie(yes, Dr. House!) and Christian Slater...only because he is my forever favorite....

So, give it to me! Ladies, gents...whatever you are....tell me who it is that you dream about!

Mirth & Merriment...and Love!