Wednesday, April 29, 2009

w.o.k. wednesday: interstate elvis

So, here's the deal. You and a buddy are cruising into Vegas on I-515, both of you sweating it a bit because you got a later-than-anticipated start that morning, and you're worried that maybe you won't make it to the backstage area of the venue in time to get your special passes to the evening's hot ticket.


Traffic over Hoover Dam has set you back further, as have all the RV-hauling lookie-loos on the road - all of whom are apparently allergic to driving any faster than ten miles below the speed limit. Further heightening the tension is the fact that you'll still have to check into the hotel at some point, get dressed, get pretty, and then get back on the road by the time the Pussycat Dolls take to the stage.

But then you look out the window at all the neighboring traffic, and you see him:



And, suddenly, everything is A-okay. Because, suddenly, you're reminded that life isn't about stressing over the details: It's all about individuality and following your bliss. It's all about the Oh-I-Just-Gotta-Be-Me.

And this Interstate Elvis? He's doing it right.

Monday, April 27, 2009

a night at the circus

So, I had to sign a confidentiality agreement stating that I wouldn't discuss The Artist or her family. Which mean I ain't sayin' NUTHIN (though it might kill me not to). I was also told that I could face a $50K fine for taking a picture of her (and that my friend's husband could lose his job), so I didn't do that, either.

Thank Heaven for YouTube. The sound quality sucks, but you can get an idea. Also, I think the smoke used to fill up the arena was actually powder-scented, because I've been to very few concerts that didn't smell like a bong/beer/bile combo to at least some extent.

The Pussycat Dolls opened for Brit, and I didn't sign anything saying I couldn't talk about them, so I will. I have to admit, I went in a bit sneery. I mean, please. The Pussycat Dolls?? But they were actually quite talented, and they put on a great show. Here they are singing Don't Cha.

Afterward, Maiden and I wandered the Strip, grabbed a bite to eat, looked at some overpriced clothes and then CRASHED at about 2:30 a.m. like toddlers coming off a birthday party sugar binge.

Friday, April 24, 2009

britney in vegas, baby!!!!!!!!!!

Affix those pasties, Girl, 'cause here we come. Tomorrow night. Ringside seats and backstage passes.

I am SO not kidding.

How cool is it to have friends who not only know just what the doctor ordered but know how to DELIVER the prescription right when it's needed most?

Brain is reeling.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

a small bag used for carrying money and Xanax

Somebody make it stop. Because it is too much wry goodness, and a person could possibly die from an overdose of such a thing. (Actually, a few are a little too off color/Robot Chickenish even for me, but I think the concept is absolutely brilliant.)

Friday, April 17, 2009

fotog Friday: I was going to title this post

“not cool.”

and then I was going to be clever and write something like “On second thought, too cool.”

Because we’ve had snow this week – enough snow to coat the San Francisco Peaks, and the roads and the swing set out back. Enough coldness to leave black ice on the road when I took Lizzie out for a run yesterday evening.





Frankly, I was going to bitch about the snow and about the fact that it's mid-April for cryin' out loud, and isn't it enough that we've already had to endure tax season on top of a long winter? But then Maiden sent me a link to this. Which means the title of this post is now officially and simply: OMG. (Be sure to watch for the rundowns and sliding stops that start at about 3:40).


Maiden and I both have dads who deserve this kind of tribute whether they’re still walking this earth or not. I hope you do, too. And if you’re a guy, and you don’t happen to have that kind of dad, I sure as hell hope you can be that kind of dad. Because you're sorely needed.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

'tude tuesday: down from every ledge

Try blasting Xtina on the iPod when you're working the hip adductor machine at the gym, and see if it doesn't give your workout a boost. This particular video is for you, MP. You know why. (But why was there no swimsuit footage?)

It's Tax Time Countdown here at AWAAR, Folks - and there's been extra special, added excitement this year. But, hey. Throw in the good man Ms. Aguilera sings about, some good friends and a good (if ever-so-slightly neurotic) dog, and you (I) can tackle anything, right?

Right?

Here's to survival - tax-related and otherwise. Without it, no attitude at altitude would be even remotely possible.

Friday, April 10, 2009

yet one more movie script i wish i'd written

And I'm not even a Sci-Fi fan.

But this. This was like The Matrix on estrogen: Pure, futuristic girl power kick-assedness.

Lurved all of it - the cinematography, the philosophy and the theology.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

w.o.k wednesday: the girls

Last fall, while sitting in my kitchen shootin' the breeze, a good friend suggested that we start a cooking group. You know, one of those regular get-togethers where the people take turns planning a meal, hosting the group, cooking the main dish, etc.

I think my initial response at the time went something like this: "Uhhhhhhhhhh."

Because let's just say that the kitchen has never been the most comfy room in the house for me (when it come to creating something, that is; I'm more than happy to eat there). My mother was and is an amazing cook, and I have many fond memories of the awesome meals she served when I was growing up. Many of them were quite cosmopolitan and almost unheard of at the time, too: Oxtail soup, tripe, stuffed cabbage rolls, cow tongue with mustard sauce - you name it. And while I knew I always had an open invitation to help out in the kitchen as a girl, I rarely took her up on it.

So, I thought my friend's cooking group idea was a good one in theory. In practice I wasn't so sure. But it turns out I needn't have worried. We've been meeting regularly for several months now, and I can honestly say that the women I've met through the cooking group have become dear and trusted friends. There's something about the "No Men and No Kids Allowed" rule that has seemed to bring us all close together. Of course, it also helps that these ladies are all incredibly intelligent, funny and ambitious to boot. Makes me appreciate my half of the species all over again every time we meet, kind of like watching Sex and the City (the movie) did when I saw it a few weeks ago.

So, we started with a nummy pork dish back in 2008. There has also been an amazing squash lasagna that was to die for, a salmon dish that I enjoyed maybe a little too much (since I was all but rolling out of the hostess' house at the end of the night) and my Moroccan chicken tagine last month. And don't even get me STARTED on the desserts. Oy. This month it looks like we're going the beef route, and there's also some recent talk of mojitos and martinis to boot. No doubt there will also be available shoulders to cry on (should they be required by one or more of us), available ears to hear all the latest man/kid/mommying/marriage/skin care news and available lungs to laugh heartily at the newest jokes.

I. Can't. Wait.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

hello, thirty-nine

Here is how my birthday began this morning. I've decided this Linkin Park number will be the official song of my 39th year.

Went on Tower of Terror with my son and my nephew. Twice. It's taken me two years to work up the nerve. All our hearts were pounding in anticipation as we waited to step inside that "service elevator." And it was SO fun.

By the time the kids and I got back to where we were staying with several other family members (south of Riverside) at about midnight tonight, this was the last thing I heard on the radio. Sweet, sweet, sweet, and completely reminiscent of junior high dances lo those many decades ago.

I'm not sure what the deal is with the Journey theme this week, but I'm just going with it. I hope you all have a great weekend.