***YAAAAAWN***

Oh man....am I feeling like that right now.


Take one 500mg Vicodin, add two 220mg Aleeve, and 2 Benadryl tablets...and this is what you get.


That would be me.


I got my first night sleep in over a week, last night. Went to my physical therapy appointment at 10am. She worked on my TMJ. I told her that I finally slept soundly, but it was on my bad shoulder. I also ended up with a hip that was so painfully sore, I could barely walk. She massaged it for less than 5 minutes, which brought me to tears. So, I scheduled a massage to go to as soon as I left the PT's office. In the meantime, my PT aid I should start taking 2 Aleeve, along with my Vicodin. Apparently the bursa in my left hip has flared up, to match my left shoulder. So...I head to my masseuse. He barely got started on me and was noting how badly my skin was reacting to touch. My histamine levels are SSOOO high that my body is reacting by having SEVERE inflammation issues right now. So, he recommended that I start taking 2 Benadryl.

I am sssooooo sleepy right now. Sleepy enough that I might just pass out.

I'm gonna have to write more later. I have a MRI tomorrow. I'll try to write how all is going sometime after that appointment.


I hope you all have a great evening!

I'm LOSIN' IT!!!!

Crazy week.


This weekend, Dayna spilled water on my Blackberry that I got this summer. It would turn on, ring when called, and receive all emails, texts, etc....but, I could retrieve nothing. So, Monday I took it to the Verizon store. Thank goodness my friend was there and said, "I've seen this before. The buttons don't work. Lucky thing for you, we got a shipment of BRAND NEW Blackberry's in. Let me swap yours out"...and proceed to replace my phone with a new one, and all of its accessories. He's so wonderful to me!

UNfortunately....I lost my calendar. So, I am flying by the seat of my pants with having a TON of information an appointments that were lost on the old phone. One of which was today's appointment: an appraiser that came out to the house. All I knew was that it was after 10am. Good thing for me, I had the house all nice and clean (and me all nice and clean)....and was prepared for her when she happened to show up at 11am.

I had also forgotten that I was picking up my girlfriend's two kids and feeding them tonight. Trip to the store for extra dinner makings. I did stop by the RedBox movie kiosk and get a few movies. "Mirrors", which was too gruesome for me, but had an EXCELLENT story twist..."Lakeview Terrace" which was AWESOME!!!...."The Women" and "Swing Vote", which we haven't watched yet.

My girlfriend's kids left. Alyssa had a MASSIVE....MAJOR meltdown. We go through this with her almost every month. Which in turn, flairs her eczema up to an INCREDIBLE level. Well, I tried to help her out....but, looks like I got deemed the "bad guy". I'm a damned good mom. The whole mother/daughter struggles that happen so infrequently in this house between myself and my eldest two just break my heart. They are so unnecessary. One day, when they have girls of their own, maybe they too, will understand.



On the HAPPY side of the coin, I got some really interesting news today. There is a very good chance that I will start writing for a magazine in the near future. I will be doing articles on travel, arts, wine/spirits, and possibly fashion. I'm really excited about the possibilities! I would be working from home (it sounds like), which is a nice benefit. Seeing as how I have not been sleeping, I could actually pump out a BUNCH of articles, and store them up for future editions.

I thought that was exciting news. :)

Anyways...I don't think I have any appointments tomorrow. Maybe I will take a sleeping pill tonight, as I haven't slept in DAYS. I got my cortisone shot in my shoulder on Friday and took x-rays. I guess the films turned out fine, so they are sending me in for an MRI. Should hear about my appt. by the end of the week. The shot just ain't cutting it, and physical therapy is only helping so much. Good thing I have my new job possibility to keep my mind off of my pain. That....and my Vicodin. ;)

So....what's new with YOU?

UUGggghhhhh....

That's Dayna's latest show. She's a blondie on the right side. That's best I can give ya. I wasn't there, and a friend video taped this one for me. She has another competition this weekend....I'll post that when I get it recorded.







BUSY, BUSY, BUSY weekend!!

Looks like I may be coordinating my 25th reunion for the high school I graduated from in Fresno. I grew up in southern California....and I attend BOTH reunions, when they have them. Looks like I am kicking around a 3 or 4 day Mexican cruise for the Fresno reunion. Gives everyone time to save up (should be cheap, though).

I've posted the idea on Facebook...everyone kicking it around seems to like it so far. Now....to put thing in action...


What did YOU do this weekend?


Hey Kohl.....how's that job comin'? Does it look like I will be down there in February for a rockin' Ozomatli concert??? ;)

If so....JoAnn.....shall I stay at your house and wreak havoc and school you in Guitar Hero??? lol

Everyone's free...

....and that includes me.


And you.


Seeing as how I am trying to go through a "personal growth" period, I thought I would share with you one of my favorite songs.

It's so inspiring.

Listen...to...every...word.

My baggage....

Well, it's been a busy day. Ups and downs...back and forths. And....I'm tired.

All of this emotional stress has caused me to rely upon myself....to release myself from the bondage that I have been held by for years. And....I'm doing just that. I promise to no longer hold myself prisoner in my own life. Just because I feel one way....strongly....and have hopes, dreams and aspirations....doesn't mean that others share that with me.

So....off come the cuffs that I have placed on my life.




I am really hoping that this will be the fresh new start that I need. That this will be the first of many layers to a happier, healthier life.


Some of us grow and mature faster and wiser than others. It took me a little longer to see the light. I feel sorry for those that are still stuck in the dark.


I hate that I had to thicken my skin to get here....but, I shall consider it something that needed to be done. I sat in the fire as long as I could. Allowed God to work on me until His job was finished, and I understood.

I believe I have arrived at my first stop of many.


I hope that you, too, are able to find light in your darkness.....

Was this REALLY needed???

And, so it starts....

It's 11:30am.....less than 2 hours after Obama has been sworn in...and my middle daughter is already being harassed at school. I CANNOT believe this!!

A classmate turned to her and said, "I would shoot Bush, if he were worth the bullet". This was a 16 year old GIRL!!! My daughter told her that she shouldn't say that and got, "You just don't like Obama because he's BLACK!"....as is this student.

I am a HUGE believe in equal rights. H-U-G-E. I WILL NOT tolerate ANY race, religion, orientation even BEGIN to harass my children. NONE.
You DON'T want me to go "MAMA BEAR" on you!!

THANK GOD!!!

IT'S OVER!!!



Was it just me, or did it seem like the entire nation has been holding it's breath ever since the Presidential-elect was announced?

Maybe it's my news-work-side that has jaded me so. I was on pins and needles hoping that the inauguration went off without any problems. I didn't vote for our new President...but, I'm also smart enough to know that if anything would have happened to him today, that it would be HORRIBLE for our country.

I watched the entire inauguration, which like most Americans, was probably my first. Thought Aretha sounded like she needed a little help...although, she's till one hell of a singer....thought the prayer from Dr. Rick Warren was very good...could have done without Feinstein....thought Bush looked tired...the Obama girls looked adorable....and the benediction was decent...a little racist...but, humorous, none-the-less.

HOWEVER....I thought CBS' coverage commentary was TERRIBLE!! I've ALWAYS had a heart for Katie Couric, but I SSOOOO lost all respect for her during her commentary today. I thought she was monumentally disrespectful of our out-going President. Could not say ONE nice thing. I don't know about YOUR mom, but I was always told that if you can't say something nice.....don't say anything at all. Katie, obviously, did NOT learn that lesson. I TOTALLY felt like the media was playing their card. I think this was one of the great reasons why I didn't enjoy my time in TV as much as I could have. I don't like to see media abuse of power. But..another story for another time.

All in all, I thought that DC did a fabulous job in handling the crowds, and the event itself, was very nice.

Now.....it's time for the country (and me) to exhale, and pray that this will be as smooth a transition as possible, and that Mr. President will fulfill his duties to the best of his capabilities.

May God Bless America.

Ready for a new day....

Had that today....

Ice massage....for 30 minutes. Along with heat therapy....ultrasound....and e-stem (electric pulse shock) treatment. Two hours worth of physical therapy for my jaw and shoulder. Left side of my jaw is back to being in a HUGE KNOT...even though I am using my jaw splint and bionator religiously. ***sigh***

So....since the therapy on my shoulder has not been working, I get to go through THIS again:








Appointment is on the 23rd. :( I hate cortisone shots. Granted....they WORK...just not very comfortable.


As far as the jaw goes....saw the TMJ doc today. He's not thrilled with how I was doing well...and now my mouth is getting "used" to the appliances, and is backsliding. He says they might have to make one or two different appliances. I guess that even with the night time appliance (bionator), I'm clenching so hard, they fear that I will bite right through the appliance. I had NO idea that a human could bite down SO HARD....DURING sleep.....all night long. I'm exhausted. Between the shoulder and me not sleeping (let ALONE through the night), my fibro is trying desperately to get the best of me. I'm back on Vicodin...much to my dismay.


My dad's not doing well. He's down to 112 pounds. I guess they are rapidly pushing him through the UCSF program to be seen by some GI specialsits. He has intestinal and lung issues that they can't seem to diagnose. He's withering away, and my heart is breaking. And, of course, I'm not dealing with it well. When someone close to me becomes deathly ill, I tend to get angry, and pull back....pretending like it's not going to happen. Which is a real bullshit approach. Doesn't get me anywhere. At least I know my issue. Just gotta deal with it.

Seems like there is a lot for me to deal with right now in my life. There's a lot I really DON'T want to face....and it's just right there IN my face...not leaving me alone. Good thing I'm pretty damned strong. I have to admit...I feel pretty beat up right now. I just hope I have the strength to get through the next few years....

By the way....Briana and Lee set a date: June 5th, 2010. So, I guess we will start planning soon. She's already starting a guest list. Has the place locked in. Wants to dress shop in March, I believe. I can't believe my baby is getting married....

I hope life treats her well.

Disneyland for Dummies...

So, I spent an hour last night drafting up some Disneyland "advice" for a friend of mine. Actually, I had TWO friends this week, and one last month, come to me for advice and information. I figured that since I don't have anything interesting to blog about tonight, I would post my "advice" about the Magic Kingdom for all to appreciate...should you be heading in that direction. Mind you, it was generalized for one person, but there is a LOT of information here that you can gleam from...no matter WHEN you are going, or whom you are going with. it's long...and just SOME of the information that I have gathered along the way. I hope you get some use out of it!!


As far as hotels go, I have stayed in MANY of the hotels around Disneyland, EXCEPT for Candy Cane, as they are privately owned, and never come up for discount searches.
The two hotels within walking distance that I have stayed at and had not only good rates, but nice rooms, were Desert Palms Hotel & Suites and The Anabella. I used to stay at the Anabella ALL the time. They were bought out several years ago by someone in England, and the service and rooms went DOWNHILL. However, that being said, they had THE nicest rooms up until my last stay a few years ago. I looked up MANY recent reviews on the property, and it seems like they got their act back together over the last few years. The best rate that I found was on hotels.com. The perks here at this hotel are that they have their own on-site restaurant that is not only good, but not very expensive. Also, next door, there is a coffee shop (has been there FOREVER) called Tiffy's. We frequent there when we stay in Anaheim. The DOWNSIDE of the hotel is even though it is across the street (on Katella) from DL/CA, it is a bit of a walk. You CAN buy a transportation pass (which used to be $4 per person), but if you leave late at night, the wait to catch a bus with empty seats can be a hassle.

The place I have had THE best luck with is the Desert Palms Hotel & Suites. They have a VERY friendly staff, nice pool for the kids, easy access to the park (you go in through the parking lot and catch the tram in), and a Quizno's located downstairs. I DO like the fact that they will match or BEAT any internet price you can scrounge up on their property. They have always been VERY generous with that. They have several types of rooms to choose from (you can google the hotel and check the rooms out). We usually get the family room which faces CA, so that we can see the fireworks at night, should we retire early. It has 2 Queen beds, with a step- down living room and a fold out couch. They also have rooms for two families to share, if anyone wants to go that route. The only drawback I have with this hotel, is you need to check in at a fairly early time in order to find a parking spot...and try to keep your car there...as it is VERY difficult to try and find a spot late at night.

I noticed that the Carousel Inn had some decent prices on their rooms, but I have not stayed there before. I also noticed that in their reviews, there were more negative comments than I would like to see. People LOVED the beds, but you needed to ask for one of the newly rennovated rooms. Several people commented on "hidden charges" (i.e. parking, internet, resort tax). MOST hotels in the area have not charged for parking (unless you are staying at Hyatt, Marriott, [HOTEL] etc). Internet is ALWAYS an extra charge, unless you stay at a Marriott Courtyard, Fairfield or Residence Inn. As far as Resort Tax goes...you will get that no matter WHERE you stay in the Anaheim area. I believe it's between $5-$15, depending on the cost of the room. When we last stayed at the Grand Californian, the room was a little over $400 a night, and taxes were almost $20.

I did see that the Doubletree Hotel across from the park had OUTSTANDING reviews, and was only $87.20 per night per room. I have NOT stayed there, but have heard great things about it, and I BELIEVE that they recently remodeled the entire hotel. I don't know what restaurants they have inside the hotel itself, but, I do know that there is a Mimi's Cafe in front of it.

As far as eating goes: I would not recommend the "Dining Package" that you can purchase through Disney. It is rather confusing to use. You CAN save SOME money by using it, but more often than not, you find yourself eating somewhere, and you don't have the correct "coupon" for that type of eatery. I also don't know if you can purchase the package without going through Disney Travel Co....which NEVER gives you a break on ANY pricing. I WOULD recommend that you make reservations for eating anywhere in the park, besides fast food stops. They do have a Disney Dining number, which you can locate online, and I recommend keeping it in on your phone. You can make reservations up to 90 days in advance.

Places I would recommend: Carnation Cafe (on Main Street) for lunch. They have a GREAT "comfort food" menu, and fun stuff for the kids to eat too. This is a MUST whenever we go. I would DEFINATELY say to make a reservation if your entire party will be eating together. Anything over a party of 6 will require a substantial wait at any of the eateries. The Blue Bayou is always a favorite with our family. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the ambiance is fabulous. Don't plan on it being a RUSHED meal...but, their serving time has improved tremendously recently. They are pricey, and the food is moderate...but, the experience is unlike any other you will get in the park. MUST have reservations, no matter WHAT size party you have. The Carnation Plaza is a great place to eat, located at the end of Main Street. No reservations needed. Their specialty is fried chicken. If you get there somewhat late for dinner/early for fireworks, and place yourself outside under the heaters, far enough where you have a clear view of the castle, you will be right smack dab in the middle of the night-time fireworks show. The kids might complain about sitting there for a bit..but you CAN'T beat the view!! The River Belle across from Tom Sawyers Island is also a great place to eat for lunch or dinner. No reservations. If you go there for dinner, go early, and stay for the Fantasmic show. You'll get an up-close and personal, unobstructed view of the show. Pizza Port is located in Tomorrowland. It specializes in pasta and pizza, of course! It is reasonably priced (for Disneyland), requires no reservations, and has ample seating. One chicken pasta plate is enough for two adults...and the kids always love the food. No reservations. In California Adventure, there really aren't many choices for a sit-down meal. The hot dog stand in The Backlot is very good, but it can sometimes be difficult to find seating, once you get your food. The corn dog stand next to the purple dinosaur on the boardwalk has great corndogs...no seating. We usually hit the restaurant where the winery is. No reservations needed, although if there are more than 6 of you, I would recommend making one. Be sure to have a glass of wine and order their orange panecotta for dessert. It's to DIE for!!

As far as tickets go: I would either buy them on eBay, or get a season pass. We have had Premium Annual Passports now for 8 years. If you purchase the Premium Pass, you can go any day of the year. All other passes have "black out" days, which cost over $40 if you want to get in on these days. The Passports are especially good if you are planning at LEAST one other multi-day trip to the parks. The Premium also includes free parking, which is currently $12 a day. (You can pay extra to add parking on to the other passes.) You will get discounts at almost ALL eateries, and 10-15% off of your purchases within the park and Downtown Disney. You also qualify for discounted rates at the Disney prooperties, should you decide to stay there. They are pricey, but save you money in the long run, should you be planning on returning within a year. Otherwise, your best bet is on eBay. (Be sure to look at the shipping charges and the positive feedback of the seller!!)

Many of the rides have "Single Rider" entrances. If everyone does not want to go on a particualr ride, this is a GREAT way to get on a ride quickly (if there is a long line). There is no guarantee that you will be seated together (most times you are not), but it IS a great way to get through the rides quickly...or ride the favorites over and over. Keep in mind that not ALL rides have this option. When in doubt, ask an attendent. Also, you can only pull one Fast Pass per person, per time limit. Let's say you pull a Fast Pass for Splash Mountain (which has single rider), but your "window" is in 4 hours. You cannot pull a Fast Pass for another ride (within that park), until the window time has come up. Keep that in mind when you are pulling passes.

If you are looking for "character dining" for the kids, or just fabulous food, NOTHING beats the Storyteller Restaurant in the Grand Californian hotel. They have the BEST breakfast, hands down! They start turning over for lunch at 11. Reservations for your party are a good idea.

If you arelooking for a diversion from the rides, try a tour. The best tour (in my opinion) that Disneyland offers, is the "Walk in Walt's Fottsteps" tour. it's about 4 hours in length, an what you get out of it varies with each cast member. Regardless, if you are a big Disney fan like myself, you will learn so many little bits and pieces of park information that are not normally known to an average guest.

I don't know if any of this has helped. I know it's a lot of info...and it's just the tip of the iceberg for me...lol

If I can answer any other questions or help you in any other way, please don't hesitate in asking! I have no idea how long it's been since you have been down there, so you may already know much of what I have shared.
I hope you have a FABULOUS trip down there!


OH!! Be sure to take advantage of their new "PhotoPass"! They have photographers all over both parks. At your first photo, they will give you a card. Each time you take a picture, you hand them your card, and it stores all of your photo information with a bar code, for the entire trip. If you don't wish to view the photos in the park, you can go home and order them...and even DESIGN some special backgrounds and add characters! You can look at/order your pictures online for up to 30 days. I always make sure we take LOTS of pics around the park, since there is no charge involved, and we don't have to remember to purchase them at the end of the night when everyone is tired.

Once again, let me know if I can help you any further! I would say that hotels.com had the best prices by FAR on the internet for hotels, if you are looking for a great deal on hotels that are off of Disney property.

~M~

OK, OK, OK!! Here's what you've been waiting for...

Yup. That is Quincy Jones...goofing around with me in his living room! I was invited to go with my cousin Liz to his house. Our friend Ingrid also came along. All I can say was it was an awesome experience, and I am FULLY looking forward to our next trip back.



Quincy has a GORGEOUS home, designed by Steve Wynn. From the balcony off of the main living room, you can see all of Hollywood, Los Angeles and even down to Catalina Island!



He was an amazingly gracious host. We spoke of everything from his past projects to upcoming projects....new talent he has found to talent he has worked with in the past. Friends from the past that he lost...Presidents and Nobility that he has welcomed to his home. From jokes shared between us....to tears shed between us.



Never once was I nervous about meeting him. Never once did I feel out of place walking around with a living legend. So humble and hospitable, he was. Made me feel like I was sharing time with a life-long friend.



After we had been there about 2 1/2 hours, he decided that we needed something to eat. So, he asked what we would like, and we all decided on soup and salad. He also ordered up a nice bottle of Reisling. Next thing I know, one of his employees presented us with a silver platter that had 4 glasses of white wine. We laughed and talked some more, until the table was set and we shared a meal together. FABULOUS salad topped with THE most incredible salmon sashimi (about 3/4" thick!) on a bed of greens. Then there was the incredible soup we had! Broth with fresh vegetables and the finest ground meat/sausage. Dessert was fresh watermelon sorbet topped with big juicy blueberries. Laugh after laugh was had at that table.



My cousin had an engagement to go to, which was sad because Quincy had video of a superstar that he found....years ago when he found them. This person is legendary now...and it would have been an awesome thing to see. However, the fact that we had to leave, left it that we would be back...maybe for a night of movies in his theater!!



Either way, I am forever indebted to him for the grace at which he entertained. I felt so comfortable being there. I loved looking at all of his Grammys, Oscars, MTV Awards, philanthropic awards.....pictures of all of the family he loves so much, to pictures of movie stars, rock legends, and Heads of State.



All three of us went away with smile on our faces, and a token from our visit. It was an amazing experience, and I look forward to being able to visit with him again and again. Such a gentleman...



I have left a lot of detail out, but there are some memories which I like to keep to myself, and I respect the privacy of Quincy and our visit together. Sweet memories, from a sweet man. I wish that everyone could get to know him...it was such a pleasant, welcome surprise.

GEARIN' UP!!!

I KNOW I have left you all in the lurch as of recent. And, I apologize. I'd say that I would be up for a public whipping...but, those of you who know me....well....


ANYWAYS....

I read through my entire last year of blogs, and realized how often I was promising to write this and that....post pictures of this and that....and never followed through.

I'M GONNA DO IT AGAIN!!


But....I have GOOD reason this time!

I have GOT to finish up Dean's month end paperwork, and get a couple projects out of the way...

...'CAUSE I GO TO QUINCY JONES' HOUSE FOR LUNCH ON SATURDAY!!! Can't wait. I guess he has lunch at 2 every day.....and Liz said we will be there between 2-3pm. I WILL take pics of "Q" and I together....so y'all will believe me. lol

Anywho...lemme get all this stuff out of my way...do a little pre-packing, and I will blog late tonight. I've been up until 3-4am every night, so, I'll put some time in for blogging, since I have been such a slack-a-lacker!!

Will chat soon!

~M~