Watch The Credits

TV shows and movies were an important part of my childhood.  My parents ALWAYS let me stay up for the

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Color MeCalm

This is one of my earlier posts that you may have missed the first time. Call it “fashion re-education”.

Rein Rant N' Rave

In the winter of 2007, I had a close friend of mine from college, pass away. Back in college, Heidi made it very clear that her favorite color was red. She had a red folding chair in her residence hall room, always wore red in some part of her wardrobe and was beyond passionate about Indiana University.  In fact, she almost transferred to IU for junior year, but thankfully for us, she stayed.

Her husband asked that we wear red at her funeral to pay homage to her.  I thought that was such an amazing idea.  While red is definitely not my best color, at least I don’t think so, I found what I could and even had a  bright red bag.  When I got to the service, there was red everywhere. It was beautiful. Heidi would have been thrilled.

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Driving Karma

I have to admit I am really impressed by truck drivers. They have to drive that big rig and not hit us little people driving smaller vehicles.

I was picking up some sinus medicine and a truck driver was trying to back into a stall in a corporate business park. I pulled to the right and stayed back as to not apply pressure.

Understand, I applaud my fellow drivers who parallel park with ease. I don’t like being crowded as I attempt to fit my car in a spot that can fit three. So I really appreciate the skill this truck driver has to get this truck in that space. I am amazed when they are  just taking turns going forward!

This impatient driver behind me barrels past me but first stops and glares at me as if to say,

That Time I Stumped the President

You can imagine my delight when my brother  joined a fraternity, while I was still in high school. After the composite  of the 73 men was made, I promptly surveyed the situation.

Time passed and I  found myself watching one of the brothers play in a tennis tournament in my hometown.  I grew up playing at this facility and was groomed to turn pro. That was really “in” back then.  I did play on the freshman team which was like going to the olympics because it was so competitive. Needless to say, I was thrilled to have a brother play collegiate tennis.

As I sat in the stands, I could easily identify all of the brethren that were present.  I turned around and introduced myself to the president

Facebook Groups: aka Chaotic Conversation

Facebook has replaced the need for most reunion planning companies, yet it seems to be undermining the efforts of reunion planning via their incredibly user-UNfriendly group pages.  

Do you ever get frustrated with the way topics and thoughts can get lost in the new Facebook group format?  Photos and comments keep bouncing up and down the page as people look at each post. It is great that people are so passionate about expressing their thoughts and they should not be prevented from doing so, but the irony is that the end result is people aren’t being heard.

My Homage to My Blog Mentor: The Good Greatsby

Facebook family and blog readers, thank you for helping me achieve my goal of blasting past 4,000 clicks yesterday!  My Facebook family put me over the top when I implored upon them late yesterday afternoon and I am thrilled.  I hope they READ some of the posts, too, but the fact that I know they clicked to help me out really impresses me. My blog followers and subscribers keep me going. 

I have placed a reach goal of 5,000 reads by my 1 year anniversary on March 19.  I’ve considered putting my blog mantra on the elevated trains in Chicago to increase traffic flow, but I don’t have that kind of marketing budget. I’m going to have to make a plethora of magic words with my fingers as they tickle the keyboard to make that happen, but believe and you will achieve!  

It’s not really the number of clicks that fascinate me. It’s the ability to reach people and make them laugh or think a bit.  

I was floored when I realized one of my favorite bloggers had me on her blog roll a couple of days ago. I wrote her to thank her and she commented  that she had it on there awhile because she likes my blog. That was so cool!  Thank you to Kate of Views and Mews by Coffee Kat. She is a really fun read and has taught me a great deal since our paths crossed in the blogging community last fall.

I don’t get to blog (well, I have four now) full-time so my ability get traffic is a challenge.  It wasn’t until I introduced my cute niece and nephew last fall that the respected blogging community started paying attention to this blog. That, and writing about my former downstairs neighbor who used to take a broom and smack the ceiling to get the people BELOW her to shut up. I never understood that. 

A Valentine Prank

I have to admit that I had very low expectations for yesterday. In fact, it was just another day. In the spirit of that special day put aside for couples that Hallmark created to boost card, candy, and flower sales, I wore black and white.  

My dad had surprised me with a delightful treat from See’s, Black Forest Truffles, limited edition.  So, I thought my day was done.

6 Pieces of Deliciousness!

However, right after lunch, I received a frantic email form a colleague, Strawberry Smoothie,  asking if I had received a Federal Express package that he had sent me.  I hadn’t and didn’t think much about it, but he was quite annoyed.  

A few moments later, I looked at my neighbor’s desk and his shipment was there.  I took it from her, pausing for a moment, wondering where I should open it.  For some reason, my keen sense of direction brought me to my desk.  

I ripped open the envelope and felt a whoosh of air with substance  as I screamed.  Little stars and balloons made of glitter confetti sprayed out of the envelope and floated into the air!  The colorful confetti was all over my white sweater and black pants and it was awesome!

My Punny Valentine

Growing up with my brother, I was always giddy and full of gratitude.  He loved to trick me into thinking he was being thoughtful as proven when he gave me a big card one Valentine’s Day addressed to “Sister”.   It was a blank card that he wanted me to return to him so he could give to someone else. 

Houston, We Have a Problem

I found out Whitney Houston died because a Facebook friend announced it in his status. I found out that Michael Jackson died the same way and had the same reaction. “What?!”  With Whitney, I saw a sentiment on Facebook and Twitter – all saying the same thing – WHAT A WASTE. 

I was very sad  that she died yesterday. She was only 48 and had so much talent that was ruined due to the abuse she put on her body. I was mostly disappointed that she lost her voice, which contributed to her losing her life. 

I can easily remember listening to her when she first broke out in the business, back in the 80s.  She exuded innocence and had this amazing voice, full of soul and beautiful high notes. I wasn’t a big fan of the dance songs but the lyrics of her slow songs were so wonderful and she told each story so well when she sang them. 

It’s unfortunate when people lose their way.  It’s a gift when people bounce back into balance.  However with celebrities, these days, it seems so rare that it actually happens.  Look at Demi Moore, what is happening with her now?! Will Dr. Deepak Chopra be able to help her?

The pressure of fame and losing the gifts one once had must be excruciating.  After she hit her prime, she went down a tainted path.  Despite that, she was an amazing singer and that is how I will remember Whitney Houston and thank her for sharing her voice that was taken way too soon.

Camp Douglas Smith Diaries: Part 1

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, which means absolutely nothing to me. So I am focusing energy on one of my other projects.  I have two projects going on that require a blog, Twitter, and Facebook activity which seems to be my “thing” lately, so it has been fun.

My grade school is turning 75 in a few years and that has been keeping me busy with the daunting task of finding 75 years worth of students! However, now my energy is on my camp reunion that happens in  June.  Yikes!! Pressure!