Christmas Photo Card 2011

Pictures Galore Christmas

Visit Shutterfly.com for classic photo Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Thanks, Bro!

 This is a birthday greeting from my brother Brooke!  I think he may have written it himself...sounds just like him.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

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Promoting: WHTSN S2 in Tampa on Oct 14th!!
Reading: students' papers...not much fun
Writing: some pretty lousy grades on these papers
Hearing: What the hell by Avril Laigne
Watching: Bones reruns on Netflix
Going: to hell apparently  Oh and Tampa on the 14th!
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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

Click here to view this photo book larger

So glad to finally be finished with this! I've only been working on it for like 15 months now! 

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Promoting: Face 2 Face by Kat Brooks ( http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/KatherineBrooks/face-2-face-movie?ref=live )

Reading: If You Ask Me (And of course you won't) by Betty White

Writing: Lesson Plans or at least I should be

Hearing: Wicked soundtrack (it's delightful)

Watching: Not much these days

Wearing: Grey shirt, black shorts

Going: to be really tired later today...I have to get back up in like 3 hours, Geez, I got to get to bed!

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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

HEY, Gert! Let's go to Miami!

Welcome to the latest adventure to befall the fabulous trio known as Betty, Gert and Mertyl.

Imagine yourself living in a sitcom that is a crazy mix of Laverne & Shirley and The Golden Girls, Now you’re in the right frame of mind for this tale.

Here are the trip highlights :( and ALL the other stuff that happened.

Right out of the gate things weren’t going well for Mertyl as she was chosen for a full body scan.  After assuming the position in the glass cylinder for what seemed like ten minutes, she was asked to step back out and go through regular security because they needed to recalibrate the machine.  There was also some issue with Mertyl’s baby powder.  Apparently fine powders resemble liquids?

Gert had some issues leaving Alabama as her plane to Miami was broken.  After using her sweet southern charm on the unsuspecting gate agent, Gert was put on a direct flight to Miami aborting her side trip to North Carolina. 

Betty was the first to strike out but the last to arrive.  She’s currently considering using that as the title of her autobiography.

 

Gert’s luggage is impossible to lose until you realize half the luggage in the airport at Miami is wrapped in the same lime green color of plastic wrap.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Betty took a nap while Gert and Mertyl went for a stroll on the beach. 

Being super excited to see their friends, the fab trio was a bit early for the meet; being unable to locate a bar they just sat in the hotel lobby and discussed the ‘modern’ décor and their lack of appreciation for it.

 

There was this amazing white couch that Mertyl and Gert happily sank down into while Betty sat in a chair across the room pretending not to know them.

Once Danielle, Casey and Lola arrived the crew went out to find some adventure and by adventure I mean dinner.  Miami may never be the same.

Barely two blocks from the hotel, Gert had a run in with a fire hydrant that got very personal.  Naturally being good friends the crew spent the rest of the weekend pointing out and protecting Gert from the fire hydrants.

Just two blocks later Danielle attracted a fellow who persistently chatted her up even after she explained to him that we were in town for the Gay & LESBIAN film festival because she was a LESBIAN actress/director of a LESBIAN film that would be showing in the Gay & LESBIAN film festival.  He did point us in the direction of an area where lots of restaurants are located, and then he walked us all the way there.

After a small bit of walking we found a restaurant with a table that would accommodate us and a tug-a-war ensued as some other lady crew claimed they had a reservation and they just sit down. What happened next wasn’t pretty.   It didn’t quite turn into a brawl as no actual punches were thrown but there was some chest bumping.  While waiting for the manager to sort out the scrum, Casey and I checked out the menu.  Then she vetoed the restaurant and we moved on.  This happened at the next eight restaurants, the vetoing not the brawling.

 

We finally settled on an Italian restaurant where half of the crew ordered steaks.  We somehow managed to have an enjoyable and uneventful dining experience.

We took a nice relaxing stroll on the beach back to the hotels.  Once the trio arrived back in their room Betty was cold and Gert was hot; then there was water flying across the room followed by a wrestling match which was just too close to call.   The final decision was a draw.  They’ve schedule a rematch late in June somewhere in San Francisco.  (The exact date, time and place – TBD)

Sunday was a fun day—there were Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Mojitos, Cranberry vodkas, Coke & whiskey, and Pomegranate Margaritas and that’s just what Mertyl had to drink.  Obviously she doesn’t remember what anyone else did that day or had to drink.   

Due to some mix up Lola was booted from her hotel and had the misfortune of bunking with Mertyl, Gert, and Betty.  Poor girl probably still has nightmares from being startled wake in the middle of the night by Betty bellowing “Gert, GERT!  You’re freezing my ASS off.” 

Sunday afternoon as the fantastic four traveled to meet Danielle and Casey for drinks a great debate broke out, no one remembers what it was about.  Arriving once again a bit early they resumed their previous conversation about the hotel’s choice of décor.  Casey arrived at the appointed time and wanted to set the record straight.  She claimed it is the butches that take the longest to get ready.  Half an hour later Danielle joined us and then she was gone for another half in search of the perfect bloody Mary.

Once the drinks were drunk the crew climbed into a taxi and headed to the We Have To Stop Now Season 2 Feature World Premiere.  About four blocks later the cabbie dropped the ladies at a theater, the wrong theater.  

So they hiked for like 12 blocks passing two other wrong theaters on the way.   Probably about block six of their unexpected hike, Casey was regretting her choice of foot attire.  

Casey’s next regret of the evening was leaving her purse under the care of the fab trio.  Being in good spirits Mertyl isn’t quite sure of the exact details but it went something like this…

After the Q&A the crew gathered with other film viewers on an outside balcony for the after party.    One of the crew (no one wants credit for this) set Casey’s purse on a table near the balcony.  At some point later in the evening poor Gert had another run in with an inanimate object.  As she was mounting one of the tall chairs she slipped, and as she was falling she grabbed the table toppling it over and catapulting Casey’s purse over the balcony into the street below.  Turns out this type of purse isn’t very aerodynamic.

Once Casey’s surprisingly intact purse was retrieved, the crew went to dinner.  Again the crew was able to have a nice, uneventful dinner.  After dinner as they discussed the amazing weekend a questionable decision was made to commemorate their time together by getting matching tattoos.    Good Times!!

Betty’s weekend phrase: I wanna go to the racetrack

Gert’s weekend phrase: Shut it, Betty!!

Mertyl’s weekend phrase: who knows?  Mertyl didn’t get to talk.

BTW the entire reason for the trip to Miami was to view the world premiere feature of We Have To Stop Now Season 2 and it was very good!   Film review coming soon, check back hourly.

Disclaimer:  The characters and events in this blog are fictitious.  Any similarity to real persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by this blogger.

Stay tuned for further adventures!!

Watch The Gloves Are Off tonight!!

Tonight's Topic:  The Kids Are All Right -- So personally after viewing the film I really just wanted those two hours of my life back, Thank You!  I do think the main and supporting cast did a fantastic job.  The movie just didn't do anything for me from start to finish.  I got bored.  And I tried to give it my full attention but that wasn't meant to be.  I multitask-ed.  Paula Goldberg will be a guest debater appearing on tonight's show.

Anyway, the episode promises to be epic!!  Check it out below:

Check out WHTSN!

Get it now!  The fabulous lesbian web series We Have To Stop Now is available at a discounted price at their new and improved web site.  To celebrate the We Have To Stop Now Season 2 Feature hitting the film festival circuit the price for the All Access Pass has been  cut to just $12.99. 

---------------------------------------------------- Promoting: Ugli Fruit -- something between an orange and a grapefruit

Reading: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Writing: Hearing: My silly cat meow his head off

Watching: My underground copy of the newest episode of TGAO (that doesn't suck)

Wearing:  t-shirt drawn & created by Amber Benson's sister

Going: to the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival this wkd to see the premiere of whtsn s2 feature 

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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

TGAO is BACK!!

You must log into vokle to view the event.  Tonight you can win a FREE Sweet vacation, so tune in.  Be there or be square!! 

TGAO RETURNS!!!

This is the place to be this thursday night.

  Be there or be square!
http://www.wehavetostopnow.tv/feeds.htm

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Promoting: TGAO!!!, Doy!  did you miss the blog post above?

Reading: Huntress by Malinda Lo

Wishing:  It was already Thursday afternoon (sigh)

Hearing: my computer hum (what a lovely sound after a whole 8 days w/o it)

Watching: Ally McBeal on Netflix

Wearing: Friday Night Lights Tee and blue boy short panties

Going: to bed soon, so I can get up early and grade like 80 Happy Books (journals)

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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

My Hero: Sue Sylvester

This is how Sue Sees it!

"Yeah, U know what, i checked out of this conversation about a minute back.  so uh, good luck with your troubles and I'm gonna make it a habit not to stop and talk to students because this has been a colossal waste of my time."


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Promoting: World Peace because that's what we ALL really want

Reading: The Remembering by Steve Cash

Writing: this blog
Watching: The Academy Awards with the girls in the CDB
Wearing: TAMU soccer t-shirt
Going: to get another glass of wine it's a nice pinot grigio named after me, Goddess
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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

No Me Gusta Accountability

Today in our academy meeting we decided that 'Accountability was stifling to our Creativity'.  I really like that I'm going to use it.  Think about it.  You'll get it in a bit and that will be ok.

Nice Q and A with Jillie B.  I learned something.
http://www.lesbiansnorthlondon.co.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=74&Itemid=329


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Doing: nuthin'
Reading: Letter from my students
Writing: TDL for this wkd
Hearing: My niece giggling in the other room
Watching: The Cape
Wearing: PJs
Going: to bed very soon
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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

Reading Rocks!!

I love to read.  It is something I make time for because I enjoy it and its relaxing for me.  Like today for instance is a rainy nasty day outside which is perfect for lounging in bed and exploring a good book.  And that is most likely where I will be as soon as I finish my lesson plans for the week.

There are three books coming out on February 22 that I am really looking forward to reading. I thought I would share a little about them.  I'm currently finishing The Girl That Kicked A Hornet's Nest, so I'll be reviewing that trilogy soon!

Ok, First The Remembering by Steve Cash.  It is the final book in a trilogy about a race called The Meq.  I got to read an advance copy of the first book called The Meq in 2004 and I have been mesmerized by this series every since.  The second book finally came out in 2008 and now after what seems like forever the final book is on its way.  I am super excited for this concluding novel.  Over the next month I am reading the first two books again in anticipation of its release.

The second book I'm looking forward to is called Pale Demon by Kim Harrison. It is in Kim's Hollows series.  It will be the ninth book in that series.  I have really enjoyed this series.  It follows the life of Rachel Morgan is a witch that has a habit of getting herself in and out of trouble.  Ivy, a vampire and Jenks, a pixy make up the core of her adventurous team.

Last but certainly not least is Amber Benson's third installment of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series.  It is called Serpent's Storm.    I have really enjoyed everything Amber has written or co-written and this is no exception.  This series is fun and imaginative.  I'm really excited about this next book.





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Promoting: Steelers vs Falcons in the Super Bowl (And I'm rooting for the Falcons but don't tell my step dad; he's a Pittsburg boy)
Reading: The Girl That Kicked A Hornet's Nest Stieg Larson
Writing: lesson plans for the next three weeks
Hearing: Something from the Xena soundtrack by Joseph LoDuca
Watching: Football Playoff games (hope they are better than yesterday)
Wearing: Charlie's Angels T-shirt
Going: to clean off my desk today even if it takes me all day.  I'm super tired of all the damn clutter.
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Success Doesn't Just Happen!

Summer Fun in Winter Weather

My step dad asks me about this new show The Cape.  I'm like 'IDK what you're talking about?'.  He says that girl we like from the science fiction show (helpful, right?) she's in this new show coming on this week.  So he backs through the commercials to the preview (got to love Tivo) and its SUMMER GLAU.  Who knew?  I must have missed a memo somewhere.  I had no idea she had a new show coming out.  Personally, I don't care what the show or character is; I'd happily watch her read the phone book.  Guess you know now what I'm doing tomorrow night. :)

Happy Birthday to AMBER BENSON!!  

Success Doesn't Just Happen!

21 Ways to Make Simple New Year's Resolutions

 This is a pretty cool article by Janice Taylor.

1} Write Down Your Goals (75% of what we write down happens)

2} Exercise your 'want' muscle (Make sure your goal has deep meaning for you)

3} Take a Leap of Faith 

4} Create A Plan

5} Set Your Mind (It starts and ends in the mind)

6} Be Specific 

7} Visualize (See yourself doing what you need to do to achieve your goal)

"Attitude - Whether you think you can or you think you can't.... you're right."

8} Less is More (Don't try to change to much at once.  Pace yourself)

9} Find a 'Resolution Buddy' (And share your goals now you are accountable to someone else)

10} Set a Time table (The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline!)

11} Create A Vision Board

12} Take a Risk (Stretch a bit outside of your comfort zone)

13} Remind yourself of your goals daily

14) Accentuate the Positive

15} Celebrate Failure (If at first you don't succeed, Try...try again!!)

16} Start a Journal (Record successes, failures, A-Ha! Moments)

17} Get some daily inspiration 

18} Steer clear of negativity

 

"Those who bring sunshine in the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

19} Fake It Til You Make IT!!

20} Be Patient (Change takes time.  "Life is a journey NOT a destination")

21} Remember:YOU matter!!

To check out Janice Taylor's entire article Read more:

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/Simple-New-Years-Resolutions.aspx

Success Doesn't Just Happen!

2010 YOU were not my friend!!

Coming soon!!

Success Doesn't Just Happen!