
Bluefly went First Class!
Even the box had me at hello.
Breathtaking. The picture doesn't do it justice.
My first Carrie Bradshaw-esque shoe purchase. It's gonna take a few days of breaking in and blister block and getting used to the huge pointy toe but I can also justify it as self defense weapons, no?
I'm a SW convert, finally. The other shoes that I wasn't sure about keeping but yet hesitant about returning this morning are going back. That money is going back in the account. While the other shoes are pretty - they are not THESE shoes. And I'm thrilled with this purchase and so thankful to Diane for the heads up.
I'm in love... with my choos.
Labels: Blog 365, Cash Back, Fashionista, Shopping
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.
Not as easy as you might think.
Remember: one word answers.
Labels: Blog 365, Goals, Random Mess, Shopping, Weekend


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Labels: Blog 365, Jokes, Shadow


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I know you only meant to say "HAI" this morning as you wiggled your antennae at me as I was in the bathroom getting ready for work. I honestly didn't mean to let out that bloodcurdling scream, but you startled me. See, we don't really see you or your extended family around my apartment because, in all seriousness, you are not welcome here. See - it has to do with the fact that you are much like your cousin, the cockyroach. Yes, I know you think you are all pretty with your amber colored shell and your flying ability - but your shenanigans were not (and are not) neighborly at all.
I thought I saw you the other night by the water heater but it was 4:30 in the morning and I was going on some serious lack of sleep. I thought I was seeing things. When I flipped on the light in the laundry room, you scurried about hiding from all the brightness you so despise. Now, I know you are all happy - there's lots of rain and construction in our complex - and lots of pipes for you to scurry up and visit the neighbors.
Last night, I saw my kitten look under the dark washer but I assured her that you were gone. Just to be safe, she had received her marching orders that, should she see you - to gut you like a pig. Yes, brutal, but that's what my Shadow does. She tortures. Because you, my non-friend, are not welcome in our house. Shadow was hesitating going to her litterbox but I assured her that you would NEVER step one of your many feetsies into her stinky haven.
This morning, however, was the last straw. You scurrying at rapid speed IN THE DAYLIGHT after your ambush "HAI" along the walls and my 12ft. ceilings knowing I couldn't reach you with the broom was not nice. Not nice at all. And I didn't appreciate your hiding maneuver behind the mirror behind THE BATHTUB knowing that we couldn't send your amber antennae butt packing.
What even horrified me more was your stealth maneuver into my beloved kitchen attacking my father. Sadly, my favorite espresso dishtowel perished in the defense against your scary scurry. And the maneuver under the fridge was not neighborly either. What's up with that? Not to mention, you directly threatened me by pulling your shenanigans alarmingly close to my ice coffee. What are you - mental? Do you not know I will hairspray your butt so quick your antennae will spin? Wait - that's right. You think you can do that in my house. Well no more.
So here's what's going to happen. The building is going to come in and exterminate your ass - but should you show yourself prior to them coming in, I'm packing an arsenal. I've got the broom, hairspray and RAID ready for you - and not just any RAID - EXTRA STRENGTH KILL YOU IN YOUR TRACKS RAID.
To be safe, I have to be upfront. There's a contract hit put out on you. Shadow, the HitKitty, will be paid handsomely for your demise. If she annihilates you, she receives a week of special pricey dinners (mussels and duck!) along with all the cookies she can handle, extra toys, a new collar and a bath (well - she's got the bath scheduled on Saturday but with a manicure too for good measure). When it comes to bribes, Shadow will listen - and she will gut to kill.
Because, I have to be honest - I don't appreciate your "HAI" attack first thing in the morning. I'm not a morning person.
Sincerely,
~The Wench in Altamonte
PS: Tell your cuzzos that they are worth the same fate should I ever see them around these parts too!
[Photo courtesy of ICanHasCheezburger.com - and this is MUCH cuter than what presented itself to me this morning]
Don't mind me - I'm a bit heated.
What ever happened to consideration? If someone is not going to do something, just tell them. That's how I am. However, I am fully aware that not everyone is like me. I tend to consider other people's feelings before I consider my own. However, there are individuals that assume one is a mindreader or one just "knows". Well, I am neither. Apparently that skillset was NOT distributed to me and, if it should have been, please let me know who I need to contact to curse the hell out. And no, I don't show up late to soirees - to me that's just rude. If I had gotten the memo of the change of plans, surely I would have made the appropriate arrangements, especially since I had cancelled plans to attend the hastily put together soiree. And, surely, you understand that I felt like a heel for promising to attend and then having to renege on my promise, right. Wait - I should have KNOWN that the plan changes would have been in effect. OOPs - that falls under mind reading. Sorry - again, I need to curse out the individual who forgot to give me the mindreading skill. It won't happen again, I'm sure.
Also, while I am in rant mode, it appears that daily, one keeps trying and trying and trying to see just how much I can take before I reach my breaking point. Or, if that's not the case, then they are just pushing their limits time and time again. And now apparently I also need to inherit the skillset of policing the world and just anticipating that everyone is going to screw up and, if they do - well, indirectly it's my fault because, clearly, I should have anticipated that they would screw up and I should have implemented preventative measures to avoid it.
Also - I don't tolerate bullshit well - never have and never will. I see through facades too - it's a nifty little skill they taught us at the Cable Company. We had to know when cable thieves were pulling the wool over our eyes and I can only hear "No, Ms. Lys - I didn't tamper with the cable box and open it to all those nudie channels. My kid put birthday cake in the box and *poof* it opened to the Spice Channel. I swear!" So, enough stories like that and our boss was stressing the fact that we all "need to read people - our team must have specialized training" and *poof* after a fabulous law enforcement group came into the Cable Company, we were taught how to read people - which translates to the day to day even now. I am great at reading jurors. It's a nice little skill to have. Even better is when I can read people either on the phone or in my face. So when one is all up in my face all friendly, I see through that. When one is in their office mumbling, I see through the prior friendly facade - and I can hear some things. All those gigs back in the day didn't totally wreck my hearing.
Let's just say "I'm aware" and call it a day. And I'm aware that, clearly, some people just don't think of others at all.
*jumps off soapbox*
Labels: Blog 365, Music, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365

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[Photo courtesy of ICanHasCheezburger]Labels: Blog 365, Jokes, Random Mess
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"I'm About To Give You Away For Someone Else To Take"... No Doubt
I love No Doubt -sometimes their lyrics really hit home. Anyways, in the period of reflection, both on the trip home from all points north and over the past week or so, I've decided to pretty much fade a couple friendships into obscurity. Obviously I'm not going to name who here, but it's pretty much evident to those closest to me.
One of them - s/he pretty much comes out of obscurity whenever s/he needs something - or I start to lay roots and make a life for myself. I just can't seem to figure out the justification. And whenever s/he is in a relationship - friendships are where? It's been a constant for over 10 years with this person off and on and personally, I just need to cut him/her loose. And it seems that when I start to move forward with my life in a new direction, this person pops up like "HI, I miss you. Come home." blah blah blah. I don't have time for his/her shenanigans. Yeah, it was the whole coulda should woulda back in the day - I screwed it up, but part of me wonders if I subconsciously knew that there was no need to further anything beyond a certain point. I'm grateful for the role s/he played in my life, the support they did give when I needed it most but I just can't be bothered with the day to day.
Another one of them - this one is tough. I've been cool with this cat for over 20 years. We've had our spats over the years, but there's always been this bond. Over the past couple of years, this person has been quite the donald downer. I'm all about being there for people and have no issue with that, but it seems like this person is all about attracting negative energy. I've tried to address it with the person - it's not happening. There is no change. And, sadly, while I love this person dearly, I'm going to have to say "Best of luck to you" and call it a day. I'll be civil - there's no need to not be with this person, but I don't need to further a friendship with them. And watching them make life choices that are bad over, and over, and over again is killing me. Their insecurity is breeding a whole mess of problems and personally, I just can't sit idly by when they are setting themselves up for repeated failure. I guess this is the tough love stance, but when some stuff came to light - I just sat there and went "You know what - I don't need any part of that. I wish him/her the best, but hot damn. I'm done."
So, yes - there are changes in all aspects of my life at the moment. It's a bit confusing, but I think in the long run it will pay off for my peace of mind. I just can't and won't be someone's doormat. That's not a role I will ever play again. I also recognized the fact that I often attract wounded birds and I feel the urge to help/fix. But if I can help/fix them - who's helping/fixing me. I need to focus on the important first and that is getting my life together first. I'm no good to anyone if I'm wounded myself, right?
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess

How Long Does It Take

Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Random Mess, Shopping
That's when I caught these two lovely things that have changed my beauty life.

In here are the best products that one might need "Just In Case". Now, I had to giggle because of course it is named Justine (to quote one of our gals - our angel always saves our butts - in this case it was a beauty save) but the products in here are essential. It has Benetint for that "glow", California Kissin' lip gloss for a gleaming grin and minty fresh breath and Eyecon to get rid of my raccoon eyes from my lack of sleep. It also has their new "foundation faker" Some Kind-A Gorgeous and let me tell you - it is some kinda wonderful. Now I know I say I'm a Bare Escentuals gal but this has a little somethin' somethin' that might work in the humidity known as Orlando. My problem is I have alot of red/pink undertones in my skin that can only be corrected with a good yellow foundation. Anything with pink undertones makes it look funky.

I love the look of a full lip (while mine are slightly recovering from their case of chapped-itis from the cold arctic winds) and this set really helps me set it off. And add that with the California Kissin' - I'm ready to regain my title as the Kissin' Bandit.
I also picked up their SMOOOCH which has also assisted with my chapped-itis lips. Sometimes I think that works better than Blistex. When it comes to smoochable lips, I swear by both Smooch and Benefit's Lip Plump.
When you can, drop by the Benefit display at either Sephora or Macy*s. You won't be sorry.
Labels: Beauty, Blog 365, Obsessed With, Shopping

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I know I know - I swore off all things Bakers since I found out that they were guilty of putting out the Jessica Simpson shoe line, but I might have to make an exception for these Zoe Ombre Pumps. Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Obsessed With, Shopping
That is perhaps one of the best lines uttered by Patrick Swayze. Say what you will, but I still check the gossip reports every so often - kinda like watching the news. You know you don't WANT to know but a part of you can't HELP but know. It's just one of those things.
And today, on PerezHilton it remarks about the sad state of affairs affecting Patrick Swayze and his bout with pancreatic cancer. Normally, I treat stories originally broken by the National Enquirer with a raised eyebrow and a "mmmm-hmmmmm", however when Perez posted the confirmation by Swayze's rep, that about floored me. Wow - just wow. My heart goes out to him.
I can't picture my 80s movies without the usual suspects - and that includes Patrick Swayze. I mean, besides the movies Ghost and Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze was often one of those actors who many people go "Oh yeah - he WAS in that". Remember him in The Outsiders? What about his performance in Road House (one of my personal favorites - his portrayal of the tough yet sensitive lead bouncer reminded me of BR in his Annies days)? And even in TV - North & South was one of those mini-series I remember my parents watching (and I wound up buying but sadly I haven't found the time to watch just yet). He's a fabulous actor, imo and I hope that he does indeed have more time than the doctors are saying he has.
And, yes, much like I do every year on Justine's anniversary, I will be watching Dirty Dancing as it was her favorite movie. However, when I watch it this time, I'm praying that cancer won't take one of her favorite actors as a casualty.
Labels: Blog 365, Celeb, Movies
It felt so good to crawl into my bed the other night and sink into the covers after traveling. However, rousing myself OUT of those covers this morning was a fight to the finish. I did not want to leave the house.
I really need a vacation from my vacation - and one day off isn't gonna cut it.
In other news, Rome is hitting the big 40 20 *cough cough* in May and we're trying to figure out all the necessary balls to put into play to make sure he has one hell of a fabu birthday bash. As there are a bunch of other May babies in our group, well - cocktails are needed [I'll just not drink til May then - that sounds good right about now]. Now that means starting to do a guest list, pricing out airline tix, hotel info, car rental, savings galore, an OUTFIT, finding talent, did I mention OUTFIT - yeah - I have a one track mind. Thankfully it won't be arctic conditions in May (or at least I hope not). That could put a damper on the shoe situation.
I promised you photos and here's one that sums up our weekend perfectly:
This was ALL Rome's doing - all of it. Shots anyone?
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Random Mess, Travel
[Note: This was written prior to today’s posting]
Well, the weekend is over and, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m testing a new Word program so I’m writing this on the plane from my lovely Business Class seat, sipping on a free Diet Coke all the while I’m kissing the ground that AirTran walks on. You know I *heart* this airline, right? Sure I could have cocktails on the plane, but after yesterday – I’m cocktailed out until, oh, at least next month. Yeah – it was that bad [more on that in a moment].
First of all, I have to say that seeing Reese is always a blast! She’s definitely one of those gals who I admire and learn from – confident, strong character and sparkling personality. We pretty much are hitting up Philadelphia about a couple times a year if all goes right. We had some business to take care of and, once that was over, fun was to be had. And the shopping – oh the shopping.
A lesson I learned this week: There ARE No Coincidences. None – nada. Everything happens for a reason. Get your coffee – this is going to be a long one.
First instance:
Thursday, Jas couldn’t go with us to the show however our boy Rome did. We had a fabulous time, I finally understand any and all of Reese’s discussions of characters at an English Beat Show, met the band (fabulous fabulous people!) and upon walking into the show there is a guy who, upon hearing his name, Rome promptly stopped and talked with – why, because we have been trying to get in touch with this guy for well over 6 months for something for a client of ours. How weird that the exact person we needed to talk to was just there right as we were walking in. Definitely not a coincidence.
Second instance:
Saturday we were going to lunch with the ever so charming CK and decide to go to a spot on South Street called Copa Banana. It’s right next to Jim’s Steaks and they have the best cocktails – the mojitos, the Sangria (my favorite), the margaritas, and more. You really must stop by if you ever go to Philly. Their food was amazing and we just had a good time. When you get Reese, CK and I in a room, cocktails will be imbibed, much laughter will be had and we always spend longer than allotted (let’s say we planned an hour and a half – it was much longer) Well, while we were hanging out at Copa, our boy Jas calls to find out the schedule. He isn’t going to let Reese and I leave town without saying hello – he’s cool like that. Upon hearing that CK was with us, the next thing I know - Jas is saying “I’m on my way.”
There are always random get-togethers when I go to Philly as I’m friends with a number of people from back in the show days. I love for everyone to get along and my friends are always cool people. Those that aren’t – aren’t my friends. Plain and simple.
First, I have to say that CK and Jas haven’t seen each other in 19 years. 19 years people – 19 YEARS. In strolls Jas through the door and it was just good vibes. More cocktails are ordered, hugs, back pounds (guy thing, I know), and all is good. Now it’s about 5:00, Jas is finagling his way out of working that night as we were all due to go out later. So, as we are all drinkin’ and talking and laughing and catching up, my heart about stops. I had looked up to see this guy staring me down as he’s being seated in the table NEXT TO OURS and it is our old floor producer, RH. Oh. My. God. All they heard me say was “RH?????” and I’m in shock – man I wouldn’t let him go if I could! The last I saw him was I want to say in 1991.
RH was the guy who kicked our butts into line. I think I mentioned before that during my time on that show, I’d hear “LYS, You’re PULLED” which meant dance my happy butt into the corner. He was like an older brother to us, stern but loving. I was a brat – plain and simple. I chewed gum, I got into “tifts” with girls who were looking at the guy I was dating as well as the dumb azzhat guy for messin’ around. I wore all black on camera if I could. And we won’t go into the time that some people told me some bad news and I about had a meltdown in the bathroom. Yeah – looking back I was a brat. There’s no other term for it. In a weird way, I think I was also acting out because of drama going on at home. The set was my haven away from a lot of mess and helped me deal with all the changes. RH’s gal Yvette was the one who was so patient with me and taught me about publicity and always encouraged me to go for whatever I wanted to do in life.
So seeing RH unplanned, totally random after all my times asking about him and wondering how the hell he was, I just about lost it. I got teary. So now you have both CK and I who haven’t seen RH in about 18 years; Reese who had not seen RH in 2 years, and Jas (who sees RH often). As Reese said, there was a lot of healing going on.
No party would be complete without Rome, so with that Jas and I are whipping out our cell phones to text him to get his happy butt to the Copa to see RH. Man, Rome booked it and that provided the hilarity later in the night. Funny sidenote: There’s parking on the side streets, and Rome was so excited and in a rush he left his keys IN THE CAR. We later discovered that during the duration of our time with RH and the crew, the car was RUNNING! Yeah he was excited – just a bit.
We also met RH’s friend GG and she is just a phenomenal woman. Straight up real. Loves her! See the random doesn’t always happen to us, it also zapped her. As GG is sitting there laughing at all the stories being flown around the joint about show days, her friends walk in. She had no idea they were coming and, with them, is her friend from LA who is the sis to an A List celeb and GG had not seen her in a while. Man – there was so much laughter, memories and phone numbers being exchanged. Lots of reconnecting, positive energy and I’m still flabbergasted.
So let’s see, we went to the Copa at 12:30 and we left around 8:30 p.m. We were at the Copa for 8 hours people. 8 HOURS! Oh my lord. Our waitress was the shnizit and she kept the cocktails flowing. Don’t worry – I was the responsible driver and I cut myself off early and was alternating water and cocktails earlier on too. It was just one of those things that could not be planned. All my trying to organize everyone to come together couldn’t compare to what went on Saturday night.
As we are leaving the Copa, a decision was made to go back to the hotel and hang out at the hotel bar. We were supposed to go to a club but we didn’t want to deal with dress code drama and that stuff so, instead we were swiping a table and the party came over to our spot. It was now Reese, CK, Jas, myself and Rome and we shut that place DOWN!. More cocktails. To quote Reese “Christmas in a glass”, I decided since I wasn’t driving anymore that Baileys was my poison of choice, Jas and his Goose, and Rome and his Coors Light ;) (Sorry – had to say it). As we’re having a blast and more stories are being traded, we hear BB King was in our hotel. BB KING? Are you flippin’ kidding me. No I didn’t meet him, but still. BB KING? That man is a legend.
Now – this is what I love about Philly. You can find anything you are looking for and you never know WHO might cross your path.
There are no coincidences. Of that, I’m positive.
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Memories, Travel
Feelin' a little sassy as I walked off the plane was due in part to one of my major scores when I was in Philly this weekend... a rockin' Red Trench.Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Shopping