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Sunday, August 23, 2009

I know I'm super stoked about the upcoming move and looking forward the adventure ahead.  However, I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't think about what brought me here to Orlando in the first place.  I believed in a project so much that I left a good paying job at a major corporation to head forward into the unknown and handle the PR for a group of amazing individuals who, even to this day, I am so proud of.  Regardless of my issues with their management, I always believed in them and do to this day.  Anything that they call me for, you know I'll drop what I'm doing and help them out.  They have all grown up now and I still slip and call them kids, but the memories I have with them and their family is just priceless.  They are fabulous individuals and I adore them.

When times were tough, the people surrounding them became a surrogate family of sorts - and I can't imagine not having MB or Fus around to yip with.  They understood my frustration - Fus and her family let me spread my wings PR wise and handle things for the label, giving me major experience and huge learning opportunities.  I was able to reconnect with industry people from my past and revive those relationships, take on new clients and explore different genres.  I learned that sometimes you just have to branch out and have faith that the road you are on is the right one.  I also learned to rely on instinct and if something doesn't seem right or you just know it doesn't fit in your plan, then get rid of it.  I learned that some people are just downright snakes and your instinct won't lie to you.

Of course, when their band broke up and they moved back out West, I stayed here in O-Town and wound up getting the job I have now (and will have til Sept. 4th).  I met some amazing people regardless of someone's telling me to NOT work and that just "things would be taken care of" (thankfully I also learned that some people are full of ish and they just need to be gone!)  I learned responsibility at a level I never really had to before, where I became truly independent and could think for myself.  I embraced my inner bitch and dealt with the drama swiftly, only looking forward.  What would crying do to help me, not a damn thing.  I just had to soldier on. 

I also learned that besides the day to day, I needed a creative outlet, hence me starting Just Because... well, just because and meeting (virtually) some fabulous fabulous people that I would love to have a cocktail or coffee with and just chatter endlessly about fashion, cooking, the weather, anything with :)  I further branched out into honing my cooking skills and then transitioning that over to Cooking in Stilettos and meeting FoodBuzz, another group I just adore.  On the fashion end (because, well, I'm a fashion whore - totally admit that), Reese and I collaborated on Fashionista+ which I'm excited to work on again. 

And, on the personal level, Shadow and I met the one and only Mr. Wiggles who taught me that things I deem urgent, really aren't - at least in a dog's eyes.  I began to laugh again and to not always focus on the minutiae.  I discovered that Loubous and fabulous shoes are, indeed, my crack.  I rebuilt some relationships from the past.  I learned to "edit it down" when it came to my surroundings and address things that normally I would try to hide from and stick my head in the sand.  Sometimes when you just deal with it, it's not as bad as you think it would be.

The past few years have not been easy and the move to Philly just seemed out of my reach. However, once I set my mind to it, the wheels began turning and, in a few weeks, it is a goal I'm about to achieve.  Since 16, I knew I wanted to live there.  In February 2008, that feeling was overwhelming when I was wandering around Center City by 17th Street.  I knew that I needed to be there in the thick of it.  I reconnected with old friends from the past such as OurBuddy, Jas & CK and with them, Reese & Meowmix, some great discussions were had.  It was during one of those Philly jaunts that, by chance, I met Rifleman who would be one of those friends I think will be around for a long time and has gone above and beyond to help me attain this goal.  I discovered that there are, indeed, good hearted people in the world that really do give a ***t.

There are so many other avenues that are opening up left and right that I think Philly will just be a whole new playground and a level up.  I will miss my friends and adopted family here in Orlando - that's for sure but I welcome the future opps.

And when I sit here tonight and think about it, one song comes to mind bringing this full circle -Jett17's track "All Together Now" - because, quite frankly, things are coming together now.  I know where I'm going, where I came from and what I went through and it made me the person I am today and, you know what, I think I kinda like her.

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Memories, Moving In Stilettos, Mr. Wiggles, Philly, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 3:14 AM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

More Flashback Fun...

It FINALLY works *evil giggle* I'm a rebellious bish and so happy that I found this (Thanx Jas!)

Ahhh - yes, that's OurBuddy holding up the record but here's a little clip of Sweet Sensation performing on a certain show that will NOT be named...

I think it's time to go back home for a little R&R...

Labels: Friends, Memories, Music, Philly

Posted by Lys :: 5:54 PM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Reasons Why One Should Never Date A Bartender...

There are a few rules that I tend to go by when it comes to dating that I have learned along the way. They are:

• Don't date where I work;
• Don't date anyone in the entertainment industry (this includes DJs too);
• Lawyers and firemen need not apply (sorry SSG!); and
• NEVER date bartenders.

I know, I know - it sounds harsh but I've learned from either my personal experiences or by observing friends in the same situation. I'm friends with a number of the above people but to date them - like that classic song states - "Ain't No Way." I'd rather keep the friendship. Plus, if you look at my ex history, most are either military or cops. That's just how I roll...

Back in the day, I used to work for a promoter and we'd work with various bars around Massachusetts and Connecticut. While fun times were definitely had, I got quite the observation view when it came to people who hit on the bouncer, bartender, dj, etc. The stories they would tell - we'll just have to leave that for another day (and I'll work on bribing Bren, Bec or one of my other buddies to disclose in a later post.) But the bartender story I also know on a personal level with someone we'll call "Shotboy". Shotboy worked in a bar in Massachusetts that Meowmix drug me to after the nasty breakup with Mark. She thought that her buddy Damian would take my mind off of things and, instead, well it was his roommate Shotboy that kept me distracted. Many an interesting night was had at The Palace. However, I knew that Shotboy was not the dateable type. Shotboy had one too many "distractions" vying for his attention. Not to mention, had I fallen hard like some of the drunk girls I'd see throwing themselves at Damian and crew, Meowmix would have quickly slapped me upside my head and reminded me that dating a shotboy/bartender is just not feasible. It just doesn't happen. You enjoy your time and part ways. Simple enough.

Now, speaking of bartenders - there is one bartender that I find utterly hilarious - Ant. Meowmix has affectionately dubbed him "Eye Candy." Ant is the quintessential Philly boy - and the girls know it. Don't get me wrong -he's a great guy and all, but still - the man would be perfect as either an FBI Profiler or a bartender when it comes to reading people. Whenever I'm in Philly at one of my fave spots, the girls there tend to be quite fond of all things Ant. So it surprised me a bit when I got the following Facebook text* as to his status late Saturday.

Wait a minute - he's in a packed bar that is one the hottest joints in Philly on a weekend and he needs to send out a Facebook status like that?!?!? (Sidenote: How many phone calls/texts did he get with offers from his extensive friends list - hmmm.) Ant is the type of guy who, when he's out and about, he can chat with a girl for a hot minute and next thing you know, she's falling over herself to keep his attention. Don't even get me started on the girls that frequent that joint. So I got suspicious that, perhaps, Ant did what he often does - leaves the beloved iPhone on the bar and someone's being a wiseass or, perhaps, he was "just putting it out there."

Either way - the above exchange can be incorporated into my argument of "Don't Date a Bartender". The girls who throw themselves at bartenders are a funny lot. They take it to a whole new level sometimes. There have been many a night when I'm working a gig and the girls are all a twitter with "Oh my god, did you see how he passed that drink to me? He's totally into me." or "Is he looking at me?" as they flip their hair all around like a daggone Pantene commercial. Let's not even talk about the drunk girls who sit at the bar giving the bartender's customers the side eye because he should be paying them attention and not the customers. Perhaps they are thinking that the Bartender will be like Steve from S&TC and sweep them off their feet like he did with Miranda. HOWEVER, 9 times out of 10, that isn't the case, especially with bartenders working in some of the popular clubs.

Ladies, let's be frank - basically the bartender has a job to do. However, remember to tip him nicely, order lots of drinks and - for the love of god, don't date him. You can mess around with him and it is what it is - but I'm of the belief that you don't hang on hopes for something long term.

As Samantha once counseled Charlotte in an ep. of S&TC: "Hang on honey, you don't fall in love with Mr. [Bartender]. You enjoy him and then set him free."

*Note: Status photo used with permission courtesy of Ant.

Labels: Advice, Friends, Memories, Philly, Random Mess, SATC

Posted by Lys :: 6:33 PM :: 7 comments

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Friday, February 20, 2009

Sometimes You Just Have To Smile...

Yup, I'm still in a foul mood - beyond foul as part of my weekend will not be resting in Miami - just a quick trip to South Beach Sunday a.m. to catch the Food Network Demos of Sunny Anderson, Michael Symon and, perhaps, Tyler Florence at SOBE and get a glance at the tents and exhibitors. Then it's 4 hours back on the road to come back here because, well, life just has this way of getting in the way of fun, ya know.

However, one thing made me grin today - namely checking out this feature that ran this week on my boy Ren in the Philly Inquirer.

Ren was one of the guys who kept us in line on the set. He's an amazing choreographer, savvy businessman and a fabulous person. I know I've talked about him here from time to time because, when I'm home in Philly, fate just has a way of crossing our paths - once when we were just at dinner with CK and Jas and another time as I was just heading to the Italian Market and he just happened to walk in front of my car. So to see this when I'm internally cursing out every. single. person just made me sit back, smile and remember that regardless of the drama, chaos and b.s. I face on the regular, I'm blessed.

If you can, check out the article.

Finally, for another dose of grin: one of my fave photos from the day where Reese, the Boyz and Ren all converged on the same spot with no planning - serendipitous indeed.

L. to R.: CK, Gigi, Ren, OurBuddy and Jas

It's days like this I have to remember how much I miss my crew...

Labels: Friends, Memories, Philly, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 6:30 PM :: 2 comments

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Monday, January 26, 2009

Facebook - Why Do You Tempt Me So...

You know it seems like everyone and their fam is up on Facebook. I've heard from a number of friends I haven't spoken to in ages, seen grade school pics of myself (Mat - have you seen them?!?! I'm MORTIFIED!) and just have been horrified and delighted all at the same time.

One of my close friends from, gosh, when I was 6/7 - well, she's on there and it's been cool to reconnect. There were some other friends who I hadn't talked to in ages and the memories are flooding back.

And here's where it gets interesting... for a lark I did a search to see if A. is on there - nope. He's far from computer literate -that's a given - and I didn't think he would be up on MySpace let alone Facebook. His college BFF, Bri, isn't on there either but I didn't think he would be. His wife pretty much rules the house with an iron fist and she should - he's the personification of dog (thankfully I always thought of Bri like a 4th cuz twice removed). I'm sure Bec or Meowmix have a word or three re: Bri.

Well, out of the blue a name came to me. I thought "Damn, wonder if Stad [A.'s other college shadow] is on here" and lo and behold he is. Now Stad and I got along 90% of the time. He was always trying to act like A. but not in a bad way. He was a good kid. I haven't sent him a message because, quite frankly, I don't know if I'm ready to hear what A. is up to and Stad was known to gossip worse than a woman. However, my curiosity is killin' me.

So, I ask y'all - what would you do?

Labels: Friends, Memories

Posted by Lys :: 11:00 PM :: 4 comments

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The One Where I Get Grilled...

Well, SSG of Confessions of a (Sometimes!) Serendipitous Girl has put together some great interview questions in an "Interview Me" segment so - it's interrogation time. And, somehow, I feel like I am stuck in the NCIS interrogation room with my life flashing before my eyes without Mark Harmon. Did I ever tell y'all I don't interview well - at all? Don't know if it's the law side or the PR side of this gal that makes me feel like I'm in the hot seat but either way, I'm nervous.

OK, here we go:

1) Since you are anything but "Just Another Gal" how did you come to choose your blog name and what got you started blogging?

I have to laugh - it was one of those inspired moments that I have every so often. Basically, I started blogging because I needed a creative outlet. I had been reading some great blogs for some time. My day to day didn't really allow for me to be creative. Plus I had gone through some drama and I figured it would be a spot for me on the web to just write about whatever I wanted - Just Because... (hence the name, Just Because)

The name, Just Anotha Gal - well that came from the fact that I'm NOT just another gal and it's a play on one of my fave songs "Just Another Girl" from Wild Orchid. Not to mention, I've learned that sometimes guys tend to forget that I have a different mindset than many of the girls they are used to.

2) Tonight you come home to your favorite meal already prepared for you, what is it and what will you be drinking with it?

A favorite meal - that's tough. I have a new favorite but I'd have to be at my fave restaurant to get it - which means I'd have to go to Philly *LOL* It would have to be the Bourbon Blue's Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Polenta with, of course, my Cable Car Martini that Ant makes ever so well. (Hey, perhaps B. might let a gal have the recipe - hint hint). To quote Rachel Zoe - "I. Die." It's THAT good.

3) You wake up on a Saturday morning and have the whole day ahead of you with nothing scheduled. How would you spend your day?

Nothing scheduled?!?! Wow - let's see because I schedule EVERYTHING! Of course I'd have to take Sir Pees-A-Lot out to Bark Park and chill out for a bit. After that I'd probably head to the Premier Outlets to gawk at Stuart Weitzman shoes at deep discount, a bit of shopping at Saks Off Fifth, Neimans Last Call, Le Gourmet Chef and the Le Creuset Outlet. I'd follow that up with a dash to the Millennia Mall for a little Loubou fondling action at Neiman Marcus and shopping at Williams Sonoma. That evening, I'd probably head out to dinner with friends that night and just have a day of it.

4) You used to be on a certain dance show (that shall remain nameless) what was the biggest thing you took away from that experience?

So many things I took away from that experience - it's hard to say what is the biggest thing I got from being there. But, if I had to choose one thing, it was there I learned to come out of my shell, both personally and professionally. I was always a shy kid and hated being on stage - whether it was plays, pageants or recitals. However, it was on that set that I met some fabulous people, many of which I am still close with to this day, and also learned how the publicity machine and entertainment industry really works. It was a hands-on education that no school could ever teach and the people we had there are some of the best in the biz. All in all, I was truly blessed to be there and the experiences from being on there, both good and bad, helped shaped me into who I am today. Oh, and I learned the importance of all things stiletto there too.

5) Do you read magazines? If so what ones? If not, how do you keep up on yo' mad style skillz?

Ahhh - magazines. SSG - do you have a spy cam trained on moi? Yes, I'm beyond guilty of being a magazine pack rat. Let's take a peek at my coffee table reading, shall we. Let's see - we've got Gourmet, Cooking Light, Fine Cooking, Bon Appétit and other foodie mags. On the personal finance front we've got a couple issues of Money and Kiplinger's. For industry stuff, I often read Billboard and a couple music mags. For fashion/style, well there's People Style Watch, In Style, the occasional Vogue, and Figure (for the plus size gals). Occasionally, I do pick up a rag sheet i.e. US or OK or People (hey - Patrick Swayze's on the cover - don't judge!) but more often than not, I find that fashion and gossip are best served fresh - that being via blogs that I do keep up with pretty much daily. I have a number of fashion and beauty blogs that I read and, yes, I do keep tabs on Perez (even though he's pissing me off more often with some of the content). As for mad style skillz - awww, you are too sweet. Some of my *choices* are up for debate - let's just say I learned that bubble skirts are NOT flatterings... not by a long shot.

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That was tough but much thanks to SSG for some great questions. SO, now let's get to the fun part. Here's where YOU come into play. Directions ...

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

SO GAME ON! C'mon, make me think of some good questions because, quite frankly, I'd much rather be on the other side of the interrogation table...

Labels: Just Me, Memories, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 7:00 AM :: 9 comments

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Friday, December 05, 2008

And It's On - Again...

Yup, you guessed it - yours truly is headed back up north. Destination Philadelphia.

What's up with Round 5 you ask? Well our gal Am is putting together a little shin-ding for one of the gals from the show who hasn't been seen - ohhhh - since 1993. Yup, that's a long time. I, personally, haven't seen Jo since I want to say my last day which was in 1991 so I'm thrilled she'll be home for the holidays.

Originally, I was all "ehhh - I don't know if I can go" as it's so close to the holiday, my recent "Coffee Fund Crisis" etc. but when Am asked, how can I say no, right? Plus, it's going to be great to see my peeps even if it's for a day or two before the Christmas madness sets in (in the frigid temps, mind you - that's how much I heart these cats) and it's at my favorite spot in Manayunk. Bonus is that there will be torture for Ant and Rifleman, listening to Jay holler "Line 'em up", watching CK mill about the crowd as OurBuddy sashays down the stairs only to jump immediately on the dance floor. Plus I got wind that my gal Suz has the night off and, this time, I'm DETERMINED TO ENFORCE THE FOLLOWING:

1) DO NOT let Ant make me any mystery shots. I seriously do not remember some photos being taken at the b'day soiree. I love Ant dearly, but I'll make sure he's paid extra to keep that heavy hand away from the cocktails. Ohh - and Rifleman will NOT be mixin' my cocktails. That dude's another heavy hitter, even if he is all things RN.

2) DO NOT allow a bad pic be taken. I need a glam squad nearby - seriously. Dilated pupils does not make for good pics. Nor does hair that has been mussed by dancing or running around like a chicken.

3) DO NOT talk to the 9to9 before I head to the event - no need to be heated. No need for tequila. Just good times.

4) NO DRAMA. Like Mary J. said - leave it all behind. We're all there to catch up, dance, reminisce and have some good times. We're not there to squawk about Big Bro, copyright mumbo jumbo etc. (listen -that's directed at me, not anyone else! I'm guilty of getting cranky with the whole copyright blah blah).

5) Most of all, HAVE FUN! I love my crew and while I'm sad that we're missing two integral parts of our crew - Meowmix and Reese - they will be conferenced in somehow, via text, phone or whatever. We'll miss you.

And, since I'll only be there for two nights, the second day is for milling about the Italian Market, doing a little Christmas shopping around the city and, perhaps, dragging a buddy out for dinner at one of the restaurants I've been dying to try. I love Manayunk and all but I also want to enjoy a bit of Center City. Finally, Sunday I'll be flying back to Orlando where it will be on and poppin' for the holidays and no more Philly trips til, oh, possibly February/March.

What are you looking forward to this month?

Labels: Friends, Memories, Philly, Travel

Posted by Lys :: 7:13 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Realizations of a Traveling Wench...

Yes, I've returned to all things sunshine state from the arctic tundra known as Western Mass. Had an enjoyable holiday with family and friends, put some ghosts to rest and finally snipped the cord on one pesky problem that will be no more.

All in all, a success with no unpleasant aftertaste. 'Sall good.

However, the travel itself really made for excellent blog fodder. Let me explain.

First of all - most effective birth control: Traveling with kids to or from Orlando. On the trip down, I was surrounded by 10 children. 2 in front of me, two in back of my seat (kicking no less), 2 children with their father to the side of me and 4 more scattered throughout the cabin. They were all traveling together and can I say, oh my holy hell. The parents had NO control of their Jon&Kate+10 brood and I was ready for a Xanax/Baileys cocktail by flight end. They would run up and down the aisles, sit on the edge of my seat, scream, shout, you name it. Ugh!

On my return flight back, I had one woman who would NOT discipline her child at all, indulged his massive tantrums (as did the child's father) and guess who sat in front of me - yup, you guessed it, Momma Bear and the mean Bearcub. Well Bearcub decided that he was going to be a brat ON the flight, refusing to sit (he was around 3/4), refusing to behave, constantly pushing the buttons, blasting the DVD that he would want changed constantly and the mother would calmly go "Now honey, you know you can't do that" with a giggle. By flight's end, I was ready to say "Listen, my parents would have WHUPPED me if I misbehaved like that. Get it together!" but I behaved. I mean-mugged the kid tho every time he tried to stare me down. Homey don't play that mess. You can't behave, I'll tell you to sit down before the pilot knocks you off the seat. The stewardess even hit her patience level when the mother refused to put a seat belt on the child for landing. Ugh! Well, I darted past them to get to baggage claim, thanking the heavens that I bit my tongue and didn't blast her (or Bearcub). I behaved. Well, until Momma Bear and Bearcub got on my elevator to the parking garage. Dontcha know Bearcub is throwing yet another tantrum?!?!? I looked at him, smiled at her and then looked at him again and said "Wow, kiddo - you've had a tough flight, haven't ya?" The kid shushed, looked at me strangely and knew I meant business. I had "that tone", the one that even my nephews know - "Don't mess with Auntie Lys, she'll say somethin'" The woman told me that she didn't know if she could fly to St. Thomas with the child the way he was acting up - my response "Perhaps you might want to pack some Xanax - that might help" as I walked off the elevator. Mean, kinda but man my last nerve was shot. I will say this, that child behaved PERFECTLY on the way to the car - not a peep out of his bratty behind. Maybe she saw that while you don't have to yell at the child, you also don't let the child run you. You are the adult, the child is the child. Don't get it twisted.

Secondly - Delta - BIG FAIL. We're breaking up. I don't care if you entice me with your "oooohhh - Lys you USED to fly me. I promise we'll be good" crap. I call bullshit. Straight up - bullshit. AirTran has spoiled me for any other airline. On AirTran, I can upgrade to the business class with the comfy seats and overhead bins that FIT my carry on suitcase with no problem. Delta - don't offer me an upgrade and then go "Well, you're "T" class, so no upgrade for you!". I had the $$$ at alert and you don't want this bill? Fine then - bite me. Next, the fact that your overhead bins do NOT fit my luggage and they get progressively smaller as you head back down the plane - fail. I had to bribe a stewardess (or reward) with a Starbucks card if she could get that in the overhead bin (which she did and she did, indeed, get her Starbucks card!). Finally, your drivers and their lead foot - while sometimes that's good, tell them to learn how to pump the breaks - ugh! I miss AirTran.

Bradley is NOT my favorite airport but I do appreciate the fact that they have a Dunkin' Donuts on the concourse. (Philly Int'l - take note please. Thx!) However, I wish I saw that BEFORE I bought a daggone diet coke for the plane. Oh well.

Speaking of ice coffee, when I arrived, my dad and I went out to Friendlys to grab a late dinner. Now, let me preface this with a note that not only do I like Friendlys, but I worked there for TWO years. I was a waitress and worked my way to shift manager and was damn good too. So, when our waitress, Yvette, came over to get our drink order, she told me that they don't have Ice coffee. I looked up from the menu, looked at Yvette and said: "Do you have ice?" and she responded "Yes." I then inquired "Do you have coffee?" and she quizzically said "Yes?" and then I said "Well then, I'll have an ice coffee". I said it calmly, not bitchy at all and she got all flustered. I started to feel bad but c'mon, pour the coffee over ice. The glasses are plastic y'all and it's not rocket science. Plus, back in the day, I made it all the time for customers. Think out of the box is my motto. My father told me I probably made her want to turn in her apron with how I deadpanned it. I did, however, get my ice coffee and she got a nice tip.

I went to scope out the Western Mass shopping as well and realized that due to the offerings of all things Philly, Orlando and online, I'm spoiled for any other shopping. I bought nada. I would see things and go "eeehhh - well, I could get that at home" or "eeehhh - that's IT???" It was hard to believe that I used to walk into that mall wide eyed let alone work there. Yes, I'm still a brat. However, I did learn one thing - if the mall also has a Target in it - RUN. People were drivin' those Target carts around the entire MALL and didn't just use it IN Target.

Also noteable was how I ran into some people in my old town and you know what -they haven't changed ONE iota. From living with their parents to acting the same old b.s. ways, I went "Huh??" Then again, that's their issues. It was kinda disturbing though. Will definitely be in the "Why not to attend my 20th reunion" column of Pros & Cons.

There were a ton of memories that flooded back to me, some funny and some sad. There were names I hadn't thought of in forever, but as I drove past their houses, I would go "ohhh yeah - so and so lived there". My heart broke as I drove past my old haunt, Annies, which is no more. I also took a ride past the house I shared with Mark and I really had to pat myself on the back at how, indeed, I am moving upward and onward.

All in all, good trip - however I'm ready to get to channelling my inner holiday wench and get to decorating around this joint, well, after I pop some Nyquil because, you guessed it - damn germy kids got me sick.

Oh well - how was your holiday?

Labels: Friends, Holiday, Memories, Random Mess, Travel

Posted by Lys :: 9:36 PM :: 6 comments

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Don't Want To Be A "Stepping Stone"...

I'm flying up north to see some family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's the first time I've been back in 2 years and while I'm looking forward to it, I'm also apprehensive. I've changed and I'm not the same gal that left there eons ago to move to Orlando. My interests are different. My thought processes are different. My feelings are different.

I know I've talked about a certain someone here who I [kinda] cut out of my life. Well, there's no doubt that our paths will cross and, while we've talked briefly about possibly hanging out, I wonder if that opens the door to feelings I don't want to encounter again.

And I saw this video and I had to think - how appropriate for what I'm going to face. Let's just hope that I am strong enough to remember why I refused to be his "stepping stone."

Duffy - "Stepping Stone"

Labels: Memories, Music

Posted by Lys :: 12:12 AM :: 4 comments

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Monday, November 17, 2008

Moving From The Great Redneck Debate to Handcuff Debacle...

I have to admit. I apparently have a terminal case of "foot in mouth" disease. I'll make an "off the cuff" remark in a convo and next thing I know, I'm finding out that it's a story that isn't on my "Full Disclosure" list. So, here's your turn to laugh at my "blondeness".

Last week, while in conversation with my father, I made a crack about something and said that I should tell you guys about the Handcuff debacle. Well, he thought I was referencing Meowmix's informative post about Handcuffs from a few months prior. However, my reference was not that debacle at all but an incident in college. Quickly, I started backtracking, realizing my oops while timidly commenting, "You knew about that - when Bri handcuffed me in college and I missed my probation & parole final?" Well, clearly he did not. And I needed to 'fess up quick. (Much like the tattoo incident but that's for another day). So, in the interest of full disclosure (and coming clean 15 years later), I'm putting the whole story out there.

Back in I think early 1993, I was splitting time between two colleges - one of which was an all-girls college that I was attending full time and the other school, WNEC, where I took some classes as part of their "School Exchange" program (and where A. & his boy Bri went to school). My college BFF, Barb, and I both had the same class at WNEC and we spent alot of time in their Junior/Senior Housing - Gateway - which was where A., Bri and their 4 roommates lived in an apartment suite. In between classes at the 1st School (where I was a pre-law major), we would often be hanging out at the Suite. Plus, to travel between the two colleges, we'd take the back roads which, because of the harsh winter, were ripe with potholes. So, it was not uncommon for A. and/or Bri to get a call asking for assistance with "Tire Issues" because, well, a gal can't do it her damn self (well I could but why should I when A. always offered to play Sir. Newt, right?)

Well, as the weather got warmer, we spent more time during in between our classes up at WNEC studying, chillin' out with the gang, playing with the ferret (R.I.P. Bandit) and, of course, causing some mischief. The boys loved their pranks and yours truly didn't have much of a sense of humor then. (Well, a dry humor but only A. tended to get that.)

One afternoon in the spring, the boys had some spring fever and "summoned" Barb and I to the suite. Well, being the dutiful student *cough*, I made it clear that we only had a short bit of time because I had a final exam in my fave class, Probation & Parole. Bri assured me that all was cool so Barb and I headed over.

We arrived sans tire problems and trotted into the apartment and next thing I recall, Bri is grabbing my arms, swiftly handcuffing me with A.'s cuffs (he was a MP in the reserves), seats me on the floor of their kitchen and tells me that the cuffs would NOT be removed until I actually stood up. First of all, do you know how hard it is to stand up from a seated position with your hands cuffed behind your back? NOT FUN. Well, I surprisingly didn't lose my temper and, after calmly plotting my steps, accomplished the task. Barb also got handcuffed and I vaguely remember her chasin' the hell out of Bri outside of the dorms when she got out of those contraptions. Of course A. knew nothing about it because HE was in class and missed all the fun. (But that didn't stop him from calling me later to tease me unmercifully).

To add to the drama, I missed my final exam. Thankfully, when I told the professor, the story was so incredulous, he laughed and let me take the exam later. I did have an "A" in that class so even if he did knock my grade down a few points for lateness, I still wound up doing well.

After the incident, the boys thought I was going to blow my stack. However, I'm a Scorpio (which they often forgot) and I knew then the best revenge was served cold. And, in all fairness, two people clearly needed payback - that being A. and Bri. The other roommates were unwitting accomplices in the matter and, since Bri worked for my father at the time, I could quite simply just pull some shenanigans at the plant if I so wished. However, he'd expect that. A., well I knew exactly how to torture him but that was way too easy. Something drastic had to be done to those two.

Well, they did get payback alright, in the form of being handcuffed to a towel bar in the suite bathroom during one of their Saturday night parties, accomplished with the assistance of Ry, one of A.'s roommates and a few well-made cocktails. For graduation, I got a little handcuff charm that I wore commemorating not only my major but also that incident.

So, since then, whenever the handcuff debacle is brought up and I'm in the presence of either of the two stooges, one will always sheepishly laugh and say "Yeah, that's when Lys got her sense of humor".

Labels: Friends, Memories, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 8:11 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, November 06, 2008

I Still Miss You...

Forgive me for I'm doing a little posting in advance as I'll be traveling and in Philly by the time you read this..

November 6 is always a bittersweet day for me. While it's after my birthday and I should still be on my birthday high, it doesn't really work out like that. This year will be the 10th anniversary of Nick's passing. I normally cocoon myself up and just try to be still, remembering what we had and what I lost. Sometimes it's the best way for me to handle the pain, but this year I refuse to do so. When the opportunity presented itself for me to go "home" and be with my crew on this weekend, I knew that it's something Nick would want me to do. It also showed me that I was, indeed, ready to move forward.

However, I didn't want to let this day pass without posting a little somethin'... I heard this song a few months ago and, not being a country music aficionado, it made me stop twice and listen. (And y'all that know me know that's a tough sell for me to give Country a second or third chance). I immediately went, purchased the song and it just said all that I ever wanted to say... Sorry it's not the full video, but YouTube doesn't allow embedding but if you want to see it, here it is - Keith Anderson "I Still Miss You". It's a beautiful video.

Nicanor, I still miss you...

Labels: Friends, Memories, Music

Posted by Lys :: 7:22 AM :: 2 comments

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Monday, November 03, 2008

Video Fun...

Well, it started with "Hey, I want to post a bit of Home on JB this morning"...


See, this is just a taste of what we see in Philly - the historic, mixed with the Genos, mixed with South Street - just straight up fun. And Boyz II Men captured it PERFECTLY in their video, "MotownPhilly" - one of the songs that's always on the iPod.. [If you look closely, the dude on the drums is ?uestLove from The Roots - Philly is a small world, entertainment wise. I remember when Micheal danced on the show from time to time and they all went to school with many of the regulars from the Show as well]

Then I thought... hmmm.. wonder if there are any videos of Michael on The Show. However, since Big Bro is watching and disabled all YouTube fun to be had, I resorted to other measures... MySpace.

And it was there I found this gem...

dance party usa-kelly ripa

God the HAIR!!! Ugh!

And then there was this one...

Dance Party

Look closely and you'll see some characters from here, namely (yes SSG) a young Jas, OurBuddy, CK, EJ, our gal Justine, some of The Mean Girls, the ***n King, and one of my fave sports peeps - the original Philly Phanatic, Dave Raymond. Miss that guy. Hard to believe it's been over 20 years. EEKS!

Now, if only I could find out what the characters have planned for Friday...

Labels: Friends, Memories, Music, Philly, Random Mess, TV

Posted by Lys :: 3:01 AM :: 7 comments

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Ahhhhh... October 30th hits...

Justine (circa 1988) with one Ms. Kelly Ripa

Another year has passed. And I can't help but smile because I know our dear friend Justine is probably laughing from upstairs while watching the Philly peeps celebrate last night's win.

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly 20 years since she passed. Justine would have been 38 today. The time passes but the memories are still vivid. And the more we're all coming across videos and pictures of her in them, the more you can't help but look at them and smile. We all say we have a few angels from the show watching us from above dancin' on the clouds, one of which is her.

I know I was definitely blessed from having known her.

Labels: Memories, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 6:20 PM :: 3 comments

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Friday, October 03, 2008

Can He Buy A Clue, A Gal Wonders...

So, in a total twist of fate, I have been playing catch up for a bit with some people from my past that have crossed my path again. It's been pretty cool, to say the least. Time does, sometimes, heal wounds. Granted that noone is perfect, however knowing how I *personally* have changed and grown up, I can look back and go "eeehhhh" and deal. I mean, c'mon now. I am not always the most pleasant person to deal with either so I totally get it. I was an utter witch back in the day.

However, there are some people who should be left in the memory banks, never to dust off. Those people - well, pretty much mostly Mark, I desire NO contact with AT all. And, I reserve the right to add to that list as needed. Other than that, I'm cool with most people from my past and have stayed friends with most guys I dated.

Now, here's a situation I've had to deal with recently. Remember how I talked about Western Mass and how some (NOT ALL) people just don't change? That they stay stagnant with the same cliques, same mindsets and no evolution? Now, while my family still resides in Western Mass, I however have never felt "at home" there. Maybe it's from growing up in Connecticut or my time spent during high school in Philadelphia but my heart and mind [and accent] screams Philly Girl. (Hence my weakness in the knees for Philly boys!)

Let's get into the main gist of today's missive, namely the boys in Western Mass ("W. Mass"). Growing up, while my first love was a Philly boy, there were other boys in my life from Western Mass. Mr. Convenient - a W. Mass Boy. Mark - a W. Mass Idiot. Fireboy was a W. Mass boy. And, finally, the Twins were W. Mass Boys. Note, all of the above boys are STILL in W. Mass.

Well, Facebook and Classmates have drawn some of the people from my past across my path and I realized something about the W. Mass boys I've dated. They seem to think all women are beyond into them and, after this week, apparently they tend to think that the reason I'm friendly FROM ORLANDO is because I want to get with them.

*cough* *sputter* *cough* *sputter*

EXCUSE ME?!?!?

Let me explain:

First case:

Fireboy ran into my gal Bec a few weeks ago and asked about me. Hey - he still sends me jokes and emails from time to time. No biggie. So, I shoot him a harmless email to say "Hey" since, of course he was inquiring. At least that way he can be nosy and ask ME and not make Bec uncomfy. (That was a tough situation back then - ugh! Let's just say SHE was right. He's an azz). Well, in his email, Fireboy gets a dose of diarrhea of the mouth and told me at length how he's "married now with a baby". OK, dumbazz. I KNEW THAT. Clearly I knew that because HE TOLD ME THAT BEFORE in an email last year. And in emails announcing that before his jokes. His emails that I never respond to because, clearly, they didn't warrant a response.

Now, while we were friends, that just made me laugh. I didn't want to get with him 7 years ago so why am I going to be jockin' him now - FROM ORLANDO? Umm... no. The man who, after we met, decided that he needed to get involved with a girl who was 17 instead of someone his own age?!?! Mind you, we were in our late 20s. Whatever, dude. Get a clue. (And yes, SSG - I stopped comparing all firemen to this idiot. This guy clearly had issues). I just laughed and moved on. However, since we had the same friends and would run into each other when I would be in W. Mass, I was cool with everything. Now, I know his wife has a mad case of the jealousy bug but give me a break.

Second case:

On Facebook, someone brought up one of the classes I detested and needed a tutor for - Economics. Well, that got me to thinking, I wonder whatever happened to Mick, my old Eco. tutor. Mick also had a twin brother, Tom.

Backstory on the Twins: I worked with both of them at my after school job. One summer during high school, I was totally into one twin, Tom, only to get my heart broken at the end of a summer as he wound up dating a couple girls from the job. Whatever.

In college, when his brother Mick was my tutor, things evolved and it was cool but it was COLLEGE. And it was way before I met A. Sure, through them I went to my first Frat party. They were the ones who got me hooked on Pink Floyd and The Cure. Cool guys. Eeehh - so was the past, right? Plus, we were FRIENDS first and that always means more to me.

Well, I pretty much put the Twins out of my mind until a few weeks ago when Economics came up and on Classmates, there was Mick. So I sent a brief "Hi! How the heck are you and Tom?" email. Totally harmless, generic and quick. I forgot about it until I had to log into Classmates to see if a gal of ours from college, Lisa, was on there and there was a message from Mick.

In the most blunt way possible it was that Tom was married with two boys (to someone I detested in High School, btw) and that Mick was dating a teacher in Connecticut. That was it. No "How are you?" No "I'm working doing XYZ". Nothing about their family who I was cool with. Just waving a big "MARRIED/DATING" sign. What. The. HELL??

I read it twice and went "Oh MY GOD! He's STILL dumb as a bag of rocks!"

First of all, I'm happy that they are married/dating/whatever - that is never the issue. I'm always wanting my friends to be happy. I just realized that while I am cool with staying friendly with those I've dated in my past, based on the behavior of the boys from W. Mass, W. Mass boys tend to freak out and think that I want a reconciliation or some mess. In their world, a girl can't be friendly. Shoot - I'm friendly to people. (Maybe that's the part they aren't used to - see above. I said I was a witch). Keep in mind that I rarely get back with someone after we've broken up because when you "Break Up", clearly, something's "BROKEN!" That's my thought process. I learned that after Mark and our numerous break-ups and random b.s.

So, after thinking about it last night, here's my response to the boys in W. Mass from my past. "Please, don't even ENTERTAIN the thought I'd want to get with you again - EVER. It's a bizillion years later and I've moved on - way past on!" It's amusing to say the least because if they knew me now, they would know that I'm not "That Girl".

Men *shakes head*

Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Random Mess, What Were They Thinking

Posted by Lys :: 5:21 PM :: 8 comments

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Thursday, September 11, 2008

We Remember...

and shall never forget those that have fought for our freedom, those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and those who will forever be affected by the attack on our home turf.



We Remember...

Labels: Memories

Posted by Lys :: 11:02 PM :: 1 comments

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Saturday, September 06, 2008

And The "What If?" Surfaces...

I made the mistake of watching Jarhead tonight on HBO. Bad idea – bad bad idea. FABULOUS movie – just not what I should be watching, especially with how I’ve been feeling lately and starting the healing process with A.

As I confessed earlier this week, I made the mistake of sending A. a Birthday note and got silence in return. You would think after all this time I would just GET a clue, but somehow I felt the need to just say hello.

I’ve said before how Meowmix used to always tell me that A. was not the same, especially since he returned from Iraq. Well, tonight, not only did this movie give me some insight and a different perspective to his letters and phone calls but also some realization on my part.

A part of my heart wanted to believe that A. would always be the same boy I met that first night we met at Annies in college, that same arrogant, pompous boy with the infectious smile. His smart ass remarks were on point with mine and he could match me move for move. When we decided to be friends and dated other people, we were still tight and he stood by my side during the whole Mark abuse saga. A. got along with [most of] my friends, Nick and he were cool and when Nick died, A. was there for me. Not to mention, A. did something that Mark never did – he believed in me.

A thought creeped into my head that I never allowed myself to entertain before - what if I never moved here? Would A. and I be together?

The weekend I moved down here, I drove with H. and as I was driving through Jacksonville, I got a disturbing phone call from A. At the time he was a cop and boy was he angry. I will never forget A’s reaction. A. screamed “Lys, WHAT THE EFF?!?!?!?! You are moving to ORLANDO? WHY? With HIM? [H. or as A. so affectionately referred to him as “Doorknob”] ARE YOU CRAZY?” Now I had left a message for him 2 weeks prior with his roommates so I presume that they finally told him. Man, H. had to listen to A. howlin’ through the phone and I just was silent the remainder of the ride to Orlando knowing that it was over then. It took 3 months for A. and me to talk again. When I found out he had gotten back with his ex girlfriend J., he remarked “Well, you don’t live here anymore. What was I supposed to do?” Thinking back, I should have told him off but seriously, what could I do? I had made a commitment and dammit, even then I wouldn’t admit defeat.

Again, it took time but we made sure to keep in touch, keep our friendship intact, especially while he was overseas. When he married J., it broke my heart and I remember breaking down at the studio thinking it could have been me, if only I didn’t move to Orlando to help H. with this project.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved doing PR and I always will. However, when H. would preach “Lys, we all have to sacrifice” and go on those tirades, sometimes I wondered if he understood the sacrifice I made. I left my family, my friends, missed the first years of Meowmix’s daughter’s life, Bec’s boys’ lives, and a man I LOVED for what? Granted, I did have opportunities here that I would NEVER trade and met people that I adore, but still, there’s that nagging “WHAT IF?”

Basically, seeing that movie just loosened up the flimsy stitches that were holding my heart together and a whole wave of emotions engulfed me. It made me think, “What if?” What if I never moved here? What if I just stayed up north? What would have happened? How different would my life be?

I opened up a box that I keep hidden in my room where I keep my journals from my college days and when I first moved here. Some of the entries made me laugh, some made me sad, some made me furious and some made me shake my head in wonder. And, in the back of one of the journals were not only the pics of Justine and Nick that I haven’t been able to locate but also my absolute favorite picture of A. Seeing his face just made it worse and I don’t even want to look at a videotape that I have in the box of all of us hanging out after shooting a pilot show for a business partner (though I really should transfer it to DVD – just don’t have the strength to do it).

Here’s something that is really bothering me - I wonder if this pain will always be here, even just a twinge and, if so, will it poison any future relationship I may have if I don’t deal with it now.

I don’t know if I will ever find that type of chemistry with another person like I had with A. We knew on a LOOK what the other was thinking. We could tell each other anything. He was one of my best friends. I trusted him explicitly and knew that he would always be there for me, in some form or another. Our paths crossed often enough for me to see that and no matter what happened, fate would toss one of us in the other’s path. However, he’s in Providence now and I’m here in Orlando. Our paths won’t be crossing and, even in today’s technology fueled world, A. is not handy with computers. It also is not a secret that he and J. divorced and he didn’t deal well with his return to civilization from active duty. He’s not the same person I gave my heart to, but a different shell of a person who’s been to hell and back.

Again, I’m just venting. I don’t know what the future holds for me but somehow I have to realize that A. won’t be a part of my future, just my past. And, for that, I have to wonder, was moving here worth it? I guess I’ll never know.

Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Memories, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 5:19 AM :: 1 comments

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Monday, August 04, 2008

A Few Of My Favorite [Philly] Things

A Photo Is Worth A Million Words...

1. Center City Philadelphia, 2. Foggy Penn, 3. Philadelphia, 4. Old City Philadelphia At Night, 5. LOVE Sculpture in Philadelphia (BW), 6. Cherry Tree in bloom, Cherry Hill Mall, 7. Decisions At The Reading Terminal Market, 8. Manayunk Canal - Philadelphia, 2005, 9. Philadelphia - South Philadelphia: Italian Market, 10. The Brightly Lit Facade at Geno's Steaks, 11. jim's steak's, 12. floating letters?, 13. Phillies Phireworks14. Sur La Table in Marlton, NJ 15. One of my fave Philly spots - The Bourbon Blue

Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Random Mess, Travel

Posted by Lys :: 7:46 AM :: 3 comments

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Sunday, August 03, 2008

Back in the days of working in Western Mass, my path crossed with quite a few people. Everyone I met has touched my life in one way or another. You never know if that kid you spoke to could turn out to be the next senator. You just never know.

During the *ahem* Mark years, a group of us worked for this guy who ran Selectrocution. Basically, we would hand out initials at the door to patrons, they'd send flirty messages over a board, we got lots of DiSarrano shots with our boss. We'd have to wear initials (mine was either "SM" or "FU" - go figure. I was a rebel). It was cool times.

We had a schedule - Wednesday we were at Geraldines, Thursday - Saturday, we'd be at Annies (where BR played the Roadhouse Patrick Swayze role), Sundays we had darts at Annies (again), Monday we'd be at Lemons, Tuesdays were our day of rest. It was a tough club life, let me tell ya. And we all held down day jobs so the energy was too much. I don't think I could pull it off now with my bone creakin' self.

Well, during the Selectrocution times, even if we weren't working that night, we'd still show up and hang out (and still - hello - DiSarrano - free DiSarrano? Did I mention FREE?? Thought so). Well, many a night, if we got bored we'd jet to another club on our list and hang out. We knew the bartenders and bouncers and why pay a tab when it got comp'd, right?

Often, I would run into this local band who played at Geraldines during the week and even then, we KNEW they were going to make it. Aaron and Mike had this whole thing of "We're GOING to get a deal" mindset going and they did it. They were always down to earth, fun to kick a cocktail back with and, yes, I was a mouthy wench even then. Their rise to fame was pretty well documented - Limp Bizkit took notice of these guys who got backstage with their demo, the boys got signed and Staind hit the top of the charts.

Fame has not changed them - at all. Definitely they are some hometown boys. Check out their latest video, Believe, filmed in Springfield, Mass of all places. Much of the scenery is so familiar as that was the route I'd take on my drives to Philly when life got too crazy. Make sure to pick up their album on Aug. 19th when it drops.

Staind - Believe

Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Music, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 12:40 AM :: 4 comments

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