Don't Forget! Sordid Lives

Don't forget! Krewe of Olympus is having a fundraiser tomorrow night (May 31). The party for the theme is Sordid lives.

For more information, click here.

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 12.2

The Virtual Biggest Loser
OK bois & gurls. If you want to win some cool prizes and lose some weight (or should that be the other way around?), check out I'm Not Fit To Run. I'm not sure if I'm going to enter because I really am trying to add some muscle and we all know that muscle weighs more than fat. Plus, I read something the other day that I guess I knew but had forgotten about. You see...

Muscle burns calories (that I knew). However, the bigger muscles are what burn more calories (chest, back quads and glutes). So if I can tone up my fat ass, I should be burning calories 24/7!

The Independence Weight Loss Challenge is about weight loss and not Body Mass Index (BMI) so that is why I prolly won't enter the challenge although I'm all about winning prizes. So, if you're looking for some weight loss camaraderie, join the Challenge.

And if you need to have your ass kicked, check out Pieces Of Me.

Rut Ro
Sharon Stone opened her mouth and the world was listening. In case you missed it, Sharon said that the earthquake in China had to do with karma. She said it happened because of the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans.

I listened to the clip and she actually sounds like she is babbling. I think Joy Behar on The View said it best. She said, "Huh?" And then she said that Sharon sounded like she had been drinking cocktails and haven't we all said incoherent things after a few cocktails?




So now Sharon has apologized and said that she will help in the earthquake relief effort.

Speaking of...
The View. Mario Cantone cracks me up. He told the ladies on The View that they won't win a Daytime Emmy because the award only goes to lesbians (Rosie, Ellen and Suze Orman). So Joy starts making out with Whoopi and Sherri Shepherd starts making out with Elisabeth Hasselback except they didn't stop. They rolled off of the couch and onto the floor. I couldn't stop laughing. P.S. Mario does a great David Archuleta imitation.

Speaking of...
lesbians. Joan Rivers was on The View the other day and she said that she is doing a show for Gay Pride or something like that and that she is all about gay pride and lesbian pride. And that if standing up and peeing in a urinal like a lesbian will help bring equality then she'll stand up and pee! LOL



Speaking of...

making out. Check this out on Aussielicious.

Rut Ro #2
Let Them Eat Bread! (for free)
I haven't eaten at Le Madeline in awhile but I guess they recently decided to start charging for the free bread...so I guess it wasn't free. You see...

They have some great bread that is always waiting for you at the end of the line. And you can get some butter to spread on it on OY! Anywho...

They did some test marketing and no one complained. You got free bread if you ordered certain things (i.e. entree) but no free bread if you ordered a salad. So last week they started charging for bread at their establishments and who knew that Dallasites were carb friendly or cheapskates. Those folks in Big D sent over 200 complaints and the company has reversed the decision and once again the bread is free at Le Madeline.

Mercy

It was last year around this time that I heard a song and I remember thinking, "Who is that soul sister?" Did some research and turns out it was Amy Winehouse from the U.K.

A few weeks ago, I saw a preview for American Gladiators and they used a soul sister singing, Mercy. I was vaguely familiar with the artist known as Duffy.

Somewhere along the way I scanned a review of her cd after it dropped and the name Dusty Springfield was used. That was all I remembered until today.

I listened to Rockferry today and I am hooked! I'm amazed that this 24 year old Welch girl has a voice like that! I wasn't sure if I would like the cd but I listened to it while I was running this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it.



And speaking of mercy. Mercy me. What Happened. That is the title of Scott McClellan's new book about his time as White House Press Secretary for George W. Oh my. He does sound a bit disgruntled but I think I am going to have to read this book. You see...

A couple of years ago I was at a meeting in Washington D.C. There were maybe 200 of us there so it was a nice, small intimate conference of some movers and shakers within the banking/student loan industry.

Scott was the guest speaker at the luncheon. I remember telling someone at my table that I had a feeling he was holding back in what he wanted to say. Couldn't quite put my finger on it but I just had a gut feeling.

He did a Q&A and there were plenty of questions. Time ran out before I could ask him, "If Bush and his inner-circle could do it all over again, how would you change the response to Hurricane Katrina and can you tell us what type of discussions were being held?"

I have a feeling part of the answer is in the book.

"-ella, -ella, -ella"

I just remembered an odd dream or maybe it was a combination of dreams from Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. This is what I remember.

Neighbor Ryan was looking to buy a new house so I went with him to go house hunting. We ended up in Haltom City, Texas in Aunt LuLu's neighborhood. The neighborhood was going through a revitalization so there were plenty of houses to pick from.

The most interesting house was a two story house that had a guest house and a pool but it was on a very small lot. What was odd was that there weren't any stairs to get to the second floor so you had to climb a ladder. I could see hay falling through the opening where the ladder reached the second floor. Neighbor Ryan said it was unusual.

The next thing I know I am waiting for the light rail at a Houston Metro Station. I am with Legacy Alaina and we need to get into the gift shop of a very nice hospital. So we take the train and we get into the Medical Center but then we have to transfer to a bus and go through the tunnels and I keep saying there has to be a better way and someone says that there is a better and tells me what we should have done. I take notes.

The gift shop is closed. However, I know one of the guards and he grants us access but we have to enter through the ceiling of the store by using a ladder. As we are descending into the store, we have to climb through some clouds.

So Legacy Alaina and I have run of the store and everyone in the lobby of the hospital can see us. We get what we need and need to pay but guess, what? The store is closed and we can't pay so we leave without paying. And to leave we have to climb down another ladder into some clouds.

The next thing I know I am back at a Houston Metro Station and this time there are several people with me and a choreographer. We are holding big fake palm trees and the choreographer is playing Rihanna's Umbrella. Rather than dance with umbrellas like they do in the video or on Shut Up and Dance (really known as Step It Up and Dance) we are doing the routine with the palm trees.

I am front and center so I am the lead palm tree and the choreographer keeps telling me that I am overextending my palm tree and it is going to get hit by the train.

We get on the train with the palm trees and Rihanna is still singing. We are heading to the Medical Center (again). We get into the Medical Center and everyone but us palm tree people get off of the train because I HAVE directions.

The dream ends with us palm tree people arriving at Univ. of Texas/Houston Health Science Center. Rihanna is still singing Umbrella.

and I wake up singing Umbrella.

Word Of The Day

mojo

Main Entry: mo·jo
Pronunciation: \ˈmō-(ˌ)jō\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural mojoes or mojos
Etymology: probably of African origin; akin to Fulani moco'o medicine man
Date: 1926
: a magic spell, hex, or charm; broadly : magical power

I need some good mojo sent my way. I hit the SEND button a few minutes ago. Good thoughts everybody, OK?

Oops!

I saw this on the Today Show this morning and just found the YouTube clip. People are always making fun of the mirror ball trophy on Dancing With The Stars but I have never seen this happen.



I'm not sure what the Memorial Cup is all about but I guess it is something kinda special. And I'm not familiar with the Spokane Chiefs.

BTW...I didn't make it to Borders to see Mario Lopez this evening.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Here are some pics that I snapped this morning at Hermann Park.

Recount

Last night was the HBO premiere of Recount. I missed the first 30 minutes because I was enjoying Dick again.

If you are a quasi-political junkie like me, you will thoroughy enjoy Recount .

from HBO:
Starring Kevin Spacey, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Laura Dern, John Hurt, Denis Leary, Bruce McGill, and Tom Wilkinson, Recount brings viewers behind the scenes at the controversial Florida recount. This illuminating, hugely entertaining film pulls back the veil on the headlines to explore the human drama surrounding the most controversial presidential election in U.S. history.

Mixing news footage and verbatim dialogue into fictionalized re-creations, Recount examines the torturous process that culminated in the Supreme Court decision in Bush vs. Gore.

For more info, click here.

I had forgotten about everything that had transpired in Florida, Florida, Florida (ala Tim Russert). Regardless of your political party affilation, I think you will enjoy this movie. Check your local listings.

Mario Lopez Comes To The Bayou City

So. I was wondering if Mario Lopez would be coming to Houston to promote his book Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness. I figured he has a fairly busy schedule what with him being on Broadway in A Chorus Line. Imagine my glee when I read in The Houston Chronicle that he will be here this Tuesday (May 27, 2008)!

Mario will be at Borders (3025 Kirby) starting at 700p. That is only 2.22 miles from me and The Calvinator. Normally the big name authors go out to the westside of town to do book signings so this is way cool. (Maybe he'll want to stop by for a beverage when he is finished? Probably not. He has a sister who lives in the area so I'm sure they'll be spending some time together.)

According to the interview, he will also be posing for photographs. I wonder if he will lift his shirt and show those abs. He can show his 6-pack and I'll show my keg.

So. I was debating about going to the gym today and I guess I just got my inspiration. To get a body like that I guess ya gotta start somewhere, right?

With Mario flaunting his Hollywood smile and his 6-pack, I have started humming a showtune.

As Ulla sings in The Producers, "Ven you got it, flaunt it. Show your assets, let them know you're proud." BTW...if you watch this clip from The Producers, that is Uma Thurman and not Nicole Kidman (as stated on the page of the clip).

Hello

OK. Yes. I know. I've been a bit quiet. Not much to say about anything.

It's getting hotter here in H-town. It's so hot (how hot is it?), The Calvinator is cutting his walks short. Seriously. When he has had enough and is ready to turn around he just stops and digs in and won't move. It's sort of like trying to get a mule to budge.

I went running this morning a bit before 800a.m. and it was already in the low 80s. In fact, when we went for our morning stroll at 630a.m. it was already 83 degrees and the humidity was high. I'm one of those people who sweats like a whore in church (no comments please) and I just can't understand those lizard people who don't sweat.

This morning as I was finishing up my 5 mile jaunt at Memorial Park, I saw a familiar face...well, familiar from his blog. It was Active Runner. I had about 1/2 a mile to go and REALLY wanted to finish so I didn't stop to chat him up. I think I surprised him though.

So I showered and went and did some weights and worked up another sweat. And showered again.

Then later on I went to AttyHou and Everyday Italian's pool and was joined by Neighbor Michael. At this point the temperature was in the 90s. OY! I didn't last long because I was sweating like a whore at The Vatican. So yes, I showered...again.

I must ask. Is it normal to take three showers in one day? Am I bordering on OCD or am I OCD?

So that's what's on my mind tonight...well that and whole bunch of other stuff that you may or not may not be interested in, like:

1) I can't figure why gas is so high in Houston when the f_cking refineries are right down the road in Texas City, La Porte and Deer Park? I'm just saying.

2) Is it normal to have a job interview at 800a on Memorial Day? Is this some kind of test?

3) I finally had to look up the words to 4 Minutes and I still don't understand part of it and I'm laughing at myself for not incorrectly singing some of the lyrics. (Lyrics I don't understand: "Keep it up, keep it up, don't be a pri..")

4) I'm wondering if Candy Shop will be remixed?

5) I don't think Betty Suarez went to Tuscon (with Henry) or Rome (with Gio). If she was going to marry Henry, that would mean she has to leave Mode and there goes the whole show. Plus, she would want her family at the wedding. I think she is afraid of Gio because she knows she belongs with him. I think she went on a trip to Mexico to visit family and get her head together.

And while I'm on the subject of Ugly Betty, did anyone else LOL when Naomi Campbell pulled out her cell phone and everybody took cover? And poor Hilda. She gets a hunkalicious love interest only to find out he is still married.

6) Did anyone watch The Bachelorette? Deanna was in her own Candy Shop. My assumption is that they don't let the guys eat any food and then do a vodka drip so the alcohol can go directly into their bloodstream. And the guy who didn't get picked and was howling at the moon? Uh...LOL

I hope everyone is having a safe and fun holiday weekend!

The temperature is rising and so is the price of gasoline

A brief prologue covers the events preceding the original Mad Max (no backstory was offered in that movie). After uprisings and an extended war due to energy shortages proved to destabilize the country, marauding biker gangs began to terrorize the townspeople in the Australian desert. The crumbling remnants of the government created a tiny, underfunded group of special highway patrol officers to attempt a restoration of order in the outback. By contrast, Mad Max 2 features a much more pronounced breakdown of civilization. In the prologue, a narrator informs us that the world has "crumbled and...the cities have exploded"; life has become a "whirlwind of looting and a firestorm of fear, in which 'men began to feed on men.'" -from Wikipedia about Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior

I'm beginning to think we are just a few steps away from this becoming a reality. I mean really.

The price of gasoline is the highest it has ever been. I remember when I was a kid and gas stations would have price wars to see who could sell a gallon of gas for the lowest price. I remember competing stations getting it down to $00.28. And then I remember the day it went up to $00.33 and it never went down. It has only gone up.

I also remember the year of the fuel shortage. Long lines at the gas stations. Also, there was a system for how often you could get gas. You just couldn't pull up and get some. You were only allowed to get gas on certain days of the week unless your vehicle was for commercial purposes.

Then there was the fuel shortage along the Gulf Coast during the Hurricane Rita evacuation. I think that was the most frightened I have ever been about running out of gas. And not only gas but drinking water.

Everytime The Calvinator does something to upset me, I have to remember that he was a real trooper for staying in the car (well, he did try to jump out once) with me for 27 hours. I'm not sure who was more relieved when I accidentally found the vending machine outside of a closed convenience store in the middle of nowhere. It was ice cold and water never tasted better.

It was pure luck that I found gasoline when I did. Just about the time I would start to panic about the gauge getting low, I'd find a station that had fuel.

I've been taking people to the airport for their extended Memorial Day getaways. In the olden days I would never have accepted money for doing that. Now I'm accepting Euros (LOL) to put gas back into The Cal Mobile for the jaunts back and forth to the airport. Speaking of Euros...

The other night at Todd, Marc & Gordon's cocktail party, somebody dropped something into the pool. We couldn't figure out what it was but a person was being very dilligent about trying to retrieve it. Nobody in my circle of partygoers could figure it out so I started a rumor that it was a Euro. LOL I wanted to see if people would jump into the pool. (I crack myself up sometimes.)

OK. So why did I even discuss this? While I was watching the 10:00 evening news on Wednesday night, Neighbor Ryan Korsgard at KPRC Channel 2 did a story about how much it is costing the City of Houston to gas up vehicles and ambulances and fire trucks, etc. Then there was another story someone who stole about 500 gallons (edit: 1000 gallons) of diesel fuel.

Hey. I need to stop this rambling and get going. I think I just saw Mel Gibson walking through NoRO.

Bloggers' Night Out + 1

Awhile back, Running My Mass Off and I'm Not Fit To Run suggested that we do a night at the theatre. Do you know how difficult it is to coordinate something like this? My hat is off to the other two for pulling this off and to I'm Not Fit To Run for getting the tickets. I met up with the two of them plus the spouse of Running My Mass Off. We went to see The Drowsy Chaperone.

I was somewhat familiar with the story but not really and I'm sorta glad I walked in a bit blind. OMG I have never laughed so hard during a musical. Yes, I laughed during The Producers and Hairspray and even a few chuckles during Mamma Mia. This one had me LOL too many times.

What's great about it is that it is only 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission and it is full of comedy. Yes, it is on the silly side but one of the things that I like about musical theatre is that you can escape from your life if even for a short time. And laughter is good for the soul. Not sure how many calories you burn when you laugh but I'm sure I walked out a bit thinner than when I walked in.

If you are not familiar with The Drowsy Chaperone, here is some information from Broadway.com:

The Drowsy Chaperone begins when a die-hard musical-theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, and the musical magically bursts to life! We are instantly immersed in the hilarious tale of a glamorous bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises that take both the cast (literally) and the audience (metaphorically) soaring into the heavens.

Everyone in the cast did a great job. The standouts in the performance are Jonathan Crombie (Man In Chair), Andrea Chamberlain (Janet Van De Graaff) and Nancy Opel (The Drowsy Chaperone). I can so relate to Man In Chair and The Drowsy Chaperone. I think the best lyric from the evening, as sung by The Drowsy Chaperone is:

But you musn't let it lick you
this planet oh so bland.
Keep your eyeball on the highball
in your hand.





The surprise of the evening was seeing Georgia Engel! I remember Georgia when she was on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. Georgia has made a career of being a character actress and she shines through in her role as Mrs. Tottendale.

Here is a clip from the Tony Awards. The song is Show Off and it had me cackling! I'm sure the people around me thought I was going to lay an egg.



And here is The Drowsy Chaperone singing another favorite from the show, As We Stumble Along.



The one song I couldn't find a real clip of is Bride's Lament which I had incorrectly searched for Monkey. You would need to listen to the song to understand my confusion. It was another that had me laughing.

Theater Under The Stars (TUTS) is presenting The Drowsy Chaperone through June 1, 2008 at The Hobby Center. If you want to escape the real world and laugh for an hour and forty-five minutes, go see The Drowsy Chaperone.

BTW...drowsy is a word that was used to describe someone who is tipsy.

Near Death Experience

This morning when I went running the iPod nano was acting odd toward the end of my run. It kept skipping back to the beginning of Rappers Delight.

I didn't think much of it until later in the day when I decided to recharge it.

IT WOULD NOT TURN ON! IT WOULD NOT RECHARGE! IT WOULD NOT RESET!

I toggled the Hold switch. I pressed on the Menu button for more than 10 seconds. And still nothing. I went to website for help and did everything it told me to do. And still nothing. I repeated all of the instructions.

I can't afford to spend $250 on another iPod (red) nano! Without my nano I'd have to talk to people at the gym! I can't have THAT happen.

So I was trying to decide if I should back up everything (since I haven't done that in awhile). If I should just give it a rest and worry about it later or what? The Calvinator knew something was wrong because he was just staring at me.

So I picked up the nano. Said a little prayer to it. Toggled the Hold switch. Pressed on the Menu button and...

It WORKED! Who knew there was a patron saint or guardian angels for iPod nanos?

Challenge Day 2008 - Houston (reminder)

Don't forget!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is Challenge Day 2008. Exercise for at least 15 minutes and send in your results no later than Thursday, May 22.

For more information, click here.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

That is the battle cry for Mardi Gras. It means "Let the good times roll." My other favorite Mardi Gras battle cry is "Revel without a pause." Oh, and I cant' forget, "Show me your ____!" And there is, "Throw me somethin' mistah." And of course, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."Ah...Mardi Gras. Beads. Booze. Second lining. Pink eye. Po Boys. Costumes. Jambalaya. Hurricanes. Long Island Ice Tea. No sleep. Mardi Gras Mambo.

Oh crap! The way things have been going I thought Mardi Gras is just around the corner. It is actually 280 days away. You see...

To make Mardi Gras happen, lots of planning has to take place. I live hundreds of miles away from Ground Zero but even here in the Bayou City plans are underway for a festive 2009 Mardi Gras Season.

The weather yesterday was absolutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L and I was inside all afternoon attending two meetings planning for Mardi Gras. Krewe of Olympus and Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party both had meetings yesterday...back 2 back. OY!

Top that off with being a bit spent from the day before. You see...

I was up early on Saturday to do an airport run. The weather was bizarre. It felt like June Gloom in San Diego. So after the airport run I went for a jaunt at the park and then to the gym to get pumped up for a pool party. The problem with that is that the sun never came out so we stood around and had cocktails all afternoon. Hence, you will NOT be getting a swimsuit fashion show. It was fun to chat with people and meet new people but Str8 Up With A Twist needed a nap and didn't get one.

Ran home, took care of The Calvinator and then it was off to a May Fiesta followed by an outdoor cocktail party. I left around 1100p and I heard that the party went until 330a.

I got up on Sunday morning took care of The Calvinator and it was off to an early Mass...hangover and all. I REALLY tried to stay through the recessional song but I just couldn't do it. I had to get out of there. I'm impressed with myself that I even made it to church!

So you can see why I was a bit spent while watching the season finale of Desperate Housewives.

Back to the subject at hand. Mardi Gras is only 280 days away and I guess you can say that based on my activities this past weekend, I'm in training for Mardi Gras 2009 because honestly, to get through Mardi Gras festivities, you need more stamina than you do for running a marathon.

Overheard at a party (today)

"I found a hot wiener and stuck it between my bun."

A short post.

This post has been inspired by two other bloggers and something that was in the gift bag from the fave magazine party last week. This is the Show 'n Tell that I referred to yesterday.

Awhile back Running For Gold commented that he had received some hits to his blog from people looking for information about masculine running shorts. Click on his name and you can read what was said.

Then, Blog My Runs did a post about running in long shorts just like Lance Armstrong. I'm not sure that he was prepared for the number of comments that he received. I chimed in and stated why I wear short running shorts when I run.

Let's face it folks, I'm short. I'm 5'8". It seems like most guys are taller than me. For me to run in long shorts is very uncomfortable. Let me do some 'splaining.

I have tried to run in long shorts but the problem that I encounter is that there is way too much material flying around my knees. With all that material flying around it makes me feel like Sister Bertrille from The Flying Nun. With the proper wind gust, I could take flight. Plus, the long shorts make me look like I belong to some cult that doesn't allow you to show anything above the knee.

There are some square-cut running shorts that I have but those give me a wedgie in the front and the back. Talk about uncomfortable.

Now, I will say that I do wear the longer shorts sometimes when I'm walking The Calvinator or when I go to the gym to do weights. I don't wear them when I'm spinning because I'm afraid the extra material is going to get caught in the wheel plus the one time I wore a pair of long shorts I had a bunch of material flopping around my knees. And yes, I do wear biking shorts when I spin because they have the extra cushion in the ass.

So here are some photos of some of my shorts.

These are Calvinator walking shorts for first thing in the morning. I can throw them on with a t-shirt and off we go. They have pockets for the keys, poop bags, etc. They're also good cover-up shorts for the running shorts when I don't feel like walking into Kroger after a run and freezing off my kibbles and bit. See how far down on my leg they go!

They sort of remind me of Skorts. Remember those skirts/shorts that Units used to sell?

Next we have another pair of long shorts. It only has a small pocket; big enough for the nano. They're just a bit shorter than the previous pair. I wear these to workout in.

This is another pair that I workout in. They're just a bit shorter than the previous pair. Small inside key pocket.

I can run in these but they cause a wedgie in the front and the back so I normally wear them to the gym if I'm going to do an eliptical machine. Small inside key pocket.

This is the normal size shorts that I run in. OK. Compare them to the long shorts and you can see how short I am and why I like the shorter shorts. No wedgies. No extra material flying around my knees. Very comfortable. Small key pocket inside both.

I do have some wild patterned shorts and so to continue the fashion show, here ya go.

First is this pair. When I run in these I don't even feel them. They don't squish my love handles and the sweat runs right off of them so they don't get all wet and sticky. Funny thing. runnerOne has the same pair and one morning when we went running we showed up both wearing them. Talk about looking like a pair of Twinkies. OK...maybe a Ding Dong a Ho-Ho.

Then we have this pair. Wild but subtle.

And then we have these. I will only wear these at twilight or pre-dawn. It's hard to miss me in the dark. Uh...plus they become a bit transparent when they get wet with sweat.

I bought this pair several years ago and I have never worn them. I guess I was thinking that if I ever had to run in Iraq, they would come in handy. And, as of right now I have no plans to go to Iraq.

Now, back to what was in the gift bag from the party. There was a candle, some soap, some vodka and a pair of shorts(?). A VERY small pair of shorts. Just so you know how small they are, I put them against a pair of my short Puma shorts. Are you ready to see them?

I know of one or two people who MIGHT be able to wear these by their pool. I seriously doubt that I could get them past my calves.

So that is today's fashion show. I'm invited to the first pool party of the season tomorrow and I need to decide which pair of swimtrunks to wear. I have them in varying lengths. ;-)

" " -Marcel Marceau

Remember that saying, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." or was it, "If you don't have something nice to say, come and sit next to me."?

Makes me think of a card that I sold back in the '80s that said, "Some times I say the wrong thing just to have something to say." (And yes, I thought that one up myself and many people purchased it after they had an argument with their spouse/partner. My other favorite was a Father's Day card that I made that said, "To a man who works hard, plays hard and can still wake up hard." That was a big seller also.)

I actually do have some things to say and they're not very nice so I'm not going to say much of anything today.

I'm sort of in a self-censor mode. There is a bunch of stuff going on but if I put it out here I'll end up sounding like:

1) I'm looking for sympathy;
2) Chicken Little;
3) I'm a big drama queen.

I think part of it is that I've been feeling run down. I was fine on Monday morning when I went running and I was fine when I went to spin class and then I wasn't fine. I think I lost too many electrolytes and then kicked the metabolism into high gear and I feel like I can't eat enough this week and I don't want to eat a bunch so I've been feeling kind of weak. My blood sugar seems to be really low and I can gulp down a big thing of Gatorade without stopping.

Yesterday I went to Memorial Park for a 3 mile jaunt and I actually stood there for 15 minutes trying to decide what to do. So I walked 1 mile and ran the last 2 and was worn out.

Also, there is some weird energy floating around out there. Maybe it is the onset of the hot, humid weather that is causing this to happen.

Anywho...I'm working on a funny post (or at least I think it is funny) but it is sorta like a Show 'n Tell and I'm working on the pics (for the Show) so that I can tell.

Enough about me.

I do have a favor to ask. A longtime friend of mine and an avid reader of Str8 Up With A Twist has recently been (as in this week) diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The good news is that at least she knows the cause of her ailments. So just send some positive thoughts her way to help her make some adjustments to her life. Thanx.

And yes, this is probably one of the most unusual post I've written...up to this point.

Does Anyone Still Wear A Hat?

I'm sure by now you have seen these photos from the Sex And The City movie premiere in London.

You also know that I can usually associate a song with most circumstances. When I saw the pics I thought of Ladies Who Lunch and specifically this part of the song:

Here's to the ladies who lunch--
Everybody laugh.
Lounging in their caftans
And planning a brunch
On their own behalf.
Off to the gym,
Then to a fitting,
Claiming they're fat.
And looking grim,
'Cause they've been sitting
Choosing a hat.
Does anyone still wear a hat?
I'll drink to that.

And if you've never heard the song, here ya go




I got cable installed well after SATC went off the air but I have been able to catch up on almost every episode. I think one of my favorites is when Carrie is in the fashion show and falls down. LOL That's something I would do.

I don't go to the movies often but I will be going to see SATC when it hits Houston.

LIVESTRONG Day

Yesterday I suggested that you wear something yellow today because it is LIVESTRONG Day. This is a day that the Lance Armstrong Foundation has designated to bring awareness to the war on cancer.

Well, I dug out my RUNSTRONG singlet and my LIVESTRONG bracelet and headed to Memorial Park for a 3 mile jaunt. I have one word, "OUCH!" Even though my shirt says, RUNSTRONG, I wasn't. You see...

Last night I went to a spin class. I had not been to a class in well over a month. 10 minutes into the class, I was dripping with sweat. By the time it was over, I was drenched.

This morning, my quads reminded me that I gave them a workout and they were telling me that they needed a rest but trudged on. People with walkers and canes were passing me but I was committed to doing three miles this morning.

So here I am in my wet shirt:

And here is a pic of my hairy arm and skinny wrist:

LIVESTRONG Day (May 13)

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced that tomorrow is LIVESTRONG Day. It is a one day initiative to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

I just found out about it so I haven't planned an event. However, I will wear something yellow tomorrow and I'll wear my LIVESTRONG bracelet.

At times my opinion of Lance has run hot and cold. However, there have been a few things that have happened that have helped me to cement my positive opinion of Lance.

1. He is lending his name and his story to fight the war on cancer. My assumption is that most people either know someone who has battled cancer or they have fought the battle themselves. I don't have any stats readily available about the number of cancer survivors or the amount of money spent for research and treatment; I know it is high. So if Lance can do something to get funds allocated then good for him (and I mean that in a positive way).

2. Lance ran the 2006 NYC Marathon and it was a humbling experience. The 7 time winner of the Tour de France really didn't train and figured he could just get up and run 26.2 miles. It was a humbling experience for Lance. He gained a new respect for long distance runners. He trained and was better prepared for NYC 2007 and Boston 2008.

So, if you haven't planned your wardrobe for Tuesday (May 13), consider wearing something yellow. And for more information about LIVESTRONG Day, click here.

500 and counting. (Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 12.1)

Hello bois and gurrls. It's hard to believe but this is my 500th post! And I know that some of you have been with me from the very beginning and have read all of them. To old and new readers, "thank you!"

I was going to get all sentimental and then I decided, why bother? Y'all deserve a discombobulated post (like most of them have been). I'll think about getting sentimental when the year anniversary arrives.

fave magazine
The party on Thursday night was f-u-n! There was wine, vodka, nibbly things and lots of people to chat with and it was all good chat.

Several Str8 Up With A Twist readers were there as well as Krewe of Olympus members and many other friends.

I received a gift bag on the way out and I will save my comments on the contents of the bag for another post (because I need to take a pic and my camera battery is recharging right now).

dream
I had the weirdest dream on Friday night/Saturday morning. Here is what happened.

I was one of those Swiss Army Guards that protects the Pope at The Vatican. I was in my uniform and I was at a Shell Gas Station fueling up The Cal Mobile. The dividing line between Vatican City and the rest of the world ran through the station and I was on the Vatican City side.

So on the other side a Nazi pulls up, gets out of his vehicle and is trying attack me but he can't because he can't cross the line. I'm getting scared.

So he starts to throw gasoline at me and Vatican City and he says he is going to blow me up. He is yelling and screaming and throwing gasoline and then I see him get a cigarette lighter. I start yelling for everyone to run up the hill.

He flicks the lighter, I see a flame and I take off running. There is a steep hill right behind the station and I go running up it and jump inside of a house.

end of dream

Houston Art Car Parade 2008
Yesterday was the 20th rolling of the Art Car Parade. Other parades have sprouted up in other cities but the original was here in Houston.

The parade has grown over the years. It now falls under the umbrella of The Orange Show which in itself has an unusual origin.

Here are a few pics.

Red Bull had some folks walking around handing out their tasty beverage and of course I had one...probably could have used another so I supplemented it with a frozen lemonade.

If you would like to see more, you can click here.

So that's about it for tonight. And once again, thanx for reading my blog!

Sordid Lives

Brettcajun and Str8 Up With A Twist reader alnhouston have both recently reminded me that Logo will soon be premiering Sordid Lives as a series.

The movie itself is quite funny and it had me LOL on an airplane one night while I watched it on my laptop. Trust me. This probably was never shown as inflight entertainment.

If you're not familiar with the movie, imdb has a synopsis. The tagline for the movie is "A black comedy about white trash."

Here is a trailer for the series. BTW...it might not be appropriate for office viewing.



And while we're on the topic of Sorid Lives...

Krewe of Olympus will be having a fundraiser on May 31. And guess what? The theme is Sordid Lives. For more information, click here.

I will definitely be there!

Sticky & Sweet

Madge (aka Madonna) is coming to Houston! It was announced this morning that things are going to get sticky & sweet in the Bayou City on November 16 when the Sticky & Sweet Tour makes a stop at Minute Maid Park. Houston is the only Texas stop on the tour. The last time that Madge did a concert in H-town was in 1990 when she brought the Blonde Ambition Tour to town.

Tickets go on sale on May 31. Prices will range from $55-$350. I'm thinking about pimping out Calvin to raise the funds for a ticket!

I have only been to one Madonna concert and that was Blonde Ambition at Reunion Arena in Dallas. I have never, repeat never, had so much fun and danced so much at a concert. My clothes were covered in sweat when I left the arena. It was more than a concert; it was a show. A really big show.

Her Hard Candy cd debuted on Billboard's Top 20 with sales of 280,000 cds. 4 Minutes with JT was her 37th Top 10 hit.

The Queen of Reinvention just keeps coming back and never stops. Long live the Queen!

Challenge Day 2008 - Houston

CHALLENGE DAY 2008
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
IN QUEST OF ONE MILLION EXERCISERS

Join the exercise challenge as Houston competes with other cities internationally.

Do some form of physical exercise for at least 15 minutes on Wednesday, May 21st &
report your results, by e-mail to:

challengeday2008@cityofhouston.net

No later than Thursday, May 22nd

Group Leaders may report for their entire class/group.

Thanks for helping Houston accept the Challenge Day Challenge.

Questions? Please contact Doug Earle at doug.earle@cityofhouston.net or 713-845-8075