Happy New Year!

  Well I did not find the time to take those party pictures as i'd hoped.  We had our first guests arrive shortly after 1 pm and our last guests leave after 8pm.  We had a great turnout, around thirty people came by to visit and celebrate.  We still manage to have some leftover snacks and a couple bottles of champagne so we are ready to ring 2009!

We are dismantling holiday decor and i am busy on Ebay while i have some leftover boxes.  Getting a jumpstart on my resolution to have a more streamlined life, purging the excess.  If there is anything you might need or want, i probably have 3 of it and can give you one (or two).

Now it's time to welcome all of the things that have never been before!

Technorati Tags: new years resolutions

Latin nites! And more...

Last nite it was girlie girlz at the Tarpon Turtle for apps and beverages.  Well tonight it's 9-12 at Rungo for latin dancing.  Have a friend from out of town who may join us later and not sure how crowded it will be due to the holidays.

Right now I'm listening to Prince's "Erotic City" (check my playlist!)  thinking about tomorrow's holiday gathering.  I have 32 attending and a bevy of others who did not RSVP (hey, it's an open house so not necessary) that may drop by.  Yes, it gets a little crowded but everyone is having too much fun to notice.

The Champagne is chilling on the lanai ready to have corks-o-poppin in celebration of friends near and far.  Hope to have some photos to share with a recap tomorrow evening.

Right now it's off to dinner at Ban Thai!  Check me later!

Technorati Tags: Tarpon Turtle,Rungo,Ban Thai

Christmas Blessings

Well, Christmas Day has come to it's end in our household.  It's been a hectic week, preparing to host family staying at the house and friends on Christmas Day for the big meal.  Living alone for half of the year, I do not have much practice cooking for so many mouths and juggling all the errands and household chores, but I do enjoy doing it, even if my anxiety is provoked by all the offers of help that abound making me feel my efforts underway are somehow inadequate!  I fully realize this is not the intent and speaks volumes about 'me'. In the end everything turns out just as it should and everyone has a good time once things are underway.

We had 8 for dinner who enjoyed a romaine salad with roasted organic beets and greens, homemade herb bread and butter, smoked mesquite turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole (with pineapple and brown sugar), stuffing (with country sausage, green apple and cherry), green beans, crook neck squash, white wine, pellegrino, champagne, and more desserts than i can list here!  Sadly it was scarfed down without a photo op.

The morning started with our family gift exchange which was for the most part significantly paired down this year and no one seemed to mind.  Happiness is not in things; it is in us.  I am wishing you a joyful holiday and hope your festivities are only beginning.

RE-GIFTING

A British tradition I have always admired is Boxing Day.  The day after the Christmas, also known as Second Christmas.

Again this year people who have been so very generous to me and my family.  Hopefully this does not sound ungrateful - I've already received a half dozen gifts, some that I have exchanged for something i found to be more useful.

At my post holiday gathering  we will include a" re-gift exchange"!  Anyone attending is invited to bring along less desirable gifts in an attempt to swap them at the party.  Any unwanted remnants will then be donated to charity.

I feel this is a good way to be authentic about my wishes for 2009 - to live a more streamlined and clutter free life, unencumbered by things that i do not love dearly that others can make better use of - regardless of cost or condition of the item.  I believe that letting go leaves room for more and i am looking forward to a bountiful 2009, full of all the good things i am wishing for (not only for myself but for others).

Technorati Tags: regifting,boxing day,second christmas

Early Christmas Gifts

Today I gifted two very important people in my life a little premature holiday spirit by having a massage therapist come to the house and straightened the fa out of their la-la-la's.

If you are in need of a gift idea - this one is a real treat.  Call Shannon Collier at 727-365-9531.  You can visit her weekends at the Don Cesar, or at her own place in St. Pete.  On exception and for an additional fee she will travel to you if her schedule permits.

Technorati Tags: masssage,shannon collier,don cesar

Dinner Dance Cruise

Last night I went a dancin' and there was a fun gift exchange where I came away with a darling milk and cookie plate for Santa from here, while the VIP came away with a large box of these that we will plan to serve at our Holiday Gathering.

In addition to the fun of practicing chacha, samba and salsa during the first hour, then dancing a mixer of assorted dances and music in the second hour, i won a drawing for a Starlite Dinner Dance Cruise that the VIP and i will enjoy at the end of January.

Technorati Tags: pier 1 imports,total wine,starlite cruise

Pets as gifts

I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew
I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she
wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view
from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want
her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made
little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head
up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my
neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her
cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I
instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do
everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her
eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many
more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to
be saved. At least I could save one.

Please don't give a pet as a gift as you cannot be certain it will fit the lifestyle of the person receiving it which would not be fair to the pet or the person.   Both the VIP and i had the painful experience of being parted with a living pet and i would ask you to spare anyone else that sadness.  It's hard enough when a pet's life comes to it's natural end.

Also consider how much care and training it takes getting a young high energy pet and consider getting a more mature animal, save your money and go to a rescue site, call local vets, or the hospice in your area.  I cannot begin to tell you the number of people that have made no plans for their (often purebred) pets and consider them disposable when they move, change jobs, start a family... our pets are capable of unconditional love and should not be considered disposable accessories.  Some people are weary of getting a pet that someone else no longer had a place in their life for, assuming the pet must have some very undesirable traits but what i have witnessed is it is that the pets end up there thru no fault of their own. You can change that!

Technorati Tags: pets as gifts,pet rescue,aspca,humane society,hopsice,veternarian

When I say New York City, I mean Manhattan

Any NYer knows that, but people from outside the 5 boroughs (Brooklyn "Kings", Queens, Staten Island "Richmond", Da Bronx, and Manhattan) or the Tri-state area do not understand that distinction. Technically, when asked 'Are you from NYC, i could say yes - but i don't, I claim Brooklyn as home, although all my landmarks are gone and the sects of immigrants who inhabited the area there have changed and i know not a soul there any more. The VIP finds this affiliation strange, and i have no way to explain it other than to liken it as a well healed scar made in my formative years, forever a piece of my identity.

That is where I've been and hopefully you have missed my absence deeply. I took a real vacation where you leave some technology behind and stay busy with the outside world and it's inhabitants and maybe, just maybe some of your faith in humanity is restored.

The NY of my youth is long gone. No panhandlers, no being groped by homeless people, no 3 card monte or other hustlers and cons, no chicken hawks or heroin users with their junk still in their arm while they are passed out on the street, no pepk shows or sex shops or XXX rated theatres (people don't have to leave home for that kind of thing any more), no being offered rolled joints (when it was illegal of have any pot on ones person). Times Square is so PC it is a virtual Disneyworld. I guess it is not all bad but it saddens me to travel our great country and see it all becoming one big stripmall.

This trip we did a variety of touristy things we never would have done when we lived in the area:

We stayed at the UNION SQUARE INN. Economy and Essentials in this walk up with no heat controls and convenient subway access.

We went to an office party at 1 Roc. Center to watch the tree lighting and all the pre-recorded pomp and circumstance of the Jonas Brothers.

Admired the cleanliness of reliable public transportation.

Had Daisy drive us around Central Park

Admired the holiday windows on 5th -Bergdorf's was the best, where inside the sales staff scoffed at my request for wool knee highs and informed me that they have not carried socks 'for years'.

Luckily I have a sense of style that endures unlike fashion trends, however high priced they might be. I no longer have to travel to NYC for a pair of Wolford tights, they are available right here in Tampa! SO SPARE ME THE ATTITUDE LADY...

but the real reason is right here!

a reunion with friends reunited after too many years thanks to the glory of facebook!

mostly old college friends

who came early and stayed late at DEWEY'S FLATIRON.

went to E#llis Island

Listened to street performers

Enjoyed all of Manhattan before moving on to BROOKLYN:

CLEMENTE'S CRAB SALAD & ALL YOU CAN EAT...SHEEPSHEAD BAY

WHEN ONLY THE ORIGINAL WILL DO!

Technorati Tags: MANHATTAN,nyc,ny,NEW YORK,NEW YORK CITY,BROOKLYN,CLEMENTE'S CRAB,SHEEPSHEAD BAY,CONEY ISLAND,PETER LUGER,STEAKHOUSE,NATHAN'S FAMOUS,HOTDOGS,TIMES SQUARE,AQUARIUM,HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES,CENTRAL PARK,RADIO CITY,JONAS BROTHERS,ROCKAFELLER CENTER,TREE LIGHTING,UNION SQUARE INN,BERDORFF GOODMAN,DEWEY'S FLATIRON,SUNY STONYBROOK ALUMNI,FACEBOOK,ELLIS ISLAND,POLAR BEAR CLUB.

Santa Claus is coming to town

I saw this photo in GQ and loved it - something you are very unlikely to see these days in the uber PC world we live in here is the USA.  I raise my glass in a toast of the coming new year and all that it has in store. 

Tis the season - What are you wishing Santa Baby will bring you?

Technorati Tags: santa claus is coming to town,christmas music,santa in a bar,wish list

So Thankful....

I try to make a ritual of taking time each day to review all of the things, big and small, that are going right.  Showing gratitude is a simple de-stressor.  No matter what might be happening that I wish were different at the moment I can pause and say thank you and put everything back in perspective.

A place to live, health, companionship, food - all the rest is excess and I am thankful for the bountiful life I am living, excited - knowing that more awaits in the future...what will 2009 have in store?

Technorati Tags: giving thanks,gratitude

Metrosexual

It has been an ongoing effort to bring the VIP into fashion of the 20th century.  I am all about the T shirt and jeans but there is a time and place to kick it up a notch.  For years there have been 2 other notches - the polo shirt and khaki pants, or the sportscoat/suit. 

Now that the VIP is joining me on the dance floor, he needed to look a bit more 'nightlife' and we picked out some flat front pants last week and the following shirts this week - now we are good to go!  More party and less business...

All this from a man who told me he did not like paisley!

It's also taken me over 10 years to convince him he looks better in a shirt that fits and got him to size down.  He is built lean and does not need the belly room many of the full cut shirts afford.

Now there will be no question that we are together when we step out on the town! 

Yowza, yowza, yowza!

 

Technorati Tags: Dillards,marc Ecko,metrosexual

Oldsmar Tap House and Molly Goodheads

Last nite the VIP and I had a fine nite.  We met at Sue & Joe W's to ogle their detached garage, vintage corvette (THIS IS A STOCK PHOTO OF A 67, THEIR CAR LOOKS MUCH, MUCH BETTER)  and hot rod that is being restored now.  The VIP loves all things mechanical and envies any man who has a workshop containing a hoist, acetylene, and a spare transmission with a wall proudly displaying original mopars.

Over Riesling, cheese and crackers we discussed Overhaulin' (I might leave the VIP for Chip Foose if he asked...),  and love of the 67 Chevelle specifically, GTO's and muscle cars in general.  Why didn't I go to McKee Tech?

We departed and met Anne and Dave at the Oldsmar Tap House for a brewski before heading out to Molly Goodhead's.

 

Technorati Tags: http://www.mollygoodheads.com/,http://www.oldsmartaphouse.com/index.htm,1967 corvette,overhaulin,chip foose

Networking Blogstyle!

 

crowdSPRING, hire Kelly Purkey for your new Community Marketing Manager!

Holiday Luau

Those of you joining me for the Showcase on the following nite, please come as my guest at the Luau!  The pleasure of my company over drinks and nosh for 2 evenings at the spa for $25.00, which includes a free 45 minute private lesson at the studio - what a deal!

I hear there will be prizes!!!!

Technorati Tags: Rungo Dance Academy,Holiday Luau,Safety Harbor Spa,Corinne Rungo,RungoDance.com

Getting to know all about you....

 

JULES KNOWS I AM A JOINER!

Where is the person you gave your heart to for the first time?
Living on the west coast

What were you doing at ten last night ?
Facebook - reuniting with college buds

What was the last thing you drank ?
iced tea

What' s going on between you and the last person you kissed?
Love and marriage!

What's something you really want right now, be honest?Beacoup dollars for more ballroom dance lessons

Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?Romantic kind - Reading the TWILIGHT series (and my last kiss).Anxious kind - having to dance in front of a panel of instructors (I am critical enough of myself!)

Anything annoying you right now?

Yes, my insomnia,thankfullyI have this to work on

Who was the last person to make you cry?
Grandma when she died at the end of May.

Anybody you' re looking forward to seeing soon?
Planning a reunion in NYC 12.4 &5 for a group I have not seen in 20 something years....

Are you going anywhere for the next summer?
probably RVing

Who was the last person you hugged?
Troy my dance instructor - you know he wants to press the body - LMAO!!!!

Who was the last person in your room?
The VIP

Did you have a dream last night ?
Yes, but I can't recall it now

How many piercings do you have?
ears only, 2 sets

Have any tattoos?
I have a consult with Jason Minaro at MONIQUE'S Body Art around Thanksgiving for my very first.  Jules needs to come with me for her mermaid....

Are you good at giving directions ?
I've gotten much better!

Last time you cried really, really hard?
When my last living grandparent died.

What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
banana and raisins and honey

Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
yes but I would not venture further than the mailbox and would not linger long

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
usually it's the other way around! 

What is your favorite color ?
blue-violet

Do you think your last ex deserves to die?
No, thankfully they set me free to be in my current relationship.

When was the last time you saw your Grandpa?
1970

Do you know anyone with cancer?

too many

Who was the last person you talked to in person?
The VIP

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months?
Hahahaha - this is usually the breaking point - if you make it past 3 months with me you are in for a very long haul!

What is the last text in your inbox ?
From Luis to call him and from Anna about meeting up.  I'm not a big texter - I call back!

Have you lost friends in the past 3 years ?
I've been blessed to have been recently reunited with so many people I never thought I'd be in touch with again - glory be to the internet!

Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
I have tried to cut down on my venting (I just spool myself up), to think about my intentions and the end results before and then I try to speak in terms the other person can understand without being overly emotional

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Dirty Thoughts I Hope!

Are you excited for anything to happen in the next 6 months?
Well I am celebrating 10 years of marital bliss this thanksgiving - that is first on the timeline.

What should you be doing right now?
Sleeping - I have insomnia.

Do you believe in true love?
Yes

Do you miss your past?

I love my past, my present and am pretty optimistic about my future.  Best to be in the now.

Do you think that your ex still likes you?
Every freakin one of them.  What's not to like?

Has a person of the opposite sex seen you in your underwear?
And less....

If you could go back 3 months from now would you change anything?
probably not.

Where 's the last place you went?
To Rungo Dance Academy

what color are your eyes?
blue

At the moment, are you more warm or cold?
just right

What are you listening to?
I wanna be a cowboy by Boys Don't Cry on my blog's playlist

Do you prefer an ocean or pool?
ocean when it is warm

How long is your hair?
after years of butt length it is ear length!

Last thing you ate?
mixed nuts

Are you a bad influence?
Despite my best efforts, probably not!

Would you share a drink with a stranger?
well, they would not be a stranger any longer if I did.

Can you easily tell if someone is fake?
Usually.

Looking back did you ever waste too much time on a certain boy or girl?
Yes on both.  One sides relationships suck.

What' s your favorite card game?
The one I am winning

Know anyone who' s been drunk recently?
Boy it's been awhile.

Do you enjoy drama ?

I don't play that game.

How many months until your birthday?
5

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
I try to give others the benefit of the doubt the first time - is that the same thing?  Probably not...

 

Last three people you texted?
I don't text back.

 

What are you doing tonight?

having friends over for a BBQ

Is smoking one of your turn offs?
Yes.

 

What' s the last kind of soup you ate?
Been a long time - I use the crock pot to make my own chicken soup

 

What kind of dog do you want?
I have 3 boston terriers already - please no more!

Do you currently have a sunburn?
no, but many freckles

Could you eat nothing but grilled cheese for a week straight?

YUK, I hate cheese!

What color was the last drink you consumed?
pink

Would you rather shave your head or dye your hair bright orange?
Well considering I'm a redhead already, shave it!

Could you last an hour without talking?
yes, do it many hours of the day...

Has anyone told you they missed you lately?
Sniff, no....(wiping tear from cheek)

Are you a Hollister/Abercrombie kind of person?
No, I am a grown ass woman

how many hours of sleep did you get last night ?
2

What makeup do you wear on a daily basis ?
A full face!  foundation with spf, eyeliner, black mascara, blush and eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, lipgloss - glam baby!

What curse word do you use the most?
I have a wide and varied vocabulary and try to use the most suitable one for the appropriate occasion.

Do you own an ipod?
no but the VIP does.  I have my playlists on the laptop.
Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
both

Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Only my MIL.

Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No, thus my current state of insomnia

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
If I am drinking it choc soy.

Can you whistle?
Yes. But I never could master using my fingers in my mouth to get a real loud one.

How big is your local mall?
big enough

Are you currently wearing glasses?
no

Do you own any band t-shirts?
not any more

How many aunts and uncle s do you have?
2 biological uncles, only talk to 1

Do you crack your knuckles?
yes

What is your favorite salad dressing?
balsamic & EVOO

Do you read for fun?
Yes.

Can you speak any languages other than English?
At one time or another I spoke Greek, French, Spanish, Japanese, Sign Language and pig English.

Where is your cell phone ?
in my purse

What color is your bedroom painted?
was honeydew, now beige

Are your parents divorced?
yes

What do you like to snack on at the movie theatres?
rainsinets

Have you ever dated someone out of your race?
I guess not. 

What was/is your favorite class in high school?
Dr. Pignatelli's class.  I don't recall the actual title but it seemed to be philosophy and was to date one of the most thought provoking courses I've taken and changed my life for the better.  Wish I had more teachers like him.

If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name have been?
I don't know.

Were you a " planned" child
no

How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
41 years young

Ever eaten an entire thing of frosting?
no.  And I have a sweet tooth!

Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird?
Loves It!

What instrument would you like to learn?
Violin or Banjo

Were you ever a safety patrol in elementary school?
Nope, they knew from an early age better than to trust me - LOL!

Do you like dodge ball?
Not since getting hit in the face in 1st grade.

Ever order anything from the tv?
no, but lots from the internet

Can you write with both hands ?
not well or quickly

Do you get cold sores a lot?
no but I did when I lived up north

Chapstick or lipgloss?
depends

Last time you got poison ivy?
can't remember

Technorati Tags: posting from paradise,W.O.T.E.,Rungo Dance Academy,chain letters,fun facts,questionaires,blogs

Mojito Mamas at Maggiano's

  Anna

Stephanie

Yours Truly

We had a chic meet up and in typical fashion I ordered a pitcher of sangria, but it SUCKED (no fruit, warm, and bitter!) and we sent it back and went for tropical mojitos (Malibu) and appys.  Sadly this is a family atmosphere so there were no (straight, single) men around to harass although the frequent use of crass language did cause some surrounding female eyebrows to raise (deal with it, grandma).

Our server was great, so stop in and ask for Bregina (pronounced brie-jean-ah).

Technorati Tags: maggiano's,westshore mall,sangria,mojitos

Lucky Star

So tonight was a celebration of the 80's and i can state with all modesty that i totally rocked it!

Note my use of accessories!

As you can see there is no lack of hot hotties at Rungo!  (Tara and Shellee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patty nailed the 80's business woman and look at those earrings!

Barbara looked like something right off of a DYNASTY episode.

Thanks for playing along - it's so much more fun when you do!!!

Technorati Tags: rungodance.com,tara agresta,1980's fashion

December Plans

Wow, I know it is not yet Thanksgiving, but the pace of the year end is picking up already, as it always does...only 40 something days till Christmas and less till Hannukah.

If you have company coming into town and are looking for something new and fun to do, let me tell you about December 14th at the Safety Harbor Spa:  Rungo Dance Academy is putting on a ballroom and latin dance show at 5 pm, and tickets are only $25.00 which also includes food and drink and a 45 minute private lesson in the studio.

I promise you will have a ton of fun and there are no high pressure sales tactics used.  This is a family run business that has been around for 8 years and just like any business they are always looking for customers - but they only want happy ones, so the atmosphere feels lighthearted and like you are with family (the family that you want to be with not the ones you avoid!).

Once again I find myself dateless and looking for company - I have a few tickets if you are interested and available!  Hope you can come, try something new, learn more about yourself and let me enjoy your company for an evening or two...

Technorati Tags: rungodance.com,ballroom,latin,dance showcase,safety harbor spa,December 14th 2008,december plans,things to do in december,holiday plans,dance lessons

Best Kept Secrets

I just learned about  The Salon Professional Academy, a Redken training facility - and you know I love to share a good thing when I find it.  Thanks go to a friend who has a friend schooling there in need of clients to complete her training hours, and so I thought I would drop by and find out more.

It is very spacious, bright and clean.  It has the feel of an actual salon.  Everyone is friendly and has an amazing haircut.  The prices are phenomenal/inexpensive and all work is supervised so you can feel confident it will come out correctly.  You will need to leave a little additional time in your schedule than if you went to a pro.  I've been to the Aveda Salon and this was a much better experience

I had a set of pink and white acrylic nails allied for a mere $23.00 - if I had gone to my salon it would have cost me $60 plus the tip.  All the money does go to the school, so please do tip your student when you go.

If you are in need of a facial this month (Nov.2008 only!)  ASK FOR Evelyn Garcia and when you make the appointment give the reference Betsy Adams - an hour long facial will be $19.00 less a $5.00 off coupon and you can tip EVELYN THE $5 BUCKS!

contact info and prices here!!!

1. Manicure, Pedicure & Facial Combo ~ $35
2. 50% off Facial & Pedicure
We're proud of our services offered and look forward to pampering you!
Take advantage of our special pricing and top industry talent. All services are performed by students under the supervision of licensed professional educators.
Our Services Include:

Hair
Starting At
Haircut $9
Bang, Beard or Mustache Trim $6
Shampoo & Style $9
Thermal Ironing $6
Special Occasion Hair $19
Color & Style $19
Foil Highlights $29
Perm & Style $29
Relaxer $29

Skin care
Starting At
Facial $19
Makeup Application $9
Facial Wax $11
Brow Wax $9
Lip Wax $9
Chin Wax $9

Bikini Wax $19
Leg Wax $29
Back Wax $19
Underarm Wax $19

Nails
Starting At
Manicure $9
French Manicure $14
Pedicure $19
Polish Change $8
Paraffin Dip $6
Nail Art $4 per nail
Nail Repair $4 per nail
Full Set $19
Pink & White $22
Nail Fill $11
Rewhite & Fill $14
Nail Removal $8

 

Technorati Tags: redken,aveda,salon professional academy,skincare,hair,nails,waxing,pink & whites,acrylic nails,dye,pedicure,manicure,french,polish,nail art,perm,relaxer,foil,highlights,updos

Do Blondes Have More Fun?

 

Last nite I went to a 1970's DISCO themed party and chose this get up.

I was going for Farrah, but as a girlfriend pointed out I ended up looking more like a swinger going to a key party. 

I recall one nite being out on the town with about 11 other girls, and as we walked on by one guy stopped me and said, 'you don't belong' - I was the only non-blonde, and I like it like that.

Next week is a return to the 80's...

Technorati Tags: blondes have more fun,1970's clothing,key party,farrah faucett,disco playlist,rungodance.com

Election

I almost cannot believe that I am watching the election returns on TV tonite.  I have to tidy up some work this evening so figured i may as well tune in and keep my friends in Europe updated since they are interested.  I find that fact fascinating, as i remain uninformed and ignorant about most of the world governments and their leaders.  In my perspective, the BBC does such a superior job covering the WORLD where in the USA we are so ethnocentric it seems there is no other news worthy of report if it does not directly involve our country.

Of course we learned again just 8 years ago that the popular vote counts for naught, only the electoral vote matters, so while we live in a 'democracy' your representatives are not required to vote as a true representation of your wishes.  This has always perturbed me deeply since it seems to be such a basic contradiction.

The only thing that is certain is change....

What's your sign?

Remember that old pick up line?  Well some of you may find this entertaining, others may find it shockingly accurate!

I love the beginning of each month when I get a foreshadowing of all the opportunities that might present themselves in the coming days.  This month I am on pins and needles as Susan's posting for November is not yet available!

                   check it out: astrologyzone

then get back to me with a comment about what you thought - I'd love to hear from you!

Technorati Tags: astrologyzone,zodiac,susan miller,http://astrologyzone.com/forecasts/,horoscopes,wealthynelson,W.O.T.E.,woman on the edge,catherine blackman nelson

Hair by Jay at Salon Allure

Life is good when it's a good hair day, and i am indebted to Jay (a/k/a "Blow-J") for that. 

  He has been doing my hair for a decade now - hard to believe.   I found him thru word of mouth referral (always the best way to find services in my experience - and i have been known to stop people on the street and ask who does their hair...), after my prior haircutter (not used to working on naturally curly hair) decided to use a razor on me (razor + curly hair = frizz) for the first and last time. 

Most women will agree that finding a new stylist is a major, and often traumatic event in their lives. I had moved and had little choice, but I can spare you from the same experience.  While i do not color, i can testify to the fact that he does amazingly natural looking color.  He loves long hair, so do not be fooled by my short 'do - I had to beg and plead for it and he's working on convincing me to grow it back but i love my short do way too much!!! 

If you find yourself in need of a haircut or new style for the holidays, go see Jay.  He is funny, easy on the eyes, and YES ladies - SINGLE!

Salon Allure is located at 26133 US Hwy 19 N. Ste 107 Clearwater This is at the intersection with Enterprise Road in the plaza with TGIF south of the mall and north of Fresh Market.

I am lo maintenance and he gives such a good cut it grows out so well for so long i only need to go a couple times a year...When you visit tell him Cathy said to say hello to 'Blow-J' and maybe you will get the story behind the inside joke....

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