Viva Las Vegas?

Why, oh why is Las Vegas such a place that warrants such a saying? Well, I'll tell you: it's they type of place where you want to LIVE, not just live... you get me? I'm going today at noon, by car (good 'ol Jeff), and will arrive just in time for happy hour. BUT, will it be the same 'ol same 'ol? I haven't been to Vegas in awhile. And the last time, I didn't even feel like partying- will it be any different this time? Has LV lost it's appeal to me? I'm not a gamblin' lady, I don't drink, I rarely go to clubs (ok, never go to clubs) and hardly shop in real stores anymore since I've discovered ebay! I guess that only leaves one thing: EAT! I can discover a whole new Vegas through my belly, can't I? I've heard that Las Vegas is a kind of foodie-paradise, where Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay both own restaurants and flex their food muscle. Dare I visit a gourmet place where the menu doesn't show prices? Dare I? Hm, well folks, I'll let you know on Friday-- I mean, I only have one night and half of an afternoon; a short visit and short in the wallet can mean only one splurge. We'll see what that turns out to be.

I have discovered this Finnish (I think?) designer called Diana Orving. The pieces from her latest collection are dark, geometrically cut, and slightly skewed. This sweater is my fave; it looks like the wearer is sporting a dark flower on top. Her collection inspired me to think differently and to consider all. I'm so glad I have browsed the 'net lately and looked around at what people are wearing. I know, I know: fashion is not a necessity, right? Well, I think that it's a necessary as eating! I mean, how AWFUL do you feel when you have nothing at all to wear and end up having to sport those tired ass jeans you forgot about in the bottom of your jean drawer? It's like a black cloud is following you all day, and forget about looking into a mirror at all. You end up looking like shit and feeling like it as well. During the years '04-'07, I had NO interest in fashion. I was newly in love=complacent in fashion and pretty much how I looked in general! You know how real love just makes you feel beautiful, no matter what you have on? I was a true testament to that; I'd go to work wearing baby blue sweats and an old grey t-shirt and feeling like a million bucks! Well, I'm still silly in love, but I've come down off my cloud and am back in reality... and found I was dressed in last year's rags, looking like someone who don't give a damn. I've made a resolution to change that. I've decided that if you like what you are wearing, you actually feel better, have more confidence and people notice! Early this year I went to a REAL salon (my roomate Vanessa's) and got a REAL hair style by a REAL awesome hairdresser (sorry Junko!). I began buying inexpensive pieces at cheap-o stores and in the stalls at the alley downtown (SCORED there). I resumed a long ago hobby: accessorizing! It feels better and now I'm on a roll. By no means am I what you'd call a "well dressed woman" or hardly HIP in any way. But, I do take the time in the morning to look at what I'm pulling out of the dresser and off the couch (we live like animals) to adorn this bod. And while I may not look like I just stepped out of Vogue, I feel a helluva lot better than I did this time last year. I guess it all comes down to how you want the world to view you, and weather or not you care! I dare you: take out those strappy heels from the back of your shoe rack, drag out your peacock duds and take a look-see! My latest addiction is ebay... I warn you: if you are weak in the wallet, DON'T EVEN GO THERE! But really, it's amazing how many second hand (and new) designer pieces you can find there and actually end up owning. I am now the proud owner of a pair of 80's style Versace grey booties with all these cute straps and buckles in gold. Imagine that! I've promised myself this sweater you see posted above... and it doesn't seem so impossible anymore.

Real Love

If the first decade in the 21st century will be remembered for anything original, it will be for the reality show and the reality show competitions. Of course, reality television isn’t anything new, in fact, by now we can call it old hat. But the competition shows, whether they are for cash prizes or to”win love”, they are ruling the cable channels like never before. On of the more popular format is one that throws together a motley group of barely educated young people who are made to believe they want love with the grand prize. Young women and men arrive at, often, tackily decorated mansions in bright colored stretch Hummer limousines only to be lined up like cattle. They are then greeted by their prize, given the rules and layout of the game, sized up and, many times, given silly nicknames that will remain with them for the duration of their fifteen minutes. Contestants with names such as “So Hood” or “Pumkin” (sic) immediately fall in love with the prize, who is usually a fellow reality show personality from an earlier show, or a B-pop star in need of some serious exposure. These willing, young people are followed day and night by camera crews: in the restroom, in the kitchen while shoving processed food into mouths, and even in the bedrooms- never stopping rolling even when tops or bottoms are thrown off perfectly toned bodies in moments of passion. The producers of the shows make certain that every emotional outburst, one night stand, and fight are carefully taped and edited to show the public just who America’s young people are today. Is this not the scariest thing about it all? And even scarier, who are we? The ones who watch it all unfold, making sure to be home on Sundays at 9pm or being sure to set the Tivo, that’s who. Players of these games compete for grand prize with physical games and those geared toward endurance, sometimes they are made to display talent, embarrassing themselves and entertaining us at home! Towards the end of these types of reality show, the contestants are slowly weeded out, the ones who crack being sent home or those who just didn’t display enough “love” and who “aren’t there for the right reason”. The cameras are sure to capture their exit interview, often showing the eliminated at their worst: crying, regretful and expressing hateful sentiments toward the prize. The sad part of it all is that by this time, you feel badly for this person who wore his or her heart right on their forehead. The finale show always takes the last two contestants and their grand prize to some destination away from their “home” and the grand prize will spend one night with each woman or man to – test the waters? A winner is chosen, tears are shed and love is professed. But, the winners are then made to keep total distance from one another until the show has aired in its entirety, so as not to pop up in the tabloids and ruin the finale. All the show’s original cast is then brought on a “reunion show” where all the players are together again to voice their perspectives, regrets, and answer questions from a live audience. Most times, there is a physical fight where bodyguards carry off both parties; every time there are loud, raucous arguments where the women and men display severe control and anger issues. Rare it is when the winners endure the three or four month period when the show is airing. So who really wins? I’m not privy to all the insider details, but there must be compensation for anyone on any show, reality or other. They are also quasi-stars and must be noticed on the streets of Anytown, USA. But, still, I ask: who wins?

Saturdays

Recently, I have taken up facilitating a women's only group at work... it's, obviously, a recovery based group, but within Drug Court. It has been such a success so far. Last week was my first one- I had been preparing for it for two weeks and still was nervous. I had my rules and regulations printed out and also another little worksheet that explains what I plan to do with the group and then asking members for ideas of stuff we could do or topics we could speak on in future groups. It was an amazing group. I did some research on women and early abuse and it's relation to substance abuse problems later in life. Each woman took a turn and kind of told the others how whatever type of abuse they survived affected them. I even shared a little about myself- you know, trust. It was amazing, like I said, and I never expected them to respond like they did. When I returned to work on Tuesday after that group, I got praise from my boss. He said that a few of the women told him that the group was good and that they were greatful for it. I began to get more input from the women... they had more ideas about what we could do in the future. They were looking forward to some time away from the guys. It's exactly what I had in mind: a bit of time away from guys to let it all "hang out"... and that's just what it feels like. Since today we had a birthday, one of our clients brought in cake, myself and the facilitator from the men's group agreed that we'd cut our groups short half an hour and come together to meet and sing to our client. So, I decided that today was the perfect day for RECOVERY PICTIONARY!! I put the ladies in groups of three (and one had four), explained the rules of the game and we were off. It started off a bit slow, they didn't really GET it for a few minutes, but after they did: it was great! They had to try to draw things like "recovery", "dance" and "bra"!! It was funny and it was fun. I think only one person in the whole group didn't get a chance to draw, but she wasn't worried about it. I ended the group, like always, in the Serenity Prayer, all of us with joined hands; we then trooped downstairs to the men's group for our b-day celebration. I have to say- I didn't think I'd be much good as facilitator, but I am. I know that I still have a ton to learn, but these clients are amazing teachers, and willing enough. I am the greatful one here. Each week will be a new opportunity for me to help the women either learn something new, gain some knowledge, share and help their peers, laugh a bit and maybe even do some good in the community. Everyone wins.

Last weekend, Sam and I were lazing around watching telly and came across this documentary called "This Is The Life". I'm not sure who made it, or where it was shown and how many awards it's won, but I do know that it brought me back to the early 90's and made me feel love for rap music again. Seriously, how long has it been since I spoke those words, "I'll never again go to a rap concert or show"? It's been years, and I had that sentiment because of the awful thing that it's become. I feel that after, say, the 90's were over, so was rap. And, that is sad... but- this documentary made me turn back and see what made me love the music in the first place and reminded me that I can still love THAT music. I feel like my parents, when they used to turn around in the car while the classic rock radio station was blaring, they'd say, "Now this is real music, kids", and we would be in HELL... well folks: THIS is real music!!!!! I'm officially OLD. The new kids of today have no idea where hip hop began and the happy, hopeful and anti-misogynistic feelings that we used to enjoy from listening to lots of the artists that embodied the decade: Pharcyde, Roots, Jeru, and the ones who are showcased in this doc, Freestyle Fellowship. Ok, ok- I know, all 90's rap wasn't all happy-go-lucky, hunky dorey! Sure, life isn't all love and peace, but I think that everyone from my generation can, and will, agree that the general feeling was a good one.

The movie was about The Good Life Cafe out of Mid-City in the early 90's and all the artists that began their careers there and how they influenced the whole of their genre of music forever. All the players are there and they hold nothing back. It's all there: that hunger, the fear, the effort, the success and the lack of. It's a time machine and if you miss the old days, like I do, please go and rent this... or check out your TV Guide to see when it's going to be on next.

I have to admit: I wasn't and am not an expert on any type of music, I only know what I like and that's it...

Are You Inuit Or NOT?

Calling all book nerds, calling all book nerds! Hark! I've read a new whopper, and am pulled into another world yet again. (Ok, I really am an old-timer... who says hark?) The first book from the Storyteller Series is called "Song of the River". The story is of ancient Inuit villages on Alaska's islands; how they love, hate and war. Harrison illustrates a vibrant picture of the intricately woven relationships between family and those from other villages. Just as it is today, they suffer from child abuse, matricide, cheating husbands (and wives), adoption and revenge. Why is it that the wicked stuff is more fun to read than the sweet? But, that isn't all the story tells. The stories characters show love, respect and compassion for family members, strangers and ancesters and their old ways. The vast tundra is the setting, back in 6480 B.C. along the Bering Sea- the Fox Islands are home to one of the world's earliest people, and Sue Harrison combines fiction with history like an artist. I have managed to learn about the Inuit while reading about the main villian, K'os' , latest scandal. I have become attached to these books and find myself not minding the long bus ride(s) home each evening, for it gives me more time with my newest friends. Am I the only one who feels like I'm encountering actual people when becoming engulfed with a new book? Since I have already read the second book in this series (I read the last series out of order too, hey, I need some kind of non-order in my life), I will have only one more book by Harrison. The day I finish "Call Down The Stars" will be a sad one indeed. For now, when I cannot read, I find interesting sites on the 'net that teach about the ancient Alaskans and other Native Americans and their mystical ways. I find comfort in such a peaceful people. When I hear stories about angry Natives (I am also reading books on early U.S. history and the first people to travel to the West in covered wagons), I cringe to see them so misunderstood. After all, they were collectively shoved aside since the white man set foot on this part of the world. I think I would be angry too... am I getting off the subject? So, read this book and if you like good mythology, click this link: http://www.thearcticsounder.com/news/show/4882 and enjoy.

Beautiful Boy

I read this beautiful and moving account of a father's love for his addicted son, Nic, in just under three days. Don't you love it when a book can grab you and take you hostage for it's duration and haunt your every other thought? Well, I do-- and this book does that. David Sheff manages to tell his awful story with a sensitivity and honesty that takes you there. He begins at the start of his son's life and goes through all the ups and downs that we've all been through, and tells how his son became horribly addicted to methamphetamine and other drugs when that wasn't available to him. He tells how his son quickly loses his way in life, along with his dignity, morals and respect for himself, his families and others. Most importantly, because we have all read tons of stories from a junkie's perspective, he tells how excruciatingly hurtful it can be to fear for a person all day, every day. When his son is using, his family (wife and two kids) are all taken hostage by their love for Nic- all members jumping every time a phone rings. David's depression takes a toll on his whole family and scares everyone out of their wits. I think it's so important to see the viewpoint of someone who is hurt by addiction and just how much one person's abuse, to themselves, can completely change another's life. After I finished this book, I immediately got on the 'net and did some research and found that his son wrote his account shortly after "Beautiful Boy" was published- it's called "Tweaked" and I'm looking for it on ebay!! Also, Nic has a blog in which he is continuing his recovery and telling us about his journey. Here's the link: http://nicsheff.blogspot.com I recommend reading this book, reading "Tweaked" and visiting Nic's blog... these Sheff's have a lot of things to say, and from a recovery point of view, it can be a useful tool.

My Sister The Moon

I have just begun reading the book called "My Sister The Moon" by Sue Harrison; I'm on page 61 and I can already tell that it's going to be one of those books that I read over and over and over again. It's set in 7039 BC in a small Inuit village on the sea, a new settlement of people moved by war- but with all the problems that we still have today. It has a timeless feel to it; I'll report later how it goes!

(Belated) Valentine's Day of mine...

So it was last Saturday, but I guess I'm still thinking about it, and it includes a restaurant review, so here it goes... Valentine's Day begun like any other Saturday: wake up at 5am and get my ass to work! Before I left, Sam and I exchanged gifts... he gave me the sweetest card (always made by his hands for me) and a photo of us imposed on a little canvas with it's own little easel for my desk. It was, as his gifts are always, perfect! I gave him some jeans that showed how cute his butt are, that he exchanged! Thought that counts, no? Off to work! I had made Valentine's cards for my co-workers, so I passed them out (I was the only jerk who did cards, but they were so appreciated, so it was worth it) and went about my day. My parents picked me up at the day's end and surprised me with homemade heart shaped brownies with red icing and chocolate covered strawberries with red sugar topping! Those, I ate on Sunday afternoon while Sam was out and had myself the worst stomache ache in like 10 years.... that wasn't because they weren't delicious, but because I ate a dozen... think I over did it? Heh. Onward! After finally getting home (mom had to push a visit to sister AND grandma in there before dropping me off), I relaxed for a few then dressed for dinner on the Blvd! We bundled up and headed out on foot, I mean it's only two blocks to Hollywood Bl. anyway. We walked until we came to a place called El Loteria (or is it La? Either way, you get it). We got a seat at the bar where we had a perfect view of the people making all the food and ordered up taquitos for me (chicken and potato) and Sam got this platter of 12 different tacos that were all two-bite sized. I love taquitos wherever I go, and this place was no exception... their chicken musta been stewing all day and tasted like heaven and my favorite of Sam's platter was the Chicken Mole one (holy cow, it was better than ANY mole I've tasted outside of my Grandma's). Sam's favorite was the carnitas, and after we finished, the chef asked him what his favorite was and gave him another, bigger taco for free! The restaurant is beautiful with a relaxed atmosphere; all white with huge Loteria cards all over the place, Spanish music giving it a feel of a fiesta. The prices were average, the service excellent. I think that I've developed an allergy to lettuce that made me sick later, but from no fault of the restaurant. I would go there again for sure, it's the perfect place to bring out-of-towners.

After dinner, we strolled (slowly) to Kitchen 24 for a lil' dessert & drink. It was empty, which was perfect, because we weren't in the mood for a line. We shared the Skillet Apple Pie, I had tea and Sam a scotch and soda. It was the perfect ending for two fat puppies like us. Our romantic night was an eating contest, but if you know me and Sam, that's just what we like.

Happy Eating! I mean, Happy Valentine's Day y'all!

The Dark Tower Series returns!!!

Well folks, it's Dark Tower time again! It has been six years since I first picked up "The Gunslinger" by Stephen King. Always being a great fan of his work, I still had my reservations about these books simply because the covers just never appealed to me! I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover, don't tell anyone!!! A few friends and I were on a long distance road trip and one of the guys had this book and WOULD NOT put it down until we reached our far distance -- well, it was New York to Vermont, and c'mon, anywhere outside of "the city" is just FAR. But he was so enrapt by it, I just had to ask... and he told me to just read it. So I did. And I'll never judge another book again... The Dark Tower series is fantasy, humor, Western, romance and good 'ol King-horror that we all know and love, but it's more than that too, it's like stepping into another world. And I'll tell you one thing: that world often isn't somewhere anyone would necessarily want to be, but somehow (as he always does) Mr. King makes us believe that we'd ditch the world which we live in now for his freaky one in a second if given the chance! The books hero is Roland Deschain and it's set in a future after the world has "moved on" and he is the last gunslinger alive, roaming different worlds and dimensions toward a Tower that holds the strings of existence in it's floors. He is out to save the world, and he has all kinds of adventures along the way including man eating creatures on a beach called "lobstrosities", I mean really! Maine, lobster! But really, it's just the type of thing that scares the shit out of me and I love it.

I did read all the books, scattered over 2003-2006, but now have to really sit down and read them again, back to back and I'm sucked in again. I find myself thinking about our hero during the day and longing to pick up my book during work hours! So, if you are looking for an interesting read (or seven) do pick it up... but take heed, you won't be able to put it down again!

Finding Fish

Hey everyone, if you haven't heard of Antwone Fisher you are either under a rock, behind the stove or in the junk drawer with all the coupons or scissors. (Here I go with my tangents) I have just finished reading "Finding Fish" by Antwone Quentin Fisher-- one of the best biography books I've read in a very long time. He is a boy who was abandoned by both parents and left a ward of the state, ultimately fostered by an evil church lady who ruined his young life. He describes how he dodged insanity with savoring every little bit of kindness he could grab here and there. His story is inspiring and gives one hope with the resilience of his soul. After he turns 18, he winds up in the Navy where the institution molds him into the man he will be. I found myself sad when there were only 10 pages left and put it aside, as I often do when a story is coming to an end, not wanting it to be over. Finally, I picked it up and found that it ended with me smiling- success!!!! Anyone can read this, it's a simple read and I recommend it to early teenagers especially, if anything it teaches that anyone can do anything.

I know this is late, but... WOW OBAMA-RAMA!!!! Ok, now that that's done, isn't this doll cute? You could get him and pair him up with Barbie or even Ken, who knows? I am listening to a program online called This American Life, episode #296: After The Flood, it's about Hurricane Katrina and all the craziness that happended in New Orleans during that disaster. I am thankful that we have a president in office now that has the ability to think and solve problems... aren't you? I mean, the stories that come first hand from the survivors are INCREDIBLE, some of them make you think that you are actually listening to someone speak of Nazi Germany in the 40's, the way the authorities were treating the good people of that city. I don't want to forget what happened then, and I also don't want to forget that we are still living in a very racist country. The county Sheriff was guarding a bridge that led out of the city (and, unfortunately, into an upscale (white) city- and were actually shooting at civilians trying to walk over that bridge and into land that wasn't flooded and that had electricity. They were shot at. Does that even seem possible? Others were turned away from the Super Dome and the other large facilities (that were miserable anyway) and had no place to go, no water to drink and, well, you all know the deal. I just find it way more awful to hear real life stories of these people... and to know what is actually possible in our country. We often think that we are invincable, un-shakeable, all that. But we aren't... and after mother nature takes over, it's there like we were in any other counrty in this world. USA, not all it's cracked up to be. But, I have hope today... and I gues that's what I'm trying to say right now. That's all.

Very Young Girls

Hey y'all, last night I accidentally stumbled upon this movie on Showtime called "Very Young Girls"... I was browsing the menu, and would have passed it, but saw the genre was documentary, so I had to give it a chance. This movie is about young girls on the streets of New York who are coerced into prostitution... slavery by jerks who call themselves pimps. It was a heart wrenching film that followed a handful of girls who were tricked, kidnapped or finessed into "The Lifestyle". They show video of them on "the track", and at the hands of their pimps, who beat them without mercy. They show how young and innocent girls are turned into young ladies without hope... and no place to turn. But, there was a light and it's called GEMS- Girls Educational & Mentoring Services, and is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS was founded in 1999 by Rachel Lloyd, a young woman who had been sexually exploited as a teenager. GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12-21, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and to develop to their full potential. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change.

Visit their link here: http://www.gems-girls.org/index.html and make sure to catch the documentary on Showtime in the coming weeks. Donate to their cause or just become aware of what's really going on.

I wish the women of GEMS and of the street much love and respect.

Not a lot new these days, only want to share this pic, isn't that crrrraaaazy? I know, I know- me and the cakes, but if you know me, I'm always thinking SWEET!!!!

Here are the pix from the Ugly Sweater Party!