"Sorry We're Full" Happy Thanksgiving!!

Since most of us will be spending time with family and turkey tomorrow, I thought I would post a fun Thanksgiving sketch today to help set the mood. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend and don't forget to save room for pie!

PS- I'm "salad" in case you didn't catch it. ;o)

Free-me Music

Since I've discovered a TON of great free music on Amazon, I have been addicted to finding and snagging some new tunes to add to my iPod. I literally spend hours scouring the latest new artists to find that diamond in the rough. I realize that musical taste is completely subjective, but you might find something you like in this list of songs or peruse online to find someone else who inspires you. All I know is, these artists are worth a listen and what a great way to be ahead of the musical curve. Just think, when your friends say, "Omigosh, you have to listen to this great new artist!!" you can say, "Oh yeah, I've had them on my iPod for months. They're pretty good." :o)

Happy Monday!!

1. Ludicrous by Frankmusik (download if you like Enrique Iglesias)
2. Halfway by The Silent Game (if you like Garbage and/or Radiohead)
3. Vessel by Zola Jesus (if you like Florence and the Machine and/or Massive Attack)
4. Long Walk Back by The Rifles (if you like an updated Beatles)
5. Tangled Up In Love by The Rifles (if you like Jimmy Eat World ala Lucky Denver Mint)
   
6. Keep You by Class Actress (if you like synth-pop)
7. Fascinated by Ivy (if you like 80's new wave, alt-pop)
8. Still Alive by Three Mile Pilot (if you like moody with a beat)
9. Old Black by Earth (if you like Pink Floyd)
   
10. Why Even Try (Feat. Sara Quin) by Theophilus London (80's hip hop, easy groove)
11. Amor Fati by Washed Out (if you like Erasure or Thompson Twins, 80's synth pop)
12. Little War by K Serå (if you like a ballad style Fall Out Boy)
    
13. Cassie (Won't You Be My Doll) by Part Time (if you like 80's pop, Bananarama)
14. Next To Me by Civil Twilight (if you like Coldplay or U2)
15. God's Not Dead (Like A Lion) by Newsboys (if you like Jars of Clay)

Enjoy!!

Have a Happy. Period.

I admit it. I don't have regular television and thus, only see the commercials on Hulu or in my magazines. As I was flipping through one of my fave mags the other day, I came across an ad that made me think, "What the hell?!" There were so many thoughts going through my head, that I just had to share them.

I realize this ad has been out for a while, but since this is the first time I've seen it, I'm weighing in.
Neon colored tampons and patterned pads, are you serious, Kotex?! First of all, you know what this stuff is for right? And second, who the hell is going to see it? I'm sure every teenage girl is dying to compare tampon colors during polite conversation. "Gee Morganthenia, what color are you wearing today?"

I love that Kotex is advertising this as, "new colors and designs to banish boredom." Really? Boredom? I don't know about you, but when I'm writhing in pain, the last thing I'm feeling is bored, let alone bemoaning my boring white tampon. "OMG, this would be so much better if I had a freakin' blue colored tampon!! Curse you Tampax for your lack of vision!!!"

Am I the only one wondering who the hell thought up this genius idea? Since absurd is the new tampon, I have a couple of ideas too. Might I suggest a glow-in-the-dark tampon? How fun would that be to tell someone, "You wouldn't know this to look at me, but I'm totally glowing on the inside." Or days-of-the-week labeled tampons. "Damn it, I'm all out of Tuesday tampons, I hope no one notices I'm wearing a Friday." Or my personal fave, fortune cookie tampons! Look forward to your period while you look to your future and maybe include lucky lotto numbers too. Have a truly "happy period" with inspirational sayings like, "You will have a bloody good day" and "You will experience relief, in about 5-7 days" or my new favorite, "Congratulations, you're not pregnant!!" Now I'm just waiting for a phone call from the Kotex product development team.

PS, don't even get me started on the new Summer's Eve ad "Power to the V."

Land of the Free... and the MP3

Did you know that there are a TON of free tunes available from Amazon for your listening pleasure? Ninety-five percent of the offerings are new and upcoming artists, which is kind of fun, because then you can say, "Yeah, I was a fan before they were famous." Some of the songs are fabulous, others are so-so and many I regret having bothered listening to the sample. That's 30 seconds my poor assailed ears will never forgive me for.

So, I have scoured literally hundreds of free MP3's on Amazon and found these hidden gems. I realize that our tastes will differ, but if you happen to like any of my choices, you may be inspired to go on an MP3 Scavenger Hunt of your own. And PS, I was searching for new tunes to add to my workout list on my iPod, so these first few songs are in order from warm-up to cool down for a 1 hour workout. It's a mix of alternative, rock and pop. Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!

1. Morning Thought by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Coyote by The Lonely Forest
3. Always Spring by I'm From Barcelona **
   
4. Alive by Avalon
5. When It Won't Save You by Conditions
6. Up Up Up by Givers
7. Chapters by Kyoto Drive
8. The Last Ride by Soldout
9. Gimme Sympathy by Metric
10. Eliza by Viper Creek Club
11. Quake by Balance and Composure
12. The End of Progression by Conditions
13. Hannah by Freelance Whales
14. God and Girl by Red Goodbye
15. Second Bird of Paradise by The Rosebuds
16. Forever My Father by Go Radio

Other New Favorites

1. Wolf & I by Oh Land ** (for The Twilight Fan)
   
2. Traveling by Brian Olive
   
3. Rebound (Remastered) by Sebadoh
4. Endless Summer by Still Corners
5. Built to Last by Redlight King (Inspiring Rock Fan)
   
6. Hunt Hunt Hunt by There for Tomorrow (Fall Out Boy Fan)
   
7. Please Ask for Help by Telekinesis (for The Cure Fan)
   

Sometimes a song is just so fabulous that not long after it's available for free, Amazon starts charging for it. I just downloaded all of these songs in the last week, but in providing the links, I have found a couple that are no longer free, but still worth checking out. They're marked with a **. Oh the pains of popularity. So hurry and snag the ones you like because they might not be free tomorrow!

It's On!!

Okay, so I know you've heard it before, but this time, it's going to happen! It has to. I'm on a deadline!

I have struuuuuuggled with losing weight for the last two years and since finding out last August that I'm gluten intolerant (though I'm inclined to think Celiac due to the other health issues I've had) my body is finally on board with losing weight too. Woot! I never thought we'd agree.

So, I've been going to the gym 4-5 times a week taking Zumba, spinning and weight classes. Why the sudden motivation? Well, Jim and I finally set the date and we're going to Puerto Vallarta for our 10-year anniversary in August. I've never been to Mexico and so we're both really excited. We're staying in a 5 start all inclusive resort and planning to do a couple of excursions while we're there. I'm really excited for the Outdoor Adventure and Dolphin Experience.

Anyway, on top of eating really well and working out at the gym, I was reading Fitness magazine the other day and they did a write up on great 90 day workout plans. Of course, most people have heard of P90X but most of us can't afford it. As a budget buy, Fitness recommended trying out the Supreme 90 Day System, which is similar to P90X. Not willing to just take their word for it, I looked it up on Amazon for reviews. I was impressed. Ten people gave it 5 stars and one person gave it 4 stars, and that's as low as it went. For $20, I figured it was worth checking out.

So, I stopped by Target the other day and picked up my own dvd set. Granted, I don't have 90 days, only 60, but hey, every little bit helps right? I'll let you know how I like it in case you're interested in trying it out. I'll keep you posted. Afterall, my super cute new bikini needs to be seen and not covered up with a parka.

My Interview with a Stanley Cup Winner

The Stanley Cup winners have been announced and while I wasn't rooting for either team in particular (well, maybe the Canucks a little, but only so I wouldn't have to listen to Hubs bitch about his team losing), I am happy for one player: Andrew Ference.

Andrew plays defense for the Boston Bruins and is a former Winter Hawk (our local team). Back in high school, I was introduced to the game of hockey and loved it. I had a writing assignment to do for my English class, and we were asked to pick any topic and interview someone about it and my friend Kara Neary jokingly said I should interview a Winter Hawk. We laughed it off, but I kept dwelling on it and really wanted to do it. In all honesty, I chose Andrew because he was a rookie, a good player and the same age as me. And let's face it, he's pretty damn cute. Even back then.

I was surprised to get a call from him saying he'd be willing to meet with me. So I wrote up some questions, grabbed a friend to video tape it and met him on the bleachers at Sunset High School. Wow, so cute. Very gracious and fun to interview. I have no idea what ever happened to the video, which kind of sucks; I'm sure it was taped over by my parents, but I have the transcript of the interview. Here are some of the highlights...

Q: How long have you been playing?
A: Since I was three. I lived on an acreage and we had a rink out by the farms, so I started there.

Q: Did you always want to play hockey?
A: (Shakes head yes) Always have played hockey. There's never been anything bad about it.

Q: What's it like being a local celebrity? (Andrew laughs) You don't consider yourself a celebrity?
A: No, I don't think I'd put it that way, it's just normal. We're just leading a normal life except for playing hockey. There's not too much difference from a normal life.

Q: What's the weirdest thing you ever had to autograph?
A: (Thinking) Let's see... probably a leg, a leg or a dollar bill. You get lots of dollar bills to sign, but a leg was weird. She had the whole teams' autographs all over her leg. (Laughs) You kind of think, 'whoa!'

Q: How does your mom feel about you fighting?
A: (Laughing) She doesn't like it. She hates it when I fight, but she knows why I do it. She knows that because I'm smaller I need to demand more respect. So she understands why I do, but she rather me not. I've never fought in front of her because she'd get all mad. When she's at a game, I won't fight.

Q: How many teeth have you lost?
A: None. My dad's a dentist. No, I haven't lost any. I've lucked out so far.

Q: What are your other interests?
A: Other interests? Um... there's gotta be something. I don't know. Hockey's a big interest. It takes up all my time. Other than that... let's see, I used to snowboard. I did that for seven years, up until this year. There's nowhere to snowboard here. During the summer I play rugby and lacrosse. So everything's kind of sports related.

Q: Do you want to continue with hockey or eventually do something else?
A: I'll go with hockey as far as it takes me. I'd like to go pro. There's so much money and so much involved in hockey. If you can play it and live off it, then that could be your life. Yeah, it'd be perfect.

Q: Did you ever think you'd make it this far?
A: Yeah. It's been the plan.

Q: What advice would you give someone who's striving for a dream?
A: Don't let people tell you that you can't do it. Lots of people told me that I couldn't play hockey because I'm small. Listen to yourself instead of others. Control your own destiny.

And there you have it. Who knew I would be interviewing a Stanley Cup winner at 16? Pretty cool huh?

The Good, The Bad and The WTF?

Because random is fun...

The Good...
So, I've been taking my film acting class for 3 weeks now and lovin' it. I have a great teacher and I'm "finding my motivation." We did monologues last week (I hate monologues), but it went well and yesterday we started scene work, which I prefer. It's so much easier to play off of somebody than to prattle on about yourself (um, unless you're blogging). Every week we are filmed, which is a little hard to watch at the end of class. Whenever my teacher asks how I felt about my performance, all I can think of is "Double chin, double chin, double chin." Ugh. I hit the gym today and did four miles on the treadmill before I had to leave to meet Peri's bus.
In any event, I've been getting great feedback on my scenes which makes me feel that I'm not wasting my time and that maybe there's something to this.

The Bad...
All right, I just have to come out and say it, drivers of German made cars are BAD! I don't know why it is, but 9 out of 10 German car drivers are road Nazis. The irony might be amusing if it weren't so damn annoying. This conclusion is based on years of driving and observation. Seriously, the next time someone cuts you off, tailgates, weaves, speeds, etc, check out the make of the car. Maybe it's just around here but when someone does something rude, inconsiderate or just plain dumb, it's always a Beemer or a VW.
If you happen to be one of these car owners, consider that I might be talking about you. If you're adamant that I couldn't possibly be referring to you, you're a fabulous driver, then maybe I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and you can consider yourself the 1 in 10 that knows how to drive. But I'll be watching you, so don't ride my ass or cut me off because you're only proving me right. :oP

and The WTF...
I'm always checking my online Netflix for new releases or suggestions based on previously watched movies/shows. Imagine my wtf moment when I found this suggestion based on my kids having recently watched the movie Muppets from Space...

"New Suggestions, because you enjoyed Muppets From Space, we recommend you watch Crazy Sexy Cancer! Check it out: Just weeks after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer, 31-year-old actress Kris Carr turned the camera on herself as she embarked on the fight of her life. The result is this moving and funny inspirational documentary. In need of experimental treatment, Carr travels the country seeking experts on alternative medicine and, along the way, meets other cancer-stricken women driven to survive. "

I'm not quite sure what the connection is there, but I'll be sure to pass along your recommendation to my kids. But seriously, Netflix, it's like you don't even know me at all.

That's My Lolita

As a frequent Hulu watcher, I've seen my fair share of 30 second commercials, and every once in a while, one will catch my attention. Though, there is no actor dialogue, I know exactly what message Tide was trying to convey.

Original Commercial Dialogue:

Father: Hmm, there's my daughter's hooch skirt which leaves little to the imagination. It would make the perfect oil rag.

Daughter: Argh! This is so frustrating! I need to be to work in an hour! I have to wear my hooch skirt which leaves little to the imagination. OMG, did I forget to wash it after my last john? Mom, look! Is that... or was it...?

Mother: Oh don't worry dear, we'll have it clean before your shift. New Tide with Acti-Lift takes care of protein stains and grease monkey fathers. Mwahahaha.

(Rinse, spin, dry)

Daughter: Look Mama, I'm a whore! Thank you for saving my assets.

Mother: That's my Lolita. I put some condoms in your back pocket, just to be safe.

Daughter: Gee, thanks Mom. Better luck next time, Dad. If you'd grow a pair, maybe you'd make me quit my skeezy job or at least realize that being passive aggressive about my wardrobe is so lame. Well, I'm off to work my corner yo!

End Scene.

Anyone else stocking up on Tide? Yeah I know, me too! One should never show up to work a street corner in an already stained mini. Who wants to buy used goods? Thank you, Tide, for allowing me to continue hooking in style.

Are You There Readers? It's Me, Holly

Alright, I admit it, I'm a horrible blogger and I'm okay with that. The way I see it, if I wrote every single day, you'd get tired of me and I'd run out of things to say. At least this way, I have time to reflect and you don't end up reading about the red sock that found its way into the whites or that I'm having a fat day... again. No, this way definitely works out better for us all. So what could I have possibly been reflecting on for the last six freakin' months!? Must be earth shattering!!

Earth shattering, no, revealing, maybe. I don't have many deep thoughts. Mostly because my memory is so bad that I'll forget the reason I was contemplating before I even get to the good part. I miss my memory. In any event, one of the last times I blogged was on The Mama Dramalogues and I wrote about how I wanted to finally get back into acting and start doing something just for me.

Well, I applied three times to one agent and once to my old agent, and alas, no call backs. Part of me is a little bummed, but a bigger part of me is just relieved. Yes, I am absolutely terrified of success. Which is weird, because most people are afraid of failing. I'm confident I can succeed, but success... now that scares the shit out of me.

Rather than take the agent rejection in a comfy fetal position, I'm enrolling in some film acting classes, something I've never done before. Most of my experience is in community theatre with only one industrial film under my belt. But you know what? I only had 4 auditions with my previous agent; I landed the first one, was first runner up for the second and didn't make the cut for the other two. Not a terrible track record, so I should probably give it another go.

It's been years since I've even done theatre, so I thought taking this acting class would be a great way to update my resume and give me some formal training. Our first class is this Sunday, and while I keep trying to talk myself out of going (there's that fear again), I'm going to suck it up and go. I'll keep you posted! And not just six months from now.