The Dream

When I was younger, I fancied myself a Carrie (we all know I'm Charlotte, but, hear me out). She's a writer, always in some sort of man mess and loves her some shoes. Hello?!

Point being, I always dreamt I'd grow up, have a closet full of Manolo, Chanel and the like, writing up a storm and rocking the most beautiful hair--blonde or not, do you remember her curls? I DIE.

And right now? Right now at this point in my life, girlfriend is speaking my truth.

I don't know that I'll ever run off to Paris with a Russian artist, I don't know where my happy ending is, I don't know that I'll find my place in this life--I've no idea.

But, I know that I must buckle up and hang on.

Love myself,

And always buy shoes. After all, it's what Carrie would've wanted.

Traditions

As a family, we used to be really big on Christmas traditions, but, as the kids have gotten older and my dad has moved from the Griswold house into a respectable neighborhood, our out of control lights have stopped and the day o' baking is no more.


But, my dad is crazy proud of me because I was out all by my little self putting up lights last week. Like a boss!

I sent this to a friend and was quickly reprimanded for doing it alone. Oops.

THOSE LIGHTS AREN'T TWINKLING, CLARK!

But, one tradition that has remained, is ornaments. My dad and mom were huge on sentimental ornaments and my dad always seems to find an ornament when he's on vacation or something. Somehow, this has worn off onto me. If I find one that reminds me of someone, I will buy it--whether it is Christmas or not and hang onto it until the holidays. 

Last year I bought my dad a donut one because when I was a kid he took me to the local donut shop on my way to school every single day. I also got my friend an Eiffel Tower ornament because she was going to Paris.

This year, I hit the jackpot at Pottery Barn ornament and scored some lovelies for my family.

Double decker bus for my cousin who's moving to England.

Lady Liberty for the stepmom since we went to NYC

(not pictured, an airplane for my dad, the pilot) (don't worry, they don't read my blog) 

And in continuing the holiday spirit, I let Butchie meet his nemesis:

And one of my new favorite traditions, hanging with these gals.

TPG, me and Heidi. Love them!!

What are some of your holiday traditions?

Merry Christmas y'all!

On bravery, and "bringing it home!"

2012 has certainly been a doozy of a year. I am a very social person, and it is very hard for me to be alone and to do things alone. But, this is the year I've done it.

I've opera'ed alone. I've heard the people sing alone. I have even gone to the movies alone--which for me is the scariest. I don't know why.

Last night there was a concert I was dying to see.

FINALLY

I've been trying to see the Ramin Karimloo in his London concerts for a year--once I even HAD tickets but we ended up getting waylaid and I missed the show.  I have seen him on the West End multiple times and even at Royal Albert Hall once--he's my jam. Musical theatre kid turned folk singer. LIKE ME! If you know me at all, you know bluegrass and folk are in my soul--totally attributed to my Irish and Kentucky moonshiner roots. Not to mention that he can rock some showtunes--boy is my JAM.

I debated not going, surely I could see him in London or New York or SOMETHING. But, I mean, what are the odds he'd ever be in Dallas again?! I had no date and really, really wanted to share the night with someone--anyone. (I was actually meant to have a date, but it fell through) But, I strapped on my brave face and headed out for a night of "broadgrass" (Broadway and bluegrass, get it?!). Even the little usher chick was concerned that I was alone.

At least I looked like this.

And I did fight back tears--for multiple reasons--but, once he started? Once I was transported back to Her Majesty's and Royal Albert Hall when he sang Music of The Night? When I was once again fifth row at The Queen's listening to his "Godddd onnnn highhhhhhh"--when that happened, I was at peace. Alone, but happy.

(please excuse the crappy iphone shots, I was too stressed to remember to bring my fancy camera--duh SP, DUH)

"He is young, he's afraid...."

Texting my bestie, Ro during the show and I laughed for a solid ten minutes. She gets me.

Jammin'. 

Having a chat to the audience. 

You know I love me a banjo. 

So, as 2012 comes to an end, I look back on this as the year that I was brave. The year I saw a zillion concerts, plays and movies that I wanted to, because I wanted to and I do not want to live a boring life in front of my TV. I want to experience! Even if I am alone.

Well, until, he comes to my rescue.

I CAN'T STOP WITH LES MIS I JUST CAN'T.

(Jean ValJackman on set pic from here)
(also, I'm pretty proud of my Jean ValJackman term. Copyrighted by SP 2012, yo)

Daniel Day Lewis for the win

So, a really long ass time ago, I saved The Last of The Mohicans into my Netflix instant que because I absolutely adore that movie, but, it's one of those "must be in the mood to watch" types, ya know?

A few days ago, I decided I was strong enough to watch it. Bring on early 90s Daniel Day Lewis! Welp, Netflix took it away and although I wanted my DDL fix something fierce, I absolutely did not want to watch My Left Foot, or The Crucible, so, I just sulked like an angry child. Eventually deciding that I would just go buy the DVD.

I had a pretty craptastic weekend, lots of tears, lots of heartache, lots of pain, and on Sunday, all I wanted was a fire, some cider and freaking Mohicans. After hunting all of God's green earth, I finally found it on BluRay but the DVD refused to work. I cried.

Deciding to be a technie genius I sought out to download Amazing Instant Video onto my TV. And that didn't work.

So I cried some more.

Then, eventually, whilst watching my husband Hugh on 60 Minutes (LES MIS OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I CANNOT EVEN OMG) Amazon suddenly decided to work! Huzzah!

After more tears, remote control throwing and Diet Coke drinking, I finally had fancy pants Amazon Instant Video on my TV and got to watch The Last of The Mohicans and cry even more with his "I will find you. No matter how long or how far away, I will find you." oh DDL, you slay me every single time!!

So, that, my friends, is how Daniel Day Lewis made me insane, but resulted in my TV being the coolest ever.

Now, I have a huge TV with endless movie and TV episode watching abilities, where are the damn men? (well, men who aren't mute half donkeys or dirty peasant wankers....sigh...)

Helllllllooooo....?!

Love actually is, all around

Tonight TPG and I are going to see Love Actually. Never you mind that it was in the theaters 9 years ago--one of our local indie places is showing it so naturally I am all over it.

It's one of my all time favorite movies--I think it's everyone's all time favorite movie.

This weekend is the Dallas Marathon, which, I will always refer to as White Rock, so, let's just make peace with that now--and two years ago, at the White Rock expo, I met my bloggy friend TPG for the first time. And I am grateful for that every single day. I've had some of the best times with her over the last few years and I am 100% certain that we were put in each others lives for a reason. (mostly cheese, crazy cat pictures and Home Depot runs at 8:30PM)

So, it's fitting that tonight, while we're both battling our Scrooge McGrinch (I know, my Griswold side had y'all fooled!) we're going to get the shit kicked out of us by love. And Colin Firth, obviously.

Source: movieoftheday.tumblr.com via Shabby on Pinterest

And, this:



My wee little broken heart could use some love, so, I am very much looking forward to a night with my best girl and my favorite Brits!

What's your favorite part of Love Actually?

"Those lights aren't twinkling, Clark"

I'm not a competitive person--never have been. Don't really care about board games, I'm not the person you want for a trivia night, or a three legged race. I just don't really care. Sure, I give my all to my running, dancing, marathoning nonsense, but, that is individual--see, I'm a loner--sad face.


Not the point.

Point is, my neighborhood has started a Christmas lights decorating contest. And suddenly, I am the most competitive person you will ever meet. I HAVE GOT TO WIN. My 'hood is fairly Grinch-tastic, so, I don't think I have too much competition, but I plan on skulking around and eyeing the rest of the houses tonight. Because that's not creepy at all.


Bestie That Pink Girl took me to Home Depot last night and that's pretty much where I went over to the bad place in terms of buying ALL THE LIGHTS.

So, here's what we currently have:

Here's the goal:

And this, my friends, THIS, is how I'm going to win:

Yes, yes that is a light up boxer. Y'ALL!!! I am soooooo going to win.

(I also plan on white TWINKLE icicle lights, white netting in the bushes and maybe some snowflakes?) (it's all about a consistent theme here, kids)

Oh, and here's my wee pretty little Charlie Brown tree, just cause I like my wee little tree.

Anyone have any tips for my crazy Griswold goal? Any of y'all ever gone over to the bad place too?

(Griswold house pic from here)